Missouri Wine Country Pinwheels for Prevention Show-Me State Recipes A Skier’s Life Lessons
Payne 1/8
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APRIL around town
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2013 contents
Rainbow Village Golf Tournament Right to Farm Bill Passes Backyard Bird Feeders Letter to the Editor Oklahoma! Endangered Wolf Center’s Painted Dogs
entertainment
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VOL 10 | NO 4
by Brian Guerrero
food
Published monthly with direct mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis, plus newsstands in Troy. Publisher Editor Production Manager Production Columnists Photographer
Bob Huneke Shannon Cothran Rebecca Brockmann Vicki Seagraves, Donna Huneke Avalanche, Brian Guerrero, Shelly Schneider Ray Rockwell
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always an adventure 10
mom’s life 11
child abuse 12 prevention
Thank You
Pinwheels for Prevention
spotlight 14
Missouri Wines
business 16
Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce News
Using hardy grape varieties, Missouri wine makers have been producing fine wines for generations.
By Tony Matthews
Leadership Program
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
Missouri Dairy Industry photo op 18
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.
The Skier
by Shelly A. Schneider
Community News
Copyright 2013 Huneke Publications, Inc.
Show-Me State Recipes by Avalanche
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From Shawshank to Skyfall: 11-time Oscar Nominee Thomas Newman
community calendar 19
Ray Rockwell captured the Quilts latest Knights of Columbus Fish Fry April APRIL 2013 CROSSROADS
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AROUND TOWN
Rainbow Village Golf Tournament Calling all golfers! Join Rainbow Village for the fourth annual Chip In For Rainbow Village Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 17 at the WingHaven Country Club, 7777 WingHaven Boulevard, O’Fallon. Attendees will enjoy lunch at 11am followed by 18 holes of golf and plenty of on-course refreshments. Tee-off will be at 12:30pm. Golfers will conclude their day by celebrating their success on the course while enjoying appetizers and cocktails at an awards ceremony. The cost is $225 per player and $900 per foursome.
Rainbow Village currently owns more than 53 neighborhood homes in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, giving over 250 individuals with developmental disabilities a safe, secure place to call home. Sponsoring, donating, or participating in this event will give more people with developmental disabilities a chance to live in a comfortable, long-term home with a family of friends. If you are interested in sponsoring or participating in the 2013 tournament,
please contact Mike Rea at mrea@rbvstl.org or at 314.567.1522 ext. 207.
Right to Farm Passes Missouri House The Missouri State House of Representatives passed HJR 7&11, the constitutional right to farm with an overwhelming 110 yes to 41 no vote. The legislation now goes to the State Senate for consideration. The legislation began as two separate bills but they were combined in committee. Rep. Jason Smith and Rep. Bill Reiboldt sponsored HJR 7 and HJR 11 respectively. Leaders from both parties praised the passage of Right to Farm. Republican Speaker Tim Jones said “The economy is still lagging and we need to ensure that agriculture, our state’s number one industry, is protected from outside attacks. I understand how important this industry is to our state and to all citizens that benefit from Missouri’s food production. I was proud to cosponsor HJR 7 and I look forward to voting for this amendment in
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the ballot box next year.” Democratic Rep. Ed Schieffer said “It was my privilege to co-sponsor HJR 7 & 11. These will protect the right to farm. My family has farmed 80 acres in Lincoln County for over 100 years. We must protect the right of continuing traditional agriculture. Missouri Farmers Care testified in support of HJR 7&11 in committee and Missouri Farmers Care Chairman Don Nikodim said “This is a great step forward for Missouri agriculture. Agriculture is Missouri’s largest industry and we need the freedom to operate to continue providing jobs and food to our state.” Additional information regarding Missouri Farmers Care and Missouri agriculture can be found at www.MoFarmersCare.com.
Living Word 1/12
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Backyard Bird Feeders Helpful Following Drought Written by Bill Graham, MDC Those feathered visitors are hungry. Drought during the past two growing seasons reduced seed production in wildflowers, grasses and trees. Plus, recent deep snows covered food that was available on the ground. Usually filling backyard feeders is a matter of people enjoying watching Missouri’s colorful migrant and resident birds grab a snack. Nature normally produces all the food the birds need. But this winter, feeders are truly boosting wild birds, said Larry Rizzo, a natural history biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. “I think we can safely say supplemental feeding is helping right now,” Rizzo said. “Drought is somewhat of a factor, but anytime you get excessively deep snow or ice cover, food is hard to get to.” Large birds, such as wild turkeys, can scratch through deep snow
and find food, he said. But smaller birds, such as sparrows or bobwhite quail, cannot. Melting snow will provide some badly needed moisture for wild plants and wildlife. But providing drinking water for wildlife near feeders will draw more birds for watching. Cold weather freezes available moisture. Heated watering systems are available at stores that sell bird-feeding supplies. “One bird I always like to highlight regarding winter bird feeding is the Carolina wren,” Rizzo said. “Deep snow or ice flat out kills them. If you have that bird in your neighborhood, you will help them by feeding peanuts, suet mixtures or best of all, a peanut butter mix. They love that. Mix peanut butter with corn meal. It’s simple and cheap.” For more information on backyard bird feeding, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/node/4629.
