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CROSSROADS AUGUST 2011
august spotlight
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2011 contents
Wabash Days by Shelly A. Schneider
lifestyle
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Writer Proudly Wears Chartreuse Letter by Shelly A. Schneider
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Medicare vs. Starvation by Joe Morice
entertainment
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Dying to do Letterman by Steve Bryan
VOL 7 | NO 8
food
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Better Back-to-School Lunches & Munches
courtesy of Family Features Published monthly with 13,500 circulation direct mailed to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis with newsstands in Troy.
photo op
Community News Shelly Schneider Ray Rockwell Steve Bryan Donna M. Huneke
For advertising information, please contact us at:
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Sales Tax Holiday
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Health Fairs
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Community Calendar
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Wentzville Chamber News
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Wentzville Teacher Goes to Space Camp
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Get Back-to-School Immunizations
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LSLDP Chamber News
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
Summer Music photos by Ray Rockwell
around town Publisher Senior Writer Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design
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Copyright 2011 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.
August 2011 CROSSROADS
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SPOTLIGHT
Wabash Days By Shelly A. Schneider Wabash Days celebrates Wentzville’s history and link to the railroads. This three-day festival is filled with family-friendly activities. Wabash Days will be held August 26-August 28 this year, in the city’s historic downtown area, along Allen Street and Main Street—appropriately paralleling the train tracks. Festivities will run from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday, August 26; noon – 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 27; and noon – 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. Mary Jo Dessieux, director of Wentzville’s Parks and Recreation Department, said last year an estimated 10,000 people attended the event. “There are so many wonderful festivals in St. Charles County and the metropolitan St. Louis area,” Dessieux said. “We’ve found our niche, and it’s been growing every year. This year, some of the entertainment includes: Shakey Ground Blues Band, Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats, Our Affliction, Devon Allman Honeytribe Band, Melissa Neels Band, Freese’s Pond and That 80s Band.” Wabash Days also features carnival rides, craft booths, food, and lots
of family-style fun and entertainment. Ongoing, free entertainment will be featured throughout the celebration on Main Street and on the Allen Street stage. There are no admission fees for the concerts and entertainment. There are, however, small fees for the carnival rides, food, and drinks. Vendor booths will also have other items available for purchase. The Saturday parade returns in 2011, starting at noon on East Pearce Boulevard and ending at the Wentzville Community Club on Main Street. The Moolah Shriners will participate in the parade, as will high school bands. For nostalgia buffs, the Wentzville Historical Society will again open its railroad caboose on Main Street. The authentic, historic rail caboose provides visitors a step back in time with a full measure of historical Wentzville memorabilia. The city of Wentzville, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce, Wentzville Historical Society, and Wentzville Downtown Business Association sponsor Wabash Days, but additional sponsorships are available for interested businesses and organizations. Booth space at Wabash Days is also still available. Booth space reservations will remain open until August 12. Booth Registration and Activity Forms are available online in the Parks and Recreation section of the city’s website, www.wentzvillemo.org. To inquire about sponsorships or booth space, call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department at 636.327.7665. The Second Annual “Pound the Pavement for Parks” is part of Wabash Days again this year, and includes a 5K and 10K race. The race will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 in downtown Wentzville. Packets may be picked up on Friday, Aug. 26 at Big River Running Co. in O’Fallon, Mo. There will be a post-race beer garden (race registration includes one drink ticket – must be over the age of 21). Runners who register prior to Aug. 21 will receive a t-shirt, and all proceeds benefit the city of Wentzville Parks and Recreations. For more information, including a $5 off coupon and weekly pre-race clinics, visit www.friendsofthewentzvilleparks.org.
