West Newsmagazine December 2, 2010 issue

PLUS: Holiday gift showcase ■ Chesterfield bonds labeled as junk ■ Mature focus PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. Postage

PAID

ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT No. 5584

ECRWSS Postal Patron

End Of The Year Service Loaner Sale!

328’s Save $8,500 OFF MSRP* 335’s Save $9,500 OFF MSRP* 535’s & 528Xi Save $10,000 OFF MSRP*

Stop by Autohaus Today as these Amazing Deals Won’t Last Long!

3 Series Loaner Sale stk# 14120A 09 335xi stk# 14023A 09 328xi stk# 14077A 09 328xi stk# 13792A 09 335xi stk#13311A 09 335xi stk#13623A 09 328ia stk#13751A 09 328ia stk#13704A 09 335ia stk#13667A 09 335ia stk#13884A 09 335ia stk#13777A 09 328xi stk#14065A 09 328ia stk#14116A 09 328xi stk#14090a 09 335ia stk#14119A 09 335xi stk#14003A 09 335xi stk#14039A 09 328xi

Was $49,000 Was $42,645 Was $42,100 Was $48,850 Was $49,250 Was $39,145 Was $38,195 Was $52,240 Was $50,545 Was $46,550 Was $47,345 Was $45,745 Was $42,750 Was $46,650 Was $49,050 Was $48,700 Was $42,340

Now $39,500 Now $34,195 Now $33,600 Now $39,350 Now $39,750 Now $30,645 Now $29,695 Now $42,740 Now $41,045 Now $37,050 Now $38,845 Now $37,245 Now $34,250 Now $37,150 Now $39,550 Now $39,200 Now $33,840

5 Series Loaner Sale stk# 14120A 09 335xi stk#13849A 09 535ia stk#13952A 09 535ia stk#14093A 09 535ia stk#14078A 09 528xi

Was $49,000 Was $61,425 Was $56,375 Was $55,275 Was $52,475

Now $39,500 Now $51,425 Now $46,375 Now $45,275 Now $42,475

*offer ends 12/31/09. Sale price includes any dealer cash or holiday cash rebates.

Visit us online at www.bmwautohaus.com or stop by for a test drive at

BMW 3015 S. Hanley Road • www.autohausbmw.com • 314-727-8870

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I opinion I 3

THOMAS SOWELL

Solving whose problem?

Holiday Hint No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems. They are trying to solve their own problems - of which getting elected and re-elected are No. 1 and No. 2. Whatever is No. 3 is far behind.

Many of the things the government does that may seem stupid are not stupid at all, from the standpoint of the elected officials or bureaucrats who do these things.

The current economic downturn that has cost millions of people their jobs began with successive administrations of both parties pushing banks and other lenders to make mortgage loans to people whose incomes, credit history and inability or unwillingness to make a substantial down payment on a house made them bad risks.

Was that stupid? Not at all. The money that was being put at risk was not the politicians’ money, and in most cases was not even the government’s money. Moreover, the jobs that are being lost by the millions are not the politicians’ jobs - and jobs in the government’s bureaucracies are increasing.

No one pushed these reckless mortgage lending policies more than Congressman Barney Frank, who brushed aside warnings about risk, and said in 2003 that he wanted to “roll the dice” even more in the housing markets. But it would be very rash to bet against Frank getting re-elected in 2010.

After the cascade of economic disasters that began in the housing markets in 2006 and spread into the financial markets in Wall Street and even overseas, people in the private sector pulled back. Banks stopped making so many risky loans. Home buyers began buying homes they could afford, instead of going out on a limb with “creative” - and risky - financing schemes to buy homes that were beyond their means.

But politicians went directly in the opposite direction. In the name of “rescuing” the housing market, Congress passed laws enabling the Federal Housing Administration to insure more and bigger risky loans - loans where there is less than a 4 percent down payment.

A recent news story told of three young men who chipped in a total of $33,000 to buy a home in San Francisco that cost nearly $1 million. Why would a bank lend that kind of money to them on such a small down payment? Because the loan was

insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The bank was not taking any risk.

If the three guys defaulted, the bank could always collect the money from the Federal Housing Administration. The only risk was to the taxpayers.

Does the Federal Housing Administration have unlimited money to bail out bad loans? Actually, there have been so many defaults that the FHA’s own reserves have dropped below where they are supposed to be. But not to worry. There will always be taxpayers, not to mention future generations to pay off the national debt.

Very few people are likely to connect the dots back to those members of Congress who voted for bigger mortgage guarantees and bailouts by the FHA. So the Congressmen’s and the bureaucrats’ jobs are safe, even if millions of other people’s jobs are not.

Frank is not about to cut back on risky mortgage loan guarantees by the FHA. He recently announced that he plans to introduce legislation to raise the limit on FHA loan guarantees even more. Frank will make himself popular with people who get those loans and with banks that make these high-risk loans where they can pocket the profits and pass the risk on to the FHA. So long as the taxpayers do not understand that all this political generosity and compassion are at their expense, Barney Frank is an odds-on favorite to get reelected. The man is not stupid.

What is stupid is believing that politicians are trying to solve our problems, instead of theirs.

As for the FHA running low on money, that is not about to stop the gravy train, certainly not with an election coming up in 2010.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also is running low on money. But that is not going to stop them from insuring bank accounts up to a quarter of a million dollars. It would be stupid for them to stop with an election coming up in 2010.

© 2009 Creators.com

After investing in tasteful furnishings, adding traditional holiday colors may detract from your beautiful space.

For a unique, festive look, choose holiday decor that coordinates with your existing palette. In this dining room, the pumpkin colored walls were enhanced by the addition of spring green and crystal ornamentation.

Award-winning designer, Nancy Barrett, can assist you with a complete design plan.

4 I OPINION I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

letters to the editor Teachable moment

an advertised public hearing, residents of Williamsburg Green also discovered that they have awarded purchase order contracts without obtaining competitive bids, in violation of city ordinances (i.e., gave a contract to whomever they wanted without competitive bids).

This seems typical of what happens when people are in power too long. In my opinion, most of the city officials need to be replaced with people who will listen and honestly and openly represent the residents of the city.

It appears to me and many others that Ballwin ignored the safety, traffic and quality of life concerns of more than 400 residents, plus the preference of the Rockwood School Board and adjoining cities, not to mention ignoring the recommendation of its own Planning and Zoning Commission and its own recently published Comprehensive Plan in rezoning the southeast corner of Clarkson and Kehrs Mill Roads to commercial. They simply decided to plant an intense retail use in the middle of a residential area. This is simply outrageous to me.

Granting the “one store only” special sales tax district for Schnucks to repay them for adding a turn lane into their store is similarly outrageous, especially after the city tried to make a big deal out of Schnucks’ generosity when all along it appears that they had a private deal that the people would pay via a special one storeonly sales tax. This is especially annoying Sunshine laws because the lane improvement seems like To The Editor: it is only being made to improve access In the last issue of West Newsmagazine and traffic for the Schnucks store. you posed the question, “Will Ballwin offiSo my vote is that they will not see the cials see the light?” light. If anyone else is as outraged as I am, I do not believe that the current mayor then they might want to consider donating, (Tim Pogue), city attorney (Robert Jones) as I have, to the resident/citizen “Clarkson Trials for terrorists nor the city administrator (Robert Kuntz) & Kehrs Mill Rezoning Legal Fund,” c/o To The Editor: will see the light. I expect them to do Community Managers Association Inc., Does anyone believe Eric Holder made everything they can to avoid having what 14323 S. Outer Forty, Chesterfield, MO the decision to move Khalid Shaikh appears to be all their “back room, good ‘ol 63017, which is to be used for the pending Mohammed from a military tribunal to a boy deals” from being exposed. legal challenges to the rezoning and TDD federal court without the knowledge of the I believe that they think Ballwin belongs and then voting all these “good ‘ol boys” president? to them and that they are free to “wheel out of office in 2010 and 2011.

President Barack Obama wants to iso- and deal” as they see fit behind closed Terry Grogan late the Justice Department from the White doors. An attorney has told me that a city House, which is a ploy from Obama to may only act by resolution or ordinance, so throw Holder “under the bus” if the pro- where was the official action of the city to Inept Government ceedings go badly in the court of public approve the TDD (transportation develop- To The Editor: opinion. This move is nothing more than ment district) and, more importantly, where The utter naiveté wrought in the election a political move to appease the lunatic left was the public discussion of whether Sch- of November 2008 gets emphasized ever and to denigrate the last administration. nucks should get a public subsidy and be more forcefully with each passing day.

The rancorous left will rejoice in the allowed to tax us to pay for it?

From international apologetics to ecoIn addition to the apparent TDD Sun- nomic incompetence and a level of ineptishine Law violation, which they rushed tude only imaginable in fiction, the Obama through just days before the law requiring administration is the worst excuse for lead To The Editor: As I read the article about the radical group from Topeka, Kan., and the comments of some of the individuals in the community and especially the Marquette Diversity Alliance sponsor, she missed a teachable moment on the First Amendment. Although I disagree with the message of the people for Topeka, I also know that they have the individual right to any peaceful protest in any manner they wish, regardless of your opinion.

As long as the protesters peacefully protest, that is protected under the Constitution, as was the school to counter-protest but, of course, peacefully.

But just because you disagree with a point of view does not mean that you censor (as your paper did in the editor’s note below the column) the message.

You see, I would rather have these people protesting out in the open than under the cover of darkness.

So the educator of diversity should not have taken a position on the matter but rather explain, under our Constitution (which is supposed to be taught to students) everyone, regardless of the message, has the right to assemble as long it does not incite violence.

Tolerance has nothing to do with individual liberty. What is unacceptable is that our students are not exposed to the great liberties that are afforded to American citizens because there are many areas of the world where you would be thrown in jail (no habeas corpus) forever for expressing opposing views. Now that is teaching.

Robert Kerr Ellisville

exposure of CIA agents and the tactics used to protect our soldiers in the field and the homeland.

The Justice Department has created a two-tier judicial process to prosecute war criminals. During the Senate hearings on this matter, Holder had no rational reasoning for the change in policy that Congress set up. I contemplate that the federal court will be used when testimony can smear President George W. Bush’s administration and tribunals will be used to keep the Obama White House clean.

For example, Obama dismantled many of the CIA programs under Bush, but he preserved the rendition program - renditions by Obama, totally ignored by the left, even though Bush was crucified for doing the same thing.

What the world is about to witness is a mockery of our judicial courts. The trial of Moussaoui, the 20th hijacker, and his courtroom antics were appalling. The trial lasted years before his conviction.

If Obama and Holder believe Mohammed will be convicted and put to death, why not leave him at Gitmo in the hands of the JAGs? The American public has little patience for the inevitable. Some of the Democrats who support this administration once again show their true colors - weak on terror.

Patricia Bollozos Wildwood

ership America has ever had in over 225 years of governance.

Even less than stellar leaders of the past had a love and passion for traditional American values, a basic love of country.

Those leaders honored the principles of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. They embraced the love of liberty of John Adams and James Madison. Ronald Reagan, our finest president since Truman, embodied these ideals and achieved soaring successes.

These Obama socialist comrades care only about power. This is the power they can take from the people. The American masses, recently all too willing to behave like sheep, must gain and regain some level of intellect and principle.

Since taking office, Obama and comrades have taken our nation, already in economic peril, to unprecedented levels of debt and deficit.

The oft-quoted “mess we inherited” has been surpassed by such a staggering debt and deficit that it seems that whatever growth our economy may gain, whatever jobs may eventually be in play, will still put us decades away from being in balance.

Even though the dollar amount is so outrageous, liberals seem to not understand the consequences, the repercussions of such intellectual buffoonery. It is indicative of the same mentality used when they voted for these incompetents last November.

The long list of proof that these morons are way out of their league includes the whole CZAR fiasco, the transferring of Gitmo terrorist prisoners and potential civilian trials, state-run car companies, cash for clunkers, state-controlled financial institutions, drivers licenses and health care for “Illegal Aliens,” (get it, “illegal”), the Ft. Hood politically-correct response, and of course, the attempt to control health care in America.

Please understand, I am not for the status quo, not by a long shot. The USA is morally bankrupt, corrupt and politically correct beyond any intellectual capacity. A return to an “America First” policy position is the first step we must implement. We have always been and will continue to be the most charitable nation on Earth, from sending our troops to defend freedom on foreign soil to compassionate life-saving efforts after natural disasters.

Americans must rise up and defeat the enemy within. Failure to do so will result in a loss of liberty never even considered as being possible in America.

Rob Schultz Creve Coeur

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

This Is Still Ryan Country

A Y N R

We will custom fit a hearing aid to

The One, The Only, The Original Ryan Heating Co. Since 1926

YOUR ear and YOUR

Locally Owned JACK RYAN H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G C O .

Ask About A Possible Since 1926 $1,500 Tax Credit

On Qualifying Equipment!

hearing needs.

FALL FURNACE SPECIAL

24-hour Emergency Response

I 5

Residential & Commercial Service & Installation Hear the Sweet Sounds of Life.

Free Installation Estimates Always Same Day Service 12/31/09

FREE Financing*

12/31/09

Up Front Pricing Service For All Brands

*Valid with new equipment on approved credit.

The Audiology Center has a complete line of quality hearing aids to fit any budget, any style and any hearing loss.

Dr. Gilbert L. Phon Doctor of Audiology Hearing Aid Specialist

We have 3 convenient locatons: 12/31/09

12/31/09

314-352-1111

www.ClassicAireCare.com

St. Charles County

West County

226 S. Woodsmill Rd. Chesterfield

4200 N. Cloverleaf Dr. St. Peters

North County 253 Dunn Rd. Florrisant

1-866-397-6160 www.drphonhearing.com

Bono Natale Frohe Weihnachten und ein Joyeux Noël Bonne gutes neues Jahr Année Gott Nytt År Gleðileg Jól Prettige Kerstdagen Próspero año nuevo Gutes Weihnachten Joyeux neues Jahr Froehliche Happy Holidays Hauoli Makahiki Hou Bono Noël God Jul from your friends at Natale Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr Joyeux Noël Bonne Année Gott Prettige Kerstdagen Nytt År Gleðileg Providing the bestJól in memory care since 2004 Próspero año nuevo Gutes neues Jahr www.parcprovence.com 314-542-2500 Joyeux Noël God Froehliche Weihnachten Jul Hauoli Makahiki Hou Bono Natale Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr Joyeux Noël Bonne Année Gott Nytt År 605 COEUR DE VILLE DRIVE

CREVE COEUR, MO 63141

6 I OPINION I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Make your money matter

EDITORIAL

Losing faith in the system Only in this great country can the will of the people be so overlooked.

Attention politicians in Washington D. C.: The people of the country do not want government-run health care. Do we need and want health care reform? The answer is an overwhelming yes.

Reform? Yes! Government-run anything? No. Social Security? Broke. Medicare?

Broke. Amtrak? Broke. Post Office?

Broke. The Stimulus Bill? An ineffective waste.

The only thing our elected officials and the bureaucrats they employ can run is off at the mouth.

We the people are not stupid. We know instinctively that the government cannot provide millions of folks’ health care coverage and not run up the bill for the rest of us. Most of us, about 85 percent according to the polls, are happy with our health care coverage. Fix the obvious problems but for the most part leave our health care alone.

We are not happy about either of your proposed bills.

Calling the Senate health care bill a package that Ponzi schemer “Bernie Madoff would really envy,” Republican Sen. Jon Kyl recently said, “When they claim a savings ... in the first 10 years, that’s because they start collecting taxes in 2010 they don’t start spending money till 2014.”

And at least there is some understanding of the Senate bill. The House bill has been called, at best, incomprehensible.

Just 38 percent of voters now favor the health care plan that President Barack

Obama and Congressional Democrats propose. That is the lowest level of support measured for the plan since June. According to the latest Rasmussen Reports, a national telephone survey found that 56 percent now oppose the plan.

