December 29, 2021
Season of giving
Around Town St. Charles County leaders band together to collect donations for new behavioral health crisis center. Pg. 3 Tornado, severe storms cause $3.4 million in damages in St. Charles County. Pg.4
Business
CRG announces Chapter at the Streets apartments in Streets of St. Charles. Pg. 7
Features Submitted photo St. Charles County seniors proved that you are never too old to give as they participated in the St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative, which has become a tradition of the holiday season. This year, the seniors gathered a record-setting 9,500-pounds of food to be donated to Operation Food Search.
Local retirement communities set giving record in St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative By Brett Auten Blue, 40-gallon trash barrels were found among Christmas trees, menorahs, and plenty of green and red décor in retirement communities throughout St. Charles County this month. But these tubs were not for waste. They were filled to the brim with cans, boxes and bags of food for the St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative, which has become a ritual of the holiday season. Once the barrels were loaded and the donations logged, the tally reached a record-setting 9,500-pounds of nutritious food donations headed to Operation Food Search, whose representatives estimated
it will provide one full day of meals for 2,375 individuals. Kyle Gaines is the Communication Director for SCCAD. Gaines said the pride that seniors throughout our community take in this initiative is absolutely astonishing and that year after year, they make it an incredible success. “To put things in perspective, the 9,500 pounds of food collected this year is approximately the weight of an adult Asian elephant,” Gaines said. “I believe Fill the Ambulance resonates with our community’s seniors because many of these individuals experienced food instability firsthand as children in the post-Depression era.” “Fill the Ambulance” immediately resonat-
ed with retirees upon its inception, and over the course of more than a decade has amassed over 55,000-pounds of food that stays local to St. Charles County. Though the name suggests donations will be loaded into an advanced life support unit, support of the initiative long ago outgrew a single ambulance. Thankfully, partner pantries are armed with box trucks that will help donations find their way to shelves. “The excitement for ‘Fill the Ambulance’ begins very early,” Fairwinds River’s Edge General Manager Jim Ausmus said. “Residents begin asking around Halloween when we’re getting our blue barrels.” See ‘GIVING’ page 2
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December 29, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
‘GIVING’ from cover Ausmus and his team took a unique approach to the initiative in 2020 when COVID case counts were at their peak, creating a miniature grocery store within the lobby so residents could shop safely. The concept was a hit, and the store was open for business again this year. ‘Fill the Ambulance’ continues to grow not only in the quantity of food collected, but also in terms of the number of participating communities. Through the years, new facilities opening in St. Charles County have enthusiastically embraced the program. This year’s participants included: Twin Oaks Stone Ridge, Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe, Boulevard Wentzville, Boulevard St. Charles, Park Place Senior Living, Garden Villas of O’Fallon, Avalon Park, Breeze Park, Lake St. Charles, Fairwinds River’s Edge, Watermark of St. Peters, Clarendale St. Peters, Lake
Ridge Senior Apartments, along with Freedom Fitness locations in Cottleville and Wentzville. As new retirement communities are built throughout St. Charles County, virtually every one enthusiastically joins the effort, leading to a greater and greater impact with each passing year. This year’s addition of Avalon Park in Cottleville brought the total number of stops to 15. “The sustained level of dedication and commitment to ‘Fill the Ambulance’ is both heartwarming and awe-inspiring,” Kristen Wild, Operation Food Search President and CEO said. “Through their contributions, these seniors will help heal the hurt of hunger for hundreds of individuals and families in their community.” This year’s day of pickups was a nice return to normalcy after a modified experience during the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. “We took an ultra-cautious ap-
Submitted photo St. Charles County seniors proved that you are never too old to give as they participated in the St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative, which has become a tradition of the holiday season. This year, the seniors gathered a record-setting 9,500-pounds of food to be donated to Operation Food Search.
proach in 2020, picking up the barrels curbside to limit exposure points,” Gaines said. “This year, OFS staff and SCCAD paramedics were able to go inside to take photos and thank everyone personally. Given the enthusiasm and
success of ‘Fill the Ambulance,’ I think it’s a given that we’ll be picking up blue barrels for many years to come. It’s a great reminder of the tremendous impact we can make when we all work together.”