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CROSSROADS AUGUST 2011
AROUND TOWN
Sales Tax Holiday Section 144.049, RSMo, establishes a sales tax holiday effective during a three-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at midnight on the Sunday following (August 5 – 7, 2011). Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax for this time period only. The sales tax holiday applies to state and local sales taxes when a local jurisdiction chooses to participate in the holiday. However, local jurisdictions can choose to not participate in the holiday if they enact an ordinance to not participate and notify the department 45 days prior to the sales tax holiday. If the jurisdiction had previously enacted an ordinance to not participate in the holiday and later decided to participate, it must enact a new ordinance to participate and notify the department 45 days prior to the sales tax holiday. If one or all of your local taxing jurisdictions are not participating in the sales tax holiday, the state’s portion of the tax rate (4.225%) will remain exempt for the sale of qualifying sales tax holiday items. The sales tax exemption is limited to: • Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less • School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase • Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less • Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500 • Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500 Section 144.049, RSMo, defines items exempt during the sales tax holiday as: “Clothing” - any article of wearing apparel, including footwear, intended to be worn on or about the human body. The term shall include but not be limited to cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing. Items normally sold in pairs shall not be separated to qualify for the exemption. The term shall not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles. “School supplies” - any item normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, including but not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, chalk, maps, and globes. The term shall not include watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures. School supplies shall also include computer software having a taxable value of three hundred fifty dollars or less. “Personal computers” - a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard and
devices designed for use in conjunction with a personal computer, such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughterboard, digitalizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, singleuser operating system, soundcard, or video card.
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS
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LIFESTYLE
Writer Proudly Wears the Chartreuse Letter By Shelly A. Schneider
You’ve heard of the “Scarlet Letter,” right? The woman in the novel wore a large red “A” on her person to signify her act of adultery. My recent act had nothing to do with adultery, but I’m walking around these days with a giant scarlet letter. Actually, scarlet probably isn’t the right color. It should be something more neon, more fitting. Let’s call it the Chartreuse Letter. Excuse me. The letter is “S.” It could stand for many things in my case. Shelly, Schneider, Sensitive, Sympathetic, Supportive, etc. You get the picture. This time, though, the “S” stands for SUCKER. The entire family, Mimi and Poppy included, piled into the van for a fun-filled morning at the zoo. First things first, however; money, then gas. I saw the man out of the corner of my eye as we pulled into the gas station. We’ll dub him “Sleazeball,” in keeping with the “S” theme. He pulled into the station, hopped out of a car, and walked to another car to talk to a woman. I didn’t think anything about it at the time. I parked the van and stepped out, ready to fill the tank. “Sleazeball” approached as the pump’s computer read $7. “I hate to even ask, ma’am,” he said, looking greasy, unkempt and tired. “My wife ran the car out of gas. I left my wallet at home, and we need about one gallon to make it back home.” Sirens went off in my head (another “S” word). If the average car can travel 20 miles on one gallon of gas, this guy was 20 miles from home with no wallet. What didn’t sound right about that? And where was the car he emerged from just minutes before? I peeked around the corner to see the little red car with the woman in the passenger’s seat. Against my better judgement, I dug into my pocket and counted out $4. “Thank you so much,” he said, quite sincerely. (If I work at this hard
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enough, I’ll come up with a column’s worth of “S” words!) He returned to the pump, and then went inside the station to pay, or so I thought. “Sleazeball” came out after a minute or two, thanked me again, and sped off in the little red car. Something inside my gut just didn’t feel right. The man was nice enough, but aren’t most con-artists really nice people? I replaced the gas nozzle, pulled the $20 that was nestled in my other pocket, and headed into the station to pay the attendant. “The gentleman in here just a minute ago, did he pay for anything besides the $4 in gasoline?” I thought maybe he just wanted the money for cigarettes or lottery tickets. “He didn’t have any gas at all,” answered the nice attendant behind the counter. “He came in and asked me for the time, looked around a little, told me to have a nice day, and left.” What a sucker I’d been! That “Sleazeball” had this con down to a science. He faked pumping gas, faked paying for the fuel, and very sweetly thanked me for helping. I was furious! If I hadn’t been hauling six other people in the van, I would have risked life, limb and a few speeding tickets to track down the “Sleazeball” and give him a piece of my mind. Did he have no conscience? How many other people had he suckered before spotting me? “Steam” poured from my ears, and only our three children riding in the van prevented me from “spouting” four-letter words. Don’t worry, I won’t demonstrate with an “S” word this time. It was a 30-minute drive to the zoo, and by the time we found a parking place I’d forgotten all about “Sleazeball.” It was only $4, after all. Do people see suckers coming from a mile away? Do suckers look different? Do they exude some sucker-like odor? Maybe. If that’s the case, I figure to be taken at least a few more times during my life. I still believe in helping my fellow human being whenever possible, and if that makes me a sucker, then I’ll proudly wear the Chartreuse Letter.
