CrossRoads: Nov. 2011 by Community News

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NOVEMBER spotlight

lifestyle

2011 contents

Freaky Friday on Monday by Shelly A. Schneider

Adopt-A-Family for Christmas by Shelly A. Schneider

Ashes to Ashes...or Gunpowder? by Joe Morice

entertainment

VOL 7 | NO 11

Former “Two and a Half Men” Star Charlie Sheen Joins Sitcom Graveyard by Steve Bryan

food

Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Pies courtesy of Family Features

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

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

11th Annual Turkey Trot

Watch Out for Wildlife!

Community Calendar

Holiday Events

Wentzville Chamber News

Text First, Talk Second

Winter Storm Safety

LSLDP Chamber News

For advertising information, please contact us at:

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

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Taste of Wentzville photos by Ray Rockwell

around town Publisher Senior Writer Photographer Movie Critic Creative Design

Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

NOVEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS

SPOTLIGHT

Adopt-A-Family for Christmas

BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

Fondly referred to as “The Miracle on McClay,” Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service’s Adopt-A-Family program is part of the comprehensive supplemental housing activities. It assures that parents with children and the elderly will have Christmas by providing them one large dinner, several gifts for each family member, shoes, coats and many other items. Program Chair Yvonne Tihen said for this annual event, the Care

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CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

J12141 Community News HELOC Ad 7-11.indd 1

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Photo courtesy of Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service

Service coordinates the adoption of more than 600 needy families. People “adopt” a family by agreeing to donate at least one gift per family member. The donors receive a need/want list with each family member’s age and gender. Adopters, Tihen said, include individuals, large clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, and car clubs), smaller clubs (Red Hat groups), employees from various businesses, schools, and church groups. “One lady called me yesterday and said, ‘Instead of exchanging gifts this year, we’re going to adopt a family,’” Tihen said. “Sacred Heart Parish in Troy adopts 30 families each year, CitiMortgage adopts about 40 families, and MasterCard and Rabo Agrifinance are tremendous about helping us with set-up. The Loyal Order of the Squirrels provides all of the requested bicycles.” Some schools focus on specific ages or needs. Tihen said the Francis Howell School District is one of the program’s biggest supporters, and a Fort Zumwalt elementary school always collects new hats and mittens for the families. Shoes are always in great need, and Tihen asked individuals and groups to donate money so Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service staff may make the best use of that money when going out to purchase gift certificates for shoes. Who exactly receives these gifts? Tihen said more than 200 income-eligible families come from the Head Start program in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren Counties. More than 60 families are referred by Partnership with Families, an organization that helps families who have children with mental health issues. There are approximately 75 senior citizens who receive gifts, food and basic necessities through the Adopt-A-Family program, and Parents as Teachers in Wright City provides families, too. Families range from single persons to families with 10 or 12 people. All families must meet income guidelines to participate. In the giving spirit? Call Yvonne Tihen at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service at 636.441.1302, ext. 224. Financial contributions for the program are accepted throughout the year. Donations may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or mailed to 4116 McClay Road, St. Charles, Mo. 63304. Volunteers are also needed to help receive, sort and wrap bulk donations on Saturday, December 10 at St. Charles Community College.

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11th Annual Turkey Trot Information courtesy of the city of Wentzville

Kick off the holiday season with Wentzville’s Annual Turkey Trot! This event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19 at beautiful Rotary Park in Wentzville. Before you begin eating your way throughout the holiday season, why not engage in a healthy activity? Best of all, this event isn’t just for fitness buffs and athletes…the Turkey Trot offers a fitness activity for everyone. There are nine age groups for either the 5K or one-mile run/walk. Winners of the 5K run in each of the following age groups receive awards: 10 and under, 11-14, 1519, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over. The top three

overall males and females also receive awards, but are not eligible for winning their age group. The entry fee is $20 if registered by November 12 or $25 on the day of the race. The first 150 entrants receive an official Wentzville Turkey Trot shirt. Participants are also entered to win a turkey for their Thanksgiving Feast. The registration deadline is one week prior to the start of the program/event or when full, unless otherwise noted. For more information, or to register, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation at 636.332.9236.

NOVEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 5

LIFESTYLE

Freaky Friday on a Monday BY SHELLY A. SCHNEIDER

One of our main goals in life, Jim and I, is to raise responsible and loving children. I will tell you right now there are days when I believe we’re on the right track, and days that I question our children will ever be ready to leave the nest. Each of our three teenagers has an alarm clock in his or her room, but I still wake them up on school mornings. What can I say? I enjoy tiptoeing into their rooms and taking a fleeting glimpse at their angelic faces before I wake the sleeping monster who growls because 6:15 a.m. arrived much too soon for their liking. We’ve taught them how to clean the house, do the laundry, mow the grass, etc. Usually, Jim and I serve as the educators. One evening last November, however, I was the student. I’ll set the scene, not that it really matters, but sometimes it helps to know what led up to the event I like to call “Freaky Friday on a Monday.” Christopher, our then 17 year-old (and honestly the one whom I most worry will not be ready to leave the nest in a timely fashion), was working as a lifeguard from 3:15 to about 6:15 p.m. His shift actually went from 3:15 to 8:15 p.m., but he found someone to take the last two hours. You see, that particular evening was his swimming and diving banquet. Christopher was a senior, and we were so proud of him. He worked hard during his senior year, and qualified to dive at the state swimming and diving championships. He was looking forward to his senior banquet – the last banquet of his high school career, and did the right thing by finding someone to come in and take his shift. Sort of. Evidently he was supposed to sign a shift change, and the young man who was to finish his shift was supposed to sign it, too. That didn’t happen, and when the young man didn’t show up Monday evening to take Christopher’s

CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

shift, the head guard, Jessica, told Chris he would have to stay and finish his shift. So, I got a call from my husband, who was picking up our son at work. I’m not sure how it happened…maybe through the cell phone or something. It seems that in an instant I turned in to a 17 year old, full of hot air and attitude. I hung up with Jim and immediately called the pool and asked for the guard room. Poor Jessica had the incredible misfortune of answering the phone and politely took an earful. I did not yell, but I did express my intense frustration. “It is very frustrating to know that Christopher did the right thing and has to suffer for it,” I told her. I then proceeded to ask her to get her supervisor, who was evidently in a meeting. So I asked Jessica to find out if anything could be done and to call me back. Meanwhile, people were eating dinner inside the Trigg Banquet Center. Time crawled by and the 17 year-old within me grew more and more angry. My phone rang and my son, Christopher was on the other end of the receiver. “Mom,” he said, sounding much older than his 17 years. “It’s o.k. I didn’t fill out the paperwork, and I have to stay and finish my shift.” What? Why wasn’t this child throwing a hissy fit? His 45 year-old mother was, after all, and this apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Long story short(er), Jim ate dinner with me at Christopher’s banquet, and went back to pick him up at 8:15 p.m. The coach and Marvell, the banquet organizer, switched the schedule around a bit so that Chris didn’t miss any of the awards. He was even able to indulge in a bit of cake! I kissed my 6’3” senior on his forehead when it was over and told him I was proud that he stuck around to finish his shift. We all fell into our beds thoroughly exhausted that night and somewhere in dreamland, I morphed back into my 45 year-old self, and Chris into his 17-year old self. How did I figure that one out? Tuesday morning. My sleeping angel sat up in bed at 6:15 a.m., waited until I went downstairs, and then pulled the covers back over his head and procrastinated until the last possible second. Well, at least things are back to normal. To the staff at the Renaud Spirit Center: your customer service training has paid off well. Jessica did an outstanding job handling this frustrated 17 year-old in a 45 year-old’s body. And to Jessica: thank you for choosing to remain calm and do your best to help. I sincerely apologize for my behavior, and ask your forgiveness. To mothers of teenagers everywhere: yes, our goal is to kick them out of the nest at a reasonable age, confident that they are ready for the world. Isn’t it nice when they give us a glimpse of that before they leave?

AROUND TOWN

Watch Out for Wildlife! Information from USDA Forest Service

The largest number of deer collisions take place in October, November and December. The three months see a huge increase in deer activity because it their breeding season. The USDA Forest Service offers these defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer: • Keep a close watch for deer at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active during these times. • Be especially alert and drive with caution. Be on the lookout for deer crossing signs and slow down. • Be aware of your surroundings. Just because you don’t see a deer crossing sign posted, it doesn’t mean deer won’t unexpectedly appear. • Flash your lights or honk your horn to frighten deer away from the side of the road. • When you encounter deer along the roadside, turn on your emergency lights to let other motorists know about the potential danger. • Use your high-beam headlights when there is no opposing traffic. The headlight beam will illuminate the eyes of deer and provide greater driver reaction time. • Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve - because this can confuse deer as to where to run. It could also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car. • If you can’t avoid the accident, then just hit the deer while maintaining control of your vehicle. Some experts say that if such a collision is inevitable, you should avoid braking at impact so that the deer may pass underneath your car as opposed to hitting the windshield. • Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer commonly travel in groups, so the probability is high that other deer will be in front of or behind the one you’ve seen. • Don’t rely on hood-mounted deer whistles and other devices to