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AROUND TOWN
Letter to the Editor
Where are we going with Climate Change? I’m concerned about climate change. And I’m really concerned what the changing climate is going to be like for my children and grandchildren. The National Climate Assessment 2013, Draft, indicates that at about 2030 it will be up by around another 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit on average. The number one driver of climate change is fossil fuel emissions. And by 2100 we could be up by an average of 8 degrees depending on emissions. With this average temperature increase we will see more extreme temperatures and extreme rain events. An increase in temperature means more evaporation, humidity and potential for larger, stronger rain events. Maybe our elected officials are concerned with climate change and where we are heading? I’ve looked at many Missouri US Representatives websites. I see a lot of “All of the Above” for an Energy Policy. Sounds like a haphazard approach to avoid the worst of climate change. I’ve told my friends and family about climate change and its trajectory. My brother said CO2 makes great plant food. My brother-inlaw thought the cloud effect was not studied enough. My mom says you can’t change people. They will always buy the cheapest, no matter what the external costs are. My friend says you can’t trust scientists; they are motivated by money and their conclusions are biased. Another friend says solar panels look ugly and windmills hurt the birds. My husband says the turkey and deer hunting sea-
sons have been messed up by the changing seasons and more variable weather. I wrote my pension fund, MOSERS, asking them to divest fossil fuels. I got a nice letter back saying the pension has one responsibility only and that is to get maximum return. I am writing this letter in hopes that others will join me in concern for our children’s future. Some websites would lead you to believe it’s too expensive to get on a fast track to reduce fossil fuel emissions and invest in renewable energy. But for me, I would do anything in my power to get us on the safest trajectory possible. The “business as usual model” of operating has now bumped up against the “climate change projection models.” James Hansen, NASA scientist, said in his 2012 TED.com video that we will have to reduce emissions by 6 percent per year to avoid the tipping point. The tipping point is when the planet continues to warm each year from non-human feedback loops. An example of this is the albedo effect of melted polar ice. If anyone wants to learn or do more, start with the over 1,000-page Climate Assessment on globalchange.org. It is as exciting as any text book. Join the Sierra Club. And yes, discuss climate change and energy with your friends and family! Juli Viel, O’Fallon
Kander’s Early Voting Commission Announces Recommendations Secretary of State Jason Kander’s Early Voting Commission, established by Missouri
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Secretary of State Jason Kander, made official recommendations on the most efficient, fair and secure way to allow eligible Missourians to cast a ballot before Election Day. The commission, which met throughout the month of February to discuss the merits of early voting and provided room for public input, was composed of 11 members selected to represent all regions and political parties of the state. The commission identified four key reforms that would accommodate more voters and alleviate long lines at the polls on Election Day. Commission Recommendations 1: Reform the current absentee ballot law to
allow registered voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without needing to state an excuse. 2: Allow registered voters to cast early ballots on voting equipment at a central voting location prior to Election Day to replace current in-person absentee voting. 3: Create satellite voting locations during November Presidential elections. 4: Early voting lists should be kept confidential and should only be disclosed twice prior to the election. Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State.
AROUND TOWN
Oklahoma! in Wentzville Wentzville Christian Church will present a community theater production of Oklahoma! on May 3 at 7pm and on May 4 at 2pm and 6pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is firstcome, first served. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance begins. Last year’s production of South Pacific drew more than 1,300 people for the three performances. Tammy Rodenbaugh, director, said this is the seventh year the church has produced a fulllength Broadway musical. This years’ production features a talented cast and crew of over 40 drawn from the church and surrounding area, Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Riely along with a 16-piece orchestra (which includes “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “Kansas City” and of course “Oklamembers of the St. Charles Municipal Band). homa;” along with lots of action, humor and great dancing. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, based on the play Green Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Hwy. Z (1 mile south of Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, features memorable songs including I-70). For more information call 636.327.6622 or visit wentzvillecc.org.