The proposed bills in the House and Senate are a joke and a scam. Fancy accounting and separate bills for many costs are a shell game that the folks out here do not want to play.

Hard working Americans are not happy about having to pay many more taxes to provide health care to those who simply do not want pay for it or do not even belong in this country. Seniors should not have to face health care rationing. Plus, much of the public does not want federal funding used for abortions under any circumstances.

And if we can wring savings out of the system because of fraud and abuse why not do it now?

Yet, in spite of the polls, in spite of the town halls and tea parties, in spite of the e-mails, phone calls and letters, you Democrats and President Obama persist in attempting to ram this kind of change down our throats.

It kind of makes one lose faith in the system. But that loss of faith will be regained when you are punished at the polls the next time the folks get a chance to take you out of office.

West Newsmagazine encourages you to make your feelings known to our Congressmen and Senators in Washington. Right now, it is all we can do. Soon enough, we will speak loudly at the voting booth.

Look for local business owners wearing the “Shop H.E.R.E. for the Holidays” pin.

Quotable: “The answer is no.”

- U.S. Sen. Joe Liberman, when asked if he can he support a public option if states could opt out of the plan, as the current proposed health care bill provides.

“I know some people feel like they might just be willing to donate a kidney to get high-speed Internet.”

- New Wildwood City Councilmember David Geile on his efforts to help bring access to the rural areas of the city.

Question of the week: Web site of the week:

Will Town & Country ever solve their deer problem?

Answer the question: editor@westnewsmagazine.com

100bestwebsites.org

The best sites on the web, all in one place.

1st Annual Celebrate Quality the Customer Season Service with Women Doing Business with Women Saturday December 5 10am - 5pm Marta’s Boutique Mary Tuttle’s Three French Hens

One Person Can Make a Difference

We Employ Local People

Keep Your Dollars in Your Community

15% Off Entire Purchase* *On 12/5/09 Only

Music • Fun • Refreshments

Shop H.E.R.E

Register to Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree.

Local Businesses are the Backbone of Your Community

Register to Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree.

You must visit all three locations on Saturday, December 5, 2009 and get stamped to qualify. $1,000 Gift Certificate will be divided equal between the three stores.

No purchase necessary. Clip and take to all three locations.

Marta’s

Boutique

Marta’s Boutique 1352 Clarkson/Clayton Center in Ellisville 636.227.8831 www.martasonline.com

Three French Hens 16935 Manchester Rd. Wildwood 636.458.8033 www.threefrenchhensantiques.com

Name:___________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________________________________

Mary Tuttle’s 17021 Baxter Rd. Chesterfield 636.728.0480 www.marytuttlesflowers.com

Address:_________________________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________

8 I OPINION I

___________________, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

355 Ozark Trail Drive, Suite 1 St. Louis, MO 63011 (636)591-0010 ■ (636)591-0022 Fax newsmagazinenetwork.com

Publisher Doug Huber

General Manager Tim Weber

Managing Editor Susan E. Sagarra

Marketing Director Sharon Huber

Features Editor Sue Hornof

Business Manager Erica Ritter

Graphic Designers Angela Carmody

Office Manager Janet Ruhmann

Please send Chris Conley Comments, Letters and Press Releases to: Steve Glover editor@westnewsmagazine.com Ellen Thomas A PUBLICATION OF

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Advertising Manager Vicky Czapla Advertising Account Executives Sheila Bennett Hope Cohagan Vivian Fortunato Linda Hauhe Sharon Huber Mairian King

Roger Koch Joe Ritter Christine Rogers Jim Ross Fran Swigunski Michael Watson

Classified Advertising Sales Kathleen Farrow

Writers Amy Burger Suzanne Corbett Ted Dixon Jr. Casey Godwin Gretchen A. Harman

Warren Mayes Julie Brown Patton Diane Plattner Sheila Frayne Rhoades Betsy Zatkulak

West Newsmagazine is published 35 times per year by West Media Inc. It is direct-mailed to more than 67,000 households in West St. Louis County. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by West Newsmagazine and views expressed in editorial copy are not necessarily those of West Newsmagazine. No part of West Newsmagazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from West Newsmagazine. All letters addressed to West Newsmagazine or its editor are assumed to be intended for publication and are subject to editing for content and length. West Newsmagazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or editorial submission. © Copyright 2009.

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

I 9

Un i q u e G i f t s, H o m e A ccesso r i es, Fi n e Fu r n i s h i n g s an d o f co u r se, F l o w er s!

17021 Baxter Road • Chesterfield • 636-728-0480 Mon-Fr i 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • S un 12-4

10 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

News Br iefs

WEST COUNTY

The St. Louis County Police Department recently announced it is joining with other law enforcement agencies for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s safety belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.

Officials said that in 2007, a driver in a Missouri traffic crash had a 1 in 32 chance of being killed if they were not wearing a seat belt. In cases where the driver wore a seat belt, their chance of being killed was 1 in 1,294.

“Regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch said. “Safety belt use in St. Louis County is continuing to rise, but it is still below 80 percent, which exposes far too many people to serious injury or death in a crash.”

For information on Missouri seat belt usage, visit saveMOlives.com.

Buckle up to avoid a ticket and arrive alive

Santa Claus is coming to town

Nearly one in four Missourians still fail to regularly wear their safety belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Among those least likely to buckle up include young males, pickup truck drivers and their passengers, people who live in rural areas, and nighttime drivers, officials.said.

The West County EMS and Fire Protection District is holding a toy drive through Dec. 15 and Santa Claus also will be visiting the area.

All collected toys will be donated to the Gateway Homeless Services and the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. Toys for

Compiled by Ted Dixon Jr., Casey Godwin, Gretchen Harman and Julie Brown Patton.

ELLISVILLE Outdoor dining will take away parking

The Ellisville City Council on Nov. 4 approved an amendment to an ordinance that allows the construction of a patio with outdoor dining at the Corner Pub and Grill at Fountain Plaza.

This will cause a change in parking at building G near 15808-15816 on the east side of the plaza. Ellisville City Clerk Kate Demeter said approximately seven parking spaces will be eliminated.

Why? 7.

Competition A competitive marketplace featuring locally owned businesses ensures innovation and low prices over the long term.

donation should be new, unwrapped and in the original package. Collection sites are located at any of the three West County stations.

Santa will be touring the neighborhoods on a West County fire truck from noon until dark on Dec. 5. Santa also will be at Station 1 (223 Henry in Manchester) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 12. Bring the kids to meet Santa. Bring some toys for the toy drive and have a cookie or some cocoa.

This is a great photo opportunity for children with Santa and with local paramedic/ firefighters.

Fire officials also have some “bahhumbug” facts that could cause this special time to be tarnished by tragedy. Each year, hundreds of people in the United States are killed in fires that involve cooking equipment and thousands more are injured.

These fires result in more than half a billion dollars in direct property damage to homes and their contents. December is the leading month for home candle fires. Review the National Fire Protective Association’s holiday fire safety tips, including the following: Holiday decorating • Be careful with holiday decorations.

Choose decorations that are flame- resistant or flame-retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use but not both.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Connect no more than three strands of mini-light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining • Test smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

• Blow out lit candles when leaving the room or going to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Gift cards needed this holiday season With a record number of families needing food and other assistance, Circle Of Concern is asking for donations of gift cards to share with struggling households.

TAX FREE Municipal Bonds

4.02

%

to

5.25

%*

*Yield effective 11/23/09, subject to availability. yield and market value may fluctuate if sold prior to maturity and the amount you receive from the sale of these securities may be less than, equal to, or more than the amount originally invested. Bond investments are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds can decrease and the investor can lose principal value. Any bond called prior to maturity results in reinvestment risk for the owner of the bond. May be subject to alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds may have original issue discount.

Some of the available issues of bonds are callable. Contact your local Edward Jones financial advisor for more information about maturity dates and applicable call provisions.

To invest in tax-free bonds, call Jon Seibel, Financial Advisor at

newsmagazinenetwork.com

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING Member SIPC

314-721-3747 Toll Free 877-455-3747

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 11

Stoplight, banners are up on Hwy. 109 Photo by Julie Brown Patton

“We Treat You Like Family.”

$

The traffic signal at the intersection of Hwy. 109 and New College Ave., just south of Manchester Road, now is installed and operating. The traffic light offers relief to patrons of the Wildwood Family YMCA, Wildwood Campus of the St. Louis Community College, the Westridge Office Center and Wildwood Square.

Also shown in the photo are the new street banners that promote the entire Wildwood Town Center area.

Packets of cards will be shared with families in mid-December.

Most needed are gift cards for discount stores, family and fast food restaurants, movies, sporting goods and clothing stores.

This year, requests for food are running approximately 18 percent ahead of last year’s pace. As a result, more families are eligible for participation in Circle’s holiday programs. For example, 466 families have been signed up for Thanksgiving Baskets with frozen turkeys, frozen pies, fresh produce and other special items.

With more families needing help, Circle has expanded its holiday program to reach more households.

The charity does not expect to find enough groups to match up with every deserving family for the season. As a result, Circle will pool and share packets of gift cards with families who cannot be part of the formal Holiday Adoption project.

Gift cards can be dropped off until 4 p.m. during the week and on Saturday mornings at Circle Of Concern (112 St. Louis Ave. in Valley Park). Cards also can be mailed to Circle Of Concern, P.O. Box 444, Valley Park, MO 63088.

MISSOURI Drunk driving crackdown Do not be a loser this holiday season.

You drink and drive, you lose.

That is the message from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety in reminding all motorists that if they drink and drive this holiday season, they lose.

“It’s not just a slogan, it’s a fact,” said Leanna Depue, director of the coalition’s

executive committee. “Whether it is your license, your money or your life, (if) you drink and drive, you lose.”

The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas usually are filled with a lot of holiday travel and cheer. Officials said it also can be a dangerous time on Missouri roads. In 2008, between the two holidays, 94 people died in traffic crashes (15 were alcohol related) in Missouri and 5,163 were injured (with 363 related to alcohol).

The coalition is using advertising messages to urge drivers not to drink or to call a cab or designate a driver. Law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for anyone driving impaired.

To learn more about impaired driving or other safety programs, visit saveMOlives. com.

Ask About 1500 Tax Credits

May be available on hi-efficiency qualifying systems.

70

$

Fall-Furnace Special 17-Point System Tune-Up

Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers, specials or coupons. Limit one per household. Expires 12-31-09

314-965-5730 www.craigheating.com

DON’T REPLACE... REFACE befor e

Glenn Beck comes to St. Louis on Feb. 5 The Constitutional Coalition presents Glenn Beck, host of the nationally-syndicated radio talk show and Fox News Channel’s “The Glenn Beck Show” for an evening appearance in February.

Beck will appear at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University (1 S. Compton).

This is a reserved seating only event.

Tickets are $20-$50. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thurs., Dec. 3.

To purchase tickets, visit metrotix.com or thechaifetzarena.com, or call (800) 2935949 or (314) 534-1111. Enter promotion code “C.” Prior to the event, a reception/dinner will be held. Reservations for reception/dinner can only be made through the Constitutional Coalition at (314) 636-1789.

KITCHEN CABINET REFACING Save up to 60% over complete replacement.

FALL SAVINGS

$750 OFF Kitchen Refacing *Expires December 31, 2009

HUNDREDS OF STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM Cherry • Maple • Oak and More!

Countertops - Granite, Quartz & Laminate

636.928.3199

Full 10 Year Warranty • Senior Discounts • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

12 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

BUY YOUR NEW FLOORING NOW & HAVE IT INSTALLED BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS!

TOP 10 REASONS

TO BUY YOUR FLOORING FROM BREWERS!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

NEW LOW PRICES - BIGGER SAVINGS ONE OF THE BIGGEST & BEST SELECTIONS IN ST. LOUIS GUARANTEED EXPERT INSTALLATIONS KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF ON ALL PRODUCTS FREE DESIGN & DECORATING ADVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR 27 YEARS BUSINESS WITH HONESTY & INTEGRITY ACCREDITED B.B.B. BUSINESS SATISFACTION GUARANTEED CALL FOR NUMBER TEN

“Owned & Operated by the Brewers Since 1982” 200 Meramec Valley Plaza Valley Park, MO OUR GIFT TO YOU

$

10000 OFF

ANY PURCHASE ORDER OVER $150000 NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER PURCHASE. ONLY ON ORDERS PLACED 12-1 THRU 12-23.

ww w. b rew ersflo o r in g .c o m

(Hwy. 141 & Marshall Rd. - 1 Mile North of Hwy. 44) Across from Carol House Furniture

(636) 225-8350

HOURS: MON-TUES: 9:30-7pm WED-FRI: 9:30-5pm • SAT 9:30-4pm • CLOSED SUNDAY

Join Us For Our Holiday Open House Saturday, December 5th • 9am - 5pm

H

oliday Cheer at SummerWinds...

Holiday Tablescape Class!

Join us Thursday evening December 3rd at 7pm for our first evening Tablescape Class. Debi has once again put a unique spin on decorating your table or buffet for all your holiday parties and gatherings. As always, we have a surprise or two in store for you! Space is limited, so please contact the store to reserve your place.

Trees, Trees, Trees and more!

We carry beautiful Fraser and Balsam fir trees in sizes from 2 to 20 ft. tall.

Our trees are standing and under cover to allow you to select the perfect tree for your family - in any weather. Our porch pots made from fresh cut greenery have been very popular, and are easy to make. Let us help you with your container, or pick one up already made to drop in your pot for instant decorating. Don’t forget to visit our greenhouse for poinsettias, cyclamen, amaryllis and more to bring a splash of color to your Holiday home. We also offer delivery, set-up and removal services for your tree.

A Holiday Gift for you!

$5.00 off purchases of $25.00-$49.99 $10.00 off purchases of $50.00-$99.99 $25.00 off purchases of $100.00 or greater

4 yr.

Must present coupon at time of purchase. May not be applied to prior purchases.

Not valid with other offers or discounts. Limit one coupon per visit. Does not apply to delivery, set-up or installation services or purchase of a gift certificate.

Coupon expires: December 24, 2009

y!

Anniversar

Pet Psychic • Caricatures • Nail Trims • Prizes • Chair Massages Free Samples • Storewide Specials • Pop-Art Pet Artist Refreshments For Pups & People Alike!

Check our website for additional pictures of our Holiday Store. www.summerwindsmo.com Give a gift of gardening from SummerWinds

www.summerwindsmo.com Open 7 Days a Week Ellisville - 636.227.0095

2414 Taylor Road Dierbergs Wildwood Town Center

2416 Taylor Road Dierbergs Wildwood Town Center

54 Clarkson Road - (One block north of Manchester Road)

636-458-8838 636-458-8423 www.oneluckymutt.com www.happygoluckyoutfitters.com

Lake St. Louis - 636.561.3419 3230 Technology Drive - (Highway 40 to Lake Saint Louis Boulevard. Turn right.

Mon - Thurs: 10am - 7pm • Fri - Sat: 9am - 5pm • Sun: 12pm - 4pm

We Guarantee Success!

Come Shop In Our Two Great Stores In One Convenient Location!

Turn right again on Technology Drive. We are about one mile on your left.)

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 13

Down the drain: MSD charges still dousing some West County residents Residents are receiving collection calls, liens on homes

By Julie Brown Patton Charges for storm water management keep showing up from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) in the mailboxes of residents in the Indian Tree subdivision in Wildwood. Residents said they do not know what MSD services they are receiving and have been trying for the past year to eliminate the charges.

Sue Cullinane, an Indian Tree and Wildwood resident for 24 years, said problems started when MSD formed a committee several years ago to explore how to generate revenue to pay for projects needed “east of Lindbergh.”

“They tried to calculate the amount of space each house had with its roof, sidewalks, patios and driveways,” Cullinane said. “Then we were charged anywhere from $10 to $25 for ‘sewer extensions’ on the property tax bills even though we weren’t receiving any sanitary services.”

