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Unusual Prenups Setting New Trend:

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Premarital contracts now include cash for kids, cheating and “skinny” clauses. Sta n g e La w F ir m , PC

Nowadays, couples negotiate the terms of their marriage in the form of a prenuptial agreement. While prenups are getting to be quite common, the terms being set are becoming more outrageous. These so- called “lifestyle clauses” include: “No piano playing while the husband is home,” “Wife not allowed to cut her hair” and “if the wife were to get pregnant, she’d have to have an abortion. He was in his 40s but didn’t want to have more kids. That was one of the craziest,” says Nancy Chemtob, a New York celebrity-divorce lawyer who is used to getting eccentric requests from her clients. How far will these clauses go? According to the article “New York’s Craziest Prenups,” by the New York Post, they are no longer exclusively for the wealthy. However, there is a real question about whether clauses such as these are even enforceable. Practically speaking, they are probably not, but many are apparently not deterred. One cheating clause stipulates that if a soon-to-be husband would cheat, his wife would get more money, $100,000 in the event of a divorce, and $140,000 if the husband cheated on her.

These so-called “lifestyle clauses” have nearly doubled in the past five years and are becoming more extreme. One stated: “If husband is rude or cruel to wife’s parents, husband agrees to pay $10,000 for each infraction.” Another: “If I become pregnant, husband agrees to pay wife $50,000 for carrying each child.” Clauses go on to include everything from a “smoke-free household” to “skinny clauses” that state if the wife exceeds a certain weight, she forfeits her allowance and if her husband weighs more than agreed to, he would pay wife $10,000. “New York is getting a hold of this and the men think this is a safety net to ensure skinny,” according to Patti Stranger, host of Bravo’s “Millionaire Matchmaker.” Another man dictates four home-cooked meals a week or his wife loses her shopping allowance. The list goes on and on.

Marcy Kaplan-Gold made her wedding and prenup experience into a move titled: “The Pre-nup.” She says,” I was literally planning my wedding and planning my divorce at the same time, going from bridesmaid dress fittings to lawyer meetings.” However, ten years have passed and the couple is still married. Her husband, Eric Gold who is a Hollywood producer, later apologized. Some would say these clauses are cold and unromantic, but feel they are necessary to establish the framework of marriage-one of the most important decisions anyone can make. One marriage mediator believes that thinking you need a prenup is “dangerous and it wreck marriages,” and calls lawyers who accommodate these lifestyle clauses “irresponsible.” Supporters, on the other hand, say the bonds of marriage ultimately stick. “Out of all our prenups, 90 percent are still married,” says Chemtob, “but I do see a lot of tears before the signing.” Negotiating a prenuptial agreement does not seem like the most romantic choice, but for many couples, it is the smart one. It allows marrying couples to protect their separate property during a marriage. At Stange Law Firm, PC, we help clients draft enforceable prenuptial agreements, and review and litigate them. For help regarding your specific situation, Stange Law Firm offers a free half hour consultation. Call us at 314-963-4700 or visit us online at St. Louis Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers. Source: New York’s craziest prenups, by Doree Lewak, New York Post

One longtime lawyer says, “These kinds of clauses are usually associated with someone who is very insecure or who has had a bad situation in the past.” They go so far to say that a wife cannot even look at another man. Access our mobile website with a mobile device.

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Stange Law Firm PC St. Charles Office 2268 Bluestone Drive St. Charles, MO 63303 Phone: 636-940-5900 www.stangelawfirm.com The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Illinois nor The Missouri/Illinois Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. The information you obtain in this ad is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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THOMAS SOWELL

SPECIALS at Mannino’s!

Is this still America? There are no winners in the trial of George Zimmerman. The only question is whether the damage that has been done has been transient or irreparable. Legally speaking, Zimmerman has won his freedom. But he can still be sued in a civil case, and he will probably never be safe to live his life in peace, as he could have before this case made him the focus of national attention and orchestrated hate. More important than the fate of Zimmerman, however, is the fate of the American justice system and of the public’s faith in that system and in their country. People who have increasingly asked, during the lawlessness of the Obama administration, “Is this still America?” may feel some measure of relief. But the very fact that this case was brought in the first place, in an absence of serious evidence – which became ever more painfully obvious as the prosecution strained to try to come up with anything worthy of a murder trial – will be of limited encouragement as to how long this will remain America. The political perversion of the criminal justice system began early and at the top, with the president of the United States. Unlike other public officials who decline to comment on criminal cases that have not yet been tried in court, Obama chose to say, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” It was a clever way to play the race card, as he had done before, when Professor Henry Louis Gates, of Harvard, was arrested. But it did not stop there. After the local police in Florida found insufficient evidence to ask for Zimmerman to be prosecuted, the Obama administration sent Justice Department investigators to Sanford, Fla., and also used the taxpayers’ money to finance local activists who agitated for Zimmerman to be arrested. Political intervention did not end with the federal government. The city manager in Sanford intervened to prevent the usual police procedures from being followed. When the question arose of identifying the voice of whoever was calling for help during the confrontation between Trayvon Martin and Zimmerman, the normal police procedure would have been to let individuals hear the recording separately, rather than have a whole family hear it together. If you want to get each individual’s

honest opinion, you don’t want that opinion to be influenced by others who are present, much less allow a group to coordinate what they are going to say. When the city manager took this out of the hands of the police, and had Martin’s family, plus Martin’s friend Rachel Jeantel, all hear the recording together, that’s politics, not law. This was just one of the ways this case looked like something out of “Alice in Wonderland.” Both in the courtroom and in the media, educated and apparently intelligent people repeatedly said things that they seemed sincerely, and even fervently, to believe, but which were unprovable and often even unknowable. In addition, the testimony of prosecution witness after prosecution witness undermined the prosecution’s own case. Some critics faulted the prosecuting attorneys. But the prosecutors had to work with what they had – and they had no hard evidence that would back up a murder charge or even a manslaughter charge. You don’t send people to prison on the basis of what other people imagine, or on the basis of media sound bites like “shooting an unarmed child,” when that “child” was beating him bloody. The jury indicated, early on as their deliberations began, that they wanted to compare hard evidence, when they asked for a complete list of the testimony on both sides. Once the issue boiled down to hard, provable facts, the prosecutors’ loud histrionic assertions and sweeping innuendoes were just not going to cut it. Nor was repeatedly calling Zimmerman a liar effective, especially when the prosecution misquoted what Zimmerman said, as an examination of the record would show. The only real heroes in this trial were the jurors. They showed that this is still America – at least for now – despite politicians who try to cheapen or corrupt the law, as if this were some banana republic. Some are already calling for a federal indictment of Zimmerman, after he has been acquitted. Will this still be America then? © 2013 Creators.com

I OPINION I 3

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4 I OPINION I

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

@MIDRIVERSNEWS NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to help; even they are overwhelmed with inquiries. They can only provide so much To the Editor: time; therefore placing the responsibility This is a very sad day indeed in the state upon the veteran to locate evidence. There of Missouri. It is unbelievable to me that are resources for veterans if those resources large corporate cellphone companies and were published. Many veterans just give up our governor trample on the local controls not knowing how and where to find required and rights of the planning and zoning pro- evidence relative to their branch of service. cess with local county and municipal govThe VA should provide these resources ernments. It makes me sick to my stomach. to help the veteran. We, as a county, need to stand up to Legislative bills if passed would cut red tape. these companies because it just is not right. The backlog can be significantly reduced for These bills (HB 331 and HB 345) and now those who did not have boots on the ground, laws are unconstitutional and we need to just the same are sick. It is about the dollars file an immediate injunction to stop the and politics, not about the veteran. What price laws from going into effect on Aug. 28. is a veteran worth? The American people We need to file a lawsuit to stop these bills must step forward urging Congress to do what from going into law. I will stand up and is right for our nation’s veterans. will be the plaintiff. Our 400,000 residents John J. Bury come first and foremost in all matters and US Navy, retired any causes. Along with every other county, city, town and village across the great state of Missouri, “people come first.” IRS I am calling for the county, the Mis- To the Editor: souri Association of Counties, the MisThe IRS wants access to your comsouri Commissioners Association, the puter. Every true American must speak up Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri against this anti-American government. City/County Management Association and The IRS uses government agencies to other groups to ban together to fight these directly attack conservatives and Pro-Life unconstitutional laws and fight the tele- organizations. The IRS wants passwords to communications companies. your computers and websites. We need to build and put together a very Who gave the orders? Targeting citizens, strong consortium to fight hard for all of us. patriots, conservatives, Christians and any Arnie C. Dienoff one that is pro-Constitution betrays America and the people. This anti-America government’s use of the IRS and government Do what’s right agencies to silence true Americans conserTo the Editor: vatives, patriots and Christians is destroyEach year as Congress assembles, new ing America from within. Anti-American legislative bills are introduced as previ- politicians drunk with power betray all ously introduced bills die. Some bills citizens. The lies, deception and cover-ups relate to Vietnam veterans who did not have been exposed. We now know that tarhave boots on the ground. Many served geting has been used for decades. at sea and in the air who need VA benefits How is it that conservatives, pro-life including compensation for their survival. groups and Christians are labeled terrorIt is well-known (that) Agent Orange ist by this administration, targeted by IRS dioxin, an herbicide used in Vietnam from and harassed by all government agencies. 1962 to 1973, is cause for many life-threat- Pro-Constitution groups, businesses and ening diseases for those who served. their families are targeted and attacked by Congress and the VA are well aware of this requiring mounds of documents to unconfact. Even though this is well known in Con- stitutional questions. gress, they continue to fail our veterans who Attacks on the infrastructure and framefought the battle. Without proper funding, work of America by this administration the VA cannot help many suffering veterans betray every citizen, business and family. of the Vietnam War. The backlog of submitMelesio Martinez ted claims is overwhelming. It can take a year or more for the VA to review a claim. Often is the case, the veteran is asked to College provide more evidence in support of a claim. To the Editor: Many veterans do not know how or where When I received my acceptance letter from to find additional supporting evidence. Vet- Saint Louis University School of Law two eran Service Officers are trained by the VA years ago, I could not have been happier, but

Sad state

I knew moving halfway across the country and signing up for three years of graduate education would be a large personal and even larger financial commitment. Through scholarships and a full-time job, I was fortunate enough to receive an undergraduate degree from Boston College without accumulating a large amount of student loan debt. However, I knew that over $100,000 in student loans would be necessary to finance my legal education, and the end result of having the ability to serve others in navigating this nation’s rule of law was – and still is – well worth the investment. With one more year of student loans ahead of me before I graduate in May 2014, I am deeply disappointed and frustrated with how my elected leaders in Washington, D.C., have handled the expiration of the student loan subsidies. On July 1, my Stafford student loan rates doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Two weeks ago, I watched the Democratic majority in the Senate sit on their hands as the June 30 deadline passed while I watched my future financial burden climb even higher. The House of Representatives passed legislation – modeled after a proposal that came from President Obama and the White House – that would prevent the student loan interest rate from automatically doubling on July 1. Student loan debt has outpaced credit card debt in recent years, and it is a problem that needs to be fixed; however, it cannot be fixed by Democrats in the Senate playing political games to score points with their base. When you’re trying to pick winners and losers in a debate like this one, the only losers are students like me, who are trying to establish a bright future for themselves and for the communities that they will serve. As a future lawyer saddled with substantial student loan debt, I will be forced to make decisions about who I represent and what employment offers I explore based on a salary, not based on who needs legal aid the most. That’s not why I applied to law school, and that is not how I want to practice as a lawyer. I came to law school to increase access to legal aid and to help those who may need it. It is very disappointing that my desire and ability to help others could be limited by politicians looking to influence elections rather than enacting good policy. I sincerely hope that the United States Senate stops thinking about their own political future and instead votes for the futures of millions of students that they represent. Michael K. Morton St. Louis Saint Louis University School of Law

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Classified Advertising Sales Ellen Thomas Writers Amy Armour Jonathan Duncan Brian Flinchpaugh Mary Ann O’Toole Holley Sue E. Steiniger 754 Spirit 40 Park Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 (636) 591-0010 ■ (636) 778-9785 Fax newsmagazinenetwork.com Please send Comments, Letters and Press Releases to: editormidrivers@newsmagazinenetwork.com Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is published 24 times per year by 21 Publishing LLC. It is direct-mailed to more than 61,000 households in St. Charles County. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by Mid Riverts Newsmagazine and views expressed in editorial copy are not necessarily those of Mid Rivers Newsmagazine. No part of Mid Rivers Newsmagazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Mid Rivers Newsmagazine. All letters addressed to Mid Rivers Newsmagazine or its editor are assumed to be intended for publication and are subject to editing for content and length. Mid Rivers Newsmagazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or editorial submission. © Copyright 2013.

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6 I OPINION I

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

@MIDRIVERSNEWS NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

THOMAS SOWELL

The Loss of Trust Amid all the heated cross-currents of debate about the National Security Agency’s massive surveillance program, there is a growing distrust of the Obama administration that makes weighing the costs and benefits of the NSA program itself hard to assess. The belated recognition of this administration’s contempt for the truth, for the American people and for the Constitution of the United States, has been long overdue. But what if the NSA program has in fact thwarted terrorists and saved many American lives in ways that cannot be revealed publicly? Nothing is easier than saying that you still don’t want your telephone records collected by the government. But the first time you have to collect the remains of your loved ones, after they have been killed by terrorists, telephone records can suddenly seem like a small price to pay to prevent such things. The millions of records of phone calls collected every day virtually guarantee that nobody has the time to listen to them all, even if NSA could get a judge to authorize listening to what is said in all these calls, instead of just keeping a record of who called whom. Moreover, Congressional oversight by members of both political parties limits what Barack Obama or any other president can get away with. Are these safeguards foolproof? No. Nothing is ever foolproof. As Edmund Burke said, more than two centuries ago: “Constitute government how you please, infinitely the greater part of it must depend upon the exercise of the powers which are left at large to the prudence and uprightness of ministers of state.” In other words, we do not have a choice whether to trust or not to trust government officials. Unless we are willing to risk anarchy or terrorism, the most we can do is set up checks and balances within government -- and be a lot more careful in the future than we have been in the past when deciding whom to elect. Anyone old enough to remember the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, when President John F. Kennedy took this country to the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, may remember that there was nothing like the distrust and backlash against later presidents,

whose controversial decisions risked nothing approaching the cataclysm that President Kennedy’s decision could have led to. Even those of us who were not John F. Kennedy supporters, and who were not dazzled by the glitter and glamour of the Kennedy aura, nevertheless felt that the President of the United States was someone who knew much more than we did about the realities on which all our lives depended. Whatever happened to that feeling? Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon happened -- and both were shameless liars. They destroyed not only their own credibility, but the credibility of the office. Even when Lyndon Johnson told us the truth at a crucial juncture during the Vietnam war -- that the Communist offensive of 1968 was a defeat for them, even as the media depicted it as a defeat for us -- we didn’t believe him. In later years, Communist leaders themselves admitted that they had been devastated on the battlefield. But, by then it was too late. What the Communists lost militarily on the ground in Vietnam they won politically in the American media and in American public opinion. More than 50,000 Americans lost their lives winning battles on the ground in Vietnam, only to have the war lost politically back home. We seem to be having a similar scenario unfolding today in Iraq, where soldiers won the war, only to have politicians lose the peace, as Iraq now increasingly aligns itself with Iran. When Barack Obama squanders his own credibility with his glib lies, he is not just injuring himself during his time in office. He is inflicting a lasting wound on the country as a whole. But we the voters are not blameless. Having chosen an untested man to be president, on the basis of rhetoric, style and symbolism, we have ourselves to blame if we now have only a choice between two potentially tragic fates -the loss of American lives to terrorism or a further dismantling of our freedoms that has already led many people to ask: “Is this still America?”

