CNSTC: December 21, 2022

Around Town

4

Healthy Living

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

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

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

By Brett Auten

Seven hundred and twelve.

That is the number of contacts the Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service’s StreetOutreach team made in the first nine months of 2022 with members of the community who do not have a home. The number of calls the Care Service, located on McClay Road in St. Charles received increased to 4,424 calls screened and connected to resources from January to September.

So the care service was as thrilled as anyone to learn of Ameren Missouri’s launch of a pilot program to help unhoused customers return to permanent housing. The new program, New Start Energy Relief, pledges $1.5 million for past due energy bill relief.

It is unique in that it is to help exclusively unhoused electric customers return to permanent housing. Through this program, the company plans to provide $500,000 annually to customers in need, for a total of $1.5 million over the next three years.

Healthy holiday tips. Pg. 5 READ US ONLINE! Submitted photos The Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service is located at 4116 McClay Road in St. Charles. After receiving assistance from the care service, 87% of its housing clients reported living in safe, stable housing 90 days later. For information, phone 636-441-1302 or email info@jacares.org.

“It’s a very common problem,” Donna Tobin, Development Manager for Sts. Joachin and Anne, said. “It has definitely become a barrier. Just recently, a 10-year-old unpaid utility bill prevented a client from getting into new housing.

The New Start Energy Relief program will provide up to $1,000 for those eligible who are unhoused or have spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year, to reestablish service. Funds may be used to pay off past due energy balances, including

late-pay charges, that are a barrier to a customer’s permanent housing.

“We have been working with Ameren for a number of years to help those who are behind, but this is specifically for those who have experienced homelessness,” Tobin said. “These funds are for a very specific group of our clients. Applicants must have had previous electric service, have an outstanding bill and have been unhoused or spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year. We want to make sure there is not confusion about the funds that are available.”

See ‘BARRIERS’ page 2 Weather FRIDAY Windy 5/0 SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 13/3 SUNDAY Sunny 21/17 A pilot program from Ameren Missouri will provide past due energy bill relief to help homeless electric customers return to permanent housing

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with agencies who serve the unhoused to offer this pilot program, including the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, DOORWAYS, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis, Nurses for Newborns, St. Patrick Center, and United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“St. Patrick Center has always focused on solving homelessness in the St. Louis region, so we’re excited to see the good that Ameren Missouri’s New Start Energy Relief program can do for our community,” Anthony D’Agostino, CEO of St. Patrick Center, said. “Utility debt can now be one less barrier to housing for those who are unhoused and looking to rent or buy once again.”

To be eligible for the New Start Energy Relief program, applicants must have been an Ameren Missouri customer with previous electric service, have an outstanding bill and have been unhoused or spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year. To learn more about the New Start Energy Relief

program, visit AmerenMissouri.com/ NewStart.

Customers struggling to pay their energy bills should visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn about a variety of energy assistance options available, including flexible payment options, Ameren Missouri customers can also support neighbors in need by donating to the Dollar More program. Program participants can add $1 (or more) per month to their energy bill, which helps provide energy assistance funding to neighbors in need.

Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, talked about the commitment to offer a variety of energy assistance programs and services to help those in need.

“We know many who are unhoused have outstanding energy bills and trying to pay off past debt can be a barrier to establishing a new residence,” Birk said. “By removing the barrier of energy debt, families throughout our service territory will be better positioned to secure permanent housing.”

Special Pearl Harbor Day program airing on SPTVnow.net

Over 80 years ago, on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. This shocking event marked a turning point in history, as it led to the United States’ involvement in World War II.

To honor this historic moment in our nation’s history, St. Peters Television (SPTV) is airing a special presentation from the National World War II Muse-

um commemorating Pearl Harbor Day. The special includes eyewitness recollections of the attack that drew the U.S. into World War II.

The Pearl Harbor program is available on-demand anytime at SPTVNOW.net.

This programming is brought to you by the city of St. Peters and St. Peters Veterans Memorial Commission.

City of St. Peters announces holiday hours for Christmas

St. Peters City Hall, Cultural Arts Centre, Municipal Court, and Police Records Division will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 24-26, in observance of Christmas.

