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CROSSROADS MAY 2012
MAY spotlight
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2012 contents
St. Charles County’s Newest Park by Shelly A. Schneider
lifestyle
6
Mommy Jeopardy by Shelly A. Schneider
14
Should We or Shouldn’t We? by Joe Morice
entertainment
9
A Beginner’s Guide to “The Avengers” by Steve Bryan
VOL 8 | NO 5
food
16
Delicious No-Fuss Desserts courtesy of Family Features
Published monthly with direct mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis, plus newsstands in Troy.
photo op
Community News Shelly Schneider Ray Rockwell Steve Bryan Donna M. Huneke
For advertising information, please contact us at:
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
7
“South Pacific” Comes to Wentzville
7
2012 St. Louis Renaissance Faire
8
Whip Your Yard into Shape This Spring
10
Community Calendar
12
Wentzville Chamber News
15
Wentzville Police Officer Honored
17
Run for the Wall by Shelly A. Schneider
Copyright 2012 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.
Pinwheels for Prevention photos by Ray Rockwell
around town Publisher Editor Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design
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LSLDP Chamber News
MAY 2012 CROSSROADS
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SPOTLIGHT
St. Charles County’s Newest Park Opens May 11 BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER - with information from the St. Charles County Parks & Recreation Department
the home her favorite color – pink. To ensure the home and land It’s affectionately known as the Pink Plantation. The home, purchased would be utilized by children and families, Betty Towne donated them in the 1950s by Hale and Betty Towne, and the 109-acre site, were doto the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department. nated to the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department. One unique aspect of the park is the Towne Park will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Nature Explore Classroom. The Naon Friday, May 11. Located on Hwy. 61, ture Explore Classroom is the first in approximately six miles north of I-70, St. Charles County. Yahn-Kramer said the park includes a certified Nature one of the department’s foresters heard Explore Classroom, the restored home, about the process and brought it to her a botanical preserve, a fishing pond, a attention. The Nature Explore Classpaved trail, natural trails, picnic areas room features 11 stations. and more. 1. Building – features building blocks Bettie Yahn-Kramer, director of St. and pieces of cedar shaped like cookies Charles County Parks and Recreation, nestled in recycled cedar bins for chilsaid interpretive reenactors will be on dren to stack and construct. The floor hand opening day and weekend to tell of the area is made out of cedar tree the story of the Boyd family, who purcookies and spans more than 300 feet chased the land in the early 1800s. The Pink Plantation in diameter. Nancy Lee Gomer, marketing coordiPhotos courtesy of the St. Charles County Parks & Recreation Department 2. Nature Art – features habitat found nator for the St. Charles County Parks in nature. Turtle shells, animal bones, and Recreation Department, said the seed pods from trees, deer antlers and much more will be housed in land on which Towne Park rests dates back to the early 1800s and is discovery tables. The floor of the area is made up of natural flagstone recognized historically throughout St. Charles County. Ruth and Wiland spans more than 300 feet in diameter. liam Boyd were an upper-class couple from Kentucky who married in 3. Water – features a body-powered water pump made out of a bi1798, and shortly after began a family. William, a gun maker, decided cycle frame. When peddled, the pump will draw water from a well he wanted to find a new home and teach his children how to farm on and send it cascading down into the nearly two-acre pond below. The their new property. So in 1830, he set out to explore property in St. pond, which is stocked with bluegill, catfish and bass, will eventually be Charles County. Shortly after traveling back to Kentucky, he died. It open for fishing for groups visiting for the day. was at that time that Ruth decided to carry on her husband’s dreams, 4. Music and Movement – features a stage made out of repurposed so she packed up the children and all their belongings, and moved to wood, which allows children to perform and entertain using a variety St. Charles County. of musical instruments. Children can use a xylophone-type instruRuth, the children, and 17 slaves farmed the land for years, producing ment, a 55-gallon barrel drum, handmade rain sticks, bongo-type grains and tobacco. In 1880, Ruth’s sons tilled 150 acres of land with drums, bamboo wind chimes, maracas and tambourines. six acres being tobacco. The property was later referred to as being a 5. Open Play – features a large grassy area made out of native buffalo tobacco farm because of the tobacco harvested. grass for children to run around and play on. When the Townes purchased the home in the 1950s, Betty painted
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SPOTLIGHT Towne Park Nature Explore Classroom