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8 I NEWS I

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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News Br iefs COTTLEVILLE Board approves subdivision The city of Cottleville welcomed a new builder to the neighborhood earlier this month. The Cottleville Board of Aldermen approved a new single family residential community off of Gutermuth Road. “Lombardo Homes is developing and building the 64-lot community called Estates at Timberleaf,” said City Administrator Scott Lewis. The average home price is expected to be in the upper $300,000 range.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY New updates The Missouri Department of Transportation is testing a new plan to try to reduce the number of interstate crashes caused by drivers rear-ending slowed or stopped traffic. On July 22, MoDOT began a test project to share certain speed information on electronic overhead dynamic message signs (DMS) on I-70 from St. Charles County to downtown. When average speeds on I-70 decrease to less than the posted speed limit, MoDOT will automatically display a variable advisory speed message on the DMS that the speeds ahead are significantly reduced. MoDOT traffic engineers said this message is intended to get drivers’ attention and encourage them to slow down before they reach slowed or possibly stopped traffic ahead of them. MoDOT currently displays travel times on its most of its overhead boards. That information will remain. The variable advisory speed information posted on the I-70 signs will appear on the third line. “We believe this information, combined with the travel times on the boards can help drivers make decisions about speed that will lower the number of rear-end type crashes that occur daily

on our roadways,” said Tom Blair, MoDOT’s assistant district engineer in St. Louis. Blair said the variable advisory speed message is just the latest effort in MoDOT’s regional approach to managing traffic and providing safety information to motorists.

O’FALLON New city administrator Bonnie Therrien has been named as the new city administrator for O’Fallon after a two-month national search. She will start the position on Aug. 5. Therrien comes to O’Fallon from Connecticut, where she served in numerous roles in city management, most recently as the interim town manager for North Branford, Conn. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in city management to O’Fallon, having worked as a town manager and assistant town manager for cities ranging in population from 9,500 to more than 150,000, according to an O’Fallon press release. “We went into this process hoping to find a candidate with significant experience but also someone with fresh ideas who could really make an impact on the direction of our city,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “It was clear, as this process went on, that Bonnie was exactly that person. She impressed our entire committee with her honesty, integrity and her vast and varied experience. The position in O’Fallon brings Therrien to the Midwest for the first time in her career. Therrien said the opportunity to lead O’Fallon was too exciting to pass up. “I am very much looking forward to moving to O’Fallon and working with the mayor and City Council to lead our city for the betterment of our citizens, businesses and taxpayers,” Therrien said. “The city administrator’s position greatly appealed

to me because of the forward-thinking attitude of the mayor and City Council, the high caliber of the department heads and staff, and the enthusiasm of the residents and businesses in O’Fallon. Therrien has a master’s of science in public administration and a master’s of arts in criminal justice from American International College, a liberal arts college, in Springfield, Mass.

Neighborly assault An O’Fallon man was charged with assaulting his neighbor — a Hazelwood police officer — earlier this month. The O’Fallon Police Department was called to 1500 block of Indian Springs Drive on July 14 in reference to a neighborhood dispute. John J. Kahr is accused of grabbing his neighbor’s arm and pulling it into his vehicle. Police said Kahr then started driving his car, forcing the victim to run alongside the vehicle for approximately 30 feet. Kahr released his grip before fleeing the scene. The victim and an O’Fallon police officer later attempted contact with Kahr at his residence and were allegedly greeted by Kahr who was carrying an assault rifle. Police said Kahr retreated into the garage after refusing to drop the weapon. The police officer was able to enter the garage, kick Kahr in the chest and take him into custody with no further incident. Kahr has been charged with second degree assault of a police officer. Bond was set at $50,000, cash-only.

Be safe this summer Cuivre River Electric Cooperative reminds area residents to be aware of the dangers of electricity while working outdoors this summer. “Play it safe with electricity,” said Cuivre River Safety Coordinator Doug Bagby. “Accidents involving power lines usually happen when someone doesn’t take the time to look up and observe the whole situation.” Cuivre River suggests residents check

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ST. CHARLES Art grants support SCRA Saint Charles Riverfront Arts (SCRA) recently received multiple grants in support of its 2013-14 community arts education programs. Saint Charles Riverfront Arts programming includes the annual Spring ArtWalk, the second Thursdays community arts series, and its Artists Workshop classes. These signature programs are the primary venues to support the organization’s mission of growing an arts community throughout St. Charles County. “Over the past eight years, Saint Charles Riverfront Arts has become an important, vibrant element of the St. Charles community,” said Board President Lou Cariffe. “With this financial support for our arts education programming, SCRA can continue to grow and contribute to the entire St. Charles region in terms of opportunities for public cultural enrichment and the promotion of the visual and performing arts.” Saint Charles Riverfront Arts is seeking additional grants, as well as individual and corporate tax-deductible contributions. As a 501 (c) 3 organization, SCRA can also accept tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under the IRS Tax Code. The arts and education grants awarded to SCRA were made on behalf of: Ameristar Casinos, General Motors, Missouri Arts Council and St. Charles Arts and Culture.

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outdoor electrical outlets for protective weatherproof covers and be sure GFCIs are operating properly by using the test button. Always carry a ladder horizontally, and before setting it up, check to see if power lines are located overhead or nearby. Residents should also be alert and watch for power lines when operating tall machinery or equipment outdoors. “Just use common sense when working around power lines. Look up and survey the scene around you,” Bagby said. “Also make sure to contact Missouri One Call before you dig to avoid hitting a buried power line.”

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Torch run stops in St. Charles The Show-Me State Games and Shelter Insurance hosted a Torch Run in Frontier Park on July 9 in preparation for the 2013 Show-Me State Games. The Show-Me State Games is an Olympicstyle sports festival with more than 40 sporting events hosted annually in Columbia, Mo. It is the largest event of its type in the country and this year brought back the Torch Run. St. Charles was chosen to host a Torch Run event in part because of the large number of Show-Me State Games participants who come from the St. Charles area. A cannon shot from the Milicia de San Carlos signaled the start of the St. Charles leg of the run, which began at Jaycee Stage and ended at the Lewis & Clark Boat House. The event was also highlighted by a welcome from Mayor Sally Faith, an appearance from a previous medaling team from the 2012 Games, the St. Charles Heat, and a ribbon-cutting from the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. The 2013 Show-Me State Games will take place July 26 through July 28 in Columbia.

Cowbell adds full marathon The third annual MO’ Cowbell will include a full marathon this October. With more than 4,500 runners this year, organizers added the full marathon option for the first time this year. The race will also include a half-marathon, half-marathon relay and 5K. “We started with the dream of a fun-filled community race that would promote fitness and the uniqueness of Greater St. Charles,” said Race Director Kerin Miller. “With all of our new additions to MO’ Cowbell, there is definitely something for runners of all abilities, and even walkers are welcome.” Hailed as “the fastest and flattest course in the St. Louis region,” the MO’ Cowbell Marathon is a certified course and can be used as a qualifier for national races like the Boston Marathon. MO’ Cowbell is organized by the civic group, Partners for Progress of Greater St. Charles, with the assistance of Big River Running Company. For 2013, a portion of race proceeds will go to the “Take 20 and Read” program of the St. Charles CityCounty Library District to promote reading and literacy. This year’s race starts 7:30 a.m. on Sun., Oct. 6 from Frontier Park in St. Charles. For more information, visit MOCowbellRun.com.

Man zaps wife with stun gun A 25-year-old St. Charles man allegedly used a stun gun on his wife repeatedly after he couldn’t find his wallet on July 2. Police said Brian David O’Neill, of the 800 block of North Sixth Street, used a Concorde

Defender 3.8 million volt model on his wife’s neck after arguing. She tried to get away from him, but police say he pinned her to the ground, shocking her stomach and thighs. The woman was able to get to her car, but O’Neill allegedly stunned her again while she was in the vehicle. He then threw the stun gun into the neighbor’s yard and fled on foot. O’Neill has been charged with second degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, second degree property damage and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. A $35,000 cash-only bond was set.

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ST. PETERS Felony stealing A 43-year-old St. Peters woman has been charged after allegedly stealing the wallet of an 83-year-old woman at Walmart on June 28. According to police Tracy Mechelle Jennings, of the 700 block of Queens Court Place, approached the 83-year-old victim at the St. Charles Walmart. Jennings told the victim that she was hired to help customers find items in the store. Jennings helped the woman shop, and then loaded her groceries into her car. The victim leaned into her backseat to retrieve a can of beans to give to Jennings as a thank you and Jennings then left. When the victim checked her purse, she noticed her wallet containing several hundred dollars was gone. Police said the theft was caught on security footage which showed the suspect taking the wallet out of the purse while the victim was reaching into the back seat to get the can of beans to give to the suspect. Jennings then concealed the wallet on her person. A $25,000 cash-only bond was set.

Sobering facts Nearly 30 percent of Missouri traffic fatalities are due to impaired driving. In 2012, 217 people were killed and 815 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. St. Peters Police Department will be working with the St. Charles County DWI Task Force to attempt to remove impaired drivers from the road. Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of driver’s license, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Missouri also has a zero tolerance law. If you are under 21, your license will be suspended if you’re caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system. “Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences,” said Chief Jeff Finkelstein. “It is our goal to keep the streets of St. Peters safe throughout the year.” For more information, please visit www. saveMOlives.com.

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JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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NORMANDY STUDENTS COMING TO FHSD

Large crowd shows up for FHSD meeting as district awaits new students By SUE E. STEINIGER A town hall meeting held Thursday, July 11, to address questions about the possible transfer of Normandy School District students this fall to the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) offered few definitive answers. Approximately 2,500 parents and other interested parties crowded into the Francis Howell Central High School gymnasium to hear from district administrators. The meeting lasted three hours instead of the planned 90 minutes. Many attending the public meeting said they had not been notified by the FHSD of the Normandy situation and were clearly upset, angry and looking for answers from school administrators. The responses during the meeting brought strong and highly emotional reactions from the crowd and from some the administration members. Parents, grandparents, students and teachers from both Francis Howell and Normandy districts stood in line to express their concerns. Carl Peterson, former president of the Ferguson/Florissant School Board, said he knows about transferring and busing half his students were bused from the city of Kinloch. His concern was that the Ferguson/Florissant and Hazelwood school districts could lose accreditation and its students may soon follow Normandy to St. Charles County in the near future, if the laws are not changed and the situation is not quickly addressed. Tiffany Gregory said she came to the FHSD from the Hazelwood School District (HSD) to get away from the threats to her children and the security issues at HSD. “This is not a black or white issue; it’s about what a child is being taught,” Gregory said.

“The Normandy kids are not performing in their own school districts, so you bring them to Francis Howell, and then Francis Howell comes down.” Pam Sloan, superintendent of FHSD, responded, “I want to reiterate and clarify here that we do believe every student comes to us to get an education. We do not intend to lower our expectations.” The crowd interrupted with strong comments and drowned out her words. Sloan continued, “We did not ask for this. We are dealing with what has been given to us, so please don’t make us out to be the enemy. We are doing everything we can to make this as good as we can.” The comment from the crowd came with a loud “Then do it.” “I know what Normandy is going through, but everybody is not the same,” said Jemila Robertson, a Normandy parent of two. She faced the audience as she spoke. “Please do not judge everyone. Maybe these kids have changed, maybe they are good. When those kids come out here, treat them how they are supposed to be treated - don’t judge them.” Her appeal prompted a huge round of applause from the audience. Two FHSD students, Eric Lee and Gavin Galanes, came out in support of the new students. “As representatives of the student body of Francis Howell, we are happy to have these new students at our school,” Lee said. “We understand that we are kids and are not the ones paying taxes, but we are the ones that are going to be seeing them every day.” Sloan told the crowd new details that generated more angry outbursts — especially that the Normandy students who transferred would be included in state test

scores with Francis Howell. State officials issued the new policy on July 10. One unidentified parent said parents were not getting the answers they need. “We need you to make a decision. We need to know what to expect before school starts. We need facts.” Sloan said, “We would love to give you answers, but we just do not know.” Board members and administrators explained that the district has little room but to comply with the court decision handed down in June. Sloan explained that the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision in a June ruling was based on the Breitenfeld v. School District of Clayton case. The decision states children living in unaccredited school districts such as Normandy and Riverview Gardens in St. Louis County may transfer to higher-performing schools in the same or adjoining counties. The Normandy Board of Education was allowed to choose an accredited district where they could pay for transporting their students. The Normandy board chose Francis Howell. Riverview Gardens chose the Mehlville School District. Normandy parents can choose other districts for their children but would have to pay for transportation. The unaccredited school systems – not families – also have to pay tuition for each student who transfers to an accredited district. For now, Sloan and other district officials say they are scrambling to address a myriad of questions about the transfers, with Francis Howell’s first day of school looming on Aug. 8. FHSD Board of Education President Marty Hodits told MRN that on Aug. 1 the district will

Jamila D. Roberson, a parent from Normandy School District, tells FHSD parents “Do not judge everyone.” (MRN photo)

know how many slots will be open for the Normandy students. At MRN press time, Hodits said 240 Normandy students had applied. The district works under the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) numbers for desirable classrooms. That plan dictates a maximum of 25 students per class for kindergarten through second grade; 27 students for third through fourth grade; 30 students for fifth through sixth grade; and 33 per class for grades seven through 12. If classes are above the DESE numbers, Hodits said there would be a lottery to choose See FHSD MEETING, page 14

Unaccredited district has little impact on students With all the talk of Normandy students ever, higher education institutions set coming to the Francis Howell School their own policies and criteria for admisDistrict, MRN checked what students sions. DESE suggests families contact might face if they attended the unaccred- the admissions office at the institution ited Normandy School District. under consideration to determine that According to the Mo. Department of program’s policy. Education’s (DESE) website, students An unaccredited district classification who graduate from an unaccredited does not reflect the qualifications or accomschool district still receive diplomas. plishments of any individual student. StuHigher education institutions typically dents who graduate from an unaccredited consider multiple sources of information school district should be eligible for any (transcript, ACT/SAT score, portfolio, scholarship for which they would otherrecommendations, etc.) when determin- wise qualify. As with school admission, ing whether to admit a student. DESE families should contact the financial aid has not identified any instance where a office of any program under consideration. student who graduated from an unaccredEligibility for interscholastic activities for ited school district has been disqualified most schools is determined by the Missouri from consideration for admission. How- State High School Activities Association

(MSHSAA). MSHSAA By-Law 3.10.4 pro- tation being regained and; the transfer does vides that students who transfer schools or do not involve undue influence and is not for not meet the requirements for residency upon athletic reasons. So why would Normandy students enrollment at the school are ineligible for 365 days unless they meet one or more excep- get on a school bus before daylight, and tions. Exception 4 relates to students trans- return home after the sun goes down just ferring from an unaccredited public school: to attend Francis Howell School District? Normandy’s data shows its students’ A student may be eligible upon his or her first transfer from an unaccredited public 2012 MAP scores to be below both school to an accredited public school where Kansas City and St. Louis school disthe student’s tuition is required by state law tricts’, which are also unaccredited. Prior to be paid by the home district provided the to this year, Normandy School District transfer does not involve undue influence had a provisional accreditation. and is not for athletic reasons. Likewise, a By state law, an unaccredited school student may be eligible upon his/her first district has two full years to achieve transfer back to his/her home school if the accreditation by demonstrating a sustainschool regains accreditation provided: the able level of academic progress. Source: www.dese.mo.gov student transfers within 365 days of accredi-