The St. Peters Rec-Plex is open until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, and on Monday, Dec. 26, while the Rec-Plex administrative offices will be closed both of those days. The Rec-Plex is closed on Sunday, Dec. 25.

St. Peters Recycle City and Earth Centre are closed Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 24-25. Recycle City and Earth Centre will be open for trash

and yard waste disposal until 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, and Recycle City offices will be closed. Earth Centre will be open for yard waste acceptance only on Dec. 26; no Earth Centre product sales will be available.

The solid waste pickup schedule in St. Peters will not be affected by the holiday. Animal Control is on call Dec. 24-26. For emergencies only, after hours or during the holiday, call Police Dispatch at 636-278-2222.

For normal hours of city of St. Peters services, visit www.stpetersmo.net.

Inspiration Corner: When words are like weapons

Have you ever experienced a regret so big you wished you could turn back time? Has a deep wound caused by your own mistake caused you to fall into grief and despair? Did you find yourself longing for a "do over?"

I found myself recently in the wake of emotion after a friend said unkind words about a co-worker. My friend had a very bad experience years ago and basically said my co-worker should be fired for lack of ethics. I had no reason to doubt the words they shared were true, but all the trust I had developed for my co-worker vanished in that moment. I suddenly found myself suspicious, doubting their motives and ready to document every interaction in order to protect myself from harm.

What one person intended as helpful, inevitably seemed to me a great injustice. What if that person had learned from their mistakes and altered their behavior? What if they decided to do what is good instead of what is evil? What if they felt immense remorse for their unethical behavior?

When I was a younger person, I had a terrible stealing habit. It started with stealing cookies from the cookie jar as a child and escalated into stealing from businesses I worked for. I am ashamed to write this. I had no excuse. Stealing is wrong and I knew better.

But there was a point in my life where the guilt from my sins began to really bother me. Not only was I terrified of getting caught, I wondered what would happen if people knew. I made a decision to stop stealing and with God's help I learned to overcome temptation. But if anyone who knew me then told someone I work with today what I had done, no one would trust me ever again.

This is why I find Jesus' message of forgiveness so refreshing. Instead of carrying the weight of our transgressions forever with guilt and shame, we are offered an opportunity for a new life. He changes us from the inside out by setting us free from temptation in his gracious invitation to "follow him." He gives us the strength to stop sinning, knowing we can never be perfect on our own.

In the days since my friend told me about my co-worker's unethical behavior, I wondered how many times I shared things about someone with whom I had a bad experience. How many times did I tank a co-worker's career over some inconsequential slight? What about the times I said things that weren't necessarily true just because I was jealous or angry or didn't get the promotion? Suddenly, I wished I could turn back time.

I have decided to set aside the words my friend said and give my co-worker the benefit of the doubt. I have also decided to love them as Jesus loves me. Also, "Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent." Proverbs 11:12

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

St. Charles County Collector of Revenue mailing 2022 tax bills

On Nov. 28, the first of nearly 350,000 real estate and personal property tax bills for 2022 were put in the outgoing mail by Michelle D. McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. Bills are currently available to view online at StCharlesMOCollector.com.

Understanding tax bills and tax levies/rates

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

Supply chain challenges, chip shortages and record-high inflation have driven the values of motor vehicles upward. Tax amounts are calculated by dividing the assessed value by 100 and then multiplying by the tax rate(s). Therefore, the increase in values has caused an increase in many 2022 personal property tax bills. To compare 2022 and 2021 tax rates, click on “Tax Rates” at sccmo.org/Collector.

WAYS TO PAY

Tax payments are due upon receipt of the annual bill. Tax payments are subject to late payment interest and penalty if not paid by Dec. 31 of the tax year. Technical difficulties with making phone or online payments do not extend the statutory deadline to pay without late payment penalties and interest. Receipts for payments made by mail, online, phone, or placed in the drop box located inside or outside the Administration Building are mailed approximately five business days after payment is received and processed by the Collector of Revenue’s office. Receipts for payments made in-person at the Collector’s service windows are provided same-day.

