CrossRoads 9/2011 by Community News

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CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER

2011 contents

spotlight

9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance

lifestyle

If you could invite...

by Shelly A. Schneider

Language is Weird by Joe Morice

entertainment

VOL 7 | NO 9

Talking Good and Evil with the Cast of “Once Upon a Time” by Steve Bryan

food Published monthly with 13,500 circulation direct mailed to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis with newsstands in Troy.

Heat Up the Flavor with Gourmet Grilling

courtesy of Family Features

photo op

Rams Camp

photos by Ray Rockwell

Paul & Lana Kruse Honored

Fight Like a Firefighter

Community Calendar

Wentzville Chamber News

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

Hill of Thrills Soapbox Race

Run Wild in the Woods

LSLDP Chamber News

Youth Ride to Honor Paul Anderson

Publisher Senior Writer Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design

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

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around town

SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS

SPOTLIGHT

9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Honor our heroes by serving the community BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

The city of O’Fallon is hosting a Patriot Day Blood Drive at the More than 3,000 people are needed to volunteer for United Way’s Municipal Centre on Sept. 11. Volunteers are needed to register 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Volunteers of all ages will donors, facilitate the process and staff the canteen area. Volunteer work in groups to clean and beautify the community through trash blood donors are needed, too! pick-up, gardening, letter writing/crafts and more within St. Louis The Remembrance Walk will be held immediately following the City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Bellville, East St. Louis and Alton. Patriot Day Ceremony at City Hall. The walk Evan Krauss, manager of the Volunteer offers area residents a chance to reflect on Center, said in 2009, United States Congress the sacrifices made then and now, honorpassed a bill declaring that September 11 ing those who continue to inspire and untie would forever be a day of service and reus, then continue along Main Street waving membrance. In response, United Way calls flags in a show of patriotism in the Spirit of for thousands of people to volunteer their America. The event will begin at approxitime and talents during the region’s 9/11 mately 2:30 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial on Week of Service and Remembrance – Sept. City Hall grounds. Citizen volunteers assist 6 through Sept. 16. This week of service aims by: registering walkers; as course marshals to inspire and equip individuals throughout assuring safe crossing at intersections; by the region to identify projects within their manning a water station at the 1/2 mile communities, mobilize volunteers and reO’Fallon’s 9/11 Memorial . Photo courtesy of point; by manning a water station, thanking sources and make a positive difference. city of O’Fallon walkers, and inviting them to participate in This year marks the tenth anniversary of the blood drive. the Sept. 11 attacks, a moment that through The rest of the day’s events, Halstead said, fall under Citizens Unittragedy brought together cultures, bridged differences and united ed in Service. citizens of goodwill around the world in a spirit of unity and com“These are all the opportunities for citizen engagement, supportmitment. In tribute to those who were lost and the tens of thouing first responders and the military,” she said. “These include the sands who rose in service that day, Sept. 11 has been designated as setup and teardown at City Hall for the Patriot Day Ceremony, a National Day of Service and Remembrance. painting the training range at the Police Department, passing out Krauss said many projects will need volunteers on Saturday, Sept. Neighborhood Watch brochures, cleaning up at the Veterans Walk, 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11. Overall, he said, more than 5,000 volunroadside cleanup along Veterans Memorial Parkway, and much teers are expected to take part in events during the week. more. I also want to do a one-week military drive for items to ship “The first 9/11 Day of Remembrance was in 2009,” Krauss said. off to those on active duty. One of the projects would be to box “We did a minor project with one agency and one volunteer group up donated items. We’re partnering with The Mission Continues, in 2009. In 2010 we made a big push and had nearly 2,000 voluna national organization that supports wounded veterans who still teers. Last year those volunteers worked on more than 50 projects. want to serve the community. Even if they have been injured, they This was part of a larger initiative last year – three days of service.” can continue serving others.” This year there are more than 100 projects available. The projects Halstead said everyone wants to contribute in their own personal vary in size and scope. The city of O’Fallon has lined up several opway, and she hopes there are enough of those opportunities that portunities. Kathy Halstead, the volunteer services manager, said everyone will find something that interests them. all of its projects are on Sunday, Sept. 11. “We want this to grow every year,” she said. “And this isn’t just for “We are a signature event for the United Way’s 9/11 Day of Service O’Fallon residents. Everyone in the area is encouraged to particiand Remembrance,” she said. “It’s important for people to know pate.” that we’re not only acting locally, but regionally through the UnitFor more information on the 9/11 Day of Service and Rememed Way’s efforts and nationally through The Mission Continues and brance, or to register as a volunteer at one of more than 100 projects Corporation for National and Community Service (Points of Light throughout the metropolitan area, please visit www.stlremembers. Institute and Hands On Network). This is a huge event. All of these org or call 314.539.4063. Participants wishing to volunteer through organizations got together and created a website, www.911day. the city of O’Fallon may visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer. org.” 4

CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

AROUND TOWN

Paul and Lana Kruse Honored as Senior Service Award Winners Award recognizes volunteer work by Missouri seniors Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder announced on July 15 Paul and Lana Kruse of Lake Saint Louis as winners of the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award. Lt. Governor Kinder presented the awards at the St. Joseph Hospital West Cancer Center in Lake Saint Louis. He created the award to promote and highlight service Missouri’s senior citizens provide their communities. Paul and Lana Kruse were nominated for the award by State Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger of Lake Saint Louis. Paul and Lana started First Step Back Home Inc. five years ago, and in that time they have helped more than 3,500 homeless and needy people with basic necessities until they were able to support themselves. They also manage a truck stop ministry every Sunday at the TA truck stop in Foristell. Lt. Governor Kinder presented the Kruses with an official declaration, Senior Service Award lapel pins and included their names during a special recognition at the Capitol. “Paul and Lana Kruse set an example for all Missourians with their years of selfless kindness,” said Lt. Governor Kinder. “When they discovered there were few services available in the area for homeless men, they stepped up to fill the gap. By providing crisis intervention and counseling, they’ve helped thousands of impoverished people get back on their feet.” Nominees for the Senior Service Award must be at least 60 years old and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours over the past year in their community. Senior volunteers can be nominated by filling out a brief form available on Lt. Governor Kinder’s website at www.ltgov.mo.gov. Letters of recommendation must accompany the nomination forms.

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SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS

LIFESTYLE

If you could invite... BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

One of the Schneiders all-time television favorites is the “Golden Girls.” One of my very favorite episodes involves Rose (Betty White’s character) attending a dinner party with college professors. Someone asks her, “If you could invite any two people, living or dead, to dinner, who would you invite?” Rose being Rose, she immediately includes her two best friends, Dorothy and Blanche. “But would it be o.k. if Jesus stopped by for dessert?” she asks innocently. I always loved that answer. That was my number one dinner guest, too. The second would be a tough choice. And, like Rose, I’d have to ask, “Only two?” Well, then, let’s get down to the business of choosing the second. There’s the obvious… my husband, Jim. And a fine choice he would be. Desire, though I might, to choose someone more newsworthy, famous, or infamous, I would more likely than not choose my husband, because he is a part of me. I’m going to change the rules, however, and choose a third person. It simply couldn’t be one of our children…who can choose one from three? So, that third person would have been a toss-up, even just a few nights before writing this column. On September 11, 2006, however, I watched a rerun of Jane Pauley’s story that aired five years ago on “Dateline NBC.” She brought us face-to-face with, and into the lives of, the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93. And a quote appeared during that broadcast. It read: “The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” The quote is attributed to Thucydides (471 BC - 400 BC), an ancient Greek historian and the author of “History of the Pelopon-

CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

nesian War,” which recounts the 5th century BC war between Sparta and Athens. According to Wikipedia, “This is widely considered the first work of scientific history, describing the human world as produced by men acting from ordinary motives, without the intervention of the gods.” I find it amazing that a quote from 2400 years ago would so aptly describe the passengers on United Flight 93. I wonder if I would have been brave enough to stand behind the beverage cart and throw back the curtain that divided first class from coach. Would I have had the presence of mind to call my husband, my mother, father, brothers, or children, to so calmly express my love and say goodbye? Would I have prayed the Lord’s Prayer with others or curled up into the fetal position in my chair and prayed alone? We can never know to what lengths, and bredths and depths our bravery extends. I know from whom it would come. It would come from the One who died that I might live, and it would come from my husband who calls me each and every day just to see how my day is going, and it would come from my children, who teach me more than I could ever teach them. I wouldn’t care which of those passengers or crew shared our table. I would love to meet 79 year-old Hilda Marcin, First Officer LeRoy Homer, or flight attendant and former police officer Cee Cee Lyles. I hope they know how they’ve touched my life. I hope their families might find some comfort not only in how they lived, but how they died. I hope and pray that if I am ever called upon to be that brave, I, with “the clearest vision of what is before me, glory and danger alike, and yet not withstanding, go out to meet it.” So, why limit the number of people at your dinner party? I look forward to the day when I may dine with all of these brave and ordinary people, Jesus, my husband, all of my children, and you.

AROUND TOWN

Fight like a Firefighter BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

The Wentzville Firefighters, through the Wentzville Firefighters Community Outreach program, will host several events on Saturday, Sept. 10 to benefit the local community members affected by cancer. This event will include: a 5K run, 1.25 mile fun walk, a survivor parade, and family festival at Fireman’s Park in downtown Wentzville. The cost is $25 per person, and children 15 and under are free. Michelle Rosner, senior vice president of corporate communication for 1st Financial Federal Credit Union, said one of the Wentzville firefighter captains contacted 1st Financial Federal Credit Union last year. “I’m very careful about how we advertise and how much we spend because any money we spend is our members’ money,” Rosner said. “We are not a bank, we are nonprofit. I was amazed at how hard these wonderful gentlemen were working for cancer patients. One of the firefighters came up with the name, Fight Like a Firefighter, and it all kind of took off from there.” Rosner said she’s been able to see first-hand the people affected by this group of gentlemen with good hearts. “I was on the board that had the daunting task of deciding who received the proceeds from the race,” she said. “The money raised at this event goes to people who have been affected by cancer and need help today. The firefighters give money to help with rent, utilities and other necessities.” The Fight Like a Firefighter event begins at 8 a.m. with a check-in for the 9 a.m. 5K run, which is certified by the USATF. The 1.25 mile fun run will begin immediately following the run. The family fest starts at 10 a.m. at Fireman’s Park, and will include food, beer and many activities for the whole family. The Survivor Parade takes place at 10:30 a.m., and the day concludes at 11 a.m. with a special musical performance by Missouri Mile. The Wentzville Firefighters Community Outreach program was established in 2008 with support from the Wentzville Fire Protection District by Wentzville firefighters who wanted to do more for their community. As stated on the organization’s website, “As firefighters, we often see the most tragic events and deal with people when they are at their lowest low. As a result of what we are faced with we set out to form an organization that could provide a positive spin and give hope to those when they are faced with such an event. We believe that we can do more for our community than just performing our duties as firefighters and our members have vowed to work on and off-duty to help those that may need our help but may not know where to turn.” The Wentzville Firefighters Community Outreach program has helped communities affected by natural disasters, citizens affected by cancer, and families through the Mason’s Child ID program. Register today for the Fight Like a Firefighter event at www.wentzvillefirefighters.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS

8 CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

Talking Good and Evil with the Cast of “Once Upon a Time”