6. Messy Materials – features two hollow logs large enough for children to get in and crawl through. The floor of the area is made up of mulch and is bordered by cedar logs. 7. Sand Play – features a roofless log cabin that contains a large sand box equipped with sand tools. There is also a sand table outside for children to use. 8. Climbing and Crawling – features stump steppers, raised balance beams, and platforms for children to walk across. 9. Gathering Place – features a large area furnished with natural cedar benches for groups to use to talk and convene. 10. Dirt Digging – stocked with buckets and garden shovels for children to dig. 11. Paths through Plantings – discover native plants while walking through the natural-surfaced paths. Totem-face-like carvings are placed throughout the paths. “This classroom without walls is meant to help a child learn and play in a very creative way,” Yahn-Kramer said. “This work was done entirely by staff and volunteers who worked all winter. The volunteers primarily were made up of the Confluence Chapter Master Naturalists. They worked throughout the winter to build this project. We’re very proud of that.” The home, reconstructed after a devastating 2004 fire, will be a living history site to honor the agricultural and natural history of the region. The house will be open and on display for the public to view during specific occasions. Parks Historian Ryan Graham started by furnishing three rooms on the home’s lower level – the hall, the parlor and the dining room. “The furnishings that will be placed in the home range from the American Empire Period, to the early Victorian era,” Graham said. “Future plans of the property also include: recreating the Boyd’s summer kitchen, a barn, a blacksmith shop and a smoke house. The house will also encompass vintage items and photos of Mrs. Betty Towne.” If you have an item that you would be interested in possibly donating to the effort to restore the Boyd home, contact Ryan Graham at 636.255.6000. For more information about Towne Park, please visit http://parks.sccmo.org.
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MAY 2012 CROSSROADS
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LIFESTYLE
Mommy Jeopardy BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER
It’s hard for me to just jump on the elliptical and start moving. Face it. Ellipticizing is boring. You can’t really read a magazine (at least I can’t without falling off and injuring myself), and I’m not the type that can meditate while on a machine. My mind wanders. Some people use MP3 players to make the time pass. I tried that, but my kids’ MP3 players are filled with the “Real Men of Genius” spots…and last week I nearly fell off the machine laughing. When music plays on the MP3, my kids politely request that I not sing along. That’s impossible. I know I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but that doesn’t stop me. So, unoriginal as it sounds, I turn to the television while burning calories. All it takes to make time fly is a rousing round of “Jeopardy!” It’s not that Alex Trebec does anything for me. I like to challenge my brain. Much of the day is spent schlepping three kids, grocery shopping and cleaning…things that just don’t use a lot of brain power, so it’s nice to give my brain and muscles a simultaneous workout. Some days I luck out and can answer many of the “Jeopardy!” questions. Many times, though, I discover that my knowledge on subjects like Greek mythology has flown the coop…only to be replaced by Sponge Bob trivia. One of these days I’m going to sit down and design a trivia game just for moms (and dads, too). The game would go something like this: (Contestant) “Alex, I’ll take ‘Name That Look’ for $800, please.” (Host) “Certainly, Shell. The answer is: Sitting on the sofa at 1 a.m., unblinking eyes to the door.” (Contestant) “Ooh! Ooh!” (Which, coincidentally, would replace the stupid button players have to push on “Jeop6
CROSSROADS MAY 2012
ardy!”) “What is the ‘You’re two hours late. Haven’t you ever heard of a phone?’ look?” (Host) “Well done, Shelly. Select again, please.” (Contestant) “Alex, let’s move on to Children’s Television for $1,000.” (Host) “Feeling adventurous today, eh, Shell? Here we go. They portrayed Mr. Conductor on the hit show, “Thomas the Tank Engine,” before Alec Baldwin.” (Contestant, laughing out loud) “Ha! I mean, Ooh! Ooh! Who are Ringo Starr and George Carlin?” (Host) “My goodness, Shelly, you’re kickin’ some “Mommy Jeopardy” butt today. Where would you like to go next?” (Contestant) “Let’s go ‘Name that Stain’ for $600, Alex.” (Host) “Alrighty, then. And remember, it’s a video answer.” It takes the contestant, me, about two seconds to recognize and ring in. (Contestant) “Ooh! Ooh!” (Host) “Go for it, Shell.” (Contestant) “What are the yogurt, popsicle and one teaspoon of cough syrup my 16 year-old brought forth last week?” You see, in my version of “Jeopardy!” I pretty much always win. Other great mommy-only categories would be: • Line up the kids and pick out the fibber • I didn’t do it, she did • What’s for dinner, Mom? • Not now, Mommy’s on the phone (or in the shower) • Body parts that change after childbirth • Creative recipes using macaroni, peanut butter and/or hot dogs When “Mommy Jeopardy” is a humungous hit on the Game Show Network, I will go head-to-head with Ken Jennings and emerge victorious! Until that day arrives, I’ll keep ellipticizing and fanaticizing about being a contestant. Who knows? Maybe I’ll learn something new.
