CrossRoads: October 2011 by Community News

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CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

OCTOBER

2011 contents

spotlight

Happy Retirement!

lifestyle

“Mom, the good news is I’m o.k.”

by Shelly A. Schneider

We Liked Each Other by Joe Morice

entertainment

“Creature” Screenwriter Tracy Morse by Steve Bryan

VOL 7 | NO 10

food

It’s a Win-Win

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

Wabash Days photos by Ray Rockwell

around town Publisher Senior Writer Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design

It Takes “U” to Prevent the Flu

Hayrides/National Night Out/Award

Community Calendar

Wentzville Chamber News

Community News

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

Safety on Halloween

Wentzville Transportation Meeting

LSLDP Chamber News

For advertising information, please contact us at:

www.mycnews.com

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.

Wentzville Public Works Family-Friendly Festival & Trivia OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS

SPOTLIGHT

Happy Retirement! BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

Wentzville Police Chief Robert doesn’t have big plans for November 1. Maybe he’ll sleep in a little bit, or maybe start checking items off that “honey-do” list. Perhaps he’ll drive up to his son’s RV park near Mark Twain Lake. That’s the great thing about retirement – there’s nothing that really must be done. Noonan, Wentzville’s chief of police for the past 14 years, will report for his last day on October 31. His decision to enter law enforcement was what Noonan called a migration. It was never really in his blood. “I was working at what is now MEMC in St. Peters, and I needed some extra money,” Noonan said. “I picked up a part-time job driving an ambulance in North County. That stimulated some interest in law enforcement. Back then, we didn’t even have to have First Aid training, we basically just transported people.” He wanted to learn more about First Aid, so Noonan took a course from the St. Louis County Auxiliary Police unit. “That was about 1967,” he said. “I wanted to know more about the auxiliary police so I joined the unit. A buddy of mine worked for the police department at Bel Nor, and he wanted the summer off, so I took over for him. That’s what got me going.” His first full-time job was with River View. A few years later, Noonan moved to the city of Jennings, where he moved up through the ranks for the next 17 years. He served as the Chief of Police for the city of Troy, Ill. for eight years before coming to Wentzville on September 9, 1997. The city had 24 commissioned police officers and nine civilians employed at the police department. Today there are 56 commissioned police officers and 19 civilian employees. Noonan remembered how disasters, natural and terrorist related, affected the profession. “September 11 was a very sad day, but the support shown to us by the community was phenomenal,” he said. “We continue to prepare, because I don’t think it’s over. Terrorists are always looking to hurt this country. As small as we are, we are always trying to make sure we have a response to protect the citizenry.” That idea was reinforced after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans and surrounding parishes (counties). The city of Wentzville adopted a parish in the wake of Katrina. “The Sheriff’s Department with 330 deputies had only 100 on duty after Katrina hit,” Noonan said. “They didn’t know if the rest of the deputies were dead or alive…if they had just picked up their families and left. The remaining deputies worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week just to maintain order in the community.” Noonan realized his department wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of disaster alone. “That’s when we looked at training the citizens, and that’s what 4

CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

inspired us to start the CERT program,” he said. “We host classes twice a year and upwards of 250 people have completed the program. We also offer the Citizens Police Academy.” Noonan said there is great pride in leading a police department. “The best thing about being Chief of Police is seeing the impact you have with the operation of the department,” he said. “I like being involved in the community, and knowing that what we do directly impacts the community. I look at the operation of the department and what the men and women have achieved, and there is some pride there. The important thing to know is that the success of the chief is directly related to the success of the men and women in your department.” The tougher aspects of the job, Noonan said, involve acquiring the funds, equipment and services he thinks the community should have. “It boils down to trying to accomplish those things within the budget that we have, and to maintain a level of service that is commensurate to the needs of our community, and to do that affordably,” Noonan said. “In an economy like we have today, trying to maintain an efficient level of service while facing declining revenues is difficult, but when you have dedicated people, it makes that job much easier.” Noonan is quick to credit his wife, Mary Ellen, with making his job, and his life, much easier. Married for 49 years, the Noonans have nine children, most of who live in the immediate area. What did his wife think when Noonan began to talk about becoming a police officer? “Mary Ellen and I had great discussions and she was extremely supportive,” Noonan said. “The spouse has to be or you won’t have a successful career or marriage. That is a tough life for a spouse, and I commend her for her support. I worked several part-time jobs in the beginning to make ends meet. If there was a negative side, it was that I missed my children growing up. My wife did a very good job raising our children.” One of his goals is spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Noonan also likes “putzing” around with wood and model trains. “I’m a putzer,” he said. Noonan has been honored by the American Legion and the Kiwanis Club. The city of Wentzville will hold an Open House for Chief Robert Noonan, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 20 at Progress Park. The public is invited, and the formal ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, please call the Wentzville Police Department at 636.327.5105.

