CrossRoads: Mar. 2012 by Community News

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CROSSROADS MARCH 2012

MARCH

2012 contents

spotlight

Severe Weather Awareness Week

lifestyle

How about a Real-Life Awards Show? by Shelly A. Schneider

Addiction Isn’t Funny...Is It? by Joe Morice

entertainment

VOL 8 | NO 3

food

March Movie Preview by Steve Bryan

Irish in America Celebrating St. Pat’s Day courtesy of Family Features

photo op 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

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance photos by Ray Rockwell

around town

Catch the W.I.N.D. Cash Prizes at Annual Washer’s Tourney

Yard Waste Pickup / LSL Mothers Club

Community Calendar

Wentzville Chamber News

Community News

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

Discover Nature Through MDC Photo Contest

Spring Forward & Check Your Smoke Alarm

LSLDP Chamber News

Baby Kid Expo

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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 Shelly A. Schneider

MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS

SPOTLIGHT

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 12-16 The National Weather Service (NWS) and the State Emergency on one method. Have multiple ways to receive critical weather inManagement Agency (SEMA) have declared the week of March formation. 12-16, 2012 as Severe Weather Awareness Week for Missouri. The 3. If you receive a weather warning such that you need to activate goal of the week is quite simple – your plan, how will you inform the save lives. The best way to do this is people you are responsible for? In a by being prepared. Everyone should home that should not be a problem, have a basic knowledge of severe but in a large workplace you have to weather safety rules and have a sehave a method for communicating vere weather plan in place. Knowthe severe weather information to ing what to do or where to go when everyone present. This is also imsevere weather threatens can be the portant at large gatherings, such as difference between life and death. A sporting events or county fairs. good time for all Missouri citizens to 4. Establish shelter areas in your practice their severe weather plans home or workplace. Depending on will be during the Annual Missouri the amount of people who need to Severe Weather Drill, which will be sheltered, multiple areas may be be held Tuesday, March 13. Follow needed. For large events, depending Joplin, MO after May 22, 2011 tornado. Photo courtesy of Jace Anderson/FEMA these steps to prepare yourself in on time available, it is usually betcase of severe weather. ter to have people stay instead of Step 1: Identify the severe weather hazards you may face. rushing to their automobiles. If your home or building is in an area In the central United States, severe thunderstorms are a fact of prone to flooding, you need to have an evacuation plan in place. life. These storms can produce tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, Step 3: Practice your plan! large hail, and heavy rain that can produce flash flooding. At some Conduct drills and then review the drill to find strengths and point in your life, you will likely be faced with one of these hazards. weaknesses and make improvements where necessary. It is hard to Step 2: Set up your plan. foresee every circumstance, but drills can often bring out problems Everyone should have a severe weather plan for their home. Likethat were not previously seen. wise, businesses need to have a plan for the workplace. There will Additional family protection items be similarities, but there will also be differences between the two. • Have a family disaster plan. A plan will cover what to do, where Following are some ideas that can be applied to both. to meet, and how to contact family members in the event of a fire 1. Establish who is responsible for the plan. Someone needs to be or severe weather. Give emergency information to babysitters and in charge. For a large workplace that runs several shifts, you may other caregivers. have several people responsible for the plan. • Put together an emergency supply kit for your home, your office, 2. How will you receive weather warnings? NOAA Weather Radio and your car. A kit should have bottled water, a radio with extra is a great way to receive severe weather warnings from the National batteries, a flashlight, prescription medicine and first aid supplies. Weather Service. You can also get information from the commer• Purchase a generator for your home or business. A generator cial media, and the Internet. There are also services today that will can provide some basic electric service until the commercial power send weather warning directly to cell phones. Do not depend solely returns. A generator can also keep health equipment functioning

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CROSSROADS MARCH 2012

SPOTLIGHT

(ventilators, oxygen, monitors) during a power outage. Remember to always follow the instructions when using a generator. For example, never use a generator in a closed structure. The engine gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Always place the generator outside. • Make sure all family members know all possible ways to exit your home and where to meet outside the house. Keep all exits clear. • Choose a place for your family to meet after a disaster in case you are at work or school when the disaster happens. • Know how to contact your children at their school or daycare and where you can pick them up after a disaster. Designate a specific person to pick up your child if you cannot. Make sure the school or daycare has the most current emergency release information. • Have a tone-alert weather radio to receive severe weather warnings. Also have a portable radio with extra batteries in case there are power outages. This allows you to get the most current weather and emergency information quickly. • Learn first aid and CPR. • In the event of a flood, tornado or earthquake, learn how to shut off your water, gas and electricity. Know where to find the shut-off valves and switches. • Keep a small amount of cash on hand. ATM’s will not operate if the power is out. • Keep your gas tank full. If the power is out, gas pumps will not operate. Deadly Tornadoes In September 2011, NOAA’s (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) National Weather Service released its final assessment report on the May 22, 2011 tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. The report identified best practices and made recommendations to help save more lives during future violent tornadoes. Most importantly, the assessment emphasized that people must be prepared to take immediate action when a warning is issued. “The tornado that struck Joplin offers important lessons about disaster preparedness,” said National Weather Service Director Jack Hayes, Ph.D. “Tragically, despite advance tornado outlooks, watches and warnings, 159 people died and more than 1,000 were injured. At NOAA we will do all we can – working with our partners