Following are ways to pay:

• By mail using check, money order or cashier’s check. Make payable to Michelle D. McBride or St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. Mail to Michelle D. McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue, 201 N. Second St., Room 134, St. Charles, MO 63301. Include remittance stub, if avail-

able, and write account number on the payment. Do not mail cash.

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

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

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

• By phone using e-check ($1.50 fee) or debit/credit card (fee of about 2.5% of the total amount due). Call the toll-free tax payment line at 1-855227-7840 and follow the prompts. Taxpayers need the tax year and bill number located on the statement to use this system.

• By submitting check, money order or cashier’s check in the drop box inside or outside the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. Include remittance stub, if available, and account number on payment in an envelope. Do not place cash in the drop box. Please note: The county drive-up drop box is now located on Monroe Street near the corner of N. Second. Also, a payment placed in the outside city of St. Charles drop box on Second Street could result in late payment penalties if it is not received by the collector of revenue by the due date.

• In person: Taxpayers who have questions about their bill or need a receipt immediately may pay in person at the Collector of Revenue’s service windows at the County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, when county offices are closed in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas

Day. Payment also may be submitted in the indoor drop box in the first-floor lobby of the County Administration Building. Those visiting the service windows will need to register for the Collector’s queue through the QLess kiosk in the lobby, through the QLess app on their mobile device, or through the QLess link available at sccmo.org/ Collector or sccmo.org/QLess. Monitors in the lobby and a text notification on a mobile device will update those in the queue, and taxpayers will be alerted visually and audibly through the monitor or their mobile device when it is their turn to approach the windows. County staff in the lobby will be available to assist taxpayers with QLess.

At the collector’s service windows, payment is accepted by cash, debit/ credit card (fee of about 2.5 percent of the total amount due), check, money order, or cashier’s check. For those submitting payment through the lobby drop box, check, money order or cashier’s check is accepted; include remittance stub, if available, and account number on payment in an envelope.

PROJECT CARE

Taxpayers will notice an item on their bill for Project CARE, an opportunity to help the community by donating $1, $5, or $10 to support local nonprofit

agencies. Project CARE (Community Assistance Relief Effort) was established through an effort led by County Council Member Joe Cronin, District 1. Administered by McBride and the County’s Community Assistance Board (CAB), the project helps support local nonprofit agencies that serve homeless and indigent residents and receive support from the County’s Community Assistance Fund. Organizations that have received funds include Bridgeway, Crider Center, Crisis Nursery and Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. Donations are tax deductible.

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

Additional Tax Bill and Deadline Information

For additional information about taxes, including partial and advance payments, visit sccmo.org/Collector or call 636-949-7470.

Optimist Club and Holt Cross Country Team host annual Turkey Trot race

The Wentzville-Lake Saint Louis Optimist Club and Holt Cross Country Team hosted the annual Turkey Trot cross-country race on Oct. 19. The clear, cool afternoon was perfect weather as over 290 third-throughsixth graders participated in this year’s race.

The winner in each bracket received a first-place medal and a frozen turkey.

“The kids are so excited to race and the winners beam with pride when they receive their prize turkey,” said Dianne Ohlms, club president.

Each year the race is held for third,

fourth, and fifth graders of the Wentzville School District. This year’s race included a new combined sixth and seventh grade bracket.

“Running is a lifelong sport that can change a person’s life,” said Ed Jurotich, event coordinator and former cross-country coach for Holt High School. “It is hoped that many of these youngsters will develop an interest in running and live a healthier lifestyle as a result.”

Jurotich is a charter member of the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club and also the current Lieutenant Governor for Zone 6 of the Eastern Missouri Optimist District. The sponsors for this year’s

race were: Wentzville Family Dentistry, Shelter Insurance (Mitch Allen, agent), Ehll’s Western Auto, Misfits for Jesus, Picture Perfect Painting, Wentzville UPS Store #4757, ESSE Health Dr. Zeshan Gohar, Carstar Auto-Body, Grace Hauling, Stark Brothers Nursery, Harris Automotive, Poage Chevrolet, State Farm Insurance (Randy Stegmann, agent), Steinlage Insurance Agency, Missouri Bank, Compare Automotive, and Dierbergs Markets who donated the turkey’s for this year’s event.