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“South Pacific” Comes to Wentzville! Wentzville Christian Church will present a community theater production of “South Pacific” at 7 p.m. on May 4, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on May 5. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first served. Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins. Last year’s production drew more than 1400 people in the three performances. Tammy Rodenbaugh, director, said this is the sixth year the church has produced a full-length Broadway musical. This year’s production features a talented cast and crew of 35 drawn from the church and surrounding area, along with a 15-piece orchestra (which includes members of the St. Charles Municipal Band). Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”, based on James A. Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific,” features memorable songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” and “Bali Ha’I,” along with lots of laughs and a great message of acceptance. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Hwy. Z (1 mile south of I-70). For more information call 636.327.6622 or visit wentzvillecc.org .
Photo courtesy of Mary Riley Photography
2012 St. Louis Renaissance Faire The 2012 St. Louis Renaissance Faire opens to the public on Saturday, May 19, and will be open Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine, and the Faire is located in Wentzville’s beautiful Rotary Park. Tickets are $14.95 per day for adults, $7.95 for children ages 6-13 and free for children 5 and under. Season passes are also available, and $2 discounts are given at the gate for military, police, firefighters and seniors (65+). Travel back in time as you step into the beautifully wooded, 16th century village, we call Petit Lyon! Immerse yourself in the costumes and mannerisms of the era. Thrill to the exploits of jousting knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shops for unique crafts and goods as our artisans demonstrate period skills. Delight in comedy, music and feats of derring do. Feast on delicious food and drink while strolling minstrels entertain. Interact with the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and personalities of ages past Directions: Take I-70 West (or Hwy. 40 to I-70 W) to the Wentzville Parkway Exit 208. Turn Right onto Wentzville Parkway. At West Meyer Road turn left. Continue to Rotary Park on the right. For more information, please visit www.renstl.org.
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Renaissance Faire
MAY 2012 CROSSROADS
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Want to Whip Your Yard into Shape this Spring? BBB has Tips for Hiring Landscaping, Lawn Services Sunny spring days have many homeowners thinking about getting their lawns in shape. Some may want to get their lawn mowed while others may be considering a major landscaping project, such as a patio, deck or fence. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you find a reliable company. Free BBB Business Reviews provide background on thousands of local companies, including how they handle complaints and how long they’ve been in business. And the BBB Request A Quote option (accessible from BBB reviews or the BBB Accredited Business directory) allows you to request information directly from BBB Accredited Businesses. “Recent warm spring days have many people itching to get to work on their yards or homes,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB president & CEO. “Consumers need to know a company’s background before they ask for a bid. Checking companies out with the BBB is a good first step.” Consumers can save themselves a lot of hassle by considering their budget and any deadlines they have for completing a project. You should ask contractors whether they have done work nearby and ask for addresses so you can inspect the work and ask other homeowners about their experience working with the company. If you’re hiring a lawn service company for the season, make sure you and the lawn service have clear, written expectations for what the company will provide for the agreed-upon fees. Does the lawn need reseeding? Do you expect the company to sweep up clippings or do you want them left on the lawn to enrich the soil? Are there areas of the yard where extra care is needed to protect landscaping plants? The BBB offers the following advice to help consumers find a lawn care or landscaping company:
• Know what you want. Lawn care and landscaping companies provide many services, so it is important to decide what services and products are appropriate for your needs and budget. What do you want the yard, patio or deck to look like when the job is complete? • Ask around. Ask friends and family what lawn care companies they use. If you’re considering a major project like a deck or patio, ask friends if you can see their projects and ask how it was to work with the contractor. • Check the company out with the BBB at www.bbb.org. BBB Business Reviews provide important background on businesses, such as how long they’ve been in business, who owns them and how they resolve complaints. • Ask for a lawn inspection and free estimate. Lawn care companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn cannot be sure what you need. A landscaper will need to measure the area where the patio or deck will go and consider access to the yard. Quality