CNSTC: Aug. 29. 2012

August 29, 2012

Vol 14

July 13, 2011

No 35

Vol 13 No 28

O’Fallon and St. Charles, Mo. Make Money Magazine’s List of America’s 100 Best Places to Live

Prestigious Honor

IN this Issue

For the fourth consecutive time, the city of O’Fallon, Mo. has been named one of the country’s “Best Places to Live,” according to Money magazine’s list of America’s 100 best cities. O’Fallon ranked 39th on the 2012 list of cities with a population of 50,000-300,000. The city of St. Charles was ranked number 71. Additionally, Money identified St. Charles as the 11th most affordable city in the nation and tops in Missouri.

“We are so proud to be recognized once again for being a great community for residents and businesses,” said Mayor Sally Faith. “This clearly demonstrates our plan for growth, affordability and investment is working.”

In citing the community for its numerous assets, Money stated, “History buffs may know St. Charles as the start and end point of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Wine aficionados know it as home to several award-winning wineries, like Little Hills Winery and Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards. But to most locals it’s simply a nice place to raise kids, with great schools, very little crime, and reasonably priced homes. Extra bonus: St. Charles County residents pay some of the lowest taxes in the country, according to the Tax Foundation.”

“The magazine’s noted accolades say it all,” Faith said. “St. Charles is a great place to visit, work, raise a family, get an education and pay fewer taxes…who could want more than that?”

O’Fallon’s ranking continues the stream of national accolades that have been bestowed on the city. In addition to Money’s previous rankings in 2006, 2008 and 2010, O’Fallon was named to RelocateAmerica.com’s listings of America’s Best Cities in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, and O’Fallon currently is ranked as the “Second-Safest City in America” by CQ Press.

“We are truly humbled to again be on this prestigious list,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “O’Fallon is a wonderful commu-

O’Fallon’s Fort Zumwalt Park

Photo courtesy of the City of O’Fallon

nity in which to live, work and play. This honor is a testament to our residents, our businesses, civic organizations, schools, churches, community volunteers and our elected officials and tremendous city staff.

“Our leaders are called on to make O’Fallon the ‘best city in the State of Missouri.’ With this ranking, we have once again achieved that goal, and we have set a standard of excellence that we intend to maintain for future generations.”

O’Fallon is the highest-ranked city in the state of Missouri and one of only three Missouri cities to be ranked by Money. St. Charles ranked at number 71 and Florissant ranked at 76.

According to Money: “Job seekers with families would do well to consider O’Fallon, a super-safe St. Louis suburb that has one of the highest projected rates of increases in employment in the state, top schools, and affordable homes that average just $170,000 for a three-bedroom. While the city is crisscrossed by a mass of highways, the roads help O’Fallon residents get where they need to go, from fine restaurants 40 or so minutes away in St. Louis to the River

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Lincoln County Life . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

City Rascals baseball stadium and acres of parks closer to home.”

In assessing communities, Money magazine compared national statistics on a variety of topics, such as finances (income, taxes, insurance rates, etc.), hous-

ing prices, job growth, transportation, public safety, education, leisure and cultural activities, weather, health and demographics for 2012.

See HONOR page 3

MOVIE PEEK

School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Movie / Historic Streets . . . . . . . . . 9 Joe Morice / Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 10

See MOVIE page 9

“Premium Rush” - Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Shelly Schneider / Recipe . . . . . . . . . 11 What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Pet Adoptions / Classifieds . . . . .14-15

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366 P: 636.379.1775 F: 636.379.1632 E: cnews@centurytel.net

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Around Town

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Peters Free Movies in the Park Continue with The Adventures of Tintin It’s not too late to come out and enjoy a night of free entertainment. St. Peters free Movies in the Park series still has two movies left on the schedule.

The whole family will enjoy The Adventures of Tintin, on Friday, Sept. 7 at Shady Springs Park. The movie will begin at approximately 7:45 p.m. or at dusk. Run-time is 107 minutes.

St. Peters free Movies in the Park provide the perfect opportunity for families to come together. Bring snacks and a lawn chair or blanket and get ready to sit back and relax under the stars. A concession stand will be available for your convenience.

Shady Springs Park is located at 3888 Shady Springs Lane.

The free Movies in the Park series will come to an end with The Wizard of Oz at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30, inside the Cultural Arts Centre.

More information about St. Peters free Movies in the Park can be found online at www.stpetersmo.net. Choose Events – Movies in the Park from the “Things to Do” pull-down tab.

Note: In case of inclement weather, the movie will be moved indoors to the Performing Arts Theatre at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre.

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What You Should Know About Your Credit Score Your credit score is a snapshot of your history of paying debts. Financial institutions use it to determine the risk of loaning you money.

Credit scores can affect everything from your mortgage, car loans and credit card rates to your chances of getting a new job or insurance.

The higher your score, ranging from 300 to 850 points, the better your chances for getting a lowinterest loan. In short, a good credit score can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Here are some important things to know about credit scores.

• Paying bills late even once can affect your score. Generally, any payment made over 30 days past due will have a dramatic effect on your score, lowering it by up to 100 points.

• Having a sizeable amount of various types of credit available to you can improve your score.

This is why you should never close credit cards.

• The following factors comprise your score: - 35% - Payment history (payments made on time and those 30 days or more past due) - 30% - Capacity (amount of unused credit limits available) - 15% - Length of your credit history (time since your accounts opened) -o 10% - Debt accumulation over the last 12 to 18 months - 10% - Mix of credit (credit cards, mortgage, etc.)

• The following factors do not affect your score: - Age - Race - Gender - Job or length of employment at your job - Income - Education - Marital status - Whether you’ve been turned down for credit

- Length of time at your current address - Whether you own a home or rent • You can add an explanation or “consumer statement” to your file. If something happened that caused you to temporarily fall behind on your bills, contact the credit bureaus listed below to request the explanation be added to your file.

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit bureaus to provide a free report at your request every 12 months. It is important to monitor your report for mistakes and to see how your score is improving. Contact one of these agencies for your annual report: - Equifax – 800.685.1111, www.equifax.com - Experian – 888.397.3742, www.experian. com - TransUnion – 800.916.8800, www.transunion.com - Or, you can get all three for free at www.annualcreditreport.com • Immediately report mistakes on your credit report and make sure they are corrected. You have the right to dispute the accuracy of information in your file. If something cannot be verified, it must be deleted.

• Negative information stays on your credit report for seven to 10 years from the time it is reported. So keep in mind that what you do today can have an impact up to 10 years from now.

• Only you have the ability to improve your score although it takes time and dedication. A good credit score results from consistently paying your bills on time, lowering the amount of debt you owe and paying any past debts.