The Wentzville - Lake St. Louis Optimist Club has been serving the community since 1986. Reformed in 2017, their mission is “Helping kid’s dreams come true.” Working in partnership

Elsberry license office opens

The Elsberry License Office, located at 312 Broadway, opened Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. For office hours and days of operation for the Elsberry License Office, please visit the License Office Location Map

at dor.mo.gov/license-office-locator/ or call 573-312-4311.

The management contract for the Elsberry License Office was awarded to Dandelion Fields, LLC on Sept. 29. All license office

with both the Wentzville and Lake St. Louis Police Departments, the club supports community outreach programs such as: Wentzville Junior Police Academy, Health and Fitness Fair, and Holiday Trim a Tree, as well as the Lake St. Louis Police Department Open House and Polar Plunge events.

The club also supports two lending libraries within the community as well as collecting baby supplies for crisis nursery and students who are finishing their high school education as young parents. Learn more about the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Club at #wlsloc. To learn more about Optimist International, please call 314-3716000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.

contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process. License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

St. Peters City Administrator retiring in January

After serving as city administrator since 2016, Russ Batzel will officially retire from the city of St. Peters on Jan. 20, 2023, completing a nearly 28-year career with the city.

Batzel will be succeeded by Bill Malach, who the mayor and board appointed to become the next city administrator when they passed Ordinance 7567 in January of this year. Malach currently serves as assistant to the city administrator.

In his memo to the mayor and board, Batzel said, “I have been

blessed to work with so many great people over the 27-plus years that I have been employed by the city including elected officials, city staff and residents. I have enjoyed the professional challenges addressing the needs of our ever-growing city always striving to provide best-inclass services with prudent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”

“I know you all join me in wishing Russ a wonderful retirement and appreciate all he has done for our city during his nearly 28 years of service to St. Peters including

the last six years as city administrator,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano.

After serving in numerous engineering roles with the city, Batzel became the city administrator in July 2016. He is only the fourth person to serve as city administrator for the city of St. Peters.

The city of St. Peters will share more details about this transition and celebrate Batzel’s career and accomplishments in upcoming city publications and at www.stpetersmo.net.

Submitted photos

The Wentzville-Lake Saint Louis Optimist Club and Holt Cross Country Team hosted the annual Turkey Trot cross-country race on Oct. 19.

Heart health tips for the holidays

Food, drinks, gifts and time with family make the holidays a merry occasion for people across the country. However, all that celebrating can sometimes become a distraction from maintaining heart health.

In fact, the joys of the season can become marred for many as research shows an uptick in cardiac events and heart attack deaths during the final week of December. According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, “Circulation,” more cardiac deaths occur on Dec. 25 than any other day of the year, followed by the second largest number on Dec. 26 and third largest on Jan. 1.

“The holidays are a busy, often stressful time for many of us,” said American Heart Association Chief Clinical Science Officer Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA. “Routines are disrupted. We may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We’re getting too little sleep and experiencing too much stress. While we don’t know exactly why there are more deadly heart attacks during this time, it’s important to be aware that these factors can snowball, increasing the risk for a deadly cardiac event.”

Being aware of this annual phenomenon and taking a few important, heart-healthy steps can help save lives. Consider these tips from Dr. Elkind and the experts at the American Heart Association.

• Know symptoms and take action. Heart attack signs vary in men and women, but it’s important to recognize them early and call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner medical treatment begins, the better chances of survival and preventing heart damage.

• Celebrate in moderation. Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself. There are ways to eat smart, such as by limiting sodium intake and looking for small, healthy swaps so you continue to feel your best while eating and drinking in moderation.

• Practice goodwill toward yourself. Make time to take care of yourself during this busy season. Reading a favorite book, meditating or even playing with pets are productive ways to reduce stress from the family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules, traveling and other stressors that can be brought on by the holidays.

• Keep moving. The hustle and bustle of holiday preparation often pushes exercise to the side, but it’s important to stay active as much as possible. Get creative to keep moving by going for a family walk or playing physically active games with loved ones.

• Stick to your medications. Busy schedules can cause some people to skip medications, sometimes even forgetting them at home or not getting refills in a timely manner. Try using a medication chart as a reminder, and be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers.