companies will offer an estimate only after they see what they are working with. • Request a written contract. A contract should clearly state the services you will receive, as well as how you will pay for it. If you are contracting for a recurring service, it should state how often the company will mow your lawn and when you will be billed. • Remember the rule of thirds. If you’re getting a new patio, deck or major landscaping, consider paying a third of the contract amount to secure the contract, a third when the work is half done and the final third only after the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work. Before you do business with a charity or company, check its BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org or by calling 314.645.3300. About the BBB: The BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information. www.LaserLipoAndVeins.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
A Beginner’s Guide to “The Avengers” BY STEVE BRYAN
On May 4, “The Avengers” officially kicks off the summer movie season. Unlike other Marvel Comics films, this adventure brings together six superheroes that form a team with a common goal, namely saving the world. This film is the culmination of years of planning and coordination and, with director Joss Whedon behind the camera, it should set the bar high for the rest of the season. 2008’s “Iron Man” provided the first indication that an “Avengers” movie was truly on the horizon. Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) was captured by terrorists, later returning home with shrapnel in his chest and the designs for an armored bodysuit. At the end of the movie, Nick Fury, head of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), talked to Stark about the “Avengers Initiative.” Later that same summer, “The Incredible Hulk” showed the green superhero and his potential connection to the team. Edward Norton had taken over the role of Bruce Banner, the researcher who tested out a Super Soldier formula on himself. Instead of merely augmenting his strength and endurance, Banner became a hulking green monster motivated by inner rage and pain. Mark Ruffalo currently is playing Dr. Banner in “The Avengers.” Banner’s experiments continue research first conducted during World War II. As the “Captain America” movie showed, frail Steve
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Rogers was given a dose of the Super Soldier formula that transformed him into a nearly perfect human being. While saving the world from a devastating weapon, Captain America crashed his plane in the Arctic. Seventy years later, Rogers wakes up in 2011 and once again must help save the world. “Thor,” one of the most popular films of 2011, introduces the legendary Norse god of thunder. Chris Hemsworth plays the hotheaded Thor whose arrogance breaks a truce between the frost giants and the gods of Asgard. Separated from his mighty hammer, Thor is sent to Earth by his father to learn humility. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s adopted brother, is partially to blame for his exile on Earth. Jealous of Thor’s popularity, Loki seizes power in Asgard, but he too is cast out of Asgard. Before the beginning of the “Avengers” movie, Loki tries to get his hands on “Odin’s Tesseract,” a glowing cube that could be a source of limitless power. In the aforementioned “Captain America” movie, the villainous Red Skull possessed the same cube. Although he planned to take over the world, Captain America defeated him, but there is a chance that the Red Skull will return to claim the cube once again in 2012. “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which is not yet rated, opens in theaters on May 4.
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MAY 2012
CrossRoads Magazine
COMMUNITY CALENDAR May
Golf Leagues Association Enjoy an evening of golf in a league, playing in a relaxed, fun, friendly style. Open to all skill levels. There are currently openings at the Bluffs (Tuesdays), Wentzville (Wednesdays and the Links (Thursdays). Play starts from 5 to 6 p.m. Registration forms are at www.golfleagueassociation. com or email gla2000@centurytel.net. For more information, please call Bud Arbore at 636.463.2978.
May 3
Community Gardening Classes The Lincoln County Master Gardeners are hosting classes this spring. Classes are offered at a low price at the University of Missouri Extension Center, 880 West College Street in Troy. For a full schedule, call the Extension Office at 636.528.4613.
May 3
Flex & Strength Adult Yoga Classes Join our instructor as she incorporates poses and stretches from yoga and Pilates. All skill levels welcome. Classes meet Mondays and Thursdays from 4:45-5:45 p.m. through June 14. Note: Please bring your own mat to class. Fee: 54 for LSL residents and $66 for nonresidents. For more information and to register, please view the parks and recreation section of our website at www.lakesaintlouis.com.
May 4
Weekly Public Star Shows Join members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri each Friday night (weather permitting) for a viewing of the stars as they present a 10
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public open house for two hours beginning at dark at Broemmelsiek Park. View faraway places through complex telescopes and discover secrets of the universe. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri at www.asemonline.org.