scare away deer. • Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured and/or killed in deer - automobile collisions were not wearing their seat belt. • Finally, remember to ... SLOW DOWN FOR WILDLIFE! What to do when you strike a deer If you are unable to avoid a collision with a deer, take the following steps: • Do not touch the animal! The deer, in attempting to move or get away, could hurt you or itself. • Remove your automobile from the roadway, if possible. • Call the police.

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ENTERTAINMENT Former “Two and a Half Men” Star Charlie Sheen Joins the Sitcom Graveyard BY STEVE BRYAN

According to ABC, there may be “101 Ways to Leave a Game Show,” but there are also plenty of ways for a television character to bite the dust. Charlie Harper, the jingle-writing playboy from “Two and a Half Men,” recently met his end under a subway train in France. Harper bit the dust because his real-life alter ego, Charlie Sheen, was dismissed from the show earlier this year. A few weeks into the new season, all remaining traces of Charlie Harper are being erased from the set. Sheen’s sitcom death also grants him a plot in the television graveyard with other characters that left their respective shows in memorable ways. Take, for example, the death of beloved children’s entertainer Chuckles the Clown on a classic episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Dressed as Peter Peanut, Chuckles died after a hungry elephant shucked the poor clown. Mary Richards, Moore’s character, is unable to laugh about the absurdity of his death until the funeral. Wonderful character actress Diana Muldaur played the deliciously nasty Rosalind Shays during a season of “L.A. Law.” Generally hated by her co-workers, Shays made an inglorious exit by walking through open elevator doors into empty space, plunging to a grisly death. Some fans thought that Muldaur really got the shaft with that exit. As Sheen’s exit shows, disputes with producers also can get characters sent to the graveyard prematurely. Maude Flanders, wife of the overly-chipper Ned Flanders, dies in one classic “Simpsons” episode after a t-shirt cannon knocks her from the top row at an auto race. According to reports, Maggie Roswell, the voice actress behind Maude, left the show because 20th Century Fox refused to give her a raise.

Valerie Harper, star of her own self-titled series, had her character, Valerie Hogan, die in a car accident. Behind the scenes, Harper was in a salary dispute with Lorimar Productions, which led to Hogan’s untimely death. The series was renamed “Valerie’s Family” and later “The Hogan Family” and Harper went on to sue Lorimar. Other shows have killed off characters that refuse to stay dead. A classic example is Bobby Ewing from “Dallas.” Actor Patrick Duffy left the series in 1985 and Bobby Ewing apparently met his final fate under the wheels of a car. Ewing returned the next season, leading to the infamous “It was all a dream” shower sequence. Does that mean if Sheen and producer Chuck Lorre ever patch things up, Charlie Harper could show up in his brother’s shower someday?

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NOVEMBER 2011 CrossRoads Magazine

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Every Friday Night

Astronomy Viewing Area Join members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri for a viewing of the stars as they present a public open house for 2 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.

Through November 20

Fall Hayrides Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride with family and friends at Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Rd., just south of O’Fallon. Take a 45-minute wagon ride and then enjoy sitting around a bonfire to roast your own hot dogs and marshmallows. 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/Sundays.

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, Ma10 CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

rie Donato, at this special exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.

November 9

Bone Density Screening For Women Take part in this free screening from 3 to 5 p.m. to determine the risk of osteoporosis. The program is limited to women age 30 and older who are not currently being treated for osteoporosis. Each appointment takes approximately five minutes. The screening is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

November 11

Moonlight Bike Ride Come to Broemmelsiek Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and ride the trails over gentle inclines and rolling hills. Join park staff and experienced guides on a moonlight bike ride through some of St. Charles County’s most scenic park trails. Open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels, these relaxing bike rides through woods and prairies take place after the sun goes down. 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.

