St. Charles County, MO 2014 Community Profile

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Index of

Advertisers

CommunityLink.com

production vp of production operations Amanda White managing editor Jay Nehrkorn copywriting Jay Nehrkorn Julie Brown Patton St. Charles County Econmic Development Center

AAA Home Services...................................................................10 Boulevard Dental Care.................................................................5 Breeze Park Lutheran Senior Services..................... Inside Front Cover CenturyLink...............................................................................15 City of Saint Charles....................................30; Outside Back Cover City of St. Peters..........................................................................9

1 800-455-5600

photography provided by Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce lead design Josh Mueller website creation & support Josh Chandler director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn

business development director of business development George Prudhomme

customer service director Kathy Risley

vp of sales operations & client care Debbie Moss

advertising ad research Carol Smith Mildred Walker

sd design Mary Caldwell

Coldwell Banker Gundaker – Sandra Meranda...............................3

administrative support administrative support Kathy Hagene

human resources assistant Teresa Craig

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers..........................................................27

account support Terri Ahner

mailroom technician Melinda Bowlin

Economic Development Center of St. Charles County........................3

information technology

Elm Point Animal Hospital...........................................................25

publishing systems specialist Christopher Miller

Emmaus Homes.........................................................................18

executive leadership

Extreme Pawn............................................................................10 The Family Vision.......................................................................24 First National Bank of St. Louis......................................................9 Hardware of the Past..................................................................15 Hope Lutheran Church & Preschool..............................................10

chairman and founder Craig Williams

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com.

Mid Rivers Mall.........................................................................35 Minuteman Press........................................................................10 Missouri Sports Holdings of St. Louis – Ambush Soccer / St. Louis Attack Indoor Football.......................30 Mount Carmel Senior Living........................................................19 New Frontier Bank.......................................................................2 Rec-Plex......................................................................................4 Sams Carpet Cleaning & Repairs...................................................4 Spencer Creek Dental Care.........................................................19

FOR INFORMATION Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce 2201 1st Capitol Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 Telephone 636-946-0633 www.gstccc.com

© 2014 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

St. Charles City-County Library District..........................................25 St. Charles County Family YMCA.................................................25 St. John United Church of Christ...................................................28 St. Johns Bank...........................................................................10 State Farm – Steve Oien CLU CPCU, Agent...................................10 Streets of St. Charles – Cullinan Properties, Ltd..............................11 Villages of St. Peters...................................................................18 W W W. G S TC C C . COM

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What’s

Inside

Index of Advertisers ....................1 Welcome From the Chamber .......5 Important Connections ................6 Business & Economic Profile.........8 Demographics..........................12 Going “Greener”!.....................14 S SM Health Care in St. Charles County..................16 M aking Medicine Better Together for St. Charles County.............17 H ealth Care & Retirement: Covering All the Bases ...........18 E ducation: Great Choices for Families ............................20 2

GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Real Estate & Relocation Specialist • President’s Elite Agent, GRI, RRES, SRES

Cellular: (314) 691-1320

Office: (636) 946-7880 • Fax: (636) 946-0759 Email: smeranda@illgetyoumoving.com www.illGetYouMoving.com www.facebook.com/SandraMeranda 2101 Bluestone Dr. #106 • St. Charles, MO 63303 SPECIALIZING IN: RELOCATIONS • FIRST-TIME BUYERS • NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOMINIUMS & VILLAS • MOVE-UP BUYERS

Let me make your move as stress-free as possible.

I’m only interested in your complete satisfaction!

2101 BLUESTONE DR. #106 ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI 63303

COVERING

THE ENTIRE ST. CHARLES & ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA TO SERVE YOUR COMPLETE REAL ESTATE NEEDS.

A Progressive Educational Partnership...........22 M ore Great Options for Higher Learning................24 Homes & Neighborhoods..........26 Communities of Faith ................28 Play Hard, Live Healthy..............29 Relax.......................................30 Outdoors & On the Trail............31 Shop & Dine ............................32 Local Attractions .......................34 Celebrate With Us....................37 J u st Across the River...

Regional Attractions ...............38 C hamber Preferred Business Listings......................40

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Welcome

from the Chamber GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE With more than 800 members, the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is the St. Louis region’s

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n behalf of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, I want to welcome you to our community.

For more than 30 years, St. Charles County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Missouri. With a population of more than 360,000, St. Charles County has grown into the third-largest county in Missouri, with the highest median household income in the state and an unemployment rate below both the state and national averages, even during tough times.

Over the years, the Chamber, along with business and community leaders, has worked hard to ensure that the future remains bright for St. Charles County. As a result, St. Charles and St. Peters are no longer places where commuters sleep — they are communities where people live, work and play.

We have a diverse economy with numerous employment opportunities, abundant recreational activities, great health care, top-notch school districts, plus a growing number of national and locally owned shopping and dining options.

City or country, historic or new, indoor or outdoor, affordable or priceless — no matter your preference, we have it all.

Because we live here, we may seem biased about how great our communities are, so here is a list of publications in case you want to do your own research: St. Charles Money magazine - “Top 100 Places to Live” in the United States (2008) CNNMoney.com - “Top 25 Best Places for Affordable Homes” (2008) St. Peters Money magazine - “Top 100 Places to Live” in the United States (2008, 2010, 2012) St. Charles County Healthiest county in Missouri — Population Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin (2012, 2013) Thank you for your interest in the St. Charles County community. Whether you are here for a visit or here for life, we hope you find our community to be the inviting and vibrant place we’ve worked so hard to create.

second-largest Chamber, representing the communities of St. Charles and St. Peters and unincorporated areas of St. Charles County. For 75 years, the Chamber has worked to protect the interests of local businesses and the community.

Please use this magazine as a resource to learn about all the great things our communities have to offer.

If you have any questions or need a referral for a product, service or assistance in your relocation, we are here to help.

2201 1st Capitol Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301-5805 636-946-0633 • www.gstccc.com

Boulevard Dental Care

Sincerely, Scott Tate, President and CEO Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce W W W. G S TC C C . COM

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Important

Connections

Area code is 636 unless otherwise specified

ST. CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

201 N. Second Street, St. Charles, MO 949-7900 | www.sccmo.org

Airport........................................................................ 949-7305 Assessor..................................................................... 949-7425 Circuit Clerk................................................................ 949-3080

Recorder of Deeds....................................................... 949-7505 Sheriff........................................................................ 949-0809 Transportation............................................................. 949-7490 Workforce Development................................................ 255-6060

CITY OF ST. CHARLES

200 N. Second Street, St. Charles, MO 949-3200 | www.stcharlescitymo.gov

Community Development.............................................. 949-7345

Administration............................................................. 949-3262

County Council............................................................ 949-7530

Animal Control............................................................. 949-3395

Dispatch and Alarm...................................................... 949-3042

Charter Communications....................................... 888-438-2427

Election Authority......................................................... 949-7550

City Clerk.................................................................... 949-3282

Environmental Health................................................... 949-1800

Collections.................................................................. 949-3212

Executive.................................................................... 949-7520

Community Development.............................................. 949-3222

Finance...................................................................... 949-7465

Convention & Visitors Bureau........................................ 946-7776

Highway...................................................................... 949-7305

Economic Development................................................ 949-3231

Parks & Recreation...................................................... 949-7535

Finance...................................................................... 949-3208

Pet Adoption............................................................... 949-7387

Fire Department.......................................................... 949-3250

Prosecuting Attorney.................................................... 949-7355

Mayor’s Office............................................................. 949-3268

Public Administrator..................................................... 949-7315

Municipal Courts (and Prosecuting Attorney)................... 949-3378

Public Health............................................................... 949-7400

Parks & Recreation...................................................... 949-3372

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Police................................................................................................949-3300 Public Works / Engineering..................................................................949-3237 Street Department..............................................................................949-3363 Waste (Allied Waste)...........................................................................255-6142 Water Plant........................................................................................949-3366

CITY OF ST. PETERS

One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, St. Peters, MO www.stpetersmo.net CITY MAIN LINE 477-6600 (USE EXT. WHERE SPECIFIED)

Animal Control....................................................................................949-7354 Building Permit/Inspections...................................................................ext. 1670

Vehicle Registration / Licensing Missouri Driver License Examination Office 2495 Raymond Drive, St. Charles 940-3320 Missouri Department of Revenue Licensing Office 2499 Raymond Drive, St. Charles 946-4456 -OR4217 S. Old Highway 94, St. Charles 441-6074

Business License.................................................................................ext. 1232 Citizen Action Center............................................................................ext. 1225 Community Development Block Grants...................................................ext. 1366 Cultural Arts Centre............................................................. 397-6903 ext. 1623 Economic Development........................................................................ext. 1305 Emergency Management......................................................................ext. 3522 Health & Environment..........................................................................970-1456 Municipal Court...................................................................................ext. 3280 Police (non-emergency).......................................................................278-2222 REC-PLEX/Recreation..........................................................................939-2386 Streets...............................................................................................ext. 1340 Trash/Yard Waste................................................................................970-1456 Utility Billing........................................................................................ext. 1217

Voter Registration You can register at any of the following sites: • County Election Authority’s Office • Public Schools • Community College • Libraries • City Halls • Vehicle Registration Offices • State Offices providing public assistance See election.sccmo.org/election, call the County Election Authority at 949-7550 or email questions to election@sccmo.org for more details.

Water/Sewer.......................................................................................ext. 1573 NON-CITY UTILITIES

Alliance Water....................................................................................281-2858 AmerenUE...................................................................................800-552-7583 AT&T..........................................................................................800-464-7928 CenturyLink Communications........................................................800-201-4099 Charter Communications..............................................................800-211-4450 Cuivre River Electric Cooperative..........................................................441-7410 Ducket Creek (sewer)..........................................................................441-1244 Laclede Gas Company..................................................................800-887-4173 Missouri American Water..............................................................866-430-0820

Economic Development Organizations Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce 2201 1st Capitol Drive, St. Charles 946-0633 | www.gstccc.com St. Charles County Economic Development Center 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Charles 441-6880 | www.edcscc.com City of St. Charles Economic Development 200 N. Second Street, Third Floor, Room 300, St. Charles 949-3231 | www.growstcharles.com City of St. Peters Economic Development One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, St. Peters 477-6600, ext. 1305 www.stpetersmo.net/ economic-development.aspx

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Business &

BY ST. CHARLES COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Economic Profile

ST. CHARLES COUNTY IS AN ECONOMIC LEADER IN METRO ST. LOUIS

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s one of the largest economies in the St. Louis region and the state of Missouri, St. Charles County has proven itself to be a dynamic and attractive community for businesses of all sizes, from global giants to local entrepreneurs.