This information is compiled courtesy of West Community Credit Union in Brentwood, Kirkwood and O’Fallon. For additional information, please contact us at 636.720-2400 or 800.500.6860.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

HONOR from Cover

Around Town

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WANTED: Volunteers of All Ages

The city of Dardenne Prairie is hosting an infor- clerical work and helping out in the city’s beautiful O’Fallon stood out in several ways: • O’Fallon’s job growth rate of 55.63 percent from 2000-2011 mal gathering at 7 p.m. on August 30 at City Hall to new park. explain many volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering not only helps your community, it was higher than nine of the “Top 10” communities on the list.

The city is looking for volunteers to help with its offers a chance to meet new people, gain practical, • O’Fallon families have a higher purchasing power than the annual Prairie Day celebration which will be held useful work experience, learn new skills, share your average of the 100 “best places” listed by Money.

• The average home price in O’Fallon is more than 30 percent on September 15. Volunteers are also needed for talents, add to your resume, and have a lot of fun! lower than the average of the “best places” list.

• O’Fallon’s air quality index of 79.3 percent is better than the Sign up for O’Fallon’s Free Disaster Preparedness Training Top 100 average Anyone who lives or works in O’Fallon is their own families, save lives in their own neigh• O’Fallon is served by three quality public school districts, and test scores for O’Fallon students in both math and reading are invited to learn basic disaster response skills borhood, and stretch emergency resources until through attending the O’Fallon Police Depart- professional help arrives.” more than twice as high as the Top 100 average.

When the course is over, attendees will have • The city is within 30 miles of 17 colleges, universities and pro- ment’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The 20-hour course is taught been trained in: fessional schools.

• Basic medical treatment for injuries • O’Fallon residents are 50 percent less likely to suffer a person- at no charge by the O’Fallon Police Department, • Preparing for emergencies at home and in the al crime compared to the average for the “Top 100 Best Places.” and includes training by emergency professionO’Fallon’s rates of one personal crime per 1,000 residents and 16 als. Those completing the course will be eligible community • Extinguishing small fires property crimes per 1,000 residents were significantly lower than to participate in monthly follow-up drills and training, such as radio communications, to keep • Conducting light search and rescue the average of the other 100 best cities.

• Relieving survivor stress skills fresh.

Dates and times are: In addition to high marks for its low crime rate, O’Fallon also • Communicating needs effectively to public • 6-10 p.m. Friday, September 21 stood out for the number of businesses who have either headsafety organizations during a disaster • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, September 22 quartered or made a significant investment in O’Fallon, the city’s • 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, September 23 • Working as a team to help victims and surextensive park system, and the overall sense of community that “This training is exciting and it’s geared to vivors extends throughout the city.

For more information or to register for the “A great city is a partnership of business, government, educa- neighborhood organizations, parents, businesses tional, civic and residential investment,” said O’Fallon’s City Ad- and church groups as well as individuals,” said training, visit the city’s website at www.ofalministrator, Keith Riesberg. “What makes this city so special is Police Officer Andy Stowers, director of O’Fallon lon.mo.us and select “Police” on the homepour continued commitment to study our city and say ‘How can CERT. “The training can help during any emer- age, or go directly to www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/ we make it even better?’ Our city staff, elected officials and civic gency situation. And, and in the event of a disas- CERT. For questions, contact Officer Stowers at and business leaders understand that we’ve been entrusted with ter, CERT graduates will have the ability to help 636.379.3816, or astowers@ofallon.mo.us. a jewel here in O’Fallon. We’re dedicated to keeping it that way.”

The health and safety of the city’s residents also played a significant role in the ranking.

“The health and safety of our residents and businesses remain our top priorities,” said O’Fallon Police Chief Roy Joachimstaler. www.mercy.net “The O’Fallon Police Department, O’Fallon, Wentzville and Central County Fire Protection Districts and St. Charles County Ambulance District all employ outstanding teams with individuals who have won awards for their training and professional expertise. We’re also fortunate to have tremendous health care facilities with dedicated professionals committed to the health and welfare of our residents.”

Money Magazine used statistics from data provider OnBoard Informatics to determine this year’s rankings.

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Around Town

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Peters Announces Dates for Celebrate St. Peters Be sure to save the dates and come out to Celebrate St. Peters 2012 for plenty of music, rides, games, food and fun at the lake on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15.

KSHE presents country rock legends Poco and Pure Prairie League on the Main Stage Saturday night. Poco will take the stage around 7:30 p.m. After an intermission for a fireworks display, Pure Prairie League will go on around 9:30 p.m.

St. Louis’ favorite party band, The Smash Band, brings the party from 7-11 p.m. on the Main Stage Friday night.

Saturday morning will begin with a family bike ride around the lake. Saturday afternoon, Bass Pro Shops will offer free kids fishing at the lake and The Home Depot will host a Kids’ Workshop at Celebrate St. Peters.

We’ll also have a variety of entertainment on Saturday afternoon on the Celebrate Stage in the vendor area including Superjam arena-rock tribute, Dan Turnbaugh acoustic music, Chris Block German polka, Robyn Lee country, Samba Bom Trio Brazilian music, and the Tom Christopher Band’s tribute to Elvis Presley. On the Community News Family Stage in the kids’ area, we’ll have the Patt Holt Singers and the Joy Nack Live Your Dreams puppet show.

All events will take place along the lake at 370 Lakeside Park. To get to 370 Lakeside Park, take Exit 2 at Truman/Lakeside Drive.

Turn north and follow road into the park.

For more information about all the activities at Celebrate St. Peters, go to www.stpetersmo.net. Click on the Celebrate St. Peters logo on the right side of the home page.

The Dream Walk Community News Photographer Ray Rockwell recently caught up with Campaign for an American Dream walkers in Lake Saint Louis, Mo. According to CAD’s website, “Our mission is to walk across the nation from San Francisco to D.C. creating dialogue around the passage of the DREAM Act and immigration reform with the values of equality, unity, and diversity. We believe all people are equal, all those who are oppressed should be united, and our daily lives and the Campaign itself highlight diversity.” For more information, visit www.thedreamwalk.org.

O’Fallon’s New Fire Truck The O’Fallon Fire Protection District has taken delivery of a 2012 Pierce Quantum pumper rescue. Firefighters and officers of the O’Fallon Fire Protection District spent many hours working on specifications with representatives of the Pierce Manufacturing Company to design this custom pumper. The Pierce Fire Apparatus Company is headquartered in Appleton, Wis. The Pierce Quantum Pumper/Rescue is equipped with a 450 horsepower Detroit Diesel and an Allison automatic transmission, and a 1,500 Gallon per Minute (GPM) Pierce “PUC” fire pump. The apparatus will be equipped with a full complement of firefighting equipment and state of the art electrically powered hydraulic rescue tools, capable of forcing open today’s modern vehicles.