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throughout the weather enterprise and emergency management – to reduce the impact of similar disasters.” This was the single deadliest tornado in U.S. history since modern record-keeping began in 1950. Rated EF-5 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, this mile-wide tornado was the largest and most powerful type, and it traveled 22 miles on the ground. Warning the public of severe weather is the National Weather Service’s (NWS) most important job. To help the public prepare for tornado situations, the NWS has adopted a Watch and Warning program. Tornado Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for tornado development. This is the time to prepare. Keep alert by listing to NOAA Weather Radio, or the commercial media for the latest weather information. Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted or the NWS is seeing signs on radar that indicate a thunderstorm may be capable of producing a tornado at any minute. People in the path of the storm should take immediate life saving action. In schools, hospitals, factories, shopping centers and other public places, move to designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest level are best. Stay away from windows and out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, or structures with large free span roofs. In Vehicles: Do not try to outrun a tornado. A tornado does not have to slow down for traffic, stop signs, or curves on the road. Quickly assess your situation. If necessary, seek shelter in a nearby substantial building. If you have no alternative, abandon your vehicle and hide in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head. Most deaths occur because of the flying debris and head injuries. Mobile Homes: Mobile homes should be abandoned in favor of a more substantial structure if threatened by a tornado. When severe weather is approaching, move to a different location for a couple of hours and wait until the storms have passed. Mobile homes are not built to withstand the strong wind gusts that come from severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. For detailed information about severe weather preparedness, please visit www.ready.gov.

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MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS 5

LIFESTYLE

How about a Real-Life Awards Show? BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

Award-show mania! It’s almost over, thankfully. Do you watch them? I do, and I cannot tell you why. I think it’s along the same lines as having to slow down to watch an accident on the highway. The Emmys are a personal favorite of mine, as are the Oscars, and I used to plan my evening around the Soap Opera Digest Awards. Maybe it’s because I can live vicariously through these people. I must admit being famous has always held some allure. I wouldn’t want fame and fortune forever…that usually leads to infamy. But to win an Oscar or an Emmy Award… who wouldn’t love that? What award would I win? (This is the part where, if this were a television commentary, I’d go into a Wayne’s World-like dream sequence. It’s print, though, so you’ll just have to make the dream noise yourself. Make me proud.) There are the usual awards. Best actress, best supporting actress, one half of best super couple, and hottest female lead. (Ha! This is some dream sequence, hmm?) I’m thinking of something a little out of the award-show ordinary. I’d kick butt in the “Real Breasts Under a Size 38 DD” category. I’d lose, though, in the “Had Fat Suctioned From Her Butt and Injected Into Her Lips” division. OK. Enough of the beauty-based awards. Let’s tackle the lifestyle awards. Wouldn’t you love to see an award given to a female character who gives birth to a kid and then actually wears sweat pants out of the hospital instead of a size 2 evening gown? (Wearing maternity pants would rate a gold medal in my opinion.) Oooh! Oooh! How about the award for the woman who has kids and ac-

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tually raises them? I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen soap parents feed their toddlers or give their youngsters a bath (of course these youngsters went from the age of 3 to 16 in a week!). Once (or even if) the illegitimate child makes it through 8 months of pregnancy (because most Soap babies never make it a full nine months before they make an appearance), they’re whisked off to a nanny-in-waiting or a boarding school for infants. Then there are the “I play a doctor/ designer/lawyer/reporter on television and I seem to make money without ever working” awards. Wouldn’t you love to have that life? Forget about winning the award, I just want the clothes, jewelry, perfect hair and make-up, and amazing shoe wardrobe, along with the endless cash flow that seems to appear out of nowhere. That’s the problem with us everyday kind of people. Life is never like an awards show. That’s what’s missing in the awards season. Maybe Oprah will one day dedicate an hour or two (if we promise short acceptance speeches) to an awards show for everyday people. My personal favorites would be “Eyes in the Back of My Head” award, or the “I can fit into these jeans if I just hop around the room long enough and suck in my gut at the same time” award. And the prize? A great big mommy hug. It’s something my daughter, Samantha, seems to want whenever she’s feeling low… even at age 16. Ironically, or maybe intuitively, it usually coincides with a low-point in my day, too. That’s better than the world’s biggest golden statue. And most days it’s better than the world’s biggest chocolate statue.

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Catch the W.I.N.D.