Crucial to the area’s success are business-friendly principles such as low tax rates, competitive operational costs, highly skilled workforce, proximity to important markets, first-rate infrastructure, low cost of living, and abundant local amenities.

For decades, this award-winning area has been investing community capital in fostering excellence in public and higher education, creating more than 23,000 acres of public parkland and other recreational facilities,

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

and building more than $600 million in local transportation infrastructure improvements.

Thanks in part to this concentrated focus on pursuing progress, St. Charles County not only weathered the recent recession, but posted over 3.5 million square feet of new commercial development completed or underway in 2013. The community also ended the year with an unemployment rate of 5.0 percent — which is close to pre-2008 levels.

Some of the largest business projects underway in the community include the 614,000-square-foot expansion of the General Motors Wentzville Assembly Plant, the 400,000-square-foot phase II of the Streets of St. Charles mixed-use commercial and residential campus, and a host of other industrial, institutional and retail developments. For instance,

Menards opened a 250,000-square-foot store in St. Peters in 2013 — the first in St. Charles County.

“Greater St. Charles is one of the most desirable places to live and work,” said Scott Tate, president of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. “Municipalities throughout the community make it easy for businesses to open. Strong business organizations in the county and recent legislation passed by pro-business legislators have made St. Charles County and the state of Missouri great places to do business.”

Another indicator of success and consumer confidence is the continued upswing in retail shopping in our community. For 2013, St. Charles County set a new record with more than $5 billion in retail sales. That was a 2.06 percent increase over the previous year and the highest ever for the area.

Today more than 9,000 companies are thriving in St. Charles County.

International titans here include Boeing, Coca-Cola, Sysco, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide, General Motors, Verizon, Enterprise Holdings and many more.

There are also countless local success stories, as homegrown entrepreneurs make a name for themselves here, across America and around the

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world. Hometown business heroes include LMI Aerospace, Patriot Machine, BoardPaq, Client Services, Ungerboeck Software International, Synergetics USA and others.

First-class education, continuing education and advanced studies are foundational to current and future prosperity for individuals, families and businesses in the area. Nearly 43 percent of county residents are college graduates, and

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

the community has an abundance of exemplary public, private and trade schools and institutions of higher learning. They include Lindenwood University (a member of the NCAA Division 2), St. Charles Community College, St. Louis Art Institute, Webster University at WingHaven, Midwest University, Vatterott College, Ranken Technical College – Wentzville Campus, and the Lewis & Clark Career Center.

With an estimated 2013 population of 372,538, nearly 100,000 new residents have moved to St. Charles County since 2000, making it the fastest growing part of metro St. Louis.

In light of explosive residential and commercial growth in the area, it is easy to see why the three-sided convergence of Interstate 70, Highway 94, and Interstate 64 (a.k.a. Highway 40) has long been nicknamed “The Golden Triangle.”

Meanwhile, the community is looking forward to the long-awaited opening of the $118.2 million Highway 364 Phase III extension, which will create a new transportation link from Highway 94 in the St. Charles/ St. Peters area to Interstate 64/Highway 40 in the Dardenne Prairie/Lake Saint Louis area. This major transportation improvement is opening up new areas for mixed-used commercial development, single-family and multifamily housing, and recreational and entertainment facilities.

“St. Charles County is quite literally a great place to grow your business and your life,” said Greg Prestemon, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Development Center of St. Charles County (EDC). “We encourage you to visit and see why so many people and companies have decided to make this their home in middle America.”

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Demographics

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO

2010 CENSUS

2013 EST.

2018 PROJECTIONS

Population ............................................... 360,485 ............. 370,403 .................. 405,657 Total Households ...................................... 134,274 ............. 137,870 .................. 152,108 Female ..................................................... 50.9% ................. 50.9%........................ 50.9% Male ....................................................... 49.1% ................. 49.1%........................ 49.1% Median Age ...............................................36.8 ................... 37.4 ........................... 37.6 White ...................................................... 90.7% ................. 90.1%........................ 89.4% Black ........................................................ 4.2% ................... 4.6% ......................... 5.1% Hispanic Ethnicity ....................................... 2.8% ................... 3.1% ......................... 3.3% Asian or Pacific Islander .............................. 2.2% ................... 2.3% ......................... 2.4%.

Some Other Race ....................................... 0.9% ................... 0.9% ......................... 0.9% American Indian or Alaska Native ................ 0.2% ................... 0.2% ......................... 0.2% Two or More Races ..................................... 1.8% ................... 1.9% ......................... 1.9% Age 16+ Population ................................. 278,162 ............. 287,715................... 316,088 In Labor Force .......................................... 181,955 ............. 186,124................... 221,026 Daytime Population ................................... 133,860 ............. 141,838......................... N/A Number of Establishments ...........................10,862 ............... 12,429 ......................... N/A Average Household Income ....................... $82,986 ............. $83,314................... $97,783 Median Household Income ........................ $69,385 ............. $69,297................... $84,107 Per Capita Income .................................... $31,094 ............. $31,189................... $36,829 Total Housing Units ................................... 141,016 ............. 144,589................... 159,589 Owner Occupied ...................................... 80.6% ................. 95.4%........................ 95.3% Renter Occupied ....................................... 19.4% ................. 19.5%........................ 19.6% 2+ Vehicles Per Household ......................... 69.5% ................. 69.5%........................ 69.6% Grade K - 8 ............................................... 2.1% ................... 2.0% ......................... 2.0% Grade 9 - 12 ............................................. 5.3% ................... 5.1% ......................... 5.0% High School Graduate ............................... 27.5% ................. 27.1%........................ 26.6% Some College, No Degree .......................... 22.5% ................. 22.5%........................ 22.4% Associate Degree ....................................... 8.2% ................... 8.1% ......................... 8.2% Bachelor's Degree ..................................... 22.5% ................. 22.9%........................ 23.2%.

Graduate Degree ...................................... 11.5% ................. 11.9%........................ 12.2% Source: St. Charles County Economic Development Center

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CLIMATE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE....... (Degrees F)

January High...............................39 January Low.................................21 April High....................................66 April Low.....................................44 July High......................................88 July Low.......................................67 October High...............................68 October Low.................................44

Source: www.weather.com

AVERAGE PRECIPITATION..........(In inches)

January.....................................2.55 February...................................2.57 March.......................................3.32 April.........................................4.18 May..........................................5.00 June..........................................3.92 July...........................................4.39 August......................................3.44 September.................................3.09 October....................................3.49 November.................................4.08 December..................................3.18

ST. CHARLES COUNTY FAST FACTS • St. Charles County covers 561 square miles of diverse terrain that includes riverbanks, bluffs, forests and planned development.

• St. Charles County is located at the confluence of the “Mighty” Mississippi River and the “Big Muddy” Missouri River, the fourth-largest river system in the world.

• St. Charles County served as Missouri’s first state capital from 1821 to 1826 and was the starting point for Lewis and Clark’s famous Corps of Discovery Expedition in 1804.

• In 1970, fewer than 100,000 people lived in St. Charles County. Current U.S. Census estimates place the local population above 353,000, with nearly 67,000 people moving here since 2000.

• More new residents moved into St. Charles County than anywhere else in Missouri from 2008 to 2009, according to the U.S. Census. The community attracted 5,772 new residents in that year.

• The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles is the most popular tourist site in metro St. Louis, with approximately 10 million visitors each year.

• The “first free school” west of the Mississippi River was the Academy of the Sacred Heart, established by Sister Philippine Duchesne in St. Charles in 1818.

• St. Charles County is the starting point for the 225-mile Katy Trail State Park and is the most popular section of the system, attracting 111,000 users in 2009, nearly 40 percent of all trail users in Missouri.

• The largest park in St. Charles County is the 7,000-acre August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, known locally as “Busch Wildlife” and popular for trail users, fishing, hunting and family outings.

• With eight data centers located along the Highway 40/I64 “high tech” corridor in St. Charles County, the local area has one of the largest concentrations of IT facilities in metro St. Louis.

• St. Charles County is home to the Weinstrasse, or Missouri Wine Road, which boasts the highest concentration of wineries in the state and was the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) designated by the federal government in 1980.

• At more than $7.5 billion in annual total assessed valuation, St. Charles County is ranked third in the state after St. Louis County and Jackson County.

• The 10-block, 200-year-old Historic Main Street in St. Charles is Missouri’s first and largest historic district and one of the largest in the United States.

• Accounting for 6.2 percent of Missouri’s total economy, St. Charles County is ranked third in the state after St. Louis County and Jackson County.

Source: St. Charles County Economic Development Center W W W. G S TC C C . COM

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BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Going “Greener”!

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rotecting our planet through more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions, business practices and lifestyles is getting a green thumbs up in St. Charles County.

Businesses want to know that communities are forwardthinking, and recently a number of clean energy companies began emerging around the St. Louis area. Scott Tate, president and CEO of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, said Chamber board members especially became interested in clean energy projects when a solar installer joined their group.

When representatives from Syndicated Solar, now known as Real Goods Solar, spoke to the Chamber’s Health & Environment Committee members about installing solar panels on the Chamber’s roof, Tate said they highlighted utility incentives and new solar technologies through which the Chamber could save nearly $100,000 over the next 25 years.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A new solar system was installed and operational at the Chamber’s office

by December 2013, making St. Charles County Chamber leaders a shining example of innovation — both figuratively and literally.

“Our solar project should be advantageous during opening discussions with companies that might be attracted to our area,” said Tate.

In addition to alternative energy sources, Chamber members continue to leverage smart recycling and asset-recovery methods. In fact, several Chamber members are involved in robust electronics retrieval and recycling efforts.

EPC Inc. in St. Charles addresses data security concerns within their hardware recycling and reuse services. EPC Vice President Frank Polston said the company is a dependable, one-stop experience for qualified, responsible end-of-life technology asset handling.

“We pride ourselves with professional handling of end-of-life electronics,” he said.

Polston also stated that their programs are designed to prevent pollution, promote worker health and safety, and comply with environmental legislation and accountability for all hazardous e-waste and recycling. In addition, EPC’s teams take a strong stance on social accountability and proactively consult with clients concerning their data security.

