CrossRoads: Feb. 1. 2012 by Community News

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FEBRUARY spotlight

2012 contents

Heart Disease is #1 Cause of Death by Shelly A. Schneider

lifestyle

Why I Got Married by Shelly A. Schneider

The Family, The American Dream, The Tragedy by Joe Morice

entertainment

food

photo op

VOL 8 | NO 2

Published monthly with direct mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis, plus newsstands in Troy.

Publisher Editor Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design

Community News Shelly Schneider Ray Rockwell Steve Bryan Donna M. Huneke

For advertising information, please contact us at:

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2012 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

by Steve Bryan

Share Some Love with Cupcakes

courtesy of Family Features

Cardinals Winter Warm-Up photos by Ray Rockwell

around town

Blanchette Bridge Update

Presidential Trivia

by Borgna Brunner at infoplease.com

Community Calendar

Wentzville Chamber News

Formal Dresses Taking up Space?

Senior Connections Volunteer Training

LSLDP Chamber News

WSD Kindergarten

Working Women’s Survival Show

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

To 3D or not to 3D: That is the Question

FEBRUARY 2012 CROSSROADS

SPOTLIGHT

Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death Information from the Centers for Disease Control About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one. The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. For more information on heart disease and stroke, visit CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Diseases and Conditions that Put Your Heart at Risk Other conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and secondhand smoke are also risk factors associated with heart disease. For a full list of diseases and conditions along with risk factors and other health information associated with heart disease, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. Know Your Signs and Symptoms Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often, people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. The American Heart Association, the National Heart, Lung, and 4

CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

Blood Institute, the American Red Cross, and the National Council on Aging have launched a new “Act in Time” campaign to increase people’s awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms. Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects A report by The Institute of Medicine finds even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger a heart attack. Tobacco smoke can cause health problems not only for smokers, but also for people around them. Breathing secondhand smoke increases a person’s risk for a heart attack and other heart conditions.2 Visit the CDC Office on Smoking and Health website for more detailed information about the IOM Report on Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects include the following: • Analysis of the report findings. • Animation of how secondhand smoke affects the cardiovascular system. • CDC statement on report findings. Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations: • Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. • Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products. • Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet. • Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day. • Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars. • Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium. • If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man. • Keep an eye on your portion sizes. Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. For more information on how you can prevent heart disease, please visit www.cdc.gov.

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Major Traffic Impacts Start Late Fall and Will Last Less Than One Year The $63 million rehabilitation of the westbound Interstate 70 Missouri River Bridge (Blanchette Bridge) will close and detour traffic starting late fall 2012. Walsh Construction Company plans to close the westbound I-70 Blanchette Bridge and shift lanes to the eastbound bridge starting late fall 2012, and no earlier than November 1. The work will take less than one year. An exact date for the closure is contingent on the manufacturing of steel for the new truss and approach spans. Weather at that time of year could also affect the exact closure date. During the construction, three lanes of eastbound and three lanes of westbound I-70 will be using the eastbound bridge. The two directions of traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier wall in the middle of the eastbound bridge. Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet wide with no shoulders. The speed limit on the bridge and through the work zone will be reduced to 45 mph. “Knowing the contractor’s schedule to start in late fall provides us all many months to prepare for these traffic impacts,” said MoDOT St. Louis District Engineer Ed Hassinger. “The good news is three lanes of I-70 will be open during the construction so you will be able to get to work, home, shopping, and attractions in the area. However, we strongly encourage people to start thinking now how they are going to use other Missouri River bridge crossings during the peak morning and evening weekday rush hours.” The Route 370 and Route 364 (Page Avenue) Missouri River bridges are the primary alternate routes to use to avoid congestion on I-70 during the construction. Both bridges are located within a few miles of I-70 and provide an easy alternate to get to and from St. Charles and St. Louis counties as well as in and out of the major business and shopping districts in downtown St. Charles and Earth City. “We have been working for over a year with the local business community and emergency responders to prepare for the upcoming closures and detours,” Hassinger said. “Now that we have the tentative schedule dates, we can continue those efforts to ensure all preparations are ready to keep motorists safe and moving on the bridge and assist with all the ways to access the local businesses.” “We encourage major employers especially those with many employees who travel from St. Charles County to consider allowing flextime and alternate work hours and locations,” Hassinger said. “This isn’t a full closure like the I-64 project, but all the same preparations need to be made to ensure everyone has a plan for how

they will cope with the extra congestion on I-70 during peak hours.” Construction work to prepare for the closure will begin in summer 2012. Lane closures will occur for this work primarily during off peak hours. Details will be announced on a week-by-week basis as the contractor’s schedule progresses. For more information or to sign up for email updates regarding Photo courtesy MoDOT the westbound I-70 Blanchette Bridge rehabilitation, visit www. modot.org/blanchettebridge . MoDOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and avoid distractions to keep yourself and the workers safe.