This new pumper will be placed into service at Station 3, located at 600 Laura Hill Road just east of Highway K. The apparatus currently at Station 3 will be moved to Station 5 where it will replace an aging 1992 Pierce “Dash” pumper.

This $600,000 pumper represents the first equipment purchase outlined in the $10.9 million, bond issue of 2010, that was approved by local voters in the April 2011 Election. The O’Fallon Fire Protection District has a new 3,000 gallon water tanker fire apparatus on the drawing board along with fire station improvements and buildings. The new tanker is expected to improve water supply issues in areas that have no municipal water.

Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recration Events

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www.stpetersmo.net

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Lake Saint Louis Art Classes The Lake Saint Louis Parks & Recreation department is proud to offer four separate classes instructed by award winning artist Marie Donato - www.mariedonato.com.

Choose from Pastel Painting, Drawing, Watercolor or Open Studio. The next set of lessons will begin the week of September 10. Classes will meet at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center for two hours each week for six total weeks. Cost per session is $82 and supplies are purchased separately (a supply list for each class available).

For more information or to register, call 636.561.4620 or visit www.lakesaintlouis.com; look under the parks and recreation section.

Movies in the Park Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to Boulevard Park Amphitheater to enjoy this summer’s final free movie under the stars. Happy Feet 2 (rated PG) will be shown at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7 (rescheduled from July 13).

City Wide Garage Sale Save the date! The third annual City Wide Garage Sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22.

For more information, view the parks and recreation section at www.lakesaintlouis.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

All Paws Rescue Receives Thundershirt Grant Thanks to the Thundershirt Company, All Paws Rescue of St. Charles, has received a grant of Thundershirts – innovative jackets that use gentle pressure to calm dogs and ease their anxiety. The company has partnered with the Petfinder.com Foundation to donate Thundershirts to adoption organizations across the country.

All recipients are members of Petfinder.com, the largest online database of homeless pets.

The goal of the grant program is to reduce the stress and anxiety in shelter dogs, in turn making them more adoptable and better able to find their forever homes. In 80 percent of dogs who wear Thundershirts, they are relieved from fear of thunder, separation and travel anxiety, hyperactivity, leash pulling and more.

“Since Thundershirt was founded in 2009, we’ve been committed to supporting animal

shelters and rescue groups nationwide,” said Phil Blizzard, founder of Thundershirt Company.

“The Petfinder.com Foundation does incredible work and we are proud of this partnership as we continue our mission of bringing relief to the millions of dogs affected by anxiety and fear issues.”

The Petfinder.com Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity, helps homeless pets by saving lives through adoptions, helping shelters prepare for and recover from disaster and working to make sure animal welfare organizations across the country are more sustainable. Its mission is to ensure no adoptable pet is euthanized for lack of a home. Since 2003 the foundation has provided over $20 million in grants to animal welfare organizations and Petfinder.com member shelters and rescue groups.

O’Fallon’s 2012 Labor Day Schedule In observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 3, the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, will be closed for the day. In addition: • Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center will be open for the holiday weekend, September 1 – 3, with regular pool hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, noon – 7 p.m. on Sunday, and noon – 6 p.m. on Monday. The outdoor aquatic complex is located in Civic Park at 403 Civic Park Drive (63366).

Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ParksandRec for more information, or call 636.272.1626.

• The Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) will be closed on Labor Day, and remain closed Tuesday, September 4, through Sunday, September 9, for annual building maintenance. The indoor recreation complex is located at 2650 Tri Sport Circle (63368).

• Also on Labor Day, the public is invited to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the annual “Labor Day Concert” performed

in Civic Park by the O’Fallon Community Concert Band and the O’Fallon Jazz Band. The free concert will begin at 1:30 p.m. on September 3.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating around the Civic Park Bandstand. www.ofallon.mo.us/ ParksandRec/bands A reminder to O’Fallon residents, O’Fallon’s trash, recycling and yard waste collection will move to next-day service due to the holiday, with Monday’s service moving to Tuesday, September 4, and so on through the week. For more information about refuse collection, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES or call 636.272.0477.

Around Town

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STD Clinic Establishes New Pricing Policy

The St. Charles County Division of Public Health’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Treatment Clinic announced today the unveiling of a new pricing policy for customers. Effective September 1, 2012, visits to the clinic will be $10, as opposed to the sliding fee scale previously used. Most all testing and counseling services are included in this new fee structure, except for a herpes culture test that carries an additional $40 charge.

Located at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles, the clinic provides confidential testing, treatment, and educational counseling. Appointments are required for all services and are scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, or 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment, please call 636.949.7401.

Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by infections passing from one person to another through sexual contact. They are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States, with chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis as the most common STDs. Although education and prevention activities have done a tremendous job in raising the awareness to the dangers of risky behaviors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new infections occur each year in the United States. For more information on the impact that sexually transmitted diseases can have on your life and on the lives of others, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/std/ default.htm.

The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is committed to the protection and enhancement of health and the quality of life for all members of our community. For information on programs offered and to discover ways the Department assists the community, please visit www. scchealth.org or call 636.949.7400.

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Around Town

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Kiwanis Club Aims to Help The Covering House Recently, Saint Fults of The Covering House visited the Kiwanis Club of West St. Charles County and educated the group on the problem of human trafficking and local efforts that are being undertaken to help the girls who have been victimized by these crimes.

Sex trafficking occurs when an individual is forced or coerced into the commercial sex trade against their will. Child sex trafficking, also known as Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, includes any child who is engaged in commercial sex. Traffickers often use methods such as threats, coercion, abduction, fraud, deceit, and deception to lure victims into the sex industry and to keep them under their control. Sex trafKiwanian Kathleen Saunders with Saint Fults of The Covering House. ficking in the U.S. is largely operating within the bounds of the general sex industry and as such, has been able to silently infiltrate our society disguised within a variety of venues such as online escort services, pornography, street prostitution, strip clubs, massage parlors, truck stops, & residential brothels.

The Covering House seeks to provide refuge and restoration for girls under the age of 18 who have experienced sexual exploitation or sexual trafficking.

To join the fundraising efforts to help The Covering House build a home in St. Louis, please visit The Kiwanis Club of West St. Charles County at its website, www.wscckiwanis.org. For more information on The Covering House, please visit www.thecoveringhouse.org.