AROUND TOWN
Health Fairs to Supply Community with Valuable Health & Safety Information Crider Health Center will host three health and safety fairs in honor of National Health Center Week, a week where community health centers all across the nation join forces to provide their communities with information on how to live fuller, more productive, and healthier lifestyles. The health and safety fairs will provide residents of St. Charles, Warren and Franklin Counties with valuable information regarding health related issues, as well as information on how to keep their families safe. On August 10, Crider will hold a health and safety fair at its Warrenton location (1428 North Hwy 47), on August 11, at the Union location (1780 Old Hwy 50 East), and on August 12, at the Wentzville location (1032 Crosswinds Court). All health and safety fairs will be held from 2-5 p.m. “This year, Crider Health Center decided to focus on celebrating health by bringing in vendors who support healthy lifestyles and/ or support keeping families safe within our communities,” said Pamela Imboden, Marketing and Media specialist at Crider Health Center. “We are very excited to distribute child identification kits this year and have partnered with local law enforcement to provide fingerprinting for children ages 5 and up. We will also provide free health screenings for medical issues that individuals are facing today.” For more information about Crider Health Center or to find out how you can become involved as vendor at the health fairs, please contact Pam Imboden at pimboden@cridercenter.org.
About Crider Health Center: Established in 1979, Crider Health Center is a not-forprofit organization that provides mental, primary and dental health services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have an income level at or below poverty. Crider Center has provided hope to almost half a million children, youth and adults in the St. Charles, Lincoln, Franklin and Warren Counties. Crider’s vision is Full, Productive, Healthy Lives for Everyone. To make a donation or for more information on Crider Health Center please visit www.cridercenter. org.
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS
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ENTERTAINMENT “Dying to do Letterman” Documents One Man’s Personal Comedic Journey By Steve Bryan boys. In one telling scene, Kevin Nealon helps mentor Mazan, but after With “Dying to do Letterman,” the husband-and-wife team of Biagio Steve leaves, Nealon looks into the camera lens and says Messina and Joke Fincioen have directed and produced “It’s not going to happen.” an intelligent, entertaining documentary about one man’s When watching Mazan working the comedy club circuit journey to make a lifelong dream come true. to hone his routines, it’s hard to believe that he didn’t purAt the age of 35, Steve Mazan learned he had cancer. sue his dream sooner. Mazan is a truly likeable guy, kind Given a worst case prognosis of only five years to live, Maof a cross between Drew Carey and Ray Romano who can zan, a budding stand-up comedian, dusted off his dream tell a good story in front of fickle comedy club audiences. of appearing on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” “Dying to do Letterman” also is painfully honest at times. The camera follows Mazan as he takes his first steps on the Mazan had been dating his future wife Denise for only a long journey to the Ed Sullivan Theater, Letterman’s home few months when he received his diagnosis. Denise decidbase. ed to stick around for the long haul, figuring that it would It’s important to point out, though, that “Dying to do be better to go through the doctor’s visits as his wife, not Letterman” is not merely a documentary about a man just his girlfriend. Steve and Denise also have some candid with cancer. Rather, it is a film that reaches out to every conversations about having children together, despite his dreamer that put a burning ambition on the shelf because Steve Mazan bleak prognosis. of family or financial obligations or simply because parents “Dying to do Letterman” is just now making the rounds and friends scoffed at that particular dream. of the film festival circuits. Messina and Fincioen have creNear the end of the film, it’s also clear that Steve Mazan didn’t get a ated an Academy Award-worthy documentary that deserves a look as freebie or a hall pass from anyone in the comedy world. Mazan had to soon as it arrives in the greater St. Louis area. work just as hard as anyone novice comedian to get noticed by the big
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS
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AROUND TOWN AUGUST 2011 CrossRoads Magazine
Community CALENDAR August
August Sports Y Sports are non-competitive leagues and clinics where children will learn character values and the fundamentals of the sport through league play and practice. Current sports registration is taking place for Fall Sports (Soccer 3 yrs.- 6th grade and Flag Football 3 - 14 yrs.). Registration end August 15 for Fall Sports. Visit www.ymcastlouis.org/tri-county-family-ymca for more information.