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FEBRUARY 2012 CROSSROADS 5

LIFESTYLE

Why I Got Married BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

Birthday and anniversary cards are difficult for me. Picking a card is easy enough…I usually go for humor, and then try to compose something eloquent and melodious that brings tears to the reader’s eyes. When it comes to my husband, however, I pretty much fall short in the card writing arena. You wouldn’t think so, would you? I mean, I’m a writer for goodness sake. But when it’s time for a Christmas card, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, birthday or anniversary, I freeze. A few months ago I watched the cast of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” on a talk show, and I began to think of the reasons why I married my husband of 21 years. Still, I couldn’t pinpoint it. Because I love him, of course, but I wanted to expand on that. I wanted to say or write something that was truly worthy of the man who chose me as his wife. It’s funny how a scary medical condition brings all the wonderful things about a person right to the forefront of your mind. Jim is fine today, but we had a scare in late October 2007, and it got me thinking about my beloved and why I married him. I love my husband because he saw in me something that no other person saw. He saw in me things that no other person even bothered to search for. Jim brought out in me a loyalty I didn’t even know existed. It is through my husband that I found what I had searched for my entire life – a relationship with God. It takes great courage to invite a young lady to church when you’ve been dating only a couple of weeks. I admire that kind of courage. And my husband loves the way Jesus wants us to love…completely and without judgment. Jim loves me completely, and forgives me instantly and completely. After 21 years of marriage, my husband looks at me as if I’m the

same 23 year-old girl he fell in love with. Desire still burns in his eyes and heart, even though this 46 year-old mother of three has changed drastically from that 23 year old girl. He respects my opinion, even when he doesn’t agree with it. Jim calmly and lovingly brings me down to earth when someone has angered me to the point of seeing red, but only after patiently listening to Sarcastic Woman rant and rave until she’s worn out. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but this gentle man has never once asked me to stop singing while on a cross-country adventure in the minivan, nor has he turned up the radio to drown out my off-key voice. That in itself deserves some sort of husband medal. I’ve always teased that if my husband were to be hit by a bus tomorrow I’d walk to the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in O’Fallon and beg to become a nun. Why? Because there is no other man on this planet, nay in this universe and beyond, who could ever love me the way Jim Schneider loves me. I’m very blessed to have recognized that the instant I met him. I knew within three weeks that Jim was the man with whom I would spend the rest of my life. He laughs at that…but deep inside he knows it’s true. That is why I married my husband. Why did you marry your beloved? Don’t wait for a health scare to think about it. Take some time right now, jot things down on a piece of paper and share those thoughts with your husband or wife. Keep the paper – don’t throw it away – and pull it out to read when the love of your life is driving you nuts. That happens to all of us during the course of our marriage. The key is remembering why you married in the first place, and remembering often. Happy Valentine’s Day, Jim. I love you.

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Presidential Trivia By Borgna Brunner at infoplease.com BARACK OBAMA is our 44th president, but there actually have only been 43 presidents: Cleveland was elected for two nonconsecutive terms and is counted twice, as our 22nd and 24th president. NINE PRESIDENTS never attended college: Washington, Jackson, Van Buren, Taylor, Fillmore, Lincoln, A. Johnson, Cleveland, and Truman. The college that has the most presidents as alumni (seven in total) is Harvard: J. Adams, J. Q. Adams, T. Roosevelt, F. Roosevelt, Kennedy, G. W. Bush (business school), and Barack Obama (law school). Yale is a close second, with five presidents as alumni: Taft, Ford (law school), G.H.W. Bush, Clinton (law school), and G. W. Bush. BARACK OBAMA is the first African American to be elected president of the United States. He was also born in Hawaii, making him the first president not born in the continental United States. THE OLDEST elected president was Reagan (age 69); the youngest was Kennedy (age 43). Theodore Roosevelt, however, was the youngest man to become president—he was 42 when he succeeded McKinley, who had been assassinated. THE OLDEST LIVING former president was Gerald Ford, who was born on July 14, 1913, and died on Dec.27, 2006, at age 93. The second oldest was Ronald Reagan, who also lived to be 93 years old. THE TALLEST president was Lincoln at 6’4”; at 5’4”, Madison was the shortest. EIGHT LEFT-HANDED PRESIDENTS: James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. FOURTEEN PRESIDENTS served as vice presidents: J. Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Tyler, Fillmore, A. Johnson, Arthur, T. Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Nixon, L. Johnson, Ford, and THE TERM “First Lady” was first used in 1877 in reference to Lucy Ware Webb Hayes. Most First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy, are said to have hated the label. JAMES BUCHANAN was the only president never to marry. Five presidents remarried after the death of their first wives—two of

