CNSTC: Dec. 21. 2011

December 21, 2011

Vol 13

No 51

July 13, 2011

Vol 13 No 28

The small agency in St. Charles County needs your help to help others in need.

Mayo on Your Ketchup?

Information from First Step Back Home

IN this Issue

Paul Kruse, First Step Back Home founder, said many people call the ministry each day.

“Sometimes it takes a day or so to get back with people,” Kruse said. “We have very limited staff, volunteers and funding so they just have to wait their turn.

Sometimes they get help from family and/or friends for a week or so, but then they are out on the streets again.”

Kruse said Maggie and her three daughters stayed in a motel courtesy of FSBH for a couple of weeks. She left to stay with friends, but tried once again to get in touch with Kruse at FSBH. “When we did make contact she told me she had been sleeping outside and eating mayo and ketchup packets for dinner,” Kruse said. “Thank God her girls were in housing, but they wouldn’t let Maggie stay. Can you imagine having to eat ketchup and mayo packets for meals?”

Maggie’s plight began when her husband beat her severely and was put in jail, Kruse said. She tried to go to an abused women’s shelter but they were all full with no openings in sight.

“We raised money to keep this little fragile family in shelter in a cheap motel and provide sustenance for her and her girls and counsel with her to keep her from going crazy,” he said. “At $200 per week, FSBH funds just can’t keep this up very long without more help.

Thank God she is now back under our care and getting plenty to eat for her and her girls now that they are back with her.

Unfortunately, this will be the last week we can afford to pay for her. We have already exceeded our limits of support per family. We have to choose to either give Around Town . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Lincoln County Life . . . . . . . 7 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Maggie and her daughters enjoy a Christmas party courtesy of FSBH and founders Paul and Lana Kruse, also pictured. Photo by Ray Rockwell

one family all of our funding or spread it out to many others. We try to give a little to everyone who calls us and qualifies for our program. Our goal is to assist them to self-sufficiency while living in the motel but half the time the needs far exceeds our resources.”

The fact remains there are thousands of homeless in Missouri with the same problems. FSBH works with the poor to help them find food, shelter, jobs, transportation, clothing and more.

“We are a small agency trying to help as many people as we can but there are so many calling for help,” Kruse said.

“We receive about 2,000 calls each year.

We try to keep a $100 per person or family limit most of the time.”

Some church groups and other organizations have adopted clients after FSBH has worked with the client for a period of time to determine their needs and their motivation to better themselves.

Those “adoptions” have helped a great deal, Kruse said, but it just isn’t enough.

“The amount of people who are in need multiplies every week and the

number of people out here helping seems to decrease weekly,” he said.

FSBH needs volunteers and donations to continue its mission of helping the homeless in the St. Charles County

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Christmas Traditions . . . . . . . . 11-13 Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Editorials/Recipe . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

MOVIE PEEK

and surrounding areas. For more information on how you can help the poor in your own back yard, please call 636.466.1365 or visit www.firststepbackhome.net.

See MOVIE page 15

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” - Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

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

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What’s Happening . . . . . . . 20-21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

www.mycnews.com

2 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

American Legion Post 388 Awards Dinner 2011 American Legion Post 388 of O’Fallon had a great turn out for their Annual Awards Dinner held at Cornerstone Methodist Church with 100 guests in attendance. Brad Reed, pastor at Cornerstone, gave a beautiful prayer before the meal was served.

Yvonne Beasley cooked the delicious meal that was served by Cornerstone’s Youth Group.

Jim David, captain of the Honor Guard and Color Guard, presented a program on Jefferson Barracks a National Cemetery where veterans and their spouses are can be buried.

Commander Bernie Groharing and Jim David presented several awards for outstanding work achieved by members in 2011. Past Commander, Jim Griesenauer, was presented with a plaque for his work as Commander the previous two years.

The dinner ended with the singing of “God Bless America.”

If you are interested in joining the American Legion or would just like more information, please call Jeannie Reek 636.219.0553 or Bernie Groharing 636.248.6205. Active Duty Military, Reserves and National Guard can join during the month of December for the low price of $13.50.

24 Carrot Award Winners Set “Gold” Standard St. Charles County Rewards Eateries for Outstanding Food Safety, Stewardship The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment announced its 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award winners for 2011 - eight local eateries that demonstrated excellence in food safety, sanitation and successful employee education this year. Presented by the Division of Environmental Health and Protection, this marks the fifth consecutive year that the 24 Carrot Gold awards have recognized the county’s food service establishments for raising the industry standard in food service and stewardship.

“Public concern about food safety, harmful products and dangerous germs has increased with foodborne threat incidents occurring throughout the United States,” said Pieter Sheehan, director of the Division of Environmental Health and Protection.

“We instituted the 24 Carrot Gold awards program to recognize that food service facilities in St. Charles County place a high importance on consumer health and safety. While all establishments in our community meet necessary requirements, the fact that we’ve had different winners each of our first five years from a variety of food service industries shows that a large number of them exceed the standard.”

The following local eateries were chosen as 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award winners for 2011: • Dairy Queen - 702 Church St., Wentzville • Donut King - 662 First Capitol Dr., St. Charles • Fujiyama Grill and Sushi - 8632 Mexico Rd., O’Fallon • Garden Villas of O’Fallon - 7092 S. Outer Rd. 364, O’Fallon • Imo’s Pizza - 1127 West Pearce Blvd., Wentzville • Longhorn Steakhouse - 2102 Highway K, O’Fallon • St. Peter Catholic School - 201 First Capitol Dr., St. Charles • The Morgan School - 7401 Highway N,

Dardenne Prairie “As you can see through our list, we have an eclectic mix of winners in 2011,” Sheehan noted. “We’re proud to recognize a multi-generational donut shop that brings back memories of Sunday morning outings with Grandpa, an ice cream shop that is a must-visit destination on many a hot summer’s day, a favorite neighborhood pizza joint, a school that prides itself on being ‘nut-free’ to accommodate students with allergies and many more locally operated facilities.”

These organizations’ outstanding commitment to go beyond safe food services and enhance our community is illustrated in many ways. For example, Imo’s provides schools with coupons for students that achieve high grades, and Dairy Queen sponsors several area sports teams. Another highlight is Donut King, which has been a fixture in St. Charles for more than 30 years and where it’s common to see three generations of customers dining together. Garden Villas enhances community partnerships in many ways, and most recently, sponsored the annual Firefighters Award banquet and the O’Fallon Independence Day celebration.

To be eligible for consideration, recipients of the 24 Carrot Gold Awards cannot have any critical violations in the last 12 months, and no more than six non-critical violations over the same time period.

In addition, at least 90 percent of the food facility managers at the establishment must possess valid food safety certification. The facility must also have a valid St. Charles County Food Establishment Permit and be in good standing with the department.

To help customers recognize establishments’ food service ratings, the department has placed a QR code on newly issued establishment stickers.

Posted at entry doors, drive-thru windows or other convenient locations, customers can now use their smart phones to scan these codes and view the establishment’s latest ratings. Alternatively, customers may visit www.scchealth.org, and click on “Know the Score” to view these ratings. The division inspects all food service establishments in St. Charles County, except those located within the City of St. Peters.

Throughout the year, members of the Division of Environmental Public Health and Protection work with area businesses and organizations to promote healthy conditions in our community. To learn more ways the division helps to ensure public safety, please call 636.949.1800 or visit www.scwww.meadowlandsestates.com chealth.org.

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 3

Two Camera Courses Are Perfect For New Camera Arctic Blast Golf Tournament Owners And Creative Photography Buffs Set for January 7; Holiday

Learn how to get the most out of your camera in enjoyable courses starting the first week of January at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, Missouri 63368. The courses are open to ages 16 and older.

Intro to Photography - Bring your film or digital camera to this interesting, six-week class, and find out how to shoot great photos. You’ll learn all of your camera’s functions and settings, from automatic to manual. You’ll also get a primer on composing great pictures, how to choose settings for perfect portraits, sports, and nature photos, and how to make your photographs pop by using flash, daylight, or a mixture of both, and more.

Assignments and critiques will make this class even more fun and rewarding.

Beginning January 3, Intro to Photography meets from 7- 9 p.m. on Tuesdays in the RSC. The cost is $48 for O’Fallon residents and $54 for non-residents. The deadline to sign up for the class is December 28.

Get More from Your Point-and-Shoot Camera - Designed to make taking great snapshots easy, point-and-shoot cameras also are capable of shooting creative photos – you just have to know what all those buttons are designed to do. This three-week class encourages students to experiment and get familiar with the multitude of advanced settings and features that can give amazing results.

Starting January 5, class meets on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. in the RSC. The cost is $23 for O’Fallon residents and $27 for non-residents.

The registration deadline is December 30.

Register for O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department classes one of three ways: 1. Register online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ParksandRec 2. Call 636.474.2732 Register in-person at the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Office or the Renaud Spirit Center.

Open Golf Tournament Canceled

Start off the New Year right with a fun golf outing! Get your team together for the Arctic Blast Golf Tournament at St. Peters Golf Course on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. The 18-hole tournament will be played in a scramble format.

The St. Peters Golf Course, meanwhile, has canceled the Holiday Open scramble golf tournament that was set for this upcoming Saturday.