More recently, homeowners received monthly bills regarding storm water runoff.

Cullinane said some homeowners have paid the MSD charges, while others paid them sporadically. Still others have refused to pay any of the charges.

“Many homeowners were up in arms at an (Indian Tree) subdivision meeting in November because we found out that MSD was threatening to put liens on some of our houses,” Cullinane said. “And some of us have collection agencies harassing us to pay these bills. MSD has larger projects than this going on, such as being sued by the EPA. They know West County residents have an issue with these charges. What are these (MSD) people thinking?”

Questionable charges from MSD have

been occurring since 2008. Cullinane said at a public meeting last year that one retired couple with 50 acres reported MSD charged them $100 per month for storm water runoff.

MSD’s main objective is to collect and treat wastewater. Its services cover St. Louis City as well as 80 percent of St. Louis County. As a result of the volume of questions related to MSD’s services supplied to the more remote locations of St. Louis County, Missouri Rep. Tim Jones (R-Dist.

89) sponsored a bill earlier this year to address the issue. The bill, which went into effect on Aug. 28, prohibits MSD from assessing a district property owner “any fee, charge, or tax for storm water management services if the storm water runoff from the property does not flow, is not conveyed to a sewer maintained by the district, or is not planned to flow to a district sewer within 18 months of the assessment.”

Supporters of the bill said it was necessary to prevent MSD from charging the new impervious area fee to properties to which the entity provides few or no services and that do not make use of the sewer system.

Opponents of the bill said MSD provides

regulatory services to the entire area and that funding is necessary to comply with the federal Clean Water Act. MSD representatives testified against the bill.

Cullinane said “trucks could be driven through the loopholes” in this legislation.

She said that with Wildwood’s rough and hilly terrain, it would be virtually impossible to prove that water is from anyone’s particular property by the time it travels all the way to some MSD treatment facility.

“What is harder to accept is that most of the subdivision’s homeowners have aeration systems for which they have paid themselves,” Cullinane said. “These sewer systems have mix masters that aren’t cheap to maintain, but they do a great job of sanitizing the water from our homes.”

Ryan Thomas, Wildwood’s director of public works, said the storm water management charge “only applies to properties that are within MSD’s annexed area, which includes mostly properties to the east of Route 109.”

“Previously, all property owners within MSD’s annexed area would receive a small property tax whether or not they had MSD service,” Thomas said. “MSD eliminated

the property tax but instead implemented a monthly fee for storm water based on the impervious area on one’s property. Many residents have opposed this new fee because they see no service in exchange for this fee and it is much higher than the property tax was.

“When Missouri legislators passed the law that exempts certain properties if they are both not connected to the MSD sanitary system and their runoff does not drain into an MSD storm sewer, many property owners were hoping this new law would exempt them. But in many cases, their drainage does get intercepted by an MSD storm sewer (and) in many cases far away from their property.”

Thomas said there is an ongoing class action lawsuit against MSD that, if won, would eliminate the fee from everyone. He said this lawsuit has a trial date set for April.

Wildwood Mayor Tim Woerther said his immediate plan is to gather examples of MSD’s assessments of storm water runoff charges to residents.

“I will then go to Jeff Thiermann, MSD’s director, and make an immediate appeal to stop all actions and remove any fees or liens on these (affected) residents,” Woerther said.

Homeowners said they are worried about what this situation is doing to their overall credit rating.

Looking to the next legislative session in Jefferson City, which starts in January, Woerther said changes to MSD’s charter are needed to accommodate de-annexation of properties that do not receive or directly benefit from MSD’s services.

“The fact is that the efforts of last year were just a start at providing Wildwood residents some sanity regarding the MSD storm water runoff charges,” Woerther said.

Chesterfield Valley bonds downgraded to junk status

By Jessica Wilson Officials in charge of the finances for the Chesterfield Valley Transportation Development District (TDD) said they are not shocked about the downgrading of the bonds for the district.

Fitch Ratings downgraded the TDD bonds from investment grade to junk bond the week of Nov. 16, citing the uncertainty of the bonds.

“Most transportation development bonds are either not rated or not rated investment grade, so it’s not surprising for most investors to see a TDD downgraded,” said Michelle Bock, of Piper Jaffray, the finan-

cial agency for the city’s TDD. Bock said reports that sales are down 32 percent from last year are not accurate.

“Sales are off 32 percent from the original revenue projections,” Bock said. “(But) in 2006, the Chesterfield Valley was just booming and there was a lot of growth and then with what happened with the economy, that didn’t come to fruition.”

Bock said that is due to the fact that “the sole source is sales tax so by its very nature it’s subject to fluctuate.”

Bock said that sales are down 7 percent from 2008 so far.

“Depending on the rest of the holiday

season that could change,” Bock said. “If the economy is in fact in recovery, we may see a bit of an improvement. What Fitch did in their assumptions to come up with the downgrade is they assumed the revenue will continue to go down for the rest of the year and for the next 20 years so there’s no growth in the Valley and that’s very unrealistic. Given the market and the economy, they’re taking a very, very conservative view.”

Fitch will re-examine the credit every six months and could upgrade the bonds.

“If there are significant signs of improvements there could be upgrades,” Bock

said.

The good news is that despite the downgrading, Bock said that the bonds do not default.

“Everyone gets paid, but it’s still not the rosy picture that everyone thought in 2006,” Bock said.

Bock also said that Chesterfield residents, business owners and officials should rest assured despite the downgrading.

“The city is rated Triple A, so it’s not the city’s credit that Fitch is rating,” Bock said.

Chesterfield officials declined to comment about the downgrading of the bonds.

14 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Steinberg Skating Rink Forest Park

Largest Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in the Midwest Public Skating All Day Everyday

Sun-Thurs. 10am-9pm • Fri-Sat 10am - Midnight

Ice Skating Season is NOW OPEN!

Skate with Santa & Live Reindeer

Dec. 5th & 12th • 1pm-3pm

ke S n ow fflea Ca a, C o co Food, Hot ine W Beer &

314-361-0613 • 314-367-RINK

www.steinbergskatingrink.com

There’s a new Nissan store in town.

W E S T

C O U N T Y

The Easy, Hassle-Free Place to Buy Your New Nissan!

www. westcountynissan .com WHAT MAKES WEST COUNTY NISSAN DIFFERENT? Great selection. Convenient location.

Unbeatable prices. First-class service.

And we never mark our cars up to show big discounts or advertise discounts that you don’t qualify for!

IN FACT OUR ADVERTISED PRICES ARE ALWAYS $0 DOWN PRICES!

HOME OF THE

$

0

DOWN LEASE!

OUR LEASE t our GROUND Y COUNTY Ask abou AT WEST N D N A NISSA E’LL PAY YOU ** W :

ES 39 Month LROEGAUES $267 $187 O $227 MURANA IM AX M 37 $2

SENTRA ALTIMA CUBE

UP TO

$337 $327

$750 WEAR & TEAR

7

DAY

TEED GUARANpr aisal Trade Ap

** Offers end 12/30/09. See store for details. 39mth leases. Tax, title, license extra. 12k miles per year. With approved credit. WCN-021.

W E S T

C O U N T Y ����������

��

15908 Manchester Road Ellisville, MO 63011

����������

�������

��

��

������������

Corner of Manchester & Clarkson

���

���������������

����������

���

866-750-3606

Visit us on-line at www.westcountynissan.com

West County cities now rank high in area’s recyclables

By Julie Brown Patton It appears that residents in Wildwood are doing more than their share of recycling to benefit the environment. Meridian Waste Services officials said that Wildwood residents are averaging approximately 285 tons of recycled materials per month, ranking the city in the top four municipalities for recycling in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Charles “Chuck” Barcom Jr., president and managing member of Meridian Waste Services, attributed the noticeable increase to switching Wildwood residents over to larger 65-gallon collection carts. He said that on average, they saw a 170 tons per month growth from Wildwood collections once the new receptacles were in place.

“Given Wildwood’s approximately 10,000 homes, we consistently pick up 280 to 285 tons per month for most of the year,” Barcom said. “We usually average a lesser amount per home during May, when people are busy doing other things; however, it picks back up again when they do spring cleaning.”

Barcom said Wildwood used to consistently rank No. 5 or 6 in the area’s recycling totals. He also said that 831 tons of waste was picked up from Wildwood during October.

The St. Louis County Office of Waste Management was established in 1991 to develop programs to conserve natural resources, extend landfill life spans and to achieve the state and county mandate of 40 percent reduction in the generation rate of solid waste.

Craig LeFebvre, public information officer for the St. Louis County Health Department, said the county staff’s current waste management and recycling goal is a “diversion rate of 50 percent by 2010.”

Diversion refers to redirecting and deflecting a significantly lesser amount of materials going into landfills.

LeFebvre said they specifically targeted yard waste and discarded appliances when the new recycling management guidelines for “minimum level of services” were put into place in December 2006. He said all legally licensed waste management companies in the county are required to offer at least three services: once per week trash hauling, once per week recycling and two bulky pickups per year.

“The idea was to ensure that recycling is included as part of any of the basic packages,” LeFebvre said.

Barcom said the county’s diversion goal is “a stretch but doable,” especially if more residents continue to be diligent and as recycling programs grow in unincorporated

Wildwood residents lead West County and much of the St. Louis metropolitan area when it comes to tons of recycled materials each month, thanks to switching to larger 65-gallon collection carts.

areas of St. Louis County. Another form of waste source reduction is called “precycling,” which means generating less material that has to be handled for recycling or disposal. LeFebvre said source reduction may be accomplished by simple changes in purchasing behavior, such as buying products that use only a small amount of packaging.

“Precycling can be a powerful tool for extending the longevity of our landfills,” LeFebvre said.

West County has several dominant municipalities when it comes to recycling, said Gary Gilliam, sales manager for Resource Management Companies in Earth City. The private material recovery facility services more than 90 percent of West County.

Gilliam said Wildwood was the first large city in the area to design the 65-gallon carts.

“Wildwood made great strides quickly as a result,” Gilliam said.

Clarkson Valley followed suit and achieved an immediate 50 percent increase in monthly recyclable totals, he said. He reported that Ellisville got carts two or three years ago; Manchester got them last February; Ballwin got them last May; and Chesterfield did so this June. He said he expects great recycling efforts from these cities as they ramp up as well.

“It’s so sensible to offer larger recycling containers because the new ones hold four or five times more than the 18-gallon bins do,” Gilliam said.

He also said 16,000 jobs are tied to recycling in the area, with a $340 million payroll.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 15

New Wildwood City Councilmember says he has ‘big shoes to fill’

By Julie Brown Patton Wildwood officials approved a new City Councilmember on Nov. 23: David Geile.

Geile replaces former ward 1 representative Bart Cohn, who resigned Nov. 10.

Geile took his oath of office at the Nov. 23 City Council meeting.

Geile has lived in Wildwood since 1986, before the municipality was incorporated.

“We really liked the diversity that living ‘on the fringe’ provided,” Geile said. “We got the best of both worlds in that we live on 4 acres of natural, rural forest on top of a hill, while still having the amenities of Chesterfield Valley on one side and Wildwood on the other.”

Geile has been serving on the Wildwood Board of Ethics. He started an official three-year term on March 10, 2008, and acted as an alternate prior to that date. He became the new chair of the board at the Nov. 9 meeting. Geile also started serving as a Wildwood Planning and Zoning Commission member on June 22.

“I really enjoy the behind-the-scenes negotiations that are necessary for the development of the city,” Geile said.

Being a resident of Babler Forest Subdivision, Geile and his wife recently participated in the rural Internet access trial held there.

“It was profound to have high speed

Creve Coeur seeks volunteers

By Ted Dixon Jr. The city of Creve Coeur is actively searching for community volunteers to help out at the front counter at Creve Coeur City Hall and in various departments within the city.

Creve Coeur Assistant City Administrator Jaysen Christensen said they are looking for folks to man the building, mainly in the public works department. The city would like for people to volunteer a couple of times a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at least a few hours a day.

“We are looking for people to assist callers and lead them to the right staff and answer questions when needed (and) 8 a.m. to noon is the busiest time of the day,” Christensen said.

Christensen said the position would be “fairly permanent” until the budget turns around. Despite the rough economy and many looking for gainful employment, Christensen said he sees this as a good opportunity for someone to obtain valuable experience and serve the community.

He said senior citizens and retirees are welcome to apply.

Call (314) 872-2516.

access, almost like it must be when people get electricity for the first time,” Geile said.

He said he will work diligently toward high speed access for all Wildwood residents.

“I know some people feel like they might just be willing to donate a kidney to get high speed Internet,” Geile said.

During the day, Geile is managing partner and creative director of a marketing communications agency that earned the Small Business Monthly Best in Business

2009 designation. He has more than 20 years of experience in working with products that range from agriculture and health care to fiber-optic telecommunications and entertainment. He concepts, writes and produces radio, television, print, and other creative solutions for various companies.

“My job is to literally think creatively and outside of the box,” Geile said. “I am hoping to bring that experience to the mix of all the other great people and backgrounds that make up (Wildwood’s) City Council.”

Geile said replacing Cohn “leaves big shoes to fill in that he put a ton of time into the city.”

“It’s important to be the voice of the people,” Geile said. “I promise to bring passion and commitment to my efforts, and to uphold the master plan.”

For hobbies, he and his family like to hike, hunt and bike. In particular, they are avid supporters of the World Bird Sanctuary.

“I really like to be way out in the woods to hear the forest come alive,” Geile said.

Our apologies to

O n o u r We b s i t e yo u c a n

the neighbors.

sign up for eBill and find

Depending on which side

useful tools like the Energy

of the amp you’re on, we

Savings Toolkit to help you

can be reliable to a fault.

manage your account and

AmerenUE consistently ranks

minimize usage.

near the top in reliability while

So whether you

our rates continue to rank near

are plugging in an electric

the bottom. Though

guitar, vacuum cleaner or hair

we never rest.

dryer, you can rock, clean

That’s why we continue

or fluff however you see

to sponsor many energy

fit. To learn more, plug in

assistance programs

to amerenue.com.

like Dollar More and Budget Billing.

Your tunes.

We Listen. We Respond. We Deliver.

6482-A13-R2_YourTunes_7.458x8.687.indd 1

11/19/09 2:56:49 PM

16 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

My Body. My Life. My Home Gym. I split my time between running my business and caring for my family, which means I don’t get many opportunities to go to the gym.

So I created my own home gym with a treadmill, elliptical crosstrainer and weight machine from FITNESS EXPERTS. Getting what you want in life takes hard work, but staying in shape is easy thanks to great exercise gear from FITNESS EXPERTS.

The Wildwood Historical Society has purchased a 5-acre property off Hwy. 100 known as “the Hencken Place” to establish a historical museum and theater.

TSX ELLIPTICAL

Independent Fitness Systems for Independent People.

In Chesterfield Valley next to Best Buy 636.530.7767 www.gofitnessexperts.com FITEX_NewAd_Oct09.indd 1

Holiday

&

10/14/09 4:37:09 PM

Home Decorating with a Personal Touch

• Tree Trimming • Mantels • Staircases • Entry Doors & Foyers • Table Tops

Call or stop by to set up an appointment.

St. Louis Area’s Most Beautiful Store

THREE FRENCH HENS 16935 Manchester Rd. • Wildwood (636) 458-8033

threefrenchhensantiques.com Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5am • Sunday Noon-4pm

Wildwood secures property for new historical museum

By Julie Brown Patton The Wildwood Historical Society on Nov. 6 purchased a 5-acre property known as “the Hencken Place” with the goal of establishing a historical museum and theater in the near future.

The land is located directly off Hwy. 100, just 1/8 mile west of Stovall’s Grove Saloon. Nearly 7,000 square feet of storage and display space is available in three outbuildings and barns.

Wildwood Historical Society President Jim Martin said the purchase amount was $330,000.

“However the seller donated $30,000 that ultimately enabled us to complete the purchase,” Martin said.