whom, Tyler and Wilson, remarried while in the White House. Reagan was the only divorced president. Six presidents had no children. Tyler—father of 15—had the most. PRESIDENTS LINCOLN, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy were assassinated in office. ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS were made on the lives of Jackson, T. Roosevelt, F. Roosevelt, Truman, Ford, and Reagan. EIGHT PRESIDENTS died in office: W. Harrison (after having served only one month), Taylor, Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Harding, F. Roosevelt, and Kennedy. PRESIDENTS ADAMS, Jefferson, and Monroe all died on the 4th of July; Coolidge was born on that day. KENNEDY AND TAFT are the only presidents buried in Arlington National Cemetery. LINCOLN, JEFFERSON, F. Roosevelt, Washington, Kennedy, and Eisenhower are portrayed on U.S. coins. WASHINGTON, JEFFERSON, Lincoln, Jackson, Grant, McKinley, Cleveland, Madison, and Wilson are portrayed on U.S. paper currency.

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ENTERTAINMENT

To 3D or not 3D: That is the Question BY STEVE BRYAN

For movie lovers, 2012 is shaping up to be an unusual year, one in which things that were old have become new again. Although 3D technology has lost some of its appeal, several studios are planning to re-release huge blockbusters from past decades in an upgraded 3D format. Take, for example, the reissue of “Beauty and the Beast,” the now-classic Disney adaptation of the popular fairy tale. Twenty years ago, Disney was at the top of the animation game, generating some of their best work in the years before computer generated images changed the whole concept of animation. By itself, the original “Beauty and the Beast” is great without the need to slip on a pair of 3D glasses. The love story combined with Disney animation and memorable songs really doesn’t need any help. On the other hand, watching the epic “Titanic” in three dimensions could be a truly enlightening experience. Before its initial release, critics were ready to call this period film a major league disaster, but audiences around the world embraced its story of love and courage set against one of the worst disasters of the 20 th Century. Hopefully, the 3D upgrade of “Titanic” will enhance the special effects that already were eye-popping in 2D. It’s one thing to

read historical accounts of how the ship split in two before sinking, but it’s something else to see it recreated on screen. Throw 3D effects into the mix and the results could be mind-blowing and a box office bonanza. “Star Wars” fans tend to have a love/hate relationship with George Lucas, the man responsible for Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and that entire “galaxy far, far away.” As Lucas prepared to go back and tell the saga from the beginning, he tweaked the original “Star Wars” trilogy, adding in special effects that weren’t possible back in the 1970s. Purists argued that Lucas shouldn’t have tampered with the original work, so it will be interesting to see how they react to a 3D upgrade. This year, “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is scheduled to appear in a 3D reissue, but this technology may or may not add anything to the quality of the film or the storytelling. Depending on how these films are received, Hollywood may go back into the vault and do more tinkering. “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” for example, had strong visuals but a weak story, so seeing it in 3D might enhance the film for new audiences. Only time will tell, though, if these remakes will catch on with the current generation of movie lovers.

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FEBRUARY 2012 CrossRoads Magazine

COMMUNITY CALENDAR February

please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

Swing into spring and join our Lake Saint Louis softball league. This “Open League” will be a 6-week (12-game) regular season, plus a single elimination playoff format. Games will be played on Sunday evenings at Founders Park beginning this April. Please view the parks and recreation section of our website for more information and to register, www.lakesaintlouis.com

February 7

Registration for Double Headers COED Softball Leagues

February

2012 Youth Baseball/Softball Registration

For boys and girls, ages 5 to 15. Registrations began January 2 for the Lake Saint Louis Youth Baseball/Softball Program. Please view the parks and recreation section of our website for age specific league details and registration information. www.lakesaintlouis.com

February 3-5

Cabin Fever Book Fair

The Friends of the St. Charles City County Library District hosts its Children’s and Teens Book Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on February 3 and 4, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 5. Admission is free, and the event will be held at the VFW Post 5077, 8500 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon, Mo.