Polston often fields questions from fellow Chamber members regarding how to safely and responsibly recycle old items, such as cathode ray tubes.

“And many times, companies need equipment, such as cell phones, handled in a specific way. So if they have a customized protocol for wiping data, we work with them to execute it that way,” he explained.

The automated curbside Blue Bag Recycling Program hosted in St. Peters stands out as yet another example of environmental responsibility among local residents. Residents discard recyclables by placing paper and cardboard items in one blue bag, and all plastic, glass, tin cans and aluminum containers in another blue bag.

St. Peters’ business managers also reduce the annual volume of trash placed in landfills through recycling cardboard, white paper, metal, and No. 1 and No. 2 plastics.

Cheryl Hanks-Sinecki, director of health and recycling services in St. Peters, said 325,000 bags of recyclables have been diverted from the waste stream in the most recent fiscal year. “That’s 12 million tons of trash that didn’t go into the landfill, or 65 tractor-trailers’ worth of items.”

Additionally, a seven-member St. Peters Green Team advises locally elected officials and staff on energy and environmental issues and helps inform community residents about natural resources, sustainable energy use, new recycling opportunities and other pertinent environmental matters.

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SSM Health Care

in St. Charles County

A PLEDGE AND A PROMISE OF PERSONALIZED CARE

SSM Health Care understands that navigating the health care industry can be confusing. To ensure an exceptional health care experience, let SSM be your partner on your journey to better health.

The opportunity of leading St. Charles County into the future of health care begins with a simple pledge to the community: “SSM Health Care pledges to be your advocate and guide on our journey to a healthier tomorrow. We promise to partner with you by providing exceptional care that is personalized, coordinated and convenient. With every step, we will create a more vibrant community and will transform health care as we move forward together — for the better.”

In order to provide you with a truly personal and seamless health care experience, SSM is expanding in St. Charles County to accommodate your needs. Throughout the next several years, a number of ongoing projects will make it even easier for you to receive the care you need, when and where you need it.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center, located in historic downtown St. Charles, offers a broad range of health services, including a newly

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

renovated emergency department complete with dedicated pediatric suites.

Nearby, at 711 Veterans Memorial Parkway, a new state-of-the-art outpatient services complex, or “Healthplex,” will be developed to improve the accessibility of outpatient services currently offered at St. Joseph Health Center.

For your convenience, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake Saint Louis is undergoing a complete campus redesign that will feature additional parking and expanded acute care services. In partnership with SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital West will expand and improve upon its already renowned maternity and pediatric programs.

The growing population of Wentzville also will have access to additional health care services.

Another Healthplex facility, featuring a new emergency department and outpatient center, is being developed near SSM St. Joseph Health Center – Wentzville and is scheduled to open in 2015.

SSM Health Care features an array of treatment options to meet your specific needs. Visiting the emergency room has never been easier! When a minor emergency occurs, you can conveniently hold your place online at any of their three St. Charles County emergency departments. Use your computer or tablet to visit www.ssmhealth.com/er, then relax comfortably at home until it’s time to go.

For your non-emergent health needs, there are two SSM Urgent Care centers in St. Charles County — one at 1475 Kisker Road in St. Peters on the campus of SSM St. Joseph Medical Park, and another at 1551 Wall Street in St. Charles. These centers offer treatment for non-life threatening conditions and provide preventative services, routine exams and immunizations.

For more information, visit www.ssmhealth.com/urgent.

SSM Health Care also has partnered with Walgreens Healthcare Clinic to provide you with additional treatment access points at select Walgreens locations. This partnership will provide more efficient collaboration between your health care providers, which means added convenience for you!

SSM Health Care is proud to partner with you — the community — to find a better way to health. Find out why more people in St. Charles County choose SSM by visiting www.ssmhealth.com. .

Making Medicine Better Together for St. Charles County

BARNES-JEWISH ST. PETERS HOSPITAL AND PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE TO AREA RESIDENTS

T

wo world-class hospitals are working together to become you and your family’s most valued health care providers in St. Charles County. Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital, both a part of BJC HealthCare, give you the medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology and health care options convenient for your needs.

In collaboration with one another, both hospitals’ caregivers are committed to creating a compassionate patient experience in a welcoming, comfortable and healing environment. The hospitals provide access to a comprehensive group of health care providers, including long-standing independent primary and specialist practices. This includes care from Washington University specialists such as St. Louis Children’s Hospital pediatricians and primary care providers from BJC Medical Group.

As a result, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital are making medicine better in St. Charles County for your entire family.

The hospitals bring great heart care to both locations through the Heart Team from Cardiology Diagnostics, a full-service, adult cardiology practice.

The Heart Team specializes in prevention, early detection and treatment for all heart-related conditions. They work closely with the St. Charles County Ambulance District to respond to heart emergencies and deliver a range of comprehensive diagnostic tests.

With Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital on its campus, cancer patients in St. Charles County and surrounding communities have access to renowned cancer care specialists and support programs close to home. Patients receive a full range of adult cancer services from Washington University medical and radiation oncologists and surgeons, as well as nurse practitioners, oncology-certified nurses and other clinicians, to assist patients and family members during the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Both hospitals are also combining their expertise through The Joint Center of Excellence at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital with one goal in mind — making joint care better for you. The center offers a comprehensive education program to ensure the needed support for joint replacement surgery and an orthopedic surgery team that’s part of BJC HealthCare’s commitment to delivering the world’s best medicine.

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital, along with BJC HealthCare, are committed to improving the health and quality of care for patients throughout St. Charles County. For more information about the hospitals and their services, visit www.bjcstcharlescounty.org.

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Health Care & Retirement:

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Covering All the Bases W

hile having major hospital services close by is reassuring, residents in the communities of St. Charles County are also fortunate that a host of non-emergency health care services exists very near their neighborhoods. This robust offering of easy-to-access health care services makes St. Charles County a great place to raise a family, as well as to retire.

URGENT CARE For starters, five urgent care facilities dot St. Charles County: Mercy Urgent Care Center, St. Luke’s Urgent Care, Concentra Medical Center, Our Urgent Care and SSM Urgent Care. For those unfamiliar with what urgent care facilities are designed to do, St. Luke’s, sales manager, Denise Livingston explained that urgent care centers are intended to provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, or when patients can’t wait to see their primary care physicians. In other words, they’re there when you need them.

Mercy’s manager, William Downum, said urgent care facilities also are vital options for people who are without a primary care physician or who need quick but non-emergency medical assistance.

“If you’re new to the area, we also can refer you to local physicians and schedule follow-up tests or therapies,” Downum added.

DENTAL AND EYE CARE A dozen Chamber-member dental clinics are available in the county to keep patients surrounded by professional, well-trained staffers who care about their overall well-being.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Spencer Creek Dental Care, for example, treats patients like they are family and offers the latest technical innovations, including digital X-rays and laser cavity detection.

“Our goal is to give you a better dental experience than you’ve ever had.

We pride ourselves on successfully treating very anxious patients, as well as patients with complex medical conditions. Many who were afraid to go to a dentist come here and say they have great visits,” said Dr. Monroe Ginsburg, the dentist who leads Spencer Creek.

Other quality dental clinics include Lifetime Dentistry; Boulevard Dental Care L.L.C.; Andrew J. Susuki, D.M.D.; Scott D. Newlin, D.M.D.; Streets of St. Charles Dental; Kevin M. Killian, D.D.S.; Burns Family Dentistry; Jungermann Dental Care; Elm Dental Care; Schaible Dental Group; and Greg McPherson, D.D.S. Optometrists in St. Charles County, such as Julie Emming-Thomas at The Eye Shoppe, review everything that impacts eye health: nutrition, exercise, social habits, medications and systemic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. As a self-proclaimed accessory queen and eye-nerd with an obsessive attention to detail, Emming-Thomas operates a boutique optometry practice in the heart of St. Charles, where she and her team like to help people get “spexy.”

Other area optometrists, such as Overland Family Eye Care and Jones Eye Care and Surgery, Inc., are committed to providing the finest comprehensive medical and surgical eye health care available.

DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL SERVICES Programs and assistance for children with special needs can be secured from United Services’ three facilities. The newest, United Services West building, provides a preschool, special education, therapy and extended

care programs. The buildings have classrooms, indoor play areas, motor development rooms and outdoor play areas with state-of-the-art equipment and surfaces for children of all abilities.

Meanwhile, the families of adults who have cognitive or other developmental disabilities can turn to Emmaus Homes, a private, nonprofit organization supported by the United Way, to help their loved one lead a spirited and enriching life.

Another important service for many families, Preferred Family Healthcare in St. Charles can help with prevention and comprehensive mental health treatment for people recovering from behavioral disorders, substance abuse and addictions.

HELPING HANDS FOR SENIORS One type of care doesn’t fit all when it comes to long-term and rehabilitative care. The circumstances of each patient are different and change over time, so providers in St. Charles County offer a wide range of options for seniors who need a helping hand — often available under the same organizational umbrella so that as the patient’s needs change, their provider can remain consistent. Long-term rehabilitation, nursing care, assisted living and memory care services — including Alzheimer’s — can all be secured in one location at the unique Villages of St. Peters campus. Additionally, continuum of care, with options ranging from independent living to skilled nursing, are also available on the Mount Carmel Senior Living campus.

Seniors who wish to stay in their own homes also have options. At-home assistance is provided through a variety of home health service organizations, including Assistance Home Care, Martha’s Hands, Cooperative Home Care and Visiting Angels of St. Charles.

Monroe M. Ginsburg, DMD

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Education:

Great Choices for Families Photo provided by Fort Zumwalt Scho ols

t rd Farm R-V School Distric Photo provided by Orcha

CITY OF ST. CHARLES SCHOOL DISTRICT

FORT ZUMWALT R-II SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Embodies approximately 5,200 students.

• Encompasses 17 square miles and is bounded on the east by

• Embodies approximately 18,500 students.

• Encompasses 136 square miles.

• Fifteen elementary schools; four middle schools; four high

400 N. 6th Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 636-443-4000 • www.stcharles.k12.mo.us

the Missouri River.

• Eighty-five percent of the district is in the city of St. Charles, 7 percent is in the city of St. Peters and the remainder is in unincorporated areas.

• Six elementary schools; one middle school; one intermediate school; two high schools.

• Also features the Lewis and Clark Career Center, which serves students from throughout St. Charles County, and the Success Campus.