“DREAM LOVER- A Salute to the Music of Bobby Darin” at The Foundry Art Center The Foundry Art Centre is proud to announce the return of an audience favorite – “DREAM LOVER- A Salute to the Music of Bobby Darin” Featuring Robert Shaw & The Stardusters Jazz Orchestra. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31.

This brand new concert production stars national touring artist Robert Shaw (from the original Chicago cast of Broadway’s smashhit musical “Million Dollar Quartet”) with a swingin’ six-piece band that captures Bobby Darin’s unique spirit and musical versatility.

The show features signature chart-toppers from Darin’s career, including early hits “Splish Splash” and “Dream Lover,” to the bigband stylings of “Beyond The Sea” and “Mack The Knife” and into the years headlining New York’s famed Copacabana and the showrooms of Las Vegas.

Tickets are on sale now at the Foundry Art Centre for $20 per person. Members of the Foundry Art Center can buy tickets for $15 each. Tickets are on sale at the Foundry or by phone using Visa, Mastercard or Discover at 636.255.0270. Seating is assigned in the order the tickets are sold, and seats are limited.

Friends of LCMC Annual Trivia Night Friends of Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) will host its Annual Trivia Night on October 5, 2012, at Sacred Heart Cafeteria in Troy, Mo. The cost of the event is $100 per team of eight players. Cash prizes will be given to the top three tables. This year’s theme is Cosmo Night. Bring your own snacks and we’ll provide the rest, including cosmos, spirits and soda, for a fun-filled evening. Tables are going quick; please call 636.528.3389 to reserve your table today.

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Stroll Through the Park 2 Mile Breast Cancer Walk Join us on Saturday, October 6, 2012, for a “Stroll through the Park”. The event will raise awareness and essential funds for the St. Louis-based organization Gateway to Hope. The two mile walk/run through scenic Cuivre River State Park will begin at 9 a.m. sharp at the Stone Shelter. Pre-registration by September 21 is $15, which includes a T-shirt. Those interested in participating can download the registration form online at www.lcmctroy.com/breastcancerwalk or call 636.528.3300.

Positively Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Lincoln County Medical Center will host the 5th Annual Positively Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner. Special guest speakers include: Dr. Beth Rasmussen and

Breast Cancer Survivor Beverly Swan. The program is to be held at 6 p.m. at Woods Fort Country Club beginning. Tickets for the event are $20 which includes dinner, dessert, and a gift. For more information, please call 636.528.3300.

PALS Fundraisers

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PALS, a local animal rescue shelter, is holding a Schwan’s Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 8 at Ponderosa in Troy. A percentage of the sales will be donated to PALS. All proceeds from this event will be used for animal care.

PALS will host a fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Denny’s in Troy. Have a great meal and help the animals of Lincoln County at the same time. A portion of the sales will be donated to PALS. Mark your calendars! PALS will host its annual Trivia Night on Friday, October 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Old Monroe. Put together your team of eight players and join us for a fun evening. The proceeds from this event will help us to continue to provide quality care for the stray and abandoned animals in our area. For more information about PALS, please visit www.pals-pets.com or call 636.338.1818.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Trivia Night The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Trivia Night on Friday, November 2, 2012 in the O’Fallon City Hall gymnasium, located at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon, Mo. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m.

The theme is “Trivia Night of the Living Dead” and the event promises to be an evening full of brain power and brain eating. The evening will consist of fun questions from a variety of categories, not just zombie trivia.

The cost, $160 for a table of eight people, includes: 10 rounds of trivia, door prizes, a mulligan, beer and soda. You may also bring in your favorite snacks and drinks. The evening will be packed with cash prizes, 50/50, special games and drawings, a prize for the best decorated table and best costume plus a silent auction.

The 3rd Annual O’Fallon Chamber Trivia Night is proudly sponsored by: city of O’Fallon, Ameren Missouri, Delmar Gardens, and SSM St. Joseph Health Center.

For more information or to register your table visit www.ofallonchamber.org/trivia or call 636.240.1818 to reserve your spot.

Taste of Wentzville Autumn Festival Mark your calendar for the Annual Taste of fast, so please make your reservations today.

Wentzville Autumn Festival on Thursday, Septem- For more information please contact the Westber 13, 2012. This year’s event will be held from ern St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce 4 – 8 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club at 636.327.6914 or www.westernstcharlescounGrounds “Home of the Wentzville Flea Market,” tychamber.com. This event is a partnership be500 West Main Street in Wentzville. Taste of Wen- tween the Western St. Charles County Chamber tzville Autumn Festival features live music and a of Commerce, Wentzville Rotary Club, the Wentzspecial kids’ area with a bounce house and special ville Community Club and the city of Wentzville. activities.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased at the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, 210 South Linn Ave., or online at www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

There are three tickets levels: $30 for VIP cickets which includes: special tent seating, an open bar and doors open at 4 p.m.; $15 for Adult Tickets which includes: two drink tickets for beer, wine or soda and doors open at 5 p.m.; $6 for a Child’s Tickets ages 6 to 11 which includes: two drink tickets for soda, doors open at 5 p.m. and the special kids’ area.

All tickets will include amazing food from local restaurants.

More than 18 restaurants are scheduled to participate. www.ofallon.mo.us Tickets for this event sell out

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Business

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Rick’s Roadside Market Celebrates with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Rick’s Roadside Market celebrated their new business in Cottleville, Mo. with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Pictured are owners Rick and Marsha Rodriguez, joined by staff, friends and community members. Also in attendance for the celebration were representatives of the Cottleville-Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Licklider.

Rick’s Roadside Market is a unique farmer’s market experience.

It’s indoors and all-season, featuring local vendors offering gourmet jams, jellies, chutneys, honeys, fresh eggs, hormone free meats, international spice bar, prime produce, baked goods and a large variety of hand made unique items.

Rick’s Roadside Market is located at 5382 Gutermuth Road in Cottleville. Call 636.734.7420 or visit www.ricksroadsidemarket.com.

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School

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Scholarship Winners

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Fort Zumwalt North High School will hold its Fort Zumwalt / Fort Zumwalt North High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in conjunction with the forthcoming Homecoming weekend, October 12 and 13, 2012. Inductees receiving this honor were carefully selected after an exhaustive process. The purpose of the Fort Zumwalt/Fort Zumwalt North High Hall of Fame is to acknowledge and honor graduates who have demonstrated exceptional personal, community, or professional achievements, thereby honoring their alma mater.

The hope is that these nominees, and those to follow, will serve as an inspiration for Fort Zumwalt North students in the years and generations to come.