February 4

Jump Start Basketball

Children ages 3 to 5 are invited to Progress Park Gymnasium from 10 – 11 a.m. to learn basketball basics. This four-week instructional program will cover the basic skills of basketball using modified equipment. Each child will receive a t-shirt, miniature basketball and water bottle. The fee is $45 for residents, and $55 for nonresidents. For more information, 10

CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

Monthly Book Club

Enjoy reading books on a variety of topics and discussing them with other avid readers? Join the Monthly Book Club at the Museum, held once a month on a Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum, situated at 1630 Heritage Landing at Highway 94. Once a month, the group will meet to discuss and review a book they read. For more information about the Monthly Book Club at the Museum, contact St. Charles County Historian Ryan Graham at 636.949.7535.

February 7

Needle Turn Applique’

Participants ages 14 and up will learn how to appliqué humming birds, flowers and stems, which is the first step into creating a wall hanging, quilt, block, pillow, or endless ideas. Each participant will need to provide sharp scissors, a thimble, and a ruler. The class will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Progress Park Conference Room. The fee is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

February 10

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance

Come and enjoy a night full of fun, excitement, and dancing. The dance will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Banquet Center. This special night is complete with dinner and a sundae bar, a live D.J. and a complementary photograph. This event is designed for Dads with daughters 3 to 10 years old. Pre-registration is

To see your organization’s event listed here, please contact us. E-mail: cnews@centurytel.net Fax: 636.379.1632 Mail: 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366

required. Registration will run through February 3. The fee is $44 per resident couple and $56 per nonresident couple (each additional child is $12.50). For more information, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

February 11-12

Mens’ “Snowball” Softball Tournament

For ages 16 and up, the Fourth Annual Men’s Recreational “Snowball” Tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Progress and Fireman’s Parks. The team fee is $160, and there is a mandatory coaches meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at the Progress Park Conference Room. The tournament includes minimum of three games. All bats must be USSSA approved (find them at www. usssa.com). For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

February 11 Social Dance

The perfect evening…a bottle of wine, music, conversations and laughs with friends. The program is designed for older adults (ages 40 and up). Music will be from the 40s, 50s, and 60s and will include a variety of types of music including swing, fox trot, waltz, rumba, and cha-cha, line dancing and more. Advance registration is required. The dance will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. at Progress Park Center. The fee is $8 per resident, or $10 per nonresident. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

February 13

Youth Baseball & Softball Registration Deadline

The Youth Baseball/Softball leagues are designed for children ages 5 -16 of all abili-

ties. Practices begin in March with games beginning in April or May depending on the age level. Team and individual registrations are accepted. Children registering individually will be randomly placed on draft teams. The fee is $80 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Volunteer coaches needed, and any individual who coaches a Wentzville Parks & Recreation youth sports team must pass a criminal background check. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

February 18 Trail Work Day

Volunteers are needed to assist the St. Charles County Parks Department with four separate Trail Work Days throughout the 2012 calendar year. Join park crews and members of the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) as leave their mark on the park, carving out new trails from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Quail Ridge Park near Wentzville. Wear sturdy boots and a set of gloves to the Trail Work Day. Lunch will be served to all who lend a hand. Email

Program Coordinator Bekin Youngblood at byoungblood@sccmo.org, or call 636. 949.7535 to register.

February 26

Sunday Hoop Tourney

This is a three on three, double elimination basketball tournament for players ages 16 and up. Games will be played on half courts. Games will consist of two quarters lasting 10 minutes with a fiveminute halftime. Winners will receive first place trophy! Due to MSHAA (Missouri State High School Activities Assoc.) regulations, no high school players may participate. The tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Progress Park. The fee is $60 per team. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

March 4

trophy! Teams will consist of three players â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an infielder, outfielder and pitcher. This is a double elimination tournament with house rules. Game times will be limited to 30 minutes. All equipment will be provided. The tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $30 per team. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

www.mycnews.com/RainbowsEnd.pdf

Indoor Wiffleball Tourney

Get out of the house and enjoy a competitive and fun tournament. The tournament will be held inside Progress Park gymnasium. Teams will compete for first place