St. Charles resident participates in grave marking for ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War In October, Charles Lilly of St. Charles traveled to West Virginia to participate in a Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) grave marking for one of his American Revolution ancestors. Descendants of Pvt. James Keaton, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, gathered to place a headstone for him next to his wife’s headstone (Anky Ballard Keaton) in the Keaton Cemetery in Greenville, Monroe County, West Virginia. Pvt. Keaton was a soldier in 7th Virginia Regiment of Foot in the Continental Line serving under Captain Thomas Hill. The regiment saw action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown (after wintering at Valley Forge), Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. Most of the regiment was captured by the British at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780. Members of two State Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution coordinated their efforts to honor Pvt. James Keaton. Compatriot Bill Lester, Past President of West Virginia SAR and Compatriot Charles Lilly, Past President of Missouri Society SAR spent one year to make this event happen. Lilly is a member of the Fernando de Leyba Chapter of St. Charles and a Dual Member of the Greenbrier Valley Chapter. The Greenbrier Valley Chapter of West Virginia SAR hosted the event. Numerous descendants of Pvt. Keaton attended which included Elder Norval Mann of the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Deacon Harold Dickson of the same church who supported this event through coordination with the cemetery trustees, and
Photo courtesy Charles Lilly Charles Lilly (from left) Zack Phillips of the John Beckley SAR Chapter, Calvin Hannah of the Capt. Ralph Steward SAR Chapter, Charles Lilly Member of the Fernando de Leyba SAR Chapter and Dual Member of the Greenbrier Valley SAR Chapter, Bill Lester of the Capt. Ralph Steward SAR Chapter and past President of the West Virginia SAR, Ken Vannoy of the Daniel Boone SAR Chapter, and Ed Cromley, IV of the Point Pleasant SAR Chapter and West Virginia SAR State Color Guard Commander.
Forrest Lilly member of the Greenbrier Valley Chapter and brother of Charles Lilly. The WVSSAR Color Guard with a MOSSAR Color Guard member posted the colors for the ceremony. Maggie Jusiel played “Amazing Grace’ on the bag pipes. Due to heavy rain the Color Guard was not able to fire a musket salute. Elder Norval Mann with the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church gave the invocation. WVSSAR First Vice president Rhendal C. Butler led the introduction with local DAR regents Debra Phillips and Caro-
line Klezli. Rhendal Butler, made comments about James Keaton. WVSSAR Historian Wayne Harvey gave the Benediction. The Daughters of the American Revolution supported the ceremony. Members of the Peters Mountain DAR Chapter with Regent Caroline Klezli and members of the General Andrew Lewis DAR Chapter with Regent Debra Phillips attended and placed flowers by the headstone. In all around 40 descendants of Pvt. James Keaton gathered to honor their Patriot Ancestor.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 29, 2021
Around Town
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St. Charles County leaders band together to collect donations for new behavioral health crisis center St. Charles County leaders have joined forces to collect donations for a new behavioral health crisis center in Wentzville. The Compass Health Network opened the new Behavioral Crisis Stabilization Center in Wentzville on Dec. 13. One of fifteen such locations opening in 2021 and 2022, the goal of the Wentzville Crisis Access Point (CAP) is to provide a safe and less-costly alternative to divert individuals who have been arrested away from jail and emergency rooms and into treatment services. These services would allow for further observations, connecting the individual to ongoing care and avoid unnecessary inpatient admission. Behavioral health emergencies continue to rise in frequency throughout the St. Louis region, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and resources are limited and stretched thin. Prior to the opening of the CAP, people experiencing a behavioral health crisis would often end up in jail or emergency rooms at local hospitals – emergency rooms that are ill-equipped to meet the dynamic needs of behavioral health emergencies. Vision Leadership St. Charles County is an immersive, experiential journey that sharpens leadership acumen and provides exclusive insight about the St. Charles County community. Leaders from all walks of life take part in the nine-month program designed to provide professionals with educational leadership experiences and promote community engagement. As part of the curriculum, vision participants complete a group project, and the 2022 class has chosen to raise awareness and collect donations for the new CAP in Wentzville. “The lack of programs and resources addressing behavioral health continues to be a growing concern in our community,’’ says Jason Meinershagen,
Vision Leadership 2022 class member and Deputy Chief for Central County Fire Rescue in St. Peters. “Compass Health Network has been on the front lines of behavioral health for quite some time now, and this new facility in Wentzville expands their ability to serve members of our community experiencing a behavioral health crisis.” Donations will be used to support the Wentzville CAP location that will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide rapid access to triage, stabilization services and connection to appropriate community services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Features of the center includes, but are not limited to, showers, meals, clothes, medications if needed and comfortable recliners to rest on. “Our Crisis Center fills a gap in coverage for the behavioral health services our community needs and lessens the burden on our law enforcement agencies,” says Lauren Bruce, CAP Director. “We want to provide the best experience possible for people while they’re here, and community donations will help to ensure their physical needs are met while they receive treatment for their behavioral health crisis.” Those wishing to make a donation to Compass Health’s Crisis Access Point in Wentzville can do so by dropping physical donations at the Wentzville CAP at 1032 Crosswinds Ct. in Wentzville, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monetary donations can be mailed to the same location or made online at https://compasshealthnetwork.org/donate/ and putting “CAP” in the comment section. Those desiring to donate by contactless delivery can also visit www.MakingADifferenceSTL.com to access the Amazon Wishlist.