Each Monday and Thursday
Intermediate to Advanced Exercise for Seniors Looking for a faster paced, calorie-burning, and fun exercise program that is easy on the joints? The group indoor cycling for seniors program meets at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and 1:10 p.m. on Thursdays at the Tri-County Family YMCA. The class is 30 minutes long. For more information, please call 636.332.5574.
Each Monday and Thursday
Advanced Group Exercise for Seniors The senior shapers group uses a variety of formats to keep seniors in shape. The class meets at 12:15 p.m. on Mondays and 2 p.m. on Thursdays for a full hour at the Tri-County Family YMCA. For more information, please call 636.332.5574.
Each Tuesday and Thursday
Exercise for Seniors Beginner group exercise program for seniors at the Tri-County Family YMCA 10 CROSSROADS AUGUST 2011
in Wentzville. This class meets from 11 – 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and noon – 1 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, please call 636.332.5574.
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
August 12
Star Shows Join members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri at Broemmelsiek Park (weather permitting) for a viewing of the stars as they present a public open house for two hours beginning at dark. View far-away places through their 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.
“Songs of the Night” Nature Walk Come join us at beautiful Rotary Park for a night time nature walk. We’ll explore from 8 to 10 p.m. and those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Experience the thrill of possibly seeing animals such as owls, raccoons, and deer, along with other species of wildlife that venture out in the night time. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather. Be sure to bring bug spray, small flashlight, and hiking boots. No open toed or open heeled shoes will be allowed. Participants will meet at Lion’s Pavilion (lower pavilion) in Rotary Park. Depending upon the individual’s fitness level this walk is considered to be mild to moderate in difficulty. For more information please call 636.332.9236.
Through August 12
August 12
Each Friday
Camp Gator 2011 Summer Day Camp Registrations are being accepted for the last two weeks of the 2011 Summer Day Camp. Check the Lake Saint Louis website for information and fees at www.lakesaintlouis.com.
August 1-4
Saint Louis Coed Soccer Camp This soccer camp is instructed by Lindsey Bryant, owner of Saint Louis Soccer Camps and former area high school standout and a Division 1 player. The camp for ages 2-5 will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. and ages 6-13 will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Check the Lake Saint Louis website for information and fees at www.lakesaintlouis.com.
Movies in the Park Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and join us at Boulevard Park Amphitheater in Lake Saint Louis for a free movie under the stars. “Tangled” begins at 8 p.m.
August 13
Moonlight Bike Ride A Moonlight Bike Ride will be offered at Broemmelsiek Park from 8:30 – 11 p.m. Located approximately four miles southwest of the Highway 40 and Hwy DD (WingHaven Boulevard) interchange on Schwede Road, the park features more than seven miles of natural-surface trail. To participate in these free trail ride opportunities, please register by visiting www.stccparks.org or contact the Parks
Department at 636.949.7535. Participants must also provide their own equipment and wear bike-safety helmets. Lights are required on all bikes. For added comfort, guests may also want to bring water, bug spray, and clothes appropriate for the weather.
EnjoyALocal.com…Enjoy. Save. Give Back! By Shelly A. Schneider
August 13
Concert Series Come and enjoy the free FanFare concert from 7 to 10 p.m. at Windjammer Point, presented by the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department.
August 27
Katee’s Butterfly Festival Join the Katee Hesler Foundation for this event from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lake Saint Louis’ Boulevard Park. The event promotes awareness and hope regarding violent crime and drug use. The event includes a 5K, a 1-mile fun walk and a kickball tournament. There will also be food, music, children’s activities and fun for the whole family. For more information, please visit http://kthesslerfoundation. org, email kthesslerfund@aol.com, or call 636.332.1104.
September 6
Pooch Plunge Bring your pooch to Progress Park for a swim and some games. The Pooch Plunge will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each dog will receive a snack and door prizes will be given out. All dogs must be leashed while out of the water. Proof of vaccination at the time of registration is required. The fee is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. For more information, or to register, please call 636.332.9236.