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WENTZVILLE - Chamber News

BY TONY MATHEWS

2012 Wentzville Chamber Award Winners The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is extremely proud to recognize the following outstanding individuals and businesses as our 2012 Wentzville Chamber Award winners. Congratulations to our Business of the Year Thieman’s Carpet Company, owned and operated by Tony Thieman; Wentzville Chamber Volunteer of the Year Shannon Beene with Community News; You Made it Happen Award for enhancing our community to Friends of the Wentzville Parks and the City of Wentzville Parks and Recreation for Project

Parks; and the Above and Beyond Award for exceptional customer services to Wheel Sports Bicycle Shop & Skateboards, owned and operated by Steve and Kimberley Padilla. The awards were bestowed to our winners at the Wentzville Chamber Celebration Ball held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Bear Creek Golf Club. View pictures from the event at www.wentzvillechamber.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

Wentzville Chamber Welcomes Five New Members The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce some outstanding news on economic growth within our great community. Over the last month the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce has welcomed five new businesses or organizations into the Wentzville Chamber. Wentzville businesses are prospering, and the chamber is proud to support and endorse these great businesses. “I am so excited to welcome these great businesses into the Wentzville Chamber,” said Tony Mathews, president/CEO of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber welcomed 90 new businesses into the Chamber in 2011.” The five businesses and organizations are: • Cord Moving and Storage, 4101 Rider Trail North, Earth City, MO 63045. 314.595.0533. Contact: Rich Helton. • Hoffmann Photo & Technology, 1414 Highland Park Ct., Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.542.8083. Contact: Michael Hoffmann

• The Gun Shop, 4648 Highway Z, Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.828.5652. Contact: Mark Lamartina, Sr. • Accessibility Home Improvements, PO Box 843, O’Fallon, MO 63366. 636.400.1634. Contact: Sarah Floyd • William Woods University, One University Avenue, Fulton, MO 65251. 1.800.995.3199. Contact: Emily Horstman To discover all of the 400 local businesses and organizations that are members of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce please visit www.wentzvillechamber.com. Become a friend of the Wentzville Chamber on Facebook. As a friend of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce you can stay up to date with new businesses coming into the area. If you have any questions please call the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914.

Wentzville Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for AAMCO Transmission and Total Car Care. From transmission repairs to tune-ups and any auto repair service in between, people who know call AAMCO of Wentzville, Mo. With expert technicians and the latest tools and equipment, you can trust that AAMCO will diagnose and repair your car right the first time, and they’ll back it with a nationwide warranty 900 centers strong. AAMCO knows all makes and models, so trust your car or truck to the experts and call AAMCO. AAMCO is located at 1490 S. Service Road, Hwy 70 E, Wentzville, MO 63385. For more information please call 636.639.1306. Representatives of AAMCO, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce and the City of Wentzville helped cut the ceremonial ribbon. To see pictures and find out more information about this ribbon cutting please visit www.wentzvillechamber.com and click on the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. AAMCO

CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

Photo courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

Cardinals Winter Warm-Up Photographer Ray Rockwell was on hand for the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up in downtown St. Louis

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FEBRUARY 2012 CROSSROADS

LIFESTYLES

The Family, The American Dream, The Tragedy BY JOE MORICE

John Burke is one of the best locksmiths around. When we met years ago, he was employed by the St. Louis City School District, but he hated the politics. He is a likeable young man, so after hearing his complaints for several years and knowing his great talent, I encouraged him to look for another job. He finally took my advice and changed jobs. He could diagnose and repair any doors and locks on or in houses, garages and businesses, electronic or otherwise as well as change them or install whole new systems. John is a gifted hands-on technical wizard. John and his lovely wife have two daughters. They are a loving family, and I always admired John for being a good husband and father. Then disaster struck. John collapsed with a burst brain aneurism on his 40th birthday. One of the best brain surgeons available skillfully repaired the damage as much as modern medical science can accomplish. John was comatose for over a month after the operation. Until he awoke, it wasn’t known how much he would still be able to function, if at all. When he finally awoke he became the miracle of the neurology floor. He lost some memory and eyesight but therapy helped him improve enough to function normally, and he eventually returned to work. There was a collective sigh of relief by everyone involved. Tragedy struck yet again. As he bent down to pick up a tackle box on a dock where he and his family were visiting friends, he blacked out and collapsed on the section of skull that was temporarily removed to repair the aneurism. He was flown to a hospital in Columbia where doctors stabilized him as best they could. John’s doctors at home later ad-