ENTERTAINMENT

BY STEVE BRYAN

In the fairytale world, good typically triumphs over evil and lives happily ever after. On the upcoming ABC drama “Once Upon a Time,” however, there’s a strong possibility that no one, good or evil, is going to have a happy ending. At the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con, actress Lana Parrilla sat down with reporters to talk about playing the Evil Queen and Regina, a wife and mother who lives in a New England called Storybrooke. “Once I started working on it (the show), I discovered more about both characters and really tried to show a contrast between the two, which I thought was necessary,” Parrilla said. Shifting between the fantasy world of Storybook Lane and Storybrooke, “Once Upon a Time” follows Snow White, Prince Charming and dozens of other fairytale characters as they are exiled to the real world. For reasons not yet explained, the Evil Queen curses everyone and transports them to Storybrooke, wiping their memories clean and freezing time. No one ages in Storybrooke and no one can escape without terrible things happening to them. The Evil Queen herself joins everyone in New England and is now known as Regina, a stylishly-dressed woman who wields some authority in town. Parrilla said that for Regina, her motivation is the love for her step-son Henry and the fear of losing him. “When you love someone and you are holding them with your fists clenched tight and then they are resisting you, you are asking ‘Why is this happening?’” she said. While playing the Evil Queen, Parrilla said that the character is partially how everyone knows her from the story of Snow White. “But there also is something deeper that I don’t think any other fairytale has touched upon, which is her pain. I think there is a deep-rooted pain there, and that fuels her anger and revenge,” Parrilla said. Joining Parrilla at the table was Robert Carlyle, the actor who plays the dual roles of Rumplestiltskin and Mr. Gold. Carlyle said that Mr. Gold and Regina are kind of peas in a pod. “He’s certainly got some kind of control (in Storybrooke),” Carlyle said. “We’re going to focus on Gold for a while, but we are going to go back and focus on his (Rumplestiltskin’s) back story to see where his pain lies.” After doing research into the fairytale character, Carlyle said it made him wonder who was really wrong in the tale of Rumplestiltskin. “You’ve got this miller who sells his daughter off to the king. Rumplestiltskin comes along and for three days, he spins straw into gold. Then he comes back and says I need for you to tell me my name,” he said. Carlyle points out that Rumplestiltskin gives the miller’s daughter a chance to be free of him if she can guess his name. “She teases him a bit and eventually says his name. But who is actually wrong

here? That what I see is the potential of this show. You can flip this and show the other side of the characters. Maybe it isn’t what you thought it was,” he said. “Once Upon a Time” debuts on ABC on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.

SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 9

AROUND TOWN SEPTEMBER 2011 CrossRoads Magazine

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Each Wednesday

Bread for Life Food Pantry The Bread for Life Food Pantry is located at 102 South Lincoln Drive in Troy. The pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday except for the last Wednesday of each month when the hours are 4 to 6:30 p.m. For more information please call 636.528.3646.

September/October

Art Classes Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation offers a variety of art classes, including: Adult Art and Painting, Adult Drawing, Art of Drawing the Portrait, Pastel Painting, and Water Color. Fees and dates/ times vary. For more information, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

September/October

Horseshoe Leagues Forming The Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club is forming two leagues for the 2011-12 winter season. The Jack & Jill Mixed League will pitch on Monday nights beginning October 3. The Wednesday Night Men’s League will begin on October 5. Both leagues begin at 7 p.m. A Day League starts a 10 a.m. on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 8. For more information, please call Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club at 636.327.5270 or 636.447.3039.

Sept. 3

The River Hills Farmers’ Market Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tractor Supply Store in Troy. For more information please call 573.485.7261 or 636.579.9391. 10 CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

Sept. 3

Winfield Plaza Craft & Home Business Show The event will be held at the Winfield Plaza parking lot. For more information please contact Patty or Ron at 636.284.1886 or 314.749.5022 or email gifts.more@att.net.

Sept. 3

First Baptist Church Car Show This annual Labor Day weekend car show is held at Troy First Baptist Church, 1000 Elm Tree Road. For more information, please call 636.528.4407 or visit www.troyfirst.info.

Sept. 6

YMCA Fall I Session: Tri-County YMCA’s Fall I Session begins on September 6. Please check the schedule, including a Pilates class for seniors and the Runners’ Club, at www.ymcastlouis.org . For more information please call 636.332.5574.

Sept. 8

Head Smart Safe Start This free event will be held from 3:30 pm – 5 p.m. at Lake Saint Louis City Hall. Preregistration is required at 636.561.4620.

Sept. 11

Golf Tournament Birthright of Wentzville will hold its annual golf tournament at Country Lakes Golf Course in Warrenton. The fee is $75 per person and includes lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks. Prize drawings, silent auction, 50/50 and more. Birthright is a nonprofit pro life pregnancy crisis center that depends entirely on donations. For

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

more information call 636.327.8170, email birthrightofwentzville@hotmail.com, or stop by #10 East Pitman in Wentzville.

