CNSTC: Dec. 14. 2011

December 14, 2011

Vol 13

No 50

July 13, 2011

Vol 13 No 28

The St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center will host its annual holiday event on December 17.

Shelter Pets Seek Loving Homes this Holiday Season

By Shelly Schneider

IN this Issue

Thinking of adding a furry friend to the family? Area residents are invited to the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 17. The center is located at 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters.

Theresa Williams, director of the county’s Division of Humane Services, said there will be plenty of dogs and cats available for adoption.

“We always have a large number of animals on site, and we try to make sure we’re full for the holiday adoption event,” she said. “There will be 60 to 80 dogs and we’ll have as many cats, too.”

It’s important, Williams said, for parents to sit down and talk about the type of dog or cat they hope to bring into the family before coming to the center on December 17.

“If you have young children and they’ve been asking you for a pet, remember that the child will select a pet differently than an adult will,” Williams said. “The adult will know what’s best for the family.”

Williams said the center has adoption counselors available to talk with the family about a particular dog’s behavior or temperament.

“If you like Weimaraners because you think it’s a beautiful dog but you live in an apartment and don’t get out much to exercise, then that Weimaraner will not be happy,” she said. “You need a dog to match your needs.”

The holiday adoption event also features experienced animal trainers who will offer tips to make the transition process less stressful. The trainers will also Around Town . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Lincoln County Life . . . . . . . 7 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

provide information to help make families better caregivers. Those who adopt a pet during the Holiday Event will receive a gift from the Pet Adoption Center, and Santa Claus will be available for photos with your new pet.

The Pet Adoption Center has served the residents and animal populations of St. Charles County for more than a decade, successfully placing more than 25,000 pets into loving homes. All pets placed by the Pet Adoption Center undergo a thorough health exam and receive their initial vaccinations. They are also micro-chipped for identification and are spayed or neutered.

To view pictures of the animals available for adoption today at the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, please visit www.petharbor.com and enter your zip code. Check the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center box, and view all the pets available for adoption.

Compared to fees charged by other centers, the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center offers its services at an outstanding value. Adoption costs through the Pet Adoption Center are:

• Puppies: $60 • Adult dogs: $50 • Kittens: $40 • Adult cats: $30 Williams said most other rescue groups charge no less than $125 for a dog or cat.

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Christmas Traditions . . . . . . . . 11-13 Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Editorials/Recipe . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

“If you buy a dog or a cat from a breeder or a pet store you could spend up to $1,000 or more,” she said. “Our fees are set fees, regardless if the pet is purebred or a mixed breed.”

See SHELTER PETS page 4

MOVIE PEEK

See MOVIE page 15

“The Sitter” - Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366 P: 636.379.1775 F: 636.379.1632 E: ofcnews@centurytel.net

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What’s Happening . . . . . . . 20-21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

www.mycnews.com

2 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Weldon Spring Offers Afterhour Food Drop-off: Tri-City Food Drive Campaign Weldon Spring has officially kicked off the Second Annual TriCity Food Drive Campaign, which runs from through Thursday, January 5, 2012. This is a friendly competition between the cities of Dardenne Prairie, Cottleville and Weldon Spring to see which community can collect the most food or non-perishable item donations. Melinda ‘Moe’ Kwiatkowski, Weldon Spring city clerk, said “This year the competition will be fierce and Weldon Spring intends to hold on to the Cornucopia Trophy for a second time! But let’s not forget that this is a great cause and with a little help from the entire community everyone is a winner because ‘hunger never takes a holiday.’”

This year Weldon Spring City Hall will offer the option of an afterhour depot for donated items (please, no cash or monetary donations at the depot) in an effort to cater to the busy holiday schedules of residents and businesses. The drop off will be located on the front porch of City Hall during weekdays only. Aldermen Laura Barrett, Ward One has volunteered to open City Hall up for donation drop offs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 17. Each community’s city hall will serve as a depot for canned goods and nonperishable items. Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Weldon Spring City Hall.

All donated items dropped off at Weldon Spring will be taken to the Sts. Joachim and Ann Food Pantry the end of the donation period. The community to collect the most food donations (as determined by an independent third party judge) will receive not only “bragging rights” but also the coveted Cornucopia Trophy to display at their city hall. The trophy will be a ‘traveling trophy’ and will have room for inscription of the winning community’s name and the date.

New Trailer Helps Local Families Recover After Home Fires Family photos, high school diplomas and treasured mementoes are only a few of the things victims of home fires hope to salvage after the flames are under control. But, once the family salvages these items what do they do with them while their home is unlivable, and open to elements of the outdoors? With the help of the community, firefighters of Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) have created a unique solution, the CommuLeft to right: Dan Johns of Action Services, Chad and Jim Ferrell of CJF Construction, Firenity Outreach Trailer. fighter Gary Donovan and Fire Chief Russ Mason of Central County Fire and Rescue, Rich Johns “After the fire is extinguished and Marty Fowler of Action Services. the Community Outreach Trailer is delivered to the site of the family’s home. Inside are all of the bags, boxes and plastic tubs they need to store items that survived the fire,” said Chief Russ Mason. “The trailer remains at the site of the home and serves as temporary storage for the family until a permanent location is found, and homeowners are given a set of keys so they have full access to their belongings. Once they find permanent storage the trailer is cleaned and ready for the next family who may need it.”

The idea for the trailer was sparked after the department responded to a large house fire several years ago.

“The only things the family asked us to save, if at all possible, were the family photo albums,” Mason said. “As we stacked the damp, smoke stained albums on the front lawn the problem was evident.

Where do we put them now? The family had no home, no garage, all that was left was their two cars.”

Over the past few years the CCFR Community Outreach Team has been working to make the idea of the trailer a reality. The team met with professionals in the disaster recovery field to create plans for the unique concept and then two local businesses stepped up to manufacture the trailer.

Rich Johns and Marty Fowler of Action Services, a local remediation and recovery company, and CJF Construction joined forces to build the trailer. The two companies acquired a trailer, asked Wicked Stickers to design and install the graphic wrapping, and stocked the unit with supplies.

“Now when one of our homeowners suffers a tragic loss due to fire or some other disaster all we have to do is call Action Service and one of their employees will respond to pick up the trailer, and deliver it to the incident site as quickly as possible,” Mason said. “We are extremely grateful for the help from our local businesses to be able to provide this service to the community.” www.duncandoor.com

www.breezeparkliving.org

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 3

St. Charles will Receive a Federal Grant for Historic Preservation Project The city of St. Charles will receive a $19,160 grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced recently. The city, which is a Certified Local Government, will use the grant to conduct Phase Three of the Historic Architectural Survey of the St. Charles Mid-Town and Commons Neighborhoods. The survey will identify potential National Register Historic Districts as well as properties individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, and in Missouri, is administered through the Department of Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Office.

Under changes made to the act in 1980, each state is required to earmark a minimum of 10 percent of its Historic Preservation Fund monies for exclusive use by Certified Local Governments. Certified Local Governments are communities that have established, under their local government, a historic preservation program

that meets certain standards set by the state and the National Park Service. Local governments that maintain Certified Local Government status are considered to be partners with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in the nation’s historic preservation program. Missouri currently has 51 local governments that have attained Certified Local Government status.

The grants are awarded based on a competitive scoring process and the direct relation of the projects to the identification, evaluation, or protection of historical, architectural or archaeological resources. Grant-funded projects must pertain to the accomplishment of the State Historic Preservation Officer’s responsibilities as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, must be carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation” and must meet requirements of the National Register Programs Guideline (NPS-49).

For more information about the Certified Local Government program, please visit the department’s State Historic Preservation Office website at dnr.mo.gov/shop/certifie.htm or contact Jo Ann Radetic at 573.522.2473 or e-mail jo.ann.radetic@dnr.mo.gov.

Holiday Open Golf Tournament Moved to December 17 The Holiday Open scramble golf tournament originally planned for December 3, 2011, at St. Peters Golf Course has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 17.

Teams of four people will compete for cash prizes in multiple flights, as well as closest to the pin and longest drive contests. The 18-hole tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The cost to play is $35/player, which includes golf, a cart, and lunch immediately following the tournament.

Compete in an optional cash skins game for an additional $40 per team.

For more information on this event, call 636.397.2227.

A registration form is available online at www.stpetersmo.net/

First Latter-day Saint Spanish Congregation Formed in St. Charles County Spanish speaking members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in St. Charles County and North County have had to drive a long ways to attend a worship service in their own language. The nearest one was in Frontenac, a good 30-40 minute drive for most of them. And it was often difficult to get there.

On Sunday, November 27, a new congregation was formed for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a Spanish speaking group that meets in the Latter-day Saint chapel on Old Highway 94 in St. Charles. Carlos Delgado was appointed to serve as the branch president, the spiritual leader of the congregation. A branch president is equivalent to a pastor. Jorge Conte was chosen to serve as his counselor, or assistant pastor.

The group is called the San Carlos Branch, the Spanish version of St. Charles. A branch is the Latter-day Saint term for a small congregation. The San Carlos Branch will serve the needs of Spanish speaking people throughout North County, St. Charles County, and parts of Warren and Lincoln Counties.

The San Carlos Branch meets for worship services in a large classroom, separate from the English speaking congregation which meets at the same time in the chapel. After the main worship services, the youth and children meet together with the English speaking congregation for Sunday School and other meetings, helping to keep them integrated with English speaking friends.

The San Carlos Branch meets at 9 a.m. each Sunday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2245 Old Hwy 94, St. Charles, MO 63303. President Delgado can be reached at 636.485.3516. President Conte’s phone number is 636.328.6464.

For more information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, please visit www.mormon.org.

golf.

St. Peters Golf Course is located at 200 Salt Lick Road, on the east side of Salt Lick, just south of I-70.

www.ofallonnutrition.com

www.krekeler.com

4 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

SHELTER PETS from Cover The Division of Humane Services protects and enhances the quality of life for people and animals in St. Charles County by sheltering and adopting animals, educating pet owners, providing animal control services, and investigating incidents involving animal cruelty and neglect. For more information about the St. Charles County Division of Humane Services, please call 636.949.PETS (7387) or visit www.scchealth.org.

Things to consider before adopting a dog Information from Petfinder.com Selecting the family dog should be a well-researched and carefully soul-searched activity. Are you and your family willing to make a 10 - 15 year commitment to this sentient being in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as all shall live? Let’s pose some of the questions family members should discuss before obtaining a dog.

How Old Are the Members of My Family?

If the youngsters in your household are under 7 years old, they are usually not developmentally suited for puppies 5 months old and under or toy-sized (under 15 pounds) dogs of any age. Puppies have ultra sharp “milk teeth” and toenails and often teethe on and scratch children, resulting in unintentional injury to the child. The puppy becomes something to be feared rather than loved.