Discover more ways to live hearthealthy during the holidays and throughout the year at heart.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

City of St. Charles shuts down largest water well

To protect the health and safety of the city of Saint Charles’ residents, the city took immediate action to shut-down its largest water well in the Elm Point wellfield due to detections of contamination.

The city of St. Charles reassures its residents and business owners that the drinking water being provided throughout the city remains safe for consumption. The city has taken immediate protective measures in order to maintain providing high-quality, safe drinking water to residents and customers.

The Public Works Department

has shut down City Well #9, the largest water production well, after contaminants were detected. As of Dec. 5, the city has shut down five out of seven wells, and the water treatment plant is operating around 25% capacity. This has forced the city to purchase more water from the city of St. Louis, instead of producing water at a lower cost.

The city cannot wait on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hold Ameren Missouri and the polluting parties accountable for the spreading

contamination in the wellfield. The city is moving forward with initiating additional projects and protective measures to ensure adequate amounts of safe drinking water will be available ahead of the high demand summer months.

The comment period to the EPA on the Consent Decree with Ameren Missouri was extended to March 6, 2023, so the city continues to encourage residents and business owners to let their voices be heard on this issue.

The holiday season is the ideal time to express your creativity with crafts, and nature provides all the materials and inspiration you need.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites creators to a Winter Nature Craft Day event Thursday, Dec. 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. This event is free and open to all ages.

Visitors can stop by the MDC St. Louis Regional Office classrooms anytime during the two hours and try their hand at a variety of nature-inspired crafts.

“The program will be more of an open craft day, so people are welcome anytime. We’ll use fall-

en natural items, like pinecones, acorns, twigs, wood, etc.,” said MDC Naturalist, Sabrina Hansen. “We’ll show examples of crafts to make and have plenty of craft supplies on hand for participants to decorate them.”

Crafters can make as much as they want with the supplies provided and can gift them as homemade gifts. Participants will have a chance to make holiday cards and ornaments, including Model Magic animal tracks, and tree cookies, as well as pine tree nature looms. Visitors can also create home décor items like holiday centerpieces.

“Whether it’s giving back to the wildlife with natural birdfeeders, or creating something for your

home, there will be something to build and take for all ages,” said Hansen. Wildlife-shaped sugar cookies for decorating and hot chocolate will also be provided, Hansen added.

Participants can learn interesting facts about and habits of Missouri’s winter wildlife while they enjoy crafting with an ongoing educational presentation.

Winter Nature Craft Day event is free, however online preregistration is required at https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/4N2.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, about two miles west of Highway 94.

PICK

Crossroads Arts Council invites artists to explore the strong synergy between visuals and words. Original works of their own incorporating the possible use of poetry, lyrics and stories which 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.

Up to five pieces of original works 2D or 3D may be submitted. Details and entry form: crossroadsartscouncil.org.

Entry deadline is Dec. 28 1 - 3 p.m. and 1 - 6 p.m. Reception date is Jan. 8, 2023, 2 - 4 p.m.

Gallery location is at 310 W. Pearce in Wentzville.

BB Couture celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

BB Couture opened its new store at 21 Meadows Circle Drive Suite 214 in Lake St. Louis. To commemorate the opening, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 26.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber of Commerce, members of Little Black Book and other community leaders were in attendance.

“BB Couture is an upscale prom/gala boutique featuring gowns all under $500.” said owner, Jenn Glosemeyer

BB Couture is the sister store to Boulevard Bride, which is also located in the Meadows Shopping Mall.

PJ's Coffee opens first St. Louis-area location in O’Fallon

PJ’s Coffee has opened its new location in St. Charles County, marking the second location in the state of Missouri. Located at 2426 Highway K, the restaurant celebrated its grand opening with a VIP event on Dec. 11. The restaurant opened to the public on Dec. 12. The new restaurant is owned and operated by John and Jennifer Whitehead. The husband-and-wife team is excited to bring PJ’s famous line of espresso-based beverages and beignets to St. Charles County.

"As coffee lovers, John and I are thrilled to bring these new coffee flavors to the area. We truly believe that PJ’s coffee is special," said Jennifer Whitehead. “We know that O’Fallon residents will love our small batch gourmet coffee always roasted in 300 lbs. or less. Your tastebuds will know the difference. It stands out."