Individual society donors to the project will be listed on a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the museum, as well as in the society’s 2010 calendar.

Martin said the homestead is large enough to erect a Schaedler log cabin that the society already owns, and that the parcel has paved parking for nearly 20 cars.

He said the intent is to rent out the actual home building to provide partial funding for the capital loan that the society has taken out.

In general, the property lies within physical space previously known as ‘Dutch Hollow’ as the earliest name of the community. The area is rich in West County history. In the 1820s, Samuel Harris was noted as having the first post office west of St. Louis. Harris had applied to the U.S. government to have the post office named Fox Creek. He also owned a 40-acre tract to the east of the current site that was just purchased.

Harris had a tavern and grist mill, according to the 1883 history of St. Louis County.

These landmarks were located at what currently is Stovall’s Grove Saloon.

William Holloway, one of the earliest pioneers of that area, also owned a 40-acre tract to the west of Harris’ property. This is believed to have been the same property as the tract of land that the historical society just purchased, said Lynne Martin, chair of Wildwood’s Historic Preservation Commission.

As traffic increased, more permanent activity was centered in Dutch Hollow and other villages, linked by trading posts, wagon trains and eventually train depots.

Lynne said that in 1826, when the state capital was moved from St. Charles to Jefferson City, Manchester Road was called New Market Street. She said it eventually became a mandated route, showing up on surveys in 1838.

“Manchester became a main thoroughfare, at a time when it took people two days to get to the Fox Creek area from St. Louis city,” Martin said.

In 1834, Charles “Dutch Charley” Paffrath came from Germany with his relatives, the Steines family. By 1845 he had opened a store and tavern on his property that Harris previously owned. A half mile southwest of Paffrath’s establishment was a long cabin and numerous outbuildings that William Bartold owned. Bartold’s place became the hotel and stage coach stand.

Henry Hencken married Sophia Bohning in 1852 and purchased the property that the society bought for the museum.

The Wildwood Historic Society was founded in 1999 by residents, many of whom are direct descendants of early immigrants to the area. For more information, visit wildwoodhistorysociety.org.

Jim Martin said the society’s trustees would consider providing “naming rights” for the future museum related to sizeable donations.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 17

Wildwood officials halt audit of annual BBQ Bash

By Julie Brown Patton After readdressing the issue of a proposed financial audit to assess this year’s St. Louis Home Fires BBQ Bash that Wildwood hosted, the Wildwood City Council on Nov. 23 decided not to pursue a full audit.

Wildwood City Councilmember Jim Baugus (ward 3) brought up the topic under “other business” on the agenda. He stated that as interim chair of the Administration/ Public Works Committee, he had accepted a motion to conduct the audit at a committee meeting.

“It’s been brought to my attention that perhaps this decision should have been at the council level instead,” Baugus said. “I don’t know if we overstepped our bounds, but it’s now in your hands, mayor.”

Wildwood Mayor Tim Woerther replied that he was glad Baugus mentioned the topic because “all councilmembers needed to be brought up to speed.”

“This bears council’s review,” Woerther said. “It’s been a gray or murky topic, however, regarding what’s exactly been asked to be assessed, whether it’s an investigation or audit.”

Wildwood City Councilmember David Sewell (ward 6) then reintroduced the original motion for the full City Council.

“I think a conversation with the city’s staff would have been a better first step,” Wildwood City Councilmember Jean Vedvig (ward 4) said.

Wildwood City Councilmember Ed Marshall (ward 2) asked what the specific goal is for the audit.

“To look at controls,” Sewell said. “This overrun of finances was 12 times more than the original money allotment discussed for this event. That development indicates there are control issues that need to be addressed, so it is less likely to occur again.”

Wildwood City Councilmember Tammy Shea (ward 4) said that they had not originally approved a budget number for the bash.

“In defense of the department, I look at this more as a learning event,” Shea said.

“We were hosting it for the first time and due to unforeseen circumstances, especially the weather, there were a great number of challenges.”

“I think looking at that type of information would be a more constructive analysis,” Shea said.

Woerther agreed that “the dollar spent per attendee figure” indicated the bash was one of the most successful events the city ever had.

“I think the staff followed process, but I don’t think we did such a great job with our contract language,” Vedvig said.

She said she believed the municipality’s

highest ranking employee, the city administrator, deserved to be able to address this budget item and that he had not been allowed to do so at the committee meeting at which the topic first surfaced.

“Discussion with that highest ranking person is the proper beginning,” Vedvig said.

Wildwood City Councilmember Rick Wise (ward 4) said he thought the whole discussion “was a little late,” and wondered if the city treasurer already had completed the audit.

After the last City Council meeting’s discussion about the audit, former Wildwood City Councilmember Bart Cohn had inquired via e-mail to City Council members regarding the city’s charter related to “investigations,” specifically section 3.7.

“The ‘audit’ of the BBQ Bash event that was requested by the Administration/Public Works Committee is such an investigation, and therefore may be conducted ‘only upon the vote of a majority of the members of the city council,’” Cohn said.

Cohn said he asked Woerther at the

meeting in question on what authority the committee could request an audit by the city treasurer without the full City Council, and that he (Woerther) stated that “since there was no cost involved, there didn’t have to be a full-council approval of such an action.”

However, Cohn maintained that section 3.7 of the charter states that a majority of the City Council voting in the affirmative is required.

The motion to continue with the audit eventually failed on a City Council vote.

18 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Holiday Open House THIS WEEKEND! Dec. 5th & 6th

5.99

$

per foot

installeD Additional Charges May Apply Available In 9 Colors!

Durable aluminum ConstruCtion low profile proven effeCtive Design

600 Cepi Drive • Chesterfield

636-532-3320 www.jandjsidingandwindows.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1953 “As Heard On KMOX Radio”

16957 Old Manchester Road Wildwood/Grover 636.458.9449 wellsgardenandkitchen.com

Just in Time for the Holidays Baluster Replacement Systems Change Your Wood Spindles to Iron and Dramatically Change the Look of Your Home in less than 2 days

15% Off CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 636.273.5148

Applies to balusters only.

Expires 12 /31/09

Water problem to be addressed at North Eatherton Road

By Julie Brown Patton Consistent water problems on the roadway at North Eatherton Road by Kohn Park have sparked driver-related safety concerns for some time. The Wildwood City Council and city staff recently discussed the ponding issues along the road’s southern edge.

Kohn Park is located at the border of Wildwood and Chesterfield near Chesterfield Valley.

Joe Vujnich, Wildwood’s director of planning and parks, said the city staff is taking steps to investigate solutions for the problem before temperatures start to drop below freezing this winter. He said he contacted the St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic because the roadway is part of the county’s arterial system. He and Ryan Thomas, Wildwood’s director of public works, met with Scott Hummel, the county’s street superintendent.

Vujnich said Hummel agreed to address the south side of the roadway surface where the runoff originates. Wildwood will address the north side of the roadway where it abuts the park.

“This work does have a cost associated with it, but the removal of this ponded water will benefit the park in terms of removing a maintenance issue, and will eliminate a safety hazard as well,” Vujnich said.

The cost is expected to be no more than $5,000, Vujnich said.

In June, the Wildwood City Council

considered transforming Kohn Park into a dog park. Use of the 3-acre plot has been limited since its dedication in 1998 due to its location, narrow shape and proximity to a railroad right-of-way.

Requests for proposals were distributed for the dog park project, and a landscape design company was selected. However, staff and the City Council eventually decided the area needed an adequate water supply, and that estimated costs should be included in the 2010 city budget.

Vujnich said the city’s preliminary budget for 2010 capital improvements contains $80,000 for Kohn Park. But, he said the capital improvements program will not be adopted until at least Dec. 14 so it remains preliminary until that time.

Rockwood considers revising summer academy to address deficit

By Diane Plattner Rockwood School District officials have approved some proposed changes to the summer academy to address a recent program deficit.

On Nov. 12, the Rockwood School Board approved, in a 6-0 vote, some proposed changes to address a deficit of approximately $150,000. District officials said that the 2009 changes to the six-week summer academy program and collaboration with the Community Education Department resulted in increased opportunities for student learning. However, it created a $158,395 deficit.

Sub-committees met to review feedback from teachers, parents, staff and students and proposed several modifications for the 2010 summer academy, including: • Moving Books Bloom in June to Community Education.

• Reducing teaching staff and enrichment facilitators.

Officials said moving Books Bloom

in June under Community Education would save $21,000. They said decreasing the teaching staff by 5 percent would save $60,000, while reducing enrichment facilitators from eight to five would save $10,000.

“We are proud of our students and their achievement during last year’s Rockwood Summer Academy,” said Karen Seiber, executive director of secondary schools.

“This program increased our students’ academic success and prepared them for the school year.”

Seiber said Rockwood officials are dedicated to continuing to provide this program.

“We’ll modify the current program in ways that will improve the efficiencies of how we provide instruction during Rockwood Summer Academy,” Seiber said.

“Our focus is keeping any changes as far away from the classroom as possible to ensure our students still receive the quality education and summer programming.”

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 19

MAKING ACCESS EASIER For Your Home & Business Style • Convenience • Safety

H m a e r D and ouse Tea Room Residential Garage Door Openers

Commercial Gate Operators

Residential Gate Operators

Telephone Entry Systems

CALL TODAY FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

(314) 772-6500 zumwaltcorporation.com Sales and Service For Garage Doors and Operators

Please Join Us For An Evening of Shopping

Thursday, December 10th at 6pm The MARQUETTE CHAMBER CHOIR to perform www.dreamhouseandtearoom.com

Reservations Please 636-227-7640 Clayton & Kehrs Mill

2010 is going to be Your year!

It’s more than just fitness... It’s a Way of Life Here!

* Give & Receive!

(636) 532-9992 * some restrictions may apply please call for details

Give a 1 month membership and Get 1 FREE for yourself !! * some restrictions may apply please call for details

20 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

West Follow-up

Ballwin officials to review purchasing policies

Light a CandLe of Love.

“Christmas Service of Remembrance”

Since the holidays are a time for remembering, we are lighting a candle for those who are not with us. We know one of the most strenuous events for families is celebrating the holidays without their loved ones. Gift opening, celebrations and special family traditions are difficult for many.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 3:00 p.m.

For this reason, we are holding our 15th annual “Christmas Service of Remembrance” for bereaved families and friends. In two short hours, we hope to share specific ways of coping with the holiday season.

15th annual

for bereaved families and friends.

Please consider making this a priority in your holiday season. Please call 636-227-5511 to let us know how Refreshments will be served in the Family Center many people will be representing your family to assure we have following the service. adequate seating.

Open to the public.

In memory of your loved one, please bring an ornament for the Christmas Remembrance Tree.

By Casey Godwin Questions about certain Ballwin city purchases have prompted city officials to review discrepancies in the city codes and purchasing policy.

In response to concerns that residents raised, Ballwin City Administrator Robert Kuntz requested that the city’s independent auditing firm, Hochschild Bloom & Co., CPAs, review city purchases for compliance with both city and state ordinances.

The auditing firm, which has conducted annual city audits for four years, reviewed five purchases that Ballwin resident Ron Markland questioned. Markland had contacted the city repeatedly to point out what he believed were flaws in the way the city was conducting purchases.

At the Nov. 23 Ballwin Board of Aldermen meeting, Markland reminded the board that he had questioned 42 purchases made in 2009 that totaled more than $1.9 million.

“You can imagine my surprise when I learned that the city’s auditor indicated that he had only been asked to review five of the 42 items,” Markland told the board.

“Everyone should be aware that this incomplete review does not let you off the hook.”

Kuntz said the special audit, which was estimated to cost up to $6,800, was “never intended to be a comprehensive audit or a supplement of (the city’s) regularly scheduled audit.” Purchases that were selected for review had been specified in a letter sent to members of the board on Sept. 29 from Markland.

Four of the five purchases were found to be in compliance with city code. The purchase that was not compliant, however, was compliant with the city’s purchasing policy, the audit said.

In February, the city upgraded the tele-

I’ll Be Home for Christmas ...

Sharon Vermilye, RN

©2009 MKJ Marketing

Julie Vermilye, RN Summer Smyka

14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin

636-227-5511

phone system for $23,503, with an additional $5,982 upgrade in May. Because there is no exception for sole source vendors in the city code and the amount of the purchase was greater than $5,000, the audit found the city had not followed its code.

The difference is that in the city’s internal purchasing policy, “competitive shopping procedures outlined in (the) policy may be waived” for sole source vendors. Therefore, the city was in compliance with its policy, the audit states.

“In a situation where the city’s policy is inconsistent with the city’s ordinance, the ordinance should be followed,” Ballwin City Attorney Robert Jones said. “In this particular situation, the ordinance did not say anything about a sole source purchasing contract. Hopefully, as I work with the auditor and city staff, we will be able to bring the ordinance into a situation where it is consistent with the policy or vice versa.”

Ballwin’s finance officer, Glenda Loehr, said that she had begun a review process of the city’s financial policies in the spring.

“There’s no major changes that (the finance department) is proposing, but we are waiting to hear back from the city attorney and the auditor about possible changes or recommendations before we go forward,” Loehr said.

Ballwin Alderman Frank Fleming (ward 3) said the board makes a good faith effort to ensure that city transactions are done correctly, but that if mistakes are being made, the board wants to correct it.

City officials said they plan to meet this week to discuss the findings in the special audit report. The board also authorized the city attorney to work with the auditor to review the city and state ordinances and to complete a report reflecting any differences found.

We’re available to help!

Over 100 trained, bonded, insured caregivers

Adult In-Home Care

Trained, Bonded & Insured Caregivers

(636) 294-WING (9464) www.angelsonduty.com

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Town & Country

S&S Pawn & Guns

Emergency expansion of deer management program raises red flags about proper procedures

By Diane Plattner Town & Country officials have approved an emergency measure that seeks to double the deer numbers in the upcoming deer management program amid a process that several aldermen and residents are questioning.

The Town & Country Board of Aldermen on Nov. 23 voted to seek immediate permission from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to kill up to 200 deer and sterilize up to 200 other deer. That is double the number of deer in the original deer control contract between the city and provider, which was approved in June.

The emergency measure had not been on the board meeting agenda, which sparked many concerns about lack of public notice.

Its sponsor, Town & Country Alderman Fred Meyland-Smith, who also serves as chairman of the Town & Country Deer Task Force, said that doubling the deer numbers would not cause the current deer management budget of $150,000 to be exceeded.

He said little, if any, money may be available for deer management next year.

He also said the deer numbers and dangers have recently increased in the city but did not provide statistics.

The board action came about a week after the Town & Country Deer Herd Management Program Implementation Task Force’s approval of a resolution recommending that the city ask MDC to double the deer numbers.

Town & Country Alderman John Hoffmann, at that Nov. 17 task force meeting, raised a procedural issue. He said the city’s December newsletter already stated that MDC recently increased the number of deer to be sterilized and killed. He asked how this city newsletter, which was about to go to the printers on Nov. 18, could have been written by Meyland-Smith before the task force was informed about and voted on the resolution, before the Board of Aldermen approved it and before the board asked MDC to increase the deer numbers.

Meyland-Smith replied that the newsletter was a draft written with the full knowledge that it could be amended or removed up to its scheduled print date of Dec. 9.

Resident Susan Feigenbaum, the only deer task force member to oppose the resolution, said she believed the task force’s resolution would be presented next to the Board of Aldermen. If the board accepted and approved it, the city would seek permission from MDC to increase the numbers.

Town & Country Mayor Jon Dalton also said any changes to the deer management program and contract needed to go through the board.

“As mayor of Town & Country, I am not prepared to act on the matter unless/until the Board of Aldermen authorizes any changes to the contract to the deer management program,” Dalton said. “Even if I had the authority to make changes, I would not exercise it unless I go through the Board of Aldermen. It is the right way to do business, particularly on this sensitive topic.”