AROUND TOWN

It Takes “U” to Prevent the Flu Information from the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment Cooler weather means many outdoor activities are coming to a close for the year, and area residents move indoors. It’s no wonder, then, a person’s risk for getting the seasonal flu increases as outdoor activities decrease. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Flu season typically begins in October and continues through the spring, which makes it a good idea to schedule your flu shot as soon as possible since it takes around two weeks for the antibodies to develop. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older, although children may require two shots during their first season for maximized protection. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. These shots are available through the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment Immunization Clinic, area doctors, and many other health care facilities throughout St. Charles County. Appointments are required for those using the Immunization Clinic and are arranged by calling 636.949.1857. While getting a flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against the disease, there are many additional things you can do to prevent the spread. Family members should wash their

hands with soap and hot water regularly, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. If you do need to cough or sneeze, remember to cover your nose and mouth and to throw away soiled tissues. A final precaution is to avoid sharing drink glasses or utensils. Even after following each of these precautions, there is a chance you can still get the flu. A few common symptoms are a sore throat and cough, a runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and fever (although, please note that not all flu sufferers will have a fever). As the flu is contagious, you can infect others beginning one day before the symptoms develop and up to five or seven days after you become sick. For that reason, you’re encouraged to follow your doctor’s advice and to stay home until fully recovered.

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS 5

LIFESTYLE

“Mom, the good news is I’m o.k.” BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

Writer’s note: This is going to ramble a bit, so if you’re listening to the radio or watching television, you might want to turn it off and devote your full attention to the column. If you have a teenager in your life, give it to him or her as soon as you’re done reading. I just don’t know where to begin. It’s always good to give props to the priest, so I’ll do that first. Fr. Joe asked on Sunday, “What is your favorite prayer?” He proceeded to describe the two favorite prayers of a female writer. The prayers are: “Help me! Help me! Help me!” and “Thank You!” Thank You!” “Thank You!” I agree with that lady. I say those prayers often. It’s not too often, however, that I say them almost simultaneously. It’s no joke when I tell you that every time the phone rings now I expect to hear these words: “Mom, the good news is I’m o.k.” It’s become sort of a running joke in our house. Not a very funny joke, and to be honest, quite the expensive joke. Christopher and Michael (ages 18 and 17) earned their drivers’ licenses in January of this year. Since then, our van has been in four, count ‘em FOUR, minor accidents. Two for Michael, and two for Christopher (not all the accidents were their faults…it’s important that you absolutely know that). No one has ever been injured, and in every single case the other person involved has been very understanding and kind. August 9, 2011 was Christopher’s very first day at St. Charles Community College. He took a five-day College Success Seminar. Now that I think about it, there needs to be a “Driving Success Seminar,” a “Parenting Success Seminar,” and a “Teenage Success Seminar.” He left early to make sure he could find his classroom. Not two minutes later the home phone rang. It’s never good when the home phone rings at 7:38 a.m. It’s either a sick child at

CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

school, or in our case, an accident. “Mom, I just hit Jackie and J’s mailbox and I’m shaking,” he said. Jackie and J used to babysit for our kids, and they live one street over. The mailbox is big and brick. Another neighbor (and St. Louis County Police Officer) was on his way to jury duty and offered to take Christopher to class. I stayed behind in my robe to help Judy clean up the mess and call AAA. That gave me a few minutes to reflect on my oldest son’s words to Judy. “I was reaching down for something and I hit your mailbox,” he said to her. Here’s another little component to the whole story. Just a week ago Jim told Christopher that he shouldn’t use his car as a junk drawer and garbage can. “Dad, it’s MY car,” Chris said. “I paid for it with my own money.” Famous last words. A couple of weeks ago I voiced my own feelings of inadequacy. “I think sometimes we’ve done too much for them,” I told Jim. “I know we sort of let him sink or swim in high school, but from now on he really needs to learn from his own mistakes and pay the consequences.” So…Chris no longer has a car, and he had to pay for a new mailbox. These are not easy lessons to learn, but I hope and pray they are indeed lessons he has learned. My favorite prayers are the same as that female writer. “Help me (love my son through my anger and disappointment)! Help me (to let go and allow him to make – and pay for – his own mistakes)! Help me (to show the good that came out of this)!” And, “Thank You (for keeping him safe)! Thank You (for amazing neighbors who help out in times of need)! Thank You (for kind and understanding people of faith who have been in my shoes and choose to love instead of judge)!”

AROUND TOWN

Charles County Offers Fall Hayrides at Broemmelsiek Park Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride with family and friends at Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Rd., near Wentzville through November 20. Groups of all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun of a hayride without traveling miles from home. Two tractor pulled wagons take guests on a 45-minute ride through tree-lined fields of the park. Afterwards, participants can enjoy sitting around a glowing bonfire for an hour to roast their own treats. Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages, but glass containers are prohibited on the wagons or at the campfire site. Advanced reservations are required by contacting the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636.949.7535. The cost is $125 a wagon with a maximum of 20 people per wagon. Hayrides may

be reserved for 6, 7, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to the group hayrides, individual families and small groups can also join in the fun of a Hayride Hoedown at Broemmelsiek Park on Saturday, Oct. 22. Guest will experience a 45-minute wagon ride through the park, along with a light dinner, s‘mores, and the foot-stomping, knee-slapping performance of Babaloo, a one-man musical comedy act suitable for all ages. Cost for this special event is $8.50 per person, and advanced reservations before Oct. 14 are required. Sessions are offered at 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m., and are limited to 40 participants per session. To register for the Hayride Hoedown, call 636.949.7535 or visit www. stccparks.org.

National Night Out National Night Out, a country-wide event, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 4. Typically celebrated on the first Tuesday in August, St. Charles County municipalities decided to move the event to October. The Wentzville Police Department and other police departments in the County hope the milder, autumn temperatures will make the outdoor nature of the event more enjoyable. Also, fewer families on vacation in October should allow more people to participate. Municipalities in Texas will also observe National Night Out on October 4 this year. In Wentzville, the event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. During that time, city officials and representatives from the Wentzville Police Department will circulate through Wentzville and visit registered neighborhood National Night Out celebrations. National Night Out is an annual event that brings together about

10,000 communities to send the message to criminals that they are organized and fighting back against crime. Residents are invited to turn on their porch lights, go outside and join with their neighbors in block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks, and other activities that night. By making a point to meet and get to know their neighbors, people can take a big step in combating crime. It shows criminals that neighbors are banding together and watching out for each other. For more information about National Night Out, please visit www.nationaltownwatch.org/ nno. Even if residents are not participating in an organized National Night Out activity, they are still encouraged to turn on exterior lights and spend some time outside getting to know their neighbors that evening. Neighbors watching out for neighbors are a strong deterrent to criminal activities.

Wentzville School District Receives “Distinction in Performance” Award The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced that the Wentzville R-IV School District has once again earned the “Distinction in Performance” designation. The District met 14 out of 14 standards related to academic achievement in the Annual Performance Report (APR) for the 2010-11 school year, and will receive its sixth consecutive “Distinction in Performance” award from the state of Missouri. The APR provides a five-year progress report and enables state and local school officials to monitor trends and ensure schools are serving their students’ educational needs. The evaluation categories include Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores, ACT scores, the number of students taking advanced courses, college placement, graduation rate, and attendance.