May 4 & 5
Used Book Sale for Powell Library Held from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the lobby of the Bonfils Auditorium. Bag of books for $2.
May 5
Citywide Yard Sale The Yard Sale booklet is on sale May 2 for $2 (at City Hall, Progress Park or the Utility Service Center). The Yard Sale booklet includes a map to help you locate the bargains! The yard sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236 or email parkinfo@wentzvillemo.org.
May 5
Moonlight Bike Ride Series
Join experienced guides on a moonlight
bike ride through Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road off of Hwy. 61 near Wentzville. The event takes place from 8:30 – 11 p.m. Open to all skill levels. Bring a bike light! For more information, please call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation office at 636.949.7535.
May 5
May Days Festival on the Boardwalk 12 Noon – 3:30 p.m.
To see your organization’s event listed here, please contact us. E-mail: cnews@centurytel.net Fax: 636.379.1632 Mail: 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366
It’s the 3rd Annual May Days Festival on the Boardwalk in WingHaven. Area Merchants will have the opportunity to have a booth at this event to showcase their business. Booths are $125. This is a great family festival! Live Band, Bounce Houses, clowns, face painting, games and much more. For more information or to have a booth contact Jan–Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel and Cruise – 636-561-2626.
May 7 - 11
Large I tem Spring Pick-Up Dispose of your bulky items at no charge. Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on your normal sanitation pick-up day (Wentzville residents only). Acceptable items include: appliances, mattresses, furniture, basketball hoops, etc. For more information, please call the city of Wentzville Public Works Department at 636.327.5102.
May 18
H.O.P.P. Night For kids in grades 6 through 8. Hangin’ Out at Progress Park (H.O.P.P.) is a fun and safe way for kids to spend some time with their friends. Dance, listen to your favorite songs and have fun under the supervision of recreation staff, volunteers and police officers. Register and pay at the door ($3 per person plus money for refreshments). Everyone must stay the entire time unless signed out by an adult. No outside beverages or backpacks allowed. For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department 636.332.9236 or email parkinfo@wentzvillemo.org.
May 19
National Walk in the Woods Day The American Forest Foundation has designated Saturday, May 19 as National Walk in the Woods Day. Get outdoors with
family and friends and walk the wooded family and friends and walk the wooded trails, go bird watching or even camp out in a St. Charles County Park. Discover and celebrate being in the woods at: • Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Road at Highway DD/Winghaven Blvd., south of O’Fallon • Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road, off of Ferris Rd., at Highway 61, near Wentzville • Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area, entrance situated along Old South River Road, off Fifth St., in St. Charles • Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 South, in Augusta • Matson Hill Park, 700 Matson Hill Road, in Defiance • Quail Ridge Park, 5501 Quail Ridge Parkway, in Wentzville • Towne Park, 100 Towne Park Drive, off of Farris Road, at Highway 61, near Wentzville
Parks & Recreation Department, sponsored by West Community Credit Union.
May 20
Broemmelsiek Challenge Bike Race Register on the day of the race. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Road at Highway DD/Winghaven Blvd. For more information, please visit www.unitedindirt. com.
May 29
Gators Summer Day Camp Summer day camp will be offered weekly from May 29 through August 10, Monday through Friday. Registrations are now being accepted for the 2012 season. For more information and to register, please view the parks and recreation section of our website at www.lakesaintlouis.com.
May 19
June 1
Skate and play from 4 p.m. to midnight at the Youth Activity Park (YAP), 7801 Hwy. N in Dardenne Prairie. Fee: $5 per person (must be a registered member of the park). For more information, please call 636.561.4964.
Coming again this summer! Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to Boulevard Park Amphitheater in LSL to enjoy a free movie under the stars. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). The June 1 movie is Puss in Boots (rated PG).
YAP Late Skate
May 19
Concert Series
June 4
Adult Art & 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 begin the week of June 4 and will meet for six weeks on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Fee: $65 for LSL residents and $82 for nonresidents. For more information and to register, please view the parks and recreation section of our website at www.lakesaintlouis.com.
Movies in the Park
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Come and enjoy the free Flaming Pie (Beatles/British Invasion Band) concert from 7 – 10 p.m. at Boulevard Park in Lake Saint Louis. Presented by the Lake Saint Louis
The advertisement in the March 2012 issue of CrossRoads Magazine for Alderman Rick Stokes, Ward 3, Wentzville, should have included the following statement:
“Paid for by Citizens for Rick Stokes - Don Lesser, Treasurer.”