Recycle Christmas trees for free at St. Peters Earth Centre St. Peters residents and non-residents alike can recycle their live Christmas trees for free at St. Peters Earth Centre through Jan. 16. Please keep in mind that for the tree to be recycled, all decorations, lights, plastic bags, and stands must be removed from the tree. Please do not wrap or tie the tree. Trees containing decorations, lights, plastic bags, tape, or wrapping will not be accepted. After Jan. 16, there is a $5 charge to drop off a tree without a Resident Privilege Card. The public can also take trees to the temporary designated dropoff center at Laurel Park in the upper parking lot through Jan. 16. If residents would like to have their tree picked up at their home, they can cut it down and place it inside of their brown yard waste cart for pickup on their regular
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yard waste collection day through Jan. 31. Reminder: Yard waste pickup will be suspended during the month of February and resumes the first full week of March. This winter break allows our staff to focus on vehicle maintenance
while saving fuel during a period with little yard waste. St. Peters Earth Centre is located at 115 Ecology Drive in St. Peters, off Mid Rivers Mall Drive just north of I-70. For more information, call 636-970-1456.
ITEMS IN NEED: Due to health, safety and dignity of the folks being served, only new items only are being requested. Clothing: • Socks (men and women): all sizes • Underwear (men and women): all sizes, including plus • Sports bras: all sizes, including plus • Sweatpants (men and women): all sizes, including plus • Tennis shoes (men and women): all sizes • Sweatshirts (men and women): all sizes, including plus Seasonal: • Spring/summer • Flip flops (men and women): all sizes • Gym shorts (men and women): all sizes, including plus • Winter coats • Warm hats/caps • Gloves/mittens • Boots • Hand warmers Hygiene items: • Feminine hygiene products: tampons and pads • Soap (body wash or bar) • Shampoo and conditioner (all in one) • Toothbrush • Toothpaste • Disposable combs • Deodorant Note: Cash or gift cards to purchase the above items are also accepted.
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Around Town
December 29, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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St. Joseph Hospital and St. Louis Area Foodbank partner to address food insecurity
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More than 170 families visited SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles to receive a supply of food just in time for the holiday season.
In an effort to highlight food insecurity as a significant detriment to public health, SSM Health and St. Louis Area Foodbank partnered to hold a food distribution event that provided healthy options to local families. More than 170 families visited SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles to receive a supply of food just in time for the holiday season. An estimated 620 individuals will directly benefit from the food that was distributed, which included cereal, eggs, onions, potatoes, whole chickens and more. “Building a healthy community is more than just treating people when they become ill,” said Dr. Doug Barton, interim president and chief medical offi-
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cer of SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles. “Having access to nutritious food is a key part of living a healthy lifestyle, and we know that 16.5 percent of residents in our immediate coverage area are food insecure. We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with great organizations like St. Louis Area Foodbank and address our community’s most glaring health needs.” It’s the third time this year SSM Health has partnered with St. Louis Area Foodbank, with two similar events previously held at SSM Health DePaul Hospital. Collectively, the events served more than 617 families with the help of more than 125 SSM Health volunteers.
Tornado, severe storms cause $3.4 million in damages in St. Charles County Estimated damages from the tornado and severe storms that ripped through part of St. Charles County on Dec. 10, are more than $3.4 million, according to assessments completed by county inspectors. The county’s Building and Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department examined 240 structures in a two-day period; 26 structures were destroyed and 20 had major damage. “Staff in the Community Development Department worked diligently all weekend to make certain we knew what structures were safe to inhabit or enter,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “Ameren and Cuivre River Electric responded immediately to our calls for help and power lines were removed from roadways to provide additional safety. Crews immediately began work on restoring power.” Ehlmann says overall, 72 structures in the tornado’s path were either destroyed, received major or minor damage, or were affected by the storm in some way. Three people were injured, one fatally. “While any loss of life is a tragedy,” Ehlmann says, “we were fortunate that others were not critically injured, and that more homes and businesses were not destroyed. Anyone who sees photos of the destruction in Defiance or other places where a tornado has touched down should now know what storms such as this can do. When the warning sirens are activated, go to the lowest level of the house or building. In at least one in-