Dalton said any changes had to be made by the Board of Aldermen at its Nov. 23 meeting, the last board meeting prior to Dec. 1, when the program was to be activated. Dalton said he was not aware of and had no reason to believe allegations that someone from the city had requested and received MDC’s approval to increase the deer numbers prior to the Nov. 17 task force meeting.

“I created this task force and they voted to have the city seek additional information from MDC,” Dalton said. “I have no reason to believe MDC has acted upon any request. I did not participate in any discussions with MDC.” Dalton said he believes Town & Country officials have gone to great lengths to protect the process and had no reason to believe it has been altered in any way.

However, Joel Porath, of MDC, on Nov. 23, prior to that night’s board meeting, told West Newsmagazine that some Town & Country officials from the police department and a few aldermanic members already had previously asked MDC to expand the deer numbers this year. Porath said he told those Town & Country officials that a request needed to be in writing before MDC officials could issue a permit to expand the program.

Several residents supporting non-lethal methods to deal with the deer said their applications to serve on the city’s deer task force had been rejected. They said that, along with the recent procedural concerns, makes city meetings and the deer control contract seem like a farce to them.

“I am totally appalled by the deceit that is being propagated by the Board of Aldermen in Town & Country,” resident Rosilee Trotta said.

The board at its Nov. 23 meeting also amended the original contract to require the provider to attempt to sterilize 70 deer prior to any shooting, not 70 percent of the deer, as the original contract stated.

I NEWS I 21

“A Little Different Pawn Shop”

Hopping On A Budget?

We Have Guns And Jewelry At Affordable Prices, Unique And Nice One-Of-A Kind Items. No Need To Shop High Priced Stores In The Valley. We Are A Small Friendly Place, Just Minutes Away, Who Treats Our Customers Like Friends. We Will Buy Your Discarded Gold And Silver Too! 2685 Hwy. 100 • Gray Summit

636.742.4722

Tues-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-2 • Sun & Mon Closed

Why?

Local Impact A dollar spent with a locally owned

3.

business has three times the local economic impact of a dollar spent with a national chain, which keeps more money circulating locally in terms of sales tax, city services and neighborhood improvements.

Find out more: newsmagazinenetwork.com

Fine Custom Remodeling Since 1986 Let us help you plan and complete your project If you like the look of this custom kitchen and custom one piece countertop, call us!

Wildwood 314-740-1598

I am Dan Sides the owner and I will answer your call personally!

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Clarkson - Wilson Veterinary Clinic (636) 530-1808 32 Clarkson-Wilson Centre (Down the Path from Kennelwood)

ChesterfielD

Bu llet i n Boa rd

Student leader Tess Walker, a senior at Parkway South High School, represented the state of Missouri in the National Council on Youth Leadership and received the Medallion Award from the Leaders of Tomorrow program for her service to the community.

More than 40 representatives from 20 states met on the campus of Washington University for a Town Meeting of Tomorrow. These youth leaders came together to enhance leadership skills with seminars given by professionals and national political leaders and to problem solve issues that are facing youth today. The goal of the programs is to recognize and foster high ideals of leadership, service to community and integrity among the youth of America.

Eureka High student hooks state fishing tournament Brian Pahl, a freshman at Eureka High School, recently took first place in the Missouri Bass State Championship Fishing Tournament held at Table Rock Schooner Creek. Pahl qualified to participate in the Central Divisional Tournament this spring and will compete against six other states.

Pahl was a Junior Bassmasters Champion in 2006.

Local student attends conference on global business and entrepreneurship Courtnie Henson, a student at Marquette High School, attended the 2009 Congres-

EVERY WEDNESDAY Is Dr. Doug's Spay & Neuter Day! Requirement: All pets must be up-to-date or brought up-to-date on vaccinations and preventative care.

Cost: $90 per pet (cash or charge only) sional Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) on Global Business and Entrepreneurship, which LeadAmerica sponsored.

The CSLC is a college-accredited invitational leadership program for academically talented and promising young leaders from across the United States and internationally.

The CSLC on Global Business and Entrepreneurship, a 10-day leadership program, was held on the campus of Pace University in New York City. Students learned how to prepare and present a comprehensive business plan from product concept and analysis of the competitive landscape to securing financial support for product development.

Henson and fellow students then “sold” their ideas to a panel acting as prospective angel investors. Students learned and practiced important leadership skills, such as creative thinking, negotiation and public speaking.

Henson said she gained an incredible experience from this conference, considering she left with 50 more friends from all over the world and a confidence boost. She said she is reminded of the key leadership attributes that David M. Walker, former U.S. Comptroller, enforced to the CSLC students in a private session: courage, integrity, creativity, partnership and stewardship. Having jogged across the Brooklyn Bridge, explored Wall Street, stroked real bars of gold in the New York Federal Reserve and shopped on Fifth Avenue, this LeadAmerica program is an experience that Henson said she will never forget.

St. John Lutheran students give back

St. John Lutheran School students have spent a large part of their 2009-10 school year giving back to the community and setting a lifelong foundation of caring for others.

Second and fourth graders at St. John, located in Ellisville, collected everything from winter clothes to new shoes to pants, shirts, and socks for the Little Bit Foundation. The Little Bit Foundation helps provide children in the St. Louis public schools with basic needs that many take for granted.

“This is an opportunity for our kids to realize many children do not have the bare necessities like we have,” said Kayla Marty, fourth-grade teacher. “I think it’s a real eye-opener for many of our kids. In fact, many kids got so excited about the project that they were cleaning out their own closets to give to others.”

“One child mentioned that if everyone gives a little, we can all make a difference,” said Sheri Dubberke, second-grade teacher.

St. John has planned other charitable projects during the year as part of its mission efforts, including a recent food drive for Circle Of Concern, the first of two St. John is doing for the local food pantry.

For this drive, students school-wide were encouraged to bring canned food and other items.

The incentive was special clothing privileges, jeans and a non-uniform shirt for the

Lose 20-30 lbs. in About a Month!*

• Ages 7-12 Karate Kidz Zone • Mixed Martial Arts For Teenagers and Adults • We Also Have Family Classes

Where’s the Little Red Dress in You?

Results ARE Typical*

to a size 6!!!

• Ages 4-6 Future Kidz

Went from size 12 ...

22 I

HO HO HO HE HE HE This is the season for HCG! $25 OFF Basic Service Package

103 Long Rd. Chesterfield 63005 (636) 519-4000

12191 Olive Blvd.

Creve Coeur 63141 (314) 434-8446

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Students experience life as pioneers From left: Calvin Bidner, Colin Mohlman, Kimi Lehr with levee mercantile.

I NEWS I 23

Annual

Cookie Walk and

Fourth graders at St. John Lutheran School in Ellisville visited Missouri Heritage Days at Babler State Park and learned what it was like to live as a pioneer.

The students visited and participated in several activities including a blacksmith, a levee mercantile, a Native American storyteller and pioneer square dancing. Each exhibitor was dressed in period attire and used real-life materials from the early 1800s.

St. John fourth graders are currently studying this time period, so this field trip provided hands-on learning and made their history books come alive.

“Missouri Heritage Days provides a way for our kids to actively learn about what life was like in Missouri history,” said Kayla Marty, St. John fourth grade teacher.

“Our society is so different now. I think many of the students were surprised by the simplicity of life back then and how much was physically hard work.”

Other stations the students visited showed the fun side of life, including the music of the time and simple toys and games.

normally uniformed-clad students. Middle school advisory groups promote the food drive to the students, collect and sort the food before sending it to Circle Of Concern.

The drive generated an entire commercial van load, along with a truckload of canned and dry goods, diapers and hygiene

items. Given that almost all students participated, that amounts to nearly 4,000 items for Circle Of Concern.

“We truly believe these types of donation drives exhibit to the children how fortunate they are, but more importantly, how good it feels to give back to your community,” St. John Principal Spencer Peregoy said.

Christmas Boutique Saturday, December 5 9am - 2pm Christmas Eve Services New Times: 5 p.m. & ll p.m.

5 p.m. ‘Nine Lessons in Carols” 11 p.m. Candlelight Service Cookies & Candy $650 per lb.

Choose your own assortment of homemade goodies

Craft Boutique will have beautiful

hand-crafted Holiday Decorations Bethel quilters will have items, too

LUNCH will be offered: CHILI & HOT DOGS

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Come Home to Bethel • Since 1858

636.405.0014

505 Strecker Rd. • Wildwood • www.SarahsCafeStl.com

• Holiday Party Packages • Cakes, Cupcakes, Desserts & Pies, Oh My! Free Savory Cheesecake with $100 catering Order thru 1/4/10 Open Monday - Saturday

17500 Manchester Road 636-458-2255 (1/8 mile west of Wildwood Middle School)

www.bethelunitedmethodist.org

24 I NEWS I Tae Kwon Do

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

KS KtheIC Bad Habits That Lead to Childhood Obesity.

Enroll your child in our two week beginner’s course Only $19.95 Includes Free Uniform New students only. Ages 4 & up.

Expires 1-13-10.

• Regular physical activity to fight the fat!

• Greater confidence to achieve healthy goals!

• Improved self-esteem to create greater self-worth!

• A positive attitude to develop good habits!

Parks Martial Arts 677 Big Bend Rd. (At Sulphur Springs inside Treetop) 230-5667 1334 Clarkson Clayton Center (by Dierbergs) 227-3332

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Toys that stand the test of time

By SUE HORNOF To date, 44 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Adults will find that the Hall is populated with many of their childhood favorites: Easy Bake Oven, Etch A Sketch, G.I. Joe, the jump rope, Lincoln Logs, Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh, Slinky, and Tinkertoy. The complete list can be found at museumofplay.org/nthof/ inductees.php.

According to the National Toy Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame toys are those that “have engaged and delighted multiple generations, inspiring them to learn, create and discover.”

How do parents know which new toys will withstand the test of time?

They might consider the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids 2009 list. ASTRA is a trade association of independent toy retailers that recommends toys based on criteria that is similar to the National Toy Hall of Fame criteria.

Following are ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2009 selections: Infant Play (0 – 12 months): • Sophie Giraffe, by Calisson Inc. • Natural Skwish, by Manhattan

Toddler Play (1-3 years): • Twilight Ladybug, by Cloud B • Wee Wedgits, by ImagAbility Pretend Play – Role Play: • Tea Set from Recycled Milk Jugs, by Green Toys • Shopping Cart, by Melissa & Doug Pretend Play - Fantasy Play: • Reversible Knight/Dragon Cape and Reversible Knight/Dragon Hood, by Creative Education of Canada • Egyptian Pyramid, by Playmobil Constructive Play: • Automoblox Vehicles, by Manhattan Toy • Magformers Multicolored 30-piece Magnetic Building Set, by Rainbow Products Creative Arts Play: • Create Your Own Pop-up Books, by Faber-Castell/Creativity for Kids • Sticky Mosaic Twinkle Tiaras, by The Orb Factory Scientific Play: • Snap Circuits Green, by Elenco • Power House Green, by Thames & Kosmos Active Play: • Ezy Roller, by Ezy Roller

• Original Djubi, by PAV/Moonracer Game Play (3-7 years): • Chickyboom, by Blue Orange Games Game Play (8-plus years): • Bananagrams, by Bananagrams Just For Fun: • Mini Collectable Eraser, by BC Office Classic Play (Older): • Doinkit Darts, by Marky Sparky Classic Play (Younger): • Magna-Tiles, by Valtech Co.

Dierbergs Town Center

2440 Taylor Road NEW : n Wildwood o ti Loca (636)405-1055 Chesterfield Mall (636)530-1913

Chesterfield Commons 230 THF Blvd.

(636)530-1836 Four Seasons Center Olive Blvd at Woods Mill Chesterfield (314)469-6530

“Find Meaning Inside”

Olympic Oaks Village 12101 Manchester Rd. Des Peres (314)909-1550

Bring this ad to your local

Find us on Facebook & Twitter!

Visit us online www.kirlins.com

Kirlin’s Hallmark and Receive

$2 Off

Any purchase of $10 or more!

Expires 12/24/09

Not valid on Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, Vera Bradley, postage, gift cards or layaway. No copies. One per customer. No cash value. Cannot be combined with other offers. Stores: Please deduct $2 using UPC 400686422200. Record loss and send the coupon to the Quincy office.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 25

Christmastime Hermann *PBH2508

2010 Spring Registration

PROOF

On Line Registration

Friday, December 4th ERTISER: begins BECKYS CARPET

IN

AD#

thru February 28th ESPERSON: Alana Doran www.pondathletic.com

START DT:

LICATION JROP3PM Registration Fees

SIZE:

Training League .......................................................................................................... $80 per child

PBH25081 Kristkindl Markt

11/11/09Saturdays 10:00 to 5:00; Sundays 10:00 to 4:00 4X4

Dec. 5-6 • Stone Hill Winery Dec. 12-13 • Hermannhof Festhalle

Traditional German Christmas markets filled with crafts, Christmas goodies and entertainment

(Ages 4-7 years - Uniforms Provided - child keeps shirt, hat, and trophy)

Holiday House Tours

All other leagues (Ages 8 and older - Uniforms provided) Family with one child registered .............................................................................................$100 Family with two children registered.......................................................................................$175 Family with three or more children registered .....................................................................$225

Saturday, Dec. 5 • 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Weihnachtsfest Dec. 5-6 & 12-13 • 10:00 to 4:00

Work Assignments $100 Work Assignment Buyouts (2 shifts maximum per family) Fall Ball Available Practice Times Available Adult Leagues Available Concurrent Leagues Available Youth Easter Egg Hunt Uniforms Provided

Deutschheim State Historic Site

German School Bakery

Dec. 5-6 & 12-13 Saturdays 10:00 to 4:00; Sundays Noon to 4:00

Pond Athletic Association

St. George Rectory Tour inter Find great w at lodging deals n.com VisitHerman

A Baseball & Softball Tradition for over 45 Years!

www.pondathletic.com

Dec. 12-13 • Noon to 8:00

800-932-8687 • www.VisitHermann.com ON THE MISSOURI RIVER JUST AN HOUR WEST OF ST. LOUIS

Free Carpet

FREE Fina

ncing

w/$30 0 O.A.C .

LIMITED TIME ONLY Free BASIC Installation on these styles.

Because Nobody Beats BECKYS! WEST COUNTY 14290 Manchester Road 636-207-8800 SOUTH COUNTY 10697 Baptist Church Road 314-849-3366

ST. PETERS 4525 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.

636-477-8844 HAZELWOOD 7301 N. Lindbergh Blvd.

314-838-7100

COLLINSVILLE 6401 Collinsville Road 618-271-3340 FAIRVIEW HTS/O’FALLON 1851 W. Highway 50 618-624-2004

beckyscarpet.com • Monday-Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 11 am-5pm

26 I sports I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

The Holiday Shopping Season has begun.

This year give Donut Palace Certificates.

37 Clarkson Rd. 1 Block North of Manchester

(636)

527-2227

State girls’ volleyball The defending champion St. Joseph’s Academy Angels are champions no longer.

The Angels finished fourth in the state.

In pool play, the Angels went 2-4. St. Joseph’s split with Incarnate Word Academy (losing 25-18 and winning 25-17) and Ozark (losing 25-19 and winning 25-22) and lost to Blue Springs (25-22, 27-25).

Incarnate Word went 1-5 in pool play. The Knights lost 25-19, 25-12 to Blue Springs and 25-19, 25-21 to Ozark.

Those results left Incarnate Word meeting St. Joseph’s for third place and the Knights prevailed 25-23, 17-25, 26-24.

Incarnate Word finished 26-11-1 while St. Joseph’s wound up 28-9-2.

St. Joseph’s Coach Karen Davis said it just did not go well for her team during the first day at state.

“We did not put it all together,” Davis said. “We were shaky from the opening serve. We relaxed during the last game of pool play and ended up winning that game.”

Incarnate Word Coach Darren Issak said his club also had a tough first day at state.