MAY 2012 CROSSROADS 11
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WENTZVILLE - Chamber News
BY TONY MATHEWS
Wentzville Chamber Welcomes New Members Each month the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce continues to expand our membership due to the great leadership of our Wentzville business community. This month the chamber welcomes five new members into our organization. “I am proud to have these great businesses and their representative as members into the Wentzville Chamber,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce. The five businesses and organizations are: 1) Best Dressed Lawn & Landscape, 61 Canterbury, Troy, MO 63379. 636.775.1199. Contact: Adam Bridgman. 2) Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Rd., Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368. 636.561.5680. Contact: Heather Kemper. 3) Chick-fil-A, 1918 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.639.2356. Contact: James Bennett.
4) Jason Jacobs – Schneider Real Estate, 615 Courageous Lane, Foristell, MO 63348. 636.327.0747. Contact: Jason Jacobs. 5) Flash Flyer, 212 West Pearce Blvd., Wentzville, MO 63385. 636.332.2809. Contact: Tonia Thieman. To discover all 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.
22nd Annual Wentzville Chamber Golf Tournament The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 22nd Annual Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 23, 2011. The tournament will be held at Incline Village Golf Course. Everyone is encouraged to sign up today and reserve their place. The tournament will be played in teams of three, and the cost per player is only $110. Fees include the following: 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch provided by Sunny Street Cafe, steak dinner, unlimited
drinks, prizes, a Golf Cart Hole-in-One provided by TNT Golf Car & Motorsports, a Golf Ball Drop and much more. This is an excellent opportunity to kick the summer golfing season off, so get your team of three together today. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce office at 636.327.6914 or www.wentzvillechamber.com.
Celebrate Dad 5K Family Fun Run/Walk The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its first Celebrate Dad 5K Family Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Make reservations for you and your dad to race together. The race will begin at 8 a.m. The fee is $20 per person for runners and $15 for walkers. The race is sponsored by 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.
The race will begin at 1st Financial Federal Credit Union, 1232 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville, and end at Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe, 228 Savannah Terrace in Wentzville. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce office at 636.327.6914 or www.wentzvillechamber.com.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies for Dr. Jennifer Heller and Sears Home Appliance. Sears Home Appliance experts will assist you in finding the perfect appliances to meet your needs. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and enjoy some refreshments while you shop. They are located at 1890 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. You can contact them at 636.327.6444. Dr. Jennifer Heller Chiropractic is where physical therapy and chiropractic meet! You can call Dr. Heller at 636.625.4448 for more information and to book your appointment. Her office is located at 212 Centre on the Lake, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367. Representatives of each business, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce and the City of Wentzville helped cut the ceremonial ribbons. 12
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Sears Home Appliance Photo courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce
Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL
Pinwheels for Prevention
Photographer Ray Rockwell was on hand for Go Blue Day, April 14 at Fifth Third Bank in O’Fallon. The event was held to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month.
L to R: Angela Campbell, VP The Child Center; Joyce Schuette, Pres. The Child Center; O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy; St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano; Ellen Teller, Exec. Dir. The Child Center; Judge Dan Pelikan; MO House Representative Chuck Gatschenberger; St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith; Mark Delcourt, secretary The Child Center and VP at Fifth Third Bank (host of Go Blue Day).