stance in Defiance, the basement was all that was left.” According to National Weather Service reports the EF3 tornado touched down at approximately 7:30 p.m. west of Defiance on Highway F and traveled approximately 2.5 miles to Highway 94. It followed the Missouri River into St. Louis County, and then back into St. Charles County southeast of Harvester. The major damage was in the Defiance area. “The response from first responders was incredible,” Ehlmann says, “and shows how this community comes together when needed. Nine fire departments from the area, the St. Charles County Ambulance District, St. Charles County Regional Emergency Management, and St. Charles County Emergency Communications and Police departments were joined by the American Red Cross, AmeriCorps, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to assist with injuries, damages, meals, supplies, and other assistance that was needed. We are fortunate to have such dedicated partners.” Ehlmann says clean-up is in process, and the county is scheduling debris pick-up for affected areas to aid property owners who do not have insurance assistance with debris removal. He encourages those who still need assistance to call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS, or to follow the St. Charles County Regional Emergency Management Facebook Page for more information.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 29, 2021
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Around Town
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Around Town
December 29, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
St. Charles County Cub Scouts earn prestigious STEM award Fourteen Cub Scouts from Pack 961 and three Cub Scouts from Pack 858 were awarded the Boy Scouts of America's Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award for superior achievement in areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), during a ceremony at the St. Louis Planetarium in November. The Supernova Award is part of the STEM initiative Boy Scouts of America launched in 2012. The Cub Scouts met 10 times over the summer to work on the award requirements. “I loved going to Supernova meetings because I get to spend time with my friends and do some cool stuff,” says Thomas Ralston. Nathan Kluczynski responded, “I liked the part where we took candy and we dissolved it and seen how it reacted and then we determined the Ph levels. It was neat to see it melt and turn colors.” Another Cub Scout preferred a different activity as Jaren Moeser added, “I liked launching rockets because I liked seeing how they go up and how to differently build it to affect how they climb.” To earn the Townes Supernova Award, Cub Scouts must engage in various activities and exhibit a dedication to learning and the spirit of innovation. The required activities included: using hand tools to build three projects, learning basic first aid, caring for caterpillars, identifying five trees, building and launching model rockets, growing several plants, conducting an ecological experiment, exploring chemical science principles, studying ecosystems, conducting a scientific experiment, and learning about famous scientists.
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The award recipients are: • Amelia Adamson, 8, who attends Mid Rivers Elementary in St. Peters; • Elijah Bale, 10, who is homeschooled in St. Peters; • Harmony Catlin, 10, who is homeschooled in St. Peters; • Mattingly Calder, 10, who attends Progress South Elementary in O’Fallon; • Ryan Contreras, 10, who attends Progress South Elementary in O’Fallon; • Cooper Dunajcik, 10, who attends Progress South Elementary in O’Fallon; • Braidin Dunn, 8, who attends Mid Rivers Elementary in St. Peters; • Derrick Dunn, 9, who attends Mid Rivers Elementary in St. Peters; • Chase Frauenhoffer, 9, who attends Hawthorn Elementary in St. Peters; • John Frauenhoffer, 10, who attends All Saints School in St. Peters; • Landon Hall, 9, who attends Hawthorn Elementary in St. Peters; • Aditya Kashyap, 9, who attends Mid Rivers Elementary in St. Peters; • Nathan Kluczynski, 10, who attends Hawthorn Elementary in St. Peters; • Spencer Labhart, 10, who attends Progress South Elementary in O’Fallon; • Raegan McDermott, 11, who attends Progress South Elementary in O’Fallon; • Jaren Moeser, 11, who attends Prairie View Elementary in O’Fallon; • Thomas Ralston, 10, who attends Lewis and Clark Elementary in St. Peters;
Submitted photo Fourteen Cub Scouts from Pack 961 and three Cub Scouts from Pack 858 were awarded the Boy Scouts of America's Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award for superior achievement in areas of STEM, during a ceremony at the St. Louis Planetarium in November.