Endangered Wolf Center’s African Painted Dogs After hearing Greg Rasmussen, one of the world’s top experts on African painted dogs, talk about African painted dogs to the Endangered Wolf Center as part of the Center’s Speaker Series, it’s difficult not to become a fan of them. “They spend all of their time being nice to one another,” Rasmussen said during an appearance at the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Mo. just outside St. Louis. Rasmussen said the dogs are “more social than almost any other mammal their size, almost more social than ourselves. […] They are one of the few species where there’s no fighting” among themselves.” Rasmussen is founder of the Painted Dog Conservation project in Zimbabwe and one of the world’s leading authorities on the endangered species. There are less than 5,000 African painted dogs alive today, down from a half million 100 years ago, he told the audience at the Endangered Wolf Center. Ginny Busch, executive director of the Center, and Rasmussen both stressed the importance of education in preserving endangered species. “Conservation education
is a huge component of how we can save our canid species,” Busch said.The Center has four African painted dogs among the 33 animals now living there, which include Mexican gray wolves, red wolves, maned wolves and swift foxes. Rasmussen made a previous appearance at the Endangered Wolf Center’s Speaker Series in October 2012. The Center has a female African painted dog, Dillon, and three males, Tsavo, Dogo and Datoga. The males are brothers and unrelated
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to Dillon. The public can watch the painted dogs on three separate webcams, which show the dogs’ den boxes and their enclosure’s outdoor area, on the Center’s website at www.endangeredwolfcenter.org. For more information about the African painted dogs and other species at the Endangered Wolf Center, contact Regina Mossotti, Director of Animal Care, rmossotti@endangeredwolfcenter.org. The Endangered Wolf Center was founded in 1971 by renowned naturalist Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol in Eureka, MO. Further information about the Center is available at www.endangeredwolfcenter.org and 636.938.5900. Visit us on Facebook. The Center offers public tours.
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ENTERTAINMENT
By Brian GuerRero
Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.
From Shawshank to Skyfall: 11-time Oscar Nominee Thomas Newman You may not have heard of movie music mogul Thomas Newman, The Lion King). The composer earned a true fan base for Shawshank, but you know his music well. For starters, if you love the scores of but he had an older fan base that admired his unconventional style of popular films The Shawshank Redemption (Newman did the grand film music as well. The peculiar side of his works doesn’t normally use orchestral work), American Beauty (Newman used quirky off-beat the traditional orchestra, but rather his own experimental choices of rhythms) and, more recently, Skyfall, (Newman’s first scoring job for rare and unusual instruments that don’t normally appear in film or the James Bond series) then you are a Thomas Newman fan. television music. The Player (1992), Unstrung Heroes (1995) and1999’s Newman is one of the most respectAmerican Beauty (which became a true ed, unique and versatile composers in iconic landmark in the music industry) the Hollywood industry today. One are fine examples of his unique musical of his signatures is moody passages nature. Beauty also began Newman’s that usually feature a piano—which famous collaboration with film direche performs himself most of the time. tor Sam Mendes. They paired up again Shawshank, American Beauty and for 2002’s thriller, Road To Perdition. For Road To Perdition are fine examples. this film, Newman returned to using an It’s the way he gets inside the minds orchestra at center stage with the inof the characters that make his work clusion of his unconventional sounds. uniquely dramatic and satisfying to To many, it’s regarded as Newman’s many, leading to why he’s one of the greatest original score. most sought-after composers today. Finding Nemo (2003) was next and If the last name Newman sounds The Shawshank Redemption Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers Newman was nervous considering familiar, there’s a reason. He’s related he’s never composed for a family film to what many call a family dynasty of before, let alone animation. Already Hollywood film composers. To give a being a big fan of Thomas Newman’s brief family history, three siblings bework, writer/director Andrew Stanton came composers during Hollywood’s brought him on board not because he golden age of filmmaking. Their was the cousin of Pixar’s frequent comnames: Emil Newman, Lionel Newposer Randy Newman but because he man and the prolific Alfred Newman was listening to Thomas Newman’s (who’s won nine Oscars). Alfred beprevious scores while writing the script came the one responsible for writing for Nemo. In fact, the music of Scent Of the “20th Century Fox Fanfare,” the Finding Nemo Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures A Woman boldly plays during the teassong that plays over the logo that we er trailer for Nemo! hear at the beginning of each film to this day. Thomas Newman is the Newman’s put together his signature texture of nervous jittery son of Alfred Newman. He also has a brother, composer David New- strings and did so well for the film (as well as many others) he beman (Ice Age, Anastasia, Hoffa, Tommy Boy) and a sister, composer came a natural at nailing the appropriate character tones and got and violinist Marie Newman. Plus, the popular artist Randy Newman nominated again. He would also return to work with Stanton again is his cousin. for Pixar’s WALL-E (2008). In the 80’s his work was filled with well-written beats and an overuse Director Steven Soderbergh has also used Newman three times for of electronics. As the 90’s came around, he gracefully evolved into the his films, Erin Brochovich, The Good German and this year’s Side Effects. use of the traditional orchestra. 1991’s Fried Green Tomatoes became His television credits include the themes to Boston Public, Six Feet his first widely-recognized orchestral work, and the following year he Under (won the Emmy), The Newsroom and the two-part mini series did Scent Of A Woman. Angels In America. Newman received his first Oscar nomination for two ’94 films—takThomas Newman is still looking for his first Oscar win, but at the ing two out of five nomination slots. One was for Little Women and the rate he’s going, it’s looking good that it may finally happen in the near other The Shawshank Redemption. (Hans Zimmer won the Oscar for future. 8 CROSSROADS APRIL 2013
FOOD
Show-Me State Recipes The Best of the Best from Missouri Cookbook features selected recipe’s from Missouri’s favorite cookbooks. Authors (or compilers) Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley traveled the state asking locals: “What do people in Missouri like to eat?” The answers were mostly “meat and potatoes” but also casseroles, walnuts, apples, barbecue… The women decided Missourians like a little bit of everything and used 65 cookbooks to construct a book with 256 pages of recipes sure to please most Missouri palates. Here are just a few of the recipes, an appetizer, full meal and dessert. Try this Show-Me Supper tonight.
