CNSTC: May 31, 2017

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May 31, 2017

A healing ride

Around Town Missouri American 2016 water quality reports available. P.2 O’Fallon’s Food Truck Frenzy is fun for all ages. P.3

Healthy Living

Four ways to stretch your health benefits. P.4

Business Manufacturing alive and well in St. Charles county. P.7 Cuivre River names new general manager/CEO. P.7

School Photo by Ray Rockwell Lilly Opinski participates in her therapy session at TREE House of Greater St. Louis on the back of Java the horse. Java is led by John Finch, while fellow volunteers Julie Wood (left) and Hannah Frederick walk along side.

TREE House of Greater St. Louis brings horses and patients together for a unique brand of therapy By Brett Auten Nestled deep in western St. Charles County is a respite that caters to many needs. TREE House of Greater St. Louis, located at 332 Stable Lane in Wentzville, is a unique setting where individuals with disabilities and their families can take on their mental and physical challenges and unleash their true self in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Programs serve clients from age two through adulthood who have physical, mental, emotional, social and/or learning disabilities. Disabilities served include, but are not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, mental and physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury and more. TREE House operates yearround and relies heavily on the support of volunteers. Larry Opinsky has been taking his 17-year-old daughter Lilly to TREE House since she was three-years-old. Lilly, who is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome and is wheelchair bound, has grown to love and

look forward to the sessions. “We have been to many different types of therapies over the years and it is really impressive to have a therapy that she is excited about going to,” Larry Opinsky said. “The first time, she was unsure and there was a little bit of crying, but by the middle of the second week it was like a bell went off and she has never looked back. My wife and I aren’t horse people but we get the attraction. We understand it. “ Opinsky said one of the biggest difference makers is the motivation Lilly has to work when she is on a horse. “When she is on a horse it is the most independence she gets all day,” he said. “The self-esteem alone, when she is on a horse, carries over into the next day and into the rest of the week.” Opinksy radiates when talking about TREE’s philosophy of addressing the person not the diagnosis. The gorgeous surroundings also casts a spell of sorts on the parents. “As much as it means to her, when our car hits the rock road leading up to TREE House it gives me time to step out of the

weekly craziness and enjoy the quiet of nature,” Opinsky said. “It’s a big family positive that can’t be duplicated anywhere around here. The volunteers are spectacular and over the top with the way they respect and approach who they service. It makes my heart glow.” Founded in 1975 and formerly known as Therapeutic Horsemanship, TREE House of Greater St. Louis is the legacy of three extraordinary women – Susie Duesinger, Sandy Rafferty and Laura Carpenter Balding – who began the program in 1975 because they believed in the benefit of equine-assisted therapy for children with disabilities. The organization has accomplished much over its 40-plus year history growing from five riders the first year to now serving more than 300 individuals annually. During the early years, TREE House leased several different sites, including Three Creek Farm in St. Charles County and Wessel Stables in Weldon Spring. In 2005, the organization moved into its current facility, which is situated on 88 acres in Wentzville. See TREE HOUSE page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 22 | 636-379-1775

Perfect attendance earns WSD students special ride. P.9 Francis Howell Middle named National School of Character. P.8

Movie Movies breathe new life into old TV shows. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Chance of Rain 76/60 SATURDAY Mostly Sunny 79/61 SUNDAY Mostly Sunny 81/62 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.


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