At the Arctic Blast event, teams of four people will compete for cash prizes in multiple flights, as well as closest to the pin and longest drive contests. The 18-hole tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. The cost to play is $40/player, which includes golf, a cart, and lunch immediately following the tournament. Compete in an optional cash skins game for an additional $40 per team.

For more information on this event, call 636.397.2227. A registration form is available online at www.stpetersmo.net/golf.

St. Peters Golf Course is located at 200 Salt Lick Road, on the east side of Salt Lick, just south of I-70.

Get a Fun Workout by Learning Middle Eastern Belly Dance Shimmy and shake your way to a great shape with this fun, 12-week belly dance program at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, Mo. Beginning January 5, class will meet from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. on Thursdays.

The course covers basic Middle Eastern dance movements such as hip lifts, hip drops, hip circles, figure eights, shimmies, arm movements and traveling steps. Students should dress in exercise clothing and bring a hip scarf (no coins, please). The class provides a low-impact workout that will tone and strengthen the arms, back, torso and legs, and students do not have to bare their midriff. The cost is $70 for O’Fallon residents and $78 for non-residents. (The deadline to register for the course is December 29.) For more information, contact Paula Creech at pcreech@ofallon.mo.us, or call 636.474.8121.

Please register early to avoid cancellation of the class due to

low enrollment. Registration for O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation leisure programs is available: 1. Online at www.renaudspiritcenter.com 2. By calling 636.474.2732 3. By coming to the Renaud Spirit Center or the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Office.

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4 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Christmas Tree Recycling

The St. Charles Kiwanis Club recently installed two new members. Pictured are: Kiwanis Club member sponsor Don Meyer, with new member Pastor Rocky Sheneman from St. John United Church of Christ, Dr. Rick Blalock along with his Kiwanis sponsor, Ron Williams, and Club President Doug Meyer. The Kiwanis Club meets from 12 – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Columns Banquet Center. For more information, please call 636.946.7088.

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After the Yuletide celebration, give one more gift by recycling your natural Christmas tree so that it may be turned into mulch or fish habitat. Again this year, St. Charles County is partnering with area municipalities to offer residents this free service at various sites in December and January.

Be sure to remove the tree stand, decorations, and plastic bag or cover before leaving your tree at one of the locations below: St. Peters • Laurel Park (upper parking lot) off McClay Rd. • St. Peters Golf & Recreation Center 200 Salt Lick Rd. • St. Peters Earth Centre, 115 Ecology Dr. Locations open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Saturday, December 28 to January 18 Wentzville • Progress Park (parking lot), 968 Meyer Rd. Location open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., December 26 to January 18 O’Fallon • Civic Park (upper parking lot), 400 Civic Park Dr. • O’Fallon Sports Park, 3589 Hwy. K Locations open from dawn to dusk, December 26 to January 18 Lake Saint Louis • Founders Park, 7 Freymuth Road Location open during daylight hours, December 26 to January 17 St. Charles County • Quail Ridge Park (Group Picnic Area), 5501 Quail Ridge Pkwy. (Wentzville) Location open 7 a.m. to sunset, December 26 to January 22 Another great idea for your used Christmas tree is to place it in your backyard as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices, strung popcorn or other treats will attract birds. The branches can provide shelter from the icy winter winds. Be sure all decorations, hooks, garland, and tinsel strands are removed.

For an even “greener” Christmas next year, get a rooted (ball and burlapped or containerized) tree. When the holidays are over, plant it in your yard.

For information about St. Charles County recycling prowww.msbriesboutique.com grams, please call 636.949.1800 or visit www.scchealth.org.

www.ofallon.mo.us/col

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 5

O’Fallon’s 2011 Christmas and 2012 New Year’s New Rec-Plex Semester Offers Kettlebell, Bootcamps, Schedules During the Christmas and New Year’s winter holidays, the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, will observe RPX Cycling, Leagues and the following schedule at various City facilities: • This year, there will be no change in O’Fallon’s trash and recycling service over the holidays. ResiMore dents are asked to place their trash and recycling out for collection on their regularly-scheduled days.

Get ready to put those New Year’s • Friday, December 23 resolutions into action. You can choose - O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) will be closed from a wide variety of fitness classes - The Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park will be open 6-10 p.m. and programs at the St. Peters Rec-Plex.

The park entrance is located off Veterans Memorial Parkway at Jessup Drive (63366) Registration for a new semester of classThe Renaud Spirit Center will be open 5:15 a.m.-9 p.m.; the indoor recreation complex is located es is now open to everyone. at 2650 Tri Sports Circle (63368) Kettlebell classes have become a pop• Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) ular way for people to work out, lose - The Celebration of Lights will be open 6-10 p.m. weight, and gain strength and endur- The Renaud Spirit Center will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. ance at the Rec-Plex. The class uses the kettlebell in a number of • Sunday, December 25 (Christmas) exercises for cardio and strength training.

- The Renaud Spirit Center will be closed Rec-Plex GOLD PLUS member Shelly Scopel said that she lost - The Celebration of Lights will be closed 100 pounds in a year through kettlebell classes and diet. “What • Monday, December 26 they get into that one half-hour of kettlebell, it’s amazing!” Shelly - O’Fallon City Hall will be closed said.

- The Renaud Spirit Center will be open with regular hours, 5:15 a.m.-10 p.m.

New Real Fitness Bootcamp classes offer another way to work • Friday, December 30 with certified trainers to reach fitness goals. The class uses body - The Celebration of Lights will be open 6-10 p.m., then close for the season weight exercises, strength training and cardiovascular activities • Saturday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) three mornings each week. The Baby Boomer Bootcamp Chal- The Renaud Spirit Center will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. lenge, meanwhile, meets two mornings each week for boomers • Sunday, January 1 (New Year’s Day), 2012 looking to live a longer, healthier life.

- The Renaud Spirit Center will be open with free admission to all, noon-5 p.m.

The Rec-Plex offers many other fitness classes, including Fam• Monday, January 2 ily Fitness Classes for youth as well as 50+ Fitness classes for - O’Fallon City Hall will be closed seniors. Yoga and Pilates are other options. For a low-impact, - The Renaud Spirit Center will be open with regular hours, 5:15 a.m.-10 p.m. calorie-burning workout, try Rec-Plex Xtreme (RPX) Cycling For more information, please classes on the Spinning® bikes, or Aqua Aerobics classes in the visit www.ofallon.mo.us or water.

Other programs open to registration at the Rec-Plex include www.renaudspiritcenter.com or ice skating, hockey, swimming, indoor triathlons, instructional call 636.474.2732. baseball, and adult leagues for volleyball, flag football and www.smith&daiberlaw.com softball.

Sign up for Rec-Plex classes by phone at 636.939.2386, ext.

1400, or in person at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexwww.centralcountyfire.org ico Road, any time Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration desk is closed on Sundays and city holidays. Online registration is available for most programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by using the Rec-Connect service at www.stpetersmo.net.

For more information about St. Peters recreation or arts programs, the Leisure Line program guide is available at the Rec-Plex and St. Peters City Hall, as well as online at www. stpetersmo.net.

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6 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Tour the Delmar Loop, St. Louis’ Exciting Art and Entertainment District Learn more about one of St. Louis’ most popular landmarks with an excursion to the Delmar Loop on Wednesday, February 1. The Loop was named one of the “Ten greatest streets in America” by the American Planning Association for its art and entertainment district lined with awardwinning, one-of-a-kind restaurants, unique shops, venues like the historic Tivoli movie theater, and much more. The “Louie after the Loop” tour includes a glassblowing demonstration at the Third Degree Glass Factory, a tour of the Moonrise Hotel, lunch at the nationally-famous Blueberry Hill restaurant and music club, and dessert at Gooey Louie.

The deadline to sign up for the trip is Sunday, January 1. The cost of $79 for O’Fallon residents

and $88 for non-residents includes transportation, tours and demonstrations, an escort, lunch and gratuities. Travelers will meet in the main parking lot in Civic Park, board the motor coach at 8 a.m., and return to O’Fallon by 5 p.m.

Please register as soon as possible to keep trips from being cancelled due to low enrollment. Call 636-474-2732, or register online at www.ofallon. mo.us/ParksandRec. Or, sign up in person at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle (63368), or at the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive (63366).

For more information, please contact Paula Creech at pcreech@ofallon.mo.us or call 636474-8121.

Shoe Drive For Shoeman.org Save Lives with Fitness Together by Giving Your Shoes the Boot!

Bring your used and new shoes to Fitness Together (6047 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. on the corner of Hwy N and Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in the schnucks shopping center) throughout December. You can drop off your shoes b/w 9AM and 5PM, Monday through Friday and Fitness Together along with Shoeman Water Projects will turn your shoes into clean drinking water.

Once collected, the shoes get a second life as

affordable shoes in the developing world. Funds from the shoe sales will help to provide well drilling rigs, water purification systems, and other supplies to bring clean, fresh water to those in need.

To participate, give your shoes the boot by donating your used and new shoes, tied or rubberbanned into pairs into our drop off bin.

For more information about the Fitness Together shoe drive contact Nate at 636-922-5320. To learn more about Shoeman Water Projects, visit www.shoeman.org.