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FHSD facing a number of problems, few known solutions By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH The busing of students from the Normandy School District this fall to the Francis Howell School District will probably be an ongoing saga. For now, however, school district, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) officials, state legislators and county officials are left with largely “inventing on the fly” their responses to the situation. Those are the words of Fort Zumwalt School District Superintendent Bernard DuBray, whose neighboring school district to Francis Howell isn’t mandated to receive buses from the Normandy School District. “We really won’t see a lot of this addressed until next year,” said DuBray. He said Fort Zumwalt has had three inquiries so far from two parents in the Riverview Gardens and one from parents in the Normandy School District about attending Fort Zumwalt. Because the Francis Howell school year starts Aug. 8, FHSD officials are scrambling to address transfers of possibly hundreds of new students to the district. A Missouri Supreme Court’s decision in June involving a court case, Breitenfeld v. School District of Clayton prompted the controversy. The court’s decision allows children living in unaccredited school dis-

tricts such as Normandy and Riverview Gardens in St. Louis County, may transfer to higher-performing schools in the same or adjoining counties. The Normandy Board of Education was allowed to choose at least one district where its could pay for transporting its students wishing to attend an accredited school district. The Normandy board chose Francis Howell. Riverview Gardens choose the Mehlville School District. Normandy parents can choose other districts for their children but would have to pay for transportation. The unaccredited school systems – not families – also have to pay tuition for each student who transfers to an accredited district. Since then, Francis Howell officials have been trying to address a myriad of questions. DESE has provided guidance in addressing some questions. “We will continue to work with the school districts,” said Margie Vandeven, a deputy commissioner with DESE. Vandeven and district officials say answers to an obvious question about how many Normandy students will transfer will occur after Aug. 1, the deadline for parents to file paperwork for transferring their children for the 2013-14 school year. In future years, parents have to notify districts by Feb. 1. The FHSD board is examining its class

size policy, which may be one measure of controlling the number of students the district can take. State officials say districts should adopt and publish a policy for class sizes and student-teacher ratios by Aug. 1. The policy should be reconsidered and adopted by Jan. 15 in coming years. But there are other questions raised by parents, including whether new students would pose safety and security issues. DESE statistics state that Normandy had more than 12 incidents per 100 students or 361 suspensions of 10 or more days in 2012, compared to 280 suspensions or about three per 100 students at Francis Howell. The state also reported three violent incidents per 100 students last year, compared to about .2 incidents in Francis Howell. Francis Howell, however, has had more drug related incidents per 100 students than Normandy for the last several years. DESE also issued guidelines on July 10 that Normandy student test scores will be included with Francis Howell student scores. Normandy students can also participate in Francis Howell athletics and student activities. The Normandy district will pay student tuition for its students attending accredited districts. The tuition rate for Francis

Howell is about $11,000 annually; and Fort Zumwalt rate is about $9,600, said DuBray. Normandy will also pay for transportation of students to Francis Howell. “It won’t affect our state funding,” said Kevin Supple, the chief financial officer for Francis Howell. Supple said tuition is expected to cover expenses including special programs. State officials are reviewing how federal monies will be dispersed. “We don’t feel it will be financially detrimental to the district,” Supple said. Other issues are expected to continue to be discussed and debated in coming weeks including calls for legislative action by local legislators and the impact of new laws on unaccredited districts. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann has sent a letter to Peter Herschend, president of the state Board of Education calling for quick action by the board to appoint a special administrative board to oversee the Normandy School District. Senate Bill 125 allowing the action was signed into law July 12 by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. “We both know that the only sure solution is to fix the Normandy School District, and I believe that can be achieved only by the appointment of a special administrative board,” Ehlmann stated in the letter.

“After 25 Years There Is A Major Difference...” Dear Neighbors, One beautiful late spring afternoon, twenty-five years ago, two young women graduated from college. They were very much alike. Both had been better than average students, both were personable and health conscious and both – as young college graduates are – were filled with ambitious dreams for the future. Recently, these women returned to their college for their 25th reunion. They were still very much alike. Both were happily married. Both had three children. And both, it turned out, had lived in the same city for years without knowing it.

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JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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Hot weather is conducive to fast-paced work on Page Extension By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH A hot, dry St. Louis area summer may not be comfortable but it’s just what the doctor ordered for completing the final section of Hwy. 364, also known as the Page Avenue Extension. Rainy weather since construction began in May hasn’t been conducive for moving earth along the final 9-mile route. But warm temperatures now have construction crews playing catch up and Missouri Department of Transportation officials don’t anticipate major delays in completing the project. “Right now, we’re a little behind schedule,” said Michael Castro, MoDOT’s project engineer. “We’ve had a very wet spring and summer.” Castro said the project may be about a week behind schedule. Page Constructors, the major contractor, is working construction crews double shifts to make up for lost time, Castro said. Dry weather will help in catching up with grading work – the major aspect of project work underway. The $118.2 million third phase of the extension is the culmination of a decadeslong effort to extend Page Avenue 21 miles from Bennington Place in St. Louis County to I-64 at Hwy. N. The final 9-mile divided highway will extend from Hwy. 94 at Mid Rivers Mall Drive through Cottleville, southern O’Fallon and Dardenne Prairie to Lake Saint Louis. Construction has begun and the new highway will open in three sections in the fall of 2014 with final completion by around Dec. 1 of that year. Castro said grading work continues

ing their belief that the school district had not done its job in preventing the situation. Some which Normandy students would fill the seats. charged that Francis Howell administrators He added that if a child picked by lottery had had not kept the parents informed as to the siblings also coming to the district, the sib- potential transfer of students from Normandy. lings would also be permitted to attend. “We Regarding other issues, Hodits explained don’t want to break up families,” Hodits said. that NSD does not have metal detectors. Francis Howell administrators said However, the district uses detection wands the district has space in some buildings if any violence occurs. to accommodate additional students, As for the drug sniffing dogs, “We although space varies in different schools. already use those,” Hodits said. “We have Francis Howell officials have received them brought in from time to time.” Regarding the bus ride from the Normandy some guidance from DESE but some answers may not be known until Aug. 2, School District, Hodits said, “I’m not sure the deadline for those who want to transfer they (NSD officials) understand how big our district actually is.” There are 23 buildings in from NSD to file paperwork. Many attendees at the meeting were not the district with schools from New Melle to inclined to fully accept the administration’s St. Charles. Hodits mentioned that drivers and explanations. The meeting remained emo- NSD may not be aware of the traffic problems tionally charged with parents loudly express- at Hwy. 94 and Hwy. 40-61 each morning.

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with work focusing on work on Gutermuth Road in Cottleville. A new bridge will carry Gutermuth Road over Hwy. 364. MoDOT officials say pile driving will begin at the bridge site this month, followed by work on retaining walls and new bridge supports. Paving is expected to be completed in mid to late August with the bridge expected to be open by Aug. 30. Dirt is also being moved on the east side of Hwy. K to prepare for a Hwy. 364 bridge over Hwy. K. Excavation work continues for a new Bryan Road bridge that will span Hwy. 364. Blasting operations for several weeks starting at the end of July may occur once or twice a day at about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Bryan Road traffic will be stopped momentarily for the blast. Four temporary cross streets between Hwy. N and South Outer 364 in O’Fallon also are being closed with grading being underway. Brassel East and Brassel West, two of the cross streets, were closed July 15. Two other cross streets, Twin Chimneys East and Twin Chimneys West, are scheduled to close July 29. The connection of Hwy. N to South Outer 364 at Bates Road will remain open until about Nov. 1. At that time, Hwy. N will connect to Bryan Road, and the crossing to Bates Road will close. The temporary emergency–only crossing for the O’Fallon Fire Station on South Outer 364 will remain open for as long as construction activities don’t interfere with it. MoDOT officials say the fire district will be notified in advance of when their temporary crossing will close later this year.

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Road near proposed senior care facility draws questions By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH A proposed senior care and retirement community on a 38-acre site in Lake Saint Louis – a facility that may be the first of its kind in the city – drew questions this month from several residents The residents are worried about the location of a construction road that they believe may disrupt nearby neighborhoods. “It’s a safety issue,” said Darla Wright, a resident who lives along Freymuth Road, near where a temporary construction road would be built to access the site. She said she already has a difficult time getting to her driveway with construction activity now underway. Wright and about 15 residents attended a public hearing on July 15 before the city’s Board of Aldermen on a rezoning of the 38 acres from non-urban to business park and on a site plan application for the site. The board gave a first reading to the rezoning and site plan application bill but delayed any final action until its next meeting on Aug. 5. The site is on 37.29 acres between Civic Park Drive and Freymuth Road, bounded by Dauphine Drive to the east. Lutheran Senior Services has proposed developing the community, which would include four buildings in its first phase. The buildings include two four-story independent living apartment buildings, a four-story health center building with 80 beds for long-term and assisted-living care, and a two-story center that would include dining, activity spaces, and marketing and administrative offices. Wright and other residents say they thought that the construction road issue had been addressed in a June 13 public meeting for residents held by Lutheran Senior Services. But Mark W. Schoedel, vice president for construction and technology for Lutheran Services, discussed the construction access road when he outlined plans for the project to the board. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning after a public hearing at its July 2 meeting. Schoedel said Lutheran Services was attracted to the site because the city lacks a living and care facility for older adults. The site is also accessible to shopping and health care and is adjacent to Living Lord Lutheran Church. An earlier proposal for a similar but higher density development in 2008 drew strong opposition because of concerns about protecting trees and open space, traffic congestion, landscaping and storm water flow, and access to the site through nearby subdivisions. Schoedel said the new proposal addresses many of these concerns. About 26 acres of woods and grasslands will remain, provid-

ing a buffer between the development and nearby homes. Most of the storm water from the site will be directed to an existing stream channel on the west side of the site and flow under I-64 into the Peruque Creek. A number of “best management practices” for storm water quality, including rain gardens, will be used to reduce pollution and other impacts. The two independent living apartment buildings will have 88 units each with parking spaces. The health center would have 80 beds. An emergency exit that leads to a road though Seasons Parkway subdivision would be gated and only used by fire or other emergency responders. The site would be served by a “ring road” around the site. Expansion of the health center and another building adding more than 150 beds could be part of a future development phase. That expansion could include another 73-unit apartment building over an underground parking garage, a second future health center with 80 more beds and four one-story cottages. The development also requires approval of a certificate of need by the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee, which oversees requests for additional senior living and hospital beds in the state. If Lutheran Senior Services plans are approved by the state and city, construction on first phase could begin in 2015, with a full build out of the project in five years. In general, city officials praised the plan. The new facility would not provide additional tax revenue because Lutheran Senior Services is a nonprofit organization and exempt from paying taxes. But it would add a service that the city lacks. Steve Schertel, the city’s community development director, said this type of development was needed in Lake Saint Louis because it doesn’t have a similar development for seniors. Schertel said issues involving electronic access through the gated roadway by emergency providers and the construction road location were among issues that remained to be worked out between the city and Lutheran Senior Services. The board agreed to continue the public hearing until Aug. 5 He said he was aware that lack of a construction road off Freymuth might add additional costs to the project. Jim Bowers, another resident along Freymuth Road, said many residents thought that issues about the construction road had been worked out earlier. Building a construction road off Freymuth Road represented a change in plans, he said. More people would have been at the board public hearing if they had known about the change, he said. C

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DP appoints new Ward 2 alderman; resigning alderman comments

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By SUE E. STEINIGER The city of Dardenne Prairie has a new alderman for Ward 2, replacing Alderman Kerry Tebbe who resigned June 24. During a special Board of Aldermen meeting on July 3, the board accepted Tebbe’s resignation and appointed Robert Penn as his successor. Penn has been sworn in as the new Ward 2 alderman. Penn is a five-year resident of Dardenne Prairie. He said he wanted to apply for the Ward 2 seat in order to make a difference in the community by taking on that responsibility. “I am concerned about the direction of the city, so I thought this would be the best way I could get involved by volunteering my time as alderman,” Penn said. “I know that I have a learning curve and a lot of catching up to do, however, I want to do what’s best for the city.” Penn had to resign his position on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission in order to accept the aldermanic position. Of the new alderman, Mayor Pam Fogarty said, “He is a wonderful man. He will bring a new expertise to the board since he works for a general contractor. All of us have our individual knowledge and expertise that we bring to the board and Robert’s experience is something that we don’t have.” Penn works for the Contegra Construction Company located in Edwardsville, Ill. Currently he is the project superintendent building a forensics lab for the Illinois State Police, a $26 million project in Belleville, Ill. He is married with two children who attend the Fort Zumwalt School District. When asked what he hoped to accomplish as Ward 2 alderman, he said, “Right now I really don’t have a certain goal. I’m just here to help the city in any way I possibly can.” Outgoing Dardenne Prairie Ward 2 Alderman Tebbe said in a phone interview that he wanted to clarify a few details regarding his resignation from the Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen. He specifically wanted to respond to Mayor Pam Fogarty’s statement that “Tebbe had not shown up for eight consecutive board meetings.” The statement was made during an MRN interview with the mayor just after the June 19 board meeting. Tebbe told MRN that the mayor’s claim he had missed eight consecutive meetings was untrue. “I had missed the last three meetings because of my work schedule (as a firefighter) and I work overtime, too; also because of injuries and of family matters

that I had to deal with,” Tebbe said. “But I have never missed eight consecutive meetings.” Frank Schoneboom, Dardenne Prairie’s city administrator, said the city records show that Tebbe took office on April 18, 2012, and he resigned his office on June 24, 2013, a period of 14 months. “During that time there was a total of 32 meetings,” Schoneboom said. “He (Tebbe) was present at 16 and absent from 16. Of those meetings 29 were regularly scheduled meetings and (Tebbe) was present for 14 of those regularly scheduled meetings and he missed 15. In addition there were three special meetings where he was present at two and missed one.” Schoneboom did not state if any of these absences were of consecutive periods. Tebbe said that his approach throughout his time as an alderman was to serve the citizens of Dardenne Prairie. “I am not a self-serving person,” Tebbe said. “I think about the people I worked for, I worked for the Dardenne Prairie citizens, and by God as long as I’m working for Dardenne Prairie citizens we were going to do things right.” Tebbe said his approach was clearly posted on the on the Dardenne Prairie website, explaining what he had hoped to do. “I mentioned emergency management and I mention police protection. It stated what I believed, and how I was going to treat our citizens and how it was an honor for me to serve.” He said he was always readily available if Dardenne Prairie citizens had any questions or concerns. Tebbe said he was displeased with the way the city had treated his leaving. “If I was the mayor, even if I had a problem with one of my aldermen and he moved out, or she moved out, I would leave the commentary out of it–‘Yes he did serve and here is whom I have appointed to replace him.’” Tebbe said that during his term, he stated openly on many occasions his many concerns regarding the city administration’s policies and practices. These include budgets, the aldermens’ pay structure, land purchases and unnecessary spending. They were issues that he felt should have been corrected. While the city has responded publicly to his concerns, Tebbe feels the issues have not been resolved. Tebbe has moved to the city of Wildwood and can no longer serve as the Ward 2 alderman. “I knew I could not be alderman if I moved and I gave them my notice like I should, and I moved,” Tebbe said.

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O’Fallon considering rules to help residents following serious storms By MARY ANN O’TOOLE HOLLEY After several large storms hit the O’Fallon area recently, the O’Fallon City Council has decided to revamp a city ordinance and place funds in the budget to allow city staff to help residents with certain storm debris removal. Councilman Rick Lucas told the council that, after straight-line winds hit the area near Diamond Point subdivision about two weeks ago, he learned that residents were not being helped with debris removal and were being threatened with citations from the city unless the debris was hauled away within a prescribed period of time. “With the way the current ordinances are written, the residents were left on their own with cleanup,” Lucas said. “Some trees were in the streets, and residents did the cleanup themselves, placing the debris on the side of the road. It became their responsibility to have it hauled away best they could.” Lucas said he thinks the city should have been able to help these residents remove the debris. He said it wasn’t an issue of helping a single resident, but an entire neighborhood affected by a storm. “We even had code enforcement officials threatening tickets if the debris wasn’t removed from the side of the road. I find that deplorable,” Lucas said. “I think something should be in place for a city official to take action on these things.” Lucas said in Diamond Point there were six or seven men with chain saws cutting fallen trees that were blocking streets. Residents were told they had to foot the bill to get it hauled away. “I’m not sure how to go about rewriting our ordinance or what we want to do, but I believe there should be funds in the budget earmarked for disasters or special relief,” Lucas said. Mayor Bill Hennessy agreed. However, Hennessy said the city doesn’t have the proper equipment for removal of large trees, nor a location to dump the debris. Hennessy said he thinks the council should decide whether it will spend the money to have city trucks go out to pick up fallen trees or to subcontract such a cleanup. The council agreed that a particular staff member should be designated to handle calls and questions regarding help with storm cleanup. City Public Works Director Steve Bender said the city currently has just one chipper, and that it is used to recycle Christmas trees. He said the city would require much larger equipment to shred and pick up downed trees. “Knock on wood, but this is a seasonal event, so to go out and purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars in new equipment would be wrong,” said Councilman Bob Howell. “But my question would be do we

have enough funding to get by (in case of a storm debris situation)?” Hennessy said current policy is, for example, that if a tree falls on Tom Ginnever, the city will move the tree out of the way. If the city doesn’t know whose property the tree came from, they would haul it away. If it’s clear it came from private property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to pay for removal, he said. City Attorney Kevin O’Keefe said he believes most homeowners’ insurance policies would cover damages such as tree loss during storms and similar disasters. The current ordinance addresses public health and safety in making the city responsible only for the dangers of accumulating debris. “I think the bigger risk is injury to personnel and whether workers’ compensation would cover it,” O’Keefe said. “Are we spending public funds for a public purpose or private benefit? That’s the legal point of view.” Councilman John Haman said he agrees the budget needs a line item to cover expenses so the city can proceed with initial action when needed, but he had some reservations. O’Keefe said if there is a federal disaster, the law allows the mayor to take action if it results in widespread damage and an unreasonable risk to public safety and welfare. Councilwoman Rose Mack suggested if the city is minus some needed equipment, perhaps an agreement to borrow equipment from an adjacent community would be appropriate. “If we don’t have what we need, maybe St. Charles or St. Peters has it,” Mack said. “Maybe we could find that out.” Bender said some estimating was done during the 2006 windstorm and after the ice storm of 2007. He said with the recent event, the city’s Environmental Services Department received about 30 phone calls about what to do about removal of debris. “I think $50,000 is a good start (to be added to the budget), but I would recommend contracting out the service,” Bender said. “Not only do our employees need to do their regular jobs, we would be buying equipment that would sit around most of the time.” Councilman Bill Gardner said he thinks the city should set up guidelines to allow homeowners a certain amount of time to get debris out of the right of way. “Are you going to make one pass or more to pick up debris?” Gardner asked. “Set guidelines. It should be documented and laid out so we know what to tell residents after such an incident occurs. That way residents know what they need to do.” “If we start using mulch from storm debris we could run into a lot of problems,” Bender said. O’Keefe said the city has a widespread emergency disaster plan in place.