vised that he would no longer be able to work or even drive a car without great risk. His newly damaged skull replacement may never completely heal. Everything known to medical science has been done. Life as John and his family knew it was over. John’s wife, Ellen teaches at a parochial school and they’ve barely managed to keep their small home in St. Charles. His parents have helped pay his medical insurance but it’s far too expensive for them to continue. Even his teenage daughter found a job after school to help with expenses. It is hard to say how much longer they can hang on. Government-sponsored medical help and Social Security aren’t cooperating. John was advised to obtain legal help that specializes in these matters. These services are, after all, what John paid into for years when he was still employed and healthy, as did I and millions of working Americans. Although it’s frustrating that getting help from these government organizations is so difficult, it’s partially understandable because there is so much fraud to deal with. One of the worst parts for John is being marooned at home and relying on friends and family for transportation. One government functionary ordered John to find a job at a fast food restaurant. It was hard to make him understand that John is forbidden to drive and no employer in his right mind would employ him without risking another blackout that might damage John even worse or perhaps kill him. There are many other American families who suffer similar tragedies who weren‘t looking for a free ride. It shames America that we cannot provide medical care and financial assistance for people like John Burke and his wonderful family that aspired to honest work and the American dream.

www.The NorthBrothers.com 14 CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

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Formal Dresses Taking up Space in Your Closet? Donate them to the Cinderella Project! The Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project is an event sponsored by the Community Council of St. Charles County. Promoting confidence and self esteem in junior and senior high school women, we provide the gift of a prom dress to young women in the metropolitan area who are unable to acquire one on their own. The young women are referred to the Community Council by high school counselors. More than 40 high schools in the metro area were invited to refer girls to the project in 2011. The Cinderella Project works with many talented volunteers on a variety of tasks: • Do you have a passion for fashion and previous retail background? Personal Shoppers help our VIPs find the perfect dress. • Volunteers with seamstress skills are needed to provide fittings and alterations. Sewing machines and notions are needed also. • Women’s organizations and youth groups are invited to host dress drives and fundraisers to help the project. • Hairdressers and makeup artists are needed to donate their time to help with a makeover on prom day. • Personal Shoppers are needed with previous retail background to staff the boutique when it opens to the public. • Volunteers are needed who can help transport dresses from collection sites to boutique in February and March. Would you like to help? Contact the Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project at promvolunteer@communitycouncilstc.org. Dress donations are accepted through February 28 at the mall’s customer service center at Mid Rivers Mall, Chesterfield Mall, West County Center and South County Center; at six West Oak Cleaners locations in west St. Louis County; Belleza Salon in O’Fallon; Charming Charlies at The Meadows in Lake St. Louis; Sydney’s Closet at 11840 Dorsett Rd. St. Louis, Mo., Sunporch Salon, 5960 Mexico Road in St. Peters; White Traditions Bridal House in St. Charles; Troy Flower Shop in Troy, Mo.; Stevens Institute of Business and Art in St. Louis; and the University of Missouri St. Louis – Millennium Student Center (Office of Student Life). The Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project appreciates prom-appropriate formal dresses: bridesmaid, special event, prom or pageant gowns (short or long styles). Please donate your clean dresses on a hanger. For more information, please visit www. cinderellastl.org. www.duncandoor.com www.duncandoor.com www.duncandoor.com

Photos courtesy of Community Council of St. Charles County

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FEBRUARY 2012 CROSSROADS 15

FOOD

Share Some Love with Cupcakes (Family Features) There’s no better way to say “Be Mine” than with a collection of Valentine’s Day cupcakes – a great surprise for anyone you’re sweet on this February 14. Cupid’s arrow hits the mark with moist and delicious Red Velvet with Love Cupcakes. The vibrant red goodies are fun for kids and adults alike to make, decorate and eat. Creative cupcakes like these have endless possibilities with Valentine’s tips and techniques from Wilton. Themed baking cups coordinate with colorful sprinkles, icing decorations and party picks to make it easy to decorate a gift from the heart.