Dave Thomas St. Peters Alderman Winter in Missouri is a wonderful time of year! The rivers and beautiful parks (370 Lakeside Park in particular) are filled with unique life and winter beauty. In St. Peters, we host so many wonderful events for residents of all ages. I’d like to share a couple that are more particular for the youth.

In December, amongst many things, the City hosts a great traditional evening for all youth ages 8-13 who are “locked in” at the New Years Eve Lock-in at the St. Peters Rec-PLex. The facility is there’s––with adult supervision of course. From 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to – 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, kids can have a great night of fun in so many different areas of the facility. Sleeping areas are designated and food is available for additional purchase.

The first Saturday in February is the annual Father-Daughter Dance. Tickets are on sale now, but hurry if you are interested as they sell VERY FAST. I have enjoyed this event for longer than I have served as Alderman in St. Peters… and sadly, this will be my last year to go with my daughter as she has grown all too fast. For girls ages 5-13, each year the event offers a great night of dancing and dancing games, snacks and soda drinks, and friendships amongst the young ladies and dads of all types (dads, borroweddads, granddads and more)!!!! It’s an evening that lasts well into the night (OK, so it ends at 9 p.m.). Professional photographers capture the memories for separate costs. Afterwards, my daughter and I join with other dads and daughters at a local ice cream parlor…perhaps the best part of the night because we dads have a good excuse to finally sit. I encourage all dads and daughters to come out and enjoy this great evening of bonding.

As a special reminder, during snow falls… please, please remove your vehicles from the street. We realize that this may cause a slight inconvenience for some, but doing so allows our snow plows to more efficiently and effectively remove snow from the streets so you can park your vehicles back on the street. Your neighbors will greatly appreciate it, and so will your car!

We hope you have a terrific Christmas Season. Happy Holidays to all and many best wishes for a terrific 2012 New Year!!! Merry Christmas!

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School

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 7

Almost 100 Missouri School Districts and Schools are Registered for February 7 Statewide Earthquake Drill Dec. 16 is 200th anniversary of first of the Great New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-12 Almost 100 Missouri school districts and individual schools have already registered to take part in Missouri’s second statewide earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 7, 2012. A total of more than 146,000 Missourians are now registered to participate in the drill, called the “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut,” which will be held in Missouri and seven other Midwest states.

“Almost 450,000 Missourians took part in the first ShakeOut earthquake drill on April 28, 2011, learning exactly what they should do if a major earthquake hits,” said State Emergency Management Agency Director Paul Parmenter. “An earthquake is an event that comes without warning and, because many Missourians live in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, it is very important to be able to react immediately to protect yourself and your family.”

The New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in southeast Missouri, is the nation’s most active earthquake zone east of the Rocky Mountains. Three of the largest earthquakes in the continental United States occurred in the region from1811-12. The largest of the quakes was centered in New Madrid and occurred on Feb. 7, 1812. The ShakeOut earthquake drill is being held on the 200th anniversary of this earthquake. The first of the three largest quakes occurred on Dec. 16, 1811.

The earthquakes altered the flow of the Mississippi River, turned rich farmland into fields of sand and destroyed countless structures. People on the East Coast of the United States felt shaking and church bells reportedly rang as far away as South Carolina.

During the ShakeOut, Missourians will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for 60 seconds. Experts says this is the best way to protect yourself during an earthquake, since in the U.S. the primary threat for most people in an earthquake is falling debris and toppling objects, like book cases and heavy electronics, not structural collapse.

At 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 7, Missourians and people around the Midwest will: • DROP to the ground • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops All Missourians are encouraged to participate by registering at http://shakeout.org/centralus/.

The Great New Madrid Earthquakes were followed by aftershocks that continued for more than two years. More than 2,000 shocks were felt at least 180 miles away from their epicenters.

For more information on Missouri earthquake history, geology and other resources, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency’s Earthquake Preparedness page – www.sema.dps.mo.gov/ Earthquake_Preparedness/default.asp.

Dr. Kim Harris Named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources The City of St. Charles School District Board of Education, at its December 8, 2011 Board Meeting, approved the selection of Dr. Kim Harris, effective July 1, 2012.

Harris will step into this leadership role when the current Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Jeff Marion, assumes the role of Superintendent of Schools.

Harris is currently serving as Principal of Jefferson Intermediate School in the City of St. Charles School District. Prior to her current position, she served as the Coordinator of Student Services and as a teacher at Jefferson Middle School and Coverdell Elementary, all in the City of St. Charles School District. She has worked for the District since 1995. Harris also served as an elementary teacher in the Rockwood School District.

Harris holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, a Masters in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.

Lindenwood University Supports Retention of Access Missouri Funding Lindenwood University President James D. Evans is calling for support of a renewed statewide campaign launched by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri association to save Access Missouri funding. The state’s primary need-based college tuition assistance program was slashed by more than $50 million in 2010 and is in danger of being cut further by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon as he finalizes the budget for the coming fiscal year.

Through Access Missouri, students with demonstrated financial need can receive tuition support to attend any eligible Missouri college or university. Two years ago, lawmakers passed a bill that significantly reduced Access Missouri awards in exchange for agreeing not to terminate the program altogether in 2013.

Since that time, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) has rescued Missouri students in financial need by providing $30 million to offset cuts to the program.

There is no guarantee that MOHELA will continue to provide this funding, making it critical that Governor Nixon allocate the full amount of state general revenue dollars necessary to maintain the current Access Missouri award levels.

“Hundreds of Lindenwood students depend on financial assistance from Access Mis-

souri, and without it they would not be able to attend college,” said Evans. “If the state of Missouri is looking ahead as it should, our governor and our state legislature need to support the students by ensuring the sustainability of needbased aid.”

“These young people represent the future of our state and our country, and we know that the single most significant determinant of the economic and professional success is one’s level of education.”

To email Governor Nixon requesting that the funding of the Access Missouri program be fully supported, visit http://keepmeincollege.org/ emailNixon/. His office can also be reached by phone at (573) 751-3222.

Lindenwood University, founded in 1827, is an independent liberal arts university offering 84 undergraduate degree programs and 37 graduate programs in diverse areas of study ¬in traditional and accelerated formats.

Lindenwood operates a residential campus in historic St. Charles, as well as 11 extension centers throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

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8 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

City of Troy Public Hearing The City of Troy will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 6 p.m. Citizens will have an opportunity to give their input on the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will be held at the Troy City Hall, 800 Cap Au Gris, Troy, MO 63379. For further information, please call Karen Hotfelder, City Clerk at 636.462.7609.

Kings Lake Bridge on Route M in Lincoln County to be OneLane MoDOT has determined, after a regular inspection, the Kings Lake Bridge leading to Leach Memorial Conservation Area on Route M approximately 2 miles east of MO 79 between Elsberry and Foley has deteriorated to the point it will be designated as a one-lane bridge. Crews will be installing “Yield to Oncoming Traffic” and “One Lane Bridge” signs approaching the bridge, as well as striping the bridge for one lane traffic.

“The one-lane restriction will allow large trucks to safely cross the bridge, which is the good news,” stated MoDOT Area Engineer Erik Maninga. “The bridge would not be strong enough to handle the weight of two fully loaded semis meeting on the bridge, yet instead of placing a weight limit on the bridge, we are making it one lane where no weight limits are needed,” explained Maninga. “The not-so-good news is that the bridge is 48 years old, and we have several more like it throughout Missouri,” he added.

“We don’t believe having a one-lane bridge will inhibit the driving experience because there is little traffic on this road,” Maninga said.

Please use extra caution while traveling through the area. If you have questions about this bridge, please call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service number at 1.888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). All roadwork is posted on the traveler information map. You can also visit us online at modot.mo.gov/northeast.

The Best to Your Family from Ours

Patriot Pen Essay Winners Honored To honor the memory of those lost at pearl harbor, the Elsberry VFW Post 9064 and the Ladies Auxiliary recently sponsored the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest for Elsberry students in grades sixth through eighth. Contestants worked in their Communications Arts classes to write essays about what patriotism means to them and the United States. The top three winners were awarded a medal, certificate and monetary award.

Eight graders Mikayla Hoffmann, Alex Boedeker and Claire O’Brien were presented their awards by Terry Martin, Post 9064 Commander; Charles Stradford, Quarter Master; and Mary Schramm, President of the Ladies Auxiliary The essays will now go on to district nine level competition with a chance to advance to the state level.

Local Schools Plan For Snow Lincoln County R III is preparing students and parents for the inevitable snow days to come. On questionable weather days, families should tune into these local media outlets for information: KWRE 730 AM, KMOX 1120 AM, and Channels 2, 4 and 5. The District will also communicate closings and other news such as early releases through SchoolMessenger, Facebook and the District website.

“Every effort will be made to provide cancellation notices as early as possible,” said Superintendent Penny.

In a letter to parents, Penny laid out the specifics of the winter plan.

He explained, “First, parents make the call. The District makes our decision on what is best for

Holiday Hours Christmas Eve Friday, dec. 24 closed

all students and staff, and that decision may not fit your individual situation. Safety is always the top priority. School District personnel drive bus routes to check firsthand on local conditions and consult officials in neighboring school districts.