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By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH The Lake Saint Louis Board of Aldermen now is whole. The board unanimously agreed on July 15 the appointment of Gary Torlina as a new Ward 1 alderman. Torlina will serve until the seat comes up for election in April 2014. The city has three wards, with each ward represented by two aldermen. Torlina, a long-time member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, also served various posts, including president of the Lake Saint Louis Community Association, which manages private amenities in the city. The action comes after the board on May 6 tabled Torlina’s nomination by Mayor Ralph Sidebottom to fill the vacancy left when Sidebottom was elected mayor on April 2. Sidebottom had served as a Ward 1 alderman since 2006. Sidebottom thanked the board for voting unanimously to approve Torlina’s appointment. He said the appointment helps reduce the perception of a divided, contentious board. Now the board can move on, he said. The mayor calls a special board meeting to appoint a temporary board member in the event of a vacancy. The appointment needs board approval, but several mem-

bers said Sidebottom had not notified them earlier that he planned to nominate Torlina. Several audience members at that May meeting lauded the mayor’s choice, but some board members were less enthusiastic. “Everyone out there knew Gary (Torlina) was to be the choice but me,” said Alderman John Pellerito (Ward 3). Sidebottom said he discussed Torlina with two members, including Alderwoman Kathy Schweikert (Ward 2). But Pellerito, Schweikert and Alderwoman Karen Vennard (Ward 2) said they would have appreciated earlier notification and the inclusion of other candidates to consider. Pellerito said it was “a point of respect” to let him know of the nomination sooner. “Of all the people I looked at and talked to, Gary was the most significantly qualified person I came across who also was willing to do the job,” Sidebottom said. “Not everybody is willing to step up and do the job that’s necessary.” Aldermen Richard Morris, (Ward 3,) and Tony Zito (Ward 1,) were supportive of Torlina in May. At the July 15 meeting a number of residents turned out in support of Torlina’s nomination, which was approved by a 5-0 vote.

Lake Saint Louis mayor wants city to be prepared for emergencies By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH Lake Saint Louis Mayor Ralph Sidebottom wants his city to be prepared – particularly in an emergency. Sidebottom and the city’s Board of Aldermen spent a portion of a work session on July 15 discussing how the city could better prepare for a situation arising from weather, a chemical spill, national emergency or even a dam failure. What city officials are worried about is an emergency similar to what happened to Joplin, Mo., after a tornado struck in 2011. Much of the city was devastated after the storm and city officials and emergency responders were left to deal with the aftermath. Some of the needs include having food and shelter available for not only the public but city staff who also have to be on call in an emergency. Sidebottom said, for example, that city hall at 200 Civic Center Drive is built on rock and has no basement, which provides little room for shelter or storing emergency equipment and food. Local governments also can do only so much and Sidebottom said he is reaching out to the private sector and community

groups, particularly churches. “We need to work with people in the business community,” Sidebottom said. Sidebottom said businesses have buildings and facilities that could be useful as shelters and for other purposes during an emergency. Businesses also need to have plans in place, particularly in a situation similar to what happened in Joplin, he said. “Ninety-eight percent of businesses that did not have an emergency plan didn’t come back,” said Alderman Karen Vennard, (Ward 2). Sidebottom said he’s already contacted some area businesses for help in finding space for storing a three-day supply of food for 80 people. An area bank building may provide that space, he said. City officials said they may look to contacting businesses through local chambers of commerce and other civic organizations. Area churches are significant because they often have facilities that can provide shelter and particularly kitchens that can feed large numbers of people, he said. Sidebottom said he wants the city to update its emergency planning, in cooperation with other local, state and federal emergency response agencies.

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Barefoot Flooring specializes in finding the right flooring to meet each customer’s needs and expectations. Locally owned and Final operated by Barefoot Flooring Logo Versions 4.12.07 Art Font used is Trajan Pro Bold who and Regular John Modica, has 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, Barefoot Flooring offers all types of flooring for remodeling projects, new and commercial construction, and doit-yourselfers. To browse their large selection of styles and colors including new, environmentally friendly products, customers can stop by their beautiful showroom in Lake Saint Louis. “Our showroom is roughly 4,000 square feet, which we believe is the optimal size to include a huge selection without a huge overhead,” Modica said. The Barefoot Flooring sales staff is well versed in the latest flooring styles and products and is happy to assist without putting pressure on customers. When Barefoot Flooring clients decide on a particular product, they can feel confident that the flooring of their choice will be installed by professionals.

“All of our installers are insured and bonded and work solely for us,” Modica Final Art 4.12.07 explained. “When we send someone out to a customer’s home, we know exactly who we’re sending out. Our installers are qualified, and we know their work.” Barefoot Flooring stays current with today’s trends and can help customers select a floor that will remain stylish and beautiful for many years to come – without breaking the bank. Their installers are experienced who work diligently to ensure a flawless fit. When the time is right for new flooring, customers can stop by Barefoot Flooring for the right floor installed the right way.

Barefoot Flooring 6215 Ronald Reagan Drive Lake Saint Louis (636) 561-5441 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. www.barefootflooring.net

Locally owned and operated for 41 years, Mozingo Music provides music education and musical instrumentation, experience and expertise to guide emerging musicians toward a lifelong love of music – all in a family-friendly atmosphere. “Mozingo is a full-line music store, meaning we sell band and orchestra instruments, guitars, percussion, digital pianos, P.A. gear, and accessories,” said David Mozingo, who owns the business with his brother, Jeff Mozingo. Private and group lessons, sales, rentals and repairs all are offered under one roof, and staff members are professionally active musicians who readily share their expertise and provide friendly, knowledgeable service. “Buy or rent your instrument, take a few music lessons from our widely acclaimed instructors, perform on our Performance Studio stage, and you’ll have everything you need to learn, grow and perform your own music,” Jeff said. Research has shown that playing an instrument has a profound effect on schoolwork, confidence, discipline and athletics, and parents appreciate

Mozingo’s dedication to music education for children of all ages. “From early elementary to high school students, we pride ourselves on having the best teachers, facilities and instrument selection,” David said. Mozingo understands the local music education market and has gained the trust of school music teachers and directors. Its school service representatives visit local schools weekly and provide service and support to their music programs. Mozingo also has donated generously to the Play it Forward musical charity organization, and through its “Score” program gives credits to students’ schools for every student instrument rental. In other words, Mozingo Music is committed to its customers and to the communities it serves. Mozingo Music 100 Clarkson Road • Ellisville (636) 227-5722 4689 Hwy. K • O’Fallon (636) 300-9553 www.mozingomusic.com

Enhancing the bond between your pet and family

Visitors to Two Shamrocks Public House can count on finding two things: true Irish hospitality and delicious, made-from-scratch food, both served in generous portions. “We want to be the friendliest place in O’Fallon,” said John Harris, who with Sarah Sanders, GM and Gordon Reiter co-owns Two Shamrocks. “Everyone that comes through that door is important to us, and we’ll do anything it takes to keep them coming back.” Open less than a year, Two Shamrocks already enjoys a strong base of regular customers who return for the camaraderie, fresh, house-made food and libation from a bar featuring the area’s largest selection of Irish brews, ciders and whiskies. Harris created Two Shamrocks’ menu, which is highlighted by delicious meats smoked on-site daily, housecured corned beef, and a slow-roasted beef used on the Beef and Boursin – a sandwich of seasoned, roasted pulled beef and creamy, herbed Boursin cheese served on a French roll. “We hear from people every day

that the Beef and Boursin is the best sandwich they’ve ever had,” Harris said. Traditional pub foods like Buffalo Chicken Dip and Spicy Pulled Pork Quesadilla featuring house-smoked pulled pork share the menu with classic fare, like the New York Strip and Grilled Salmon. Other options include Irish Nachos, the half-pound Rock Burger, and Frickles – the buttermilk-battered, deep-fried pickles. Homemade soups, chili, salads and chef-baked desserts like apple pie with cinnamon ice cream caramel Irish cream sauce and tres leches cake round out the menu. “Everything on the menu is someone’s favorite,” Harris said. “We couldn’t take anything off without someone asking what happened to it.” Two Shamrocks Public House 3449 Pheasant Meadow Drive O’Fallon (636) 294-6555 Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-midnight www.twoshamrocks.com

Positive Paws Pet Training believes that strengthening the communication between your dog and family is essential in creating a healthy bond and achieving acceptable behaviors. Owner Kim Gracner, has educated owners and changed behaviors of over 2,000 dogs. Positive Paws opened in 2006, and offers in-home customized training programs tailored to achieve your goals and your dog’s needs. Kim believes that training in the dog’s environment is most effective for behavioral change. “Problematic behaviors typically occur within the home environment. Since dogs need leadership and proper structure, the family plays an important role in the training process,” Kim says. “It is essential for your dog to understand your expectations for successful training”. The programs at Positive Paws Pet Training are structured to teach all ages and breeds. Whether you’re just acquiring a new puppy, attempting to manage your strong-willed adolescent, or striving to maximize your adult dog’s potential, Positive Paws can

help. In addition to basic cues, everyday issues such as house training, jumping, digging, nipping, and excessive barking are addressed. Programs are offered for more challenging issues such as aggression, fear and anxiety. The method of training is as important as the cues which are taught. Positive Paws Pet Training practices positive techniques. Kim advocates that dogs learn more readily from rewarding methods. Kim is a Certified Canine Behavior Counselor, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors, and Better Business Bureau. She has two four-legged family members: Brandie, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, and Baxter, a Golden Retriever. Positive Paws Pet Training (636) 352-3104 www.positivepawstraining.com

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With more than 147 years of successful operation, Commerce Bank offers financial strength and stability. For the fourth year in a row, Commerce Bank was ranked among the top ten on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks (December 18, 2012). Commerce is also ranked fourth on Bank Director magazine’s 2012 Top 150 Bank Performance Scorecard in the $5 billion to $50 billion asset category. Commerce operates as a supercommunity bank – large enough to provide a wide range of financial products and serves and yet deliver them like a community bank with personal service. Offering a full range of financial products, including business and personal banking, wealth management, financial planning and investment services, Commerce is able to provide financial solutions to meet the specific needs of each of its customers. As a customer-driven company, Commerce Bank goes beyond offering financial advice and services to consumers. According to Kevin Bray, senior vice president and Group Manager, St. Charles Region, “Commerce employees share a strong

Chesterfield Service Heating & Cooling has been serving the community since 1976, when Charlie Seeger started the business to help friends and neighbors with their appliances and heating and cooling equipment. In 2009, his sons, Chris and Travis, purchased the company and have continued serving the local community. They grew up in the business, working as helpers, installers, service techs and field service managers. Today, Chris enjoys visiting with clients to assess their comfort needs, manages the sales team and helps Travis with marketing and service support. Travis handles day-to-day business activities, marketing and inside tech support. Whether it’s keeping a home warm in the winter or cool in the summer, Chesterfield Service can keep families affordably comfortable all year long. The company is the leading Trane and Bryant factoryauthorized dealer in the area and services most major brands including American Standard, Carrier, Lennox, Amana, Janitrol, York, Comfortmaker and more. They also offer a wide range of residential appliance

commitment to volunteerism, and support countless organizations and initiatives in an effort to give back to the community. In fact, the St. Charles County management team serves on the Boards of 14 not-for-profit organizations in the community.” Commerce Bank is a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a $21.9 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 147 years, Commerce Bank has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses through the Midwest region. Commerce Bank 435 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters 6271 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Charles 1101 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles 2700 S. St. Peters Parkway, St. Charles 101 E. Elm Street, O’Fallon 2913 Highway K, O’Fallon 1994 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville (314) 746-8700 www.commercebank.com

repairs, servicing most major brands, including Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, SubZero, Kenmore, Thermador, Viking, Bosch, Amana and Frigidaire. Chesterfield Service uses only top quality materials and equipment to ensure systems are trouble-free for the long haul. The company is bonded, licensed and insured and employs highly skilled North American Technician Excellence-certified technicians. “We have grown mainly by word-of-mouth referrals – the best form of advertising we can hope for,” Travis said. “We offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. For us, it makes business decisions easy; if our client is not satisfied for any reason, we will make it right. We are a client-focused business, and we strive to make doing business with us easy.” Chesterfield Service Heating & Cooling 243 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd. Chesterfield (636) 532-5841 www.chesterfieldservice.com

I BUSINESS PROFILES I 21

Women who come to The Happy Hormone Cottage have the same three problems: sleep issues, fatigue and low libido. The strategies doctors are using typically deal with drugs to band-aid the symptoms, rather than getting to the root of the problem. That is where The Happy Hormone Cottage comes in. An educational resource for natural hormone balance, The Happy Hormone Cottage strives to continue to educate women on their options and help them feel better. Through anti-aging and diseaseprevention strategies, women can find great customer service and inexpensive, non-invasive help they can trust. Lyn Hogrefe, The Happy Hormone Cottage owner and director, went through her own issues with hormone imbalance but found many natural options and truths available that were not being communicated to women. “We help determine the cause of the hormone imbalance and fix that,” Hogrefe said. “When our women

Pesky household squeaks can be eliminated with help from Squeak Stoppers. Squeak Stoppers has been able to provide peace and quiet to hundreds of families and homeowners within the region for the last six years. Owner Scott Diebold has a vast knowledge of the home industry and is proficient in many flooring and building materials. Squeak Stoppers can take the squeak out of hardwood floors, carpet or tile on the first or second floor of a home, or in finished or unfinished basements. But not all squeaks come from floors. “There are other things, like duct work, gas lines, floor joists, and even walls that can squeak,” Diebold said. “That is where we come in. Our vast knowledge of home construction and squeak stopping aids us in a quick turnaround with non-invasive techniques.” Because every home is different, Squeak Stoppers starts by assessing the floors in a home with a free consultation. “As part of our assessment, we will

replace their depleted hormone levels with our customized natural hormone therapy, they begin to feel better. We can facilitate in the process of getting one’s hormone levels checked and make a recommended strategy for treatment that will be faxed to your doctor for approval.” The caring staff at The Happy Hormone Cottage listens to women’s stories, validates all they are going through and then offers a strategy for getting tested, treated and healthy with natural hormone balance. “We have discovered when we ‘fix’ even one woman, we can impact a community. We are all about women helping women,” Hogrefe said. “Our passion truly is women helping women achieve their best health naturally. Anything less is simply unacceptable.” The Happy Hormone Cottage (636) 373-5091 www.happyhormonecottage.com

Scott Diebold, the Squeak Guy

pinpoint and survey each individual squeak so that customers will be aware of how many squeaks we will stop. This information will also be used to guarantee our work for years to come,” Diebold explained. Once the assessment has been completed, Squeak Stoppers will discuss the technique to be used on the individual home and outline the pricing structure. The process for eliminating those annoying squeaks usually takes only one afternoon. Call Squeak Stoppers today to set up a free consultation, or visit the St. Charles Fall Home Remodel Show where he will have a booth and also conducting seminars. Squeak Stoppers is a Better Business Bureau-accredited company. Squeak Stoppers (314) 341-9676 www.squeakstoppers.com

22 I SCHOOLS I

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JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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Bu llet i n Boa rd WENTZVILLE Back to school fair The Wentzville School District will host its third annual “Back to School Fair” for Wentzville School District families from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 3, at Holt High School. The event is free for district families and will feature dozens of vendors, free school supplies, games and fun activities for children. Last year’s event drew more than 3,000 people, and thousands of dollars worth of school supplies were given away to district students. “The Back to School Fair is designed to bring together local businesses, community groups and our district families in one place to share valuable information, discounts and free school supplies in a fun and festive atmosphere,” said Director of Community Relations Matt Deichmann. “It’s beneficial to our students, their families and our community, and it’s a tremendous way to kick off the new school year.” The Kiwanis Club will sponsor a pancake breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. in the Holt cafeteria. The cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family of up to six. Proceeds will be donated back to the district to help purchase school supplies. The event is free, but families are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate at the door to Operation Food Search which serves local families in need. Businesses or community groups interested in participating in the fair can find more information and register by visiting the district website at www.wentzville.k12.mo.us.

ing maximum income per household sizes are: $388 per week for two people; $489, household of three; $589, for four; $690, for household of five; and $790 weekly for a household of six. Children from families whose current income is at or below these levels are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications are available at each school office in the District. To apply, fill out a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application and return it to the school. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. A complete application is required as a condition of eligibility and includes: (1) household income from all sources or Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance case number, (2) names of all household members, and (3) the signature and last four digits of the Social Security number or indication of no social security number of the adult household member signing the application. School officials may verify current income at any time during the school year. Foster children may be eligible regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. If a family member becomes unemployed or if family size changes, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for these benefits. For more information, call 327-3800.