This year’s honorees are: Marin Blevins (Class of 1964), Steve Talbott (Class of 1971), Colonel

The St. Charles Kiwanis Club presented scholarships to seven area students. Pictured are: Tiffany Ramirez, Alexis Schlueter, Brooke Prigge, Emily Brown, and Paul Rothermich. Not pictured: Nick Koval and Abbey Lauer.

Wentzville Teacher Selected as a Finalist for Presidential Teaching Award

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Roderick Cox (Class of 1977), and Dr. Jeff Marion (Class of 1985).

Individual plaques of the inductees will be permanently displayed in the “Hall of Fame,” located in the hallway outside of the main office. The plaques will serve as constant, visual, positive examples for all students as they strive to master the rigors of academia, social/emotional growth and character development.

The induction ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 12, in the North High Auditorium and will be open to the public. For tickets, contact Pam Sommer at 636.272.4447 ext. 17009. The inductees will participate in the annual Homecoming Parade, to be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 13. They will also be recognized prior to the Homecoming football game at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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Laura Parn, a teacher at Peine Ridge Elementary in the Wentzville School District, has been selected as a finalist for the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

“I am excited and deeply humbled to be selected,” said Parn, one of only six educators in Missouri to be chosen as a state finalist. “This is truly a shared accomplishment, and I am extremely proud of my students who worked so very hard throughout the course of the entire year and am also grateful for the support of my colleagues.”

The awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. It recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that enhances student learning.

“It is important to me to help my students develop a deep understanding of mathematics, a willingness to persevere when solving difficult problems, and the confidence to reason together and discuss their ideas,” Parn said. “The application process proved to be a wonderful opportunity to model these behaviors in my own practice while working together with my students toward a common goal.”

The White House will announce the winners next June.

Those selected for this Presidential honor will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also are invited to Washington, DC for an awards ceremony, educational and events, and visits with members of Congress and the Administration.

The PAEMST award was established by Congress in 1983, and the program authorizes the President of the United States to bestow up to 108 awards each year. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

Movie

“Premium Rush” Joins the Ranks of Bicycle Adventures

At a time when e-mail has become Wilee has to use all his cycling abilities to elude his a preferred form of communication, bicycle messen- pursuer. He also navigates the Manhattan streets using gers continue to deliver documents in crowded urban a fixie, a fixed-gear bike that can be ridden backwards. areas like New York City and A fixie is tricky under normal Chicago.

Navigating past conditions, but riding one taxicabs, drivers, and other with someone in hot pursuit might be lethal. obstacles, these riders take seGordon-Levitt isn’t the rious risks to make sure their first actor to tackle the big deliveries arrive at the proper destinations. city on two wheels. In 1986, Kevin Bacon played a stock “Premium Rush,” a new thriller, focuses on one mestrader named Jack Casey in “Quicksilver.” After losing his senger whose job could become the death of him. parent’s nest egg in the stock Joseph Gordon-Levitt market, Jack ditches his suit and finds redemption in be(“The Dark Knight Rises”) Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures coming a bike messenger. stars here as Wilee, a New The former broker loves the thrills he finds on the York City bicycle messenger who accepts a delivery marked “premium rush.” In addition to the normal city streets, but his job, like Wilee’s, takes on a deadly dangers associated with his job, Wilee now has to deal turn. After he finds out that his new friend Terri (Jami with a man determined to retrieve that package by any Gertz) is unknowingly delivering drugs for a dealer named Gypsy, Jack’s life and livelihood are put in jeopmeans possible.

Etc.

9

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13 ardy.

“American Flyers,” a film that hit theaters months before “Quicksilver,” looked at a grueling mountain race.

Kevin Costner starred as Marcus Sommers, a doctor who works at a high-tech sports medicine facility. To bond with his estranged brother David (David Marshall Grant), Marcus invites him to enter the “Hell of the West,” a bicycle race that attracts top riders and Olympic-caliber athletes.

Marcus and David make a great showing at the race, but one of the brothers falls victim to the same ailment that killed their father. The other brother must stay in the race for the sake of his ailing sibling. “American Flyers” is an interesting look at extreme bicycle racing and the complicated relationship between two brothers.

“Premium Rush” has some built-in thrills, but it remains to be seen If it can keep pace with those earlier cycling adventures.

“Premium Rush,” rated PG-13 for some violence, intense action sequences, and language, currently is playing in theaters.

Main Street Calendar of Events: September Through Sept. 7: Kapow! Comic Art & Storyboarding 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12 – 4 p.m. Sunday at the Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street, St. Charles.

From a panel cartoon to a graphic novel, comic art storytelling appeals to audiences both young and old.

Sept. 2: St. Charles Community Big (Jazz) Band 7:30 p.m. at Frontier Park, 222. S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles.

Enjoy an evening of jazz. Bring a picnic basket, blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music in Frontier Park.

Sept. 14 – 16: MOSAICS, Missouri Festival for the Arts 4 – 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday on North Main Street.

Featuring 115 juried artists from St. Louis and across the country representing 16 mediums, including:

drawings, paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, glass art, handmade jewelry, woodworking, and more. Free performance stage, Children’s Village and more.

Capitol State Historic Site, 200 S. Main.

South Main Preservation Society presents the Rendezvous in St. Charles Concert Series. Music by: Lewis & Clark Fife & Drum Corps.

Sept. 14 – Dec. 14: The Velvet Years 1965-67: Warhol’s Factory 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m. Sunday at the Foundry Art Centre.

These photographs, taken by Stephen Shore between1965-67, depict the scene at Andy Warhol’s studio, the Factory.

Sept. 19: Music on Main 5 – 7:30 p.m. in the 100-200 blocks of North Main. Bring your lawn chair.

Food and drink available for purchase.

Music this month by The Arbogast Band.

Sept. 16: Rendezvous in St. Charles Concert Series 7:30 p.m. at the First Missouri State

Sept. 26: Music 360 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre on North Main. Free. No coolers.

Music showcase of up-and-coming as well as established performers from the metro area.

www.gstcc.com

Sept. 9 & 23: Sunday Funday 1 – 6 p.m. along North Main. Live

entertainment, food, drink, and fun in the afternoon. Bands will play from 1-3 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. between the 100-200 blocks of N. Main St. The themes for this month’s event are BBQ (9/9) and Cajun (9/23). Purchase a wristband and vote for your favorites. No coolers allowed. Participating restaurants include Tony’s On Main Street, Bobby’s Place, Quintessential, R.T. Weiler’s, Undertow, Lloyd and Harry’s, Uncle Joe’s, and Big A’s.

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Sept. 28-30: Oktoberfest 4 – 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday in Frontier Park.

Food and gift vendors throughout the grounds, parade, vintage car show, wiener takes all Dachshund races & fashion show, 5K Run, German genealogy/ history, children’s area, entertainment and more.