Whether or not the conditions will be improving throughout the day is also considered. Early dismissal is not an option we like to use unless conditions are expected to get worse throughout the day. This is primarily due to the fact that many parents work, and the children are safer at school. Please try to have a plan in place to handle early dismissals. For every person who is happy with a weather-related decision, there is someone who is unhappy. We appreciate your understanding of the difficulties and the timing of our decisions.

Your support in helping your child get to and from school safely on inclement weather days is sincerely appreciated.

If schools are closed, please refer to the Lincoln County R-III School District 2011-12 calendar for make-up days. Make-up days are used in the order they appear on the calendar.”

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TMS Student Published Book

day after Christmas Monday, dec. 26 closed

Hometown Banking The Way It Should Be! Troy • Hawk Point • Winfield • Elsberry • O’Fallon • Bowling Green www.pbtc.net 636.528.7001 • www.pbtc.net

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Troy Middle seventh grade student Will Benhardt has had his book, Poseidon’s Adventures: My Life as a Raindrop, published.

At 13, Benhardt already knows he wants to be a writer. Benhardt will share his work by reading aloud to students throughout the Lincoln County R-III School District. His book is available for purchase through Amazon. com.

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 9

2nd Annual Crider Mouse Races On January 21, the Crider Health Center Young Professionals Board will be hosting their 2nd Annual Mouse Races event at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles from 7 to10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Attendees can expect raffles, music, mouse races and attendance prizes. Beer and set up will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring outside food and drink.

Tickets for the event will be $15 per person or $100 for a table of eight. All those seriously interested are encouraged to register early. The entrance fee will increase to $20 per person on January 1.

Taxes Due Lincoln County taxes are due by December 31, 2011. Payments mailed and postmarked by December 31will not be considered delinquent. Taxes will become delinquent January 1, 2012 with penalty and interest added to your tax bill. There is a secured drop box located near the back entrance of the courthouse for after-hours payments. The Collector’s office also accepts Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover and debit cards in the office. Credit card payments must be done in person, and there is a service fee charged.

This year the Collector’s office will be using an electronic check processing system which will decrease the time to process mail remittance. Returning the bottom portion of your statement will also speed up the processing. Please make sure the correct amount is on your check and that your check is signed. Checks and money orders are to be made payable to Jerry L Fox, Collector.

Two Seats Open on R-III Board The Lincoln County (Troy) R-III School District will accept declarations of candidacy from any person interested in running for a position on the School Board in the April 3, 2012 election. Persons interested may file at the Superintendent’s office located at 951 West College, Troy, Missouri. Filing will begin on December 13, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. and will continue during the District’s regular business hours, which are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Filing will not occur on days that the School District’s offices are closed due to inclement weather. Filing will also not occur on the following holidays when the School District’s offices are closed: December 22, 2011 through January 2, 2012 and January 16, 2012. Filing will end on January 17, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.

Ballot placement will be determined by the order of candidate filing.

There are two (2) positions available with three year terms.

There are no partial-term positions available.

TBHS Wins Grant To Host Writers Thanks to a grant, TBHS will host several published authors during “Writers Week.” Brian Katcher is the first of many authors who will visit in February.

Brian Katcher, author of young adult novels Almost Perfect and Playing with Matches, will speak to student groups at Troy Buchanan High School on Friday, February 17. In addition to hearing excerpts from his books and learning about the writing and publishing processes, students will be able to ask Mr. Katcher questions. Writers Week was made possible through a National Education Association (NEA) grant and the generosity of the writers appearing.

In the weeks leading up to Katcher’s visit, the TBHS Literary Guild will raffle chances for students to have lunch with him on the day of his visit.

Brian Katcher grew up in St. Peters, and attended Fort Zumwalt South and Missouri University. He has taught elementary school in Missouri and Mexico, and now serves as a school librarian in mid-Missouri, where he resides with his wife and daughter. His first book, Playing with Matches, won nominations and awards in several states for its status as a high-interest young adult novel. Almost Perfect has received recognition for its realism and sensitivity.

Other writers will be visiting TBHS for a series of readings and performances this coming February. Student writers are also urged to apply for an appearance in the spotlight.

Applications are available for download at TBHSWritersWeek.wikispaces.com, or from any TBHS English teacher. The deadline to apply is Friday, Janwww.drtumanyan.com uary 13.

Commemorative Writers Week t-shirts will be sold throughout the week, and each visiting writer will bring books or merchandise available for sale and autographing.

Other visiting writers include Dr. Raymond Edge, Ryan Spearman, Bradley Bates, Sierra DeMulder, Antony John, Chris DiGiuseppe, and Mike Force.

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Business

10 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

O’Fallon Nutrition Moving to Larger, More Convenient Location Due to an increased demand for products and accessibility, O’Fallon Nutrition will move to a new location at the intersection of Highway K and Mexico (across from Quik Trip) on January 1. The new site is twice the size of the store’s current space in Fort Zumwalt Square. Asked how O’Fallon Nutrition has managed to

grow during a down economy, owner Dave Gaule attributes the success to the quality of customer service and a no-pressure atmosphere.

“We work very closely with our customers, on an individual basis.” Gaule said. “We take education very seriously. We don’t want anyone to be overwhelmed.

We want to teach and help match people up with the right products, not pressure them to buy.”

Customers get the assistance they need, regardless of whether or not they are nutrition gurus or completely new to the health and nutrition world.

“We cater to everyone.” Gaule explained.

“Our philosophy is about health and empowerment.”

O’Fallon Nutrition attracts a variety of customers, from moms to health nuts, by being the go-to spot for information about

Merry Christmas

By DeAnna Massie

vitamin supplements, health food, and sports and general nutrition. The new location will feature recreational rooms where the store will offer free seminars and support groups for those with particular heath conditions. The extra space will also allow the store to carry more food items.

Gaule said, “We are really becoming the store that our customers have asked us to become.”

For more information about the products and services available from O’Fallon Nutrition’s knowledgeable staff, visit ofallonnutrition.com. However, Gaule plans on revising the site soon.

“We want it to be more like the store, very personal,” he said.

Gaule and his wife Diana Hess, both studied anthropology at Washington University. Gaule also received a diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition from Huntington College of Health Sciences. The couple bought O’Fallon Nutrition in 2002.

At&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage in Josephville www.pbtc.net

AT&T recently announced the activation of a new mobile broadband cell site in Josephville that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses.

The new cell site is located near Highway P and Wortman.

“Our goal is for our customers to have an extraordinary experience,” said Nancy Garvey, AT&T’s vice president and general manager for the Greater Midwest Region. “As part of the Josephville community, we’re always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage, and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way we’re accomplishing that.”

AT&T invested more than $1.7 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Missouri from 2008 through 2010.

“New technology is critical for Missouri’s success. This investment in Josephville will help area businesses compete in today’s economy,” said Representative Chuck Gatschenberger.

Peoples Bank & Trust Welcomes Hutson as Loan Officer Peoples Bank & Trust Co. hired Don Hutson as Assistant Vice President of Lending at the O’Fallon branch location.

Hutson brings with him almost five years of financial lending and consulting experience with businesses and individuals. He holds a B.S. University of Missouri and graduated from the MBA School of Lending at the top of his class.

Join us in welcoming Don by stopping by the bank at 1310 North Main Street, O’Fallon or giving him a call at his new office 636.980.1777.

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Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 11

www.historicstcharles.com

12 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions Welcome to St. Charles Christmas Traditions!

Christmas sparkles each year in historic St. Charles,

Missouri during our one-of-a-kind Christmas Traditions festival. While you’re making holiday plans, escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian carolers, and Santas from around the world.

There’s no better place than Main Street during a Christmas festival for a holiday stroll with your loved ones. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights, stroll a while. Duck into a shop or two for a little holiday shopping. Then, take a break at one of the many restaurants,

dessert cafes or coffee houses.

For a complete schedule, please visit www.stcharleschristmas.com.

And when Santa has to leave on Christmas Eve, join us for the Santa Send-Off at 1:30 p.m. We’ll bid Santa goodbye during this last parade of the season and wish him the best as he heads back to the North Pole.

The Santa Parade The highlight of any visit to Historic Main Street has to be the Santa Parade. The Santa Parade starts at the corner of Boone’s Lick and South Main at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and sunday during Christmas Traditiosn and features more than 40 costumed Victorian Carolers and Legends of Christmas who all come together for this magical event.

The Santa Parade is led by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp and culminates at the corner of South Main Street and First Capitol in Berthold Square where you will be treated to a short show featuring the talented Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp as well as all the rest of our International Christmas Characters.

After the show don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with all the Santas as well as collect their Character Cards.

Decorations Saint Charles is one of America’s great Historic Districts. There is no other place quite like South Main Street, which fea-

Information from www.stcharleschristmas.com tures 10 blocks of historic buildings, some dating as far back as the late 1700s.

For Christmas Traditions, we pull out all the stops to create a festive setting the whole family can enjoy. With more than 10,000 feet of fresh greenery, 150 wreaths, 1,200 hand-tied red velvet bows, and thousands of white lights in the trees and on the buildings, you just can’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit.