The Supernova classes were taught by middle and high school Scouts BSA members in Troop 858. This is Troop 858’s second summer teaching STEM Supernova classes. “It’s fun working with the little kids, and I like getting to decide how I’m going to teach them stuff and do it in a cool way and not boring like school does it,” says Sullivan Calder. Kirk Cravens taught a CPR class. He also enjoyed the leadership opportunity, commenting, “I liked that the cub scouts were pretty engaged and wanted to know more.” Troop 858 Scout STEM Teachers: • Jones Calder, 13, who attends Fort Zumwalt South Middle School in O’Fallon; • Macallister Calder, 13, who attends Fort Zumwalt South Middle School in O’Fallon; • Sullivan Calder, 15, who attends Fort Zumwalt South High School in O’Fallon; • Yash Chigarupati, 15, who attends Christian Brothers College High School in O’Fallon; • Kirk Cravens, 16, who attends Fort Zumwalt East High School in St. Peters; • Samuel Halloran, 13, who attends Fort Zumwalt South Middle School in O’Fallon; • Brian Moeser, 13, who attends Frontier Middle School in O’Fallon; • Caiah Stull, 15, who attends Fort Zumwalt High South School in O’Fallon; • Kaiden Stull, 13, who attends Fort Zumwalt Middle South School in O’Fallon; STEM-based education is becoming increasingly important in the jobs of the future. “I want to work in robotics and be a coder when I grow up. I love working in science,” says Harmony Catlin. The Cub Scouts also report being inspired to give back and teach what they’ve learned to the next age group. Raegan McDermott is finishing her last year as a cub scout before moving onto Scouts BSA. She says, “I definitely want to be a Supernova teacher next year. I want to teach the class about finding Ph levels in candy. I really like to combine science with everyday stuff.” Townes, who the Supernova Award is named after, shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1964 for his research leading to the development of the maser and then laser. Townes was the first to measure the mass of a black hole using lasers.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 29, 2021
Business
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CRG announces Chapter at the Streets apartments in Streets of St. Charles Commencement of construction began for a multifamily residential development on a 2.2-acre site at 333 Mulholland Drive in the Streets of St. Charles. CRG, the national real estate development and investment firm, in partnership with the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, advised by PNC Realty Investors, Inc., plans to build a five-story apartment building, dubbed Chapter at The Streets, that will include 245 units and ground-level parking. Completion is anticipated in the second quarter of 2023, with the first units turned over for occupancy in the same quarter. “We are excited to bring a new, modern living option to historic St. Charles with a residential offering designed to take advantage of the multitude of amenities this area offers,” said J.J. Smith, CRG’s managing partner and residential group leader. “Chapter at The Streets will deliver an experience that complements the excitement and livework-play energy of The Streets of St. Charles neighborhood.” Located on Mulholland Drive near Lombard Street and Main Street, Chapter at The Streets will offer one- and two-bedroom floor plans, with rents starting at $1,400 per month. Apartment features include modern open plans with wood-style flooring; eat-in kitchens with islands, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances; thoughtful work from home space; primary bedrooms with walk-in closets; in-unit laundry; and designer lighting,
including statement pendants and overhead recessed fixtures. Chapter at the Streets resident amenities include a swimming pool with hot tub; an outdoor recreational sun deck with fire pits, grilling stations, and seating areas with shade; a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment and on-demand training; a resident lounge designed with a chef-inspired demonstration kitchen; a coworking space and Zoom-rooms to accommodate remote work; and a pet-grooming station. The community will offer AT&T’s Instant-On service and wireless connectivity at speeds of up to 1GB with coverage to include all common areas, including the lobby and outdoor recreation areas. Residents will have access to ample parking, electric car charging stations, and bicycle storage on the ground level. Tucked within the 27-acre The Streets of St. Charles mixed-use destination, Chapter at The Streets is ideally positioned to enjoy many of the area’s notable attractions. Residents are within walking distance of more than one million square feet of retail, service and recreation establishments, including a state-of-the-art movie theater, offices, two hotels, specialty shops, experiential retail, renowned restaurants and year-round community events. The community is steps from the 240-mile Katy Trail, a path active with cyclists, runners and outdoor enthusiasts that is the country’s most extensive recreational rail trail and follows Lewis & Clark’s
BOS Banking Center now open in O’Fallon The newest BOS Banking Center is now open in O’Fallon. Located at 101 Laura K. Drive, the branch is a full-service financial center offering retail and business banking, financial planning, and insurance services. This location is the first in St. Charles County and second location in Missouri for Bank of Springfield (BOS) as they continue to expand outside their headquarters of Springfield, Illinois. BOS opened a Loan Production office in Brentwood in 2014. Followed by a move to Clayton in the summer of 2020 as BOS’s first Missouri full-service banking center now located at 7730 Carondelet Ave. Ste.200 in St. Louis. With the addition of O’Fallon, the bank now has 14 branch locations. Kris Weidenbenner, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, made the move from the Clayton branch to
BOS Banking Center in O’Fallon. “I’ve lived in the O’Fallon community for most of my professional career. I look forward to representing BOS and supporting our customers with our convenient new location. BOS is a community bank in every sense of the word- we’re excited to be here,” said Weidenbenner who joined BOS in the spring of 2018. “O’Fallon is perfect fit for BOS,” said Mike Pence, President of Bank of Springfield. “We have customers in the area and are excited to build new relationships in the community.” Bank of Springfield was founded in 1965 as a neighborhood bank on the southeast side of Springfield, Illinois. Visit www.bankwithbos.com to find all BOS locations as well as more information on the bank’s products and services.