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Etc.

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Rams Lead NFL with Most Rookies ***Last Exhibition Game Thursday at 6 p.m.

The final tune up for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League (NFL) is on Thursday August 30 at the Edward Jones Dome with the new start time

of 6 p.m.

Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, the Rams lead the way in the number of rookies. Time will tell if there is a ‘diamond in the ruff’ that will become the next star with an opportunity to show his talents.

Within a few days after the game against the Baltimore Ravens, the roster that had been close to 100 players will be cut to 53 with several on the taxi squad.

New Head Coach Jeff Fisher and his coaching staff have a huge challenge to bring this young squad together with a nucleus of only a handful of veterans.

Check the website www.StLouisRams.com for all the information. ~~~New year, new leadership Year Winding Down for the Rascals ***Only Five Home Games Left in Regular Season The River City Rascals play professional/minor league baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League.

It looks liked the only place the O’Fallon team will be going after Sunday’s play will be home.

For the first time in several years the River City team will not make the post season play. Not that they have played without a sincere drive, but sometimes all phases of the game do not match up at the right time.

Below are several players that have performed well. ***RECENT HIGHLIGHTS: *Jeremy Synan leads the team with 90 hits, 19 doubles and playing in 82 out of 87 games *Zach Deutscher leads the team by being hit by the pitch to get on base with nine

*Preston Vancil leads the team in innings pitched (107.0), complete games pitched with two, games started with 18, struck out 75 opposing batters and games won with seven *As a team, all the pitcher’s combined have total strike outs of 677-2nd in league *As a team, batting average .264-4th in league ***STANDINGS AS OF 8-23: W L GB Last 10 Games Gateway Grizzlies 51 36 ___ 6-4 Windy City ThunderBolts 49 38 2.0 3-7 Schaumburg Boomers 49 38 2.0 6-4 RIVER CITY RASCALS 41 46 10.0 5-5 Rockford RiverHawks 36 51 15.0 3-7 Joliet Slammers 35 52 16.0 1-9 Normal CornBelters 28 59 23.0 3-7 NEXT HOME GAMES: All Games @ 7:05 p.m.—Sunday @ 6:05 p.m.

Wed/Thur, August 29/30 against Evansville Otters Fri, August 31 against Windy City Thunderbolts Sat/Sun, September 1/2 against Windy City Thunderbolts LAST GAMES OF REGULAR SEASON For more info on all this year’s promotions, go to www.RiverCityRascals.com. ~~~Time to play the spoiler Front Page Photo on the Frontier League Website ***Eric Williams Putting it all Together Leadoff batter and center fielder Williams recently had his picture on the home page of the Frontier Leagues website making a great catch (photo courtesy of Karl Lund on Frontier League’s home page).

So far in the 2012 season he leads the Rascals’ team in several categories: *55 runs scored *tied in triples with two *94 base on balls *12 stolen bases *one error playing in 76 contests ~~~Offense and defense gelling

“Over the Fence”

Joe Morice

Editorial

Dogs ‘r Us Q: How can you prove that a dog is truly a man’s best friend?

A: Put your dog and your wife in the trunk of the car for an hour. When you open the trunk, who is really happy to see you?

This is an old joke that got a few laughs from husbands. Wives, on the other hand, probably thought it wasn’t a bit funny. Besides, I know of no wife that would allow this to happen unless heavily sedated. As for dogs, the only way I could get our yellow Lab in the trunk of a car was throw a slice of pizza

I think I’m beginning to see a pattern here.

Is this why some parents send their kids to summer camp and take their dogs with them on vacation?

Of course, some don’t take vacations where dogs are welcome and are forced to find dog sitters. Failing that, there are kennels, some of which are almost as expensive as motels. If kids aren’t at summer camp, there might be a plus factor if they can leave them with Grandpa and Grandma. Perhaps grandparents should start charging the same as dog kennels.

The old saw about dogs being man’s best friend should have included women. Dogs are definitely women’s best friend, too, except for chew damage to her best pumps if it couldn’t find hubby’s slippers.

The real reason dogs love humans is they’re fed well and loved unconditionally. Most other pets don’t respond to this by sitting in their owners’ laps and licking their faces. There is no tail wagging and doing everything short of taking showers with humans to get attention…or leftover pizza.

This response applies to children as well at times; especially when they enter puberty. They no longer cuddle or even bark (that means “Speak“) unless it’s a complaint about being denied junk food or phone apps.

The plot thickens. I now understand why dogs have become the end-all, be-all of hucompanionship. I also www.rivercityrascals.com man seeing the results of pet supply stores becoming almost as big as Walmart and far more expensive. For $30 one can buy a fancy scratching post for cats to sharpen their claws on. For $3 bucks, one can buy a leathery bone toy for dogs to sharpen their teeth on.

Personally, I don’t have a dog.

I’m not home much and it’ll get lonely. Dogs won’t ride on my motorcycle with me anyway. Of course, I haven’t tried that pizza reward trick…

in first. Pizza is a great Lab-training reward.

Now that I’ve cleared this up, I wonder about the latest dog craze. But first, let me say that I love animals. I even like cats (sorry guys). Some folks don’t like cats because they’re independent. They seldom come when called. On rare occasions when they do, they don’t hurry or wag their tails.

I assume this is why so many people prefer dogs.

Our Lab would roll over, play dead, sit up, beg, shake hands, bring in the paper and “Speak” (that means bark) for a snack. It would also chew my slippers, leave hair all over everything, chase the neighbor’s cat, slobber on my clothing and stick its nose in my eye at 5 a.m. to wake me up to let it out for its morning backyard constitutional…the kind we step in if we forget scooper duty. One wonders, “Who’s training whom?”

Training dogs requires simple redundancy, patience and snacks. Training children requires the same except for countless questions about why, whining and complaining and at times, totally ignoring parents.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

Editorial

Etc.

11

Shelly Schneider

The popular kids School’s first day has come and gone, and for the first time since he was 3 years old, Christopher was not part of the back-to-school routine. Our 19 year-old will soon enter the United States Air Force, and is working until that time. Michael is now a freshman in college, and Samantha is a senior in high school.

Christopher made it through school, but hit a rough patch in middle school.

The whole family found out Christopher’s place in the middle school universe one evening at dinner.

“I have a headache tonight,” Chris said while picking over his pork chop.

This is usually a ploy, because my darling son doesn’t like meat. Don’t go off on me…he does like hot dogs, bologna and chicken pieces that have been chopped and formed into ‘nuggets.’ He simply doesn’t like real meat.