Toy dogs are fine-boned, touch-sensitive creatures that do not weather rough or clumsy handling well.

They break relatively easily and are quicker to bite than their larger boned, mellower relatives.

Unless your children are unusually sensitive, lowkey, respectful individuals, a medium-to-large sized dog over 5 months old is usually the safer choice. Regardless of size, all interactions between small children and dogs should be monitored by a responsible adult.

When there is no one to watch over them, they should be separated.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, are there frail elderly or physically challenged individuals in the household? If so, strong vigorous adolescent dogs are not a wise idea. No aging hips or wrists are safe from these yahoos. People who were one-breed fans throughout their lives may one day find that their favorite breed demands more than they can physically handle. The new dog must fit the current physical capabilities of his keepers with an eye toward what the next 10-15 years will bring.

Who Will Be the Dog’s Primary Caretaker?

Many years ago, this was an easy question to answer – Mom. She stayed home and cooked, cleaned and raised the family dog. Most families these days do not have that option. All adults have to go to work and the kids head off to school. This leaves the family dog to be sandwiched in between lessons and sports and household chores and so on. One parent should be designated Primary Caretaker to make sure the dog does not get lost in the shuffle.

Some parents bow to the pressure their children put on them to get a dog. The kids promise with tears in their eyes that they will religiously take care of this soon-to-be best friend. The truth of the matter is, during the 10 - 15 year lifespan of the average dog, your children will be growing in and out of various life stages and the family dog’s importance in their lives will wax and wane like the Moon. You cannot saddle a child with total responsibility for the family dog and threaten to get rid of it if the child is not providing that care. It is not fair to child or dog.

Choosing the family dog should include input from all family members with the cooler-headed, more experienced family members’ opinions carrying a bit more weight. The family dog should not be a gift from one family member to all the others. The selection experience is one the entire family can share. Doing some research and polling each family member about what is important to them in a dog will help pin down what you will be looking for. Books like Daniel Tortora’s THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU or The ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs can be tremendously helpful and can warn you away from unsuitable choices for your family’s circumstances.

How Much Can I Spend?

The price to obtain a dog runs the gamut

Save money on holiday shopping!

Get your exclusive discount flyer of great deals at O’Fallon stores and restaurants when you visit O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights holiday light display in Fort Zumwalt Park

November 25–December 30.

from free-to-a-good-home to several thousand dollars.

It does not always hold true that you get what you pay for. The price you pay in a pet shop is usually 2 to 3 times higher than what you pay a reputable breeder for a puppy of similar (or usually better) quality.

Too many folks spend all their available cash on a pet shop purchase and then have no money left for initial veterinary care, a training crate or obedience classes-all necessary expenses. Remember, the purchase price of a dog is a very small part of what the dog will actually cost. Save money for food (especially if it is a large or giant breed), grooming (fancy coated breeds such as Poodles, Cockers, and Shih Tzus need to be clipped every 4 to 6 weeks), chew toys (the vigorous chewers like a Bull Terrier or Mastiff can work their way through a $8.00 rawhide bone in a single sitting), outerwear (short-coated breeds like Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Whippets must have sweaters and coats in the winter or in lavishly air conditioned interiors), and miscellaneous supplies (bowls, beds, brushes, shampoos, flea products, odor neutralizers for accidents, baby gates, leashes, collars, heartworm preventative etc.).

And then, there is the veterinary emergency! Very few dogs live their entire lives without at least one accident. Your puppy eats a battery or pair of pantyhose, your fine-boned toy breaks a leg, your big boy has bad hips, your dog gets hit by a car or beaten/bitten by the neighborhood bully. These surprises can cost $500 or more. Unlike our children, most of our dogs are not covered by health insurance.

But “How much can I spend?” is not only a question of money. How much time and energy can you spend on a new dog? Various breeds and ages of dog make different demands on our precious spare time.

In general, the Sporting, Hounds, Herding, and Terrier breeds will demand more time in training and daily exercise than will the Guardian or Companion breeds. A puppy or adolescent will need more exercise, training, and supervision than will an adult dog. And the first year with any new dog regardless of age or breed type will put more demands on the owner than any other time, for this is when you are setting up house rules and routines which will last for the lifetime of your dog.

America has become a nation of disposable pet owners. Doesn’t your family dog deserve better? Choose wisely, for when the bond breaks, everybody concerned suffers. Make selecting your new family dog a life-affirming act.

Call for Artists to Enter Sculpture Show www.shopdesignerboutique.com

To learn more and see a list of participating businesses, please visit

www.ofallon.mo.us/colpromo www.ofallon.mo.us/COLpromo

www.stcharles.rightathome.net

“The Third Dimension” is juried sculpture exhibition at the Foundry Art Centre open to artists working in any sculptural media - including but not limited to: paper, wire, clay, wood, metal, glass, plastic, and fiber. All sculptural solutions are eligible: reductive, additive, assemblage, relief, in-theround, and installation. Calls for entry are now being accepted and entries will be accepted through May 4, 2012. There is an entry fee of $35 for nonmembers and $24 for Foundry members and up to three pieces may be submitted for the jury process. Contact the Foundry Art Centre at 636.255.0270 for more information, or visit www.foundryartcentre.org to enter the exhibition online.

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 5

Plant it Pink The winter season is here and Fleur de Lis Garden Society members refreshed the “Plant It Pink” planter at BJC Progress West HealthCare Center in O’Fallon, Mo. with a pink winter design. The planter can be seen by passersby outside the cafeteria and from Hwy. 40.

To provide encouragement and a note of cheer to women dealing with breast cancer, the “Plant it Pink” project was initiated in 2009 by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. President Renee Blaschke. Fleur de Lis Garden Society is a member. Club members keep the planter “in the pink” by planting new flowers appropriate for each season.

The Fleur de Lis Garden Society holds regular meetings once a month and also meets for programs, trips and projects. Dropins and new members are welcome. For more information, visit www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org, or contact 2012 President, Elaine Fix at elaine.fix@ingfp.com or 314.277.6186.

Kids Have a Ball at the St. Peters Rec-Plex New Year’s Eve Lock-in Kids can have a ball … and a pool, and an ice skating rink, and fun games, and more all night long at the St. Peters Rec-Plex’s New Year’s Eve Lock-in. The chaperoned lock-in for kids ages 8-13 begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2011. Participants may play at the Rec-Plex until as late as 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Basketball, ice skating, swimming, diving, games and other activities will keep kids busy throughout the event. The Rec-Plex swimming pools include a waterslide, current channel, water play features and diving boards. The Lock-in will be fully staffed, including lifeguards in the pool area. Everyone will ring in the New Year with a midnight balloon drop. Kids can bring pillows and sleeping bags to sleep during the event.

“I’m grateful that the St. Peters Rec-Plex offers a place for kids to ring in the New Year in a fun, secure environment,” said Alderman Dave Thomas, the St. Peters Board of Aldermen’s representative on the Parks, Recreation & Arts Advisory Board. “The RecPlex is a year-round place for family fun, so it’s fitting that area children can kick off 2012 at this one-of-a-kind facility.”

Advance registration is required. The cost is $50 for St. Peters residents and Rec-Plex annual pass-holders. The cost is $60

for the general public. The New Year’s Eve Lock-in is one of many Rec-Plex classes and programs that are FREE to Rec-Plex GOLD PLUS members.

The Finish Line café will have food and drink for purchase during the event.

To register, call 636.939.2FUN, ext. 1400, or come to the Rec-Plex before Dec. 31.

On December 31, late registrations will be accepted until 1 p.m., if space is available, and will be subject to a late charge of $15 per child. No registration will be taken at the door. Kids must be picked up from the Rec-Plex by 7 a.m. on January 1 to avoid a late pickup fee.

Parental authorization forms also must be completed and submitted to the Rec-Plex to enter kids into the New Year’s Eve Lock-in.

Learn more at www.stpetersmo.net. Parental authorization forms are also available there.

Faith Christian Family Church Has a New Building

Faith Christian Family Church’s (FCFC) is pleased to announce a new location for worship - The East Campus in Wentzville.

FCFC’s vision is to minister to the whole region. This has resulted in the opening of a second campus in Wentzville serving, St. Charles, and Lincoln County as well as the Wentzville area. Until now, the Wentzville campus has been worshipping at Holt High School. We offer our deepest gratitude for the use of High School for the last 19 months.

Recently, FCFC has obtained the former Crossroads Baptist Church, on the North outer road on I-70 towards Foristell for FCFC’s second church campus in Wentzville. It is located at 2349 W. Pearce Blvd. Wentzville, 1.5 miles west of Best Buy and adjacent to North Pointe Prairie Road.

Sunday service at Wentzville begins at 9 a.m. We offer a vibrant contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings, small groups to fit any schedule and to reach many diverse interests. There is also a fun children’s ministry for all age groups.

Pastor Terry Roberts preaches at both campuses, with around 800 in attendance at the Warrenton campus. The Warrenton Campus has two weekend services- Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. You can find out more about Faith Christian Family Church at www.fcf.net.

www.vincesasianbistro.com

www.Aarons1.com

www.stlouislipo.com

www.amfam.com

www.bankfm.com

www.changescapeweb.com/cnewsad

6 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Model Train Village and Foundry Art Centre Board Member Billyo Handcrafted Sleigh on O’Donnell Honored O’Donnell, a long time Board Member for Display at St. Peters City Hall theBillyo Foundry Art Centre, has recently been selected

St. Peters City Centre is filled with holiday cheer this year. The public is invited to stop by the City Hall lobby to view a large train display, complete with push button controls viewers can use to start some of the special animation features. The train display was created by Darrell Reinwald, whose displays have also been featured the Festival of the Little Hills, Christmas Traditions on Main Street in St. Charles and Daniel’s Farm & Greenhouse.

The beautiful life-size sleigh also makes a return to St. Peters City Hall this year for families to stop by to take photos or just admire the craftsmanship. St. Peters resident Dan Zatorski presented the sleigh to the City in 2008 as a gift to the children of St. Peters.

Dan designed and built a 9-foot by 4-foot red oak wooden Santa’s sleigh to be used at City events.

Both the sleigh and the train display will be available for viewing throughout the holiday season.

www.amantejewelers.com

as one of the recipients for the 2012 Missouri Arts Award from the Missouri Arts Council (MAC).

O’Donnell received the Individual Artist award recognition. The awards will officially be presented at the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City on February 8, 2012.