“I am very proud that our school district has again received this award. It is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, District families, administration, and the Board of Education,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Adams. “I know that we will continue to work hard to preserve our Accredited with Distinction status and remain one of the best school districts in Missouri.” This recognition is reserved for K-12 school districts that meet at least 13 out of 14 performance standards and K-8 districts that meet at least six out of seven. Districts also must meet all academic standards tied to 2010-11 Missouri Assessment Program results. The “Distinction in Performance” award provides an annual confirmation and recognition of a district’s consistent performance. OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS

8 CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

“Creature” Screenwriter Tracy Morse Reveals the Truth about Monster Suits, Roadside Convenience Stores BY STEVE BRYAN

“Creature,” a new throwback thriller written by Tracy Morse, contains several important life lessons, including one about the inherent dangers of roadside convenience stores. While on a trip to New Orleans, six friends stop at an out-of-the-way store owned and operated by a man named Chopper (Sid Haig). “They are the kind of places where the beer is warm and the hearts are cold,” Morse said when reached by telephone last week. While shopping for supplies, the tourists learn the tale of Lockjaw, a deadly white alligator. Legends say that the alligator was once a man who, after losing the ones he loved, was transformed by the tragedy into a deadly creature with a hunger for human flesh. As the unwary 20-somethings set up camp for the night, they soon learn that there is more to this story than just some tall tales. That ill-advised pit stop at the convenience store unveils a bigger mystery and a deadlier secret than any of them could have imagined. Morse said the script, which was first written several years ago, was originally about alligators and toothless hillbillies chasing hot babes around a swamp. “When we dusted it off, we had just seen ‘Wicker Man’—not the remake but the original one,” Morse said. As the story progresses, the tourists learn that the town and surrounding swamp are populated by a group of religious fanatics for whom human sacrifice is not out of the ordinary. “I love when you stumble into a cult. You don’t know how much they (the townspeople) want to feed you to their alligator-toothed hillbilly,” he said. “Creature” also marks a resurgence of the “monster suit” popularized in movies such as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

Andy Serkis, the star of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” may be the king of motion-capture suits, but there is something to be said about putting an actor into a full-sized, rubbery suit and turning them loose in front of the camera. “I loved that stuff growing up, ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ and ‘Pumpkinhead,” Morse said. “All these great, visceral monster movies, which I love. I am so into practical effects, monster-making. CGI has its place, but I like to see things more tactile and changeable. I’m really glad we went that way.” “Creature” should be on store shelves in time for Halloween.

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS

AROUND TOWN OCTOBER 2011 CrossRoads Magazine

COMMUNITY CALENDAR October 1, 15, 22 and 29 Discover & Hike

Children ages 5-10 can enjoy the outdoors during these weekly hikes at Rotary Park. Hikes will vary each week with different activities including games, crafts and educational elements. The hikes will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The fee is $8 per session for residents, and $10 per session for nonresidents. For more information, please call Wentzville’s Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

October 7

Weekly Public Star Shows

Join members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri for a viewing of the stars as they present a public open house for two hours (beginning at dark) at Broemmelsiek Park. For more information, visit the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri at www.asemonline.org.

October 8

Babysitting Basics

Designed for boys and girls ages 11 and older. The course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Lake Saint Louis City Hall. The fee is $15 payable prior to class. To register, please call 636.561.4620.

October 12

Home Design Seminar

Come to this free event from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at Thomasville Furniture on Hwy. K in O’Fallon, Mo. “The Well-Balanced 10 CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

Room” includes fun, prizes and light refreshments. Please RSVP by Monday, October 10 to 636.256.1023.

October 14 H.O.P.P. Night

Hangin’ Out at Progress Park (H.O.P.P.) has become a fun and safe place for middle school kids to spend some time with their friends. Register at the front door and bring money for refreshments. We require everyone to stay the whole time unless signed out by an adult. The fee is $3 and the evening runs from 7 to 9 p.m.

October 19

Pumpkin Decorating

For ages 1-3; 4-6 and 7-9. Each child will receive a pumpkin to decorate and all the materials needed. Parents may need to assist their little ones. A snack and drink will conclude the class. The fee is $12 per resident, or $15 per nonresident. For specific times and to register, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

October 20

Wentzville Wellness

The Wellness Mobile is coming to Progress Park to give free blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood oxygen levels, weight analysis, and body mass index screenings. All tests are done by certified health care professionals. The event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Preregister by calling 636.332.9236.

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

October 21

Halloween Party

This annual family friendly event will include a hayride, inflatables, a DJ, balloon sculptures and a flashlight egg/candy hunt. This free event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Lake Saint Louis’ Founder’s Park. For more information, please call 636.561.4620.