FRANCIS HOWELL

Free/reduced lunches

Teacher makes finals

The Wentzville School District recently announced its revised free and reduced price policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Federal education officials have adopted the following family-size income criteria for determining eligibility: To be eligible for free meals, the follow-

Lane Walker, Francis Howell High School (FHHS) mathematics teacher, has been selected as a Missouri State-level Finalist for this year’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program. Walker will receive recognition for her accomplishment at the Interface B Conference of 2014, held Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. Walker has been a mathematics teacher

at FHHS for more than eight years, spending most of her career focusing on teaching both algebra I and III for a variety of grade levels at the high school level. The award recognizes teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. PAEMST spotlights four teachers of mathematics and science to represent the state’s best teachers for grades 7-12. To be considered for PAEMST, teachers have to be nominated and then complete an application that consists of three components: administrative, narrative, and video. The application components ensure the applicant can provide evidence of the teacher’s knowledge of the topic and ability to improve student learning. After eligibility is confirmed and technical specifications are met, each application will be evaluated using the five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching. As a state-level finalist, Walker is automatically a candidate for the state Presidential Award, which will be selected by a prestigious national committee reporting to the National Science Foundation.

New assistant principal Tim Scholle is the new assistant principal at Castlio Elementary for the 2013-14 school year. He began his new role July 1. Scholle received the Teacher of the Year Nominee for two years in a row for his excellent support of students with disabilities. He also received the Special Education Administrator’s Member Award from Central Elementary, where he has taught for a total of seven years. Scholle is active in various district committees such as the 21st Century Skills District Planning Committee and the Academic Strategic Planning Committee. Additionally, Scholle has been a part of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) Goal Setting team. Through SIP he has helped to develop a 3-5 year action plan that reflects the needs of the students based on research and data analysis. The SIP plan is based on student improvement and Scholle hopes it will increase various areas of achievement for students. Since 2008 Scholle has also been involved in the Teaching Through Technology plan. This plan gives students the chance to be exposed to technology at an

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early age and learn through various technical activities. The Teaching Through Technology plan gives students a head start with utilizing various technologies that will help students become competitive candidates when selecting a career path. Scholle received a bachelor’s of arts degree in elementary education, a master’s of arts degree in education and an education specialist degree in school administration from Lindenwood University.

FHN grad earns gold Abigail Hoffman, a recent Francis Howell North (FHN) High School graduate, received the gold medal in Basic Heath Care Skills at the National SkillsUSA Competition held in Kansas City, Mo. The event was held June 24 through June 28. The SkillsUSA Championship is a national-level competition for high school, college, and post-secondary technical students enrolled in career and technical education programs. The SkillsUSA Championship is annually considered the greatest day of industry volunteerism in America. During the Basic Health Care Skills portion of the competition people demonstrate their knowledge and ability to perform entry-level procedures or skills based on: academic foundations; communication skills, career opportunity concepts and systems, employability and teamwork; ethical and legal issues; and safety practices. Performance is then evaluated through various stations such as written, verbal and skills testing.

Summer camp for teachers Two teachers from Warren Elementary spent this summer studying at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., during the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program. Missy Kelly and Melissa Tackett attended the camp with 185 other like-minded teachers from June 22 through June 26. Kelly and Tackett experienced multiple aspects of the space program and discovered ways of how they could incorporate the skills and lessons into their classroom. Between seeing space machine replicas, participating in various shuttle mission chal-

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lenges, as well as building rockets, Lego robots, and shields, both teachers learned new and exciting ways to inspire future generations of space travelers and scientists. “This camp was a dream come true for a girl who watched the space program from the ‘80s grow and soar,” Kelly said. “I am eager to bring her excitement into the classroom and show students a new appreciation for space and space travel.” Kelly and Tackett had the chance to participate in several activities while at the camp. They both assisted in different missions that were designed to look like mission control, shuttles, and the International Space Station, along with water landing simulations and simulated take-offs. Each member of the group had different jobs that sometimes yielded long work hours to accomplish their specific mission. Both Kelly and Tackett hope to bring some of the various activities they participated in back into the classroom such as building model rockets, making a heat shield, extracting DNA from fruit and making a moon lander. To find out more about Kelly and Tacket’s adventure visit their blog at http://kellyandtackettatspacecamp.blogspot.com/.

FORT ZUMWALT Wagner named assistant Laura Wagner joined Fort Zumwalt School District as an administrative assistant to the superintendent – PR/media on July 1. Before joining the district as an office clerk in the 2007-08 school year, Wagner worked for the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago SunTimes, The Sporting News and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. Wagner earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

2 through 12 and help them maintain a healthy weight. The guidelines include recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. “We are pleased that St. Charles Community College Child Development Center is working to improve the health of the children it serves,” said Ann McCormack, chief of the health department’s Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance. “Child care facilities play an important role in providing young people with the nutrition they need for good health now and helping them learn life-long healthy habits.” The Eat Smart program is voluntary and open to child care facilities throughout Missouri that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Eat Smart recommendations include more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, fewer processed foods, lower-fat milk and fewer sweet snacks and breakfast foods. The program is offered at three levels: minimum, which are minimum CACFP and state licensing requirements, intermediate and advanced. Each level requires increasingly higher nutrition standards, and only centers that meet the intermediate or advanced levels are recognized. St. Charles Community College Child Development Center has achieved the advanced level. In addition to menu recommendations, the Eat Smart Guidelines address factors that impact the mealtime environment at child care centers. Those recommendations include lessons about healthy eating habits, adult caregivers modeling healthy behaviors, family style meals, no television during mealtime and healthier classroom parties. Child care facilities achieving Eat Smart status receive a certificate, a banner and menu templates to post in the facility.

Golf tournament

Dan Boatman joined Fort Zumwalt Dardenne Elementary School as principal on July 1. Prior to joining the FZSD, Boatman was an elementary school teacher and counselor for six years. He also served as an administrator for 11 years in Columbia, Mo., and Clark County.

Registration is now open for the 21st annual Lou Brock Golf Classic. The golf tournament will be held at 1 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 30, at Whitmoor Country Club in St. Charles. All proceeds will benefit Lindenwood University athletics and the Lou Brock Scholarship Fund. The event will include registration and lunch at 11 a.m., a “Chip off the ol’ Brock” contest at noon, and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A social hour will take place at 6 p.m., and an awards dinner is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Tournament polo shirts and other souvenirs will be given to each player. The cost to participate in the golf scramble is $1,200 per four-person team or $350 per individual. To register for the tournament, contact the Lindenwood University Institutional Advancement Office at 949-4424 or email rlamp@lindenwood.edu.

Healthier food The Child Development Center at St. Charles Community College has adopted new guidelines for meals and snacks to promote healthier eating habits and improve the nutrition of children at the facility. The Missouri Eat Smart Guidelines, developed by the state health department, are designed to boost the nutrition of children ages

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Spor t s River City takes three of four games from rival Gateway in home series By JONATHAN DUNCAN It took the start of a four-game home series against the rival Gateway Grizzlies to get the River City Rascals back to playing old-school, hard-nosed baseball in mid July. On July 9, the Rascals snapped a threegame losing streak at the start of their home stand with a thrilling 7-5 win over the Grizzlies. For the seventh straight game, River City got on the scoreboard first. Curran Redal led off the bottom of the second with a single, followed by a Danny Canela base-hit. Steve Carrillo ripped a single to chase home Redal and the Rascals were up 1-0. In the top of the fourth, Gateway got that run back and went ahead thanks to a fourrun outburst. The Grizzlies popped three base hits to start the frame and then with two men on, Jet Butler blasted a three-run homer making it 4-1 Gateway. But River City found a way to battle back and pulled out the victory. Canela trimmed the lead to 4-2 on the strength of a solo homer. River City continued to score in the seventh as Phil Wunderlich and Jake Atwell, crossed the plate.

BROKEN. BLENDED. LOVED. SAD. ANGRY. HAPPY. NO KIDS. RESTORED. LOST. YOUNG. OLD. DYSFUNCTIONAL. BIG. ALONE. ADDICTED. SMALL. EXTENDED.NEWLYWED. NEW. TIRED. IMPERFECT. Visiting a church for the first time can be a little intimidating. People tend to worry about what to wear and what to say ... well, here's the deal: You can totally relax at Morning Star Church. We want to meet you wherever you are--spiritually, emotionally, relationally and just about any other "-ly" you can possibly imagine. We don't pressure or judge; we invite and encourage. For real. 1600 Feise Road, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368

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Gateway managed to scratch across a run in the ninth off Rascals closer Gabe Shaw, but Shaw shut the Grizzlies down from there to secure the 7-5 victory. A day later on July 10, the Rascals and Gateway were back at it with a doubleheader. River City started off the evening with a 6-2 victory in game one, but Gateway bounced back well to take the second game 8-5 to split the twin-bill. In game one, River City came out strong with the bats booming in the first few innings. The first three innings were marked by an RBI-single from Canela, a two-run home run from Carillo, a run-scoring groundout by Wunderlich, and a fielder’s choice, which lead to a 6-0 Rascals cushion. The Grizzlies scored in the sixth, as Max Azarya, bounced into a fielder’s choice, and Alex Guthrie singled home a run in the seventh, making it 6-2. Meanwhile, on the mound, Cory Caruso was strong and steady as he turned in seven innings and picked up his first win of the 2013 season. In the nightcap, Gateway turned the tables and rebounded to stop the Rascals’ win streak.

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Rascals outfielder Eric Williams crosses the plate with a run.

A three-run homer in the first inning by Butler got the Grizzlies started early. River City cut the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the frame when Andy Scott was hit by a pitch with bases loaded. Johnny Morales, Anthony Foulk, and Wunderlich scored in the second to give River City the lead. Carillo knocked in an insurance tally to make it 5-3, but Gateway’s Jonathan wiped out that lead with a two-run double in the fourth. The game stayed deadlocked until extra innings, but in the eighth, Jose Flores homered to make it 6-5. Gateway added a pair of runs and River City’s comeback bid would not materialize this time around.

(Photo courtesy of the River City Rascals)

On July 11, the Rascals finished out the series in grand style with a resounding 12-2 win over Gateway. River City (22-29) finished out its final series of the first half of the season with a road trip to Marion, Ill., to face the Southern Illinois Miners on July 12 through July 14. The Rascals lost to the Miners 4-3, and 3-2, before taking the final game of the three-game set 6-4. After the Frontier League All-Star Game break, River City returned to action with a July 19 through July 21 home series against the Florence Freedom and now are participating in a road series July 25 through July 27 with the Lake Erie Crushers.

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26 I HEALTH I

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Infant feeding and diabetes risk The age at which an infant is introduced to solid food seems to affect the child’s risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. University of Colorado researchers reported that babies who are started on solids before age 4 months or after 6 months have a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. They found also that the risk drops if the mother continues breastfeeding the baby when solid foods – particularly those that contain wheat or barley – are added to the diet. “For children who are introduced to solid food before 4 months of age, the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes is almost two times higher than for children introduced to solid foods at 4 or 5 months of age,” Jill Norris, one of the study’s author’s, said. “The data suggests that parents should wait to introduce any solid foods until after the 4-month birthday. And when baby is ready, solid foods should be introduced by the 6-month birthday or soon after, preferably while the mother is still breastfeeding the baby, which may reduce the risk of Type 1 diabetes.” The incidence of Type 1 diabetes is growing, particularly among children younger than 5. The research was reported in the JAMA Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association.

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recently received from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC) full re-accreditation as a Chest Pain Center. Barnes-Jewish St. Peters is the only hospital in St. Charles County to hold the accreditation, a distinction it has held since 2010. In addition, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and its sister hospital, Progress West HealthCare Center in O’Fallon, have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for certification as Primary Stroke Centers. Prior to the SCPC certification, surveyors visited Barnes-Jewish St. Peters to assess the facility and its protocols for rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms. To ensure facilities meet quality-of-care measures based on improving care of cardiac patients, the process uses review criteria from leading professional societies, including the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Cardiovascular Administrators and Emergency Nurses Association. According to Kenya Haney, a nurse and cardiac care manager at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters, hospitals receiving SCPC accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in treating patients who arrive at the hospital with heart attack symptoms. “The accreditation process required close coordination between local EMS responders, the Barnes-Jewish St. Peters’ emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab, cardiac rehab, pharmacy and other departments throughout the hospital,” Haney said. The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center certification is based on recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care. “In stroke care, time is brain,” said Linda Canoy, stroke coordinator for BarnesJewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West HealthCare Center. “By achieving certification as Primary Stroke Centers, both Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West have proven they have the ability

to provide effective, timely care that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.”

Nearly half of 2-month-olds have flat spot on head It has been more than 20 years since the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that infants be put to sleep on their backs, and new research shows the practice has had some unintended consequences. Having babies sleep on their backs is widely believed to have resulted in a dramatic decline in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but now it is linked also with an increase in flat spots on infants’ heads – a condition known as positional plagiocephaly. A Canadian study published online this month in Pediatrics found that nearly half (46.6 percent) of infants aged 7-12 weeks had flat spots on their heads. The condition is a cosmetic issue – not a medical problem – and experts are recommending that parents and caregivers continue to put babies to sleep on their backs as a safety measure. The study’s authors suggested that pediatricians should educate parents on preventing the condition, preferably before the 2-month well-child visit. One way to prevent flat spots is to give babies plenty of time on their stomachs when they are awake and supervised. Another prevention tip is to put babies on their backs with their heads facing one way three days a week and the opposite way on alternate days.