Established in 1983, the Missouri Arts Award honors individuals and organization that have made profound and lasting contributions to the cultural and artistic climate of the state. Each year, Missouri Arts Award nominees are reviewed by a committee of Missouri citizens from throughout the state who are knowledgeable, experienced, and highly respected in the arts. The Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Commenting on O’Donnell’s 2012 Missouri Arts Award, Foundry Art Centre Executive Director Laura Helling said, “We are thrilled for Billyo and his MAC recognition. He is an extremely talented and gifted artist, and he has been an enthusiastic supporter of the arts throughout the St. Louis community.

“Billyo has been an integral part of the Foundry Art Centre since we were established in 2004, and has helped guide our Mission throughout the years; we are glad to see that other key arts organizations like the MAC have recognized his contributions to the arts in Missouri,” Helling added.

www.ofallon.mo.us/col

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 7

Len Pagano St. Peters Mayor A familiar sight at the entrance of stores and at shopping malls during the holiday season are the bell ringers with their red kettles. On Saturday, December 10, many volunteers including elected officials, staff and families from the City of St. Peters, members of the Building and Construction Trades unions and their families gathered to ring bells at various businesses throughout St. Peters for the Salvation Army to support the Tree of Lights campaign.

I want to thank all of the many people who helped us ring the bells, as well as those generous people who dropped money in the kettle.

Your money will be put to good use providing Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Volunteers will also distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. Together, we are all making a difference and helping our friends and neighbors in need across St. Charles County.

School kids are finishing the semester and will take a break from their studies over the holidays. With schools being out between Christmas and New Year’s, many families spend the week together enjoying fun adventures. Don’t forget about our St. Peters Rec-Plex when planning one of your family outings.

You don’t have to live in St. Peters or even be a member of the Rec-Plex to enjoy a fun-filled day there. With the beautiful indoor swimming and diving facility, you can even enjoy a “warm weather vacation” right here in St. Peters. It’s a great place to spend the day with your family, or for your kids to enjoy a day with their friends.

The Rec-Plex is offering a Winter Break deal from Monday, December 26 through Sunday, January 8. For just $30, you’ll receive admission for four to spend the day ice-skating and swimming and we’ll even provide lunch. Included with the Winter Break deal is a pizza and sodas at the Rec-Plex Finish Line Food Court, and all skate, lock and towel rental fees. For more information about this special, please visit the city’s website at www. stpetersmo.net.

Buono Natale & Buon Capo D’Anno (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year).

www.furcentre.com

Local Youths to Perform a School Edition of “It’s A Wonderful Life” The Young People’s Theatre of St. Charles Community College will present “It’s a Wonderful Life” December 16-18 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus.

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, December 16-17, and at 2 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, December 17-18. Tickets are $8 for all ages. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

In this classic and much beloved play, Christmas Eve finds George Bailey deeply troubled. Prayers for his well-being from friends and family reach heaven. Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, is assigned to save George and earn his wings. A funny and poignant musical that will touch the hearts of all ages, George and his family remind us of the value of simple acts of kindness.

Cast members from St. Peters include Cadence Bippen, Carlin Bippen, Sam Bippen, Bailey Blessing, Isaac Brown, Jennifer Brown, Sean Faszold, Thomas Fischer, Eric Hahn, Jessica Kahn, Daniel Larabee, Katie Larabee, Luke Larabee, Femila Manoj, Zoe Meier, Sabrina Nelson, Rain Northrop, Alex Pendel, Gillian Pendel, Braden Stille, Mitchell Stille, Eric Weidig, Joe

Weidig, Rachel Weidig and Sarah York.

Cast members from St. Charles include Brock Birkner, Zac Cary, Delany Eschelmeyer, Mallory Eschelmeyer, Ali Gibbs, Anna Johnston, Emma Koehler, Sydney Koehler, Amelia Martin and Emily Meyers.

Members of the cast from O’Fallon include Joelle Aaron, Amanda Blythe, Jake Condellire, Jordan Czajkowski, Jack Deters, Luke Gottreu, Grayson Jostes, Danny Kellett, Becca Krauss, Annie Marion, Ali Pinkerton, Abby Turner, Emily Turner, Curtis Waligurski and Brendan Woods.

Cast members from Lake St. Louis include Jimmy Coogan, Joey Coogan, Matthew Doll and Grace Thornton.

Cast members from Dardenne Prairie include Rachel Downing, James Maasen and Patricia Villegas.

Additional cast members include Allison Parks of Wentzville and Ben Stanley of Cottleville.

The Young People’s Theatre is a performing arts program by kids and their families for kids and their families produced by the SCC Corporate and Community Development Division.

For more information or tickets, call 636.922.8233, or visit www.stchas.edu/ypt.

www.paydayloanbucks.com

8 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Winter Dance

Fire at Pike Lincoln Tech, Districts Looking for Local Businesses to Help

The Elsberry High School Senior class hosted the 2011 Winter Dance on Saturday, December 3, with a “Black Tie Affair” theme. Crowned this year’s King and Queen were Juniors Andy Schrieber and Tracey Beck. Also in this year’s court were (L to R) Zac Barber and Ashleigh Conner, Sophomores; Ryan Bredenkoetter and Jennifer Grummich, Seniors; Current Royalty; Travis Pruitt and Tess Crenshaw, Retiring Royalty; Kenny Lesley and Madison Cleveland.

On December 2 there was a fire in the original structure at Pike-Lincoln Technical Center (PLTC), a campus of the Pike County R-III (Clopton) School District in Eolia, Mo. The damage was extensive and contained to the original structure. There was no one in the building at the time of the fire. The newer Diesel and Automotive Technology Building was undamaged.

Seven area schools send students to the PikeLincoln Technical Center. Pike County School Districts include: Bowling Green R-I, Louisiana R-II and Clopton. Lincoln County School Districts include: Silex R-I, Elsberry R-II, Troy RIII, and Winfield R-IV. Adult students from the surrounding counties take courses at PLTC in the day and evening.

The Pike County R-III (Clopton) School District is the fiscal agent of the Pike-Lincoln Technical Center. The Technical Center began as an outgrowth of the need for vocational training

www.drtumanyan.com

in Northeast Missouri in the late 1960s. PLTC is considered a showcase for technical training across the state and region. Former students have gone on to become leaders in their fields across multiple states and many foreign countries.

Classes resumed on Friday, December 8 at a vacant school building in the Clopton School District, which is also served by PLT. The Pike County R-III (Clopton) School District would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and continued support of its students and those of Pike-Lincoln Technical Center.

They would also like to thank the local fire departments, those from the multiple counties that responded to the fire, and anyone who provided assistance during the initial hours of this crisis.

The Lincoln County R-III School District is currently looking for area businesses to team up with for the benefit of Troy Buchanan students taking classes at Pike Lincoln Tech. Approximately 80 TBHS students are impacted by Friday’s fire, which destroyed the main building of Pike Lincoln Tech (PLT) in Eolia. The goal is to coordinate facility tours of area businesses for these students to learn about businesses and careers relating to the courses they take at PLT. Courses and areas of interest include: Auto Collision, Auto Services, Diesel Tech, Administrative Business Technology, Digital Design, Computer/ Networking, Health Services, Building Trades, and Welding.

If you are interested in helping the R-III District find and schedule valuable learning experiences in any of the above areas please contact Community Relations Director April Bryant at 636.462.6098 extension 2.

www.troydentalcare.com

www.troyflooringcenter.com

www.pbtc.net

Last Blood Drives of 2011 There will be two blood drives in Lincoln County during late December. The Lincoln County Council on Aging (LCCOA) will host a drive from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 22. Also, the Lincoln County Ambulance District Auburn will host a blood drive at their facility from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, December 30. Tis the season for giving! To make an appointment go online to www. redcrossblood.org or call 800.

REDCROSS.

School

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 9

Ace the Test with ACT Test Tricks & Tips Program Board of Education Filing Library Offers Programs on How to Prep for College Placement Tests The St. Charles City-County Library District is offering a free program that parents and teens alike should not miss! Parents with students in grades 6 to 12 can register their child for “ACT Test Tips and Tricks” and hear Tutor Doctor Dan Morris share his insights on the best strategies to prepare for college placement tests. Parents can attend too and learn about good study strategies that will help their child succeed. The program, offered six times throughout January and February, will cover such topics as: 1) ACT & SAT - What’s the difference? Which should you take?

2) Free Resources for study help and how to find them.

3) Test and study skills and tips.

4) What can an improved ACT score do for you?

Register now for ACT Test Tips & Tricks with Dan Morris, Tutor Doctor. Class registration is limited.

Thursday, January 5 7 p.m.

636-441-7577 McClay Branch 2760 McClay Rd, St Peters

Saturday, January 7 1 p.m.

636-978-7926 Middendorf-Kredell Branch 2750 Highway K, O’Fallon Tuesday, January 10 5 p.m.

636-327-4010 Corporate Parkway 1200 Corporate Parkway, Wentzville Monday, February 20 5 p.m.

636-723-0232 Kathryn Linnemann 2323 Elm Street, St Charles Thursday, February 23 5 p.m.

636-926-7323 Kisker Road Branch 1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles Saturday, February 25 1 p.m.

636-978-3261 Deer Run Branch 1300 North Main Street, O’Fallon Register for these and other programs at www. youranswerplace.org under the Program and Events tab. Search the catalog for books and electronic study resources available from the St. Charles City-County Library District.

Wentzville School District Attendance Assignments for the 2012-13 School Year Construction in the Wentzville School District 2012-13 school year. The current 8th grade stucontinues on schedule, and 20 new classrooms at dents at Frontier would still attend the high school South Middle School will be ready for students to which they were previously assigned. The 2012in August of 2012. In order to alleviate crowd- 13 Frontier Middle School 8th grade class would ing at Frontier Middle School and in preparation become the freshman class of the new high school for the opening of the new high school in 2013, in 2013-14. Students already in high school would the District has begun the process of changing not be asked to change schools. some school attendance assignments. This is not The District will hold “Open House” sessions to a school boundary change for the elementary answer questions and get feedback and comments schools, but a change in school assignments for from parents and the school community. There some middle and high school students. With nine will not be a formal presentation, but District adelementary schools, three middle schools and ministrators will be available to answer questions soon a third high school, the District has an op- and explain the process. The final proposal will portunity to realign attendance assignments so all go to the Board of Education for approval in early of the students from three elementary schools at- 2012. Questions can also be directed to the Adtend one middle school, and all of those students ministrative Services Department at 636-327-300 attend one high school. To achieve the desired re- ext. 20330 or info@wentzville.k12.mo.us. sult, a committee organized by the Administrative Remaining Open Houses Services Department and made up of one parent • New High School/ Frontier Middle/Prairie representative from each school in the District has View, Discovery Ridge, and Crossroads Elemenbeen organized to determine school attendance tary Wednesday, December 14, Frontier Middle assignments. The School Assignment Commit- School cafeteria @ 7:00 p.m. tee was asked to consider factors such as feeder schools, demographics, and transportation when making their decisions.