• Earned Distinction in Performance for Improvement each year since 2006 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools.

• Students historically score above state and national averages on the ACT and Missouri Assessment Program.

• Both high schools are designated A+ Schools.

• Mission is to reach, teach and empower all students by providing a challenging, diverse and innovative education.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

555 E. Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-2072 • www.fz.k12.mo.us

schools; and an alternative high school, making it one of the largest districts in the St. Louis metropolitan Area and in Missouri.

• Offers extensive at-risk programs.

• Employs 1,355 certified teachers, librarians and counselors.

• Fully accredited by the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) Review Process, the highest rating in Missouri.

• Received the coveted Distinction in Performance Award from the State Board of Education nine times.

• Has students who consistently report above-average scores on state MAP and National ACT tests.

• Has designated A+ High Schools.

• Promotes democracy, citizenship, self-discipline, work ethic and the need to respect all members of society.

• Mission is to assure its students, regardless of ability or economic level, are provided an education in such a positive and safe learning environment that all reach their potential.

PRIVATE EDUCATION OPTIONS LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1145 Tom Ginnever Avenue O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-1680 • www.lwcs.us

City of St. Charles Fort Zumwalt R-II Francis Howell R-III

This is the only nondenominational Christian school in St. Charles County. More than 700 students of families from five counties and 38 different zip codes attend school here. The campus consists of a preschool, one elementary, one middle and one high school. The five LWCS pillars are artistic expression, distinguished athletics, relational development, academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Orchard Farm R-V

FRANCIS HOWELL R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT

4545 Central School Road St. Charles, MO 63304 636-851-4000 www.fhsdschools.org • Embodies approximately 18,370

students.

• Encompasses more than 150 square miles in the southeast corner of St. Charles and is one of the largest school districts in Missouri.

• Three early childhood centers; 10 elementary schools; five middle schools; three high schools; one alternative high school; and one alternative education center.

• Staff of 1,307 certified employees.

• History dates back to 1830.

• Is the highest-performing district in St. Charles County, with scores in the 90th percentile in communication arts, mathematics and science.

• Has highest percentage of students in county reading on grade level, the highest graduation rate, and the highest percentage of students taking Advanced Placement exams.

• Was selected as one of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2013 Top Workplaces.

• Mission is to prepare students today for success tomorrow.

ORCHARD FARM R-V SCHOOL DISTRICT

2165 Highway V St. Charles, MO 63301 636-250-5000 www.ofsd.k12.mo.us • Embodies approximately 1,600

students.

• Encompasses approximately 125 square miles.

• Two elementary schools; one middle school; one high school.

• Was created on February 14, 1959, having combined 15 smaller schools into what was previously the St. Charles R-V School District.

• Is recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a “Distinction in Performance” school district.

• Is accredited by AdvancED. • Has designated A+ High School.

• Received national recognition from ACT, Inc., for continued improvement of composite ACT scores, earning the Red Quill Award and Red Quill Legacy Award.

• Is a “Project Lead the Way” district, with a complete engineering and biomedical program at the high school level.

• Cultivating students who are inquisitive, responsible and productive citizens of a global society.

• Mission is to achieve educational excellence for all students.

CAMPBELL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 3880 Shady Springs Lane St. Charles, MO 63301 Phone: 636-477-8200 Fax: 636-477-6075 www.campbellmontessori.org This school was founded to introduce Montessori education to the local area. It opened in June 1989 as St. Charles Montessori Academy. In July 1997, it was renamed when students moved into a new building with classrooms, a library, kitchen, stage, multipurpose room, natural playground, nature trails, greenhouse and an amphitheater. It serves children 18 months through 14 years old.

UNITED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN Dardenne Prairie/East location: 2025 Hanley Road, O’Fallon, MO 63368 St. Peters/West location: 4140 Old Mill Parkway, St. Peters, MO 63376 Phone: 636-926-2700 Fax for East: 636-447-4919; Fax for West: 636-625-4901 http://www.unitedsrvcs.org/ United Services started through a United Way grant between the United Cerebral Palsy Association and St. Louis Hearing and Speech in 1975 as a private, nonprofit education and therapeutic organization. It now consists of three facilities and 200 staffers who create an inclusive educational environment that values children of all abilities from the ages of 6 weeks through 5 years.

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A Progressive

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Educational Partnership

E

levating and expanding the future of St. Louis’ health care outlook is the goal of the new, St. Charles County-based Center for Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. This initiative was possible due to the collaboration of Lindenwood University and St. Charles Community College (SCC) board members and staff.

The center is located in Dardenne Prairie at the former site of Barat Academy, a 69,000-square-foot building purchased by Lindenwood in September 2012 and renovated prior to the start of the fall 2013 semester.

As of October 2013, Lindenwood received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a RN-to-BSN degree completion program at the site. The program enables registered nurses with associate degrees to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing in about two years, responding to the recent industry trend of hospital staffs requiring four-year degrees from nursing candidates.

“The center is a unique public-private arrangement that could be a model for the future,” said Lindenwood President James Evans, Ph.D., citing progressive leadership and foresight of both boards.

Jann Weitzel, Ph.D., Lindenwood’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the curriculum is a hybrid program, allowing practicing and newly licensed nurses to do a portion of their coursework online while working full-time and handling other responsibilities.

“The faculty members hired to guide students and teach the program are exceptionally well-qualified, and the coursework and facilities are topnotch,” Weitzel stated.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Peggy Ellis, Ph.D., dean of Lindenwood’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, said the new program had 18 nursing students in its first semester.

SCC’s commitment to the facility led to the college’s leasing approximately 26,000 square feet of the center’s space and moving its associate degree nursing programs there, as well as its licensed practical nursing, occupational therapy assistant, health information technology and health occupational programs.

SCC President Ron Chesbrough, Ph.D., said they were pleased to add Lindenwood University to the college’s list of four-year partners in allied health fields in this “very unique and enterprising collaboration.” He said SCC also relocated its state-of-the-art simulation lab to the center, expanding the space to create a “virtual hospital” that offers concurrent simulations, including high-fidelity mannequins.

“This added feature will provide opportunities for multidisciplinary simulations, afford a way to reduce some of the constraints related to securing clinical sites, and increase program capacity,” said Patti Williams, SCC dean of nursing and allied health.

Williams said SCC’s nursing and allied health programs served several hundred students in 2013-14. College officials project enrollment in the nursing programs to double in the next five years, pending board and state approvals. Students in these programs consistently exceed state and national pass rates for licensure.

In the future, Evans said Lindenwood plans to offer a master’s degree in nursing, as well as programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy

FACTS FOR STUDENTS Lindenwood University 209 S. Kingshighway, St. Charles, MO 63301 Phone: 636-949-2000 • Fax: 636-949-4989 www.lindenwood.edu • Is a four-year liberal arts institution founded in 1827.

• Encompasses 500 acres in the heart of St. Charles, with residential campuses there and in Belleville, Illinois, plus 10 regional centers and 25 extension sites throughout Missouri.

• Offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 6,000 daytime residential and commuter students and 17,000 students annually in all programs.

• Is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Known nationally and internationally for innovation, entrepreneurship and extraordinary dedication to students.

• Serves as an independent institution firmly rooted in JudeoChristian values and beliefs in an ordered, purposeful universe; the dignity of work; the worth and integrity of the individual; the obligations and privileges of citizenship; and the primacy of truth.

• Mission is to offer values-centered programs leading to the development of the whole person.

and emergency medical technology. He said other health management degrees also are being considered.

“We will play a significant role in providing the necessary credentials for nursing candidates to succeed in a field that is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years as baby boomers age,” he said.

Mary Frey, vice president of nursing at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles, said health care providers see the potential for a coming nursing shortage because there aren’t enough nursing programs available to those entering the field.

“Currently, the average age of nurses in Missouri is 47, and this is a reason for concern,” Frey said. “The goal is for all nurses to have their BSNs by 2020, or at minimum, 80 percent of the nursing workforce.”

Greg Prestemon, president and CEO of St. Charles County Economic Development Center, said successful communities work together to prepare the workforce of the present and future.

“This partnership between two indispensable institutions will not only change the lives of the students and patients, it will help to transform our local economy. I believe 10 years from now, people will mark this partnership as a pivotal event in the growth and development of St. Charles County.”

SCC and Lindenwood University were recognized for job creation — particularly related to the newly formed center — at the 26th Annual Excellence in Community Awards Banquet, hosted by civic group Progress 64 West in November 2013. Progress 64 West was established in 1987 to promote the responsible growth of commerce in the greater St. Louis region, with a particular emphasis given to the Interstate 64 corridor from Interstate 270 in St. Louis County to Interstate 70 in St. Charles County.

St. Charles Community College 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, MO 63376 Phone: 636-922-8000 • Fax: 636-922-8236 www.stchas.edu • Is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields.

• Provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities.

• Established in 1986.

• Encompasses 235 acres, with 7,477 students enrolled in the fall 2013 semester.

• Is the fourth-largest of Missouri’s 12 community college districts.

• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Offers a college transfer program with 20-plus areas of interest and more than 45 career programs in business, engineering, information technology, health, child care and social services, law enforcement, office professions; plus continuing education, developmental and business and industry training programs and more than 60 online courses.

• Designated a 2014 Military Friendly School.

• Listed among 2013 “Top Workplaces” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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More Great Options for

Higher Learning

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 75 College Campus Drive Moscow Mills, MO 63362 636-366-4363 www.mobap.edu

Missouri Baptist University is a private liberal arts college located in West St. Louis County, with 3,850 undergraduates and 1,360-plus graduates typically enrolled. It offers nine regional learning centers throughout eastern Missouri and Illinois — including one in Moscow Mills, Missouri — adding convenience for students throughout the region. The Moscow Mills campus offers certificates and degrees in a variety of disciplines, including accounting, business administration, management, marketing, psychology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science and education.

Launched in 1957, MBU is a Christ-centered institution. Diversity, respect and dignity are among the university’s core values, revolving around social change through service and leadership.

VATTEROTT COLLEGE

3550 W. Clay Street St. Charles, MO 633012 636-366-4363 www.vatterott.edu/st_charles.asp In 1969, Vatterott College began training students who sought career skills for better lives. Today, Vatterott serves a diverse student population

across 19 locations in nine states, as well as a vibrant online community.

Vatterott’s St. Charles location offers programs for careers in business management, medical fields, computer systems, electrical and mechanical trades, cosmetology, and personal fitness training.