October 21

Wiffle Ball Tournament

This is a recreational, but competitive tournament for those ages 16 and older. It will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rotary Park’s lower field. The fee is $30 per team. The teams will consist of three to five players. There will be a pitcher and two outfielders. Official wiffle ball rules will apply with house rules added. These games will be played under the lights at Rotary Park field. This will be a double elimination tournament. For more information, please call Wentzville’s Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

October 21 and 22

Night of Fright Haunting

The Fifth Annual Night of Fright will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Youth Acitvity Park on Hwy. N in Dardenne Prairie. Children and their families are invited. The fee is $5, and participants may skateboard or rollerblade the night away. This is designed for kids ages 8 to 16. There is a $2 fee to visit the Haunted House. An activity waiver must be completed for all guests using the skate park, and helmets

are required. For more information please call 636.949.7535.

October 23

Halloween Happenings

For Wentzville residents only, ages 1 to 10. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Progress Park’s gymnasium. The fee is $2 or two canned food items in advance or $4 the day of the event (no canned food items will be accepted the day of the event). For more information, please call Wentzville’s Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

October 28

Fall Fling Dine & Dance

Bring a bottle of wine, enjoy a delicious dinner, listen to music, have conversations and laughs with friends (for ages 40 and

older). The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Progress Park Center. The fee is $12 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Advance registration is required by calling 636.332.9236.

p.m. at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge, 1163 Tom Ginnever Ave., O’Fallon, Mo. The cost is $160 for a table of eight (draft beer and sodas included). Register by calling Bill or Kerri Robertson at 636.294.7003 or email bkjarobertson@charter.net.

November 1 Art Exhibit

The Lake Saint Louis Parks & Recreation Annual Student Art Exhibit will be held at 7 p.m. at Lake Saint Louis City Hall, 200 Civic Center Drive. Meet the student artists and instructor, Marie Donato, at this special exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.

November 11 Trivia Night

Transfirguration Episcopal Church of Lake Saint Louis hosts this event at 6:15

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS 11

AROUND TOWN

WENTZVILLE - Chamber News

BY TONY MATHEWS

Wentzville Chamber Welcomes 37 in Three Months The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce some outstanding news on economic growth within our great community! Over the last three months, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce has welcomed 37 new businesses or organizations into the Wentzville Chamber. Wentzville businesses are prospering, and the chamber is proud to support and endorse these great businesses. “I am so excited to welcome these great businesses into the Wentzville Chamber,” said Tony Mathews, president/CEO of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce. The 37 businesses and organizations are: Visiting Angels, R3 Coaching, First National Bank, PRP Wine International, R DeHart Accountants, Green Gables Senior Living, N2 Publishing, Clarkson Eye Care, Harris Automotive & Tire, Suntrup Hyundai – Wentzville, Progressive Business Equipment, Weight Watchers, College Nannies & Tutors, Mederi Caretenders Home Health, TGA of St. Charles County, WWC Marketing, Instant Im-

prints, Office Max, Spa WingHaven, Urgent Care for Kids, All Together Now Organizing Services, Pruitt Martial Arts, W. Klein Realty Group, WingHaven Orthodontics, Rivers Plumbing Company, LLC, Wentzville Holt Band Boosters, The Ultimate Art Form Tattoo Studio, Corley Law Firm, Scentsy Wickless Candles (Direct Selling Company) Janet Rodakowski, CenterPoint Energy, Nail Pros, Mizzou Animal Cancer Care, Grassmuck Realty, LLC, Birthright of Wentzville, The Meadows at Lake St. Louis, Smashing Apparel, and MO-Joe’s Auto Body, LLC. To discover all of the 400 local businesses and organizations that are members of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce please visit www.wentzvillechamber.com. Become a friend of the Wentzville Chamber on Facebook. As a friend of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce you can stay up-to-date with new businesses coming into the area. If you have any questions please call the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce at 636.327.6914.

Murder Mystery Dinner The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, October 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.

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Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

Wabash Days

CrossRoads Photographer Ray Rockwell headed to downtownWentzville in late August for Wabash Days! Great fun, food \and family entertainment.