Sept. 11

16th Annual Heritage Day in Hawk Point Held in the Hawk Point Community Park, the event will feature fried chicken dinner, a quilt show, kids’ games and crafts in the park. Also included is a community worship service, a 9/11 ceremony, a variety show, a meet and greet with the new Troy Superintendent, a performance by the Troy Buchanan High Jazz Band, a fiddler’s contest, a dance and more. For more information please call Sharon Hasekamp at 636.528.6507. Sept. 17 City-Wide Yard Sale Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its annual Fall City Wide Yard Sale. List your sale for $6 in our booklet, or purchase a booklet to shop for $2. The yard sale has been scheduled in conjunction with the large trash pick up days on September 19-23. In the event of rain it will be left to the discretion of each individual to determine if they want to cancel. There will be no refunds in the event of rain. Call 636.332.9236 or stop by Progress Park to list your event (deadline is Sept. 12). Booklets will be available at Progress Park or City Hall beginning Wednesday, September 14.

Sept. 19-23

Large Item Pick-Up Large Item Pickup for residents will be on your regularly scheduled trash days.

Items should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. Items included for pickup are appliances, mattresses, furniture, basketball hoops, etc. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 636.327.5102.

Sept. 24

Lake Saint Louis City-Wide Garage Sale This event will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual sales will be featured in the Garage Sale Guide by address with a short list of the items for sale. Guides will be available for sale 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 at Lake Saint Louis City Hall. The guides are $2. In the event of rain, each individual sale will determine whether to cancel; there will be no refunds for inclement weather. For more information, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

Oct. 1

Oktoberfest The first annual Lake Saint Louis Oktoberfest will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Meadows Shopping Center. Join us for music, great food, cold beer, a kids’ corner and lots of fun. Bring your lawn chair. For more information please visit www.lslambassadors.com

Oct. 8

Babysitting Basics Designed for boys and girls ages 11 and older. $15 fee includes a light snack and course certificate. Space is limited to the first 25 paid participants. For more information, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

Oct. 9

Country Fair Join in the fun at the Academy of the Sacred Heart’s old-fashioned fall festival. Inside and outside children’s games, sports challenges, a marketplace of fall and garden décor, musical entertainment, kettle beef and fried chicken dinners, barbecue and more will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school, located at 619 N. Second St., St. Charles. The kickoff event of the day is a 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk that begins at 8 a.m. For more information please call 636.946.5632.

Sept. 24

Mizzou Tailgate Party The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Mizzou Tailgate Party on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Troy Super 8 Motel. Tickets are $15 and include snacks and drinks. Come out and watch the Missouri v.s. Oklahoma Game on a huge 30-foot screen! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m.

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AROUND TOWN

WENTZVILLE - Chamber News

BY TONY MATHEWS

Taste of Wentzville Autumn Festival Everyone mark your calendars for the Annual Taste of Wentzville Autumn Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. This year’s event will be held at the Wentzville Community Club grounds “Home of the Wentzville Flea Market,” 500 West Main Street in Wentzville. The event includes a live music performance and a special kid’s area that will feature a bounce house and special activities. Tickets are now available and may be purchased at the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce or online at www. wentzvillechamber.com. There are three tickets levels. The $30 VIP Ticket includes special tent seating, an open bar and doors open at 4 p.m.. The $15 Adult Ticket includes two drink tick-

ets for beer, wine or soda, and doors open at 5 p.m. The $6 Child’s Ticket (ages 6 to 11) includes two drink tickets for soda, doors open at 5 p.m., and a special kids’ area. All tickets include amazing food from local restaurants. More than 20 local Wentzville Restaurants will participate this year. Tickets and sponsorships for this event sell out fast, so please make your reservations today. For more information please contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914 or www.wentzvillechamber.com. This event is a partnership between the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce, Wentzville Rotary Club, the Wentzville Community Club and the City of Wentzville.

Mystery Dinner Theater The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, Oct. 22. The cast will perform Murder Me Always by Lee Mueller. The event will be held at the Pitman Banquet Center, located at 1543 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the play starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $30 per person. Admission includes dinner, beer, wine, soda and a wonderful play. For reservations contact the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914.