The college’s staff continues to offer additional diploma and degree programs, launch new locations, and look for other opportunities to increase and improve student services. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and was recently named a G.I. Jobs Military Friendly School.

THE ART INSTITUTE OF ST. LOUIS 1520 South Fifth Street, Suite 107 St. Charles, MO 63303 636-688-3010 or 1-855-398-9281 www.artinstitutes.edu/st-louis

As a branch of The Art Institute of Phoenix, this school is located in historic St. Charles. It prepares students for careers in the visual and practical arts, while striving to be the premier school for design, fashion, media and practical arts in the greater St. Louis area. The institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate and bachelor’s degrees. It offers a blend of theoretical study and practical skill development, with the mission to provide employers with quality-skilled graduates prepared by experienced faculty using marketdriven, competency-based curricula.

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY WESTPORT CAMPUS 11885 Lackland, Suite 600 Maryland Heights, MO 63146 314-968-5955 www.webster.edu/westport

WINGHAVEN CAMPUS 2299 Technology Drive, Suite 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368-7344 636-561-2400 www.webster.edu/winghaven

Based in St. Louis, Webster University is the only Tier 1, private, nonprofit university with campus locations around the world, including metropolitan, military, online and corporate, as well as American-style traditional campuses in North America, Europe and Asia. Their two convenient local campuses — Westport and Winghaven — offer courses in a variety

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

of business disciplines, and Westport also offers courses in computer science and information technology.

MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY

650 Maryville University Drive St Louis, MO 63141 Phone: 314-529-9300 www.maryville.edu Founded in 1872, Maryville University is one of the oldest private institutions in the St. Louis region. It is a coeducational university whose 5,000-plus students represent 49 states and 28 countries. More than 75 degrees are available there at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Maryville one of the best values in private colleges, and it was also ranked as a national university in the “Best Colleges 2012” report published by U.S. News & World Report, making the magazine’s first-ever “Best Colleges for Veterans” list in 2013. It was named a St. Louis Post-Dispatch “Top Workplace” in 2012 and 2013.

MISSOURI TECH

1690 Country Club Plaza Drive St. Charles, MO 63303 636-573-9300 www.motech.edu Missouri Tech has been teaching technology since 1932. It is a private college offering bachelor’s and associate degrees with an emphasis on computer science, electronics and related

areas of study needed to succeed in today’s most exciting, in-demand technical careers. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and is an official “military-friendly school.” It is approved by the Missouri Department of Veterans Education, the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Workforce Investment Act. Its instructors emphasize the following “A”s: academics, attendance, attitude, appearance and ambition.

NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 1030 Wolfrum Road Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636-229-3200 or 800-209-0148 w ww.national.edu/locations/ weldon-spring-0

This university has an open enrollment policy, meaning all students who meet minimum requirements and have the desire to learn can get the opportunity to do so. The founding campus started in 1941 in South Dakota as the National School of Business, but today the university has more than 60 programs at 35 locations, plus online offerings. The Weldon Spring campus supports the university’s comprehensive program offerings, including business, allied health, information technology and criminal justice.

National American University is accredited

by The Higher Learning Commission and offers diplomas and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university remains dedicated to its “maverick roots” and to serving students who dare to be different and brave enough to make their own paths.

Fenced exercise area for the dogs Separate boarding area for the cats

Staff on the premises 24/7 to care for the pets

Hours: Monday - Friday 7am to 8 pm and Saturday 7am to 4pm

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Homes &

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Neighborhoods

R

anging from the Old Town historic area to condos, apartments, flats and contemporary developments such as New Town at St. Charles, St. Charles County boasts a variety of living situations from which to choose.

St. Charles’ Coldwell Banker Gundaker agent Sandra Meranda said reasons to live in this diversified area are numerous.

“Whether you are buying or selling a home, St. Charles County is a place you should definitely consider,” she said.

One of the primary reasons is that the county features so many distinctive communities to choose from, including St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake Saint Louis, Wentzville, Cottleville, Weldon Spring and New Melle. And within these communities are distinctive neighborhoods for home buyers to consider.

Montecito subdivision in St. Peters is a prime example of a neighborhood offering premium new homes. The development includes a lake,

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

walking trails and exterior maintenance services for residents — all within a closed-in location near major highways, shopping and recreational facilities.

Meranda highlights the region’s low crime rates and abundance of educational opportunities — as well as the St. Charles City-County Library’s being ranked third nationally on Hennen’s Top Ten American Library rating scale — as strong selling points. She also explained that the county’s 10 parks, bike trails, state Katy Trail, dog parks and connector trails support the value of homes there. Outdoor explorers find plenty of relaxing outlets, such as wineries in southern St. Charles County or boating activities in the northern part along the Mississippi River.

“Main Street St. Charles is a wonderful place, with great shops and restaurants in preserved buildings on the National Register of Historic Places,” she said. “The first Missouri Capitol, and the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expedition, can also be found along our riverfront.

“Local transportation is also better than people think,” Meranda continued. “There’s no doubt we have traffic — we’ve been one of the

fastest-growing U.S. counties for over 25 years.

But major new arteries were added to ease traffic in and out of the area.”

New luxury apartments, such as Residences at Streets of St. Charles, offer plush urban development in an integrated mixed-use setting.

This building offers nine floor plans, balconies, terraces, heated pool, hot tub, fire pit, barbecue stations, business center, clubhouse, private 24-hour fitness center, tanning bed and even a dog grooming parlor.

Real estate values in St. Charles County remain above the national average, Meranda said, with homes of every type and price point.

“Whether you want new construction or a 100-year-old, historic home, St. Charles County has it all!”

Merle Schneider, co-owner and broker of Schneider Real Estate in St. Charles, said real estate sales locally, and around the country, reached a “new normal,” when analyzing patterns between the inventory of homes available versus the number of prospective buyers.

“Since 2011, it clearly has converted from a buyer’s to a seller’s market,” said Schneider.

“Median home values are on the rise since the 2011 low, and increasing annual appreciation levels between 4 to 6 percent can be expected.”

Photo provided by Schneider Real Estate Schneider predicts an inventory shortage for the next three to five years. “But new construction is coming back to life, with St. Charles County ‘starts’ leading the St. Louis region. Sales have been increasing 15 percent a year, while available inventory units rose closer to 4 percent yearly.”

Month over month, home sales have outperformed the same period of the previous year for

25 of the last 26 months, and Schneider said that the days-on-market period is down from 90-plus days to about 54 days. He also stated that for the first time since 1980, it is less expensive to own a home than to rent it.

“Hence, with the housing shortage, homes available to lease also are at a shortage, and rents should increase 3 to 5 percent each year for the next several years.”

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Communities of Faith

T

he faith community in the St. Charles County region has a rich Catholic tradition dating back to the early 1800s, but it also features congregations representing a wide variety of denominations and beliefs. Lutheran, Churches of Christ, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and others of the Christian belief are represented, and there is a synagogue for those of the Jewish faith.

REMEMBERING THE FAITHFUL: THE SHRINE OF ST. ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE Located at the Academy of the Sacred Heart on North Second Street in St. Charles, the Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne honors one of the earliest spiritual and educational leaders of the Missouri frontier. A French missionary with a passion for education and for sharing her faith with

Native Americans, St. Philippine was known among the Potawatomi tribe as “the woman who always prays.”

Arriving from France in 1818 with four other nuns, Philippine established her first school for girls in a log cabin in St. Charles. It was the first free school west of the Mississippi River. The school began operating at a different location on the other side of the Missouri River the following summer, but the Jesuits who built a new parish church in St. Charles in 1828 convinced Philippine and her companions to come back to St. Charles to operate a parish school in the original cabin. Their first brick building was built in 1835 and still stands within the heart of the Academy of the Sacred Heart campus.

The shrine itself features beautiful artwork representing Philippine’s life and canonization. Visitors may also see the parlors of the early brick convent and view relics remaining from the original pioneer convent.

CHAMBER MEMBER HOUSES OF WORSHIP Church Of The Shepherd 1601 Woodstone • St. Charles, MO 63304 636-441-2434 • coswired.org Hope Lutheran Church and Preschool 1975 Old Hwy 94 South • Saint Charles, MO 63303 636-946-8922 • hopelutheranelca.org St. John United Church of Christ Community Outreach 405 S.Fifth Street • St. Charles , MO 63301 636-946-0961 • www.stjohnucc.org

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Play Hard ,

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Live Healthy

W

hy is St. Charles County consistently ranked as the healthiest county in Missouri? It stems from the abundance of fitness and sporting options offered throughout the area.

In 2013, St. Charles County placed first in the state in a national study for its “Health Outcomes” and “Health Factors” categories. It came as no surprise, as this is the fourth consecutive year that St. Charles County received the honor. Done by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute, the rankings are based on public data collected from vital statistics and government health surveys. Data included figures for premature deaths, obesity rates, binge drinking, smoking, access to healthy foods, unemployment, high school graduation rates, pollution, access to primary care providers and selfassessed health status.

“Health Outcomes” rankings reflect how long people live (mortality) and how healthy people feel (morbidity). “Health Factors” rankings are based on the community’s health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic conditions, and physical environment.

“Earning this distinction as one of Missouri’s healthiest counties for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous recognition for the importance that St. Charles County residents and our medical community place on healthy lifestyles,” said Hope Woodson, division director for the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment. “Beginning with a healthy and active community allows our staff to be proactive in dealing with potential risks and in educating residents on ways in which they can improve their quality of life.”

Keeping the community active is the goal of parks and recreation teams in local city governments, and their offerings make it easy for residents to find year-round activities that they enjoy and that will also help them stay fit.

St. Peters Parks, Recreation & Arts staffers, for example, offer a wide variety of programs and facilities, including athletic fields and leagues for all ages, outdoor swimming at two local pools, biking trails, fishing and archery. People who like to combine exercise with healthy eating will also want to check out their community garden program. And the department’s Rec-Plex facility at 5200 Mexico Road offers indoor ice skating and hockey, basketball, volleyball, aquatics, fitness equipment, dance and exercise programs, and much more. Finally, the St. Peters Golf Course is a fun, affordable community facility that has a reputation incomparable service.

The City of St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department offers more than 20 different parks, greenways and playgrounds, creating excellent locations for sporting events, exercise, jogging, biking and enjoying an active lifestyle.