The expansion in Missouri is part of the brand's overall franchise development plans for this year, with a goal of opening another Missouri restaurant by the end of 2023. With 150-plus restaurants in 14 states, PJ’s coffee is growing quickly with new restaurants popping up across the United States.

way K.

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans first opened in New Orleans in 1978. PJ’s serves a wide variety of iced, frozen, hot, cold brew, and nitro-infused coffees using only the top one percent of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. PJ's famous iced coffees are brewed daily using a special cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans, while producing a coffee that is two-thirds less acidic – a process pioneered by PJ’s Coffee founder, Phyllis Jordan, decades ago.

Spotlight on O’Fallon Plaza: GRACE’S MERRY-GO-ROUND

We are the premier consignment shop in the St. Louis area.

We are a full family consignment shop, meaning we accept gently used women’s, children’s, young men’s, accessories, household miscellaneous, toys, furniture, holiday clothing and decor. We have new items being dropped off every minute of every day so our inventory is ever changing. We hope to provide customers and consignors alike with the best possible consignment experience.

We welcome you to visit us at: GRACE’S MERRY-GO-ROUND 130 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon, MO (636)281-4555 www.gracesmerrygoround.com

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

PJ’s Coffee has opened its new location in St. Charles County at 2426 High-

The restaurant opened to the public on Dec. 12.

What’s Happening

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.

EVENTS

Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

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 accepted through Dec. 31. Rehearsals begin on Jan. 7. All levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion are accepted. The orchestra rehearsals are on Saturdays with two performance opportunities on April 1 and May 20. SCCYO Winter Concert will be held on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Missouri Baptist University. For more information about auditions or tickets for the concert please contact sccyomusic@gmail. com or www.sccyo.org.

Jan.

Mondays: Take off Pounds

Sensibly

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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 welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts. org.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind

meetings

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:1510 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.

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 experience required.

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

7:

Auto care clinic

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

Jan. 18: Senior seminar

Downsizing Made Easy in Five Simple Steps - Seniors Empowerment Truth Series takes place from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Library in St Peters in Room 259. In this free seminar you’ll gain valuable insights into today’s real estate market, practical solutions for decluttering and preparing your home for sale and more. Visit www.seniorsempowermenttruthseries.com or call 636-336-6819 to register.

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 Connection 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: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. 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 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. 314-3696521.

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 interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

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 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

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

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

Mondays:

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 lessons 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

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

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

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 in-

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, 636219-0553

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

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: Diabetes support group

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 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 800272-3900 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 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third

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: 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 May or November.

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.

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: Toastmasters Club

The Cavesprings Toastmasters Club will transform your speaking ability and offers in person and online meetings every Wednesday from 8 – 9 a.m. at the St. Charles Ambulance District at 2000 Salt River 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. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-5045202

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.

each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Center, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

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

Wednesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Senior Center at 500 Great Oaks Blvd. in Wentzville on the second 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: Crossroads Cribbage Club

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

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

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

Wednesdays: Take Off

Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary

Club meetings

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

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon. For more information, contact CyndySchwab at 636-544-0102.

Club does not meet in December. Info: www.fleurdelisgardenclub.org;

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

Pounds

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

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

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

3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Club Meets third Thursday of the month, 10:100 a.m. at the McClay Library in St. Charles.

Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters 9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities. No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

1st and 3rd Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon Meets at JJ’s Restaurant, 200 Fort Zumwalt Square in O’Fallon at 12 noon Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

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

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

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

Thursdays:

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: Senior citizen 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 person. Reservations required 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 Cultural Arts Centre at the St. Peters City Hall on Mexico Road in St. Peters.

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

On the first Wednesday of

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 weightloss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

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

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636-272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636928-1928.

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing 5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyteri-

St. Charles Rotary Club Meeting

St. Charles Rotary Club meets at noon at The Moose Lodge at 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. In St Charles. Members and guests are welcome for lunch, leadership development and to gain a better insight into our community. www.stcharlesrotary.org.

Thursdays: American Legion meeting

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-2581069 for more information.