“During the first day of play we had trouble with our serving game,” Issak said. “We split with St. Joseph’s Academy

1.50

$

With coupon only! offers May not Be coMBineD! expires 12/9/09

Spor t s Br iefs

By Warren Mayes

Stuffed Cookie or Two Cupcakes

in our first match. We took the first game 25-18 and lost the second game 25-17. Our defense was producing digs, but we were not transitioning those digs into kills.”

Incarnate Word Academy won the thirdplace match 25-23, 17-25, 26-24.

Davis said her club’s “expectation was to win” state, but it did not happen.

“There is always pressure when you are defending a state title,” Davis said.

Issak said his girls were excited to play for third place, especially since it was against St. Joseph’s.

“The girls were extremely pumped for this match,” Issak said. “We approached this match like the last half of our season, one point at a time. We have been focusing on breaking down the games in increments of five points. I think this helped our team stay mentally focused.”

The pattern of winning the first game but falling in the second held true for the Knights.

“All season long we have had a jinx on us during the second game after we would win the first game,” Issak said. “Seven of our losses came after we had won the first game in the match and were leading in the second game and could not pull out the win and lost in three games. We were down by four points throughout all of the third game until we fought our way back with relentless defense and were able to tie the game

at 18s. From that point, our blocking game came alive with Marissa Mafuli blocking Helen Boyle one-on-one to give Incarnate a 23-22 lead. I felt that all elements of the game came together at the right time.”

Davis acknowledged it is tough for play for third place. She described the match as “irrelevant and anti-climactic.”

Coming in fourth was really no different than if they girls had finished third, Davis said.

“Coming in fourth was not the thought,” Davis said. “I do not think we would have reacted any differently if we would have placed third. It was that fact we did not give ourselves a chance to play in the championship.”

High school boys’ state swimming Chaminade finished third in the 2009 Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) boys’ swimming championships at the Rec-Plex in St. Peters.

The Red Devils finished with 121 points.

In addition, Coach Kevin Brennan was named the Coach of the Year.

Rockhurst easily won the state swimming championship with 400.5 points.

Springfield Glendale came in second with 123.5. Other local results included Parkway Central, which finished ninth with 84 points. Marquette came in 13th with 64 points; Eureka was 28th with 26 points; DeSmet was 33rd with 15 points; Parkway West came in 34th with 12 points; Lafay-

30% OFF

Your Purchase Of Donuts No Purchase Necessary (MaxiMuM $5 Discount) With coupon only! offers May not Be coMBineD expires 12/9/09

ette was 37th with 10 points; and Parkway North was 43rd with 2 points.

“I had hoped to get into the top seven,” Brennan said. “This was our best finish in four years. We have had 13 Final Fours over the years. Two of those were firsts in 1974 and 1984.”

The 200 free relay team finished seventh in 1:28.14. Members of the relay included seniors Brian Cusamano and Jake Schott and juniors Tim Benage and Andrew Dalton.

“It is their personal best time,” Brennan said. “They missed the school record by .18 seconds.”

The 200 individual medley (IM) relay finished seventh in 1:40.36. Members of that relay included Benage, Schott, Dalton and senior Greg Lowhorn. Benage and Dalton also finished fifth and seventh in the 100 butterfly with times of 52.59 and 52.93, respectively.

“They swam great,” Brennan said. “Both of them dropped 2 seconds off of their best time.”

Dalton was 7th in the breast and Schott finished eighth in the 100 back, so both boys medaled.

“I think he (Dalton) would have liked to have done a little better,” Brennan said.

“Andrew was great on Friday night but a little slower on Saturday. That is not like him. I think he may have been a little sick on Saturday. It was a great effort by Jake.

He had just done the 200 free relay and came back with a personal best of 54.4.”

Brennan said he was honored to be

Health Coverage Made Easy.

We offer Health Coverage for: •Individuals without Group Coverage •Independent Contractors •Dependents and Students

•COBRA/Alternative •Self-Employed •Small Businesses

Solutions with choices are easy, just call JACK SEITZ 314-923-5785 or 1-800-471-6365 www.jackseitz-insurance.com Jack Seitz Licensed Anthem Agent Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT) and Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC) use to do business in most of Missouri. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC. RIT and HALIC are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

877-CRACK-TEAM

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM selected as the top coach.

“It was a great honor because it is voted on by your fellow coaches,” Brennan said.

“I have never got the award before. I have been at Chaminade for 35 years and I have coached the swim team for 33 of those years.”

The Red Devils finished with a spotless 16-0 record in dual meets. During the regular season, the Red Devils captured their 500th team victory. The first recorded victory dates back to Jan. 11, 1965. The team also finished the season undefeated for the second year in a row. During those 500 wins, Chaminade has captured two state titles, advanced to the Final Four 13 times and had 27 Top 10 finishes.

Here is a look at how other local topfinishing teams performed.

Parkway Central “We began the season with the goal of being in the top 10, so ninth was a successful finish,” Colts’ Coach Kevin Mabie said.

“Last year we were 42nd, so this was a big step in the right direction. Central actually leads all MSHSAA schools in top 10 finishes at the boys’ state meet.”

Several Colts earned medals at state.

Senior Dan Ruckman came in fifth in the 200 free. Junior Logan Emery finished eighth in 200 IM. Those two combined with freshman Nick Orf and junior David Cruz to be seventh in the 400 free relay.

“We had some really good swims and the guys should be very proud of themselves,” Mabie said. “The best news is, I had 11 qualifiers and nine of them are back next year. So I think finishing the season at 15-2 and ninth at the state meet left us awful hungry for next season.”

Marquette Marquette Coach Gregg Emde said he was happy with his Mustangs.

“I was hoping that everyone would swim well and the results would speak for themselves,” Emde said. “I can’t complain.

Most of the guys swam season best times or all-time best times.”

Junior Garin Marlow finished second in the 500 free in 4:40.43, finishing behind Parkway South’s Andrew Kilkenny.

“He did not swim his race,” Emde said about Marlow. “He swam a season best time but he has gone faster in U.S. swimming and it is not a school record. He will get that next year, I’m sure.”

Marlow came in sixth in the 100 back in 53.79. That performance earned him a second state medal.

“The backstroke event was a gutsy performance by Garin,” Emde said. “He chose to do the back and not one of the other events that would have given him more rest. That is a season best time and I believe a lifetime best.”

The Mustangs did not medal.

“Most swam best times, either season or lifetime,” Emde said. “It was tough getting

I sports I 27

everyone up and ready after their great performance at conference. I’m proud of them and lucky that Rockwood and the other clubs do all of the hard work the rest of the year.”

We are closing our doors!

EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS MARKED The CBC soccer team celebrates

High school boys’ soccer Christian Brothers College (CBC) began its post-season run with a district championship. The Cadets defeated Parkway Central 4-0. Coach Terry Michler said it was either the 24th or 25th district title for his club.

The Cadets followed that with a 4-2 win in the sectional against Eureka. CBC beat the Wildcats 2-0 in regular season.

“In the previous game, we had a depleted team,” said Michler, who added his squad was missing six players from the team, including five starters, with injury or illness. “In the sectional, we were at full strength.”

In the quarterfinal contest against Vianney, CBC prevailed 2-1 in double overtime with sophomore Justin Bilyeu scoring the game-winning goal.

“I really try to separate myself from that during the game,” Michler said. “Experience tells me that those games are never going to be easy and you only hope to be in it. We were playing well enough and the game was pretty even and we had our share of chances. I knew the boys were going to do their best and give their all, and that’s all I can ever ask of them. Fortunately, the result favored us and we feel happy to be moving on. Vianney played very well and were deserving winners as well. After the game, I felt exhausted, so the stress was in me but suppressed until after the game.”

The winning goal was a thing of beauty, Michler said.

“There was great work on the deep right corner by Kyle Malle, keeping possession and finding Austin Tierney,” Michler said.

“Tierney then split two defenders and took the ball to the end line and caught Justin setting up at the back post. Austin played to Justin and Justin did the rest. The roof of the net exploded and the game was over.”

It was the biggest goal for the sophomore.

See sports, page 28

60 - 75 % OFF

Home Accessories, Oil Paintings, Prints, Floral And Much More PLUS home furnishing & decor MERCHANDISE

17826 Edison Ave. Chesterfield, MO 63005 Call for directions if needed

636-532-0800 Long Rd. to West on Edison Ave., past stop sign, look for big yellow sign on the building “Store Closing” on the left

28 I sports I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

We’ve got your Food Covered!

let uS do the CooKing SPeCially deSigned menuS add eaSe & eleganCe to your event

Simply Sue’s Cafe

636-273-6622 HOURS: Mon-Fri- 7am-2pm • Sat 8am-2pm • Sun. 8am-1pm only Dec. 6 & Dec. 20

• Full Catering ServiCe • FreSh Food ProFeSSionally PrePared • aFFordable eleganCe For Small to large PartieS • Full StaFF rental alSo available Call today to Plan your menu!

Free Decorated Cake

Free Cookie Platter

Expires 01/04/10 with coupon.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires 01/04/10 with coupon.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

with order of Elegant Banquet

w/order of sandwich/wrap platter of equal servings.

ACROSS FROM THE WILDWOOD YMCA 2638 Highway 109 • Suite 100 • Wildwood • www.SimplySuesCafe.com

“Convenient West County Location” * Now Offering 0% APR on all qualified purchases for 12 months We install and service what we sell!

u Decking u Fencing u Siding u Exterior and Interior Millwork u Armstrong Ceilings u Covered Entryways & Porches u Framing Lumber u Cabinets u Exterior Doors u Windows

$1500 Energy Tax Credit

ASK US HOW!

You may be eligible for your next window & door purchase!

* Please visit our showroom soon for details!

425 Old State Road • Ellisville, MO 63021 636.394.5900 www.kellybuildingproducts.com

SPORTS, from page 27 “He is not really a scorer, he is more of a possession and setup player,” Michler said.

“But he was in the right place at the right time and that’s all that matters.”

The team celebrated after the goal.

“They were relieved, excited, exhausted, thrilled and grateful,” Michler said. “There (was) a pile of humanity on the field near where Justin scored. They all had CBC jerseys on.” *** Kennedy Coach Tom Rapp has seen his Celts win several big games in the postseason.

The Celts (19-8) faced Trinity in the Class 1 quarterfinals and scored a 3-2 victory over the Titans, who finished second in the state last year.

“There were natural nerves for a big game but not because the opponent was runner-up Trinity,” Rapp said. “We played twice in conference and split. Myself and the team, we were very confident we’d win.”

However, Rapp acknowledged he did not think there would be that many goals scored.

“I was expecting to win by a goal and it would be like 1-0 or 2-1, something like that,” Rapp said.

The Celts got down 1-0 but tied it when John Belgeri headed the ball past Trinity keeper Dan Cimicata.

“John scored on a head ball from a restart kicked by Blake Ficken,” Rapp said. “It was really calming to be tied at half given the bad luck on (our) own goal earlier.”

Kennedy scored early in the second half on sophomore Daniel McCune’s goal.

“Dan scored on a head ball off a restart from (senior midfielder) Blake Ficken in the first five minutes of the half,” Rapp said.

“Dan’s great in the air. We work a lot on dead balls because statistically most goals come off of them and we try to win the first and last five minutes of a half because statistically that is when goals happen. We also try to dominate the two minutes after any goal for or against because goals tend to come in bunches. Knowing when and how goals happen is why we refer to those times of the game as ‘our time.’”

After Trinity tied the game, Ficken scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal with approximately 15 minutes left.

“Blake scored off a clinic give and go from Dan Madison,” Rapp said. “We knew our defense would hold.” *** Westminster (16-5-2) fell in the Class 2 quarterfinals to defending state champion St. Dominic. The Wildcats were beaten 2-1 in overtime.

“We were ready for it,” said Coach Dan Legters. “The guys were looking forward to playing them, defending state champs

or not. The pressure was not on us, it was on them. We had nothing to lose going into the game. We knew they were a talented team but we have played some good teams during our season that have prepared us for what we were going to do.”

Legters said his squad was relaxed and confident in their abilities and their chance to win the game.

“We prepared our game plan in practice and we knew what we wanted to do and how we were going to do it,” Legters said. “It was just a matter of waiting to put the game plan in action. Though we knew people were not picking us to win, that kind of fueled their fire a little more.

They were eager to shock St. Dominic and believed they were one of the best teams in state.”

The Wildcats scored first in the early going.

“We forced their back line to turn it over and then Jake Grimes found Connor Hunsicker as he has all season long,” Legters said. “Connor beat his defender and took a shot that went through the goalie’s legs. We knew we had to strike early, and Connor had already had another great chance two minutes earlier. That first goal reminded the guys that they were in the game to win it, and we wanted to send the message that we were not going to back down. We wanted St. Dominic to feel like they were going to have to battle all night long if they wanted to win.”

St. Dominic’s Zac Walsh kicked the ball past Westminster goalkeeper Tim Reed to tie the game at 1-1 with approximately 17 minutes to play.

Overtime is always a nerve-wracking time.

“Going into overtime I knew it could go one way or another,” Legters said. “They had the majority of possession, but we had the better looks at goal. And we knew that all we needed was one goal and we had seen the chances we had created in the game.

We knew it was possible to beat them.”

It was not meant to be as St. Dominic’s scored midway through the first 15-minute overtime period.

“It was a very disappointing feeling,” Legters said. “They executed a free kick very well, getting a head on it on the far post and putting their header on goal. We had turned away a number of them all game long but couldn’t do it on this one.

We were also a little flustered with the officials and were trying to regroup after what we felt was a flagrant cleats up foul that the ref let play on only to call a lesser foul five seconds later that led to the goal.

“We knew we didn’t deserve to lose that way but we also knew we had done everything we could to win the game,” Legters said. “It was an empty feeling for us to be so close and then suffer that disappointment.”

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

New Leather Values

I 29

Why you should Bank Smaller Reason # 3

Made exclusively for Dau Home Furnishings

By lending to local businesses, your insured deposits support our community

Leather Sofa 2498

$

Banking Like It Should Be Since 1918 Discover the smaller difference!

(636) 230-3500 www.meramecvalleybank.com 199 Clarkson Road – Ellisville 35 Marshall Road – Valley Park FDIC Insured

Leather Ottoman 998

$

See It! Recliner 898

Walk On It!

Friese Carpet starting at

$

2

96* installed

$

Dau

Recliner 1098

$

Home Furnishings

Celebrating 115 Years

15424 Manchester Road • Ellisville, MO 63011 636-394-3005 • www.daufurniture.com Complimentary Interior Design Service

Plus, take advantage of six months free financing.

S/F

8

$

99*S/F

3 Free*

Free tear out of old Carpet, Free Furniture Move & Free 8 lb. Carpet Pad. *applies to Carpet only. excludes Glue Down

installation Before the Holidays!

3", 4", 5" solid Pre Finished Hickory Hardwood

MVB Imageinstalled Ad West Mag

Buy It!

3 1/4 solid Pre Finished oak Hardwood

7

$

12 Months Same As Cash! 3.doc Reason

99*S/F installed

Was $9.99 11/25/2009

We eMPloY oUr oWN iNstallers!

West County Flooring *Free estiMates

15425 Manchester In Ballwin Plaza

636-386-8539

We Also Specialize in Carpets, Hardwood, Ceramics

*see store For Details

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9am to 7pm, Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm

30 I sports I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Designing a Home with Bassett Designers Please visit us for your own Bassett experience of purchasing quality affordable custom furniture. Please read what our happy clients have recently said about their "Bassett Experience."

Nina Schmid: Thank you SO MUCH for all of your help. Your combination of expertise, friendliness, and willingness to help us has made a huge difference and we greatly appreciate you. I hope all of my questions do not frustrate you too much because we love working with you and would love to fill our entire house with Bassett Furniture based on your/our tastes.