Submitted photo CRG is set to begin construction next month on Chapter at the Streets, a 245-unit multifamily development located at 333 Mulholland Drive in the Streets of St. Charles mixed-use district.
route along the Missouri River. One mile to the northeast of the development is St. Charles’ historic downtown area, which offers a wide selection of restaurants and shops along the riverfront. CRG’s Chapter-branded multifamily product is a national collection of upscale apartments designed to provide spaces and experiences that live well and enhance residents’ daily lives. Chapter at The Streets is the third Chapter-branded project and is part of CRG’s national residential development strategy. “Part of CRG’s residential development strategy is to deliver new-construction apartment communities for middle- to upper-class professionals
in high-growth markets, and Chapter at The Streets perfectly aligns with this plan,” said Smith. “We believe in continued, long-term demand for the livework-play lifestyle near green, open space, yet still in proximity to urban job centers. Walkable suburban communities like Chapter at The Streets that combine residential with retail services, along with easy access to nature and recreation, will be immensely appealing to renters. You hear a lot about 15-minute cities - this is a five-minute city.” Chicago-based Humphreys & Partners Architects, L.P. designed the building, and Chesterfield-based Brinkmann Constructors will serve as general contractor.
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What’s Happening
December 29, 2021 • 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.
EVENTS Jan. 19: Grief support group
Griefshare offers help, encouragement and support after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. This is a 13week program that begins Jan. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grace Community Chapel at 7661 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. You may go to www.Griefshare. org or call Grace Chapel at 636 970-1311, for more information and to register. Must register by Jan. 16.
ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings
The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.
Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly
Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weighins 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: Anonymous
Alcoholics
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636-970-0013.
Mondays: 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 314-583-0538.
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 information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.
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: Choral Arts Singers practice
Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.
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 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
Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class
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
9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.
The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314287-0569 or jack-ross@att.net.
Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge
Tuesdays: Cribbage
St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-3970866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.
Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets
Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553.
Mondays: Mondays:
Measurement
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 momsto-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
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
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: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball
Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA
Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting
1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.
Tuesdays: Meeting
Toastmasters
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 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.
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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group
Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles
Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group
12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are
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.
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.
8-9:30 p.m., in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.
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 636279-5522 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: 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: 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 314-504-5202
Wednesdays: Food pantry
Food pantry open Wednesdays to the public from 9:30 to 11:30
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 29, 2021 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: 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 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: fishing club
Women’s
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: veterans coffee
Monthly
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 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.
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: Healing
Hope &
5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie on the first Wednesday of the month. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.
Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.
Wednesdays: Take Pounds Sensibly
Off
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: 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.
Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings
O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.
Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings
The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon. For more information, contact CyndySchwab at 636-544-0102.
Thursdays: Lions Club meetings
St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.
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.
Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting
7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www. ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org
Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall. Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.
2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings
7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.
3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.
What’s Happening
2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings
St. Charles County Lions Club meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton in St. Charles. New members welcome.
Fridays: Frühschoppen Stammtisch Verein (FSV)
The last Friday of every month the Frühschoppen Stammtisch Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at a designated location within St Charles County. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht spät Frühstück oder früh Mittagessen) und geniessen ein Gespräch auf Deutsch. At present we do not have a specific Stammlokal. The FSV Month meeting location can be found on Facebook at (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/472022532983525) alternately it can be requested from the FSV coordinator at (d.yarolimek@sbcglobal. net). Hoffenlich sehen wir uns irgendwann. Bis dann, bleib gesund.! Alles gute!
Every Friday: Moms Play Group 10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub.com.
Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry 3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.
Fridays: Bingo
The American Legion Post 312, located at 2500 Raymond Dr. in St. Charles hosts bingo, every Friday night. This is a non-smoking hall with games starting at 6:15 p.m. and includes two progressive bingo
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
games per night. See more at www.alpost312mo.org
Every Saturday: Chess
9-12 at Middendor-Kredell Library on Hwy K.
Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE
9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750.
Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest
11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo.com.
Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo
Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club located at 500 West Main in Wentzville. For more information visit www.wentzvillecommunityclub.com or www.facebook.com/wentzville-community-club
1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances Pre ropund dance fom 7 - 7:30 p.m., dancing from 7:30 - 10 p.m. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancemissouri. com/Missouri/St.Louis
3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day.
8am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Volunteer labor needed to provide the needy in our community with adequate living accommodations. Continental breakfast, safety instructions, and job assignments provided before work begins.
CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society
Meets third Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm at the McClay Library in St. Charles. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety. org;
3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting
7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.