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS 13

LIFESTYLES

We Liked Each Other BY JOE MORICE

I have fond memories of the 1982 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers. It went all seven games before the Cardinals finally won. I was in the equipment business at the Wentzville GM plant that was under construction at the time. One of my customers was a contractor

from Milwaukee. During the series, we ended up at a local pub after work to watch the games on television. We lived in the two largest beer producing cities in the country. We also proved we were part of the two largest beer-drinking cities in the country. Cheers and boos erupted along with all manner of betting on everything from the next hit to which player could run faster. Rounds were bought and the festive mood never stopped. Yet never once did an argument become violent. Never once was there even a serious insult. We liked each other. I miss those days. It was on the final edge of when the world started throwing itself into the age of hate and violence; where hates groups increased in numbers and divisive politics became more distinct. We cheered our sports heroes. We hadn’t heard of drug enhancement to create better performance or ongoing Senate investigations into player misconduct. We still had violent reactions among fans on occasion but it seemed less serious. We caulked it up to a few crazies. “There’s one in every crowd,” we ruefully muttered and shrugged it off. It was, after all, only a sport. We still read the other sections of the daily newspapers. The next decades gradually watched us slide into a divided nation.

14 CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

Most fans are still there to have a good time. They still cheer and boo. But it seems that some of them are living in a netherworld that excludes all else. The other news sections are ignored while they peruse the sports sections and memorize all they can so they can argue more knowledgeably with peers. Many are unaware of who their legislators are, which may explain how some unlikely candidates were elected. The TV baseball game announcers no longer call the games. In fact, they sometimes ignore a base hit while they carry on about trivial statistics or historical baseball events. It’s noticeable at times that announcers seem to be competing with each other to see who airs the most irrelevant information. Meanwhile, the TV audience that looked away for an instant must wait for a replay to see what happened. The game-calling voices of Harry Caray and Jack Buck are truly missed. Even after a base hit, if there’s a chance at all, we get another commercial. We won’t see occasional rhubarbs involving the umpires and players or managers. We’ll see commercials instead. TV viewers are now faced with it’s-all-about-us announcers, too many commercials and too little game viewing. Armchair critics abound. If a player makes a mistake, we no longer shrug it off. They often shrilly blame coaches for allowing the player to go on living. The fact is many fans no longer view a game as just a sport. It’s become a way for many to remain in a state of denial; living their lives through those of sports heroes while ignoring the rest of the world’s ills. Professional sports have become the be-all, endall of society’s greatest money machine and the big bucks roll in while the country gradually slides further into the divisive flames of distraction. I’ll never forget the 1982 World Series. We were all friends back then. We liked each other.

AROUND TOWN

Safety on Halloween The Wentzville Police Department wants area residents to have a safe and happy Halloween. Children between the ages of 5-14 are four times as likely to get killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year. Falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween. Parents can help prevent these injuries by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council: Children should: • Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses. • Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult. • Know their phone numbers. • Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes. • Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them. • Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp. When walking in neighborhoods, they should: • Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing through yards. • Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks if available, and do not cross between parked cars. • Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing. • Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant. • Consider using face paint instead of masks. • Avoid wearing hats that could slide over their eyes. • Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes to prevent tripping. • Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Parents and adults should: • Supervise the outing for children under age 12. • Establish a curfew for older children. • Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing decorations away from doorways and landings. • Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children. • Inspect all candy before children eat it. To ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters, parents and adults should: • Make sure children under age 12 are supervised as they cross the street. • Drive slowly. • Watch for children in the street and on medians. Exit driveways and alleyways carefully. • Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not the traffic side.

Following these tips should help make your Halloween a safe and fun holiday.

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS 15

FOOD

I t’s a Win-Win!

How to feed football fans and fight hunger (Family Features) When it’s your turn to call the plays on game day food, you need recipes that are easy to make, easy to eat, and will feed a crowd of hungry fans. These four recipes from celebrity chefs Pat and Gina Neely are a must for your tailgating playbook — full of satisfying flavor that will score big with football fanatics. The recipes make it easy to please the football crowd, and Kraft Foods’ “Huddle to Fight Hunger” makes it easy to help your neighbors in need. According to Feeding America, more than 50 million Americans — that’s 1 in 6 of your neighbors — live in food insecure households. But you can do something about it. Join the Huddle to Fight Hunger on Facebook — for every “like” at www.facebook.com/KraftFightHunger, Kraft Foods will help donate one meal to Feeding America. Last year, Kraft Foods and their family of iconic brands donated more than 20 million meals. Its mission this year is to help donate 25 million meals. It’s a win-win for everyone — make the recipes for your friends, like the Kraft Fight Hunger Facebook page and you will help feed your neighbors.