Robert and Julie • Fenton Stephanie Goldkamp: We couldn't believe a designer would come to our home on a Designers from center, clockwise, cold wet evening and be so well prepared Sarah Jackson, Nina Schmid, Laura Pace, Stephanie Goldkamp, Karen and friendly. The leather furniture you Phillips helped us choose has been a wonderful addition to our family room. You made the entire process of deciding what we wanted easy and fun. We recommend you to our friends whenever they need furniture.

Linda and Dave • St. Charles Laura Pace; Working with you was wonderful. You took the time to listen to us and actually design a room around what we wanted not just what a designer might want. We are so proud of our room and thank you for using your skill and talent to make our home beautiful.

Diane and Gus • Ballwin Karen Phillips: We want you to know what a difference you have made in our lives. You changed our house into a home. The furniture and (especially the accessories) is so beautiful. We get compliments all the time thanks to you. You were wonderful.

Lisa and Paul •Central West End Sarah Jackson: Sarah, what you did for our tiny little office was amazing. You took a space we did not even know how to use and made it functional and beautiful. We use our room all the time and appreciate what you've done every time we're in there. Thanks for all of your help and expertise.

Sam and Carolyn • Florissant

FREE

Please bring in this coupon for a 300 page Design Resource Guide.

14201 Manchester road • Manchester 636-230-8400 • www.BassettFurniture.coM www.BassettFurniturestlouis.Blogspot.coM

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Parkway Central senior caps cross country career with fourth state title

By Warren Mayes Parkway Central senior Emily Sisson started off the cross country season resting, but she finished it running away from everyone.

Sisson retained the Class 4 state championship, finishing in 17 minutes, 56 seconds (17:56), the second fastest time ever in the state meet, at Jefferson City. Eureka’s Meredith Snow previously had set a time of 17:51.

More importantly to Sisson, it was her fourth consecutive championship. The first two came in Nebraska before her family moved to Missouri.

“Winning my freshman and sophomore years at Nebraska was very exciting,” Sisson said. “Winning four state titles has been an awesome experience. I feel very fortunate to have been able to accomplish this in both Nebraska and Missouri.”

Sisson hurt her shins during the summer, which slowed her final season. She competed in four meets, including the district and sectional, and the result was the same - a win in all of them. Still, that was not much of a base heading into the state meet.

“I had mixed feelings going into state,” Sisson said. “I was excited to be there, yet at the same time very nervous. It was also a weird feeling since it was my last one. My expectations were really just to run my best against all the talented competition.”

One of the members of the talented competition was senior teammate Diane Robison, who won the state meet as a sophomore. This time, a late stumble on the course prevented Robison from challenging Sisson. Robison finished seventh with a time of 19:23. She was sixth as a junior.

Parkway Central Coach Ken Greathouse said it has been a pleasure to have both in his program.

“It has been a remarkable experience to see two such outstanding runners from our school do so well on the regional and national level,” Greathouse said. “Clearly, everyone in the building is well aware of their success.”

While Sisson was hampered, Robison had a solid regular season and post-season.

“This has been a different season in that my track season went all the way into August,” Sisson said. “Because my shins were really sore after so much racing, I decided to take some time off and come back slowly. I started running in September and just built my base from there. I only ran one meet (Ladue Invitational) prior to the state series.”

In hindsight, that slow but steady regimen may have helped Sisson at state.

“I really feel that taking the time off and

Emily Sisson

coming back slowly allowed me to run so well at the state meet,” Sisson said.

Her game plan in Jefferson City was to feel out the other runners and let them dictate the pace. Then Sisson would make a move. Like a lot of plans, it did not work out that way.

“Going into state, I knew the competition would be really strong,” Sisson said.

“I decided that I didn’t want to take the lead right away because with so many talented runners, I knew the race would be tough. I waited a little bit and when no one really seemed to want to take it, I decided to put in a surge.”

Sisson never relinquished her lead. Her performance impressed Greathouse. He also pointed out it could have ended much differently.

“Emily ran a fantastic race,” Greathouse said. “What has not really come out was that a golf cart nearly hit her and redirected her momentarily off the course as she is going down the last downhill on the course near the finish. She literally stopped right next to the cart and turned to avoid it. Considering that she is only 5 seconds off the state course record it really should have been made a bigger deal by now.”

However, being second in state history is not that big of a deal for Sisson.

“The time is not really that important to me,” Sisson said. “I wasn’t that concerned about running a certain time as I was with how I competed against the other runners.

Running a smart race to place well has always come before trying to run a certain time at the big meets. I was hoping to be around the low 17:50s, but first and foremost, I was focused on my competition.

Overall, I’m really glad I was able to do that.”

I sports I 31 Parkway South junior returns to prep swimming and wins state championship DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

nade. Rockhurst won with 400 1/2 points, while Springfield Glendale came in second at 123 1/2 points.

It was the highest finish for Parkway South at state since 2004, when they finished third.

“We were hoping to finish in the top 10,” Nichols said.

Ironically, the winning time in the 500 free was far from being one of Kilkenny’s best times. “(It) was one of my slowest times by 4 seconds,” Kilkenny said. “My best time with my club team was at Junior Nationals with a 4:31.67. So was I expecting to hit around that time. I was actually hoping to go a little faster. Whenever I swim the 500 free, I try to keep it smooth and strong so I don’t completely kill myself on the first 200. I expected myself to perform well in the 500 free but not underestimate my opponents.”

Kilkenny has a good rivalry with Marlow, who swims for the Rockwood Swim Club.

Kilkenny said he respects what the Marquette junior can do in the pool.

“I actually very often compete with Garin Marlow,” Kilkenny said. “He is a very talented swimmer, primarily in distance events.”

Nichols said the 500 free is made for

Kilkenny.

“I would argue the 500 is his best race, but we don’t swim anything longer,” Nichols said. “He actually gets stronger the longer the race. It was a very exciting race to watch. We knew the race would be exciting because he’d be swimming against Garin. The two had very close seed times and did not race in the regular season, so a showdown was in the making. The race started off very close as Andrew and Garin matched each other turn-for-turn through the first half.”

Then Kilkenny made his move.

“Andrew began to pull away, and our team went nuts,” Nichols said. “We were jumping up and down and shouting and encouraging him to keep pushing through. I didn’t relax until the last 100 when Andrew really pulled away from everyone else. It was a great race to see. Andrew’s time was not a school record and was a bit off of his personal best, but I’m not complaining.”

As a freshman, Kilkenny placed fifth in the 200 free and third in the 500 free in the state meet.

“When I won the race, I was really happy for myself but even more for my coach and my teammates,” Kilkenny said. “I knew that this win meant a lot of points and (a) chance for my coach to award medals to all

Sudoku brought to you by Fresh Air

636.530.0070

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

9

4

5

1

www.fresh-air.net

5 2

9

2

7 4 6

4

8

5

9

6 2

3

Reduce dry, itchy skin

1

Reduce static shock Protect wood floor and furnishings

6 5 7

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME COMFORT WITH AN APRILAIRE 600M WHOLE HOUSE HUMIDIFIER With a new humidifier you can:

4

8 6

1 8

the top eight competitors.”

In the 200 free, Kilkenny came in second to Rockhurst’s Mick White. Kilkenny finished in 1:42.38, while White won in 1:39.54.

“I expected competition in the 200 free,” Kilkenny said. “The 200 freestyle was a very competitive race. I had raced (White) earlier in the season and again fell short of a victory. It gives me something to work at for next year.”

Kilkenny also was a member of two relay teams.

“Our relays, to say the least, were amazing,” Kilkenny said. “I enjoy relays more than individual races because it’s a time where you and your teammates have to work together to swim. You’re swimming for each other and not yourself and sometimes you see the best come out of your teammates during this time. I enjoy these because I have great teammates to work with that made a third-place finish possible.”

Nichols said he was impressed by the members of the 200 free relay. The unit included seniors Brett Gleason and Jake Auinbauh and juniors Sean Feher and Kilkenny. The team finished third in 1:28.04.

“Our 200 free relay did an amazing job between prelims and finals,” Nichols said.

8 5

Create healthier environment

$479 Installed Offer expires 12/24/2009. $479 includes humidifier, installation, and sales tax!!

Row 1: 973481526; Row 2: 581726943; Row 3: 624359817; Row 4: 159847632; Row 5: 736592481; Row 6: 248613759; Row 7: 812975364; Row 8: 395264178; Row 9: 467138295

By Warren Mayes After taking a year off from high school swimming, Parkway South junior Andrew Kilkenny swam to a championship. He swam with his club team, the Parkway Swim Club, last year.

“I was focusing on my training for larger meets, such as Junior Nationals,” Kilkenny said.

That dedication paid off when he returned to prep swimming this fall, much to the delight of Parkway South Coach Jeremy Nichols. Kilkenny won the 500-meter freestyle at the recent state swimming championships at the Rec-Plex in St. Peters, defeating Marquette’s Garin Marlow with a winning time of 4 minutes, 35.08 seconds (4:35.08). Marlow was second in 4:40.43.

“He’s the kind of athlete any coach would want,” Nichols said. “In addition to being tremendously talented, he’s a great sportsman. He roots for other guys on the team and celebrates their accomplishments.

He congratulates his competitors and he is humble in victory. He is a good student and ambassador for South. He represents the team, his school and his family very well.”

Kilkenny also medaled in two other events.

The Patriots as a team finished fourth at state with 120 points, just behind Chami-

32 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

636-458-1313

Your generous donation makes our community stronger by supporting kids, adults and families in need at the YMCA through: • Membership • Summer Day Camp • Literacy Tutoring and more.

Thank you.

I 33

We salute the WBA Balloon Glow and Tree Lighting Event to Benefit the

Holly Ferris West County Specialist

YOUR CHOICE

AUTO

Accident forgiveness. Your rates won’t go up just because of an accident. Get Allstate® Your Choice Auto Insurance today.

314.920.2877 hollyferris.com

Local Full Service Real Estate Professional

(636) 458-9797 LESLIE NORTH 17209 New College Ave. Wildwood, MO 63040

by YMCA

Need help buying or selling a home?

Call me!

314.920.2877

WE DELIVER Carry Out Dine In

636-779-1100 office 16442 Village Plaza View Dr., Wildwood, MO 63011

16828 MANCHESTER RD WILDWOOD LeslieNorth@allstate.com

Feature is optional and subject to terms, conditions and availability. Safe Driving Bonus won’t apply after an accident. Patent pending. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. ©2009 Allstate Insurance Company

You can.

We won’t name names, but we’ve got

BETTER RATES THAN THOSE GUYS. FREE GAS CARD!

...call us to find out how to receive a $10 gas card with no obligation Home & Auto quote.

Get great policies and outstanding rates on your homeowners insurance with Nationwide.®

For about $2,000* per year – less than the cost of putting gas in your vehicle over the next 12 months – you can get a high quality college education at STLCC-Wildwood for A LOT less than at other colleges and universities in the area.

Heels Boutique-Great gifts for the Holidays

Invest in yourself.

We will be open during and after the balloon glow so stop by grab an ornament and save 15-50% on your entire purchase!!!

Choose STLCC-Wildwood.

www.stlcc.edu/ww 636-422-2000

Stillwell & Associates KENDRA STILLWELL

2448 Taylor Rd. - Next to Dierbergs Wildwood, MO 63040 636-821-2900 stillwk3@nationwide.com

On Your Side Nationwide Insurance Company of America

• Home • Auto • Life • Business Insurance •

OPPORTUNITY INSURER

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Life Insurance issued by Nationwide Life Insurance company. Home Office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220.

170 Plaza Dr. Wildwood (636) 273-4000 www.heelsboutiquestl.com *Drinks and appetizers will be served!

Andre D’Aquila International Business STLCC-Wildwood

*Based on 12 credit hours per semester at $83 per credit hour.

R EGISTER NOW FOR SPR ING CL ASSES! www.stlcc.edu

34 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM MID AMERICA

“We’re the Bathroom People”

Visit Our Showroom:

8100 Watson Rd. St. Louis,MO 63119

(314) 849-4882

FREE

in-home estimate

Present this coupon for

Any Complete Re-Bath System

Design Your Bath @ www.rebathstl.com

May not be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be presented at time of estimate.

Expires 12/31/09

CITY OF ELLISVILLE FILING PROCEDURES APRIL 6, 2010 - GENERAL ELECTION An election will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, to elect a council member from each of the three Districts. Any Ellisville resident wishing to become a CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER may do so by filing an application in writing with the City Clerk, or in her absence with the City Manager, at the Ellisville City Hall, #1 Weis Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 15, 2009, and 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 19, 2010, with the following exceptions: City Hall will be closed Thursday, December 24, 2009; closed Friday, December 25, 2009; closed Thursday, December 31, 2009; closed Friday, January 1, 2010; and closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, 2010.

Applicants for the office of Council Member must be at least 21 years of age. Additionally, all applicants must: (1) be a qualified voter in accordance with State Statutes; (2) be a resident of the City of Ellisville for one year preceding the election; and (3) not owe any unpaid taxes to the City of Ellisville.

OPENING January 2010

Town & Country Veterinary Hospital 1016 Town & Country Crossing Dr. Town & Country, MO 63017 Dr. Stacey Wallach

www.TCVHSTL.com

Sleepless in Missouri Study ranks state below average in good sleep patterns

By Diane Plattner A recent study showed that Missourians are getting less sleep than residents of other states, prompting local experts to offer sound sleep advice.

The study revealed that approximately one in every 7.5 Missourians reported having a restless month of sleep, which is below the national average of approximately one in 10 Americans reporting a sleepless month. While Illinois residents fit the national average, the study ranked West Virginia as double the national rate of people with sleep problems.

Released at the end of October, the results were from a federal health survey that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted last year.

While health officials did not cite the exact causes of differences among the states, experts said people with health problems, including obesity and anxiety, may have sleep problems.

“The relationship between health and sleep is bidirectional,” said James Walsh, executive director and senior scientist at St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine and Research Center in Chesterfield.

He said a major influence on sleep is health, and poor or insufficient sleep can contribute to health issues, such as lung disease, heart burn, arthritis, lower back pain, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and anxiety.

“Just because someone is healthy does not mean that person can get away with insufficient or poor sleep,” Walsh said.

“Everyone knows exercise and nutrition are good pillars of healthy lifestyles. But not everyone knows good sleep is important, too.”

Other factors, such as financial stress and odd working hours, which also can contribute to sleep problems, may account for the differences in states’ sleeping patterns, experts said. Earlier studies also have shown that black people are more likely than whites or Hispanics to get less sleep and women are more likely than men

to have sleeping problems. Factors such as amounts of light and noise also may account for different sleep patterns among various states, Walsh said. For example, some Alaskan residents may find it harder to sleep during the summer when it is light for most of the time.

While some sleep experts recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night, Walsh said the optimal number of nightly sleep hours varies by individual because different people have different biological sleep needs. Still, Walsh said sleep experts are not sure if the people getting by with less sleep are at risk for long-term health issues like high blood pressure or weight gain.

Walsh offered the following advice on what people could and should be doing to ensure proper sleep: • Pre-sleep regimen: Reserve approximately 30 to 60 minutes before bed for calm and no stress.

• Caffeine intake: Drink a maximum of two cups of coffee before noon.

• Smoking: Quit this unhealthy habit.

• Alcohol: Drink in moderation.

• Exercise: Engage in vigorous exercise around 4 or 5 hours before bedtime.

• Reserve sleep time: Spend an extra 45 minutes in bed.

Walsh said if someone is following these proper sleep protocols and still is unable to get proper or enough sleep, they may have a medical condition contributing to the sleep problem, which medication may be able to address.

He said that while people frequently use over-the-counter sleep aids, these drugs often cause side effects and are just as likely to cause problems as they are able to help people. Instead, Walsh advises consulting with a doctor who can assess the problem and, if necessary, prescribe good, safe sleep medication, which should be taken under the doctor’s supervision.

“If you’re not sleeping well, go to the doctor to figure out why,” Walsh said.

“Sleep quality is a vital sign. If someone is not sleeping well, something is wrong.”