TGA of St. Charles County Ribbon Cutting The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for TGA of St. Charles County, located in Wentzville. TGA is the

premier Junior Golf Program. Its mission is to provide local youth with access to the game of golf through programs that build life values, instill confidence through enrichment and offer a fun and education experience. For more information TGA of St. Charles County, please call 636.443.5937. To see a video and find out more information about this ribbon cutting please visit www.wentzvillechamber.com and click on the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. Representatives of TGA of St. Charles County, 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. Photo courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

TGA of St. Charles County in Wentzville 12 CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

Rams Camp CrossRoads Photographer Ray Rockwell spent a day at Rams Camp in Earth City.

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LIFESTYLES

Lanuage is Weird BY JOE MORICE

Have you ever wondered about trivial things like the difference between the words “Nerd” and “Geek?” It seems trivial but Trivial Pursuit is a popular game enjoyed by millions. One must remember trivial things from bygone times. Some might say experts are “Trivia Nerds” or “Trivia Geeks.” The dictionary lists both. Geek is as follows: Etymology: probably from English dial. geek, fool, from Low German geck: Date: 1914 1: a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake. (A modern version might include rock stars.) 2: a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked. (Unemployable know-it-alls?) 3 : an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity <computer geek> Nerd is: Etymology: perhaps from nerd, a creature in the children’s books “If I Ran the Zoo” (1950) by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel): Date: 1951 : an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially : one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits <computer nerds> There it is again. Both can be associated with expertise in a particular field and both mention computer experts. For the real difference, I consulted my expert teenaged friend that hangs around his dad’s garage. He puffed on a Marlboro and leaned on his 180 mph economy car and said, “There ain’t much difference. A geek is a guy that gets real good at something and walks around like he’s somebody special and a nerd is the same thing but he dresses bad and gets beat up a lot.” He smiled a little, took another puff on his Marlboro and said, “There’s a funny part some of my Dad’s friends are always saying. He says the cheerleaders in his high

14 CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

school and college sometimes dated the geeks or were seen with them but they ended up marrying nerds.” He smiled and added, “Nerds make all the money.” That covers it, me thinks. After I thanked him for his genius, he flicked his cigarette on the lawn and screeched away in a cloud of tire smoke. Speed Freak or Speed Geek…or Nerd…? Forget it. When I see the cars that careen around town with “Geek Squad” painted on the sides I now assume they might be computer experts that didn’t marry well. Listening to people talk, sometimes you can tell their age level or perhaps their peer group by how many ‘awesome’s’ and ‘I’m like’s’ they can cram into a conversation. Such as, “She was awesome and I’m like speechless and then she said hi and I‘m like…” Before it’s over, I tend to lose track of the subject. A minute of conversation without the “I’m likes” might last only five seconds, normally. If one drops in to a local “Meat Market” which is a slang term for “Singles Bar,” one can hear conversations full of “Awesome’s” and “I’m like’s” among clusters of singles intent on impressing each other. Conventional conversationalists are usually seen sitting in a corner contemplating loneliness or perhaps, reading up on current slang terms at the risk of being thought of as intellectuals…or is it geeks? Words are actually a lot of fun or perhaps it’s the different ways people use them. On the other hand, sometimes they can be used in ways to make others appear dumb such as my father’s kindergarten teacher. He claimed she recited Mary Had a Little Lamb as such: “Mary had a diminutive tup, its pelage was niveous as snow, and everywhere that Mary peregrinated, the tup would irrefrangibly go.” Gee, a geek from Mars.

AROUND TOWN

Hill of Thrills Soapbox Race Racers are needed for the Fifth Annual Hill of Thrills Soapbox Race to be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. The race will start immediately after the special 9/11 ceremony. The race is held on Meyer Road in front of Progress Park. Registration is now $10 for residents and $13 for nonresidents. Racers must be between 4-feet and 5-feet tall, and weigh between 55 and 120 pounds. Registration is required at the Progress Park office. There is a maximum of 200 racers accepted, so register early! For more information, see May-August 2011 edition of Wentzvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Times, or call 636.332.9236.