Your youth group wants to raise money. Maybe it’s the local high school booster club or Grad Night Committee. EnjoyALocal.com is the way to raise money for your nonprofit organization and help local restaurants. It’s simple. The Clear Card sells for $10. The organization selling it keeps $9 of pure fundraising profit. The purchaser receives 10 percent off his or her dining bill at more than 200 local restaurants throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area (Illinois, too!), Columbia, Mo. and even Lake of the Ozarks! Roy Clemens, with EnjoyALocal.com, said a group of restaurateurs got together with a goal – to put people into the seats of local restaurants. “A lot of it evolved from the bad economy over the past three years,” Clemens said. “The chains have such an advantage over local restaurants with their marketing.” Enjoy A Local, Clemens added, is dedicated to showing residents the greatest locally owned restaurants in America. “Every restaurant has its own unique character and cuisine,” he said. “Locally owned, independent restaurants are found in every neighborhood in America. Visit one today and find a new local favorite. “It’s exciting,” he added. “The advantage is that the consumer can use them over and over again. You’ll get at least a year out of the card, possibly up to 18 months. Unlike a punch card, these may be used as many times as you dine out at local restaurants. And it’s free for the restaurants to participate. They just have to offer the 10 percent off.” So, what restaurants are included? In Florissant, participating restaurants include: Cannoli’s, Mattingly’s, and Cugino’s. In St. Charles County participating restaurants include: Amis, Kitaro Bistro, Blue Sky Café, Stefaninas, Big A’s, Bradden’s and Ballyhoo. It’s a win-win-win situation. The nonprofit organization keeps $9 of every $10 card sold. Enjoy A Local will take back the cards the organization doesn’t sell, so there is no leftover inventory. Local restaurants benefit, and the money spent stays local. Consumers receive 10 percent off their dining bill for at least one year! Ready, set, fundraise! To learn more, please visit EnjoyALocal.com.
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS 11
AROUND TOWN
Wentzville - Chamber News
By tony mathews
Wentzville Back-to-School Family Fair:
The Wentzville School District, Wentzville Chamber of Commerce and Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on the 2011 Wentzville Back to School Family Fair. The Family Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 13 at Holt High School, 600 Campus Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385. This year’s focus is on our local families. There will be free school supplies for children, sports physicals for only $10, and health screenings. Each booth will feature a fun activity for children to participate in and you get to learn about the great businesses in the Wentzville School District area. The price for a single booth is only $100 for chamber members and $150 for non-members. Included with your booth is skirting, signage, a listing in the map program, publicity prior to the event and the chance to reach local consumers. This is an excellent opportunity for you to discover local businesses and how they can serve your needs. Please call the Wentzville Chamber office at 636.327.6914, or visit www.wentzvillechamber.com for more information.
Taste of Wentzville Autumn Festival:
Mark your calendar now for the Taste of Wentzville Autumn Festival on Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Wentzville Community Club. The event features live music, pumpkin painting for the kids, bounce houses, and, of course, food from many local restaurants! General admission tickets are $15. For more information, please call the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914 or visit www.wentzvillechamber.com.
Wentzville Chamber Welcomes 16 New Members: The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce welcomed 16 new members to its membership during the months of May and June. The businesses are: Adler Photography, represented by Jen McGlasson; Clarkson Eye Care, represented by Dr. Diane Curry; First National Bank, represented by Shannon Troupe; Green Gables Senior Living, represented by Patricia Riney; Harris Automotive & Tire, represented by Jeremy Harris; Lake Forest Country Club, represented by Brook Akowicz; Lake St. Louis Chiropractic, represented by Dr. Kristin Porlier;
LuLu’s Shaved Ice, represented by Robbie Perkins; Maryville University, represented by Christopher Fletcher; N2 Publishing, represented by Kyle Miller; Progressive Business Equipment, represented by Russ Mullenix; PRP Wine International, represented by Gail Quick; R DeHart Accountants, represented by Ruth DeHart; R3 Coaching, represented by Chris Robinson; Suntrup Hyundai Wentzville, represented by Eric Gioia; and Visiting Angels, represented by Mark Lamartina.
Wentzville Chamber Hosts Six Ribbon Cuttings for Local Businesses The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate members that have held recent ribbon cuttings. The following businesses and organizations celebrated grand openings or ceremonies: Noah’s Ark Academy, 411 W. Pearce Blvd.; Youth In Need, 1200 Continental Dr.; Great Clips, 1972 Wentzville Parkway; Sunny Street Café, 1814 Wentzville Parkway; LuLu’s Shaved Ice, 904 Main Plaza Dr.; and Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe, 228 Savannah Terrace Dr.
Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe 12 CROSSROADS AUGUST 2011
To see videos and find out more information about each of these ribbon cuttings please visit www.wentzvillechamber.com and click on the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. Representatives of each business, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce and the city of Wentzville helped cut the ceremonial ribbons. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914 or visit us online at www. wentzvillechamber.com.
Photos courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce
Noah’s Ark Academy
Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL
usic SummerpherM Ray Rockwell
CrossRoads Photogra int headed to Windjammer Po 9 in Lake Saint Louis on July co mmer ncerts! for one of the city’s free su
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS 13
LIFESTYLES
Medicare vs. Starvation By Joe Morice
A friend asked how my cancer treatment was coming along. I mumbled something about circling vultures. She looked alarmed. I quickly explained, “Not the carrion eaters. I meant the money vultures.” She immediately understood, as do most folks who’ve received hospital care in recent years. You almost have to admire some hospitals’ talent for inventing indecipherable billings over and above what medical insurance pays. For that matter, one has to admire the medical insurance companies’ clever excuses for not paying them. After dealing with either, one can understand PT Barnum’s remark about a sucker being born every minute. After paying staggering claims, my insurance payouts evidently weren’t enough for the hospital money mongers. They wanted more…a lot more. I imparted the old story about the futility of trying to get blood from a turnip. They ignored it and showed me a payment schedule. Out of curiosity, I asked some of the other cancer patients being treated. So far, I’ve found none that haven’t experienced similar billings. Then I discovered the hospital chain is building yet another facility in Southern Missouri. Hmmmm… I suppose they needed the dough to go from huge to colossal and who better than unsuspecting patients to prey on. Cancer patients usually have no choice but to receive treatments. It isn’t like passing up gourmet food because the budget is too tight. The choice is treatment or estate lawyers. Of course, there are always witch doctors. I’m unsure of their cure ratios, but I understand they usually work cheap and have limited overhead. I assume this means they don‘t have country club fees. Perhaps I’m being unfair. The medical profession has made leaps
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and bounds in the last decades and people are living longer because of it. I’m just kvetching about the medical industry’s accounting geniuses that have made leaps and bounds in wallet raiding. When I watch daytime TV, if I take my anti-nausea pills, the network stations seem to have more commercials than program content. It quickly becomes obvious that most of them are aimed directly at senior citizens. Everything from burial insurance and retirement meccas to myriad cures for aging ailments including pills for better sex. There are some ads not concerned with aging, like car commercials, but even some of them show retired people driving new cars that parallel park themselves. Due to the recession, the work force is having problems and the prime candidates for money squandering ads are now retired people that still have 401Ks, Social Security, various pensions and the latest plunder prey of the medical industry, Medicare! If I’m to believe these TV commercials, I can enjoy a better sex life, a new sports car and burial insurance if the first two kill me. However, if I pay all the over-and-above billings for health care that health insurance won’t pay, I’ll die of starvation anyway. Do they know this? I have a wealthy acquaintance that hates the controversial new national medical insurance plan that nobody wants to pay for. He complains that he’ll have to pay for medical care for deadbeats. I told him maybe he already is if he has medical insurance. Hospitals are often accused of jacking up bills for people with medical insurance to pay for those who don’t. He said he’s wealthy and doesn’t need medical insurance. I explained medical care might cost him serious chunk of his big-buck fortune. He said his lawyers will take care of that little problem. I guess he really can afford medical care without medical insurance. I’m sure it beats the installment plan.
AROUND TOWN
Wentzville Teacher Goes to Space Camp Wentzville South Middle School teacher Leslie Murphy walked on the moon and survived a helicopter crash…all in one week! Murphy was one the lucky teachers chosen from over 1,100 applicants to attend the Honeywell Space Academy for Educators in Huntsville, Ala. June 22 – 27. Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in 2004, the program is designed to help teachers move beyond the standard math and science curriculum with supplemental teaching techniques developed through real-life astronaut training. “Attending Space Academy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I got to feel like a child again,” Murphy said. “With this experience, I hope to get my students excited about space science and technology by incorporating several of the lessons and activities in my classroom. It will help to teach astronomy and physical science, and also encourage my students to build inquiry skills.” Space Camp included classroom, laboratory and field training exercises, which are linked to U.S. science and math teaching standards. Each teacher took part in real-life astronaut training including a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and a state-ofthe-art flight dynamics program. Each educator received a full scholarship following a rigorous application and selection process involving competing teachers from around the world. Scholarships
Leslie Murphy Photos courtesy Wentzville School District
included tuition for the six-day program, roundtrip airfare, meals, accommodations and program materials, all underwritten by Honeywell.
AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS 15
FOOD
Better Back-to-School Lunches & Munches Making sure kids get balanced and nutritious school lunches and after-school snacks doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be fun. Family Features: Parents can ensure kids get a lunch that’s good for them – and that they’ll eat – by making it themselves with products they trust. All Boar’s Head Brand® deli meats and cheeses are gluten free, and there are dozens of lower sodium and heart-healthy options to choose from, as well. No matter what your health priority, you can rest assured your family is in good hands with Boar’s Head. Here are some simple tips from Boar’s Head for lunches and munches kids will love: • If your child leaves most of his or her sandwich behind, use cookie cutters to create a favorite shape such as an airplane, car, star or heart. The fun shape might encourage your child to finish the entire sandwich. • A colorful selection of food and different texture adds appeal – carrot sticks and green grapes for color, whole wheat pretzels and crackers for crunch. • Put a surprise in your child’s lunch: a sticker, a note of encouragement, or a small toy.
Turkey and Apple Roll-ups Servings: 1
1-2 tablespoons cream cheese, low-fat 1 96% fat free tortilla (8 inch) 2 slices Boar’s Head Maple Glazed Honey Coat™ Turkey Breast 1/4 cup fresh baby spinach 1/2 medium-sized apple, cut into thin strips Spread cream cheese on one side of tortilla. Place turkey slices evenly over tortilla, then add spinach leaves and sliced apple. Roll tortilla tightly, tucking ingredients as you roll. Slice wrap in half diagonally and serve.
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• Children love the do-it-yourself aspect of building their own pizza or making their own cracker stack. You can make the experience fun and healthier by cubing Boar’s Head meats and cheeses and putting them in a bag along with some low-salt crackers. • Roll Boar’s Head meats and cheeses for dipping into condiments – it will make a hungry child happy and keep them satisfied until dinner time. Another fun idea is to start a family food album where you and your kids keep track of the foods that provide nourishment and the ones that offer little or no nutritional value. Have your kids cut photos of food and nutrition labels making note of those foods that are considered healthy and those that are not. Your kids will learn about healthy eating and enjoy fun arts and crafts projects, too. For a quick and tasty lunch, try these easy Turkey and Apple Rollups. And for a simple after-school snack, Turkey Kabobs are fun and easy to make. Visit www.boarshead.com for more kid-friendly lunch and snack ideas like these.
Turkey Kabobs Servings: 12
2 slices Boar’s Head Ovengold® Turkey Breast, sliced 1/4” thick 2 slices Boar’s Head Yellow Cheddar Cheese, sliced 1/4” thick 12 grapes, white seedless Toothpicks, long Cut turkey and cheese into cubes. Place a cube of turkey on a toothpick, followed by a cube of cheese and then a grape. Repeat with remaining items. Arrange on a plate and serve. NOTE: Instead of toothpicks, try using pretzel sticks instead.