Smartphones linked to reduced fitness levels Unlike most TVs, smartphones are portable and can be used while doing physical activities, but do smartphones reduce fitness levels? The answer is yes, according to a recent study at Kent State University, where researchers found that despite the mobility of phones, for some people, high phone usage contributed to a sedentary lifestyle. More than 300 college students from the Midwest were surveyed on their smartphone usage, and some had their fitness

level and body composition tested. Results showed that students who spent lots of time on their phones – as much as 14 hours per day – were less fit than their peers who averaged a little more than 90 minutes of daily phone use. The study, which is believed to be the first to measure the relationship between phone use and fitness level, appears online in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Ups and downs of depression Overall, fewer Americans are feeling the blues, but depression rates among those in late middle-age are on the increase, according to a University of Michigan (U-M) Health System study. From 1998-2008, rates of severe depression fell among the majority of older adults, with the biggest decrease among those aged 80-84. During the same 10-year period, depression rates increased among adults aged 55-59. Because the elderly often face the death of a loved one, isolation, health problems and economic concerns, late-life depression has long been a concern of health care providers. Traditionally, adults aged 55-59 have not been considered an at-risk group. “It’s unclear whether this shift is an indication of a sicker population not being treated adequately, a burden on people of that age at that particular time or something else, which is why we need to do more research to better understand these patterns,” said Kara Zivin, lead author of the study. Researchers used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of older Americans that is conducted by the U-M Institute for Social Research on behalf of the National Institute on Aging. The study was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Helping overweight teens Concerned parents who talk to their overweight or obese teens about losing weight would serve their children better if they focused the discussion on healthy eating, according to a study published in

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The SSM Neurosciences Institute presents a free stroke education forum from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday, July 25 at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West. The forum is designed to give families affected by stroke valuable information to help them on the road to recovery by providing resources, information, emotional support and fellowship. Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Thursday, and each features a guest speaker. Light refreshments are provided. For more information or to RSVP, call (866) SSM-DOCS. ••• “Raising Healthy Kids” will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Chiropractic Wellness Connection, 111 O’Fallon Commons Drive in O’Fallon. Dr. Whitney Hamed, a family wellness chiropractor and pediatric expert, will present, “Health Building vs. Health Depleting Foods” and “How to Maximize Your Child’s Growth and Development.” There will be free, kid-friendly fish oil and probiotic samples, and a light, healthy brunch will be provided. Reservations are required. Call 978-0970 by Aug. 7. ••• “Questions About Total Joint Replacement,” a lunch-and-learn program, will be held from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, 10 Hospital Drive. The fee is $5, payable at the door. To register, call 344-2273, or visit progresswest.org.

• A

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The American Academy of Dermatology has launched a free mobile app that puts up-to-date, reliable skin, hair and nail information in the palm of the hand. The Derm A to Z app includes health and beauty tips and information on diseases and treatments, and content is reviewed and approved by board-certified dermatologists. Additional app features include realtime UV index information based on the geographic location of the mobile device; a find-a-dermatologist search tool; and a feed of the Academy’s Skin E-News, offering the latest news in skin care. The app is available at the Apple store and Google Play.

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JAMA Pediatrics. Adolescents whose parents talked to them about shedding some pounds were more likely to indulge in binge eating and other unhealthy weight control behaviors than their peers whose parents touted healthier food choices. Ashley Barrient, a dietician and bariatric counselor at Loyola University, said she often weighs young patients with their backs to the scale, because good health – not the number – is the goal. “Kids are overwhelmed by talk of weight and dieting and feel they cannot change the numbers,” Barrient said. “But if you talk to them about the whole family making healthy eating changes as a team, they feel supported, and positive change can happen more frequently.” Barrient said parents may have bad habits such as skipping meals, drinking sugary beverages or eating fast food too often, and those things influence a child’s behavior. She said she tells parents who are concerned about their teens’ weight that they are role models for the family so should partner with their child and improve their health together. ••• Just a bit more exercise and slightly improved eating habits can go a long way in reducing an obese teen’s risk of developing diabetes, new research shows. Robert Berkowitz, a researcher at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, studied data on more than 100 teens with an average weight of 200 pounds. Specifically, he analyzed data on reduced body mass index – the ratio of weight to height – as a way to improve insulin sensitivity, which indicates how well the body handles sugar. “Modest weight loss – an 8 percent reduction in their weight – resulted in major improvements in insulin sensitivity in these very overweight adolescents,” Berkowitz said. The study appeared in the Journal of Pediatrics.

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Does an elder family member need a little help to stay in their home? You can place your trust in Martha’s Hands. Our nurses care manager will make a home visit with the client and family to develop a customized care plan. Assistance that Martha’s Hands can provide includes bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation/cleanup, medication setup and reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, errand running, mental stimulation, companionship and spiritual support. Eileen Hedrick founded Martha’s Hands on the foundational principles she learned more than 30 years ago. While a nursing student, Eileen was taught compassionate care by the Sisters of Mercy emphasizing total wellness. Because she wanted to maintain those high standards, Eileen founded Martha’s Hands. Since its founding in 1997, Martha’s Hands has become one of the most respected private duty agencies in the area. With it’s unique care model,

Nine and a half years ago, Sarah Corrigan and her mother, Mary Kay, felt there was a real demand in the community for a unique decor, gift and floral boutique. They soon joined forces to start The White Hare, offering distinct home accessories, gifts and an extensive, top-notch floral selection. The store’s extremely popular inhome accessorizing service caters to the personal desires of the client to help with a new space or simply add finishing touches to an existing one. “We come to your home, talk to you about what areas you would like to work on and then we take pictures and measurements,” Sarah Corrigan said. “We then schedule another day when we return with a selection of items specifically for your space. It’s that easy.” In addition, the store carries the best quality floral and merchandise available while maintaining a good price for its loyal and dedicated customers. Custom floral design is another popular service that keeps customers coming

Martha’s Hands has provided over two and a half million hours of service. Recently co-owners Eileen Hedrick and Denise Hedrick Huber celebrated Martha’s Hands’ 15th anniversary with family and team members. Martha’s Hands continues to strive for high standards and is actively involved with the Home Care Association of America Association and the Missouri Alliance for Home Care. Martha’s Hands also supports the local community through volunteering and supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, Memory Care Home Solutions and the Arthritis Foundation. If a loved one needs help through the maze of elder care issues, they can place their trust in Martha’s Hands. Martha’s Hands Home Health 12813 Flushing Meadows Town and Country (314) 965-4350 www.marthashands.com

back. Seasonal and everyday decorating classes are offered in store and always sell out immediately. “We emphasize customer service and getting our clients exactly what they want and need,” Corrigan said. “We are always changing and striving to have the most creative displays and newest product out there. It’s not uncommon for a customer to come to the store three times in a month, and it looks different each time.” The White Hare moved to a larger location two years ago that nearly doubled its space to 7300 square feet, enabling the store to carry more variety, larger stock and offer more classes. “We strive to have every client leave the store with a positive experience,” Corrigan said. The White Hare 6121 Mid Rivers Mall Drive St. Peters (636) 441-1111 www.thewhitehare.com

Proudly serving the St. Charles County community since 1985, Absolute Comfort Systems’ heating and cooling professionals 636-978-5600 Absolute is a member of the St. Charles are dedicated to providing the best County Heating and Air Conditioning possible solutions for its clients’ homes Contractor’s Association, Better Business “to the rescue” and businesses. Bureau-accredited and a Carrier Factory “You can count on us to provide you Authorized Dealer – a distinction reserved with$500 a system and solution that fits your Tax Credit is back! $225 Laclede Rebate for HVACGas dealers who meet stringent up to $500 on qualifying systems up to 225 on qualifying high efficiency furnaces unique needs, and since we’ve installed industry standards. The company offers many systems the area, we’ve earned$1525 a $650 CoolinSavers Rebate Cool Cash Instant free in-home estimatesRebate on replacement up to $650 onfor qualifying systems reputation doing the job right the first equipment, extended warranties on new time,” said Super $2900 Dave Sir,TOTAL who created Potential Savings equipment, planned maintenance and Absolute Comfort Systems as a specialized 24hr Emergency Service - Residential & Commercial Serviceagreements, & Installationcompetitive extended -service service and installation department for pricing, financing, and 24-hour emergency Rogers Comfort Systems. service. $2995 Over the years, Absolute has grown to 1/2 OFF DIAGNOSTIC In WITH addition, Absolute strives to be REPAIR SYSTEM REPLACEMENT become a successful service, replacement, an integral part of the community by sheet metal fabrication and new participating in local fundraisers and construction company. Accommodating charities. both residential and commercial needs, the “We believe that reinvesting in the company prides itself on the knowledge community is vital to the success of both and expertise of its employees. the community and our company,” Sir said. “We maintain a high level of quality among our staff,” Sir said. “All of our installers and technicians are trained on a Absolute Comfort Systems regular, ongoing basis.” 1084 Cool Springs Industrial Drive Servicing all makes and models, O’Fallon technicians are NATE-certified, which (636) 978-5600 requires passing rigorous testing. www.absolutecomfortsystems.net rebates available from $50 to $1525

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Ceasar and Cherry Villegas enjoyed Smoothie King smoothies so much that they purchased a franchise in Cottleville. “I have been a big fan of Smoothie King smoothies since 2000,” Cherry said. “I love the taste, and I don’t feel guilty drinking them.” Smoothie King is not your average juice bar. “It is considered a juice bar, but Smoothie King is the premier smoothie bar and nutritional lifestyle center in the industry,” Cherry said. “Smoothie King offers guests the original, nutritional real fruit smoothie and healthy retail products, including sports nutrition products, energy bars, healthy snacks, vitamin supplements, herbs and minerals. The combination helps achieve health and fitness goals.” A new favorite smoothie is the Lean1 smoothie, which burns body fat up to 68 percent faster. The high-protein smoothie is known for fighting hunger cravings as well as helping to tone and define muscles. With 27 vitamins and minerals, Lean1 smoothies also aid in

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speeding recovery from workouts and are available in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. A healthy alternative to fast food, a Smoothie King smoothie is served in a cup, so it is easy to consume on the go. Smoothies are the perfect meal alternative for those wanting to trim down, build muscle, get an energy boost or indulge in a healthy snack. Flavor options are limitless, and each smoothie is made fresh to order by the friendly staff. Ceasar and Cherry accept catering and volume orders at a discounted price and offer fundraising for schools, sports teams and social organizations. “Taste does not have to suffer to live a healthier lifestyle,” Cherry said. Smoothie King 4765 Highway N • Cottleville Corner Mid Rivers Mall Dr. (636) 939-KING (5464) 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. www.smoothieking.com

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Specializing in basement finishing, Richbuilt Basements has been serving homeowners in the St. Charles area and surrounding communities since its establishment in 1989. Before launching the business, Rich Kempa, owner and founder of Richbuilt Basements, worked for more than 16 years as a designer and draftsman at consulting engineering firms. Today, Kempa operates his business from a home-based office. Richbuilt Basements specializes in complete basement remodeling. Originally, Kempa handled projects from start to finish by himself, but over the years, his business has grown substantially. “Now, with multiple crews and the same employees for more than 10 years, we work as a team to complete projects in a timely manner,” Kempa said. “Our goal is simple: to achieve customer satisfaction.” To reach that goal, Kempa said, he

Painful waxing is a thing of the past – along with the high expenses of traditional waxing services. Known for its high-end, yet reasonably priced, full-body waxing services, European Wax Center is a second-generation, family-owned salon without the “ouch factor,” for which traditional waxing methods are known. “My wife always complained about how painful waxing was, and she hated the irritation afterward,” said owner Dennis Lowery, who co-owns the salon with Brad Frame. “So when we discovered the European Wax Center’s comfort wax, bringing it to the St. Louis area was a no-brainer.” The key is a four-step process that cleanses, protects, waxes and rejuvenates the skin. The wax, specially formulated in Paris exclusively for European Wax Center, is alcohol-free, has a low melting point and is applied by licensed estheticians at warm bath water temperature. The wax then sets as one continuous elastic layer, adhering only to the hair follicle, not

and his team make sure to keep the lines of communication open at all times, provide customers with straightforward answers to all of their questions, show respect for each customer ’s home and property, emphasize cleanliness and deliver worry-free completion of every project. To date, Richbuilt Basements has completed more than 160 basements. “We know how to get the job done right the first time in a timely manor and at the right price,” Kempa said. “We take care of everything – from framing to electrical, from plumbing to ductwork, from floor to ceiling, from theaters to family rooms, from painting to pantries and everything in between.” Richbuilt Basements O’Fallon (636) 978-3479 or (314) 713-1388

the skin. Because of its strength and elasticity, the hard wax can be removed without adhesive strips which cause discomfort and redness. Best of all, clients are invited to try it out for free. “Women receive a complimentary bikini line, eyebrow or underarm service on their first time in,” Lowery said, “while men are treated to no-cost eyebrow, ear or nose hair removal.” The relaxing, luxurious space which offers a mini retreat, cannot be beat. European Wax Center has become a nationally recognized brand, with 300 locations across the country and a recent international expansion into Canada. Today, guests recognize European Wax Center as an industry leader in providing guests the ultimate waxing experience. European Wax Center 1640 Clarkson Road • Chesterfield (636) 536-0777 www.waxcenter.com

I BUSINESS PROFILES I 29

Pinot’s Palette is an upscale paint and sip studio that is new to West County. Owner Maureen Wilson experienced the unique concept and brought it to St. Louis, opening her business in Chesterfield on June 14. “You bring your friends, bring some snacks, and grab a drink at the bar,” Maureen said. “Our experts guide you step by step through the featured painting. We provide all the supplies, and at the end, you leave with your own masterpiece.” Pinot’s Palette provides an opportunity for a uniquely fun experience in an upscale environment. The large studio includes a spacious private room that is perfect for occasions ranging from girls nights out, bachelorette and birthday parties and date nights to larger teambuilding or corporate events. There is even an on-site bar with beer and wine available for purchase. Pinot’s Palette sessions typically run for two or three hours and are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with additional early afternoon

Crown Luxury Resale is a luxury resale shop that gives customers the option of consigning, trading, buying or selling designer and luxury items. Previously known as “Crown Jewels Etc.”, the name change was to better identify our business model. Many people have indicated that they thought we were simply another jewelry store. While we do offer jewelry, it is only a small part of are business. Going forward we hope to communicate to the public that we are an outlet for “all luxury items” like select pieces of furniture, glass ware, art and genuine furs in additional to gold, diamonds and designer handbags. Sharon and Butch Dowdy opened their store in April 2010. After the loss of her job, Sharon decided to use the knowledge she had gained working in the retail jewelry business – a field she loved – to launch a new career. Butch worked for many years in management in the automobile industry. Crown Luxury Resale has a strong “wow” factor, offering a variety of pre-owned valuables for far less than their original price. There are designer handbags by Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Michael Kors and others; Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo shoes; luxury-brand watches; fine jewelry and gemstones; furs and leather goods; quality crystal, including Waterford; Longaberger baskets; Lenox collectibles and much more. To

slots offered on Saturdays. For those looking for a fun family activity, there are even family paint days where young and old can discover their inner Picassos. Anyone can sign up for classes in the main room and can handle parties large and small, but private parties – the specialty for the Chesterfield location – require a minimum of 10 painters. A calendar of listing of class dates, times, and availability and a peek at what painting will be featured for each specific class can be found on the Pinot’s Palette website. West County’s new paint and sip studio is not the place for formal art lessons, but it is the place a good time. “We are focused on providing the best fun experience for our painters,” Maureen said.