After several meetings and careful consideration of the charge, the School Assignment Committee has recommended that for the 2012-13 school year all current 5th graders at Boone Trail, Duello and Green Tree Elementary attend South Middle School, and all current 5th graders at Crossroads, Prairie View and Discovery Ridge Elementary attend Frontier Middle School.

The recommendations would also mean that current 6th and 7th graders at Frontier Middle School who live in the Duello or Green Tree Elementary attendance areas would attend South Middle School, and current 6th and 7th graders that attend South Middle School and live in the Prairie View and Discovery Ridge Elementary attendance areas would attend Frontier www.rayrockwell.com Middle School beginning in the

The Fort Zumwalt School District will accept declarations of candidacy from any person interested in running for a position on the Board of Education in the April 3, 2012 election. The Board has two, six-year positions available. The City of O’Fallon’s population, as reported by the 2010 census, requires that the district be classified as an urban district. A change that comes along with that designation is that Board members are required to serve six-year terms and will be limited to two terms. The district presently exercises the traditional three-year term with no term limits. The consensus of the present Board is that the district should have this requirement amended to exempt the district from the six-year term and continue with the customary three-year term. Legislation has been developed and will be presented to the House and Senate to allow the terms to remain at three years. Candidates must be aware that they will be signing up to run for either a six-year or three-year term, depending on the success of this legislation.

The qualifications to become a Board member are: 1) Citizen of the United States of America.

2) Voter of the district.

3) Resident of Missouri for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the election.

4) 24 years of age.

5) Eligible to hold office in accordance with Missouri law, including § 561.021, RSMo. and not serving a sentence or period of probation for a felony or a crime that if committed in Missouri would be a felony. One should never have pled guilty or nolo contendere nor been convicted under Missouri law or the law of another jurisdiction of a felony connected with the exercise of the right of suffrage.

6) Not registered or required to be registered as a sex offender under Missouri law, §§ 589.400 - .425, RSMo. 7) Filed all required campaign disclosure reports for all previous elections in which you were a candidate and have paid all assessed fees by the Missouri Ethics Commission, if applicable.

Persons interested may file at the superintendent’s office, located at 110 Virgil Street in O’Fallon, MO. Filing began at 8 a.m. on Dec. 13 and will continue during the district’s regular business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Filing will end on Jan. 17, 2012. The district offices will be closed on Dec. 23, 26-30 and Jan. 2, as well as days that the district is closed due to inclement weather.

www.lindenwoodcenter.com

www.stpetermo.net

Business

10 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

“Tired Teddies” Toy Drive Used stuffed animals will be collected at branches and cleaned

by Stanley Steemer for children in need Used stuffed animals will get a second chance this

holiday season, thanks to the “Tired Teddies” toy drive sponsored by M&I, a part of the BMO Financial Group, and Stanley Steemer.

Stanley Steemer will provide each M&I location with a box to collect used stuffed animals and will then pick them up each week for cleaning and sanitizing. The “refreshed teddies” will be donated to the local highway patrol, the Salvation Army and local children’s hospitals for distribution throughout the holiday season.

The “Tired Teddies” toy drive runs through December 21, 2011 at each of

M&I’s 16 branch locations in the St. Louis metro area. In O’Fallon, please drop off the stuffed animals at: Laura Hill 101 Laura K Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 696-7200 Winghaven 3001 Winghaven Blvd.

O’Fallon, MO 63368 (636) 696-4500 Other M&I locations may be found online at www. mibank.com.

Recent Ribbon Cuttings

www.pbtc.net The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for Charter on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Pictured are Sean O’Donnell, Charter’s Vice President and General Manager joined by employees and community members. Also in attendance for the celebration were representatives of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, City of O’Fallon and O’Fallon Mayor, Bill Hennessey.

The new location in WingHaven will give customers a location to sign up for service, pay their bills, pick-up/drop-off equipment, and receive demos of Charter’s internet, television and phone products.

“As a hometown company based in St. Louis, we are always looking for ways that we can support our customers while also partnering with local communities. We’re excited about this new Charter store because it is in a convenient location that will be easy to access for

many of our customers. Plus, it allows us to have an even greater presence in the O’Fallon area, which is home to many of our customers and employees”, said Sean O’Donnell, Charter’s vice president and general manager.

Showing their support for the community Charter just launched a food drive to support local food pantries. Customers who bring in 4 cans of non-perishable items will receive a coupon to watch an On Demand movie for one cent (usually the videos are $5-6). The food drive will be held through December 31, 2011.

The O’Fallon Chamber would like to thank Charter for their membership and support. Charter is located at 7760 Winghaven Blvd in O’Fallon, Missouri. Call 636.281.1111 or visit them online at www. charter.com.

YMCA

www.aarons1.com

www.westcommunitycu.org

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 11

Festival Hours

Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30pm-9pm Christmas Eve ~ Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday Noon-5pm December 24, 11am-2pm Escape the hustle and bustle with sparkling lights, late night shopping and dining.

Open until 9pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday thru December 23

Santa Parade

Saturday & Sunday • 1:30pm Begins at 1000 South Main and ends at 200 South Main

Santa Send-Off December 24 • 1:30pm

Begins at 1000 South Main and ends at 200 South Main

“The Complete Works of Christmas” A Comical Interactive Christmas Mystery

December 18, 2011 5:30 pm • $62.50 per person The Grand Opera House & Banquet Event Center

Reservations Required - To Purchase Tickets: 636-255-6155

omes To Life C t s a P Where Christmas

November 25 - December 24, 2011 222 North Main Open During Festival Hours

ST. CHARLES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

636-946-7776 | www.historicstcharles.com historicstcharles.com

Train lay-out depicts a Victorian winter scene, Circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy , Polar Express and lots more. Miscellaneous HO, O , N and G guage.

Admission: $2 Adults $1 Children (3 to 12 years)

12 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions

Welcome to St. Charles Christmas Traditions!

Information from www.stcharleschristmas.com

Christmas sparkles each year in his-

All photos courtesy of Karen Godfrey

toric St. Charles, Missouri during our one-of-a-kind Christmas Traditions festival. While you’re making holiday plans, escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian carolers, and Santas from around the world.

There’s no better place than Main Street during a Christmas festival for a holiday stroll with your loved ones. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights,

stroll a while. Duck into a shop or two for a little holiday shopping. Then, take a break at one of the many restaurants, dessert cafes or coffee houses.

For a complete schedule, please visit www.stcharleschristmas.com.

And when Santa has to leave on Christmas Eve, join us for the Santa Send-Off at 1:30 p.m. We’ll bid Santa goodbye during this last parade of the season and wish him the best as he heads back to the North Pole.

Breakfast with Santa December 17 Come enjoy breakfast at the beautiful Mother-In-Law House Restaurant for an upclose-and-personal visit with Santa. Bring your holiday wish list. Plus, don’t forget the camera to capture all the holiday fun.

Doors open at 9 a.m., and breakfast is served at 9:30 a.m.

Parking is free on the street and nearby lots.

Tickets are $15 and reservations are required. But hurry!

Only a limited number of tickets are available.

To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles. com.

The Complete Works of Christmas!

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

December 18, 2011 Someone has killed the Grinch and now Santa’s on Trial!

Who can imagine the jolly old elf with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly could ever be a murderer?

Come help us discover the real killer. Tickets are $62.50 and reservations are required.

But hurry! Only a limited number of tickets are available.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 6 p.m. Parking is free on the street and nearby lots.

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 13

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions

To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles.com.

The Santa Parade The highlight of any visit to Historic Main Street has to be the Santa Parade. The Santa Parade starts at the corner of Boone’s Lick and South Main at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and sunday during Christmas Traditiosn and features more than 40 costumed Victorian Carolers and Legends of Christmas who all come together for this magical event.

The Santa Parade is led by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp and culminates at the corner of South Main Street and First Capitol in Berthold Square where you will be treated to a short show featuring the talented Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp as well as all the rest of our International Christmas Characters.

After the show don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with all the Santas as well as collect their Character Cards.

Decorations Saint Charles is one of America’s great Historic Districts.

There is no other place quite like South Main Street, which features 10 blocks of historic buildings, some dating as far back as the late 1700s.

For Christmas Traditions, we pull out all the stops to create a festive setting the whole family can enjoy. With more than 10,000 feet of fresh greenery, 150 wreaths, 1,200 hand-tied red velvet bows, and thousands of white lights in the trees and on the buildings, you just can’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit.

In the daytime, the crisp reds and greens provide a colorful backdrop as you walk the brick streets enjoying all that Christmas Traditions has to offer. And in the evening, the white lights make a nighttime stroll or drive down Main Street one of St. Louis’ best free light displays.

The holiday decor on Main Street is just one more way that Christmas Past Comes To Life in Saint Charles during Christmas Traditions.

Photos with Santa Capture memories of your family’s visit to Saint Charles in a special photo with Santa.

Set against a classic holiday backdrop in lower level of the

Tourism Center at the corner of Main Street and First Capitol Drive, our Victorian Santa will bring a touch of class to this treasured memento, all at a greater value than mall photos.

Photos are $12 for the first and $8 for the second.

They are 5 x 7 and come in a lovely gold foil-trimmed frame. You may also purchase more photos with Santa in varying sizes online or by visiting The Tintypery at 510 S. Main Street.

Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Carriage Rides Take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping and enjoy a relaxing, complimentary carriage ride down Main Street!

Our complimentary carriage shuttle will be available (weather permitting) during Christmas Traditions on Wednesday and Friday Nights, as well as Saturdays and

Sundays.

The carriage rides are courtesy of the SBD and the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To reserve a carriage for a special event or evening during the holiday season, please call 636.398.4123.

Trains on Main Be sure to visit Trains on Main located at the “North Main Train Station” at 222 N. Main Street. This year’s display will include a Victorian winter scene, a circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy, Polar Express, and so much more. Features HO, O, N and G gauge trains.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum.

Trains on Main is open during regular festival hours.

For more information, call 636.724.2106.

Learn & Play

14 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Statepoint Crossword Theme: Holiday Movies

Middle Pick: “The Lost and Found Pony” Book Buzz !

Hello, Friends: Newsbee’s the name, reading’s my game. Each month, I select three books - preschool through eighth grade chosen to fit a particular theme. These are my Book Buzz Picks and I announce them in the newspaper. A honey of an idea, don’t you think? What better place to introduce kids to good books than on the pages of their local newspaper?