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

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

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

All regular season, single home games will have a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Doubleheaders will start at 5:35 p.m. and will feature two, seven-inning games. Tickets for doubleheader dates are valid for both games.

*Thinks warm weather

Baseball in coming with the Hoots

The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect League, recently announced their 58-game 2023 summer schedule. The team will play 29 home games and 29 road games beginning with their Home Opener on May 31, 2023 against the Cape Catfish.

“May 31 will be here before we know it and I cannot wait to have the stands packed!” Hoots General Manager David Schmoll said. “Our players and coaches are eager to get here and our staff is hard at work preparing for the best summer of Hoots baseball.”

For the third consecutive season, the Hoots open their schedule at home against the Catfish. The schedule features four Fridays and five Saturday nights with theme nights and additional entertainment. Rounding out the schedule are three Tuesdays, four Wednesdays, six Thursdays and three Sundays. A full promotional calendar will be announced in the coming weeks including fireworks, character appearances and special performances.

The Hoots will see a healthy mix of opponents visiting CarShield Field in 2023. The Hoots will host the two newest Prospect League teams, the Jackson Rockabillys and the to-be-named Marion, Illinois franchise, for three games each in 2023 with Jackson first arriving on July 2 and Marion on July 5. The rivalry against the 2023 Runners Up Alton River Dragons continues this summer with five games in O’Fallon and six in Alton. The Hoots will play host to Cape for five games, Normal and Quincy for three, Springfield, Clinton and Illinois Valley for two games each and Burlington once.

Once again, the season will be broken up into two halves. The first half will end after all games played on July 1 with the first half division winner hosting the second half division winner in a one-game playoff to start the Prospect League playoffs.

New leadership in soccer at Lindenwood

Lindenwood University

Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer announced a change in leadership as head coach Carl Hutter will not return to lead the men’s soccer program.

“I would like to thank Coach Hutter for his contributions to the men’s soccer program as well as the institution. His passion for his current and former players is evident and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Hutter had been at the helm of the Lindenwood soccer program for 29 seasons and amassed a record of 356-171-43. Lindenwood began the reclassification to NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League for men’s soccer on July 1 and finished the 2022-23 season with a record of 3-11-1.

During Hutter’s time at Lindenwood, the Lions won the 2004 NAIA National Championship and numerous conference titles across the NAIA and NCAA levels. Hutter was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.

Nenad Curic will serve as acting head coach while a national search is conducted to find the next head coach for the program.

*Same great coaching staff with a new boss

Gary Baute, aka Gary B, a St. Louis native, maybe educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan and 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 broadcasted for several indoor football teams since 1999.

Recipe:

An easy appetizer to add holiday cheer

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

16

Ingredients:

1 bulb garlic (about 12 cloves)

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for drizzling, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons pepper divided

32 baguette slices

8 ounces feta cheese

1/2 cup whole milk, plus additional, if necessary (optional)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 cup parsley, minced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Slice garlic bulb in half, exposing garlic heads, and place in center of large piece of tinfoil. Drizzle each half with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Wrap foil tightly around garlic and roast until

caramelized, about 30 minutes.

Place baguette slices on large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake on second rack in oven until golden brown about 10 minutes; set aside.

In high-speed food processor, pulse feta cheese, milk, lemon juice, remaining salt, remaining pepper

and roasted garlic cloves until whipped and creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Check for seasoning and adjust, to taste.

To serve, spread each baguette slice with whipped feta and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and minced parsley.

FindmoreholidayrecipeinspirationatMilkMeansMore.org.

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.

– SUDOKU –

Performers who changed their bodies for a role

In1997’s “George of the Jungle,” Brendan Fraser played George, a human resident of the jungle who was friends with a talking ape. As reported by CNN at the time, to maintain the physique of a man who swung on vines, Fraser put himself on an “extreme diet.”

A quarter-century later, the actor received raves and standing ovations for portraying Charlie, a 600-pound schoolteacher, in “The Whale.” During a recent appearance at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina, Fraser explained that his character was created using a combination of “CGI and makeup.” Fraser also pointed out that it took six hours to put on his 300-pound fat suit and, while taking it off, he experienced vertigo.