MAY 2012 CROSSROADS
13
LIFESTYLES
Should We or Shouldn’t We? BY JOE MORICE
Years ago, an offbeat friend of mine was home laying around his parent’s house on summer vacation from college where he majored mostly in substance abuse. It was a small rural town in northern Missouri with a population less than 500. His father asked him when he was going to get a job. He told him there were no summer jobs and it was too far to a larger town to commute. Then his father asked him what he was going to do for money? That‘s father talk for, “You’re not laying around here all summer.” My friend finally said, “I don’t know Dad, I’ll probably have to go out and sell drugs.” Via his father’s connections, a week later he was riding on the hood of a huge earth-moving machine while the operator taught him how to run it. Selling and using drugs in rural areas probably happens more than many people believe. There is little to do for mischiefprone small-town teenagers during summer months or any other times when this age group seeks ways to prevent boredom. My friend once took me for a ride around his small town and pointed out all the places he and his friends had drug and booze parties out of sight when he was a teenager. There was a cemetery, an abandoned barn, a wooded area and so on. A few places included where someone had died of a drug overdose. He often joked about older folks that thought drug pushers from the city came there to sell drugs to their offspring. It was usually the other way around. Their offspring went to the city to buy them. According to a St. Charles County street gang member, some of the best drug customers were from outlying areas. One of the sadder outcomes of this are the older teens arrested
for selling drugs and ending up in prison. When and if they finally get out, nobody will hire them. Many have no place to go and end up back in the illegal drug business. There is little doubt we’re not winning the war on drugs. There are many arguments for and against legalizing drugs. One can see both sides having legitimate concerns. The big question is, “Would we become a nation of drug addicts?” It’s countered with legalized alcoholic beverages being around for decades and we haven’t become a nation of drunks. Late on weekend nights, the police might argue that point. In China, drugs were once legal and opium dens had customers who could smoke anything without fear of arrest. According to some historians, the Chinese government became alarmed at the increasing number of users and eventually stopped it. The argument drags on. What I find most embarrassing are the hundreds of honest Mexican citizens being murdered by drug cartels to keep drugs flowing to the United States. The U.S. provides the most lucrative market for illegal drugs. If we actually did legalize them, as some retired U.S. lawmakers and government officials quietly believe we should, we would save untold billions and virtually bankrupt the illegal drug industry around the world and also remove a major source of terrorist funding. Would the users grow their own drugs? Would our society’s rebellious minions find a new provocative affront to society? Who knows? The worst part for me is that we’re too busy to take a close look at ourselves and see the truth. The world’s most vicious, bloodthirsty criminals are laughing all the way to the bank because millions of U.S. citizens keep buying their products.
www.elegantsalon.com www.elegantsalon.com www.elegantsalon.com
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CROSSROADS MAY 2012
AROUND TOWN
Wentzville Police Officer Honored The Kiwanis Club of West St. Charles County recently created a new program to publicly recognize a Wentzville Police Officer of the Quarter. Members of the Wentzville Police Department will nominate and vote on a fellow officer to receive the honor. The first officer to be recognized under the program is Officer Paul Burkemper. Officer Burkemper, being aware of the vacancy in the Code Enforcement Division of the Building Department, took it upon himself to develop and maintain a book on derelict vehicles. While completing his normal duties, he kept up on all the derelict vehicles he found. He also worked with the IT department, which resulted in the addition of a derelict vehicle identifier computer program to aid in correlating and keeping records on these calls. Over the past six months, Officer Burkemper has issued more than 100 summonses for these vehicles. He has identified 172 issues in total. He started a positive dialog with the citizens and worked with many to correct these problems before the issuance of a summons became necessary. Thanks to Officer Burkemper, these derelict vehicles have been removed from our community. For more information on the Wentzville Police Department, please visit www.wentzvillemo.org. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of West St. Charles County, please visit www.wscckiwanis.org.
Kiwanis President Jon Parmentier with Wentzville Police Officer of the Quarter, Paul Burkemper
MAY 2012 CROSSROADS 15
FOOD
Delicious, Non-Fuss Desserts (Family Features) Are you hungry for a sweet treat but don’t have the time or energy to create something from scratch? These no-fuss dessert recipes are sure to delight. Start with convenient ingredients, such as Sara Lee Pound Cake, and make a few easy enhancements. In no time, you can put together an Easy Trifle, Pound Cake S’Mores, or even a Classic Strawberry Shortcake. With a few extra minutes, you can create a delectable Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding, or Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle — perfect for sharing any day of the week. All of these easy recipes can be made with Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, too. The pre-sliced and individually-wrapped slices are ideal for making perfectly-portioned desserts or snacks. Get more delicious, no-fuss recipes at www.saraleedesserts.com. And to get recipes and tips delivered to your inbox, sign up for a free newsletter at www.saraleedesserts.com/enews-sign-up.
Pound Cake S’Mores
Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding
Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 60 minutes Serves: 4
2
Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 pkg of Sara Lee Pound Cake 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 1/4 cup mini marshmallows 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional) Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with nostick cooking spray. Place each pound cake slice on the bottom of the baking pan. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows. Bake for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and lightly toasted. Top with peanuts, if desired. To cook in microwave: Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions and place each pound cake slice on a microwave-safe plate. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows. Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds or until marshmallows and chocolate chips are slightly melted. Top with peanuts, if desired.