Side: Super Brussels Sprouts Appetizer: Missouri Pâté
8 servings • From Tasty Palette
Serves 12 • From Past & Repast
Ingredients:
Directions:
A well-spiced pate is a convenient dish for a country picnic or a festive buffet table. Cornichons add an elegant touch to this mildly flavored regional version of a classic.
1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, undrained 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts 1 1/2 cups water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon dried whole basil 1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
Drain oranges, saving liquid; set both aside. Wash Brussels sprouts; remove dry or discolored leaves. Cut off stem ends and slash bottom of each sprout with a shallow X. Combine sprouts, water, salt, and pepper in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Combine reserved liquid from oranges with lemon juice, cornstarch and basil in small saucepan, stirring until cornstarch is dissolved. Bring to a boil; boil 1 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour sauce over Brussels sprouts. Add oranges and water chestnuts and toss.
Ingredients:
Directions:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped 1 shallot, minced 2 tablespoons bourbon 2 tablespoon cognac 8 ounces liverwurst 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, soft 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill 1 teaspoon chopped parsley 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté mushroom and shoots until soft. Stir in bourbon and cognac, cool. Place mushrooms mixture and remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender; process until smooth. Transfer to crock or serving bowl. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. Garnish with springs of fresh dill. Serve with party rye and Cornichons.
Dessert: Good Good Pie Entree: Pork Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce Serves 6-8 • From Cooking in Clover Ingredients: 24 1-inch medallions from 2 pork tenderloins Garlic powder, to taste Onion powder, tot taste Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup flour 5 tablespoons butter, in all 1/3 cup wine vinegar 8 crushed peppercorns 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature 1/2 cup Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt Chopped fresh parsley Directions: Flatten pork medallions between 2 pieces of wax paper to between 1/4 and ½-inch thickens. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and flour. Dredge the
medallions in seasoned flour. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Sauté medallions for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a 12x8x2-inch baking dish and keep warm in a 150F oven. Add tot eh skillet wine vinegar and crushed peppercorns and boil the mixture stirring in brown bits that cling to pan, until it is reduced by two-thirds. Add heavy cream and simmer the mixture 5 minutes or until it thickens some. Remove pan from heat and swirl in Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons butter. Season sauce with salt to taste and pour over medallions. Bake uncovered at 250F for 2 hours, basting meat with sauce several times. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Will hold in oven (covered) at 150F for 1 hour.
From Kitchen Prescriptions Ingredients:
Directions:
3/4 stick margarine, melted 3 eggs 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup coconut flakes 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Mix first 6 ingredients, pour into pie shell. Bake 1 hour at 350F or until set and brown.
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ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE
The Skier The skier slowly made his way along the ridgeline. Breaking trail up the ever-steepening divide between two drainages, he looked forward to a nice descent down a steep chute about a mile in the distance. At two miles above sea level, the recently fallen snow was as light and insubstantial as the air the skier struggled to breath: Champagne powder—a foot of it contained only three quarters of an inch of water. It was mostly air; white in color, with a fluffy texture. It was the main attraction of the several ski areas within an hour’s drive. There were no chair lifts, base lodges, parking lots or restaurants here. The skier had climbed two thousand vertical feet in less than two miles and set up camp the previous evening. Donning frozen boots and gloves in the morning, he was out of the tent and moving when the sun came up. No traffic jams, parking hassles, exorbitantly priced passes or lift lines—just solitude and untracked snow, earned by honest effort. It was the middle of March; no one had been up here since hunting season the previous November. The six feet of snow on the ground had sent the elk, deer and their two- and four-legged pursuers to lower, warmer climes for the winter; they would not return until late May. A few squirrels, birds and rabbits were the only creatures that remained. It was a crystal clear, blue sky day, with the temperature in the mid-twenties, cold, but not bitterly so. A perfect day for backcountry skiing. The skier approached a knife-edged portion of the ridge. It was wind-blown and scoured on the south side, with a steep snow loaded chute dropping to the north. This chute was not the skier’s goal, but it might be a good warm up for the main line still a mile off. He took a break, caught his breath and looked down the chute. Only about 150 yards long, the conditions appeared to be good. No dangerous overhanging cornices above the line. The snowpack had seemed to be stable at camp and along his trek to this point. The hike back up the chute would be steep but tolerable, leaving
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By Avalanche
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