Zesty 100 Yard Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes - Makes: 12 servings 1/3 cup Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil Reduced Fat 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 12 slider buns 12 slices Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Honey Ham 12 slices Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Slow Roasted Roast Beef 3 Kraft Big Slice Colby Jack Cheese Slices, cut into quarters 2 plum tomatoes, cut into 12 slices 12 Claussen Bread ’N Butter Pickle Chips 12 stuffed green olives Mix mayo, Sriracha and lime juice in a small bowl. Spread each bun with 1/2 tablespoon (1 1/2 teaspoons) mayo mixture. Fill each bun with 1 folded slice each ham and roast beef, a cheese slice Zesty 100 Yard Bites quarter, tomato slice and pickle. Top each bun with a small decorative bamboo skewer, skewered with an olive. Substitute: Substitute hot pepper sauce for the Sriracha sauce.

Potato Dog Skins

Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Makes: 6 servings 3 large baking potatoes (2 1/2 pounds), baked 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons butter, melted 3 Oscar Mayer Selects Premium Beef Franks 1/3 cup Bull’s-Eye Original Barbecue Sauce, warmed 1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses 1/3 cup Breakstone’s or Knudsen Sour Cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives Heat grill to medium heat. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and spoon out the flesh, leaving halfinch shells. Mix garlic and melted butter. Brush potatoes on both sides with garlic butter mixture. Grill franks 7 to 9 minutes, or until heated through, turning occasionally; slice into rounds. Grill potatoes until crisp, about 4 to 4 1/2 minutes on each side. Spoon sliced franks into the potato shells; drizzle with barbecue sauce and top with cheese. Grill until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and chives. Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer, bake the buttered potato skins in a 250°F oven until crisp, about 15 minutes, before adding the toppings. Fill as directed and bake 5 minutes more.

Tailgate Turkey Pile-On

Prep Time: 10 minutes - Makes: 6 servings 1 12-inch loaf Italian bread w/sesame seeds, sliced in half horizontally 1/4 cup Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil Cracked Pepper Reduced Fat 24 slices Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Turkey Breast 6 slices Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon, crisped 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup drained roasted red pepper strips

Potato Dog Skins

Tailgate Turkey Pile-On

Hollow top of bread slightly; discard removed bread or save for another use. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of bread. Fill with remaining ingredients. Slice into 6 (2-inch) pieces. Tailgating Tip: To make for easy eating, wrap sandwich in parchment paper (like at a sandwich shop) and then slice with a serrated knife. Wrap in foil for transport. 16

CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

AROUND TOWN

Wentzville to Hold Open House Highlighting Transportation Issues Traffic flow and management of transportation issues are always high priorities with residents. To get the latest information on what transportation projects have been completed, which ones are in progress, and what projects are being considered, residents are invited to attend a Transportation Program Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18 at Wentzville’s Progress Park. City officials and staff members will talk to residents about road projects and maintenance and answer questions. In addition, residents will be able to view maps and displays about transportation projects currently underway, projects that are only in the planning stage at this time, and projects that have been recently completed. Frequently-Asked-Questions display boards that evening will also help residents better understand the city’s transportation program and things like anticipated priorities for upcoming transportation projects, how the city’s transportation sales tax is collected and used, and when the current transportation sales tax is set to expire and what effect that could have on future projects. Residents who attend the Transportation Program Open House will have the opportunity to give the city feedback on a variety of transportation issues, such as road construction and maintenance. Participants will also have the opportunity let city officials know how they would prioritize the transportation projects the city has proposed, and make suggestions on transportation projects they would like to see happen or changes they would like to see made. City officials believe there will be a significant interest by residents in an informational forum of this type, based on residents’ responses to the Community Attitude Survey the city conducted in 2010. The results of the survey indicated residents rated the city high in most service areas, but transportation issues were an area of concern. The city’s management of traffic flow and congestion is the only area that received less than a 50 percent approval rating. Forty-three percent of residents gave the city a satisfied or very satisfied rating in this area, but 29 percent of respondents indicated they were dissatisfied. City officials hope the Transportation Program Open House will provide residents information on what projects are taking place in Wentzville, and also provide the city direction on where residents want to see improvements made and resources focused.