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

ACROSS 1. Happens in back 6. *"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" originally aired on this network 9. Popular white fish 12. Before Part II 13. Follows soh 14. "Put your thinking ___ __"

16. Madama Butterfly's soli, e.g.

17. a.k.a. Tokyo 18. Not together 19. *Boy who's told, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid" 21. *Misfit ungulate 23. Actor ___ Holbrook 24. ____ in captivity 25. Western European Union 28. 100 centavos in Mexico

“The Lost and Found Pony,” is a sweet tale told from a pony’s point of view by author/illustrator Tracy Dockray. This beautifully illustrated picture book is reminiscent of the classic story, “Black Beauty.”

A dapple-gray pony is born on a farm to a mare not much bigger than him. Like all youngsters, human and horse, the pony can’t wait to grow up – but he doesn’t grow very tall. He remains small of stature, but to his delight his future is bright.

The pony becomes a surprise birthday present for a girl who is tiny too, but who has huge affection for her new friend. The two have great times together taking part in horse shows and jumping competitions. But that all changes one day when the girl falls off the pony and is hurt. The little pony is sold to a traveling circus; then he is sold again, his fate mirroring Black Beauty’s painful path.

All is not lost in this book with a sweet ending and purpose. Eventually the little pony’s journey becomes a smooth ride once again.

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2011.

30. Start of basketball game 35. Chunk or lump 37. Rounded protuberance 39. Young eel 40. Ayatollah Khamenei's home 41. "World" in Italian 43. Troubled currency 44. Drinker 46. Thick, messy substances 47. ____ Alda 48. Attitude of admiration 50. Place for mutinous sailor, e.g.

52. Old age, archaic 53. Kids often say this to claim something 55. "But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all ..."

57. *This happened on 34th Street 61. Koko or Sampson, e.g.

65. Lobe at back of palate 66. "To Kill a Mockingbird" author 68. *"The _____mare Before Christmas" 69. Lively dance 70. Not in good health 71. "_____ as a whistle"

72. Maiden name indicator 73. Newt in terrestrial stage 74. Laughing predator DOWN 1. Boxer training 2. "For" in Spanish 3. Seed cover 4. Type of infection 5. Unfortunate outcome 6. Toward the lee 7. *Like Billy Bob's Santa 8. Laundry, e.g.

9. Chief or top dog 10. October stone 11. Village or hamlet in South Africa 14. Attendant to Tiger, e.g.

15. ___ degree 20. Part of small intestine 22. Last month 24. Rubs elbows with 25. *Like Bing Crosby's Christmas 26. Plural of #43 Across 27. Unfit or inappropriate 29. Smoke plus fog

31. Type of bargain 32. Immature ovum 33. Like domesticated cat gone wild 34. Compound leaf of a fern 36. Location of MCL 38. O in B.O. 42. Twig of a willow tree 45. Member of military police in Britain 49. One thousandth of an inch 51. *His heart was two sizes too small 54. Misrepresent 56. Poet Dickinson 57. Type of shot to criminal 58. Director Reitman 59. ____ of thumb 60. Medicinal plant 61. Pepper or bombard 62. "A Death in the Family" author 63. Conjunction used in comparatives 64. Sicilian volcano 67. *Will Ferrell character in 2003 See Answers page 21

www.desmetretirement.wordpress.com

MOVIE

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 15

“The Sitter”

By Steve Bryan

“The Sitter” is one of those movies where all the funny moments can be seen in the coming attractions trailers. Mercifully short at about 90 minutes, this would-be holiday comedy is the cinematic equivalent of finding a lump of coal in your stocking.

Jonah Hill plays Noah Griffith, a suspended college student with a strong interest in astronomy. While staying with his mom, Noah reluctantly agrees to babysit the kids next door. The children are all crying for attention and act out in various ways, especially the highly-destructive Rodrigo (Kevin Hernandez).

In an irresponsible move, Noah agrees to run a dangerous errand for his would-be girlfriend, which means loading the kids into the minivan and heading to New York City. As the evening progresses, Noah gets further away from his lady love as he and his three charges land in one dangerous situation after another.

Twenty-five years ago, Elisabeth Shue took some kids on a late-night Chicago Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox road trip in “Adventures in Babysitting.”

Jonah Hill and director David Gordon Green attempt the same kind of road trip in “The Sitter,” but without the same charm and humor contained in that 1980’s comedy.

Hill’s character is a walking contradiction. It’s never clear, for instance, why he was suspended from school. When he runs into Roxanne (Kylie Bunbury), a college friend, she mentions that she always thought he was smart and funny. Noah also wants to view a rare astrological event, but his late night adventures keep him away from the telescope.

Director Green also puts Noah into highly improbable situa-

(R)

tions, including running afoul of a drug dealer named Karl (Sam Rockwell). It’s hard to believe that Noah can get into this much trouble with three kids in the back seat and even harder to believe that he can escape without putting himself or the children in the morgue.

Earlier this year, Jonah Hill showed solid acting ability in “Moneyball.” “The Sitter” marks a big step backward for the actor.

The only good moments for Hill’s character happen when he interacts with the sweet college friend Roxanne. Otherwise, he’s just playing an older version of his “Superbad” character.

There’s a decent movie hiding somewhere in “The Sitter,” but it’s impossible to find amongst the sexual situations and foul language. As he did with the absurd period comedy “Your Highness,” director Green goes for the easy jokes instead of developing the c h a racters.

T h a t ’s too bad b e c au s e Noah Griffith had the potential to be a pretty decent guy.

“The Sitter,” rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence, currently is playing in theaters.

www.msbriesboutique.com

www.cfcohelpingyours.org

www.budgettowing.us

www.dzinesbyvicki.com

Editorial

16 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

“Over the Fence” Christmas Holidays are too Short The cold, gray days of winter usually cause depression among us mortals, but it’s offset by the Christmas holidays.

Of course, not for everyone when you consider the people that can’t afford buying their loved ones gifts or those who put Christmas shopping on a level of close combat. I won’t even mention Personal Property Taxes and Real Estate taxes coming due.

For me, it’s the lights. I chided the workers that were hanging Christmas lights on the trees on Main Street in St. Charles before Thanksgiving. I teased a bit disdainfully, “We’re a little early, aren’t we?” They ignored me. They had heard this before, I suspect.

On one of those cold, gray, wet days, I regretted complaining. At dusk the lights came on and it was a real pick-me-up.

Christmas and New Year’s are a great time for most of us but then January comes. Kids go back to school and parents are faced with credit card bills and a long, dull winter. Reality hits where it hurts. It dawns on us there won’t be much in the way of happy holidays the rest of the winter. Some of us grab at anything to take our minds off Missouri winter. The Super Bowl might infuse some joy but not for St. Louis football fans. The Rams probably cause more depression than failing 401k‘s. One grouchy fan griped that they must be in league with the Prozac pharmaceutical.

For me, winter is not welcome. I’m an outdoor guy but riding a motorcycle in freezing weather doesn’t work. Neither does shoveling snow. Most retired folks try to move to a warmer climate. Florida has more retired people than Cuban exiles and underworld criminals. They probably also have more funeral homes than any other state. Retired people moved there to avoid northern winters. The

last time I was there, the only people under 40 were working service trades like restaurant servers, bartenders, utility workers, grave diggers…

Florida is too crowded for me and I can’t afford hurricane insurance. Perhaps the southwest, but fire insurance costs are soaring after last summer. The other states in the Deep South might work but I don’t speak southern very well. They might think I’m a Packer fan or that I hate grits. I could get hurt.

These realizations are depressing me even more than cold, gray wet days. What’s a retired guy to do?

My friends wanted me to vacation with them in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. They talked of luxury resorts on the ocean with beautiful beaches and warm sunshine.

They told me it was only $1800 dollars for a week including airfare. I shrieked, “That’s even more expensive than Christmas holidays and almost as short! Forget it! I‘d rather dose up on anti-depressants.”

Besides that, I didn’t know anyone to share the expenses with that could afford it or would pay it if they did.

I suppose there are cheaper vacations to exotic places to lift my winter spirits.

Mexico might offer free vacations if I agreed to smuggle drugs on the return trip.

I understand Belize welcomes Americans avoiding DUI prison terms and the living is cheap. Of course, it probably means a one-room shack near the jungle but perhaps I’m being picky. The poorer parts of Central and South America are rampant with drug cartels murdering anyone they think might be a threat. I’d hate to be mistaken for a DEA agent.

I guess I’ll stick around Missouri, ingest Prozac and leave my Christmas decorations up until June.

No wonder bears hibernate.

Thrivent and MasterCard Sponsor and Build New Habitat for Humanity Home Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, recently announced the dedication of its seventh Thrivent Builds Homes home with Land Sponsor MasterCard at the Enclaves of Eisenhower subdivision in St. Peters. The Pendergraft family will receive the keys to their new home and to a brighter future at their house dedication at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 18. On that day, volunteers, Habitat for Humanity representatives, Thrivent Financial representatives and members, MasterCard representatives, St. Peters officials, and, of course, the excited partner family will gather at 107 Clinton

Ct. located in the Enclaves at Eisenhower in St. Peters to honor the hard work, the generous financial backing and the community support that made this home possible.

The homebuyer, Kassie Pendergraft, and her two children are more than a little eager to move into their new home. She has completed her 350 hours of sweat equity helping build her home, a basic tenet of Habitat for Humanity. She will repay the no-profit mortgage over a period of 30 years, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a “hand up rather than a hand out.”

Hunters Check 14,000 Deer During Antlerless Season Hunters checked 14,439 deer during Missouri’s antlerless deer season November 23 through December 4. This year’s antlerless harvest is 789 fewer than last year. Top harvest counties for the 12-day antlerless season were Benton with 394 deer checked, Pike with 390 and Macon with 378.

So far this year, firearms deer hunters have killed 221,490 deer. That is up 4,209 from the same time last year.

Two portions of Missouri’s firearms deer season remain. The muzzleloader portion

runs from December 17 through 27, and the late youth portion is January 7 and 8.

Besides increasing hunting opportunities, the antlerless season gives landowners a way of regulating local deer numbers by allowing hunters to remove female deer from the population.

Missouri’s estimated population of 1.4 million whitetails enables hunters to shoot more than 250,000 deer each year. That yields approximately 10 million pounds of venison. Hunters consume most of this meat. However, hunters donate more than 250,000 pounds of venison annually to local food banks and other charities through the Share the Harvest program.

Wild venison has less fat than organic, free range beef, which sells for anywhere from $7 a pound for ground meat, to $30 for steaks.

That puts the food value of Missouri’s white-tailed deer resource in the neighborhood of $200 million per year. Missouri’s deer resource also supports 11,000-plus jobs and generates more than $1 billion in business activity annually.