plenty of time and energy left to go ski the much longer line ahead. Of course, along with the lack of the crowds, lines, parking hassles and high prices, there was no safety net here. No ski patrollers, no avalanche control efforts, no cell phones, ambulances or helpers should things go wrong. Not even any witnesses to record the event for posterity. Just a terribly worried family if the skier didn’t return in two days as planned. That worry would turn into a search and rescue effort, which would likely become a body recovery when the snow melted around May or June. The skier remembered the previous winter. He and a friend had skied nearly every weekend that season, mostly out of established ski areas. They’d had a great time, skiing some phenomenal lines in spectacularly beautiful wilderness. On two different occasions, within one week of the friends’ previous adventures, other skiers had gotten caught in avalanches in those very same spots. All those skiers survived, but the lessons would not be forgotten. Still weighing his options, the skier got closer to the edge, ready to drop into the chute. Just a few turns to start the morning off right…and then he stopped. The chute was a bit steeper than he had anticipated. Something told him “No.” He decided to forego this chute and continue on to the area a mile ahead, as he had planned. He skied back over onto the safer, southern aspect of the ridge. Moving below the crest of the ridge, the snow under his skis suddenly cracked and settled with a deep “whumph” noise. Startled, the skier listened as a cracking sound continued for a few seconds. Then, a rumbling noise came up from the north chute. Treetops on the north side of the ridge began shaking. The skier went back up to the knife edge and saw that three separate areas of snow totaling 150 yards wide and several feet deep had broken loose and slid to the bottom of the chute. Small trees had been ripped from the ground and swept down the path of the avalanche. Broken tree stumps and branches protruded from the debris in the slide’s path. The skier looked down at the debris field for a long time. He turned around and skied back to camp, the day’s planned adventure replaced by a nap in the sun.
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By Shelly A. Schneider
Shelly Schneider has spent the majority of her life trying to find a painless way of removing her foot from her mouth. She’s matured a little, thanks to her husband, Jim and their three children: Christopher, Michael and Samantha. She is an award-winning columnist and alter ego to Sarcastic Woman.
MOM’S LIFE
Thank you
Dear readers, I cannot believe how time flies! It seems like only yesterday I began writing a column for The Quincy Herald-Whig. I began that column more than 17 years ago. We moved to O’Fallon in July 1999, and somewhere in the year 2000 I began working for Community News. What a wonderful home that was for so many years. I have since taken a full-time position, and while I still love writing, I find it is becoming more difficult to maintain my columns and manage my family and faith life. It is with a little sadness, and great anticipation, that I leave CrossRoads and venture out on my own. I created a website to feature my columns. It is incredibly crude because I’m about as far from a technology wizard as one could possibly be. Still, it’s a way for me to keep writing, and for you (hopefully!) to keep reading. The link is at the end of this letter. So, these are not so much goodbyes as they are accolades. It’s not like I’m leaving O’Fallon…just Community News. Please grant me this opportunity to publically thank a few amazing people. Bob Huneke, publisher of Community News, found me by way of St. Charles Community College (I did a little freelancing when I arrived in O’Fallon in July 1999). He needed a part-time writer, and I needed to work but remain flexible. Over the years I moved from freelance writer, to permanent part-time writer, to senior writer, to editor. And in all those years Bob gave me the one thing I needed most in my career—flexibility. Thanks to him, I never missed a single cross country meet or swimming and diving competition; I was able to pick up sick children from school and take them to the doctor; I was even able to spend a few days (a few different times) in the hospital with them when needed. Bob and his wife, Donna, remain kind, generous and loving people. They are family, and I owe them more than I ever received. Becky and Vicki are amazing graphic artists and the reason why Community News and CrossRoads look so colorful, beautiful
and professional. Those words, in fact, describe these young ladies, too. Their youth, education and experience provide a fresh perspective…especially for us 40-somethings who tend to get stuck in a comfortable rut. Thank “When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” you, Becky and Vicki, for keeping me on bless you all. It has been my sincere pleatask (I know that wasn’t easy!), for always sure and honor to have shared my life with being willing to change things up when you for so many years. needed (especially at the last minute!), and most importantly, for being my friends. – Shelly DeAnna, Joe, Steve, Gary B. and Ray are contributors. Always willing to jump in and lend a helping hand (again…even at the last minute!), always professional, and always a joy to work with. Thank you all for everything you do to make Community News and CrossRoads the good news publications they remain. The sales staff (Lori, Heather, Rachel, Doug, Randy, Susan, Christy, Tony and Earl) never ceased to amaze me. I tried sales for a whopping two weeks. I just couldn’t do it, and I’m constantly amazed by people who do it so well. Community News is the epitome of a small business in that everyone wears more than one hat. The sales team does it all: writing, photography, chamber involvement, etc. I am proud to call them all my friends, and so very grateful for their love of, and dedication to, Community News. Readers and advertisers…we get it! Without you, Community News’s publications would not exist. Thank you for supporting them. Thank you for indulging my wackedwww.gibsonprinting.com out sense of humor, and thank you realizing that good news is worth reading, and worth sharing! My columns may now be found online at https://sites.google.com/site/ofallonshelly/ home . Feel free to drop me a line! God APRIL 2013 CROSSROADS 11
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