“Well, if it’s so bad that you can’t eat, then you’ll need to go straight to bed,” I replied.

“No, Mom, really,” he said, rubbing the top of his noggin. “I was hit in the head by a locker this afternoon.”

In the sixth grade Christopher’s locker was on the bottom (a little piece of irony that wasn’t lost on me). Just above him and to the left was the locker of one of the ‘popular’ girls. She didn’t see him one day and opened her locker as he was standing up. As Christopher recounted the story, I looked at Michael. He loves pork chops, and often asks if there are enough for seconds. Michael was sitting in his chair, facing his brother. His fork was on his plate.

“Michael, don’t you feel well today?” I asked.

“Huh? I was just listening to Christopher’s story,” he said.

“Well, buddy, did the young lady apologize?” I asked, turning my attention back to my oldest child.

“Are you kidding? That would mean she would have to talk to me, Mom,” he said.

Now, to be fair, the young lady did offer a sympathetic glance, and Christopher was not psychologically harmed by the encounter.

“What do you mean?” Michael asked.

This was good stuff. He was learning something new about his older and wiser brother.

“She’s one of the popular kids,” Christopher said. “She wouldn’t talk to me.”

Michael was dumbfounded.

“You’re NOT popular?”

Recipe:

The bubble popped, loud and unceremoniously.

“Let me show you how things work in middle school, Michael,” Christopher said.

I started to giggle to myself. This was a whole new side of my son. He was passing on a bit of cherished wisdom to the next in line. Christopher grabbed the ketchup bottle (Michael loves meat, but cannot eat it without dousing it in ketchup), and set it in front of him.

“Let’s say this is the middle school food chain,” Chris began to explain.

He put his hand on the cap.

“These are the popular kids,” he demonstrated.

He then put his hand about an inch from the bottom of the bottle.

“This is me.”

Again, Michael was simply dumbfounded.

“You’re NOT popular?” was all he could ask.

It was more a traumatic experience for Michael than it was for Chris. Our oldest son laughed at the whole situation. I was happy that his place in the middle school fish bowl didn’t seem to bother him.

Jim and I took the rest of the meal gently explaining to all of our children that popularity was something that did not come from within. We told them they needed to focus on the things that came from the inside…things like respect for others, kindness, and charity. Popularity, we said, might be the big thing for a few years, but it fades away.

When it was Michael’s turn to enter the middle school fish bowl, he was ready.

And he walked into the school with a good inkling of his place on the perceived food chain.

“I know I’m not going to be one of the popular kids,” he told me.

“Why not, sweetie?” I asked.

“That’s o.k., Mom, it doesn’t bother me.”

To look at us, you’d never be able to tell I was this child’s mother. But Michael inherited the one thing I truly wanted to pass on to my children. He’s comfortable in his own skin, and he honestly doesn’t care what others think about him. I pray that all of our children will grow up to be popular…popular with their life-long friends, popular with their co-workers, and popular with their spouses and children.

Tailgating Heats Up with Pork (Family Features) Is your tailgating grub feeling a little fatigued? Everybody loves classics like wings, chips and dips, but it might be time to give these standbys a break. Score big at your next tailgate with crowd-pleasing, creative pork dishes. Pork’s versatility and its ability to pair with a variety of ingredients make it perfect for bringing people together.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Mini-Kabobs offer a fun, inspired twist that takes tailgating food to the next level. In this effortlessly mouthwatering recipe, tender chunks of pork are infused with flavor from chili powder, peppers, pineapple and a sweet glaze. Served as a starter or main dish, these tasty minikabobs are sure to bring even more playful fun to game day.

For more tailgating inspiration and pork recipes, visit the National Pork Board at www.PorkBeInspired.com, www.Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired and www.Pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired. Also, be sure to follow @allaboutpork on Twitter for timely recipes and tips.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Mini-Kabobs Makes 24 servings (8 to 12 small plates) Special Equipment: - 24 bamboo skewers (6-inches), soaked in water for 30 minutes, drained Ingredients: - 3 pounds pork tenderloin, silver skin removed, cut into 48 (1-inch) pieces - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 2 teaspoons salt - 1/2 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 24 (1-inch) pieces - 1 large red bell pepper, cored and cut into 24 (1-inch) pieces

- 2/3 cup honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Directions: 1. Preheat broiler with rack about 8 inches from heat source.

2. Toss pork with chili powder and salt.

Thread 2 pieces of pork and 1 each of pineapple and red pepper pieces on each skewer.

3. Wrap exposed end of each skewer with foil to discourage scorching.

4. Mix honey and vinegar together for

glaze.

5. Broil, turning occasionally and brushing well with glaze during last 2 minutes, until pork is barely pink when pierced with tip of knife, about 8 minutes. Serve warm.

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What’s Happening

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

CHURCH

Plan.

September 6: Refocus your Job Search 6:30 p.m. at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1580 Kisker Road, St. Charles, Mo. Kevin Hogarty will lead you through the steps of developing Your Personal Marketing

September 22: 13th Annual The United Methodist Church at Wentzville Golf Open 12 p.m. at Golf Club of Wentzville.

Register at www.wentzumc.net.

Every Thursday at 7 p.m. The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Friends and Family Support Group Open to anyone who has a loved one suffering from any kind of addiction. Held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 66 Oak Valley Drive, St. Peters.

For more information, email ARPstln@hotmail.com.

Operation Backpack - United Methodist Church, Wentzville Food search program to provide food to at-risk children over the weekend when they don’t have access to free breakfast & lunch at local schools. Info: 636.327.6377.

Truth Matters!! Free Bible Correspondence Course Call: 636.294.9468 or 636.272.3013.

Come Learn God’s Word with us.

Sun. 9:30 am. - Bible classes 10:20 am. - Worship; Sun. 5 pm. - Worship; Wed Eve 7 pm. 2309 Markoe Avenue, Wentzville, MO 63385.

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3rd Tues: Luncheon for Seniors.

Seniors 55+ enjoy free lunch, cards, games, bingo. From 11 am 2 pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd.

Info: 636.561.8951.

2nd Wed: Noon Luncheon Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell. United Methodist Women provide main entree & bevs. 636.673.2144.

EVENTS September 1: Car Show 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1000 Elm Tree Road in Troy, Mo. Registration 8 a.m. noon. Info: www.attroyfirst.com, or call 636.528.4407.

September 2: Rotary Fireworks Show Begins at dark at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Rescheduled from July 4. Bring chairs & blankets.

September 5: Cyber Crime Awareness Seminar 6-7 p.m. at Bonfils Auditorium, 200 Buchanan Street Troy, MO 63379. Presentation by the Troy Police Department and St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force.

Free.