Pinot’s Palette 1641 Clarkson Road • Chesterfield (636) 778-2111 www.pinotspalette.com

date, the shop has sold 65 Rolex watches. Crown Luxury Resale is not a traditional consignment store. “We actually guarantee people a certain agreed upon amount,” she said. “When someone brings their merchandise in, we inventory it. We agree upon the amount, and that amount is guaranteed to them, regardless of what it sells for. There is no hard-fast 60/40 split or anything like that.” The store also accepts other merchants’ gift cards as cash payment (after verification of balance) up to one half of the sales total. Being creative helps their business thrive in tough times. They also pay cash for gold and silver, jewelry and luxury-brand watches. After three and a half years in business, Sharon and Butch are succeeding at doing what Sharon said they set out to do – “to be part of enabling individuals to own items they had only dreamed about.” Crown Luxury Resale 234 Fort Zumwalt Square • O’Fallon (636) 294-6612 Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.thecrownjewelsetc.com

30 I NEWS I

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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Library District offers new digital magazine service The St. Charles City-County Library District is offering a new service for all library cardholders. Zinio for Libraries is now available from the library website, youranswerplace.org. Zinio is the world’s largest newsstand, offering multiuser access to popular magazines. Through the Library District website, customers of St. Charles CityCounty Library will have unlimited simultaneous access to more than 100 complete digital magazines, which can easily be viewed on most Internet-enabled devices (PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire/ Fire HD, Nook HD/HD+, Windows 8, and Blackberry Playbook). The magazines may be viewed inside or outside of the library. Zinio’s unique technology digitally recreates a magazine page for page, including full color pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. The digital version of the magazine is released simultaneously with the print version. The St. Charles City-County Library customers may check out as many new issues as they want – and keep them in their viewing account as long as they want – no holds, no checkout period, no limit, no late fees, and no charges for damage or theft because they are yours to keep. “The free, complete digital versions of magazines our library customers can now download and enjoy is a new service that joins a long list of other services the library provides so our customers may access the collection whenever they want, wherever they are,” said Jim Brown, library director. “We have seen the number of print magazines dramatically decreasing over the past several years and we think Zinio will be a great service for all of our customers who enjoy reading magazines.” Visit any branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District to get more information or go to the library website (www.youranswerplace. org) right to start reading the complete digital versions of magazines.

Wentzville youth appeared in ‘Les Misérable’ at The Muny By AMY ARMOUR Juvenile diabetes has not stopped an 11-year-old Wentzville boy from pursuing all of his dreams. Jimmy Coogan made his Muny debut in “Les Misérables” on July 15. The soon-to-be sixthgrader played the part of Gavroche, who shares many of Jimmy’s real life characteristics. “Gavroche stands up for what he believes in and he isn’t afraid of anything,” said Jimmy, a student at Assumption Catholic School in O’Fallon. “We are alike in that we both stand up for what we believe in. Gavroche gets along with the older ‘soldiers’ and I get along with people of all ages.” Jimmy – who was diagnosed just before his third birthday – also faces challenges head on like his Muny character. He doesn’t let his diabetes slow him down. In addition to singing and acting, he is also on the swim team. He runs races, snow skis and water skis. “Diabetes affects my life only in that I watch what I eat and check my blood sugar levels regularly,” Jimmy said. “I am on the Omni pod pumping system, and it is a lot better than when I had to do shots. The Omni pod system works well with the swim team too, because the pump is waterproof.” But in the beginning, the diagnosis was scary for Jimmy’s mom, Michelle Coogan. “My worry levels sprang through the roof,” Michelle said. “The first year was the most

difficult, because he was so little, and he cried each time we gave him a shot, or checked his blood glucose levels.” Michelle learned how to count carbohydrates and memorized his “go-to” food carbs. “I was always afraid to leave him with anyone for longer than an hour, in case his blood glucose levels would drop too low and the people wouldn’t know what to do to help him,” said Michelle. “Although I don’t worry as much as I used to, it is always there. I can usually tell by just looking at him if he is dropping too low.” But after the shock wore off, Michelle said she realized that Jimmy could still do anything that a child without diabetes could do. “Jimmy still eats anything he wants to but in moderation ... quite honestly like everyone should,” said Michelle. “He doesn’t drink sugar soda (and) he limits his sweets.” Jimmy has also become active in managing his diabetes, which he advises other newly diagnosed children to do. “Watch what you eat and become active in your carb counting. Really listen to your body, and check your blood sugar levels often,” Jimmy said. “I am probably the proudest parent alive. I was never involved in theater so this is all new to me, but I’m loving each and every minute of it,” Michelle said.

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STONE GROOVIN' Come and see the newest LIVE Blues Bar in St. Charles. Guaranteed to blow your top and whet your whistle. Check out our website for showtimes and events.

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FROM OUR BACKYARD TO YOURS Picnic tables, canned beer, and of course, the best BBQ St. Charles has to offer. We’re serving up St. Louis favorites like pork steaks, brats and beer braised chicken; all seasoned with our infamous and delicious, Lil’ Willies’ Love Rub! Now serving all-you-can-eat pancake brunch, every Sunday from 10 am – 1 pm.

636-724-8600

1200 South Main Street | Saint Charles, Missouri 63301

32 I NEWS I

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JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

Outlet mall just the beginning of $300 million Blue Valley development

This rendering shows one vision for Chesterfield Blue Valley.

By CAROL ENRIGHT Just across Daniel Boone Bridge from St. Charles County, a couple malls are being built. As St. Louis Premium Outlets prepares for its grand opening in Chesterfield on Aug. 22, Dean Wolfe has his sights set on the 73 acres yet to be developed around the mall. Wolfe is the principal of the 134-acre Chesterfield Blue Valley, which is home

(Photo courtesy of Chesterfield Blue Valley)

to the 50-acre outlet mall being built by Simon Property Group west of Hwy. 40 and south of the Daniel Boone Bridge. The mall is almost leased out. Seventyseven tenants, out of the 85 storefronts in phase one, have municipal zoning approvals from the city of Chesterfield for interior finish work – and are on their way to receiving building permits from St. Louis County. The new mall boasts a number of

high-profile brands, including Coach, Cole Haan, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Gap, Nike, Ugg Australia, Under Armour, Vera Bradley and tony anchor Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Wolfe said he could not confirm that the mall was fully leased. “It takes 60 days to build out tenant space, so, very shortly, we will have our final tenant count for the grand opening,” he told a recent meeting of the Chesterfield Valley Coalition. In an April 26, first-quarter earnings conference call, Simon Chairman and CEO David Simon said the property was 96 percent leased and on its way to being fully leased at opening. Simon officials said they have seen so much interest in the mall that they are in discussions with retailers about leasing space in phase two of the center. They would not offer any details as to when phase two might get underway, but Wolfe speculated it could be soon after the grand opening. At press time, the other outlet mall, opening in Chesterfield Valley on Aug. 2, Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield, was not prepared to issue any current leasing figures. However, the Chesterfield city website shows that 46 tenants at that mall have been issued municipal zoning approvals. Last December, Taubman officials said the

mall was 70 percent leased. As St. Louis Premium Outlets hosted a job fair on June 21 to recruit more than 800 employees, Wolfe provided another employment figure: 4,000. That is the number of jobs he projects will be supported by the entire Blue Valley development in 2018. Wolfe offered up a few more numbers, including 910,000 square feet of building area left to develop in Blue Valley. This dwarfs the 391,000 square feet of gross building area in the outlet mall development. At the Chesterfield Valley Coalition meeting, Wolfe talked about the 1,750 new trees that will be planted in Blue Valley. He joked that they were “taking soybean fields and turning them into forests.” Shoppers can meander through this “forest” on 3 miles of sidewalks and 37 acres of open space. From there, the numbers skyrocket. Wolfe said the total capital investment in Blue Valley, including the outlet mall, would reach $300 million. Annual projected sales are $350 million by 2018, which translates to $24 million in projected tax revenue. This more than doubles the sales projections put out by Simon last July, when it predicted that the outlet mall alone See OUTLET MALLS, next page

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LSL special election to feature big bill By BRIAN FLINCHPAUGH Voting on a proposition on Aug. 6 to increase Lake Saint Louis’ sales tax by a half a cent is going to cost the city more than a few pennies. The city’s bill for holding the election is expected to be more than $60,000, according to St. Charles County Election Authority Director Richard Chrismer. Chrismer told the St. Charles County Council late last month that two jurisdictions with issues on the ballot – Lake Saint Louis and the Orchard Farm Fire Protection District – have to pay for the $69,500 cost of holding a special election. Lake Saint Louis and the fire district have received their bills, he told the council. “If they don’t pay their bill, we don’t have an election,” Chrismer said. Because this is an off-year for state elections, the special election in August likely will cost Lake Saint Louis more than a regular election in which multiple jurisdictions share election expenses. Lake Saint Louis pays the election costs for eight precincts. The fire district, which has a 15-cent tax levy increase on the ballot, is much smaller. To be on a November ballot during a regular election year, the city’s cost might be less, possibly about $28,000, Chrismer said in May. City officials were hoping that the Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis fire protec-

tion districts might place measures on the August ballot, which would have lowered the cost for the city’s election. Other cities, such as St. Peters, have fared well when they have placed measures on August ballots, city officials said. The city’s proposition includes a sunset clause that would cause the tax increase to expire after 10 years unless voters later agree to extend collection. If approved by a simple majority of voters, the sales tax would generate an extra $1.3 million annually. About $900,000 a year would be used for street improvements and the rest for park improvements. The city had raised revenue for park from a fee paid by developers – $900 per singlefamily lot – to help pay for park improvements, but housing development in Lake Saint Louis has slowed. Development fees provided $1.2 million for parks between 2001 and 2007. That revenue dwindled to $10,000 from 2008 to 2011. The city has about $176,000 in its park fund. The proposed tax increase could include funding to replace ball field lights in Founders Park, build new playgrounds in Founders and Boulevard parks, add a restroom and upgrade restrooms in Founders and Boulevard parks and create new landscaping and walking trails, a small pavilion and replace a trailer at Boulevard Park.

I NEWS I 33

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OUTLET MALLS, from previous page would generate $140 million in annual retail sales and $11 million in sales taxes. So, where is the other $200 million-plus going to come from? Chesterfield Blue Valley is zoned for retail, office, hotel, restaurant and entertainment venues. Wolfe said he is not at liberty to reveal the names of any potential users; however, he said he is negotiating with several and has received six letters of intent. Three-and-a-half million is the number of visitors the new mall is expected to attract. All those shoppers will create traffic that will be accommodated by newly widened sections of Chesterfield Airport and Olive Street roads. The biggest road improvement is a new intersection connecting a seven-lane section of Olive to the newly widened five-lane Chesterfield Airport Road. Wolfe said he expects 20 percent of the traffic to travel to the site via Chesterfield Airport Road, 40 percent to come from the east going west on Hwy. 40 and about 25 percent to come from St. Charles County. In addition to widening Olive Street Road, Wolfe plans to ask the city to rename

it. He said that most locals are confused by the name, as they expect Olive to continue from where it becomes Clarkson Road near Faust Park. They have no idea that it reappears in the Valley. Wolfe also explained the origins of the Blue Valley name. “When you drive down from Chesterfield Mall and you’re looking across the valley, it sort of looks blue and hazy – because of the humidity, probably,” said Wolfe. But the real inspiration came from a book called “Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space,” by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. “We don’t have an ocean here, but we have a valley,” said Wolfe. “And what we really liked about the location was by being at the west end and at the bridge – the gateway – we were really creating a situation where the other competition to what we wanted to do was going to be irrelevant.” Wolfe said he hopes to see some activity on new Blue Valley projects this fall but said he told all interested tenants that he didn’t want any construction happening until after the mall opens. “We really did not want to distract from the grand opening on Aug. 22,” Wolfe said.

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By AMY ARMOUR A high school sewing class has turned into a business opportunity for a St. Charles teen with special needs. Holly Ritter, 19, has turned her love for sewing into an online business that sells handmade pillows. “I took sewing in high school at Francis Howell North. My teacher, Dianne Harrison and aide Carla Martin, were great and very patient with me,” Ritter said. “When my mom would get her sewing machine out at home I would always take her scraps and make little pillows.” Then one day a friend of her mom gave Ritter a stack of upholstery samples. “Mom got online and ordered 70 pillow forms and I went to work,” Ritter said. “It is fun and it doesn’t take long to make a pillow, so it’s like lots of little projects instead of one big one.” Since October, Ritter has made more than 200 pillows, and she has already sold more than half of them on her website, www.etsy.com/shop/HollysHobbies4U. She recently sold her favorite pillow that was covered in dog photos, and she favors modern and brightly colored fabrics. She has about 60 of her pillows on her website. “Pillows are quick and fun. I love making them for my friends,” she said. The pillow making business has also kept Ritter’s mind actively engaged. “Too much idle time is not a good thing, especially when your child needs motivation and stimulation to keep her brain functioning at its best. Holly’s pillow business is just another avenue to keep her busy and stimu-

lated,” said Jeanne Ritter, Holly’s mom. And this is not Holly’s first job. The teen has attended the STEP program — offered through the nonprofit Life Skills — for three years. The program provides teens with developmental disabilities a meaningful summer work experience. “STEP prepares teens for successful employment as they move toward their future participation in competitive employment, and becoming active participants in their community,” said Kristi Mattison, with Life Skills. Mattison said teens learn not only task specific duties on the job, but also skills such as how to interact with supervisors, co-workers and members of the general community. Holly has worked summers at Kohl’s, Mount Carmel and Shop n Save through the STEP program. “Being on my own forced me to communicate with the public more and gave me confidence in my job skills,” said Holly Ritter. “When I am proud of what I am working on I am very at ease and capable of earning money just like anyone else.” During the six-week program, students earn minimum wage while working at a business in the community. Students work in small groups with support of a job coach for 20 hours a week while learning the difference and expectations between school and work. “(Holly) has shown incredible growth and maturity each year. She has strengthened her motivation to work, as well as specific job duties,” said Mattison. Holly said programs like STEP and Special Olympics have been very important for her as she gets older.

O’Fallon firefighters receive help for Burn Camp kids

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By MARY ANN O’TOOLE HOLLEY The Alliance for Retired Americans and the St. Charles County Democratic Central Committee contributed $1,200 recently to the O’Fallon Fire District’s ongoing mission to help children hurt by fire participate in the Missouri Children’s Burn Camp. Central Committee Chairman Morton Todd presented the check to O’Fallon Firefighters Tim Porras, Eric Johnston and Ed Engle. Porras said some members of the O’Fallon Fire District will also participate in a bicycle “Ride for Recovery” in upcoming weeks to raise additional funds for children harmed by fire. “We’re riding 100 miles from St. Charles County to Jefferson City,” Porras said. Alliance for Retired Americans Chairman

Dave Meinell worked with the Central Committee to raise funds for the Burn Camp with a Quarter Auction fundraiser in mid-April. The auction was made possible by numerous donations from area businesses and public support by those who bid during the auction. At Missouri Children’s Burn Camp, campers enjoy swimming, boating, crafts, archery and many other outdoor activities. It is a supportive environment where young burn survivors spend a week with others who have also experienced burn injuries. Campers learn that they are not defined by their “wrapping paper.” Emphasis is placed on the person on the inside, not the scars on the outside. There is no charge to any camper for participation in this program.