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Sports
December 29, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Sports you see with Gary B . . . UMSL volleyball standout excels in classroom and the court The University of Missouri-St. Louis woman’s volleyball player has picked up a lot of attention lately. Senior Charlotte Richards knows a thing or two about sustaining success on the volleyball court is a vast understatement. Her authoritative play helped guide the Tritons to a 25-9 record this season and securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament win recently. Now, the Iowa native has been named to another prestigious club as she has been named a First-Team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA). This season, Richards played in all 34 matches/123 sets, compiled 569 kills (4.36 per set) and had 10 assists. Some of her fall 2021 accolades include: GLVC Player of the Year (back-toback), All-GLVC First Team, All-Region First Team, 2021 Crossover All-Tournament First Team, USI All-Tournament First Team, and GLVC Offensive Player of the Week. UMSL’s Richards now has added to her volleyball honors. She has been named to the All-America Second Team by the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association, it was announced recently. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native will return to the court next fall. A total of 21 student-athletes from 13 universities are represented on three All-American teams. This marks the 15th year teams have been selected since the All-America program began. Along with Richards, players from other schools join her on the second team include: West Virginia State University, Washburn University, Winona State University, Hillsdale College, Lewis University and University of West Florida. The volleyball phenom has also made a name for herself throughout the UMSL business program, and the latest is just another example of how versatile the Tritons student-athlete has displayed her talents. Richards recently was named one of two recipients of the 2021 Supply Chain & Analytics Outstanding Student Award. *Very well-deserved honors
Lindenwood football standout is nominated for a special award Drew Seers of Lindenwood University has been named a 2021 Cliff Harris Award Nominee. He was nominated for the Cliff Harris Award after an outstanding senior campaign. The 2021 nominees were recognized recently for the eighth year of the award and out of the past seven winners, Lindenwood was represented twice as Pierre Desir (2013) and Connor Harris (2016) claimed the award after the conclusion of their respective careers. He was also named first-team AP All-American, his second time earning All-American status after he was honored by the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) in early December. After being named GLVC Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, Seers was named first-team all-region for the second time in his career. In 2019, Seers was named first-team All-American across three different media outlets. The Parkway West product was a unanimous first-team all-GLVC selection in 2021, as he repeated his accolades from his junior season. Heading into the final week of his career, Seers was the active career leader in all of NCAA football in total tackles. Seers ended his career with 468 tackles, and an average of 10.88 stops per contest. The St. Louis native ranked inside the top-10 in NCAA Division II with 10.9 tackles per game in 2021 and his five interceptions during the season stood in the top-20 in the nation, as he closed his career with eight picks. *Lookout National Football League
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 29, 2021
Recipe: A cheesy winter warm-up
Feature
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– SUDOKU –
Cheesy Spinach Ravioli
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.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: about 1 hour | Yield: 17-20 ravioli Dough: 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 pinch salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 4 whole eggs 2 egg yolks water
Filling: 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups chopped spinach, fresh or frozen 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
Toppings: 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce shredded mozzarella cheese 2 chopped basil leaves 2 chopped sprigs rosemary grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions: To make dough: Place 2 1/2 cups flour in bowl and make hole in center. Add salt, garlic powder, olive oil, eggs and egg yolks to hole. Slowly bring flour into middle and knead into ball. Cover with bowl and let rest 20 minutes.
squares then spoon 1 teaspoon spinach-ricotta filling in center of every other square. Top with remaining squares. Use fork to crimp edges. Repeat with remaining dough. Form scraps into ball and repeat.
To make filling: In pan over medium heat, add olive oil; add spinach, salt and pepper then saute until spinach is wilted. Let cool then mix in ricotta cheese; set aside.
Put ravioli in boiling water, 8-10 minutes; they will rise to top when done.
Cut dough in half. Sprinkle remaining flour on large cutting board and roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into rectangle then cut into 2-3inch squares. Set scraps aside. Brush water on
Place ravioli on plate and top with warm sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil and rosemary. Grate Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
In saucepan over medium heat, heat sauce until simmering.
Visit Ragu.com to find more winter recipe inspiration.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ takes the MCU in a new direction
S
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.
pider-Man is one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Actors ranging from “Sound of Music” star Nicholas Hammond to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield have played Peter Parker, a brilliant science student who gained superpowers from a radioactive spider bite. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” proved, however, that no one handled the dual roles of Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego quite as well as Tom Holland. “No Way Home” picked up right where “Far from Home” left off. Peter and Mary Jane (Zendaya) returned from an overseas school trip and discovered that publisher/video blogger J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) played damaging footage left behind by Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). With his secret identity exposed, Peter tried to maintain a normal life with Mary Jane, but the stress was too much for him. He then asked Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Dr. Strange’s incantations don’t just summon villains from the multiverse, however. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield reprised their roles from earlier “Spider-Man” movies. Both actors were older than when they first put on spandex suits years ago; however, and they commented on how things have changed. They helped battle the “Spiderman: No Way Home” photo courtesy Columbias Pictures villains and officially passed the Spider-Man torch to Tom Holland. to make people forget that he was Molina), Norman Osborn/Green “Spider-Man: No Way Home” a superhero. Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and Ja“Spider-Man: No Way Home” mie Foxx’s Electro to enter their had enough action, surprise appearances and heartbreaking was easily the best installment in world. the franchise. Holland’s interpreOver three movies, Zendaya tragedy to keep MCU fans comtation of Peter Parker has been redefined the role of Mary Jane. ing back. After the events in the spot on since 2017’s “Homecom- In the MCU, she’s no shrinking film, the closing scenes showed ing” and he got better with each violet and handled herself well in how Peter’s life changed and what film. Despite his superpowers a fight. The relationship between direction he was heading. Holand scientific genius, he was still Peter and Mary Jane became land reportedly had been signed a young adult with a lot to learn. stronger with every movie and it for three more movies so we Peter understood science but; un- was clear that she loved Peter be- should have more web-slinging fortunately, he was not a wizard cause he’s a great guy. Jacob Bat- action and adventure coming to and interfered with Dr. Strange’s alon’s Ned Leeds also had Peter’s theaters. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” spell. That fractured magic al- back even when things got rough. lowed villains such as Otto Oc- He even got a chance to wield rated PG-13, currently is playing tavius/Doctor Octopus (Alfred some mystical power in this film. in theaters.