September 7: Precious Blood Sisters’ Night at Busch Stadium

7:15 p.m. game Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers. Outfield loge level for $30. Purchase before Sept.

1. Info: Sister Madelene Reiners at 636.542.9481 or mreiners@cppsofallon.org.

September 8: PALS Schwan’s Fundraiser 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Ponderosa in Troy. A percentage of the sales will be donated to PALS. All proceeds from this event will be used for animal care. Info: www.pals-pets. com or 636.338.1818.

September 8: Crusin for the Wounded Warrior Car Cruse/ Show 8 a.m. registration and 1 p.m. live auction at the St. Charles Moose Lodge, 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in St. Charles. Proceeds benefit Wounded Warrior Project.

Info: Jamie at 314.532.6167 or ucjaybird@yahoo.com.

September 8: 10th Annual Polo Match 4 p.m. at McGehee Polo Field at Spirit Valley Farms, 17879 Wild Horse Creek Road in Chesterfield.

VIP tickets - $60. Tailgate party

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012 tickets - $40. General admission $25. Proceeds benefit Therapeutic Horsemanship. Tickets: www.thstl. org.

Ongoing Events 4th Mon.: 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 388 Meets At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30 p.m. at the Kisker Road Library, 1000 Kisker Road. Info: Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

4th Tues.: 6:30 p.m. O’Fallon Garden Club.

Meets at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. More info call Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tues.: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles Noon - 1 p.m. at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles.

Every Wed: at 12 p.m. Crossroads Cribbage Club Meets at Rizzo’s Bar & Grill, Wen-

tzville, MO. 1st and 3rd Wed: 7 p.m. St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Diverse group of people has a wide variety of carving skills ranging from novice to professional. Meetings include brief business mtg. followed by carving session. At Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles. Visitors always welcome!

Every Wed. 6:45 p.m. Charity Bingo VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. Cash prizes awarded.

Support Vets & other worthwhile charities. Now a non-smoking facility. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org for more info.

Every Thursday: O’Fallon Rotary Club Lunch Noon at The Holy Cross Lutheran Church (8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, across from Fort Zumwalt Park). Visitors welcome. Info: Darryl Sandweg, 636.980.1777.

What’s Happening

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon.

More info at www.ofkiwanis.com.

3-8 p.m. VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group 10 a.m. at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. Playgroup is a great opportunity to teach our children how to play and share while in a welcoming environment. Info: Andrea Crislip at 314.479.0306 or andreacrislip@gmail.com, or visit www.lslmothersclub.com.

Every Saturday: Senior Singles 3 p.m. meeting, 4 p.m. dinner at various restaurants in St. Charles County. Why eat alone? Info: Wanda at 636.561.9100 or Pat at 636.240.7898.

Every Fri.: VFW Fish Fry

Every Saturday: Charity Bingo 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Wentzville Community Club (500 West Main, Wentzville 63385). Every Sat. except Easter weekend &

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Every Thurs., 11:45 a.m., Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon.

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Christmas. $3,600 in cash prizes each week. Progressive game, Derby tickets, pull-tabs, 505/50, bar & food. Info: www.wentzvillefleamarket.org, www.facebook.com/ wentzville-community-club.

4th Sunday: Car Cruise Through September. 10:30 a.m. at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon, Mo. All cars and clubs welcome. The 50/50 drawing benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Sudoku Solutions from page 16

14

FYI

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

This Weeks Shelter: PALS - Pets Alone Sanctuary 4287 Hwy 47, West Hawk Point, MO 63349 • 636-338-1818 • www.Pal-Pets.com

If you’ve adopted a new family member that you saw in Community News, send us a picture of you and your new pal. Also include a brief story about your pets background and how they’re doing now. We’d love to share your happy story with other readers!

Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or news@ centurytel.net.

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The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Please do your part to control overpopulation and to limit the number of unwanted animals. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

CLASSIFIEDS

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 29, 2012

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16

Learn & Play

SUDOKU:

August 29, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

See solution on page 13

Not Your Usual Historical Fiction Fare “The Orchardist,” a debut novel by Amanda Coplin is strange at times, heartrending, descriptive and sad. It’s set at the turn of the century in a fertile valley in the Pacific Northwest — an Eden where Talmadge, an aging farmer grows apples, apricots and plums on the 400-plus acres he owns, land he acquires a bit at a time over the years.

Early in the novel, Talmadge provides a back story to his life. He and his sister Elsbeth are only in their teens when their mother dies, leaving the siblings to fend for themselves on the developing orchard. They befriend Clee, a Native American boy, whom they meet when he and a group of horse wranglers pass through on their drive south to sell the animals they’ve rounded up. Clee remains a lifelong friend, a bond solidified when Talmadge’s sister simply disappears one day.

The loss affects Talmadge for life, but he settles into a solitary existence, at one with the land. He regularly sells his produce in town, and gets fair warning about two scalawag girls pilfering his apples. Talmadge spots them and is shocked to see they’re young teens, dirty and ragged, and both pregnant.

Talmadge tries to befriend the girls — enticing them with food. He soon realizes they’re sisters, subjected to cruelty at the hands of an evil, drug-addicted madman.

Michaelson is a force to be reckoned with. Determined to find the girls, he gets a search party together to bring them back to his fold, a ring of underage prostitutes, children he uses for his own pleasure as well.

Jane and Della are so damaged they don’t welcome Talmadge’s goodness, and never quite give in to it — even though Talmadge helps deliver their babies, with help from his neighbor and mid-wife friend. Sadly, Della’s twins die at birth, leaving the girls to mother Jane’s infant daughter. Though their existence is peaceful on the orchard, they still live in fear of Michaelson and contrive a desperate plan to escape should he ever find them.

“The Orchardist” is tragic, the tale of lives gone wrong, of childhood innocence lost and the scars that mark both body and mind — of guilt that knows no bounds, and the kindness of a stranger willing to sacrifice his life and happiness to save a child become woman.

Not a comfortable read, this book is nonetheless riveting because Della is a complicated character and Talmadge’s drive to help her is thought provoking and admirable.

Reprinted with permission. Missourian Publishing Company, 2012

Joke of the week:

www.krekeler.com

Sandy began a job as an elementary school counselor and she was eager to help. One day during recess she noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other.

Sandy approached and asked if she was all right. The girl said she was. A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the girl was in the same spot, still by herself. Approaching again, Sandy offered, “Would you like me to be your friend?” The girl hesitated, then said, “Okay,” looking at the woman suspiciously. Feeling she was making progress, Sandy then asked, “Why are you standing here all alone?”

“Because,” the little girl said with great exasperation, “I’m the goalie!”

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