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4 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from pkg of Sara Lee Pound Cake 2 eggs 1 cup half and half 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 2 small ripe bananas, thinly sliced 1/2 cup candied pecans (optional) Whipped topping (optional) Preheat oven to 325°F. Thaw 4 pound cake slices according to package directions. Cut pound cake slices into 1/2-inch squares and place on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly toasted. Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla and brown sugar until well blended. Set aside. Spray a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans onto prepared baking dish. Top with toasted pound cake and banana slices and pour egg mixture on top. Press down pound cake cubes with back of spoon to submerge completely; let stand 10 minutes. If using, sprinkle with remaining pecans. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking 15 minutes or until eggs are set. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
AROUND TOWN
Run for the Wall BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER
The 24th Annual Run for the Wall (RFTW) will cross the country May 16-26, and stops in Wentzville on Monday, May 21. Robert Williams, media chairman for RFTW and the VFW Post #5327 in Wentzville, said he’s expecting more than 500 motorcycles to roll into town around 4 p.m. “They’ll be 700 bikes before they leave the next morning,” Williams said. “The riders will come to the VFW Post 5327 for dinner and a ceremony.” The VFW Post also feeds the riders breakfast on May 22 before they ride out of town and travel to Jefferson Barracks for another ceremony. Before they leave, the riders will visit Wentzville’s Vietnam Memorial – the nation’s very first Vietnam Memorial. “We’re the only original stop on the Central Route after all these years,” Williams said. “They love coming here. The whole city gets involved, and the participants thank us for everything the whole city does for them.” Run for the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. Veterans of recent conflicts and those currently on active duty are especially welcome to join the participants as they ride for those who cannot. Run for the Wall’s mission statement is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those missing in action, to honor the memory of those killed in action from all wars, and to support the country’s military personnel all over the world. RFTW ends in Washington D.C., where the riders join in with thousands of others for Rolling Thunder on Memorial Day. A fundraiser for the Annual Run for the Wall national event will be held at VFW Post #5327 in Wentzville on May 5. The event features a silent auction and dinner. The auction items will be displayed beginning at noon. For more information about the fundraiser, please call 636.639.1648. For more information about Run for the Wall, please visit www.rftw.org. Photos from 2011 Run for the Wall by Ray Rcokwell
WWW.BANKFM.COM
www.rhf.org MAY 2012 CROSSROADS 17
AROUND TOWN
LAKE SAINT LOUIS - DARDENNE PRAIRIE BY GENA BREYNE Chamber News Whether you’re looking for goods or services or just something for the family to do, The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce website is a great resource. Take time to visit us at www.lsldpchamber.com. All of the businesses that are members of the Chamber help to support the economic vitality of the community. Please give special consideration to these businesses when choosing where to shop, play or stay.
Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Forest Country Club invite you and your friends to the 2012 Jazz on the Green Event. Enjoy yourself at this Creative Black Tie event. Journey from hole to hole as the amazing sounds of Jazz are enjoyed by all at the beautiful Lake Forest Country Club. Tastings from wineries and amazing foods from local restaurants will be paired on each stop. Guests may also view and purchase works of art from our local artisans. A dessert bar under the stars tops off the evening. A cash bar will be available from 9 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. Three local charities will benefit from the event: Friends helping Friends, Volunteers in Medicine, and Operation Food Search. For more information, please visit www.lsldpchamber.com.
Welcome New Members ber 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. Advance Beauty College Wentzville Gina Kinion 982 Wentzville Parkway Wentzville, MO 63385 636.332.0777
Culligan Water of O’Fallon Steve Hawn 8911 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63367 636.272.2224
Ribbon Cuttings Dr. Jennifer Heller Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Centre on the Lake, Suite 212, Lake Saint Louis MO 63367 636.625.4448 ~ www.drjenniferheller.com
River City Catering/ Stumpy’s BBQ George Duvenick 1017 Wolfrum Road St. Charles, MO 63304 314.495.5696
Mattress Direct ~ Pat McCurren 7943 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 636.625.1440 ~ www.stlmattressdirect.com The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Cham-
Photos courtesy LSL/DP Chamber of Commerce 18
CROSSROADS MAY 2012
www.The NorthBrothers.com
www.pbtc.net
www.lakestlouisgardencenter.com MAY 2012 CROSSROADS 19
Presorted Std US Postage
PAID
St. Louis, MO Permit 2828
2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366
www.petlandstl.com
866-240-1313 636-466-4076