Pinwheels for Prevention™ Pinwheels are spinning statewide as we take a moment during April to recognize Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month. Pinwheels are the centerpiece of the Pinwheels for Prevention™ campaign. The pinwheel represents child advocacy groups’ efforts to change the way our state thinks about prevention of child abuse, focusing on community activities and public policies that prioritize prevention right from the start to make sure child abuse and neglect never occur. In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Pinwheels for Prevention™ The Child Center, Inc. (with an office in Wentzville) will be selling pinwheels for GO BLUE day for $5.00 each, in the 14 counties it serves in northeast Missouri and selling Pinwheels for Prevention™ t-shirts at $10.00 each. With Child Abuse Prevention Month upon us, it is time to recognize that when children don’t have equal opportunity for growth and development, we put our future as a society at risk. Once we invest in healthy child development, we are investing in community and economic development. When children are exposed to extreme and sustained stress like child abuse and neglect, this will undermine the child’s development. This toxic stress damages the developing brain and adversely affects an individual’s learning and behavior, as well as increases susceptibility to physical and mental illness. This is where prevention comes into play and why Prevent Child Abuse Missouri and the Child Center, Inc.’s Pinwheels for Prevention™ campaign was initiated. Pinwheels for Prevention™ also highlights the fact that getting prevention right from early in a child’s life is less costly to society, and to individuals, than trying to fix things later. We know more than ever there are great costs to mental and physical health as well as criminal delinquency when we don’t invest in
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children early enough. Given this, we hope everyone sees Child Abuse Prevention Month as a call to action to make child abuse and neglect totally unacceptable. Each of us has a role to play to help children live free from abuse and neglect. It can be as simple as giving a parent a break to speaking with a legislator who can change policy so healthy child development is a national priority. Research shows a strong correlation between child abuse/neglect and both physical and emotional health consequences. The Pinwheels for Prevention™ campaign is based on the belief that while the public understands that child abuse and neglect is a serious problem, it doesn’t necessarily understand what it means to prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs, or that we all play a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. As our state recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, let’s take this time to recognize that we all play a role in children’s lives, healthy child development, and the prevention of child abuse and neglect: Learn more about child abuse prevention and become a messenger for prevention. Lend your voice to bring about change for children in the United States and affect the policies that impact children and the communities they live in. Volunteer your time and talent to organizations that focus on children, their families and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Donate to support these efforts. Join The Child Center at its Community Garden Pinwheel Opening Ceremony on Saturday, April 20 at 11am at Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, 1410 So. 5th Street in St. Charles. There will be other ceremonies in Troy and Hannibal. For more information on these ceremonies, visit www.thechildcenter.com.
SPOTLIGHT
Missouri Wines
By Ilene Davis
Throughout history, wine has received high praise, having been described as “bottled poetry,” and an “essential ingredient” of life. Thomas Jefferson was famously quoted, “A very favorite wine … a necessary of life with me.” Missouri has made its own mark in the history of wine. The state has been quietly perfecting the art of growing grapes and making wine in America’s heartland for more than 160 years. Before prohi-
bition, Missouri produced more than two million gallons of wine annually and ranked second in the nation in wine production. Restoration and revitalization of the industry began in the 1960s, and today the industry is thriving and experiencing incredible growth and worldwide recognition. Continued on page 14 APRIL 2013 CROSSROADS
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SPOTLIGHT
Missouri Wines (Continued) History and Development The Missouri wine industry has a history as rich as the wine it produces. German settlers established the town of Hermann on the banks of the Missouri River, and though the ground was too rocky for many crops, it was well suited for growing wine grapes. A decade later, Hermann’s wineries were producing more than 10,000 gallons of wine a year. Eventually, more than 60 wineries populated the small town, and by the 1880s, wine lovers in America and Europe were enjoying two million gallons of Missouri wine each year. In the 1870s, a vineyard pest, the Phylloxera louse, destroyed enormous tracts of vineyards in France. Charles Valentine Riley, better known as C.V. Riley, was the first state appointed entomologist in Missouri and is credited with help saving the French wine industry. Using an American native grapevine, Riley used a Phylloxera‐immune rootstock, which was shipped to France and helped rebuild the European wine industry. After the development of several wineries in the St. James area, Missouri boasted nearly 100 wineries by the late 1800s. However, in the early 1900s, Prohibition dealt a near fatal blow to the industry. When the 18th Amendment was repealed 13 years later, little remained of the once strong wine industry. The rebirth of Missouri’s commercial wine industry began in the 1960s and 1970s with the restoration of several original wineries. By the turn of the 21st century, the industry was once again thriving. Today, more than 120 Missouri wineries continue to produce diverse, complex and sophisticated wines that easily earn top awards in national and international competitions. Missouri Varietals The grape variety used to make a certain wine has the most influence on its flavor. Given that Missouri’s climate can be unpredictable; it takes a hardy varietal to withstand such dramatic weather. Throughout the last century, Missouri winemakers have cultivated 14
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and developed strains that are comfortable in the state’s rock and roll climate, which creates distinct, award-winning wines that pair perfectly with the Missouri way of life. The state’s white wine varietals range from semi-sweet to dry, and consist of Cayuga, Chardonel, Seyval, Traminette, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles. Missouri’s red wines range from sweet and candy-like to robust and dry. Catawba, Concord, Norton and Chambourcin round out the reds.