Dress up cupcakes using a pink, red and white palette. Create cute and quick love monsters by piping icing to make the nose, mouth and fur, and then attach candy eyeballs, and heart-shaped picks for ears. Other decorating options include wrapping cupcakes in foil cups for an elegant effect, or finishing with colored sugars and sprinkles. You can even write special messages on them. After decorating, package cupcakes in a festive box adorned with ribbon and bows for a treat that’s sure to tie a heart in knots. For more Valentine’s Day celebration ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

Red Velvet with Love Cupcakes Ingredients: Valentine Standard or Mini Baking Cups, Heart Eyelet Baking Cups, Cupcake-N-Pix Combo or Heart Silicone Baking Cups 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1-1/2 teaspoons No-Taste Red Icing Color 1 teaspoon Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract 1 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons water 1-1/2 teaspoons white vinegar 1 teaspoon baking soda Buttercream Icing Red, Rose and Black Icing Color Red Foil Swirls Cupcake Wraps Valentine Sprinkles, Jumbo Hearts Sprinkles, Heart Icing Decorations, Rose Icing Decorations, Candy Eyeballs

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line muffin pan with baking cups or set silicone cups on cookie sheet and spray with vegetable pan spray. In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, red icing color and vanilla extract; mix well until icing color is well incorporated. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk; add water and mix well. In a small bowl, combine white vinegar and baking soda; gently stir into cupcake mixture. Distribute cupcake batter evenly in cups. Bake 20-22 minutes for standard cupcakes, 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely. For Love Monster Cupcakes, use tip 18 and rose icing to pipe pull-out stars on cupcake tops. Add candy eyeballs with dots of icing. Add tip 10 red icing dot nose. Use tip 4 and black icing to pipe dot pupils and outline mouth. Position heart picks. For Other Cupcakes, spatula ice cupcake smooth or top with tip 22 mini cupcake icing swirl or tip 1M standard cupcake icing swirl. If desired, place in cupcake wraps. Top with desired sprinkles or icing decorations or add tip 4 message. Makes about 20 standard cupcakes; 4 dozen minis. 16 CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

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Senior Connections Relational Volunteer Training Coming to St. Charles County Senior Connections, a program of The Singer Institute, is looking for caring, compassionate active seniors to bring joy and friendship to residents of nursing homes who have no visitors. Who better to understand and be sensitive to the issues of the isolated elderly than older adults as they begin to experience their own transition to older adulthood? Volunteers are asked to commit one hour each week for one year to visit a nursing home resident, and they will soon discover it to be a joyful and rewarding experience. “Each Thursday, my dog and I love to visit our assigned nursing home and visit with the residents,” said one volunteer. “It is a happy and worthwhile experience that we know makes a difference to those we visit because they are always delighted to see us.” There are 7,000 residents of nursing homes in the St. Louis Area who have no visitors. Volunteers bring friendship and happiness to those who sometimes suffer from isolation and depression. The visits not only bring joy to the residents but to the volunteers as well.

In 2010, Senior Connections Relational Volunteers made 4,963 visits to 149 residents in 32 facilities for a total of 5,137 hours or $96,061 of their time. Senior Connections can also provide on-site training (minimum eight members) at the volunteer’s site and at no additional cost to his or her organization. Be part of a life-changing experience by becoming a Senior Connections Relational Volunteer. As one member said, “I was impressed with the training. The skills taught us ways to listen, share, appreciate, and handle problems. I feel this work should be as commonplace as CPR.” Two training sessions have been scheduled: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 10 and 17 at Christ’s Church, 6930 Mexico Road, St. Peters. MO 63376. Each volunteer is asked to complete the Relational Volunteer application, which may be found at www.singerinstitute. org, or by calling The Singer Institute at 314.727.9202. Be part of a life-changing experience by becoming a Senior Connections Relational Volunteer.

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LAKE SAINT LOUIS - DARDENNE PRAIRIE BY GENA BREYNE Chamber News Welcome New Members The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that functions with an incredibly low overhead and works hard to keep its focus on the membership and the needs of the business community. As a member of the chamber, your business will be promoted through a directory, newsletter, state-of-the-art website, and many events. The LSLDP Chamber also works to provide quality networking events that help connect you with others. We understand that you want the most for your money, and it is our goal that your investment in the

chamber will far exceed the money spent. The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to present our newest members. These new members join the more than 250 local businesses that are proud to be known as members of the LSLDP Area Chamber of Commerce. To find more information on any of our members please visit www. lsldpchamber.com. Join our chamber today and allow us to go to work with you and increase the success of your business.