Economic value aside, deer hunting is a cherished tradition that draws thousands of Missouri natives back home to share healthful outdoor recreation with family and friends.

www.seniorservicesunltd.com

www.jenningshistory.org

Editorial

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 17

Common Sense is in danger Our son, Christopher, worries me sometimes. While our younger children, Michael and Samantha, tend to hold on to the majority of their half of the paycheck, Christopher’s half of his paycheck virtually burns a hole in his wallet, via the debit card. He enjoys his Dr. Pepper, and going to open gym at least once a week for something called “Parkour.” I worry this young man will never be able to actually save money for things that matter – a car, a home, retirement, etc. He’s not so different from many Americans who have eyes bigger than their wallets, so I think a motherly lecture on Common Sense is due.

I understand wanting something so bad you can taste it. That’s perfectly human. What I cannot understand is signing your life away because a slick and well-trained sales person tells you that you won’t have to pay a dime until 2014. Live for today, right? Never mind that when you’re 65 you’ll be living in a cardboard box.

What happened to the language of Common Sense? She says things like, “I’ll have to review these documents first,” or “This seems too good to be true,” or “Something in my gut tells me that I won’t be able to afford personal property taxes, insurance and gasoline for this $40,000 vehicle. Why are we so willing to ignore the gut feelings and sell our future (and quite possibly our souls) and our children’s future to keep up with the Joneses?

Our grandparents had the right idea. The time to buy is when the cold hard cash is in your quivering hand. Delayed gratification, not instant insanity. Is this really the life we want for our children?

Common Sense is suffocating my friends. We’ve buried her alive under a mountain of big-screen televisions, the newest and most gadget-stuffed cell

Recipe:

phones, and the latest must-have designer fashions.

Ask yourself a few questions. If I lost my job tomorrow, how long could I afford to live in my home? Do I have the cash to pay for the James Bondish cell phone (and the 2-year contract that accompanies it), or will I just charge it? If I die next week, will my children inherit a pile of debt along with Grandma’s pearls?

Common Sense. For too long Americans have looked past her to Lady Luck. Lady Luck is long gone, riding into the sunset with the Wall Street executives in Bentleys and Lamborghinis. Common Sense still has a pulse, albeit weak and thready. There is time to revive her. It will take tough love on our part, for our sake and the sake of our children. It will take saying the word, “No,” over and over when confronted with the latest and greatest. It will take a willingness to regain control over our own financial situations and lives.

Cash for Clunkers was nice, and there were some wonderful incentives for first-time home buyers. There are lots of people and more than a few plans out there designed to stimulate spending and get America moving in the right direction, and I applaud the ideas. I just pray that each of us takes a good hard look today at what we can realistically afford, and if it’s things we really need to fulfill our dreams. We’ve allowed things to become more important than people, and we’ve devalued values.

It’s time to let Common Sense, not nonsense, back into our hearts and minds.

She’s not new, nor is she hi-tech or come with 85,000 “apps.” The good news?

Common Sense is ready and waiting, and she’s free!

A Holiday Table Full of Flavor With Pure Maple Syrup (Family Features) Whether you invite a few friends for cocktails and snacks, or you’re hosting the whole crowd for a holiday meal, add warmth and richness to special dishes with pure maple syrup from Canada.

Maple and Mustard Pork Crown Roast Makes 18 portions Ingredients: - 1 10-pound pork crown roast - 6 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthwise - 1 cup pure maple syrup from Canada - 1/2 cup red wine - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley, thyme), divided - 1/2 cup Dijon mustard - 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter, divided - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2/3 cup chicken stock - 1/2 cup butter Directions: 1. Put roast in large roasting pan.

2. With sharp knife, prick meat in 12 places; insert a garlic slice in each incision.

3. In bowl, mix maple syrup, wine, onion and 1 tablespoon herbs; pour over pork.

4. Refrigerate 30 minutes, spooning marinade over pork every 10 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. 6. Pour marinade from pan into bowl; reserve.

7. Pat roast dry with paper towels.

8. In small bowl, mix mustard, 2 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper.

9. Spread entire roast with mixture; sprinkle with remaining herbs.

10. Bake 60 to 75 minutes, or until 160°F internal temperature.

11. Remove roast from pan to serving platter; loosely cover with foil.

12. Place pan on stove; add reserved marinade and chicken stock. Over medium-high heat, stir constantly until reduced by half, about 8 minutes.

13. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup butter; pour sauce around the roast. If desired, garnish with fruit and herbs.

Maple and Dark Chocolate Cake Makes 8 portions Ingredients: - 1 1/3 cups chocolate wafer crumbs - 2/3 cup chopped walnuts - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided - 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons strong coffee - 2 packets (1/4 ounce each) plain gelatin - 1 cup pure maple syrup from Canada - 1 cup milk Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. In mixing bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, walnuts and butter until well blended. Firmly press onto the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan; bake 10 minutes. Allow to cool.

3. Meanwhile, in small pan over low heat, heat 1 cup cream just until it steams. Remove from heat, add chocolate and coffee; whisk until smooth. Allow to cool 10 minutes; pour over the crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

4. In shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup cold water; evenly sprinkle gelatin over water and set aside to soften, about 1 minute.

5. In medium pan, over low heat, heat maple syrup, milk and 1

1/4 cups cream until steaming. Add softened gelatin; stir until dissolved. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour; pour over the firm chocolate layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

6. Run a knife along edge of cake; remove sides of pan and place cake on serving plate. If desired, decorate top with chocolate wafers and maple candy.

www.windowsandtheworks.com www.windowsandtheworks.com

www.highwaykdental.com

Sports

18 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Sports You See... With Gary B. Rascals Trade ‘Pitcher Of The Year’ Josh Lowey Heading To A Different League The Rascals have traded Lowey to the Wichita Wingnuts from the American Association for first baseman Gerardo Avila.

The team’s ace pitcher compiled a 28-9 record a little over two years while playing in O’Fallon.

He has appeared in three Frontier League Championship series, won the Championship series MVP award in 2010, and won the Frontier League Pitcher of the Year award in 2011.

Manager Steve Brook comments, “…Josh simply got to a point in his career when it was time to move on. He has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the Frontier League. Moving to an older league like the American Association will provide him the opportunity to showcase his talents in several other markets and hopefully earn a shot with an affiliated organization.” (info from Rascals website) ~~~Hope to see you in the ‘Bigs’ someday Former Player From Timberland High In The New York Spotlight Montee Ball Now Plays Halfback for the Wisconsin Badgers This past weekend all eyes were on the TV waiting to see who would win the coveted award that is presented to the best college football player, the Heisman Trophy.

Of the five candidates, Ball as a Junior, ran up against some tough competition. As it ended up he placed fourth certainly not what he wanted but just to be a part of the award ceremonies was an honor for him.

The 5’ 11” 180 lb. Wentzville resident who just turned 21 is majoring in Sociology in Wisconsin. ~~~A great accomplishment

December 15, 16, & 17 The Family Arena will host the GAC/Suburban South/West basketball forum with over 30 local high school teams in attendance.

Thursday and Friday the games start at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 am on Saturday.

Cheerleaders, dance teams, booster clubs, pep bands, coaches, parents, and basketball fans of all ages, will participate in this exciting event as they cheer their favorite teams to victory.

Go to www.FamilyArena.com to get all the details. ~~~Round ball marathon Rams Have Half Their Games At Home Hoping The 12th Player Will Spark A Victory Or Two With the first string (Sam Bradford) and second string quarterbacks (A.J. Feeley) seeing limited practice last week, the third stringer (Tom Bradstater) has been taking the majority of snaps at practice.

With the season pretty much a disaster, I’m sure the organization will not push Bradford the first round draft choice two years ago, into the game unless he is very close to 100%. This is a great opportunity for backup players to strut their stuff and make a statement.

Check the Ram’s website to get the details on the game this past week as the paper went to press before it started www.stlouisrams.com NEXT RAMS HOME GAMES: December 18 Noon against the Cincinnati Bengals January 1 Noon against the San Francisco 49ers (end of regular season) ~~~Great opportunity for second and third string players

High School Basketball Challenge

Fredbird Pays a Visit to Assumption School Former Cardinal John Mabry and Fredbird visited Assumption School in O’Fallon with the Doin It Right program to encourage kids to stay in school, exercise, and don’t use drugs. The program is sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals and Fox Sports Midwest.

www.centralcountyfire.org

www.sportszonestl.com

www.petlandstl.com

www.iaff2665.org

Health

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 19

A Healthy Pregnancy Later in Life Many women in the US today are choosing to have babies later in life. Although the majority of births are still by women in their 20s, birth rates among women in their By James N. Martin, Jr, MD President, The American 30s and 40s are the highest they’ve been in Congress of Obstetricians decades. and Gynecologists Women in their 30s and 40s have a very good chance of having a normal pregnancy, but certain factors that may complicate a pregnancy are more likely in older women than in younger women.

It may be harder to get pregnant. A woman’s fertility begins to decline in her early 30s. Eggs may not release from the ovaries as frequently, or they may not be as easily fertilized. Women over 35 are also more likely than younger women to have blockages in the fallopian tubes or conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, all of which could make pregnancy harder to achieve.

There is an increased risk of birth defects or genetic disorders. As a couple ages, they have a greater chance of having a baby with a birth defect or inherited disorder, such as spina bifida. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor or a doctor who specializes in genetics to assess your risk and help decide if genetic testing is appropriate. An ultrasound exam—called a nuchal translucency test—may be recommended at about week 10 or 11.

You may also be screened for chromo-somal problems during your pregnancy.

Common tests used are amniocentesis and chorionic villus (CVS) sampling. With amniocentesis, a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the baby is removed. With CVS, a small sample of the placenta is removed and tested.

Uncontrolled medical conditions can spell trouble. Medical problems that can complicate a pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are more common in older women. These conditions may lead to small or preterm infants and can also endanger the mother’s life.

Older women should be aware of the unique challenges that they may face during pregnancy. Talking to your doctor when planning a pregnancy can help you avoid or minimize some complications associated with later childbearing.

Before you become pregnant, try to schedule vaccinations and work on getting current medical problems under control. Your doctor may also suggest that you lose weight if you’re overweight and that you begin taking a folic acid supplement, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, reduce your stress levels, and get plenty of rest. Once you become pregnant, get to your doctor early and often for prenatal care. Regular prenatal visits will help you to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

For more information, the ACOG Patient Education Fact Sheet “Later Childbearing” is available at www.acog.org/For_Patients. aspx.

Economic Recession Takes Toll on Family Relationships, MU Researcher Says

By Jesslyn Tenhouse A majority of Americans rate their current financial situation as poor or fair, and nearly half of Americans say they have encountered financial problems in the past year, according to the Pew Research Center. A University of Missouri researcher studied how parents’ financial problems and resulting mental distress affect their relationships with their children. He found that parents who experience financial problems and depression are less likely to feel connected to their children, and their children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others.