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Get Back-to-School Immunizations from SCC Health Information from Health-E News, a publication of the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment
While checking off your back-to-school shopping list, it’s also important to make certain your children are up-to-date on the immunizations required for school attendance. To help parents meet these requirements, the Immunization Clinic will schedule vaccinations on an appointment basis or offer “Walk-In Days” for students in various county public school districts. “As students gear up for the new school year, we understand that a current immunization record is not always a priority, and we schedule these immunization periods to assist efforts that ensure protection for our children,” Director Gil Copley said. “While no one looks forward to an injection, the benefits of diminishing the spread of serious vaccinepreventable diseases far outweigh the mild discomfort. We offer these vaccines to school-age children as an important step in the process that keeps kids healthy and ready to learn.” Vaccinations are offered on an appointment basis at the health department facility at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles every weekday except Thursday. Hours are 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (open until 7 p.m. on Aug. 9). For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call 636.949.1857. In addition to these scheduled appointments, the Immunization Clinic will offer “Walk-In Days” 1that5/4/11 are open to students from Furniture_June2011:Layout 10:33 AM Page 1 spe-
cific districts. The dates are: • Francis Howell School District Monday, Aug. 1 (8:30 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) • Orchard Farm School District Wednesday, Aug. 3 (8:30 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) • Wentzville School District Tuesday, Aug. 9 (8:30 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) • Fort Zumwalt School District Friday, Aug. 12 (8:30 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) The state of Missouri requires all children to be up-to-date on required immunizations. A complete list of Missouri’s vaccination requirements is available at http://www.scchealth.org/docs/ph/ph_docs/ phphs/vacform.html. Students who have recently moved into St. Charles County should check with their doctor or the health department to find out if their shots are current. Parents with children heading off to college should review the school’s specific immunization requirements. Families with health insurance are encouraged to obtain immunizations from their health care provider. Vaccinations are provided by the county health department in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
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AUGUST 2011 CROSSROADS 17
AROUND TOWN
LAKE SAINT LOUIS - DARDENNE PRAIRIE Chamber News
By GENA BREYNE
4th Annual Luau at the Lake August 27 6 p.m. to Midnight
Luau at the Lake is a one-of-a-kind, action-filled Polynesian event held in the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie area. Join us for this six-hour event, held at the Lake Forest Country Club Pavilion in Lake Saint Louis on August 27. Guests dine on a tropical buffet and will be entertained by traditional Polynesian performers. So, what should you expect if you decide to join us? Fun, friendship, camaraderie, classic cocktails, DJs, contests, auctions, prizes, food and a live Polynesian show. And that’s just the start of it. The fun runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, and tickets are only $30 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.lsldpchamber.com
A Day (and Night!) Filled with Fun The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Inaugural ‘City 2 City’ 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 17. The event will be timed by Fleet Feet Saint Louis. The event will begin with registration and packet pick up at 7 a.m. at the Meadows at Lake Saint Louis located at 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. The race will begin at 8 a.m., and the route will continue through The Meadows, east on Technology Drive to Hanley Road and finishing at the Dardenne Prairie City Hall, located at 2032 Hanley Road. A complete route map is available on the Event Home Page through the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber website, www.lsldpchamber.com For those who do not wish to run an entire 5K, we will offer a shorter, one mile Fun Run, beginning at 9 a.m. In addition to the race, families may also enjoy the Family Health Expo at the finish line in Dardenne Prairie. The event committee has planned a great start to your day, fully equipped with inflatables for the kids, visits from many area mascots, face painting and various other games and activities. A DJ will also play throughout the morning’s activities. The LSLDP Chamber, a non-profit organization, is presenting its inaugural 5K Walk/Run in order to promote, educate and raise awareness about health in our community. The mission of the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber is to provide a leadership role in improving the overall business climate for members through the implementation of programs and services that foster sound economic development and enhance the qual18
CROSSROADS AUGUST 2011
ity of life in the Lake Saint Louis – Dardenne Prairie Area. Registration for the City 2 City Walk/Run is only $25 and will be open online until Wednesday, September 12. You may register online at www.lsldpchamber.com or call for a hard copy registration. Registration will also be open on the day of the event at 7 a.m. for $30. Even if you miss the cut-off date, you can still come out for this great event. This is only the beginning of a full day of activities for the city of Dardenne Prairie and Lake Saint Louis. Join us in Dardenne Prairie’s new park for the Prairie Day Country Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 17. Come out and join us for a free community event where you can visit local crafters, vintage sellers, artists and booths, enjoy the Missouri River Cloggers, listen to the sounds of The Lodge Brothers, Mary Beth Johnson, and Contagious. Many children’s activities will be held throughout the day and a fireworks display will end the night. Concessions will be available throughout the event. In recognition of the 10th anniversary of Lake Saint Louis being designated a Tree City USA and in 2011 being designated by the U.U. as International Year of Forests, the city of Lake Saint Louis will host the Inaugural 2011 Root Ball – an Evening Celebration! This event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Meadows at Lake Saint Louis. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. The keynote speaker will be Senator Scott Rupp. Dinner will be provided by Donatelli’s Bistro and music by Stratisfaction. There will be a cash bar. Cocktail attire only. For tickets call 636.625.7953.
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