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

November 12

Babysitting Basics Designed for boys and girls ages 11 and older. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Lake Saint Louis City Hall. The fee is $15 per person, payable prior to class. The fee includes a light snack and course certificate. For more information, or to register, please call the Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department at 636.561.4620.

December 2

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony This free celebration will be held at 7 p.m. at The Meadows shopping center. Highlights include the official lighting of the Christmas tree in the roundabout area, carolers, sleigh rides, and a visit from Santa. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be served by Santa’s elves. All events will be held outdoors, so please dress accordingly!

December 2

Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for donuts, milk or juice, followed by a craft and fun games. A great photo op for parents! Craft and games for kids 2 and up. The event will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Wentzville’s Progress Park Center. The fee is $8 per resident and $11 for nonresidents (2 and up). For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

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Holiday Events

Holiday Night Lights The 15th annual Holiday Night Lights Display in Wentzvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rotary Park opens on Friday, November 25. This one-mile light display features large commercial scenes and tunnels with twinkling, flashing features that offer a thrill for everyone! The drive through is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 11. Beginning December 15, the display is open daily through December 30 (except Christmas Day). Hours of operation are 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $8 per vehicle up to six people. Vans, buses or limos must pay an additional $1 per person beginning with the seventh person.

Spirit of Christmas Dinner & Dance Catch the spirit of Christmas at Progress Park Center in Wentzville. This will be a delightful evening with music, dancing, and door prizes. Participants will enjoy dinner served by the Parks & Recreation staff and volunteers. Music, a visit from Santa and door prizes will be included in this night of fun. The fee is $13 for residents and $17 for nonresidents (ages 50 and older). For more information, please call the Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department at 636.332.9236.

NOVEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 11

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WENTZVILLE - Chamber News

BY TONY MATHEWS

Wentzville Chamber Hosts Four Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce has recently hosted four ribbon cutting ceremonies for local businesses. Celebrating ribbon cutting ceremonies were: Visiting Angels, Nail Pros, Mizzou Animal Cancer Care and Green Gables Senior Living. Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elder care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. They are located at 202 Triad West Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63366. For more information, call 636.695.4422 or visit www.visitingangels.com/ westplex/home. Nail Pros is a full service nail salon offering manicures, pedicures and spa services. The store has been newly remodeled and features amazing pedicure chairs and a relaxing atmosphere. Nail Pros is located at 1935 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. For more information, call 636.327.8889. Mizzou Animal Cancer Care is a new radiation oncology facility in Wentzville. The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine established the facility in order to bring its educational, research and outreach services directly to the most urbanized region of Missouri. Dr. George Buckaloo, a longtime Independence, Mo., veterinarian and CVM alumnus will operate the referral cancer treatment facility. Their facility is located at 1092 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. For more information please call, 636.332.5041, or visit, www. macc.missouri.edu. Green Gables Senior Living is specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older who live independently. The mix of large one and twobedroom apartments offers full amenities and ample closet space while addressing the needs of seniors. Green Gables is located at 2000 Green Gables Circle, Wentzville, MO 63385. For more information please call 636.327.7755. To see videos and find out more information about 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 www.wentzvillechamber.com.

Ribbon Cuttings:

Nail Pros

Mizzou Animal Cancer Care

Photos courtesy Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

Green Gables Senior Living

Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

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NOVEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS

LIFESTYLES

Ashes to Ashes...or Gunpowder? BY JOE MORICE

Two Alabama game wardens somehow figured out they could use human ashes for gunpowder. I have no idea how they discovered that human ashes were explosive. Did they inadvertently drop a match in Grandpa’s urn on the mantel? Is it a hoax? Who knows, but they now offer a service to make ammunition from the cremated remains of loved ones. One can sentimentally shoot Grandpa over his favorite gambling casino. When I was married, my wife asked me to drop her ashes over her favorite campgrounds. It fell into the category of: “If-I-die-will-you-get-married-again?” questions during sleepless nights. I think I mumbled something about the high price of renting airplanes with pilots that let you throw things from open windows. Perhaps a pontoon