(Wentzville Information Notification Delivery)

What is the W.I.N.D. program? W.I.N.D. is a new, free program where residents can sign up to get city emergency notification and city announcements in a multiple number of ways. They can get calls to their land lines, cell phones, text messages and emails to whatever device they desire. Anyone who wishes to receive the alerts and announcement may enroll in person at Wentzville’s city hall, or online at www.wentzvillemo.org. The system will be used to notify residents about imminent threats to health and safety. Public safety officials will send alerts about emergencies, for example: severe weather, water outages, traffic issues and critical police activity. If you sign up for city announce-

Cash Prizes at Annual Washer’s Tournament Competitive teams are needed for the Third Annual St. Charles County Parks Washer’s Tournament, Saturday, March 3, at the National Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association Hall of Fame building inside Quail Ridge Park, 5501 Quail Ridge Parkway near Wentzville. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top teams based on the number of participants. Registration fees are $25 per two-person teams. Both team members must be at least 18 to play. Teams may only register the day of the event, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Challenge yourself against the area’s best washer’s teams! Teams are guaranteed at least two games in this double-elimination tournament, which is co-sponsored by the Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club. The tournament will begin at noon. Practice time is available from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cash prizes will be awarded, with prize values dependent upon the number of teams entered. For more information about the St. Charles County Parks Washer’s Tournament, contact Parks Programs Coordinator Bekin Youngblood at 636.949.7535.

ments you will receive information on the topics you designate. City announcements may consist of reminders of city events and activities along with public announcements such as: community events, street closures (construction), road closures/detours (traffic accidents, community events), water outages (main breaks, testing), crime alerts, city meetings, parks and recreation events. Alerts and announcements can be sent to your cell phone, work phone, home phone, text message and email. You can choose to receive alerts/announcements just one way or a combination of different ways. You choose! If you don’t sign up, you will only receive emergency notifications on your traditional home phone but nowhere else. If you have an unlisted phone number you will not receive notice without enrolling. The system is only as good as the information you provide. If your cell phone, work phone or email address changes, you must go to your profile and update the information. The one exception is traditional landlines. If a traditional landline changes to another landline number, that information will be automatically updated. Those who do enroll for the program may opt out anytime by going to the city’s website. The information that you provide will be used for emergency and city announcements. The city will not distribute your telephone numbers or email addresses to any vendor or other organization.

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Yard-Waste Pickup Resumes in March Yard-waste pickup for the city of Wentzville will resume the first week in March and continue through the last week of December. Residents who have not canceled the service and were receiving the service when it ended last year will automatically be put back on the list for 2012. Residents who were not receiving yard-waste pickup last year and want to subscribe to the service in 2012 will need to call Wentzville’s Public Works Department at 636.327.5102. Also, residents who receive yard waste pickups cannot stop it and then start it later in the season. Once yard waste service begins, it continues throughout the year. Now that the city has gone to a five-day-a-week pickup schedule, residents who receive yard-waste-pickup service can put their yard waste out on the same day they put out their trash and recycling. Everything should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on the appropriate morning.

Residents can place their yard waste in brown recyclable bags or in a trash can. If residents use a can, however, they need to paint or apply a “Yard Waste” sign on the side of the can. Residents can also rent a cart for yard waste for an additional fee. The city will also accept bundled yard waste/limbs. The bundles should not exceed 4 feet in length, 18 inches in diameter, or 40 pounds in weight. Also, the bundles should be tied with a natural twine or other bio-degradable binding material. If residents have questions about fees, recycling, yard waste, or regular sanitation pickup, they can call the Public Works Department at 636.327.5102. They may also go to the Public Works section of the city’s website at www.wentzvillemo.org, and then click on the Solid Waste and Recycling Quick Link in the right column.

Lake Saint Louis Mothers Club The Lake Saint Louis Mothers Club (LSLMC) is an organization for both “Career” and “Stay at Home” Mothers, and their families living in Lake Saint Louis. Our organization is a not-for-profit and raises money through fundraising events throughout the year. The Holiday Home Tour and Nite at the Races are just two examples of fundraising events which allows us to enrich the lives of children and families. Over the years we have been responsible for thousands of dollars donated to the Lake Saint Louis community. Each year the club donates funds and purchases equipment to benefit a wide range of groups and individuals in our community. Club meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the LSLCA Clubhouse Ballroom. The monthly meetings are a great opportunity to get involved, find out what is planned in the community for the upcoming year, and an excellent way to make friends. The March General Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on March 13. Wil Baker of Liberty Mutual provides food, refreshments, and some insight on how save energy at home and protect yourself from fraud. We have a weekly playgroup that meets from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays for preschool aged children and activities for school aged children. Please call Andrea Crislip 314.479.0306 to get the latest info on where to meet and if there is a special theme for the day. For more information on the Lake Saint Louis Mothers Club, please visit www.lslmothersclub.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

March Movie Preview BY STEVE BRYAN

In a normal year, movie studios typically wait until the summer or the holiday season to release notable projects in theaters. For 2012, however, Hollywood is spreading the cinematic wealth around, as witnessed by some of the releases scheduled to arrive in theaters in March. “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (March 2) Starring the voice talents of: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White and Rob Riggle The cautionary tale of the Lorax is as true today as it was when it appeared as an animated television special in the 1970s. Danny DeVito gives a sarcastic edge to the orange creature who speaks for the trees and animals that cannot defend themselves against mankind. With animation that honors the Dr. Seuss tradition, “The Lorax” looks like a great one for the whole family. “Project X” (March 2) Starring: Miles Teller, Dax Flame, Alexis Knapp and Jillian Reynolds Warner Bros. Pictures has been teasing audience with clips about this party film for the last several weeks, suggesting that “Project X” will make “Superbad” look like a quiet Sunday afternoon in the park. The story follows three high school seniors who seek to increase their social standing by throwing a major party, but their plans succeed beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. In scholastic terms, this one could either pass or fail.