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December 29, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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December 29, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
CROSSWORD: MOVIE QUOTES
‘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 The new year is fast approaching and you know what that means, time to make ridiculous promises you never intend to keep – in other words, act like a politician. This makes it totally easy without the feelings of guilt. And as a bonus if you have no feelings, you’re a shoe in for a term in Congress. The most popular New Year’s resolution is to exercise more and lose weight. I’ll begin there with my big fat liar intention. I blame my increase in girth and hideous wagglebags under my arms due to the fact that every holiday in the last three months has demanded food exponentially, starting with Halloween. It is estimated that parents pick out and eat one-third of their kids’ candy from their treat bags. Parent: “What are these peanut butter cups doing in here? Don’t you know they are the main cause of lockjaw; and these chocolate bars are the reason you can’t focus on math. Out they go. Here, take these sour gummy worms and chew on this candy corn. Now, what’s next? Ugh, what food terrorist gave out bags of pretzels? Okay, even I can’t be that mean. I’ll trade them for this smashed gumball. Now go feed them to the dog.” Only half the amount of kids came to our door this year than last, which resulted in a leftover bowl of candy. I did my duty and ate
it over the course of the next few days. Waste not want not, or in my case…want no waist. Next comes the mass stomach stuffing of Thanksgiving along with a week of fatty leftovers followed by the major eating month of the year: December. All those parties and neighbor gifts and family dinners and goodies left on the doorstep and candy canes and sugar plums and pies and fruitcakes and…err…wait! What?!? “Come here Sparky, more treats.” Another food terrorist plot foiled. So yes, I along with hundreds of thousands of others will make big pledges and break them shortly after. Also, I will be running for office. After all, I do have the main qualification. That’s a promise you can count on. Or not.
Cross my fingers and hope to lie
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. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O’____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone 17. Popeye’s sweetie 18. *”Sudden Impact”: “Go ahead, ____ ____ ____” 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g. 23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *”Star Wars”: “Stay in ____ formation” 34. Mr. Jinx’s (of “Meet the Parents”) cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *”Independence Day”: “I belong in the ____” 43. *”The Dark Knight”: “Why so ____?” 45. Common allergen 47. Cup alternative
____” 19. Supernatural life force, pl. 22. Query 23. *”Who Framed Roger Rabbit”: “That’s all, ____!” 24. Côtes du ____, wine region 25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related 28. *”Princess Bride”: “You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____” 29. Bound by oath 32. “Lights out” tune 33. Nile reptile DOWN 36. *”Finding Nemo”: “Just 1. Precedes storm? keep ____” 2. Soprano’s song, e.g. 38. Danish money 3. *”Mean Girls”: “On 40. Two before Oct Wednesdays, we wear 41. Lack of enthusiasm ____” 4. Makes smooth, as in hair 44. 1/16th of a pound 46. Not two years but 5. Dutch cheese 6. *”Darkest Hour”: “I have three, e.g. nothing to offer but blood, 48. Coped (2 words) 49. Freshwater eel, in Japan toil, tears and ____” 7. ____ Walker, American 50. Comics character Little ____ Girl doll 51. Fe 8. *”Field of Dreams”: “If you build it, he ____ 52. Caribbean island _____” country 9. Related 53. Carpenter’s joint 10. Deity, in Sanskrit 54. Like a fairytale 11. “... ____ he drove out stepmother? of sight” 55. Network of nerves 13. Fungus damage (2 56. Acronym, abbr. words) 14. Meryl Streep’s “The SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9 48. Bird-made fertilizer 50. Sketch 52. *”On the Waterfront”: “I coulda been a ____” 56. El Dorado-related 57. Tabernacle Choir’s home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play