36 I BUSINESS PROFILES I

Design On A Dime

AIR DUCT, DRYER VENT, CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE ESTABLISHED IN 1979

English Sweep does more than sweep chimneys. They fix leaky chimneys, keep fire in its place and sweep air ducts and dryer vents. Every house has a chimney and all vent harmful toxins. Your furnace, water heater and gas appliances vent carbon monoxide. Wood burning fireplaces vent smoke and creosote. The National Fire Protection Association and English Sweep recommend annual evaluations. They are chimney and ventilation professionals, serving the area since 1979. Family owned by Gregg Boss, their mission is to meet clients’ needs with service and quality craftsmanship. Their certified chimney sweeps have experience you can rely on. By using the most advanced industry tools, English Sweep brushes hazardous creosote from fireplace flues. A diagnostic camera finds potential hazards they can repair. Annual maintenance reduces hazards and increases performance of the flue. Their masons take care of brick restoration and tuckpointing. English Sweep also services and installs wood burn-

Jaime Grosvenor, owner of Molly Maid of St. Charles County, has high expectations for the services they provide. “The instant you walk in your home, you’ll know we were there” is the company slogan because the experience of coming home to a clean fresh house is just invigorating. “We want our customers to feel good when they walk in the door and have more free time to enjoy,” explains Jaime. Molly Maid was voted Best Value by “Good Housekeeping” magazine and gives every customer’s home “The Pink Glove Treatment.” That means that Jaime or her manager comes to a potential customer’s home and discusses their unique cleaning needs and expectations to develop a written “Pink Glove Treatment” plan. “Each person’s expectations are different and not every cleaning company bothers to ask about personal expectations,” says Jaime. “We don’t require contracts from our customers and know we have to earn their continued busi-

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ing or gas stoves, inserts, gas logs, and stainless steel flue liners. Additionally, they install covers, glass doors, flashing and solve wet wall issues. They install gas liners for furnace and water heaters. Dryer vents collect deposits of lint and moisture, causing potential hazard of carbon monoxide, increased condensation and fire. These deposits also hinder the dryer’s performance. Allow English Sweep to remove debris and re-route poorly located, damaged liners. Their air duct specialists use the Meyers General with compressed air to sweep debris from the duct work, followed by a deodorizer/sanitizer. The service helps relieve symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments. Call English Sweep, certified flue and vent specialist. Find out why they are “your sweep for life.” Their office staff is available to answer questions and get you scheduled today! English Sweep (636) 391-2226 www.englishsweep.com

ness every time we walk in the door. How can I guarantee satisfaction if I don’t really listen to how a customer wants things done?” Molly Maid assures that their teams will treat each home with the utmost care and respect. Customers can expect a team of two uniformed, bonded and insured cleaners to arrive with all of the necessary supplies and equipment. They have reliable transportation in the familiar blue cars with distinctive pink Molly Maid logos and professional uniforms. “Our customers often find that we offer more reliability and peace of mind than they’ve ever experienced from a maid service,” Jaime said. If you want to make coming home feel great again, contact Molly Maid today. MOLLY MAID of St. Charles County (636) 939-MAID (6243) www.mollymaid.com

Design On A Dime is a unique home décor consignment shop in St. Peters featuring an ever-changing mix of gently used items. “We’re not your typical consignment shop. We also feature one-of-a-kind, custom painted furniture,” said Carrie Keipp, Design On A Dime owner and manager, whose business is a real family enterprise that utilizes the collective talents of three generations of family members, including Keipp’s parents, her two daughters and her son. Keipp’s parents search for items to refurbish, Keipp fixes them, her parents paint them, and then they are placed on the floor for sale. The shop’s specialty is shabby chic, and the inventory is ever changing. Keipp’s mother, Shabby Shirl, and her son, Philip, also custom paint furniture. “We now offer custom painting on furniture that our customers bring from home,” Keipp said. “If they have a piece at home that needs a facelift, they can bring it in and we will give it a

whole new look. It’s amazing how one painted ‘accent piece’ can change the whole look of a room.” Items accepted on consignment are kept for 90 days, and every 30 days, prices are reduced on unsold items. That ensures good prices and keeps the store looking fresh and stocked with new and interesting pieces. “We receive new furniture and decor daily so we like to keep things moving,” Keipp said. “Our aim is to provide beautiful home décor at reasonable prices, make new friends and have fun with our family.”

PlazSoft is a locally owned company that specializes in creating unique software and games. CEO Jeff Minnis, who also owns Jeff Computers in Manchester, founded the business in 2011. Since entering the technology business in 1994, Minnis has achieved admirable success, having been named by the Small Business Administration as the 2012 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. PlazSoft reflects his business acumen and longtime passion for technology. Currently, PlazSoft is in the final developmental stages of its first game – Yargis – a project Minnis has been dreaming about since he was 10 years old. A blending of old and new gaming concepts, Yargis is a family-friendly, arcade-style game with a futuristic story. Players battle other players in space and can create new levels with the game’s editor function. “It is reminiscent of the quarter arcade machines with its asteroidlike mechanics and top down view, yet it also possesses modern 3D graphics and gravity physics,” Minnis

explained. “It has a thrilling, witty solo campaign that complements the multiplayer with rewards such as new interchangeable parts. The multiplayer mode also supports user-generated maps that can be shared with everyone, allowing for more non-stop fun.” Minnis led a talented team of five individuals who spent thousands of hours developing Yargis, now available on PC with mobile and console versions coming soon. To complete and finance the final stage of development, PlazSoft is using Kickstarter, a crowd-funding site (yargis.com) that enables the public to support the game with monetary pledges. The latest undertaking for a young entrepreneur, PlazSoft is another step toward Minnis’ ultimate goal: to create a technology center for St. Louis.

Design On A Dime 4117 Mexico Road • St. Peters (Moving in mid-August to 1986 Zumbehl Road) (636) 441-1299 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tues.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Sat.; 12-4 p.m., Sun. Consignments by appointment www.designonadimeconsign.com

PlazSoft 14366 Manchester Road • Manchester (636) 256-7901 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. www.yargis.com

JULY 24, 2013 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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Angela Carman, owner of ReVive Lash & Skin Spa, has a passion for her profession. “I love eyelash extensions and the way they erase years from the eyes,” Angela said. “I wanted to give people a place where they would know they were getting an expert level of care and service.” Eyelash extensions are synthetic, precurled lashes that are placed one by one on an individual’s natural lashes. They are offered in a variety of lengths and diameters to ensure that each client obtains the look she desires – whether that is natural, dramatic or somewhere in between. Most importantly, ReVive Lash & Skin Spa clients can be confident that their lash extensions will be applied safely and expertly and will not cause damage to their natural lashes. “It is a priority for our team to take advanced training,” said Angela, who often is hired by other salons and spas to provide training in basic and advanced

eyelash extension application. In fact, ReVive Lash & Skin Spa has distinguished itself throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles areas as the expert in eyelash extensions. “We have many clients who travel an hour or more to see us because they know our quality,” Angela said. Best known for its expertise in lash extensions, ReVive Lash & Skin Spa also offers a variety of other treatments to pamper and rejuvenate. “Our expertly trained therapists have a passion for anti-aging/relaxing facials, massages, Brazilian bikini waxes and full body waxing,” Angela said. “We strive to provide superior treatments and world class customer service at all times.” ReVive Lash & Skin Spa 4618 Old Farmhouse Road, Suite D Saint Peters (636) 578-3264 Hours: by appointment www.revivespastl.com

I BUSINESS PROFILES I 37

Being in business for 125-plus years means more than just offering a good product; it represents five generations of quality, service, knowledge and respect rooted deep in the Thies family business. After years of serving the community in North County and Maryland Heights, Thies Farm & Greenhouses has expanded with a third location in St. Charles, located along the Katy Trail. The newly opened garden center and farm market features a 6,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art greenhouse and equally impressive attached retail market. In addition to the quality plants, gardening supplies and homegrown produce for which the Thies family has become famous, the new location offers the opportunity to expand its offerings with an on-site bakery. Homemade pie featuring homegrown produce is baked fresh daily and available at all locations.

An array of home and garden gifts and decor complement the extensive offering of garden tools and supplies. Gardening workshops are offered on site with the recent Fairy Garden Class being one of the most popular. Stepping inside the new farm market really brings alive the farm to table concept. The Thieses grow more than 40 fruits and vegetables on 200 acres in Maryland Heights. All produce is harvested daily. Many pleasures await at this new destination spot originating from old family values. Visit them today!

Gina Kinion, owner of Advance Beauty College in Wentzville, loves helping people achieve the dream of becoming a cosmetologist. Having attended beauty college herself, taking classes at night and graduating the same year she finished high school, she knows how rewarding a career in cosmetology can be. The mission of Advance Beauty College is to provide a quality education that will prepare students to succeed in cosmetology. Through innovative programs focusing on hair, nails, facials and make-up, students are expertly prepared to pass the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam and find work as professional cosmetologists. Additionally, Advance Beauty College is the only school in the St. Louis area teaching a business development course that provides even more customer service and retail training than the state requires. To become a licensed cosmetologist in Missouri, a student must attend 1,500 hours of classes at a

cosmetology college and pass the state board exam, which consists of practical and written tests. Advance Beauty College offers a full-time, 35-hour week with classroom training, work on mannequins, realistic practice in the student styling salon and practical skills testing. Students can complete the program in 10-12 months. Advance Beauty College is licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology and accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Financial aid is available to qualified students. With classes at Advance Beauty College beginning every four weeks, there is no need to wait to get started on an exciting and rewarding career in cosmetology! Advance Beauty College 982 Wentzville Pkwy. • Wentzville (636) 332-0777 Tues., 12-3:30 p.m.; Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. www.advancebeautywentzville.com

Thies Farm & Greenhouses 4215 North Hanley Road (314) 428-9878 3120 Creve Coeur Mill Road South (314) 469-7559 3200 Greens Bottom Road (636) 447-2230 www.thiesfarm.com

Dr. Shanon Forseter, LLC Shanon Forseter, M.D., chose to be an OB/GYN because he wanted to be in a branch of medicine where he could form lifelong relationships with his patients. “I enjoy helping to navigate both the joys and challenges of the female body during all of life’s transitions,” Dr. Forseter said. His services include obstetrics, gynecology, surgery, fertility, natural childbirth and menopausal therapy, including bioidentical hormones. Born and raised in St. Louis, Dr. Forseter received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed his residency at the University of Missouri. His private practice in Creve Coeur services five major hospitals and two surgery centers in St. Louis. “As an OB-GYN, my philosophy is to always listen to the patient,” Dr. Forseter said. “I focus my practice on the philosophy of my patients holding the key to their own bodies and knowing themselves the best. I may have the medical knowledge and skills, but the

plans and desires of the patient are what I strive to attain.” Taking care to get to know each patient individually, Dr. Forseter does his best to make sure individuals and families have that special moment unfold as they envision it. “There are many different positive ways for a woman to give birth, and quite simply, I am there to support the mother’s personal preferences and plans,” he said. “Similarly, as a woman ages and finds her body changing, it is essential that I choose the path that will not only help medically but also is in alignment with the patient’s desires.” Shanon A. Forseter, M.D., OB/GYN North New Ballas Obstetrics & Gynecology 522 N. New Ballas Road, Suite 201 Creve Coeur (314) 994-1241 www.shanonforseter.com

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Solar energy panels soak up the sun, leave your wallet alone By MARY ANN O’TOOLE HOLLEY When the hot summer sun beats down on Morton Todd’s roof and his air conditioner hums seemingly nonstop, he doesn’t see dollar signs racking up on his electric meter. He sees nothing but benefits, and says the more sun the better. Todd’s electric bill for the past six months has totaled $15. Solar energy has taken Todd to new levels of savings since the discreet panels were installed on his home’s rooftop along Droste Road. He says the days of unsightly solar bubbles up top are no longer, and unless he points out the sleek black panels, no one even knows he’s running his home from the power of the sun. “I’ve always been fascinated with solar energy rather than burning coal,” Todd said. “Solar panels have come a long way. They are thinner, more lightweight and durable. With the incentives from Ameren and the federal government, I figured it’s a good time to do it.” He added, “I’m tickled to death with the bills. I thought I’d pay maybe $15 or $20 a month, but because Ameren estimated my usage so closely determining the number of solar panels needed, my bills have ranged from a few cents to $3.65 in June. Since November, my electric bills have totaled about $15.” There are several companies in the metro area that will do the installation. Ameren approves the design; the design is tied to a rebate that amounts to about 50 percent of the installation cost, and once the system has been installed, about 30 days later Ameren comes out and installs a net meter. A net meter is a bidirectional meter that keeps track of the amount of solar you generate. Todd said once that was completed, all he had to do was flip the switch and it took off. “It’s a simple process, and I’ve had no problems with it whatsoever,” Todd said. “I had talked to others who had solar systems before it was installed, and I figured if something would go wrong, I could always switch out meters.” He said now that we’ve had more intense sun, he’ll see how July and August electric costs go. But even though he’ll be using more electricity, he’ll be producing more, so it should be very close to evening out. The electric produced in the panels goes back to the Ameren electric grid. He said he’s selling electricity generated by his solar panels to Ameren, and they’re selling it back to others. He said the air conditioner he has is “ancient,” but if he had a more efficient one, his bills would probably be zero. He said he was considering buying an electric furnace, but learned that it would be less expensive to continue to use gas. Gas is hotter than electric, and during a cold winter, an electric furnace would be running 100 percent of the time. Todd also has a gas water heater. Not every house qualifies for solar energy panels because you have to have so much sunlight per day and shade can’t be an issue. “Solar panels may be hard to understand for some, but they’re not really that unusual,” Todd said. “You really don’t notice them anymore. It’s not like they’re making noise and they’re not unsightly.” Todd’s panels are on the back side of his roof where most of the sun hits. He says there has been no maintenance whatsoever, and that he only checks the meter once in a while to make sure it’s working. So far, there have been no problems, Todd said. Everything in the system is guaranteed fully for 25 years. “I absolutely recommend them, especially with the

incentives available now,” Todd said. “I think more people ought to have them. The one I have are made in the USA. Going solar puts people back to work, you’re saving money and you’re actually doing some good for the environment.” Ken Tucker of St. Peters worked for the company Syndicated Solar in St. Peters when he made the decision to go solar on his split-level home built in 1988. In October, his system was installed, and by November, the panels were commissioned by Ameren.

no complaints, and he didn’t have to get approval from anybody. The key to the best performance with any solar roof system is direct sunlight from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., he said. There was a legal case about this time last year when the Missouri courts ruled that because it is a requirement of Ameren to be able to meet renewable energy standards, municipalities and homeowners associations can’t trump Ameren’s ability by limiting where solar goes, Tucker said. “The power I am producing on my roof today is being used in my house, but at the peak of the summer on a hot day, you may not put much electricity out on the grid,” Tucker said. “In May, my power use was very low, so I generated more power than I needed, and the meter puts it back on the grid for Ameren. I get a credit for that on my bill.” Tucker said there is also a 30 percent investment tax credit available, based upon your tax liability when a system is installed. You get roughly 50 percent back from Ameren, and hypothetically, the 30 percent could allow you to pay off the entire system with savings in about eight years. Then, you have the next 17 years of electricity free of charge. Tucker agrees that the panels are durable and reliable. There are no moving parts, that’s why they can be warranted for 25 years, although there can be a slight loss of production over these years, he said. There is a degradation, he said, but it’s not predicable. Every year the panels produce .05 percent less than the year before, but at the end of 25 years, that would be less than 15 percent loss. “If you could have locked in the price of gasoline in 2000, when it was $2 per gallon, people would probably have done it,” Tucker said. “Basically, if you look at localizing the price of electricity for 25 years, if I calculate what I’d pay for my electric cost, I’ll wind up paying maybe 4 or 5 cents a kilowatt hour. The current rate is about 9 cents per kilowatt hour.” Tucker said this first year he will save about $700, and presuming rates increase by 6 percent per year, his savMorton Todd stands next to the special electric meter installed ings—or call it cost avoidance—in year 25 will be $2,500. by Ameren. (MRN photo) “I don’t see anything negative with the solar panels,” he said. “There are no issues with my power during the Tucker explained that the average solar installation is day. The only thing I’ve noticed is that in my upstairs about $4 per watt, and that’s equipment, installation and home office, under the solar panels… This winter when everything. A 10 kilowatt system is about the maximum there was a bit of snow on them, I heard a loud noise of that Ameren will approve. They will give you a $2 per watt the snow sliding off my panels. It was a different sound I rebate that you get back about 60 days after the system is had never heard before. Snow used to never slide off the installed. If I pay $40,000 to install it, I’ll get $20,000 back roof like that.” from Ameren after the system is installed. Solar power system technology today has been around Tucker said the monthly electric bills are a huge incen- for the last 25 or 30 years. There is more and more effitive. His last three bills have been $6 in April, 39 cents in ciency in the panel production and the cost of the panels May, and $6 for June. and equipment needed has been dropping, Tucker said. For anyone who is an Ameren customer in this area, “It’s a pretty obvious choice. What opened my eyes was Missouri passed Proposition C in 2008 requiring industrial that I didn’t realize until last spring that a rebate program utilities to offer solar rebate programs. There are renew- was in place, and it would be cheaper than to continue able energy standards that are tied to those, so, in the state buying power from Ameren,” Tucker said. “The environof Missouri, they have to have a goal of 15 percent of their mental aspects are phenomenal. Ameren creates electricity energy must be renewable energy. The rebate, however, is from a coal plant, and there is line loss from the power expected to be lower in 2014. from the plant to your home. I’m not burning any coal, so Non-investor companies like Quivre River Co-Op I’m avoiding putting additional CO2 in the environment. wouldn’t have it. Empire, Kansas City Power and Light I’m producing electricity through a clean source.” and Ameren are required because they are investor-owned He added, “Since mid-November, my carbon offset is utilities. 3.5, the equivalent of how much carbon dioxide would Tucker said although the solar panels installed on his have eliminated from the air, and I’ve generated enough home were placed at the front of the roof, there have been power to run the average home for 168 days.”

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