SPOTLIGHT
Norton, the All-American Grape One of Missouri’s pride and joys is Norton. In July 2003, this grape varietal became Missouri’s official state grape. Norton is the king of all-American wines and was found near Richmond, Virginia in 1835. It is likely the oldest North American grape variety still commercially grown, having been cultivated since its discovery. A hardy grape with vigorous vines, Norton is one of the most disease-resistant grape varieties. The vines are able to grow and thrive in Missouri’s harsh climate, resulting in Norton being the most widely planted grape variety in the state. Genetically the same, this wine may be bottled as either Norton or Cynthiana. Norton has made quite a name for itself, both in Missouri and nationally. The wine has its own Riedel glass, and The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine by Todd Kliman chronicles the story of Norton. American Viticultural Areas Missouri is also home to the first American Viticultural Area (AVA). An AVA is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The first AVA in the U.S. was accorded to Augusta, MO, in 1980. Seven California districts and one in Oregon had filed applications, but the honor went to the 15 square mile area surrounding Augusta. The bureau cited the unique soil, climate and wines, as well as Augusta’s long history as one of America’s oldest and foremost grape and wine districts. The other AVA’s in Missouri include Ozark Mountain, which covers a large portion of southern Missouri; Hermann, which was recognized in 1987; and Ozark Highlands, which covers a large portion of south-central Missouri.
region and showcase the state’s diverse beauty, food, and wine. Currently, there are nine trails throughout the state. The Missouri wine industry continues to expand and improve. With each new wine comes a new story and glass after glass of wine adventures. For more on Missouri wines, please visit missouriwine.org.
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Wine Trails One way to truly experience Missouri wine country is to visit one of the many wine trails, which are comprised of wineries from each
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Photos courtesy the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
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BUSINESS Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce
“Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie” By tony mathews
Tony Mathews President/CEO Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce
Ranken Technical College Celebrates Ribbon Cutting The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Ranken Technical College in Wentzville. Ranken will be expanding its reach by offering courses in Wentzville. Ranken is located at 755 Parr Road, Wentzville. For more information please call, 855.726.5369, or visit them online at www.ranken.edu.
Chamber Offers Scholarships The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is offering four scholarships for local high school seniors to use towards furthering their education. “The chamber’s 600 members are very supportive of helping
our local students succeed in their career goals,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the Western St. Charles County of Commerce. “Our selection committee is hoping to receive many applications this year.” The chamber will be awarding four $750 scholarships. To be eligible students must live in Wentzville, Lake St. Louis or Dardenne
Prairie, or be the child of a Chamber Member. Students can download an application from the chamber website, westernstcharlescountychamber.com. Applications are due by April 5 to the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 11, Wentzville, MO 63385.
Chamber Welcomes Fourteen New Members Each month the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce continues to expand their membership. This month the Chamber welcomed fourteen new members into their organization. The 14 businesses and organizations are • Patricia Michele Salon, 533 White Fence Drive, Wentzville, 314.660.1787 • Koziatek Contracting Inc., 160 Manion Park Dr., Florissant, 314.837.8262 • Da-Com Corporation, 5317 Knights of Columbus, St. Louis, 314.442.2800 • Blondin Group Realtors, 30 W. Hwy. D, Ste. 106, New Melle, 636.328.5400 • Ben’s Moving & Storage, 1155 Wilmer Road, Wentzville, 636.332.6568 • CommunityLink, 4742 Holts Prairie Rd., Pinckneyville, IL
• Custom Tints Inc., 1478 South Service, Wentzville, 636.327.8468 • Alliance Credit Union, 1167 Bryan Road, O’Fallon, 636.343.7005 • The Finishing Touch, 111 East Koenig Ave., Wentzville, 636.887.5643 • Insulation Pros, 397 Warren Ave., Wright City, 636.322.8500 • Regional Eyecare (Two Locations) 1526 West Meyer Rd., Wentzville, and 3013 Winghaven Blvd., Dardenne Prairie, 636.561.3937. • Vogelsang Pest Management, Wentzville, 314.601.1789 • Synergy Chiropractic Center, 1420 W. Meyer Rd., Wentzville, 636.639.9660 • Midwest Home Medical Equipment, 2173 West Terra Lane, O’Fallon, 636.887.3705
For more on any of this information or the chamber in general, please call the chamber office at 636.485.3123 or visit the website www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com. 16
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BUSINESS
Cuivre River Electric Sophomore Leadership Program Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (CREC) invites high school sophomores of Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties to apply for the Cooperative Youth Conference & Leadership Experience (CYCLE) program. Local teachers are invited to nominate sophomore students to serve as CYCLE delegates, or students may apply independently. In addition to an application, sophomore studentsare asked to submit a narrative about their school activities and community service. Applications are available at www.cuivre.com, at Cuivre River offices, and at participating high schools. Entries are accepted March 1 - April 30. A panel of judges will select six CYCLE delegates, and the names will be announced on May 9. CYCLE delegates will receive an all-expense paid trip to Jefferson City, July 18-20, to participate in the CYCLE program conducted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC). Last year the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association named the CYCLE program the “Best State Program” in the country.