“John Carter” (March 9) Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Thomas Haden Church, Willem Dafoe and James Purefoy Another character from the prolific mind of author Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Carter is a former military man who is transported from Earth to Mars and becomes caught in yet another war. If the acting is a stunning as the visual effects, Walt Disney will have a spring hit on their hands. “A Thousand Words” (March 9) Starring: Eddie Murphy, Clark Duke, Allison Janney, Kerry Washington, JordanClaire Green and Philip Pavel After a disappointing comedic turn in “Tower Heist,” Eddie Murphy could return to top form in this new comedy. Murphy plays literary agent Jack McCall, a man who would say anything to close a deal. To teach him a lesson, a New Age guru links Jack’s spirit to a tree with a thousand leaves, each representing one spoken word. If the last leaf is allowed to fall, Jack is doomed. “21 Jump Street” (March 16) Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle and Ice Cube Parodying the cult television series that gave Johnny Depp his start, “21 Jump Street” features Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as recent police academy graduates who masquerade as high school students in order to bust a drug cartel. Though the television show played it straight, this movie is going for big laughs.

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MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS

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MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY CALENDAR March 6

Book Club at the Museum

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, at 1630 Heritage Landing at Highway 94. For more information about the Monthly Book Club at the Museum, contact St. Charles County Historian Ryan Graham at 636.949.7535.

March 8

Summer Job Fair

Want to have fun while earning a little extra cash this summer? If so, then be sure to attend Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department’s Job Fair from 2 - 7 p.m. at Progress Park. Temporary summer positions include: lifeguards, concessionaires, day camp counselors and umpires. Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed at that time, highly motivated, and age 16 or older by May 1. Starting pay varies depending on position and experience. Download the form at www.wentzvillemo. org or picked up and completed on the day of the job fair. No advance appointments provided. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Office at 636.332.9236.

March 10

Softball Pitching Clinic

This 45-minute clinic covers the basics of softball pitching for all youths ages 7 - 16. The clinic is designed for a child/parent or child/coach duo and will cover fundamentals such as pitching wind-up, footwork, and delivery techniques. Each participant must provide their own catcher for the clinic. This clinic will be held in the Progress Park Gym. Coaches are welcome to attend. Times: 7 - 8 year olds from 9-9:45 a.m.; 9- 12 year olds from 9:45- 10:30 a.m.; 10

CROSSROADS MARCH 2012

and 13- 6 year olds from 10:30 –11:15 a.m. The fee is $15. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Office at 636.332.9236.

March 14

Bone Density Screening for Women

Determine your risk of Osteoporosis for free. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lake Saint Louis City Hall. Limited to women 30 and older not being treated for Osteoporosis. Pre-register at 636.561.4620.

March 16

H.O.P.P. Night

Hangin’ Out at Progress Park (H.O.P.P.) has become a fun and safe place for kids in grades 6 through 8 to spend some time with their friends. Dance the night away listening to some of your favorite songs under the supervision of Wentzville’s finest recreation staff, volunteers, and police officers. Register at the door. Refreshments for purchase. Everyone is required to stay the entire time unless signed out by an adult. The cost is $3 at the door. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Office at 636.332.9236.

March 19

Flex & Strength Adult Yoga Class

All skill levels welcome. Classes meet Mondays and Thursdays from 4:45-5:45 p.m. through April 26. Please bring your own mat to class. Cost is $54 for LSL residents; $66 for nonresidents. For more information and to register, please view the parks and recreation section of our website at www.lakesaintlouis.com

March 21

Just Once Song Writing

Have you ever wanted to write your own songs? In just a few hours you can learn the principles about what makes a song a hit. In this course, we will study popular songs

CrossRoads Magazine

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and music theory, and learn the craft and art of professional songwriting. All materials provided. The class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Green Lantern. The fee is $50 for residents; $55 for nonresidents. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Office at 636.332.9236.

March 31

Easter Eggstravaganza

Hippity Hop! The Easter Bunny has been busy filling thousands of eggs with candy and prizes for the annual Easter EGGstravaganza. Some eggs will contain a slip of paper for prizes. Bring a basket to collect the goodies. Children will be grouped according to their age (ages 1 to 10). Come early and enjoy face painters and clowns. Registration will be taken in advance. Each child registered will receive a ticket for hunting. You must have your ticket on the day of the hunt. The hunt will be held at Rotary Park. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Ages 1 -2 hunt at 9:30 a.m.; ages 3-6 at 9:30 a.m.; ages 7-10 at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $2 in advance or $3 on the day of the event.