boat? And to think, I could’ve used her ashes for deer season. She would never know. Anyway, the genius of species Homo sapiens when inventing new ways to destroy each other is astounding. If we run out of gunpowder, we can use someone’s cremated remains. Some folks even mentioned using ashes of their pets. Sentimentalists could shoot the late Fido at the squirrel he couldn’t catch or Fifi the cat could be fired at the stray dogs that chased her up trees. In spite of the high price of ammunition these days, cremation ammo will be even higher. Drat! I’m currently reduced to small calibers for target practice. Shooting my .357 magnum is too expensive, but I doubt I’ll ever be attacked by a Cape buffalo anyway. As for shooting burglars breaking in while I’m asleep, I probably won’t hear them. I’m glad I’m not a state legislator in need of a handy gun or two if a lynch mob shows up. There are some real downsides to this invention. Urns with the cremated remains of loved ones might be an object of burglar booty along with TVs and stereos. Worse yet, terrorists could use them for bombs to blow up infidels. Then they could cremate the infidels to make more bombs. What I can’t understand is how ashes from human and animal remains could be explosive. I’ve thrown matches on kindling in fireplaces that was placed over ashes and nothing exploded. In fact, the kindling usually didn’t light until I gave up on my woods training and squirted lighter fluid on it. This means ashes from flora are different from the ashes of fauna. They don’t explode. They just lay there until somebody scoops them up and the dust coats their lungs. Too bad. It would surely change the energy crisis. The oil and coal industry’s leaders might have to give up their country club memberships. We should all be glad our remains will be used for something semi-beneficial such as aiding relatives of the deceased given to shooting at their noisy neighbors. They can claim it was a last request of their expired loved ones. I’m sure the judge will understand. Then there’s the problem of real estate developers and the various members of city councils they own. Its no secret they hate green spaces and one of the larger of these are cemeteries. If this cremation process for gunpowder really takes off, there will be less need for them and more room for vacant strip malls and Ogre Burgers. It will also cause a spike in the unemployment of caretakers and gravediggers but perhaps they could cross train for cremation chamber maintenance or hamburger flipping. Shooting the ashes of my expired relatives at drivers jabbering on cell phones might be a plus. I’m sure the judge will understand.

www.bankofoldmonrow.com 14 CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

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Text First, Talk Second

Information courtesy of Safe America Foundation

The September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 East Coast earthquake all share something in common – each caused massive mobile phone service disruption for millions of Americans. Mobile call volume simply overwhelmed provider capacity during these incidents. The desire to call loved ones after an emergency or disaster is natural. However, preparedness experts universally agree that during an emergency and its immediate aftermath, communicating via SMS text messaging should be your first choice. This is because non-essential calls often shutdown wireless phone service and prevent 911 calls from getting through and emergency personnel being unable to communicate with each other. In fact, just a single one-minute phone call takes up the same bandwidth as 800 short SMS text messages. Also, unlike phone calls, text messages get through even when the network is congested. Even if it gets a “busy signal” on its first try the text system will continue to keep trying to deliver your message. This makes text messaging perfect for sending non-emergency messages like “R U OK” and “I M OK.” So remember, after a flood, earthquake, hurricane or tornado, use your wireless device to Text First. Talk Second. ™ Want to do more? • Take the pledge! Join hundreds of thousands of your fellow citizens in pledging to participate in a preparedness texting drill. See

below for examples. • Get the word out. Let your family and friends know if a natural or man-made disaster happens in your vicinity that the best way to checkin with you is to first try and contact you via text message. • Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the text messaging function on their mobile phone. If they don’t, teach them. Want to practice? Try one of these drills. Drill A – Family/Friend/ Emergency Contact: Send, Receive, and Confirm text message with family member or friend. 1. Individual sends a text message to a family member and/or friend during the exercise, e.g., “I M OK”/ “R U OK” 2. Family member/friend responds with “I M OK” Drill B – Employer to Employee Groups: Send, Receive and Confirm text messages with employees. 1. Employer sends text message to employees announcing a drill, e.g., “This is a texting drill through the alert notification system. For more information on preparedness, please go to www.safeamericaprepared.org (or insert organization website) or contact (supervisor, safety department, etc.) for more information.” 2. Employees respond by going to the website and/or making the suggested contact for more information on preparedness.

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NOVEMBER 2011 CROSSROADS 15

FOOD

Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Pies Mix It Up with Jenny

Jenny Harper Photo courtesy of Nestlé

It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

(Family Features) Thanksgiving is just not complete without a pumpkin pie—it’s the most treasured tradition on my holiday table. Amidst the flurry of activity on Thanksgiving morning, I’m glad that my pumpkin pies are makeahead easy, desserts just waiting to delight us. It’s hard to top the traditional Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe, which has been on the label since 1950. This pumpkin custard has the perfect creamy taste created by the blend of pumpkin and evaporated milk and allows the time-honored spice blend to come

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie Makes 8 servings 3/4 1 1/2 1/2 1/4 2 1 1 1

cup granulated sugar teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon salt teaspoon ground ginger teaspoon ground cloves large eggs can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell Whipped cream (optional)

MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. POUR into pie shell. BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving. TIP: 1 3/4 teaspoons pumpkin spice may be substituted for the cinnamon, ginger and cloves; however, the taste will be slightly different. Do not freeze, as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.

CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

through. For a cool twist on tradition, Easy Pumpkin Cream Pie is an easy, luscious pie with the flavors of the season in a cool, creamy dessert. Make your holiday table its festive best with my top pie tips: • Plan to make your crust ahead of time. Before rolling out, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remove dough from your refrigerator when you start to make pie filling. • Practice “mise en place”—measure everything for your pies and have them at hand before starting to bake. • If you’re a seasoned pie baker, start a sweet tradition by baking pumpkin pies with younger family members. They’ll treasure your baking tips and ensure the family’s pie heritage. • Pies generally serve 8. But do as I do—make and serve more than one kind of pie—and you’ll find everyone wants a sliver of each! So you can “stretch” a pie further that way. • Remember that “pie tomorrow”—leftover—is always welcome! Novice pie baker? Learn to make a crust like a pro and turn out a pie to be proud of at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Easy Pumpkin Cream Pie Makes 8 servings 1 1 1 1 1 2 1

9-inch (6 ounces) prepared graham cracker crust can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin Pie package (5.1 ounces) vanilla instant pudding & pie filling mix cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk teaspoon pumpkin pie spice cups (about 6 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided cup fresh raspberries (optional)

COMBINE pumpkin, pudding mix, evaporated milk and pumpkin pie spice in large mixer bowl; beat for 1 minute or until blended. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Let stand in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and raspberries, if desired. Serve immediately. Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com. 15

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Winter Storm Safety

Information courtesy of the American Red Cross (www.redcrossstl.org) In Missouri, Winter Weather Awareness Day is November 16. Make plans now to ensure your family’s safety in case of a winter storm.

• A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind-chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan • Have extra blankets on hand. • Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Know What to do When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and television stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates. • Be alert to changing weather conditions. • Avoid unnecessary travel.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit for home and car, including: • First aid kit and essential medications. • Battery-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. • Canned food and can opener. • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day to last at least 3 days). • Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat. • Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean • A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area. • A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for Flooring_march2011_b:Layout 1 2/8/11 4:11 PM Page 1 your area.

Know What to do When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued • Stay indoors during the storm. • If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves or mittens and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. • Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. • As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature. Winter Storm continued on pg 19

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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. Independent Judgment Enforcement Karen Taylor 100 Chesterfield Business Parkway #200 Chesterfield, MO 63005 www.independentjudgmentenforcement.com Boulevard Bride Deborah Sitze 300 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 www.boulevardbride.com

Liberty Mutual Will Baker 4607 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63368 www.libertymutual.com

Smith & Daiber, LLC Dorothy Smith and Greta Daiber 1646 Bryan Road Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 www.smithdaiberlaw.com

Re/MAX Traditions Jan Fravell - Broker 1301 Edgewater Point Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 www.stltraditions.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. Representatives 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 us online at www.lsldpchamber.com Dardenne Baptist Church Pastor, Mark Self 2345 Oak Drive. O’Fallon, MO 63368 636.625.2015

Smith & Daiber, LLC Dorothy Smith and Greta Daiber 1646 Bryan Road Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 636.294.6170

Photos courtesy of Lake Saint Louis/Dardenne Prairie Chamber 18

CROSSROADS NOVEMBER 2011

TJ Maxx – Lake Saint Louis Shari Mezo 6280 Ronald Reagan Drive Lake St. Louis, MO 63367

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Winter Storm Safety continued from pg 17 • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks. • After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion. Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must... • Carry a disaster supply kit in the trunk. • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. If You Are Stuck • Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. • Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna for rescuers to see. • Start the car and use the heater for 10 minutes every hour. Keep exhaust pipe clear so fumes do not back up in the car. • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. • As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. • Keep one window (away from the wind direction) slightly open to let in air. What to Do After a Winter Storm • Continue listening to local weather reports for updated information and instructions. Access to roads may be limited or blocked in certain areas. • Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations. • Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. • Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

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