The program is an action-filled experience for the students, offering them opportunities to learn first-hand what it’s like to be involved in politics and to learn about community service, today’s pressing issues, the cooperative form of business and being a leader. Highlights for last year’s delegates included a special educational session in the Missouri House Chamber at the Missouri State Capitol to discuss the process of local, state and national government. Since 2004, Cuivre River has sponsored and provided more than 35 students with a continued focus on youth leadership and educational opportunities at CYCLE. AMEC has hosted more than 500 high school sophomores and juniors from Missouri’s 47 electric cooperatives. Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is the largest consumer-owned electric distribution cooperative in Missouri. It provides service to more than 60,000 residential, business, commercial, industrial and agricultural members in Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties. For more information on the CYCLE program and Cuivre River Electric Cooperative visit www.cuivre.com or call 800.392.3709.
Missouri Dairy Industry Faces Challenges The Missouri Dairy Association (MDA) recently addressed the challenges facing dairy farmers in Missouri and its impact on the industry before a diverse group of representatives from the Missouri Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources, the House Committee on Emerging Agri-Business, the House Committee on Agriculture Policy and the House Committee on Agri-Business. “Declining local Missouri milk production, the raw product for our processing plants, means more imported milk from other states and the loss of economic activity in Missouri,” said Larry Purdom, MDA president and a dairy farmer from Purdy. “I’m 70 years old so this isn’t about me. I’m concerned for our consumers and for the young people who want the opportunity to dairy in Missouri. “We estimate 60% of our milk is imported which makes us very concerned about the future of dairy processing in Missouri. Locally-produced milk is more economical for the plants, which makes it even more imperative that Missouri maintain a local milk supply. “It all begins with the cow and the dairy farmer. Thousands of jobs on the farm and in the plants, and the resulting economic activity for the state, are at risk. We would hope the General Assembly realizes this and looks
at every avenue available to help Missouri’s dairy farmers,” said Purdom. He continued, “Drought assistance to reseed and fertilize pastures, a tax credit based on the amount of milk produced and sold, and a dairy economic development fund were some of the ideas we submitted for consideration. “Last summer’s drought had a devastating effect on our available feed supply coupled with rising feed costs has made it an impossible situation for Missouri’s dairy farmers. That situation continues to play out today with dairies selling out that will never return to productivity.” “This wasn’t our first time to sound alarm,”
says MDA Executive Director Dave Drennan. “MDA has been telling everybody who will listen for years that the future of dairy in Missouri is in limbo. A bill was introduced two years ago for support which passed the Missouri House but was never debated in the Senate so it died. “In addition, we addressed alternatives with a group of 14 in the Missouri General Assembly just last week including Senators Brian Munzlinger and Mike Parson, Representatives Tony Dugger, Bill Reiboldt, Sue Entlicher, Diane Franklin, Casey Guernsey, Sandy Crawford, Jay Houghton, Craig Redmon, Sonya Anderson, Llye Rowland, Lincoln Hough and Lyndall Fraker,” says Drennan.
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Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, 25th Annual Fish Fry, Troy, MO
For 25 years members of Sacred Heart Council No. 6525 Knights of Columbus, Troy, MO has served the community with a Fish Fry during Lent. They also prepare and deliver over 20 meals to homebound residents every Friday of the fish fry.
Photo Op
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PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
APRIL Mission Clean Stream 11th Annual Cleanup 8:30am – 2 pm at General Motors Plant
www.wentzvillemo.org/mcs.aspx
MAYB Basketball Tournament
Flex & Strength Adult Yoga
For boys and girls grades 5-12
All skill levels welcome.
Rotary Park in Wentzville at noon
www.lakesaintlouis.com
636.332.9236
Arbor Day Celebration
636.462.8769
1st Annual Cruisin’ 4 Crider Poker Run Fight mental illness www.cridercenter.org 636.332.2134
Lake Saint Louis Art Classes Choose from Drawing, Pastel Painting or Watercolor Painting. 636.561.4620 www.lakesaintlouis.com
Registration deadline for Swing fore Lewy Golf Fundraiser 314.753.3038
To see your organization’s event listed here, please email editor@mycnews.com
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2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366
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St. Louis, MO Permit 2828
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