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SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 15

FOOD

Heat Up the Flavor with Gourmet Grilling (Family Features) While it’s hard to resist the delicious aroma of food sizzling on the grill, few people associate the backyard barbecue with gourmet greatness. You can single-handedly alter that perception by introducing a new element of flavor — Italian sausage. A close cousin to the bratwurst, versatile Italian sausage offers a flavorful alternative with a unique blend of herbs and spices. Available in a variety of seasonings and flavors — such as Johnsonville’s Mild, Sweet or Hot Italian Sausage Links — savory Italian sausage can serve as the foundation of wide array of dishes. Served on a bun, as a main course or as an ingredient in a prepared entrée, Italian sausage can take you from basic grill to brilliant gourmet with no extra fuss. A bath is an excellent — and simple — method for layering in unexpected flavors with Italian sausage that will make your guests wonder what other culinary secrets you have hidden away. For example, Johnsonville’s White Wine Sausage Bath combines the sophisticated overtones of wine

with fresh herbs and veggies for an unexpectedly gourmet grill entrée. Before you get started, consider these tips to make the most of your sausage grilling experience: —Avoid utensils such as forks, which can puncture the sausage and allow flavorful juices to escape. —Keep all your food safe and flavorful by using one set of tongs to place raw meat on the grill and different tongs to turn meat that is already cooking, as well as any side dishes, such as vegetables, that you may be grilling at the same time. —Grill sausages at a low to medium-low heat, cooking slowly to keep the meat moist and flavorful. —Maintain the same temperature on the outside and inside of the sausage. Meat should be cooked through with no pink showing, and a thermometer should read 160°F when your sausage is done. For additional recipes featuring Italian sausage, as well as cooking demonstrations and video tips, visit www.johnsonville.com.

White Wine Sausage Bath

10 servings - Prep: 15 minutes - Grill: 30 minutes 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 2 shallots or small onions, sliced 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 bottle (750 ml) sauvignon blanc or other fruity white wine 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs 2 bay leaves 2 pkgs (19.76 oz ea) Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Links Flooring_march2011_b:Layout 1 2/8/11 4:11 PM Page 1 Large (12-inch x 9-inch) heavy-duty disposable foil pan

Preheat grill to medium-low. Place a large heavy-duty disposable foil pan on grill. Add mushrooms, peppers, shallots and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add wine, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add sausage and cover pan with foil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into sausage reads 160°F. Remove sausage from pan. Grill links until browned; then return to pan. Discard thyme and bay leaves. Cover pan and keep warm until serving.

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CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

AROUND TOWN

Run Wild in the Woods

through St. Charles County Parks

The St. Charles County Parks Department is hosting its 10th Annual Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series this year. On Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Oct. 22, and Nov. 5, participants will compete in these off-road races, while running through four different St. Charles County Parks. If preregistered, a fee of $25 for a single race or $85 for the series will apply. Prizes will be awarded to top men and women in their age group. “Our Wild in the Woods races really tests a runner’s strength and character,” said Parks Director Bettie YahnKramer. “These races can be challenging, yet fun and exciting, as runners make their way through paved and natural-surface trails throughout our parks.” The St. Charles County Parks Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series will occur: • Sept. 17 at Matson Hill Park, 700 Matson Hill Road in Defiance, features steep and rolling hills through heavily forested areas. Runners will endure a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) course, traveling over paved, gravel and single-track, natural-surface trails. The race will begin at 9 a.m. in the Katy Trail Parking Lot on Highway 94 South in Matson and continue into Matson Hill Park.

• Oct. 8 at Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 South near Augusta, features multiple steep hills and uneven terrain. The seven-mile course, travels over hard-surfaced trail, park roads, crushed stone trail, and single-track natural-surface trails. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Shelter #1 in the park. • Oct. 22 at Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road near Wentzville, features varied terrain with a few hills. The 10-mile course, travels over paved and natural-surface trails. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion in the Park. • Nov. 5 at Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Road, south of O’Fallon, runners travel a five-mile course over multi-use trails and through prairies. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at Shelter # 6. For more information or to register for the Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series, visit www.stccparks.org or contact 636.949.7535. If registered before Sept. 2, series entry fee is $85. Anyone registering after this deadline will pay $100 for the series. Single-race registration is $25, if received at least seven days prior to the race date. Race-day registrations are $35 per run.

SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 17

AROUND TOWN

LAKE SAINT LOUIS - DARDENNE PRAIRIE Chamber News

BY GENA BREYNE

City 2 City On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural ‘City 2 City’ 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run. The run will be timed by Fleet Feet Saint Louis and is proudly sponsored by: Hawk Ridge Family Chiropractic, Maryville University, First State Bank, Wal-Mart Lake Saint Louis, New Balance Saint Louis, Wharf Pharmacy, O’Fallon Family YMCA and Aqua Systems. The event will begin with registration and packet pick up at 7 a.m. at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. The race will begin at 8 a.m. The route will continue through The Meadows, east on Technology Drive to Hanley Road and finish at the Dardenne Prairie City Hall, 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 Those who prefer a shorter race may sign up for the one-mile fun run, which begins at 9 a.m. at Dardenne Prairie City Hall. In addition to the race, families will 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 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 quality 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, Sept. 12 at the event homepage, www.lsldpchamber.com. Registration will also be open at 7 a.m. on the day of the event at $30. Even if you miss the cut-off date, you can still come out for this great event.

Welcome New Members The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to present our newest members. These new members join the more than 200 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. Rhino Insurance Christina Middleton 28 Hawk Ridge Circle, Ste 107 Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 Ph: 636.625.6625

College Nannies & Tutors Rebecca Wilson 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Ste 231A St. Charles, MO 63304 Ph: 636.926.2681

Big Fun Inflatables, LLC Pat Breyne O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 314.814.3600

Instant Imprints Bill Allen 9955 WingHaven Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63368 Ph: 636.561.9210

Hero’s Pub & Grill Michelle Gacki 336 Rustic Oaks Dr. Wentzville, MO 63385 Ph: 636.262.6905 Keller Williams - Realty Robert Hussey - Realtor 5277 Hwy N St. Charles, MO 63304 Ph: 636.265.2295

Lake Saint Louis Garden Center Jamie Granger - GM 3230 Technology Dr. Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 636.561.0124 Northwest Magazine of St. Charles Co Terry Bell - Publisher St. Peters, MO 63376 Ph: 636.939.3666

Super Smokers BBQ Terry Black 7409 Hwy N Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 Ph: 636.614.1183 18

CROSSROADS SEPTEMBER 2011

Ribbon Cutting: Sensible Skin Care LLC 1194 Lake Saint Louis Blvd., Ste 1 Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 Phone: 636.561.2442

AROUND TOWN Youth Ride to Honor Paul Anderson

and Stop in Wentzville

Six teenagers from the Paul Anderson Youth Home followed the path of Anderson, the Olympic legend, from Georgia to Nebraska on their bikes this summer, but finishing the cross-country journey was just one of their goals. They hoped to make parents more aware of the struggles they face every day through a campaign called FamilyStrong, which challenges parents to “make parent a verb.” The tour hit the road July 11 and made stops in several cities before arriving in Omaha, Neb., on July 29. The group stopped at the home of Matt and Jennifer Fay of Wentzville. “Our son Matthew is a 2005 graduate of the Paul Anderson Youth Home,” Jennifer Fay said. “PAYH transformed his life! He is finishing his BS degree in Business S., Reef H., Cody P. Mac M., Sam E., Nathaniel M., and Dustin R. rested and Computer Science at a Christian university in Tenn., is married to a wonderful Jake and fueled up at the Wentzville home of Matt and Jennifer Fay. Photo by Ray young woman and they have a 5-month old son. My husband and I are so thankful Rockwell for the ministry of PAYH. We know first-hand how God is using this youth home to restore young men’s lives, and transform relationships with their families.” As an Olympic gold medalist, world champion weightlifter and Guinness Book of World Records holder, Anderson wowed the world with his feats of strength. In 1961, Anderson and his wife Glenda co-founded the PAYH to provide an alternative to jail time and a home to more than 1,200 young men from across the nation while nurturing and encouraging their families. A half-century later that very first home in Vidalia, Ga., continues to shape and launch young men back into society with 90 percent of graduates never seeing the inside of a jail cell again. This summer, PAYH staff, alumni and future graduates honored Anderson’s legacy and the 50th anniversary of his vision by making the 1,500 mile ride across the country in an effort to encourage parents to join the FamilyStrong movement and make parent a verb by signing the FamilyStrong Pledge online at http://www.familystrong.com. For more information on Paul Anderson Ministries or the Paul Anderson Youth Home, please visit www.payh.org.

SEPTEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 19

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