March 31 Bone Hunt

Bring your pooch to Rotary Park’s upper field for some fun! All pets must be leashed at all times and have a responsible adult. Bark for bones when all kinds of dog treats and bones will be hidden for our furry friends. Your dog will be allowed to try to find as many goodies as possible. Don’t forget to bring a basket to put your treats in! After the hunting ends, each dog will receive a doggie bag to take home with them and we will draw for door prizes. Dogs and their owners may roam around in the park after the event and take advantage of our trail, which is a little over 1-mile in length and also loops around the lake. The fee is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

March 31

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Youth Activity Park

The Easter Bunny will visit with hundreds of children participating in the 7th Annual St. Charles County Parks Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 10 a.m. at the Youth Activity Park (YAP), located at 7801 Highway N. in Dardenne Prairie. Thousands of candyfilled eggs will be hidden throughout the park’s 25-acre facility for the children to find. $5 per child. Toddlers 3 and under begin at 10 a.m.; ages 4-6 at 10:30 a.m. and 7-12 at 11 a.m. Each hunt limited to the first 100 participants; advanced registration is required. For more information and to register a child, please contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636.949.7535.

March 31

Easter Egg Hunt

Free to the community! The Easter Egg Hunt will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Saint Louis Boulevard Park, 2550 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. The event will be held rain or shine. Children 10 and under may

participate. This year non-perishable food items will be collected for local food pantries. Please bring your food item to the park. For more information, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

April

Double Header COED Softball Leagues Swing into spring and join the Lake Saint Louis softball league. This “Open League” will be a six-week (12 games) 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.

April 11

Wednesday Men’s Golf League

Two-man team scramble league at Heritage of Hawk Ridge par three golf course, beginning April 11. Visit the parks and rec-

reation section of our website for more information and to register: www.lakesaintlouis.com

April 14

Babysitting Basics

Offered from 8:30 a.m. - noon at Lake Saint Louis City Hall, this program is designed for boys and girls ages 11 and older. The fee is $16/person, and includes a light snack and course certificate. Visit the parks and recreation section of our website for more information and to register: www.lakesaintlouis.com.

April 16

Adult Art and Painting

Lake Saint Louis offers four separate classes taught by award-winning artist Marie Donato. Choose from Adult Drawing, Pastel Painting, Portrait or Watercolor. Classes meet for six weeks on Tuesdays or Thursdays. $65 for LSL residents, $82 for nonresidents. View the parks and recreation section of our website for information and to register: www.lakesaintlouis.com.

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WENTZVILLE - Chamber News

BY TONY MATHEWS

Wentzville Chamber Welcomes Seven 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 seven 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 Wentzville business community is growing, and the chamber is very excited to be a part of such a vibrant city!” The seven businesses and organizations are: 1) Liberty Mutual, 4607 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368. 636.300.9364. Contact: Chris Hansel. 2) Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance, 104 E. Pearce Blvd., Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.332.6594. Contact: Brian Gleize. 3) Mercy, 300 Winding Woods Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366.

314.251.1933. Contact: Carla Klaskin. 4) Maggie Malones, 990 Wentzville Pkwy., Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.332.1176. Contact: Annie Klostermann. 5) Premier Entertainment, 818 Indian Rock, Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.734.2083. Contact: Robyn Mertens. 6) Chill Yogurt Café (Opening Spring 2012 in Wentzville), 1894 Wentzville Pkwy., Wentzville, MO 63385. Contact: Lisa Gibson. 7) Lombardo Homes, 2299 Technology Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. 636.265.2710. Contact: Melissa Cervin. 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 to Host Candidate’s Night The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidates’ Night for all mayoral and aldermanic candidates listed on the April 3 ballot. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 at Wentzville Holt High School Auditorium, 600 Campus Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385. All candidates have been invited to attend the event. The chamber would like to invite all Wentzville residents and local business owners to attend the event and hear from those seeking election. Those in attendance may submit issue related questions at event on form handed out by the chamber. Questions will be

asked by our moderator. All candidates will have an opportunity for opening and closing remarks. The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce hosts this event each year to provide our local residents and business owners an opportunity to gain knowledge about each of candidates. No campaign materials will be allowed inside or outside the event. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914 or visit us online at www.wentzvillechamber.com.

Wentzville Chamber Welcomes Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A 12

Photo courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

CROSSROADS MARCH 2012

The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 2 for Chick-fil-A, 1918 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. The new Wentzville Chick-fil-A features a 4,519-square-foot interior that seats 100 with additional outdoor seating. The restaurant has warm colors and wood accents and a convenient, award-winning drive-thru. Children will enjoy an indoor play area featuring an interactive section for toddlers. The new restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, serving a full breakfast menu until 10:30 a.m. For more information please call, 636.639.2357. Representatives of Chick-fil-A, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce and the City of Wentzville helped cut the ceremonial ribbon. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914 or visit us online at www.wentzvillechamber.com.

Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance Photographer Ray Rockwell was on hand for the special night, February 10 in Lake Saint Louis

MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS

LIFESTYLES

Addiction Isn’t Funny...Is it? BY JOE MORICE

Being a true cynic at times, I often have to hide a grin when someone brags about a big win at the track or on a gambling boat. One of my late father’s vices was betting on the horses at Fairmont Park. He often took me along and I found it fascinating to some degree. One of the most fascinating parts was when he spoke of winning after he got home and talked to my mother. Before that, on the way home, he said he was happy if he broke even, which was probably seldom. He never spoke of how much he lost but, being a $2 better, it probably wasn’t all that much. A friend of mine was an inveterate gambler. He would bet on anything from the next football play on TV to how many bugs hit his windshield in one mile of highway such-and-such. He once won $20,000 on a gambling boat. He was ecstatic. However, me being me, I had to ask him how much he lost. He said he wasn’t sure but he explained that if he combined his big win with his next two paychecks, he could pay off all his credit cards. For my own part when it comes to gambling, if I’m down $5, I’m already nervous. If it hits $20, I’m out of there…wherever ‘there’ is. I’m limited to an occasional lottery ticket of which the odds are too astronomical to comprehend. Betting on when an asteroid will destroy Washington DC has better odds…and perhaps a more positive effect. There’s a question asked by many of why anyone believes the huge, extravagant, gambling boats that aren’t boats can afford to build and maintain them if so many people keep winning their money. But then, people believe what they want to believe. Bobby Riggs thought he could beat Billie Jean King if he gob-

bled enough vitamin pills. Being a confessed cynic, I have to watch myself when I hear excuses for various addictions. Laughing might not be appreciated. I knew a man that was well known for his gambling addiction and was blocked from the local gambling boat. His credit cards were maxed and his attempts to sneak in were halted by the guards. He said, “I tried to tell them I work undercover for the owners to watch for cheaters.” “Is that so?” I asked while trying to hide a grin. He said, “Now look at ya’. You’re gonna’ laugh at me too. Nobody believes me and I lost my job because of it. The owners didn’t want anybody to know they hired me so they fired me when I told the guards.” “Wow,” I said. “Maybe you should sue them.” I scratched my nose to hide my grin. He gave me a suspicious look and said, “Maybe I should but these are casino owners. They might have me knocked off.” I said, “Gee. I never thought of that.” He raved on, “But the trouble is, I need a job but new employers won’t believe me when I tell them I worked undercover in a casino. Even you don’t really believe me. I can see you laughing under your breath. You’re just like everybody else.” He looked down and shook his head and sniffled. He finally said, “I don’t know what to do.” I said, “I have a suggestion.” He looked up hopefully and said, “What?” I said. “Don’t tell anybody.” He looked confused. Then he coughed and looked around. He said, “But….er…um…I’m not sure….um…er…can I borrow 20 bucks? “No.”

www.MeadowlandsEstates.com

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Discover Nature Through MDC 75th Anniversary Photo Contest The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites photographers around the state to enter its 75th Anniversary Photo Contest. The contest is an effort to help Missourians discover nature by capturing and sharing photos that celebrate the natural wonders of Missouri. Winners will be featured in the October issue of the Missouri Conservationist, as well as on the MDC website and in other media. The photo contest has seven categories: mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, birds, outdoor recreation, and habitats and landscapes. Entries will be accepted through May 15. Photographers must tag their photos with the exact name of the category they are entering. A panel of photography and nature experts will select the best entry in each category. Category winners will then be posted on the MDC website starting July 1 for the public can vote for their favorite photo from category winners. The photo with the most votes will be named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of Show.â&#x20AC;? All seven winners will be displayed in the October magazine and other MDC media. More information and examples of category photos are fea-

tured in the February issue of the Missouri Conservationist or online at mdc. mo.gov/conmag. A full list of rules and guidelines can be found on the MDC website at mdc. mo.gov/node/16689. Entries will only be accepted via Flickr, an Internet photo sharing service. To join Flickr, visit flickr.com/groups/mdc75thanniversary/.