The park system encompasses more than 800 acres overall and includes three aquatics facilities. Programming includes dance and gymnastics programs, indoor and outdoor soccer, indoor and outdoor hockey, basketball, flag football, tennis and Tae Kwon Do for kids, plus a variety of sports leagues for adults as well. They even kept the family pet’s fitness in mind by creating the 2.5-acre off-leash DuSable Dog Park.

The slogan of St. Charles County Family YMCA’s aquatics program is “Everybody in the pool!” — and staffers mean it. Participants are encouraged to squeeze more performance from their bodies. For example, the motto of the Y’s Stingray competitive team for swimmers aged 5 to 21 years is: “It’s not how much you gave, it’s how much you gave after you give it your all!”

Lauren Lepchenske, program coordinator for the Y’s aquatics program in St. Charles, said all of their coaches have access to the most comprehensive training and certification programs for youth coaches of any sport in the United States.

The St. Charles County Family YMCA also offers a double-court airconditioned gymnasium, fitness center, indoor track, dance center and group exercise studios, as well as a whirlpool and sauna facilities.

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Relax

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

A GREAT STOP ON THE WINE TRAIL Local wine from Missouri-grown grapes puts a zip in the sips along the St. Charles County wine trail. One vino producer in particular, Sugar Creek Winery, produces a wide range of wines, including Chambourcin, Chardonel, Cynthiana and Vidal. Perched on a lofty hillside in Defiance, the winery overlooks the Missouri River Valley and is located on the state’s Katy Trail.

This family-owned business, situated in a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Multiple awardwinning wines are created entirely on location using all Missouri grapes. Sugar Creek Winery entered three wines in the 2013 Missouri Wines State Competition, and each of them won awards.

Sugar Creek proprietor Becky Miller said cyclists and hikers are welcome at the winery, and they have ample parking for bus travelers.

Guests can sample their 14 medal-winning dry, semi-dry and sweet wines throughout the year

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from covered decks, pavilions and charming rooms with fireplaces.

“Guests can bring their own picnics, or enjoy the assorted cheese, sausage and snacks we offer,” she said. “When you visit Sugar Creek, you become part of our family. Our staff loves what they do, and we believe hospitality is important.”

RIDING THE RIVERS Boating enthusiasts in St. Charles County have access to one of the world’s great rivers: the mighty Mississippi. Boating and yachting on the river is a great way to unwind, and the river’s island beaches create a unique setting where recreational boaters often hold parties and gatherings.

Access to the Mississippi River in St. Charles County can be gained at a number of marinas.

GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Yacht Club of St. Louis, for example, rests majestically on the Dardenne Slough, sheltered from the main channel by Bolter Island. It offers members an elegant dining room, as well as a riverside patio. The club also provides live entertainment, including jazz, blues, reggae, classic rock and soul bands.

Further downstream, Palisades Yacht Club is a public boating and social club located in Portage Des Sioux. Visitors get a panoramic view of limestone cliffs across the river in Illinois, and can dip into the pool. Members dock and store boats there. The shrine to Our Lady of the Rivers can be seen downstream.

John’s Boat Harbor is a full-service marina, including docking, dry storage, ramping and repairs. With the motto “We’ve got the best boaters on the Mississippi River,” owner Glenna Tolliver says one of the marina’s best outcomes is the various people they meet.

“Some have million-dollar yachts. Some are paddling down the river on rafts. And they’re all interesting.”

Outdoors & On the Trail Photo provided by Missouri Dep t.

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hile having facilities and activities so close to urban action, St. Charles County also has equally great offerings off the beaten path. Whether interested in a half-hour stroll or a rigorous excursion, residents and visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, outdoor swimming, fishing, hunting and historic site touring — all in the county’s backyard.

There is a valid reason Missouri was named the “Best Trails State” in 2013 by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization. The award is presented every two years to the state that has made tremendous contributions to promote and improve trails system. St. Charles County contains its fair share of outdoor gems contributing to Missouri’s designation.

Nearly 14,000 acres of wilderness is located between two large, outdoor havens in St. Charles County. The first is the 6,987-acre August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. It serves as the St. Louis regional Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) office and includes a multifaceted visitor center.

Residents can secure fishing and hunting licenses at the Busch Area, enjoy free exhibits and nature programs, gaze at a 1,300-gallon aquarium, hike, have a picnic, or wet a line in the 32 fishable lakes and ponds. The Busch Area visitor center is open weekdays year-round, except for state holidays. Activities are available for groups by reservation. Topics include aquatic ecology, forest ecology, reptiles, birds and trees.

Dan Zarlenga, MDC media specialist, said the Busch Area grounds are open to the public until 10 p.m.

“The lakes at Busch are the biggest and most unique attraction,” he said. “From small to large, there are so many varieties of sizes, and they are heavily used. We even stock the lakes during the

winter, so visitors can enjoy them around the year. Trout fishing is especially popular there during November through February.”

An on-site vendor provides bait, tackle and snacks to those fishing between April and September. Boat rentals are available during this time as well.

Zarlenga said other draws for visitors include the bird-watching areas, shooting range, archery range and prairie restoration spots, including native wildflowers during certain seasons. The staff hosts owl prowls, fall color walks and spring frog walks, and their managed deer hunts — both firearm and archery — provide a nearby outlet for hunters.

Next door to the Busch Area is the 8,398-acre Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Zarlenga said it has excellent mountain bike trails and access to the Missouri River. It is a mostly forested area with pasture, cropland and some wetlands and glades.

The Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area is 385 acres of upland and bottomland rugged topography, including limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments.

On a smaller scale, St. Charles County Parks Department leaders are building an urban openspace legacy by developing a regional parks system that promotes outdoor recreation.

St. Charles County government officials continue to acquire and develop quality open spaces for the enjoyment of residents; currently five parks are in reserve.

By conserving the natural and historic resources of the county, St. Charles representatives seek to acquire 4,000 acres for parks and open space by 2015 while protecting the area’s natural environmental heritage. There are currently 10 parks for public use, most of which offer hiking and biking trails for exploration and

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

of Conservation

exercise in natural settings. Specifically, multi-use trails that include horseback riding as well as hiking and biking are open at Broemmelsiek Park and Indian Camp Creek Park.

The city of St. Peters offers 20 miles of trails through its park system, connecting parks and greenways with the City Hall and Cultural Arts Centre area. Meanwhile, the city of St. Charles offers trails of various lengths and surfaces in 11 different parks plus the paved, 3.81-mile hike and bike Boschert Greenway.

Some other regional trails also play major roles in the area’s recreation and transportation options. Centennial Greenway is a 20-mile track that connects people to nature as an offstreet bicycle and pedestrian trail and linear park.

When complete, it will run from St. Charles County to downtown St. Louis.

Additionally, Great Rivers Greenway is a special district working in St. Charles County, St. Louis County and St. Louis City. It was created in 2000 by a vote of residents to deliver on the promise of a clean, green, connected St. Louis region. The district’s fundamental purpose is to make the region a better place to live through transformative projects, including The River Ring, an interconnected network of trails that spans from St. Charles County to the downtown St. Louis riverfront.

Another popular spot is the St. Charles Trailhead of the Katy Trail, on which outdoor enthusiasts can bike, run or hike along river bluffs and wooded areas. The Katy Trail State Park is a Missouri state park and a 225-mile recreation rail trail that runs from St. Charles, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, to Clinton, about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City. Commonly known as the Katy Trail, as it follows the right-of-way of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, it is the longest Rails-to-Trails trail in the United States.

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Shop & Dine

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

F

rom national-brand retailers in Mid Rivers Mall to customized, small businesses on Main Street, consumers tapping into the vast offerings of the St. Charles region’s retailers and restaurants can have it all.

With Mid Rivers Mall conveniently located off Interstate 70 in St. Peters, it’s easy to target the shopping center as a one-stop leisure destination. The mall includes department and specialty stores, combined with scrumptious places to eat and the Wehrenberg Mid Rivers 14 Cine for the “dinner and a movie” crowd.

Renovations during 2013 brought excitement to Mid Rivers Mall, via new flooring, updated interior colors, paint, energy-efficient lighting upgrades and new amenities that included soft seating areas and holiday decor.

“Reinvestment in the property enhances the appeal of our mall to both retailers and shoppers,” said Sean Phillips, regional marketing director for Mid Rivers Mall.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In addition to renovations, Mid Rivers Mall welcomed two new stores in 2013 and expanded versions of current favorites. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Amy’s Hallmark opened. Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Claire’s, Icing, and GNC all relocated within the mall to newly remodeled and expanded stores. Each of the stores features the newest prototype and layout for the individual retailer. The variety of stores also includes American Eagle, Gymboree, LOFT, Express, The Limited, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New York and Company.

For a unique flair to shopping, head to St. Charles’ 14-block, 200-yearold Historic Main Street. One of Missouri’s first and largest historic districts, it lies close to the Missouri River and the region’s frontier history. The brick-paved street leads to more than 125 one-of-a-kind shops. Shoppers can find framed art, antiques, clocks, collectibles, stained glass, garden flags, quilts, silk florals and decorating accents from every period, in addition to original clothing designs, shoes, monogrammed items, leather goods, handbags and jewelry.

Specialty food options also abound in the Historic District, with spices, seasonings, mixes, hot sauces, extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, handmade chocolates, fudge, toffee, Italian cookies, ice cream and gelato.

The Historic Frenchtown District offers a haven for antique lovers, with a half dozen unique stores dotting the beautiful neighborhood. Whether the style is Americana, Victorian, 1904 World’s Fair, Depression-era or mid20th century, shoppers will find authentic furniture, glassware, linens and antiques. Frenchtown also boasts an eclectic mix of other shops, including bridal boutiques, salons, florists, book stores and taxidermists. With the largest concentration of French Colonial architecture in the Midwest, the district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Martha Little, assistant director and director of sales St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the area is fortunate to have so many locally owned and out-of-the-ordinary dining venues.

For example, Hendricks BBQ staffers brew their own moonshine. Many people head there simply for the pulled pork pita pizza! During 2013, the staff added a new line of customized meat rubs, and they were voted a Diner’s Choice winner at OpenTable.com, as well as best new barbecue joint by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Hendricks’ large and rustic dining room makes people want to linger over St. Louis-cut or baby-back ribs and fruitwood-smoked meats. The restaurant highlights a mixologist-led cocktail program.