Instead of prosthetics, other actors transformed themselves by changing their bodies. According to “Weight & Skin,” for the 2000 film “Castaway,” Tom Hanks lost 55 pounds to play Chuck Noland, a system engineer for FedEx. Chuck survived a plane crash and washed up on a deserted island. Hanks’ character appeared a little overweight in the first half of the film, but after fast-forwarding the action by four years, Chuck’s body now appeared almost emaciated. Prior to “Castaway,” Hanks won a Best Actor Oscar for “Philadelphia” for portraying Andrew Beckett, a senior associate at a law firm who didn’t reveal his AIDS diagnosis. Hanks reportedly lost 35 pounds for

this role.

In 1980’s biographical “Raging Bull,” actor Robert DeNiro starred as Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta, a boxer who had been described as “self-destructive.” In later years, La Motta, who passed away on Sept. 19, 2017, owned a bar and became an actor/comedian. DeNiro played the character during his boxing career and then later in life as a nightclub owner.

La Motta was known for severely beating his opponents in the ring, but he also could take punishing blows. To play the boxer in his de-

clining years, DeNiro gained a reported 60 pounds by eating lots of pasta. Many film lovers believe “Raging Bull” was one of the greatest films ever made.

In 2013, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto starred in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Set in the 1980’s McConaughey played real-life AIDS patient Ron Woodroof, who was given just 30 days to live by his doctor. While in the hospital, Woodroof met Rayon, a HIV-positive trans woman played by Leto. After learning that the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (AZT) could potentially prolong the lives of AIDS patients, Woodroof brought drugs and supplements across the Mexican border, sometimes disguised as a priest. McConaughey lost a reported 50 pounds to play Woodroof while Leto lost 30 pounds. In “The Wolf of Wall Street,” an emaciated McConaughey appeared as real-life stockbroker Mark Hanna and had a conversation with Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio).

As described here, extreme weight gain and loss for a role required dedication, discipline and, at times, a doctor’s supervision. While on a supervised diet, Tom Hanks said he missed French fries while DeNiro ate lots of pasta to portray the aging LaMotta. McConaughey and Leto each lost significant weight while Fraser struggled putting on and taking off a fat suit. It’s safe to say all five men suffered for their craft.

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.

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl” on behalf of Milk Means More

By Cindy Moore

Hereit is again, the time that comes around every four years which produces winners and losers and whiners and liars. The presidential election is here already? Naw, the World Cup is upon us.

My husband embedded himself in the couch to watch what bajillions of others were watching, so I thought I better sit down to find out what the hubbub was all about.

The action was slow and the commercials were yawners. Soon my eyes glazed over. The next thing I knew the cat pounced on my face and woke me up. I must have dozed off for only a minute because the score was still zero to zero.

“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked.

“Thirty minutes,” said my husband.

“What? And still no one’s scored? How do they judge the winner of these things?”

Then the camera zoomed in on the teams. I realized that each player was incredibly fit and attractive. So that’s how they judged the winning team – by who was the best looking.

I asked, “Why is each of these players so freakishly handsome?”

“What are you talking about? Look, there’s some really ugly people right there,” he said pointing.

“Umm, those are the fans in the bleachers all dressed up like drag queens.”

“You know, I could be on that soccer field if I really wanted to.”

“Yes, I’m sure you would be great at handing out bottles of Gatorade,” I said.

He didn’t hear me because some action had finally taken place on the field. A blatant foul had been committed. A player was writhing on the ground. His teeth were gnashing in utter agony. He clenched his knee and moaned in torment.

“Oh, that poor boy,” I said. “Someone is going to be kicked out of the game for inflicting that kind of injury.”

“Naw. He’s faking it.”

“Faking it?! How can you be so thoughtless? The poor man is having a seizure.”

“Just wait,” he said.

Soon the referee called the play fair and the wailing man got up as if nothing had happened. He then grabbed the front of his shirt with his teeth and gnawed on it for comfort.

The game eventually ended 1 to 0.

I have quickly become a soccer fan. After all, watching unbelievably good-looking men for 90 minutes is definitely my kind of sport.

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.

‘Yeggs’ is

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.

John Hanna Yeggs