“The study serves as a reminder that children’s behaviors are affected by issues beyond their immediate surroundings,” said Gustavo Carlo, Millsap Professor of Diversity in the MU Department of Human Development and Family Studies. “Families’ economic situations are affected by broader factors in our society, and those financial problems can lead to depression that hurts parent-child relationships.”

Previous research has indicated that parentchild connectedness is an important indicator of prosocial behavior in children. Prosocial behaviors lead to moral development, better outcomes in relationships and enhanced performance at work and school.

Unlike previous research that has focused on high-risk and low-income families, Carlo and his colleagues studied middle- to upper-

www.drmarcycooper.com

www.mycnews.com/Piglowski.pdf

www.ymcastlouis.org/ofallon www.ymcastlouis.org/stcharles www.ymcastlouis.org/tricounty

www.meadowlandsestates.com

middle-class families. Parents and children answered questions about economic stress, depression and connectedness between parents and children. A year later, the children reported how often they engaged in prosocial behaviors toward strangers, family members and friends.

“Even middle-class families are having financial difficulties, and it’s affecting their ability to be effective parents,” Carlo said. “When parents are depressed, it affects their relationships with their kids.”

Carlo suggests, when possible, that depressed parents seek treatment from a mental health professional. Parents also can seek help from their spouses, families, friends, churches and other community agencies. He recommends parents balance efforts to help themselves with spending quality time with their children.

“Raising kids is tough as it is,” Carlo said.

“When you have the added layers of financial difficulty and depression, it makes raising children even more challenging.”

The study, “A Test of the Economic Strain Model on Adolescents’ Prosocial Behaviors,” was published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence earlier this year. Carlo collaborated with researchers Laura Padilla-Walker and Randal Day at Brigham Young University. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

20 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

CHURCH December 18: Church of the Transfiguration Christmas Pageant 10:15 a.m. at 1860 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. Info: 636.561.8951.

Every Thursday at 7 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friends and Family Support Group Open to anyone who has a loved one suffering from any kind of addiction. Held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 66 Oak Valley Drive, St. Peters. For more information, email ARP-stln@hotmail.com.

Operation Backpack - United Methodist Church, Wentzville Food search program to provide food to at-risk children over the weekend when they don’t have access to free breakfast & lunch at local schools. There is a monthly financial need. It costs $5.40/child per week to provide backpack full of nutritious food. $200 provides a child w/

enough food for a year. Contact: 636.327.6377.

Truth Matters!! Free Bible Correspondence Course Call: 636.294.9468 or 636.272.3013. Come Learn God’s Word with us. Sun. 9:30 am. - Bible classes 10:20 am. Worship; Sun. 5 pm. - Worship; Wed Eve 7 pm. 2309 Markoe Avenue, Wentzville, MO 63385.

3rd Tues. Free Luncheon for Seniors.

Seniors 55+ enjoy free lunch, cards, games, bingo. From 11 am - 2 pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. Info: 636.561.8951.

2nd Wed.: Noon Luncheon Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell.

United Methodist Women provide main entree & bevs.

636.673.2144.

EVENTS December 14: Senior Sock

Hop at the St. Charles County YMCA 1-4 p.m. Come dance the afternoon away to 40’s and 50’s music. $5 Donation will go towards the Y’s Strong Community Campaign, which provides financial assistance towards Y programs for those in need.

December 14: Tri-County Women’s Luncheon/Program 11:15 a.m. at The Christy Banquet Center, 9000 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O’Fallon, Mo. Program by Anita Brooks “I Look Like My Daddy,” and music

by The Jingle Bell Carolers. Reservations: Janet 636.561.0956 or Pat 636.327.4082.

December 17: Cribbage Card Playing 1 – 4 p.m. at Bandana’s Bar-BQ in Wentzville (I-70 at Exit 208 on S. Service Road). Play 4-handed partner games. Fun and relaxing play. Register by email 512barbore@centurytel.net, or call Bud Arbore at 636.463.2978.

December 17: Breakfast with the Grinch at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 8-10:30 a.m. Breakfast, games, crafts & take your picture with

www.kslq.com

the Grinch! Register by Dec. 9 by calling 636.379.0092. $7/ person for public, $5/person for members. Photos - $10.

December 18: Service Of Solace 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S. Duchesne Drive, St. Charles for all those who have lost loved ones and are grieving at this time of year. As we acknowledge and honor our sadness we will lift it up to God in prayer, meditation, music and candlelight. We invite you to join us as we look for Hope in the midst of our grief and loss. For more info call 636 949-0160 or visit www.trinity-stcharles.org.

Now -December 31: Annual Lobby Auction at the St. Charles County YMCA Auction items are on display and available for bidding. Items include gift cards, exercise equipment, sports memorabilia, electronics & more. All proceeds benefit the 2012 Strong Community Campaign, which provides financial assistance towards Y programs for those in need.

January 1: Open House at the YMCA Start your New Year’s resolution on time!

www.facebook.com/mycnews

www.smith&daiberlaw.com www.midwestagency.com

• O’Fallon 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Zumbathon to benefit Strong Community from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. $20 to participate. T-shirts and snacks for each person who attends the Open House. Call 636.379.0092 for more.

• Tri-County 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. A variety of fun classes during this free event!

Call 636.332.5574 for more.

January 2: Youth Baseball/ Softball Registration Lake Saint Louis program for boys & girls, ages 5-15. Please view the parks and recreation section of www.lakesaintlouis. com for age specific league details and registration information.

Now - January 9: Youth Basketball Registration at the YMCA Season Starts February 4. Visit www.ymcastlouis.org for locations, age groups, schedules & pricing.

January 28: Strong Community Trivia Night at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Pezold Banquet & Meeting Center. $160 per table of 8, beer included. Heads or Tails, Dead or Alive, 50/50 drawings and raffles. Cash bar available. Bring own snacks. Register at www. ymcastlouis.org/ofallon or call 636.379.0092.

1st and 3rd Wed.: 7 p.m. St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Diverse group of people has a wide variety of carving skills ranging from novice to professional. Meetings include brief business mtg. followed by carving session. At Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles.

Visitors always welcome!

Hazelwoodwood High School 45th Class Reunion: We are having a class reunion in 2012 and are looking for classmates of Class of 1967. Please contact Kay at 1967hhshi@ gmail.com or 636 745-2601 for more information.

4th Mon.: 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 388 Meets At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

Crossroads Cribbage Club Every Wed. at 12 p.m.

Meets at Rizzo’s Bar & Grill, Wentzville, MO.

www.kristalcleanco.com

Every Thurs: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10:00 a.m - noon. Free. Join us every week to play your favorite board games, cards or dominos.

Bring a snack and your favorite stories to share. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 x230.

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 21

3rd Wed.: O’Fallon Family YMCA Prayer Breakfast 7:30 a.m. The Y has always been nonsectarian, accepting of all faiths. We encourage you to come as you are and join members and guests of our community for prayer and fellowship on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 for more information.

Every Wed. 6:45 p.m. Charity Bingo VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. Cash prizes awarded. Support Vets & other worthwhile charities.

Now a non-smoking facility. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org for more info.

Every Thurs., 11:45 a.m., Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon.

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. More info at www. ofkiwanis.com.

Every Fri.: 3–8 p.m. VFW Fish Fry VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane.

Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Every Weekend: Orchard Farm Radio Controlled Flying Club Bring your family to watch flying model airplanes. Directions: www.orchardfarm.com Info: 636.300.1480.

HEALTH December 19: Sharing Losses through Bereavement 1-2:30 p.m. at SSM Home Care & Hospice, 1187 Corporate Lake Drive. Regularly held the first & third Mondays of the month. To register, please call 314.SSM.DOCS (776.3627).

December 20: Life after Breast Cancer 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Community Education Room at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in LSL. A light dinner is provided. Please RSVP to janice_young@ssmhc. com and write LABC in the subject line, or call 636.498.7923.

December 28: Free Mammograms 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be

at Reliance Bank - Wentzville Ladies 40 years old and older are eligible (for those with little or no health insurance). Register at 636.332.3640.

January 10 - June 21: LIVESTRONG at the O’Fallon Family YMCA Trained instructors will lead small groups to help cancer survivors improve daily functional ability. The program will focus on reducing the severity of treatment side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self-esteem.

• January 10 - March 29, Tues & Thurs, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• February 20 - May 9, Mon & Wed, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• April 3 - June 21, Tues & Thurs, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Contact Kristi Bradley at 636.379.0092 for more info or to arrange an intake interview.

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Can email for further information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

• 1st and 3rd Monday: 9:30-11 a.m.

500 Medical Dr in Wentzville; doctors dining room of St Joseph Hospital; contact 636-5611407.

• 2nd and 4th Tuesday: 6:30-8 p.m.

2 Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, MO; 4th floor conference room of Progress West Hospital; contact 636-561-1407.

org. *Middendorf-Kredell Library (MK): 2750 Hwy K. *Progress West Healthcare Center (PWHC): 2 Progress Point Pkwy. * Progress West Medical Center (PWMC): 2630 Hwy. K. * St. Charles Community College (SCC): 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.

Club Those w/chronic lung disease.

St. Joseph Health Cntr., 300 1st Capitol Dr., St. Charles. Free lunch. 636.947.5684.

December 14: FREE Cholesterol Screening 9 a.m. - noon. PWHC. Appointment required.

Last Tues.: 7–8:30 p.m. HOPE (Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Group) Sponsored by SSM St. Joseph Health Cntr & SSM, at Harvester Christian Church, Rm CH–104, 2950 Kings Crossing.

636.928.7651, x. 115.

December 15: AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. PWHC. Course designed for drivers over age 50. Check with your insurance company to see if you’re eligable for a discount upon completion of the course! AARP Members $12, Non members - $14.

January 11 & 13: Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening 4-6 p.m. PWHC. Free screening in the brand new Cardiac Cath Lab on Jan 11. Breakfast on Jan 13 while Cardiologist Michael Missler gives an overview of test results & more. Space is limited, appts. required.

Every Mon.: 7 p.m. Tobacco Free for Life Support group. Free. St. Peters City Hall. 636.947.5304.

4th Tues: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group At HW Koenig Med Bldg, St Joseph Hosp. West. 636.625.5447

3rd Wed. 6:30–8 p.m. KidsCan! Siteman Cancer Center, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. Support children 4–12 w/parent/significant caregiver w/cancer.

1st Thurs.: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Conquer Support Group for adults w/ cancer. Siteman Cancer Cntr, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters.

Call 636.916.9920.

2nd Thurs.: 4 p.m. Support Group for Alzheimer’s

Delmar Gardens, 7068 S. Outer 364, O’Fallon. Call: Jennifer Krpan, Ralph Covinsky 636.240.6100.