Lewis & Clark’s restaurant pays tribute to the roots of the region, serving in a three-story building in the heart of historic downtown St. Charles. People reserve the establishment for intimate dinners, birthday parties, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, bridal or baby showers and special events. The diverse menu features seasoned prime ribs, steaks,

pork, chicken and seafood entrees, as well as many salads, sandwiches and house-made desserts.

People flock to Tucanos Brazilian Grill for churrasco-style dining, with fresh meats grilled and brought directly to dining tables by servers. They are also famous for a salad festival that features both Brazilian and American specialties, providing a fusion of distinct flavors, textures and colors.

Dining well means living well to some. This is especially true at the premier eco-friendly restaurant Prasino, a Chicago-based establishment rated one of the best new restaurants in the St. Louis area. From partnering producers and ranchers to wineries and breweries, Prasino is at the forefront of serving the highest-quality farm-to-table ingredients. Its contemporary American menu is served in a refreshing, comfortable atmosphere that celebrates the love of good food, good conversation and friendship.

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Local Attractions

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

THE ARTS George Washington said that arts are “essential to the prosperity of the State and to the ornament of human life.” In this spirit, a rich tradition of arts innovation and virtuosity in St. Charles County contributes in many creative ways to the area’s prosperity.

The Foundry Art Centre hosts free performances and community concerts in St. Charles. It also has classrooms for adult and children’s workshops, as well as summer camps. The facility includes 5,200 square feet of Smithsonian-caliber exhibition space to host national exhibitions. Special touring exhibitions involving a variety of media, curated exhibits and juried competitions are displayed in the galleries. It also houses local artists’ studios and has space to rent for special events.

Since the Missouri Ballet Theatre was founded in 2009 in St. Peters, its supporters have brought first-class dance to the community and educational performances for thousands of local youths. The stated goals for the theatre, as set by its board of directors, are to achieve distinctive collaborations with area arts organizations, performers and musicians to explore the fusion of movement with other forms of artistic expression; to provide a platform for well-trained and focused professional dancers to flourish in a stimulating and creative environment; and to espouse artistic enrichment through educational outreach, youth participation and charitable partnerships.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts opened in 2008 in St. Charles on the campus of the Lindenwood University. The center includes two sizes of theaters and an art gallery. The facility, which is used by performing arts and communications students, features classrooms, a costume shop, two dance studios and faculty offices. The center is the home of the university’s School of Fine and Performing Arts and hosts national touring shows.

St. Peters’ Cultural Arts Centre at City Hall welcomes artists and musicians of all skill levels — young children through seniors. The facility’s features include a performing arts theatre, thematic art shows, exhibits, gallery space to rent, art classes, summer art camps, space to rent for special events, dance troops, a Saturday Writers Group and a Friends of the Arts membership organization.

Theatre buffs can also head to the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus of St. Charles Community College for the college’s Center Stage Theatre and Young People’s Theatre productions.

The Family Arena in St. Charles also hosts a diverse schedule of concerts by some of the world’s most renowned recording artists. Performances include the biggest names in genres ranging from hard rock to oldies to contemporary Christian music.

NIGHTLIFE While strolling Main Street in St. Charles you’ll find a variety of unique watering holes where good food, cold libations and, on weekends, live musicians or disc jockeys provide a little mental vacation from the stress of the work week. Llywelyn’s Pub, located in a renovated bank in the historic section downtown, offers an amazing selection of beers and spirits as well as Celtic food and music events with Irish flare. The Eros Eclectic Greek Taverna staff serves an authentic Greek-Italian mix of fine cuisine, special martinis and live music. Customers at the Old Mill Stream Inn Restaurant and Beer Garden can catch live entertainers when not listening to the juke box. Trailhead Brewing Company offers a friendly micro-brewery atmosphere with delicious food, five different year-round handcrafted beers and creative seasonal brews to choose from.

The restaurants, taverns and movie theater at the Streets of St. Charles also make it a popular locale for the weekend “dinner and a movie” crowd.

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles features slot and video machines, plus live game tables — and the casino is open for 24-hour gaming, every day. Look to this casino for favorite games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, let it ride, three-card poker and pai gow poker, as well as current specialty games.

As the first American Automobile Association Four Diamond hotel in St. Charles, Ameristar’s suites are luxurious with oversized baths, sunken living rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Missouri River or the city of St. Charles. Every room contains exquisite amenities designed to exceed guests’ expectations, making the resort a great getaway spot.

Whether diners are craving king crab and champagne in an elegant setting or just hoping to grab a quick sandwich, Ameristar offers several onsite, dining options. Additionally, live entertainment is routinely booked there.

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SPECTATOR SPORTS One sports group that gets a warm reception is the St. Charles Chill, a minor league ice hockey team. The Chill are currently members of the Central Hockey League as affiliates of the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues and the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. The team plays home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Chill players support a variety of community programs by signing autographs, visiting schools and hospitals, and making appearances at a variety of local organizations and events.

Indoor soccer via the St. Louis Ambush team also jazzes crowds at the Family Arena.

The Ambush period is the latest chapter in the long and eventful history of professional indoor soccer in St. Louis, which started in 1979. On many weekends, local soccer fields and indoor sports complexes are packed with young players; it’s a given they enjoy cheering on this professional team.

“Our goal is to get involved with the local youth soccer clubs and encourage more kids to play soccer. Having professional soccer players as role models should have a great impact on the youth players,” said Andrew Haines, one of the team’s co-owners, when they purchased and relaunched the group in 2013.

Haines told local media the team’s owners wanted to have high-quality soccer while also providing entertainment.

“We have some music throughout the game, a dance team, mascot, in-game promotions and more. Not all our fans are soccer fans, so we want to cater to as many people as possible. It’s important that people have fun. The more fun kids have, the more they will want to participate.”

Another hit in St. Charles County are the River City Rascals, a minor league baseball team based in O’Fallon. The Rascals are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League and play home games at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. With a free kids’ club and a summer reading program to promote childhood literacy, these professional players also have a Silver Sluggers Club for people aged 50 years and older. Several former Major League Baseball players have been on the team’s coaching staff.

As part of the Xtreme Indoor Football League, the St. Louis Attack replaced the Missouri Monsters team, which had played in the Ultimate Indoor Football League. The Attack will play at Family Arena against teams from Ohio, Georgia and Florida starting in 2014. Open tryouts for the team were held in November 2013. The franchise is 100 percent locally owned.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Celebrate With Us

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Photo provided by Festiva l of

S

urprises loom around every corner, on sidewalks, down each country road and off major highways when one is discovering St. Charles County. The area not only offers plenty of ongoing activities, but is also known for seasonal traditions and special festivals.

OKTOBERFEST Oompah through the Saint Charles Oktoberfest each fall. As “Gemütlichkeit” (good company and food) for the whole family, this event celebrates community and German heritage. Located in beautiful Frontier Park off Riverside Drive, sandwiched between the Missouri River and the historic downtown district, attendees can witness or participate in a parade, brat eating contest, charity walk, Wiener Dog Derby, fun run and antique car show.

Bands from Germany, as well as from the St. Louis area, provide nonstop entertainment each day of the festival. Some attendees also look forward to shopping on the cobblestone streets of Historic South Main and enjoying yesteryear crafts, restaurants, antiques or art galleries.

With free admission and an improved children’s area, this festival is a fabulous, family favorite.

CELEBRATE ST. PETERS Each September, attendees grab lawn chairs, blankets or towels and head to Celebrate St. Peters, an event with multiple types of bands, entertainment, carnival rides, games, craft booths, free fun for kids, fireworks and vendors. The Missouri Arts Council provides some funding for this event, so it also includes storytellers, puppet shows, magic programs, musicians and theatre groups.

The event includes a race around the lake at 370 Lakeside Park, as well as a fun run/walk. Medals go to the top three race finishers, male and female, in eight age groups. The fun run is part of the Let’s Move! national initiative to fight childhood obesity; participation medals and commemorative water bottles go to the first 200 registered participants.

ST. CHARLES RIVERFEST Dive into summer at the St. Charles Riverfest. This celebration in July is hosted by the city of St. Charles and includes a morning parade. Food,

the Little Hills

beverage and product vendor booths are available, and live music begins in the evening. Attendees enjoy spectacular Fourth of July fireworks at night along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park.

FESTIVAL OF THE LITTLE HILLS Crafts, specialty food and entertainment fill Historic Main Street and Frontier Park for three days each August in St. Charles during the Festival of the Little Hills, also known as Fête des Petites Côtes. Hundreds of crafters selling from the following categories are usually present: wood, metal, fine art, photography, fabrics, pottery, ceramics, candles, soaps, florals, plants, jewelry, leather, textiles, porcelain, acrylic, stones, clothing, gourds, wire, glass, wrought iron, mixed media, home décor, homemade foods and folk art. Free shuttles run from several city locations to the festival’s grounds.

Members of The Festival of the Little Hills Scholarship Foundation award five $1,000 scholarships each year.

For a calendar and more information about regional, featured events, see www.historicstcharles.com. Visitors even can secure a selfguided walking tour detailing nearly 20 historical highlights found in downtown St. Charles.

The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce also sponsors popular community events. Their Sip & Savor event in September combines live entertainment with some of the best food and beverage selections in the area. Then, in December, thousands of runners from far and wide don their Santa suits and run a 5k route through historic St. Charles during the annual Santa’s North Pole Dash and Children’s Snowman Shuffle.

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Just Across the River...

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Regional Attractions

hrkorn Photo provided by Shannon Ne

L

iving in St. Charles County puts residents in close proximity to the many St. Louis area entertainment, cultural and sports offerings.

FAMILY FUN The Gateway Arch (www.gatewayarch.com) Take a 630-foot ride to the top of the world-famous Gateway Arch monument and make a stop at its base at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to see where Lewis and Clark set out on their historic expedition.

Saint Louis Zoo (www.stlzoo.org) Enjoy observing furry, flying, featherless and fishy creatures at the Saint Louis Zoo, one of the nation’s leading zoological parks. Take guided tours with interactive displays, or ride on the Emerson Zooline Railroad. A children’s petting zoo, dining and souvenirs complete visits.

Grant’s Farm (anheuser-busch.com/index.php/our-heritage/grants-farm) Encounter animals through personal feeding experiences at Grant’s Farm. Visit the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales and take carousel rides.

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GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Shop for collectibles and souvenirs, catch live concerts or see animal shows before eating onsite.