www.rhf.org

MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS 15

FOOD

The Irish in America Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (Family Features) They came in the 1840s to escape the devastating potato famine. And they stayed to become part of the fabric of America. Today 36.9 million U.S. residents claim Irish ancestry, second only to those who claim German heritage, and more than eight times the population in Ireland, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009 statistics. Enduring hardships and privations, the foods these Irish immigrants cooked in the new land would have replicated foods that reminded them of home — dishes such as cottage pie and Irish apple cake. Below are recipes for these dishes from Darina Allen’s “Forgotten Skills of Cooking,” (Kyle Books, 2009) now available in the U.S. Allen, considered the Julia Child of Ireland, is on a mission to teach everyday home cooks the kind of cooking skills early Irish immigrants would have practiced. “There is a real revolution going on about food — a longing, a craving to re-learn life skills like butchery, keeping chickens, growing vegetables and curing meat,” Allen said. The popularity of her Forgotten Skills classes at her renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, Ireland, inspired Allen to write the “Forgotten Skills” cookbook. Allen also has re-issued her “Irish Traditional Cooking” (Kyle Books), just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The recipe below features Irish dairy products because dairying has been a part of Ireland for centuries, long before potatoes. “In Ireland we can grow grass like nowhere else in the world,” said Allen with pride. “So we have fantastic butter, lovely cream and, of course, cheese. Butter is the fat of the land. Our animals are grass-fed. Grass-fed gives more flavor and more complex nutrients. This is what we are. Dairy products come from this beautiful, lush green grass.” Try the recipe below for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s easy to replicate Irish flavors with butter and cheeses made in Ireland and imported to the U.S. under the Kerrygold name. They are widely available at supermarkets and specialty stores throughout the country. And be sure to do as the Irish do: no celebration is complete without a selection of cheeses with good bread and chutney. The cheese board below features Kerrygold Aged Cheddar, Cashel Blue farmhouse cheese, Dubliner and Blarney Castle Irish cheese. For more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, visit www.kerrygoldusa.com. This recipe is adapted from “Forgotten Skills of Cooking.” Recipe introductions are from Darina Allen.

Cottage Pie with Garlic Butter

“The cheese in this crust and the lump of garlic butter that melts into the center make this into something very special.” Serves 6 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, mashed 1 small onion, chopped 1 pound beef, freshly ground 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1/2 cup dry white or red wine 1 cup beef stock 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste Roux (recipe follows) Salt and freshly ground pepper For the Topping 3 pounds baking potatoes, unpeeled 1 cup whole milk, boiling Salt and freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons Kerrygold Irish butter 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional) 1/4 cup grated Dubliner cheese 1/4 cup grated Kerrygold Aged Cheddar To Serve Garlic Butter (recipe follows) Green salad Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and onion and fry until soft and slightly brown. Increase heat, add ground beef and thyme and fry until beef changes color. Add wine, half the stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes.

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Meanwhile, boil the unpeeled potatoes, then peel them. Add boiling milk and mash potatoes while they are still hot. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, and add butter and chives, if using. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring the rest of the stock to a boil and thicken it well with roux. Stir it into beef — it should be thick but still juicy. Taste and correct seasoning. Put meat mixture into one large or six individual pie dishes. Pipe or spread mashed potato mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated cheeses. Bake for 30 minutes, until top is golden and slightly crispy. Serve with garlic butter and a green salad. Roux “Roux can be stored in a cool place and used as required, or it can be made up on the spot if preferred to thicken up a sauce.” 8 tablespoons Kerrygold Irish butter Scant cup all-purpose flour Melt butter in a pan and cook flour in it for 2 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. It will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator. Garlic Butter “Slather over bruschetta or toast. Also great with grilled fish, meat, or vegetables.” 8 tablespoons Kerrygold Irish butter 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley 3 to 5 cloves crushed garlic A few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice Whip butter, then add in parsley, garlic and a few drops of lemon juice at a time. Roll into butter pats or form into a roll and wrap in parchment paper or foil, twisting each end. Refrigerate to harden.

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Spring Forward and Check Your Smoke Alarm Most Americans will turn their clocks ahead on hour on Sunday, March 11, 2012. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 96 percent of all homes have at least one smoke alarm, according to a 2010 telephone survey. Overall, three-quarters of all U.S. homes have at least one working smoke alarm. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths in 2005-2009 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. Almost one-quarter of the smoke alarm failures was due to dead batteries. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Safety tips • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. • An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes. • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. • Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance.

• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. • Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 year old or sooner if they do not respond properly. • Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. • Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician. • If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a “hush” button. A “hush” button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time. • An ionization alarm with a hush button or a photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance. • Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice. • Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms.

www.elegantsalon.com www.elegantsalon.com www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

MARCH 2012 CROSSROADS 17

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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 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. To find more information on any of our members please visit www.lsldpchamber.com. Linda Klingerman Law Linda Klingerman 2032 Hanley Road. Suite 232 Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 636-980-2220

Piddle n Play Terry Waters Defiance , MO 63341 636 346-7667 www.piddle-n-play.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics Cindy Marsh Serving St. Charles County 636-541-4377 www.marykay.com/cindymarsh

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists Jennifer Langston Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 314-409-9343 www.4uskincare.myrandf.biz

N2 Publishing Bryan Cooper Serving St. Charles County 314-496-5303 www.n2pub.com

SSM Physical Therapy Sarah Freund 2 Harbor Bend Ct., Suite 102 Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 636-695-2070 www.ssm-select.com/services/outpatient.aspx

SSM Physical Therapy Christine Rufkahr 7421 Highway N, Suite B Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 636-561-2060 www.ssm-select.com/services/outpatient.aspx St. Charles Engineering & Surveying Dave Ryan 801 South Fifth St. St. Charles, Mo 63301 636-947-0607 www.stcharleseng.com Tom Shaw Realtors Mr. Tom Shaw Jr. 17813 Edison Avenue Suite 200 Chesterfield, MO 63005 www.shawrealtors.com