4th Thurs.: 6:30–8 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group Siteman Cancer Cntr, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way. 636.928.WELL (9355) or 800.392.0936. http:// siteman.bjsph.org.

3rd Sun. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Alzheimer’s Meeting Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Rd., O’Fallon. Faith-based for caregivers, family of those w/ memory loss. 1.800.272.3900.

Gateway to Hope Program The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured & reside in Missouri.

Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or visit our Web site at www.gthstl.org.

1st Mon.: Better Breathers Crossword Solutions from page 14

Progress West HealthCare Center is proud to offer the following events to the community, FREE unless otherwise noted.

To register or get directions, call 636.344.CARE(2273) or visit www.progresswesthealthcare.

www.jeffowens-insurance.com

www.gibsonprinting.com

22 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

ATTORNEY

www.saintcharlesfamilylaw.com

help wanted

help wanted

Advertising Sales Rep North & Northwest St. Louis County

Drivers:

Top Paying Dedicated Runs!

Consistent. Freight, Weekly Home-Time for Solo’s and Teams!

Werner Enterprises:

1-888-567-3107

Active Buyer

Auction

help wanted

www.dawcstl.com

For Newspaper & Magazine

help wanted Full or part time.

Generous commission rate growing into base salary plus commission. Looking for ambitious self starter, self managed professional.

Work from home or office.

No experience necessary.

Send Resume to:

Publisher Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 No phone calls please.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Cute & Cozy Cottage!

Great weekend retreat or rental property! $55,000 9am-5pm

573.242.3112 6-9pm

573.242.9666

PUBLIC NOTICE

SERVICES

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Thank you, St. Jude.

R.J.H.

FREE Online Subscription

mycnews

2x2 c

PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

Check it Out!

regarding Mary’s Food Shop.

l-e rea stat e

$ 46

ecial sp

This charming cottage is within walking distance of downtown Clarksville and the beautiful Riverfront Park where you can actually “Touch the Mississippi”.

Boat ramp access available on the riverfront. 2 bedroom, full bath, family room, kitchen/dinette. Full bath completely remodeled including installation of over-sized shower. Ceiling fans in every room.

Central Air/Heat, Range, W/D. Quiet street. Fully furnished and ready to move in!

facebook.com/mycnews

Billy Hoelscher

Call Tom Mattingly 636-946-6164

NOVENA

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

SEEKING

Seeking

Holiday Services

per run

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

Classified Special!

For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items priced less than $200.

$15.00

with color

Call Brooke 636.697.2414

For a two-county circulation.

Your ad will run in both St. Louis County and St. Charles County at the same time, at no extra charge.

And when you buy two Wednesdays your ad will run in three newspapers, including the O’Fallon Community News, O’Fallon’s largest circulation paper.

Call

636-697-2414

Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2011 • 23

Since 1985

Full service painting interior & exterior pressure Washing houses, patios & concrete Deck & Fence staining/painting Wall paper removal office 314.837.2040 cell 314.629.7622

www.stcjunk.com

www.scrubbydutch.com

Call

636.379.1775

to place your ad!

Published Every Week for 90 Years Family-Owned & Operated

Copyright: Huneke publications, Inc. copyrights all advertisements produced by its staff.

Duplication without written permission is prohibited.

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366

St. Charles

Combined

cnews@centurytel.net ofcnews@centurytel.net www.mycnews.com

St. Louis

St. Louis

-

St. Charles

St. Charles

Combined

Combined

Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods.

Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run.

3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers.

Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

ON C RAZY

Inside...C OUP

y for 86 Years 1921 - Weekl Established & Operated ies Family Owned & St. Charles Count Louis Serving St.

ws.com www.mycne

Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Women’s

By Shelly A.

Fair

U FAB

C o o li n g It

a continental seminars and a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to fourth me For the the lunchti seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

exhibits and

er

!

toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles in the larval County resident Friendship stages, broods can upload s have the of mosquitoes greatest prevention method Day is Aufingertips. a two-mintoes are mainly Proper maintens right at their gust 5 and - propert of the pest variety, ance ute video the first to and are prevent y is the first step toward of the in light of emerge in the describ ing mosquito ion. All trash spring months Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to property should friend lights ten miles or be adequately more drained i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , to prevent a blood meal ..........3 women any pools or to lay ........... water that may eggs. to www.ra ........... puddles story.. r of last place high Cove County mosqui ten days or longer. diance ribtheir eggs directly ....................6 to control v a l u e ider....

McCauley lists on the water bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schne several things 9 on , surface, their may do to homeowners cies in this Florissant ..........8 friendships, group do - their summekeep mosquitoes from test closes Old Olay is offering venture ruining theirTown r: breeding sites. not ..10,far11from a chance to Aug. treat themsel women Charles.........

31, ves with a trip to New Explore St. York City. in October. .................12 See MOSQUITO No Olay is hosting City . . . . ............

Town page 3 sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the ......... called “Light . 414 School . .

Up Your Life. contest www.radiancer contest rules, visit Chamber. . . . . .Baute. ...... ........ ” Women ibbons.com. ts with Gary Religion 5 ...

Spor

UE

IN THIS ISS

a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast exercis plastic surmation on nence, and and urinary inconti al improvement person and bra fitting gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and “spirit be, the and wardro p made easy, hair, makeu

Movie Talk

........

16 ............ . . . ...

6

St. Peters

....

Cheese . . ........ ...

7

...

Better You 9 ........

It’s About .. 17 ......

10 2139 Bryan......................

Movie Review Valley Commer cial23Dr. • O’Fallon .22, , MO 63366 eds ......................

P: 636.379.1775

Classifi topics to ercial Dr. the spirit.

Valley Comm sessions (threetime frame) 2139 Bryan Seminar MO 63366 during each O’Fallon, a.m., and 1:30 choose from 636-379-1632 s a.m., 10:40 9-1775 • FX: t begin at 9:30 P: 636-37 centurytel.ne 1:15 p.m.

E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in the lunTAINMENT Doors open Film Group’s See ENTER feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari and Carmen A special ah Chris Kattan ear will be lin. y s i h t Cough n o che Dan by author page 3 presentation N’S FAIR See WOME

Movie . . . ........ ......

Sports . . .

12 ........ . . . . . . 14 Real Estate/A utomotive . . . . 15

F: 636.379.1632

E: ofcnews@ centurytel.net

Coupon Crazy ....

What’s Happen . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ing . . . . . . . . . 18 Classifieds ........ .......

22

www.mycnew

s.com

2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

Vol 9 No 28

‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Honor Friendships

vices.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers.

Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

July 11, 2007

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes.

Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.

Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so to obtain blood meal the needed While mosqui to lay viable eggs. more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es disea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to animal ers escalatin owng each year, ” health officials warned. “Effecti measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and water free much to control mosquito for disease transmission.”

S LOU

Schneider

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on at the 2007 to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s ay, Nov. 17, for Saturd . lous – set College unity Charles Comm in partnership college the St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a fun, includwill gather food, and laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s and more e speaker, ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

Mosquito Sea son By Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription.

The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the fast-growing Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with additional copies available in newsstands, plus online subscribers.

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

58206_CirMap.indd 2

Or, sign up for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION at www.mycnews.com

7/5/11 3:30 PM

24 • December 14, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Schools Invited to Fight Litter through “No 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide Now Available MOre Trash!” Contest the sponsoring schools,” said MDC No MOre Trash! coordinator Joe Jerek. “All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of $600 awarded to the sponsoring school, and a trophy.”

Jerek added that there is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must simply email a completed entry form and up to three photos of the completed trash can (with and without participating students) to nomoretrash@mdc.mo.gov. Email submissions are required. Deadline for entries is March 5.

“Littering isn’t just ugly, it hurts wildlife and the environment, it costs Missourians millions of tax dollars each year and it’s illegal,” Jerek said.

He added that MDC spends almost $1 million a year to clean litter from conservation areas and other department locations and MoDOT spends more than $5 million each year cleaning litter from Missouri’s roadsides.

Contest rules, entry forms, the “No MOre Trash!” logo, past contest winners, facts on litter and educational information are available at www.nomoretrash.org. For more information email nomoretrash@mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri elementary, middle and home school students K-8 are invited to help in the fight against litter in the Show-Me State -- and to have creative and educational fun -- by participating in the 2012 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The annual contest is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” campaign to raise awareness about Missouri’s litter problem and to discourage littering.

The contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media.

Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules and effective use of theme and logo.

“In addition to teaching kids about how litter hurts them, their families, community and the environment, first-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to

www.stchas.edu/dance

Those are a few of the words used to describe the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, which was chosen to represent the Show-Me State on the cover of the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, published by the Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT).

The 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, a 160-page travel companion with information on everything from attractions and must-see sites to lodging options and regional maps, now is available.

Although we’re still a few weeks away from the official start of winter, now is a great time to start planning your summer vacation. The Official Missouri Travel Guide can help; you can pick it up at a variety of locations across Missouri, including MDT’s seven Official Welcome Centers, MDT’s Affiliate Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus. If you’d like to order a copy of the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, you can do so online at www.VisitMO.com, and by calling 800.519.4800.

“Although we live in an era of smart phones and GPS devices, there’s something comforting about having the printed Travel Guide to carry along with you on a trip,” says Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “Our Travel Guide offers information about the unique and affordable places for visitors to enjoy in Missouri, whether they’re interested in the outdoors or museums, or just looking for a place to spend a quiet weekend.”

In addition to listings of tourism-related businesses around Missouri, the Travel Guide features dozens of color photos showcasing the state’s tourism assets. There are area-specific feature stories for each of Missouri’s five vacation regions: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast and Southwest, along with stories related to live entertainment venues, things you may not know about Missouri, and destinations that feature ziplines, scuba diving and haunted sites.

For more information about the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, please contact MDT Communications Director Sarah Luebbert at 573.522.5501 or at Sarah.Luebbert@ded.mo.gov.

It Pays to Use Our Card this Holiday Season.

Literally.

Platinum

® ®

Platinum with Re

wards 10/12

1234

R

MEMBE B.A. 1234

B.A. MEMB ER

10/12

Swipe and Win $750!

Now through December 31, each time you use your West Community MasterCard, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of three $750 cash prizes!

Our credit cards, with their low fixed rates, no annual fee and optional rewards, are a great way to pay for holiday expenses. Don’t have a card? You can still get one while the contest is running. Just stop by an office, call Member Services at option 3 or apply online.

The more you swipe, the better your chances for winning! Visit our website for details.

4161 Highway K | (636) 720-2400 www.westcommunitycu.org westcommunitycu.org Federally insured by NCUA. Additional coverage up to $250,000 provided by Excess Share Insurance Corporation, a licensed insurance company.