The Magic House (www.magichouse.org) Imaginations run wild at the Magic House, the region’s first interactive children’s museum. All sorts of fun and educational activities keep all ages occupied. Special events include magical story time, free family nights and fitness first Fridays.

Butterfly House (www.missouribotanicalgarden.org) Admire more than a thousand live, tropical butterflies flying freely in the glass conservatory at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis, or interact with them in the Butterfly Garden. Take a class, shop or plan a private party on the Emerson Lakeside Terrace.

Six Flags (www.sixflags.com/stLouis) Visit Six Flags St. Louis theme park for fast rides, live shows and concerts. You can meet favorite cartoon characters, enjoy paintball and have fun in the sun at Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Group discounts are available for youth groups, company outings and family reunions.

CULTURE Saint Louis Art Museum (www.slam.org) Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the principal U.S. art museums, visited by a half million people annually. Admission is free through a subsidy from a cultural tax district. The Art Museum collects, presents, interprets and conserves artwork; educates and elevates the human spirit; and preserves a legacy of artistic achievement.

Missouri History Museum (http://mohistory.org) Founded in 1866, the History Museum showcases artifacts from St. Louis, Missouri and national developments. Permanent and traveling exhibits provide various perspectives. Audio tours, community events, shopping and dining options complete the historical experiences.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS Professional sports teams in St. Louis give fans plenty to cheer about.

The St. Louis Cardinals (stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com) are 11-time World Series winners and perennial post-season contenders, making them one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball history.

Since entering the National Hockey League as an expansion team in 1967, the St. Louis Blues (blues.nhl.com) have employed some of the greatest players in ice hockey history. Home games are played at the Scottrade Center. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Rams (www.stlouisrams.com) continue their NFL tradition in the Edward Jones Dome.

NEIGHBORHOODS TO VISIT Just short drives away are other nifty neighborhoods. Famous for its authentic Italian dining is the charming community known as The Hill (www.thehillstl.com). The Delmar Loop (visittheloop.com) is an entertainment and shopping district packed with bars, eclectic restaurants, live music venues, vintage clothing boutiques and a Hollywood-inspired walk of fame featuring St. Louis celebrities.

As “the best of urban eclectic,” Central West End (cwescene. com) aficionados say it holds the area’s finest restaurants, bistros, bars, pubs, shopping and entertainment. Others head to The Grove (www.thegrovestl.com), a vibrant and diverse business and entertainment district where the television show Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s was made.

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Chamber Preferred Business Listings

ACCOUNTANTS

CONVENTION & MEETING SERVICES & FACILITIES

James T. O’Brien, CPA

Bi-State Fire Protection Corp.

2480 Executive Drive, Suite 212 St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 928-1544....................................... fax (636) 928-4747

241 Hughes Lane St. Charles, MO 63301-3258 (636) 946-0011....................................... fax (636) 946-5172 jhays@bistatefire.com

Thomas D. Sims, CPA, PC

300 Washington Street St. Charles, MO 63301-2838 (636) 946-7181....................................... fax (636) 946-7219 tsims@tsimscpa.com

APARTMENTS

Aventura At Richmond

800 Aventura Way MLP Management Co. St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 387-1490....................................... fax (636) 387-1489 richmond.manager@mlpllc.com

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING / CONTRACTORS

St. Charles Convention Center

1 Convention Center Plaza St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 669-3000....................................... fax (636) 669-3001 sgarnett@scmocc.com www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

The Saint Charles Convention Center has 154,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with two ballrooms, an exhibit hall, five meeting rooms, two boardrooms and complimentary parking and is attached to the Embassy Suites Hotel.

ATTORNEYS

DOG DAY CARE

Brown & Crouppen, P.C.

FLOOR COVERINGS

Basye’s Flooring Inc.

4091 North St. Peters Parkway St. Charles, MO 63304 (636) 939-3666....................................... fax (636) 939-9545 rbasye@basyeflooring.com

FUNERAL HOMES & DIRECTORS

Paul Funeral Homes, Inc.

240 N. Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301-1669 (636) 724-0283....................................... fax (636) 947-6308 paul.funeralhome@yahoo.com

1361 Bass Pro Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 (314) 561-6226....................................... fax (314) 421-0359 vikkis@getbc.com

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

AUTO BODY PAINTING & REPAIRING

Bell & Osborn

107 N. Gatty Drive St. Peters, MO 63376-1014 (636) 278-6700....................................... fax (636) 278-6707 len@bellandosbornautobody.com

Jungerman CARSTAR

1505 Jungermann Road St. Peters, MO 63376-7403 (636) 939-4199....................................... fax (636) 939-4128 toni@jungermancarstar.com

BANKING

Infinite Pawsibilities LLC

CDN Contracting LLC

1714 Scherer Parkway Saint Charles, MO 63303 (636) 947-3777....................................... fax (636) 724-7695 i-paws@att.net www.i-paws.com

3862 Mexico Road St. Peters, MO 63303 (636) 447-1467....................................... fax (636) 447-1476 restorations06@yahoo.com www.cdncontractingllc.com

Infinite Pawsibilities is a fun and friendly center that offers doggie daycamp, overnight care, training and grooming. Our goal is to provide you and your dog with Infinite Pawsibilities to live a happy and healthy life!!

Insurance restorations for your roof, siding, gutters and windows. We work together, on your behalf, with your insurance company. If you suspect damage, call us FIRST!

Simmons First National Bank 3899 Veterans Memorial Parkway St. Peters, MO 63376 (314) 854-1902 sheena.shi@simmonsfirst.com

COMPUTERS & COMPUTER EQUIPMENT – NEW / REPAIR / SERVICE

Computer Pro Unlimited

2011 Golfway Street St. Charles, MO 63301-1033 (636) 669-6776....................................... fax (636) 669-6778 pswheeler@cprou.com

CONCRETE CONTRACTORS

Property Services Industries (PSI)

1349 Charlestown Industrial Drive St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 443-1349....................................... fax (636) 443-0440 info@psistl.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

ENGINEERING

GBA

225 S. Main Street, Suite 200 O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 240-2444....................................... fax (636) 978-2901 dshane@gbateam.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Quinn Productions/The Patt Holt Singers 1062 Madison Avenue St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 947-0120

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Edward Jones

150 St. Peters Centre Boulevard, Suite D St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 926-2200....................................... fax (888) 310-9359 robyn.jones@edwardjones.com

GREATER ST. CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Mercy

Tri County Office 300 Winding Woods Drive, Suite 210 O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 614-3270 www.mercy.net/stcharlesco

Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Mercy Kids St. Louis 615 S. New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141 314-251-6000 www.mercy.net

HISTORIC ST. CHARLES MAIN STREET BUSINESSES

Lillians Shoppe

124 South Main Street 1A St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 255-0295 bmohr@lillianshoppe.com

HOSPITALS

Heffeman’s St. Louis area office is home to a dedicated team of insurance experts specializing in business insurance and employee benefits, family and individual services, and more.

St. Charles Financial Services, LLC/ Webb Insurance 571 Jefferson Street St. Charles, MO 63301 636-946-0001 www.webbinsurance.com/scfsllc.com

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

TRAVEL AGENCIES

Just Cruises, Inc.

521 Salt Lick Road St. Peters, MO 63376-1288 (636) 970-2581....................................... fax (636) 970-0902 info@cruisenut.com

UTILITY COMPANIES

Ameren Missouri

2100 Bluestone Drive St. Charles, MO 63303-5969 (636) 639-8316....................................... fax (636) 925-3215 jfeast@ameren.com

WATER COMPANIES - BOTTLED & BULK

Aqua Systems SSM St. Joseph Health Center 300 First Capitol Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 947-5000 www.ssmhealth.com/stjoseph

Newly renovated and situated in downtown St. Charles, SSM St. Joseph Health Center is a state-of-the-art medical center offering the latest treatments and services, from online check-in for minor emergencies, to the only Level II Trauma Center in St. Charles County.

St. Charles Sports & Physical Therapy

625 Hanley Industrial Court St. Louis, MO 63144 (877) 228-7012....................................... fax (314) 351-8600 bline@aquasys.biz

3639 N. St. Peters Parkway St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 441-7500....................................... fax (636) 441-3004 droth@stcharlesphysicaltherapy.com www.stcharlesphysicaltherapy.com

Outpatient Physical Therapy serving the community of St. Charles County for over 25 years. Offices located in St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon and Wentzville.

INSURANCE

REAL ESTATE

Agent / Melanie McIlroy

3072 Highway K and N Plaza St. Charles, MO 63304-1246 (636) 578-9212....................................... fax (636) 379-2370 mmcilroy@bestsellerstl.com

American Family - Brad Keller Agency

P.O. Box 370 3346 Mid Rivers Mall Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 441-1222....................................... fax (636) 441-3104 bkeller@amfam.com

YOUR DREAM IS OUT THERE. GO GET IT. WE’LL PROTECT IT. Auto, Home, Business, and Life.

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Park Express, LLC/ The Medve Group, Inc.

9050 Natural Bridge St Louis, MO 63121-3915 (314) 427-7275....................................... fax (314) 426-3430 tcater@medve.com

RESTAURANTS

Hooters

American Family Insurance Rob Hamann Agency

P.O. Box 277 111 Olympic Way St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 928-4565....................................... fax (636) 447-8764 rhamann@amfam.com

4061 Veterans Memorial Parkway St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 447-5559....................................... fax (636) 447-5562 stpeters@hooters.com

SCHOOLS – PRE-K TO 12

Taking care of business means taking care of you.

That’s why I’ll work hard to assist you in selecting the appropriate insurance coverage that meets your unique needs.

Emily Swift State Farm Insurance

3741 New Town Boulevard St. Charles, MO 63301-4358 (636) 946-6927....................................... fax (636) 946-6940 emily.swift-wise.quhu@statefarm.com

Heffernan Insurance Brokers Michael J. Boone

16100 Swingley Ridge Road, Suite 250 Chesterfield, MO 63017 (636) 489-0183....................................... fax (636) 536-0475 mikeb@HeffINS.com www.heffins.com

Fort Zumwalt School District

555 East Terra Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366-2637 (636) 272-6620....................................... fax (636) 272-1059 www.fz.k12.mo.us

With approximately 18,500 K–12 students, FZSD serves greater St. Peters/O’Fallon with 15 elementary, 4 middle and 5 high schools. Distinction in performance, MSIP-5 full accreditation for 10 consecutive years.

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