In the daytime, the crisp reds and greens provide a colorful backdrop as you walk the brick streets enjoying all that Christmas Traditions has to offer. And in the evening, the white lights make a nighttime stroll or drive down Main Street one of St. Louis’ best free light displays.

The holiday decor on Main Street is just one more way that Christmas Past Comes To Life in Saint Charles during Christmas Traditions.

Photos with Santa Capture memories of your family’s visit to Saint Charles in a special photo with Santa. Set against a classic holiday backdrop in lower level of the Tourism Center at the corner of Main Street and First Capitol Drive, our Victorian Santa will bring a touch of class to this treasured memento, all at a greater value than mall photos.

Photos are $12 for the first and $8 for the second.

They are 5 x 7 and come in a lovely gold foil-trimmed frame. You may also purchase more photos with Santa in varying sizes online or by visiting The Tintypery at 510 S. Main Street.

Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Carriage Rides Take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping and enjoy a relaxing, complimentary carriage ride down Main Street!

Our complimentary carriage shuttle will be available (weather permitting) during Christmas Traditions on Wednesday and Friday Nights, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.

The carriage rides are courtesy of the SBD and the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To reserve a carriage for a special event or evening during the holiday season, please call 636.398.4123.

Trains on Main Be sure to visit Trains on Main located at the “North Main Train Station” at 222 N. Main Street. This year’s display will include a Victorian winter scene, a circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy, Polar Express, and so much more. Features HO, O, N and G gauge trains.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12.

Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum.

Trains on Main is open during regular festival hours.

For more information, call 636.724.2106.

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 13

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce held their first – ever Santa’s North Pole Dash 5K & 1-mile fun run on Saturday, December 10th. Despite the frigid, early morning temperatures, over 1,000 athletes took to the streets of Historic St. Charles for this festive event. Not only were runners from as far away as Arizona and Idaho participating, over 500 of those registered were from an area that was over 30 miles away.

“Our goal was to have an event that would bring people to Main Street and encourage them to shop and dine,” said Scott Tate, President and CEO of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. “Following the race, we saw many people wearing their racing shirts; carrying shopping bags and eating lunch in the local restaurants and pubs. For a first time event, we feel we achieved our goal.”

Organizers are looking to more than double participation to 2,500 Santa’s in 2012. The 2nd Annual Santa’s North Pole Dash 5K & 1-mile fun run, is slated for Saturday, December 8, 2012. Photos courtesy of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.

www.stcharleschamber.org

Learn & Play

14 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

SUDOKU:

Oldest Pick: “Secrets at Sea”

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.

Book Buzz !

Hello, Friends: Newsbee’s the name, reading’s my game. Each month, I select three books - preschool through eighth grade chosen to fit a particular theme. These are my Book Buzz Picks and I announce them in the newspaper. A honey of an idea, don’t you think? What better place to introduce kids to good books than on the pages of their local newspaper?

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

Set sail with “Secrets at Sea,” a rollicking novel that’s pitch-perfect by Richard Peck. The author’s in top form in this tale of the Upstairs Cranstons, an Ohio family who embark on a voyage to England during Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. Meet beefy Mrs. Cranston, her stick-in-themud husband, plain, oldest daughter Olive, and sweet, comely, Camilla, sure to send a sailor’s heart a-zinging.

Another family is off to London as well; a mess of mice that have lived below the Cranstons for years and decide it’s in their best interest to steal aboard the ship in a steamer trunk. Oldest sister Beatrice is at the helm; in tow are her siblings Helena, Louise and Lamont.

Strangely enough they bear the same names as Queen Victoria’s children.

There’s plenty of British humor, slapstick fun and enough upper crust shenanigans to curl a mouse’s tail as the social-climbing Cranstons try to land a man for poor Olive, already “pushing 21” without a suitor in sight.

Life isn’t all crumpets and crème tea for the mice either. They’re under attack from the shipboard cat.

Illustrations by Kelly Murphy will float your boat. Pay heed to the views she includes in the portholes on chapter headings. They’ll have you wishing for a trip to merry Old England.

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2011.

See solution on page 21

Meet Max at the Library!

Max, the baby bunny brother of Ruby from author Rosemary Wells popular Max & Ruby children’s books will visit several branches of the the St. Charles City-County Library District in January. Enjoy Max & Ruby stories, crafts and activities. Be sure to bring a camera to have your picture taken with Max. Program activities will vary by location. Max & Ruby books and DVDs of the Max & Ruby television show are available for checkout from the library catalog.

Great program for families with children age 2 to school age. Register for these and other library programs at www.youranswerplace.org under the Program and Events tab.

Monday, January 16 10:00 a.m., K a t h r y n Linnemann Li-

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brary (2323 Elm Street, St Charles) 636-723-0232 1:30 p.m., Middendorf-Kredell Library (2750 Highway K, O’Fallon) 636-978-7926 Wednesday, January 18 10:30 a.m., Library Express at Winghaven (7435 Village Center Dr, O’Fallon) 636-561-3385 7:00 p.m., Corporate Parkway Library (1200 Corporate Parkway, Wentzville) 636-327-4010 Thursday, January 19 10:00 a.m., Kisker Road Branch (1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles) 636-926-7323 2:00 p.m., McClay Branch (2760 McClay Rd, St Peters) 636-441-7577 Friday, January 20 10:00 a.m., Deer Run Branch (1300 North Main Street, O’Fallon) 636-978-3261

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MOVIE

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 15

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked”

By Steve Bryan

(G)

After more than 50 years of high- standard in animated features, but after their dialogue hard to place once it has been remixed to squeakier pitched singing and mischief, Alvin and becomes high-pitched, it is truly hard to recognize tones. his furry compatriots return for another lightweight Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and other celebs in this voice Jason Lee returns as the frantic Dave and he contincomedic romp, this time on a cast. In ues to bring new energy and enthusiasm to the chardesert island. “Alvin and the his third acter, even when he’s reacting to computer-animated Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” o u t i n g rodents. Lee has some nice moments with David the third film in the franchise, as Alvin, Cross’ character, a record executive who passed over actually is amusing and highA p p l e the Chipmunks twice as a legitimate singing act. ly entertaining, even for the computWith the kids out of school for the holiday, “Alvin adults in the audience. er pitch- and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” is the perfect film Before their scheduled apm a n to see when vacation boredom starts to set in. There pearance at the International J u s t i n are a few life lessons mixed in with the singing, so it Music Awards, the ChipL o n g ’ s can be considered educational as well. munks and their female coundist inc“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” rated G, terparts, the Chipettes, join tive voice currently is playing in theaters. their human father Dave (Jaalso is son Lee) on a luxury cruise.

Unfortunately, Alvin can’t stay out of trouble and, with his friends holding the string, he turns a kite into a hang glider.

Thanks to strong winds, the Chipmunks and Chipettes are soon blown out to sea, washing up a short time later on a desert island.

Dave tries to follow them on www.facebook.com/mycnews a real hang glider, but thanks to bitter record executive Ian (David Cross), he also lands in the ocean. Dave and Ian wash up on the same island, but they aren’t exactly sure if Alvin and the gang are there as well. Dave keeps combing the island for any sign that Alvin and the rest made it safely to dry land.

Totally harmless and fam- Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox ily-friendly, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” is well-constructed and features great cover versions of contemwww.lindenwoodcenter.com porary songs from Lady Gaga and others. A whiz at animated features, Mark Mothersbaugh from the 1980’s group Devo oversees a great soundtrack that is the best part of the whole movie.

Celebrity voices are fairly

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Editorial

16 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

“Over the Fence” The Pernicious Popup Plague If anyone of the millions that surf the net are asked what they believe is most irritating action ever conceived by evil mortals, they would probably say popup ads. I’m sure there are some that would mention other evils like drivers on cell phones or votes-for- sale in Congress but I’m sure popup ads would reign

supreme.

When I read what I refer to as, “The Big Paper“, they often resort to this subhuman form of alienating their Internet readers. Slide the mouse pointer across certain places and your eyes are suddenly assaulted by a popup ad. At first, most readers simply clicked the delete x but now it sometimes requires hunting around for a microscopic x. What I find most incredible about this evilness is that ad sales wallahs at the Big Paper actually convince ad customers that website popups increase sales. How any sentient human being could actually believe this twaddle is amazing but then, gullibility and greed is suffered by all levels of intelligence at times.

I once met a Professor that said Santa Claus was invented by a Macy‘s janitor.

I am delighted that my Publisher issues our Internet editions in PDF. It produces the paper in its actual form instead of a website hodgepodge at the mercy of evil computer geniuses that bring us popup ads. The ads appear on the Internet reproduction of the paper itself as it is instead of a nerdy sociopath’s idea of getting even for society’s mockery of pocket protectors.

Upon Googling to see if other Internet surfers hate popup ads, I found there are many and some of them are boycotting the advertisers that use them. There are even some survey’s that indicate these malevolent Internet eyesores actually decrease sales. I’m not sure of the reliability of these surveys but it does seem logical.

Unfortunately, logic often isn’t the guiding principle of corporate sales divisions that sometimes employ executives with degrees in “Yes”. Perhaps popup ads trip corporate executive’s degeneracy triggers. Who knows. It’s possible they’re like some of the groups that read only what supports their beliefs; a common trait among inflexible political disciples.