Beehive Promotions Dianna Bridgins 115 Park Charles Blvd. North St. Peters, MO 63376 636.679.9707 www.distributorcentral.com/websites/BeehivePromotions2

Missouri Wine and Gifts James Watkins 2167 West Terra Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.639.9808 www.missouriwineandgift.com

Verified Service Reports Mark Wanstreet 167 Lamp and Lantern Village #161 Chesterfield, MO 63017 314.808.3245 www.VerifiedServiceReports.com

Comprehensive Business Solutions Patty Beseda 3 Betsys Flag Court O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.328.5797 http://www.compbusinesssolutions.com/

The Chiropractic Wellness Connection Monica Schiltz 111 O’Fallon Commons Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.978.0970 www.wellnessconnection-ofallon.com

JC Penney Lance Rogers 7939 Highway N Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 636.561.6135 www.jcpenney.com

True Health Chiropractic Brandon Jackson 1258 Bryan Road O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.614.4111 www.staytruechiro.com

Weldon Spring Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Jeffrey Barker Chiropractor 520 Huber Park Court Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636.329.8774 www.weldonspringchiro.com

JT Wallets Jim Colter Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 314.520.0041

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Traci Kane Mortgage Consultant 16024 Manchester Rd. Ellisville, MO 63021 314.393.3607 www.wfhm.com/loans/traci-kane/index.page

Ribbon Cuttings: The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the members that have held recent ribbon cuttings. Representatives of the business and the LSLDP Area Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ceremonial ribbons. For more information on the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce please call 636.755.5335 or visit www.lsldpchamber.com. Photos courtesy of Lake Saint Louis/Dardenne Prairie Chamber Missouri Wine and Gifts - James Watkins 2167 West Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO 63366 - 636.639.9808 - www.missouriwineandgift.com

18 CROSSROADS FEBRUARY 2012

Cindy Marsh – Mary Kay Cosmetics 636.541.4377 - cndmarsh1@gmail.com

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WSD Kindergarten Registration

25th Annual Working Women’s Survival Show

Dates have been set for the Wentzville School District’s kindergarten registration/screening process. This event is for all children who will turn five years of age before August 1, 2012. If your child has not been screened by Parents as Teachers this year, appointments are required and can be made by contacting the Wentzville School District Parents as Teachers office at 636.327.3863. Screening appointments are filled on a first come, first served basis and fill up quickly. While every effort will be made to accommodate you at your child’s school, it is possible that your screening may need to be at another elementary school in the District. Registration/Screening dates are as follows: • Boone Trail: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 • Crossroads: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 • Discovery Ridge: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 • Duello: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 • Green Tree: Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Heritage Primary: Thursday, March 1, 2012 • Lakeview: Thursday, February 16, 2012 • Peine Ridge: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 • Prairie View: Thursday, March 8, 2012 The day of the screening/registration parents should bring: • The child to be screened • The child’s most current immunization records • Two proofs of residency including your paid real estate tax receipt or current valid lease and a utility bill. • Official copy of child’s birth certificate, if possible. If you do not have a Missouri birth certificate, you may obtain one at a cost of $15 from the St. Charles County Community Health/ Flooring_march2011_b:Layout 1 2/8/11 4:11 PM Page 1 Environment, Vital Statistics Office, 1650 Boonslick, St. Charles, MO 63301-2245, or by calling 636.949.7400 for more information.

It’s the annual “Ultimate Girl’s Day Out” and it’s the 25th Anniversary! The Working Women’s Survival Show will be held February 24-26 at the St. Charles Convention Center. There will be more than 350 exhibits, unique products and services, and lots of food, fashion, fitness, health and fun. The 25th Anniversary will include: big contests, a celebration tent, games, prizes, the Missouri Lottery Main Stage, celebrities and activities, and memories of the past. There’s even a “Saucy Chef” competition at the Cooking Stage. Make the 25th Annual St. Louis Working Women’s Show, February 24 – 26 a “Staycation Utopia” for you, your girlfriends, moms and daughters. It’s a great place to reconnect and bring friends and/or families together from three generations for one special weekend each year. Enjoy the excitement with a day full of shopping, education, entertainment, travel, food sampling, makeovers, and much, much more. Seminars over the three-day event include: Toastmasters Presents “Communicating In a Man’s World,” “Clutter Free Your Home in 7 Days,” Internet Marketing, Dealing with Difficult People, and CrossRoads’ own Shelly Schneider with “Mom, the good news is I’m o.k.” Get all the techniques you will ever need to survive the roller coaster known as Motherhood. For a complete schedule and all the details, visit www.wwssonline.com.

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(636) 462-6326 FAX (636) 528-7252 • www.TroyFlooringCenter.com FEBRUARY 2012 CROSSROADS 19

Presorted Std US Postage

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