OCTOBER 2011 CROSSROADS 17

AROUND TOWN

LAKE SAINT LOUIS - DARDENNE PRAIRIE Chamber News

BY GENA BREYNE

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. Dr. Jennifer Heller, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Absopure Water Company Renewal Therapy, LLC Jennifer Heller Ken Barnhill Jane Henke, LPC Centre on the Lake Suite 212 1206 Jaclyn Drive 1001 Boardwalk Springs Place Lake St. Louis, MO 63366 O’Fallon, IL 62269 O’Fallon, MO 63368 drjennifer.heller@yahoo.com bsteiner@absopure.com renewaltherapy@gmail.com Marcos Productions, Inc. WingHaven Orthodontics Urgent Care for Kids Mark Crank Cheryl Held Tori Bray St. Peters, MO 63376 9979 WingHaven Blvd., Ste.200 1413 Wentzville Parkway markcgwe@aol.com O’Fallon, MO 63368 Wentzville, MO 63385 LegalShield tb@uc4kids.com All Together Now Organizing Services Rebecca Harms Judy Ozment W. Klein Realty Group St. Peters, MO 63376 Wentzville, MO 63385 Will Klein 314-971-2368 judy@judyozment.com 5377 Hwy. N Pruitt Matrial Arts, LLC St. Charles, MO 63304 Corley Law Office Patrick Pruitt will@wkleinrealty.com Wendy Corley 1236 Continental Drive 1001 Boardwalk Springs Pl., Ste. 111 Wentzville, MO 63385 O’Fallon, MO 63368 ppruitt000@centurytel.net wcorely@corleylawoffice.com

Ribbon Cuttings: The Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the members that have held recent ribbon cuttings. Reproesentatives of the business, the Lake Saint Louis Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lake Saint Louis helped cut the ceremonial ribbons. For more information on the Lake Saint Louis Dardenne Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce please contact us at 636.755.5335 or visit at www.lsldpchamber.com Heroe’s Pub and Gril ~ Michelle Gacki, Owner 760 Lakeside Plaza, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 http://heroespubandgrill.net/636.281.4376

CROSSROADS OCTOBER 2011

Boulevard Bride ~ Mrs. Deborah Sitze, Owner 300 Lake Saint Louis Blvd., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 636.561.4030

AROUND TOWN Wentzville Public Works Plans Family-Friendly Festival and Trivia Event Know how many lane-miles of road the city plows in an average winter, or the average number of gallons of water the typical Wentzville household uses per day? Ever had the chance to get up close and personal with a snowplow or a bio-solids transport vehicle? Area residents who attend Wentzville’s Public Works Festival and Trivia Event will have the opportunity to find out and experience that and a lot more. The Public Works Festival and Trivia Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15 at Wentzville’s Public Works Facility, 200 East Fourth Street. According to Wentzville’s Public Works Director Scott J. Smith, the event will have a fun, festival-like atmosphere while still being informative on how the city handles services like road construction and maintenance, water, storm water, waste water, recycling and solid waste removal. “We’ve planned an event that should appeal to all ages,” Smith said. “We hope to have enough unique activities and opportunities to keep the youngest of our residents entertained, but at the same time present a lot of little-known information and facts that will be of interest to adults.” In addition to unique photo-op locations around the venue, there will be a public-works trivia scavenger hunt. Various trivia-information stations will be located throughout the venue, where visitors will find the answers needed to complete “Public Works Trivia” sheets they may pick up at a central station. Once visitors complete the Trivia sheets, they may turn them in for attendance prize drawings that will be held throughout the day. To add to the festivities of the day, the city will have complimentary snow cones and popcorn available, and other food vendors will be at the event as well. This event promises to be a fun, learning experience for kids and adults alike. Anyone wishing to get more information about Wentzville’s Public Works Festival and Trivia event can call the Wentzville Public Works Department at 636.639.2049.

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