Stranger things have happened. Hundreds of people willingly drank poisoned Kool-Aid in Guyana.

Two acquaintances I spoke with claim they quit reading the Big Paper on the Internet because of popup ads and now rely on TV news. I find that profoundly disturbing. Considering some of today’s TV newscast objectives, this seems like watching news about safe crowd control edited by mass murderers. Many would disagree with this but it might behoove them to consider TV political ads where blatant lies and mudslinging are cleverly spun into what appear to the less rational as the gospel truth.

When I asked why they didn’t have the paper delivered, they claimed it was downsized to the point of making the print too small to read without causing eye strain. It‘s almost like reading the fine print in a loan contract for a used car. I’m unsure of whether Internet popup ads cause eyestrain but they definitely cause mine to bulge in torque-jawed resentment.

There are computer settings that automatically cancel popups but the computer geniuses that haven’t been arrested for internet crime usually figure a way to cancel the cancel programs. One way or another, they reign supreme in evil genius and condemnation by computer users. I doubt they lose any sleep over it but I’m sure there might be a few that have some shame after their employer files for bankruptcy. Perhaps I’ll find one someday.

Service Alerts Public to Abundance of Snowy Owls in Upper Midwest this Winter Snowy owls originating from the Arctic tundra are migrating south to winter in regions of the Great Lakes and Midwest plains, according to migratory bird biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The species’ rare southerly migration may be the result of a decline in its forage base and a productive breeding season.

The snowy owl migration began this October and the birds are expected to remain in portions of the United States until late winter/early spring.

Unlike many owls, snowy owls thrive in open grasslands, nest on the ground, and hunt mainly during the day. They feed on small mammals, waterfowl, birds and fish, and, their coloring, large size, unique hunting behavior and remote habitat distinguish them from other owl species.

“Since snowy owls tend to remain in the Arctic year-round, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to see them in the upper Midwest this winter. I encourage peo-

ple to get outside and add seeing this owl in the wild to their life list,” said Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius. “However, as these birds tend to be in open areas and active during the day, please be aware and respectful so these Arctic visitors can return home in the spring.”

Although many adult snowy owls are thriving on their wintering grounds in the upper Midwest, younger birds appearing weak, thin or flightless may be emaciated from their long migration over the boreal forests of Canada. Members of the public that see a snowy owl in this condition should contact their local wildlife rehabilitator.

Snowy owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under the Act, taking, killing or possessing migratory birds is prohibited. Violation of this Act warrants arrest, jail time, penalties and fines under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Missouri Botanical Garden Saves Over 140,000 Pounds of Horticultural Waste from Landfills in 2011 The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plastic Pot Recycling program has saved over one million pounds of plastic garden pots, cell packs and trays from landfills to date, including more than 140,000 pounds of horticultural waste collected in 2011. One of the most ex-

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tensive residential garden recycling programs in the nation, the program provides an alternative to throwing plastic gardening containers in the trash and, ultimately, into landfills. The Missouri Botanical Garden has offered its yearly public collection of plastic garden pots, polystyrene cell packs and trays since 1998.

“Despite the economy and less-than-favorable growing conditions this year, gardeners still planted their landscapes, and plastic pot containers continue to accumulate,” explained program founder and organizer Dr. Steven Cline. “Providing an alternative to pitching pots by offering a region-wide program to recycle them has sparked a sense of loyalty to doing the right thing from community residents. Fortunately, with the assistance of funding through the St. Louis– Jefferson Solid Waste Management District and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Botanical Garden was able to continue the program this year,

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and the response continues to be great.”

Once collected and sorted, plastic is granulated on site into small chips that are easily transported to manufacturers for recycling into products such as lumber, pallets and garden pots. This year, a portion of the collected plastic was made into lumber locally and marketed to gardeners to construct raised beds and retaining walls; the rest was transported to East Jordan Plastics in Michigan, makers of gardening trays and pots. Proceeds from the sale of plastic timbers will offset some of the costs of future collections.

In 2012, FRC Recycling in De Soto, Mo. will manufacture landscape timbers created from the Garden’s plastic pot collection. The timbers are produced through compression molding, measure six-inches-bysix-inches-by-eight-feet and are ideal for constructing raised garden beds and retaining walls. Several vegetable garden beds in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening were constructed from these timbers and are on display for gardeners to view. Raised beds have many advantages for growing vegetables, and those made from recycled plastic not only help reduce the volume of plastic going into landfills but also offer longevity, lasting for years longer than raised beds made from wood.

For more information on the Garden’s Plastic Pot Recycling program or to purchase recycled plastic timbers, please visit www. plasticpotrecycling.org or call the Kemper Center for Home Gardening at (314) 577-9441.

Editorial

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 17

You can’t pick your relatives I love visiting family, and this year the Schneiders are spending Christmas in Florida. I even get to see my Godson, Aedan. His father is my cousin, Kirk. We are the same age and we share a paternal grandmother. When Kirk called me four years ago to tell me about Aedan’s birth, and the spelling of his name, I began to giggle.

Our grandmother would have a fit. You need proof?

There’s a saying that goes something like, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your relatives.” And even if you could, what fun would that be? Each one of us, I’m sure, has a relative they’d rather shove in a closet and forget. Heck, I have a few of them. Every family has its comedian, its politician, its brainiac, its jock and its ne’er-do-well. (I have a couple of those, too.)

I didn’t even call Granny to let her know about Aedan. I would let Kirk experience first-hand what my brother, Tucker, experienced 10 years ago when his son was born. Alexander Michael was born Friday, September 3 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the course of the weekend I spoke with several family members, and came to the conclusion that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go ‘round.

Tucker and I spoke soon after the e-mail arrived and after I’d retrieved all the pertinent information (time of birth, weight, and height, health of mom and baby, etc.), I asked how the new dad was getting along.

“I can’t get over some of these people,” Tucker sighed.

Evidently, an aunt-in-law was very displeased with the baby’s name, and had the audacity to tell this to my beaming brother. I had to laugh, because the aunt-inlaw sounded very familiar. Our grandmother has a similar lack of tact. And the coincidence was beyond amazing. I spoke to our Granny a couple of days after baby Alexander had made his first appearance.

“What did they name the baby?” Granny asked.

“Alexander Michael,” I replied.

“Why on earth did they do that?” she responded.

Oh, here we go again. Now, before you start wagging your finger at the newspaper,

Recipe:

telling your spouse or grandmother how completely disrespectful I am, please stop. I respect my grandmother, and I love her dearly. She passed on to me, genetically and through life lessons, the tenacity I have today. She worked her way through a one-horse town and became the principal of a large elementary school in Florida, where she remained for more than 25 years. And this wonderful woman understands that money is the best birthday present of all.

But as accomplished as she is, this lovely woman doesn’t possess a tactful bone in her body. Remember, though, it takes all kinds. It took me years to realize that, and to let Granny be Granny. I’ll never change her ways, and frankly, once I learned that little tidbit, I giggled at the way her mind works.

Back to the conversation at hand.

“Why on earth did they do what?” I asked. (Why I let these things continue is beyond me.)

“Name him Alexander Michael? Michael Alexander flows so much better,” she explained. (This from a woman who wanted her only granddaughter’s middle name to reflect her own - Mae. Shelly Mae! Can you imagine? Beverly Hillbillies watch out.)

“You know, I forgot to ask Tucker how he could do such a thing!” I giggled at the end of this ridiculous response, for fear she’d take me seriously.

Granny and I have a unique relationship, in that I’m pretty much the only one in the family who can speak to her sarcastically and get away with it. Others have tried only to be written out of the will. You think I’m kidding, don’t you?

“Shelly Allison!” she exclaimed in her squeaky-but-sweet Southern accent.

“I love you, Granny,” was all I had to say, and she was happy again.

I never told Kirk about that conversation…poor Aedan will have enough trouble having to spell and re-spell his name once kindergarten hits. I did thank him, and his lovely wife, Liz, for choosing my husband and me to be Godparents. It’s such an honor to be chosen, and by a relative!

The Sweet Secret to New Holiday Favorites (Family Features) The holiday season is a perfect time to share delicious and decadent family recipes with friends and relatives. This year, introduce them to new sweet homemade treats that are sure to quickly become holiday favorites.

Cinnamon Spiced Café Latte Makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: - 3/4 cup ground Folgers® Classic Roast® Coffee - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3 cups cold water - 1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand - Sweetened Condensed Milk - Whipped cream, as desired - Additional ground cinnamon Directions: 1. Stir together ground coffee and cinnamon.

2. Brew coffee in coffee maker using 3 cups cold water.

3. Pour sweetened condensed milk into large coffee pot or 1 1/2-quart pitcher. Add hot brewed coffee, stirring until thoroughly blended.

4. Pour coffee mixture into café mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Makes 8 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

www.vincesasianbistro.com

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients: - 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell, thawed according to package directions - Water - Cinnamon sugar - 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese - 1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1/3 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips or miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips - Whipped topping Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350°F. 2. Brush pie shell very lightly with water; generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

3. Stir ricotta cheese, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar and vanilla in medium bowl until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Pour into pie crust.

5. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Filling will appear slightly soft. Cool completely on wire rack.

6. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped topping, if desired.

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Sports

18 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Sports You See... With Gary B. Rascals Give a Few Players Christmas Presents-Contracts Starting to Build Another Contender Manager Steve Brook is a pretty busy man in December, getting ready for the 2012 baseball season for the River City Rascals.

KYLE WAHL is 6’3”, 180 lbs. The right-handed pitcher is from Baton Rouge, La. Brooks comments, “Wahl had a tremendous season with the Twins rookie affiliate in the Gulf Coast League last year.”

CURRAN REDAL is 5’10”, 170 lbs. The left-handed outfielder from Moses Lake, Wash., “has tremendous speed and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield.”

LOGAN WILLIAMS is 6’0”, 220 lbs. The right-handed 1B/3B from Damascus, Ark. is quite the hitter, according to Brooks.

KYLE JONES is 6’0”, 200 lbs. The left-handed hitting 1B/OF from Rohnert Park, Calif. is a complete player, “and tremendous person on and off the field.”

(Information from Rascals website.) ~~~Get the right combination Professional Indoor Football Team Looking for a Few Players Start Getting in Shape for the Combine The Danville Dragons (www.DanvilleDragons.com) and Coach Rogol will be holding a tryout camp to expand their new team.

Player tryouts will be held at Dellwood Recreation Center, 10266 W. Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136 on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Registration is from 9-9:30 a.m. and drills start promptly at 9:45 a.m. and run until noon. Go to the website for all the information. ~~~Never know who may scout you Rams Try to Compete with Third String QB Kellen Clemens Kept the Team Close Only being in camp for about a week, Clemens opened up the post

game interview with a clever comment, “For those of you who I haven’t met, which is pretty much everybody, I’m Kellen. Nice to meet you.”

The ball was put into his hands to lead the team and try to salvage at least one game in this disappointing season. In the end, the Cincinnati Bengals controlled their tempers better than the Rams and took a 20-13 victory back to the Queen City.

Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo’s opening statement had been heard several times this year, “Obviously disappointed for the guys that we couldn’t come away with a win because (out of) 60 minutes in the game, for 55 of those minutes I was very proud of the way they played and fought. Even in the end there we get that onside kick, who knows.”

Running back Steve Jackson nailed the games outcome. “Another tough loss.

We get in scoring position and we’re unable to come out with touchdowns in a tight game. Once again, I think our defense played really stellar, especially in the first half. To hold them to 6-6 at half time, we’re pretty much in a game that’s even.

They made plays and capitalized on opportunities and we didn’t.”

NEXT RAMS HOME GAMES: January 1 Noon against the San Francisco 49ers (end of regular season) ~~~Oh so close #28 Marshall Faulk Saluted Add the Ring of Honor to the Hall of Fame This past Sunday at half time, the Rams unveiled Faulk’s name and years of service on the Rams’ Ring of Honor, located on the façade around the Edward Jones Dome just above the suite area.

Our own photographer Ray Rockwell was on the field right in the middle of all the action and took a great picture, as usual! ~~~Great Memories Merry Christmas and safe sports to all fans from the Sports Department!

Great Rivers Greenway Completes Gateway Bike Plan Plan partners propose more than 1,000 miles of bike lanes linking St. Louis City and County and St. Charles County, paving the way for creation of one of the larger bicycle networks in the U.S. Working to help the St. Louis region become a premiere community that encourages healthy living and active lifestyles, Great Rivers Greenway and a host of regional partners recently completed the Gateway Bike Plan. The product of months of work, the Bike Plan will provide direction for the region to develop a safe, convenient connected on-road bicycle system of routes with links between communities, greenways, transit and trails, creating one of the larger bicycle networks in the United States.

Over the next 20 years, the Gateway Bike Plan partners envision 1,011 miles of bike lanes, shared use lanes and other bicycle facilities throughout St. Louis City, County and urbanized areas of St. Charles County. The network aims to improve the use and safety of bicycles by commuters, students and recre-

www.sportszonestl.com

ational riders and contribute to the region’s economic and environmental health, making St. Louis a better place to live.

Great Rivers Greenway led the collaborative effort to prepare the Gateway Bike Plan for on-road and multi-use trails, working in partnership with local officials from more than 100 municipalities and representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation, St. Louis City, St. Louis and St. Charles counties, Metro, East-West Gateway Council of Governments and Trailnet. The finished plan reflects the input of citizens and technical advisors, who worked together through the public engagement phase of the project to develop the vision of the plan and define the core goals to be achieved through its implementation. These goals include:

• providing a prioritized system of contiguous bicycle routes that are connected to other on- and offroad facilities; • improving safety of all modes of transportation through careful design and educational and enforcement programs; • expanding the public’s view of bicycles as a viable form of transportation, and • increasing the commitment of public officials to support or initiate public policy for bicycling at the state, local and regional levels of government.

Another key component of the plan is the development of performance measures so that public agencies and interested citizens can assess how implementation of the plan is generating increases in ridership and resulting in reductions in crashes involving bicycles.

“Connecting communities, promoting good health and providing transportation alternatives are just the beginning of creating a vibrant region.

The Gateway Bike Plan helps to foster the development of safer cycling routes,” notes Susan Trautman, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway. “With input from citizens, community leaders and transportation experts, the Gateway Bike Plan has been favorably accepted and is ready for action.”

About Great Rivers Greenway Great Rivers Greenway is a public organization established in November 2000 with the passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Initiative in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The organization is developing an interconnected system of trails in greenways to make the region a better place to live. For more information, visit www.grgstl.org.

Health

Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 19

Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease The holiday season is a time families gather and spend quality time with loved ones. It is also a time that can raise questions about the cognitive health of aging family members. With Alzheimer’s disease in particular, it is important to know what it is and what it is not normal aging. Below is a list of warning signs along with examples of normal aging. If you notice any of the warning signs in your aging family members, it is recommended that you see a doctor.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information.

Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on one’s own.

What’s typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.

They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What’s typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble fol-

lowing or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.

This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

“In 2011, the first wave of baby boomers begins turning 65 – the age that your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease begins to increase significantly,” said Cheryl Wingbermuehle, Family Services Director at the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter.

“Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and getting diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best possible care and support.”

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support service. Additional benefits to early diagnosis are as follows: Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease • Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer • Have more time to plan for the future • Increase chances of successfully finding a clinical drug trial through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, helping advance research • Participate in decisions about their care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters • Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners • Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the disease Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease and/or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900.

Experts are available to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive health as well as from family members and friends who may be concerned about a loved one and are seeking resources.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The St. Louis Chapter serves 38 counties in eastern Missouri and western Illinois, providing comprehensive care and support programs. The Alzheimer’s Association mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

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20 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

CHURCH Every Thursday at 7 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 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 ARP-stln@ 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.

There is a monthly financial need. It costs $5.40/child per week to provide backpack full of nutritious food. $200 provides a child w/enough food for a year. Contact: 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.

3rd Tues. Free 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 Now -December 31: Annual Lobby Auction at the St.

Charles County YMCA Auction items are on display and available for bidding. Items include gift cards, exercise equipment, sports memorabilia, electronics & more. All proceeds benefit the 2012 Strong Community Campaign, which provides financial assistance towards Y programs for those in need.

January 1: Open House at the YMCA Start your New Year’s resolution on time!

• O’Fallon 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Zumbathon to benefit Strong Community from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. $20 to participate. T-shirts and snacks for each person who attends the Open House. Call 636.379.0092 for more.

• Tri-County 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. A variety of fun classes during this free event!

Call 636.332.5574 for more.

January 2: Youth Baseball/ Softball Registration Lake Saint Louis program for boys & girls, ages 5-15. Please view the parks and recreation section of www.lakesaintlouis. com for age specific league details and registration information.

Now - January 9: Youth Basketball Registration at the YMCA Season Starts February 4. Visit www.ymcastlouis.org for locations, age groups, schedules & pricing.

January 28: Strong Communi-

ty Trivia Night at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Pezold Banquet & Meeting Center. $160 per table of 8, beer included. Heads or Tails, Dead or Alive, 50/50 drawings and raffles. Cash bar available. Bring own snacks. Register at www. ymcastlouis.org/ofallon or call 636.379.0092.

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!

Hazelwoodwood High School 45th Class Reunion: We are having a class reunion in 2012 and are looking for classmates of Class of 1967. Please contact Kay at 1967hhshi@ gmail.com or 636 745-2601 for more information.

4th Mon.: 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 388 Meets At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy. 636.219.0553.

Crossroads Cribbage Club Every Wed. at 12 p.m.

Meets at Rizzo’s Bar & Grill, Wentzville, MO. Every Thurs: Active Older Adults Game Day at the

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O’Fallon Family YMCA 10:00 a.m - noon. Free. Join us every week to play your favorite board games, cards or dominos.

Bring a snack and your favorite stories to share. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 x230.

Every Tues: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Join us every week to work on quilts “One Stitch at a Time” for local charities. Anybody welcome, no sewing experience required.

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.