The Board of Directors and Chamber Staff would like to thank the following members for renewing their Chamber investment, by renewing your investment in the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber our Community continues to prosper as successful businesses are working hard to strengthen our economic climate; insuring that all citizens enjoy an exceptional quality of life ACT Industries

AllCom Global Services Allergy and Asthma Consultants American Poolplayers Association Baue Funeral Homes Blue Sky Café & Bar Botz, Deal & Company Buff and Coat Hardwood Floor Renewal City of Dardenne Prairie Coldwell Banker Gundaker - Davis Coldwell Banker Gundaker - Matt Travaglini Community News / Crossroads Magazine Continental Title Co. Contractor’s Flooring Supply, Inc. Costco Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, Inc. Days Inn Denny & Associates, Inc. Donatelli’s Bistro Economic Development Center of St. Charles Edward Jones - Gary Weber F & M Bank and Trust Company Firestone Complete Autocare First Community Credit Union First State Bank

Garden View Care Center Garden Villas of O’Fallon Gary Elmestad & Associates Gregory A. Luerding, D.D.S. Hawk Ridge Family Chiropractic Hope Montessori Academy Lake Saint Louis JM Construction, Inc., JM Kitchen & Bath JoS. A. Banks Clothiers, Inc. Kathy Kilo Peterson-State Farm Insurance KelDon Imaging Kirks Eye Center, P.C. KolbeCo Marketing Resources, LLC Lake Saint Louis Fire Protection District Lloyd, Martin & Associates Inc. Lowes Maryville University St. Louis Maurices Mick’s Exterminating Service, Inc. Midwest BankCentre Missouri State Senator Morning Star Church New Frontier Bank NISC Nurses and Company O’Fallon Family YMCA

Park Place Senior Living At WingHaven Piddle n Play Pitman Funeral Home PROACTIVE Money Management Promotions Pronto Rufkahr & Associates Tax & Accounting SealMaxx of Greater St Louis, Inc. Sebastiens Pet Salon Serenity Valley Winery SSM St. Charles Clinic Medical Group St. Charles City-County Library District St. Charles County Executive Office STCI d/b/a Richard Shoaf Photography Suburban Journals The Child Center The Waterways of Lake Saint Louis Thomas Realty Group, LLC. UMB Bank Wal-Mart Wentzville - LSL Jaycees Wentzville School District West Community Credit Union Westinn Kennels, Inc. Wharf Pharmacy

We encourage our members to invest in each other. For a complete listing of member businesses please visit us at www.lsldpchamber. com. Save the date! The Second Annual City 2 City 5K will be held September 15. 18

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Baby Kid Expo BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER The Sixth Annual Baby Kid Expo is the perfect event for parents, caregivers and children. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the St. Charles Convention Center . It’s free family fun! Heather Deatz, the show’s promoter, said exhibitors include hospitals, daycare facilities, tutors, photographers, dance groups, sports groups, camp information, safety equipment and, of course, shopping! Along with vendors, the Baby Kid Expo features entertainment and fun for all ages. Bring your children to see Dora and Diego at 9 a.m. “Moose on the Loose” is at 9:30 a.m. This cooking demo features healthy breakfast ideas for kids, and how to get kids involved in the kitchen. The Diaper Derby is always an exciting event! Sign up on the Baby Kid Expo website; the race begins at 10 a.m. The Main Stage is loaded with fun performances all day, including: the Muny Kids, Radio Disney, My Red Thread fashion show, and more. Belleza Salon will be offer fun hair designs all day long, and there’s even a free photo booth. Face painting, mascots, inflatables and a rock climbing wall are also at the Expo, and it’s all free. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day and you’ll have a chance to win a new SUV from Zeiser Kia. Raffle tickets for

more than $3000 worth of great prizes will be sold for $1, and proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks. MOCHIP will be at the 2012 event, providing free child ID badges and a personal information CD for families. Deatz said she is excited to offer free speakers at the event. “At 10 a.m. we’ll have Dr. Thomas from MIND,” she said. “He will share the latest information about ADD/ ADHD. We’ll also have information on breastfeeding, birthing options and an interactive story time event for the kids. For a full list of speakers, check out our website and pre-register to hold your spot.” Become a fan on Facebook for the latest news and for a chance to win great prizes before the show, www.facebook.com/babykidexpo The 2012 Baby Kid Expo is sponsored by: Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital, Progress West HealthCare Center , Wal-Mart, Ameren UE, I Go Cheap, My Red Thread, Zeiser Kia, Community News, St. Louis Kids Directory, Sprout and About, The Bump, Macaroni Kid, St. Louis Kids Magazine, Charter, Women’s Journal, and Carriage Printing. For more information, check out the full schedule at www. babykidexpo.com or call 1.866.654.EXPO (3976). Don’t miss it!

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Presorted Std US Postage

PAID

2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon, MO 63366

www.kristalcleanco.com www.kristalcleanco.com

www.petlandstl.com

St. Louis, MO Permit 2828