3rd Wed.: O’Fallon Family YMCA Prayer Breakfast 7:30 a.m. The Y has always been nonsectarian, accepting of all faiths. We encourage you to come as you are and join members and guests of our community for prayer and fellowship on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 for more information.

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

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. More info at www. ofkiwanis.com.

Every Fri.: 3–8 p.m. VFW Fish Fry VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane.

Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

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Every Weekend: Orchard Farm Radio Controlled Flying Club Bring your family to watch flying model airplanes. Directions: www.orchardfarm.com Info: 636.300.1480.

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Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 21

HEALTH December 28: Free Mammograms 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be at Reliance Bank - Wentzville Ladies 40 years old and older are eligible (for those with little or no health insurance). Register at 636.332.3640.

January 5: Caregiver Classes 10:30-11:30 a.m. on the BarnesJewish St. Peters Hospital campus in the Siteman Cancer Center conference room. Free. Info: 314.575.3983.

January 10 - June 21: LIVESTRONG at the O’Fallon Family YMCA Trained instructors will lead small groups to help cancer survivors improve daily functional ability. The program will focus on reducing the severity of treatment side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self-esteem.

• January 10 - March 29, Tues & Thurs, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• February 20 - May 9, Mon & Wed, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• April 3 - June 21, Tues & Thurs, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Contact Kristi Bradley at 636.379.0092 for more info or to arrange an intake interview.

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Can email for further information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

• 1st and 3rd Monday: 9:30-11 a.m.

500 Medical Dr in Wentzville; doctors dining room of St Joseph Hospital; contact 636-561-1407.

• 2nd and 4th Tuesday: 6:30-8 p.m.

2 Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, MO; 4th floor conference room of Progress West Hospital; contact 636-561-1407.

Progress West HealthCare Center is proud to offer the following events to the community, FREE unless otherwise noted.

To register or get directions, call 636.344.CARE(2273) or visit www.progresswesthealthcare. org. *Middendorf-Kredell Library (MK): 2750 Hwy K. *Progress West Healthcare Center (PWHC): 2 Progress Point Pkwy. * Progress West Medical Center (PWMC): 2630 Hwy. K. * St. Charles Community College (SCC): 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. December 14: FREE Cholesterol Screening 9 a.m. - noon. PWHC. Appointment required.

in the brand new Cardiac Cath Lab on Jan 11. Breakfast on Jan 13 while Cardiologist Michael Missler gives an overview of test results & more. Space is limited, appts. required.

trance Way, St. Peters. Support children 4–12 w/parent/significant caregiver w/cancer.

Every Mon.: 7 p.m. Tobacco Free for Life Support group. Free. St. Peters City Hall. 636.947.5304.

1st Thurs.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer Support Group for adults w/ cancer. Siteman Cancer Cntr, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters.

Call 636.916.9920.

1st Mon.: Better Breathers Club Those w/chronic lung disease.

St. Joseph Health Cntr., 300 1st Capitol Dr., St. Charles. Free lunch. 636.947.5684.

2nd Thurs.: 4 p.m. Support Group for Alzheimer’s Delmar Gardens, 7068 S. Outer 364, O’Fallon. Call: Jennifer Krpan, Ralph Covinsky 636.240.6100.

Last Tues.: 7–8:30 p.m. HOPE (Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Group) Sponsored by SSM St. Joseph Health Cntr & SSM, at Harvester Christian Church, Rm CH–104, 2950 Kings Crossing.

636.928.7651, x. 115.

4th Thurs.: 6:30–8 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group Siteman Cancer Cntr, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way. 636.928.WELL (9355) or 800.392.0936. http:// siteman.bjsph.org.

3rd Wed. 6:30–8 p.m. KidsCan! Siteman Cancer Center, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 En-

3rd Sun. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Alzheimer’s Meeting Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Rd., O’Fallon. Faith-based for caregivers, family of those w/

December 15: AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. PWHC. Course designed for drivers over age 50. Check with your insurance company to see if you’re eligable for a discount upon completion of the course! AARP Members $12, Non members - $14.

January 11 & 13: Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening 4-6 p.m. PWHC. Free screening

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memory loss. 1.800.272.3900.

Gateway to Hope Program The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured & reside in Missouri.

Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or visit our Web site at www.gthstl.org.

Sudoku Solutions from page 14

22 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

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Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2011 • 23

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Missouri is home to about mosquitoes.

Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.

Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so to obtain blood meal the needed While mosqui to lay viable eggs. toes usually do more than drive little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es disea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to animal ers escalatin owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

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o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on at the 2007 to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s ay, Nov. 17, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college Joseph by St. sented ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a fun, includwill gather food, and laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show mini-s than 50 ing nine and more e speaker, ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. ntal contine a and seminars exhibits and a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime rs. semina ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

Mosquito Sea son By Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles County in the larval Friendship stages, broods residents have can upload of mosquitoes greatest prevention method the Day is Aufingertip s a two-minright toes are mainly s. Proper at their gust 5 and maintenance - propert of the pest variety, ute video y is the first the first to of the and are in light of emerge in the step toward describ ing mosquito spring months prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to propert friend lights ten miles or more drained y should be adequately i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , to prevent a blood meal women any pools or to lay .....................3 water that may to www.ra puddles of r story............. eggs. last ten days place Cove high or longer.

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FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Copyright: Huneke publications, Inc. copyrights all advertisements produced by its staff.

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and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Honor Friendships

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a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast exercis on plastic surmation nence, and and urinary inconti al improvement person and bra fitting gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, easy, p made hair, makeu

Movie Talk

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E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 17 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m.

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22

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

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2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers.

Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

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Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription.

The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the fast-growing Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with additional copies available in newsstands, plus online subscribers.

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

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24 • December 21, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy This Holiday Season Holiday Tips from the Humane Society of Missouri Pets are part of our family, so it’s natural for pet owners to want to share holiday foods and festivities with their dogs and cats. However, many pet owners don’t know the hidden dangers in holiday treats and trimmings. The Humane Society of Missouri has helpful tips to help keep pets safe during the holiday season.

Human foods fed even in small amounts can cause stomach upset in pets or, in certain instances, result in severe problems. Some popular holiday treats that can cause harm to your pet include: • Chocolate - Baked goods and candies containing chocolate are potentially lethal if ingested by pets.

Baking ingredients like baking cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate can be more dangerous to pets than the finished products they go into.

• Foods your pet isn’t used to – Avoid feeding your pet anything they are not used to eating. Just because your pet regularly enjoys a certain item from one food group does not mean they can safely eat everything else from that same group. For instance, even if your pets are accustomed to eating chicken, turkey could still make them sick.

• Poultry and ham bones – Chicken and turkey bones are hollow and shatter easily, causing little shards to possibly get caught in your pet’s throat, cause an obstruction or even perforate through the lining of

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the stomach or intestine. Ham bones usually have a lot of salt on them which could cause stomach upset in your dog or cat.

• Fat drippings - Too much of a good thing can become an upset stomach for your pet. Fat drippings from your turkey pan are too much for your pet to handle.

Do not pour this over their usual pet food as an added treat.

• Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a natural stool softener for dogs and cats and can cause diarrhea.

Make sure to secure your garbage when the meal is finished so your pet doesn’t gobble up all of those leftovers while you are enjoying your after-dinner coffee.

Other possible pet toxins: • Cocktails should be kept out of reach from pets. If ingested, they could make your pet ill.

• Poinsettia, mistletoe and many traditional holiday plants can be mildly toxic to pets. Keep plants well out of reach or consider using artificial versions.

• Tinsel, ornaments, lights and other holiday décor can be tempting and hazardous for pets. Use caution when deciding where to place decorations.

• Be sure to secure your Christmas tree so it doesn’t fall over onto your pet. Stagnant tree water can also cause nausea or diarrhea, if ingested by your pet.

• Make sure burning candles are out of reach. Pets could burn themselves or knock one over, starting a fire.

• It’s not uncommon for pets to become

easily frightened and stressed during the commotion of holiday gatherings or the loud fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Consider keeping your pet in a quiet area away from the festivities.

• Inform your guests of the rules when they arrive so they aren’t trying to get on your pet’s good side through food. Instead, have them hand your pet one of their usual treats to help them get acquainted.

• Also, be sure your guests are reminded to watch the doors and gates as they enter or leave. Many pets are lost during the holiday season, some never found again. Make sure your pet has a collar with current identifying tags and, for more permanent identification, have your pet microchipped.

If your pet becomes ill, call the Humane Society of Missouri Veterinary Centers at 314.951.1534, your veterinarian or, after hours, the St. Louis Animal Emergency Clinic.

You can still make the holidays festive for your pet!

Serve their usual food on in a special holiday dish or buy seasonal pet treats or toys for your pet.

If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family this holiday season, the Humane Society of Missouri will be open for visits at any one of our three Adoption Centers. Please note: The Adoption Centers will close at noon on Christmas Eve Day and are closed Christmas Day. Our Adoption Counselors can help you and your family can select the perfect pet to give you unconditional love for many years to come.

It Pays to Use Our Card this Holiday Season.

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Our credit cards, with their low fixed rates, no annual fee and optional rewards, are a great way to pay for holiday expenses. Don’t have a card? You can still get one while the contest is running. Just stop by an office, call Member Services at option 3 or apply online.

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