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

I 35

36 I NEWS I

Starting From

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

$ I

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

local school ENERGYSAVING Famed theologian visits down rapidly,” Groeschel said. “Most nuns Brings message of hope FURNACES were gone from teaching. … Convents and for Catholic Church

999

N

S

T

A

L

L

E

D

After $431 Installation Discount* Available on any TRANE furnace, with purchase of complete system

Many Systems Qualify For $ 1500 Tax Credit 12 MONTHS FREE Financing!**

Special Pricing Available On All Systems!

Limited Time Offer Expires December 12! $ $

49 25 OFF

Furnace Clean & Check

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Available to 1st time customers during regular business hours only. Expires 12-12-09

Any Repair Call

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Does not apply to diagnostic fee.

During regular business hours only.

Expires 12-12-09

Call Now For Free IN-Home CoNsultatIoN

636-787-7555 • 314-894-8200

www.indoorcomfortteam.com 24/7 available service

*To receive this offer buyer must purchase complete system including: furnace, A/C or H-P condenser and indoor coil with our recommended installation package. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers. **with approved credit.

seminaries became almost empty. It was a

By SHEILA FRAYNE RHOADES gigantic catastrophe.”

On Nov. 13, Gateway Academy, a priNow he sees hope. vate Catholic grade school in Chesterfield, “A miracle is happening now,” Groeschel hosted a visit from Fr. Benedict Groeschel, said. “Groups of orthodox young people are popular host of the EWTN television talk growing throughout the U.S. Outstanding program “Sunday Night Live” and director of spiritual development for the Archdiocese of New York. An authentic “Jersey boy,” the charismatic Groeschel was born and raised in Jersey City, N.J. “It’s like Purgatory,” said Groeschel, who clearly enjoys poking fun at his hometown with witty stories of his childhood.

Friend to Mother Theresa and other well known Catholic personalities, Groeschel remains very approachable.

“Archbishop Dolan says hello,” Groeschel said, referring to New York City Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a former Ballwin resident.

Groeschel, 76, recently celebrated his 50th anniversary in the priesthood. He holds a doctorate in psychology and is author of more than 30 books.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel with Gateway Despite a near-fatal car Academy Principal Denise Cress. accident five years ago, the frail Groeschel works tirelessly for Church renewal. In 1987, he left young men and women are again joining the Capuchin religious community to help religious communities. The appointment of found the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal bishops is also moving on in a better way.

Foundation. Groeschel and his brother Things are coming back to life.” friars strive to return to a more rigorous Groeschel said that the real future of way of religious life.

Church renewal lies in Africa.

Groeschel was asked to reflect on chal“Faithful converts on the African contilenges facing the Church in modern society. nent clearly illustrate God’s providence,” He began his talk with a line from “A Tale Groeschel said. “These people are full of of Two Cities,” by Charles Dickens: zeal.”

“It was the best of times, it was the worst Regarding revival of the Catholic Church of times.” in the Western world, Groeschel said, Groeschel chose the quote to illustrate “Loyalty to the Pope’s authority, fidelity to the Church’s ups and downs, from the vows, and community service are the censtart of the priesthood at The Last Supper tral foundations for survival.” through the Reformation and onward.

Wildwood resident Michael Cox, a phy“It’s never been rosy,” Groeschel said. sician at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center “Christ had challenges – even the disciples and Gateway Academy parent, arranged abandoned him. The Catholic Church’s for Groeschel’s visit. difficulties will last until the end of the “Father Groeschel is a defender of orthoworld. The Church has been through very doxy and the teaching authority of the bad times, and yet it still exists.”

Church,” Cox said. “I find that inspiring.”

Groeschel said that the strongest years “Father Groeschel’s message of hope for for the U.S. Church were 1945-1968. the Church transcended the entire evening,” “Then in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, the Gateway Academy Principal Denise Cress identity of the Catholic community went said.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 37

Career training close to home!

Now enrolling in the fields of

Computer Technology, HVAC and Electrical Mechanics

Local shrine features unique grottos and special place to contemplate

By Julie Brown Patton Thanks to the pain-staking handiwork of one monk many decades ago, regional and international visitors still have a unique, reclusive spot at which to connect with spirituality in West County’s most southwestern natural landscape: The Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos.

The Black Madonna Shrine is part of a 500-acre Franciscan Mission located about 8 miles outside of Eureka near Pacific. It includes a chapel, infirmary, monastery, and a series of grottos and statutes, designed “to refresh the body and soul.”

Serenaded by birds and surrounded by trees and wildlife, visitors can pray in an open air chapel, light candles for special hopes, enjoy a picnic, host large gatherings, or complete a self-guided tour of a series of grottos - which are caves or artificial recesses made to resemble natural caves, mostly through customized rock sculptures.

Grottos became the special way that one Catholic clergyman, Brother Bronislaus Luszcz, honored Mary, known as mother of Jesus Christ and the queen of peace and mercy.

Luszcz was one of the pioneers who emigrated from Poland to Missouri in 1927 when the Archbishop of St. Louis, Cardinal John Glennon, invited a group of Franciscan brothers to the United States.

In Luszcz’s native Poland, Mary’s most famous shrine is at the Jasna Gora monastery in the town of Czestochowa. The people lovingly refer to Mary as “Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Black Madonna.”

Luszcz replicated that particular shrine in its current West County location, starting in 1937.

It became a labor of love for his lifetime.

In fact, he died beside one of the grottos during a hot summer.

The focal point of this shrine is a painting of Mary and Jesus, known as “the Miraculous Image.”

It has quite an ancient and rich history.

Traditional stories indicate that St. Luke painted it on top of a cypress-wood table that came from the holy family’s home.

Mary reportedly was pleased with the depiction, saying “My grace shall accompany it” - thus beginning the lively history of the painting.

Venerated for nearly 300 years while hidden in Jerusalem, St. Helen reportedly discovered the painting while she was searching for the True Cross, according to stories handed down through the generations. She brought it back to Constantinople, and presented it to her son, Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor of Rome.

Constantine built a chapel for the portrait, where it remained for five centuries.

People praying before the portrait attributed the intercession of Mary to miracle upon miracle. The chapel became a center of optimism.

Black Madonna is said to refer to the darker skin tones of all people, including Mary and Jesus, who lived in arid climates.

Caretakers of the shrine point out that the painting is nearly 2,000 years old, and was created with crude oil paints - thus the painting would have dulled and darkened.

Luszcz made all of the local grottos by hand. Visitors and foreign missions donated all of the sea shells, costume jewelry and materials built into the grottos.

Open to the public, pilgrimages of people come frequently, including Girl and Boy Scout troops and visitors from other countries. The site includes a gift shop; however the infirmary and monastery were never open to the public. The shrine is maintained through donations.

Enrolling Now...

Call Today!

We are also enrolling in our Medical Assistant Associate of Occupational Studies Program!

1-877-206-5844 www.vatterott-college.edu We have flexible day, evening and weekend classes available, call to learn more!

927 E. Terra Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366

SAVE THIS AD! Alignment Check & Tire Rotation

FREE

With $50 minimum purchase. Present this ad. Expires 3-31-10.

Come Visit Our Newly Renovated Facility!

W

orld ide

C ar S erviCe & C olliSion C enter

Family Owned & Operated Since 1973

224 Old Sulphur Spring Rd. • Manchester MO 63021

636-394-4700

worldwidecarserv.com

38 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

jump. the healthiest thing your kids will love!

safe.

no springs plus flexible enclosure means that we have eliminated the impact that causes 83% of all trampoline injuries!

fun.

healthy.

rtant the most impo ur kids thing...FUN! yo MP! JU to e lov will

jumping strengthens every muscle, organ & cell in your body!

10 minutes of bouncin g is equal to 30 minutes of jogging! So what are YOU waiting for?

variety.

World’s

round

safest

squircle

trampoline!

Rainbow RecReation

ChesteRfield • 17373 edison Avenue • 636-530-0055

RainbowRecreation.com • 1-800-Rainbow (724-6269)

HAS NE VE R BE E N SO STRE SS-FRE E

GIFT GIVING

COMPLETE GIFTS INCLUDING MASSAGE AND GRATUITY STARTING AT JUST

50

$

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I NEWS I 39

‘The Nutcracker’ is coming to town

By AMY BURGER Nothing gets people in the holiday spirit quite like “The Nutcracker.” This year, the timeless Christmas ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky comes to life in at least four area productions: The Joffrey Ballet – The Fox Theatre Dec. 3-6 Dance St. Louis and Ameren UE present six performances of “Nutcracker at The Fox,” with the story of the ballet read aloud in the Fox’s Marquee Room 45 minutes before each performance. The Joffrey Ballet’s production unites the world-acclaimed Joffrey dancers, the Ballet Orchestra of St. Louis and more than 150 young area singers and dancers.

“I can’t believe that I was sitting in the audience two years ago at the Fox, and this year I will be on the stage,” said Kaitlyn Wallace, 10, of Creve Coeur, who plays an angel.

Nine-year-old twin sisters Katie and Kylie Meyerford, of Wildwood, appear in the production for the first time together.

“Our parents built a giant dance floor in our basement so my sisters and I can dance whenever we want,” Kylie said.

“Music and dance is a big part of our family.”

Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Fox box office, by phone at (314) 5341111 and online at dancestlouis.org.

Saint Louis Ballet – Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center Dec. 18-22 The Touhill’s production of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Gen Horiuchi, award-winning artistic director of the Saint Louis Ballet, includes seven performances, with Miyako Yoshida of England’s Royal Ballet joining the company for two performances as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

For younger audiences, a narrated, 70-minute version is offered at matinees.

At a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, kids can meet the characters and receive a memory book for autographs and pictures.

“We’re thrilled to carry out our holiday tradition at our new venue – The Touhill,” Horiuchi said. “It’s exciting to bring in a newer, larger set to make it a grander experience for everyone.”

Tickets start at $25 and are available by phone at (314) 516-4949 and online at touhill.org.

Custom Build ~ Our Land or Yours!

Visit our current community...

Directions from Hwy 40: South at Long - right at Wild Horse Creek go 2.5 miles - left at Eatherton - left at Orrville - left into Meridien.

0

Limited Time - Display Inventory Sale!

Buy a Lot Build Later!

Display Open Saturday & Sunday ~ 12 - 4 pm or Call for an Appointment.

Donna Haskell & Danielle Nicholl 314-724-9234

Jasmine Smith, 14, a student at Parkway Central High School, dances in the role of Snow Queen with Dillon Malinski in the Alexandra Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” (Photo by Tynetta Chastain.)

featuring Tony Award-winning performer Lara Teeter in the role of Godfather Drosselmeyer.

Megan Rigabar, a seventh grader at Rockwood Valley Middle School, stars as Clara.

“I have dreamed about dancing the part of Clara all of my life,” Rigabar said.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 12 and younger in advance and $15 for adults and $7 for children at the door. Call 519-1955 or visit chestefieldarts. org.

Carol Bowman Academy of Dance – Chesterfield YMCA Dec. 6 Carol Bowman Academy of Dance students present two performances of “The Nutcracker” in a family-oriented performance narrated for younger children and featuring high school-aged ballet students Alexandra Ballet – Purser Center at and several specially cast younger performers.

Logan College “The performance is just an hour, which Dec. 20 Chesterfield Arts presents students is great for families with younger children,” from the local Alexandra School of Ballet Director Carol Bowman said.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at joining professional dancers in a familyfriendly production of “The Nutcracker” the door or by phone at 537-3203.

314-651-0466

Chesterfield West • 111 Chesterfield Towne Centre • Chesterfield, MO 63005 • (636) 532-0200

www.rjbarry.com

continental fusion.

Continental fusion does more than incorporate diverse flavors and culinary techniques. Its intent is to bring people together to sample, share and experience a truly unique dining concept that pushes beyond expectation. Offering an extensive menu of small and large plates, our award winning chef has worked tirelessly to create a variety of dishes that transcend nationality and convention.

eat. drink. socialize. www.icekitchen.net | 314.542.2000 | 302 Westport

40 I gift guide I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry

Home for the Holidays!

• Accent Furniture • Paintings • Lamps • Wall Decor • Mirrors • Pillows • Custom Florals • Jewelry & much more!!

... Add that “Finishing Touch” to Your Home ...

157 Lamp & Lantern Village • Town & Country

636-207-7131

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Home Decor & Gifts

• Seasonal Decor • Gift Baskets • Huge Selection of Holiday Gourmet Foods • Lamps • Art • Mirrors • Accessories • Stocking Stuffers • Handcrafted Hutches & Furniture • Missouri Made Products

Makes Studying Fun The Perfect Study Mate “It is designed to StudyX is designed to engage the student in learning. the&student Makes studying fun. engage Complete Sales Service of all computers.inPriced at 2 for $60 learning.”

Jeff Computer Minnis, StudyX creatorEXPIRES 14360 ManchesterJeff Road • Manchester (636) 256-7901 • www.jeffcomputers.com

Sales and Repair

$10

2

in store or remote repair

One coupon per visit and must present the original coupon

Mon.-Sat. 10-6pm Expires • Sun 12-5pm 12/16/09

636-332-3888

14360 Manchester Rd 1155 Wentzville Pkwy Suite 107

(in Rizzo’s Plaza, 1/2 mile from 40/61) MO 63011 Manchester,

Make Someone’s Christmas Unf Player Grands starting at $ 9,497

A Finishing Touch For The Holidays The perfect gift to say happy holidays... a custom floral arrangement from F.O.B. Saint Louis, Inc. 157 Lamp & Lantern Village • Town & Country (636) 207-7131

(636) 256-7901 jeffcomputers.com

orgettable!

Give The Gift studyx.com of Music Casio keyboard and Expires 12/16/09with power (636)supply 256-7901 free lessons (a $90 added value) Priced at $159.95 Midwest Music Conservatory 15977 Clayton Road • Ellisville (just west of Clarkson Road) (636) 527-5558 • www.midwestmusicstl.com

Keyboards starting at $ 159

Holiday Pricing On 10 Major Brands Of New Pianos

Makes Studying Easy

Many are Hand Made in America!

0% Interest 6 Months Same As Cash (WAC) Delivery Guaranteed by Christmas

Midwest Music Conservatory Call Bob Gray 636.536.2889 • 314.409.0787 17702 Chesterfield Airport Road • Chesterfield (Hwy. 40 to Exit 14 Chesterfield Airport Rd., 1.5 miles on right)

Call Jerry Roberts 636.527.5558

15977 Clayton Rd (1 Block West of Clarkson) • Ellisville

www.midwestmusicstl.com

$60

A Gift For Everyone On Your List Customized Holiday Gift Baskets, gourmet foods, cookbooks, gift sets, and more... perfect for hostess, teacher, friends. Unique stocking stuffer ideas too!

The Wooden Door - Home Decor & Gifts 1155 Wentzville Pkwy. Suite 107 • Wentzville (636) 332-3888

Verticals starting at $ 2,595

Baby Grands starting at $ 6,977

for

Sales and Repair

$10

Jeff Minnis, StudyX creator

in store or remote repair

One coupon per visit and must present the original coupon

Expires 12/24/09 14360 Manchester Rd Manchester, MO 63011

“It is designed to engage the student in learning.”

(636) 256-7901 jeffcomputers.com

$34.99 Expires 12/24/09

studyx.com (636) 256-7901

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I gift guide I 41

Perfect For The Holidays...

Let her know how much she means to you...

Send her a love letter...meant to wear close to her heart. Starting At $1,295 in 18K Glenn Betz Jewelers 11776 Manchester Road • Des Peres (314) 984-0040 • www.betzjewelscom

An Awesome Selection Of Boots Eye catching black, deer-tanned leather vamp and shaft boot with stunning red embroidery throughout, Corral Boot Co., #R2436. Priced at $199.99 Chuck’s Boots Superstores Hwy. 30/Gravois Fenton (636) 349-6633 • www.stlouisbootstores.com

design your unforgetable moments with pandora charms, rings, necklaces and earings in sterling silver and

14k gold

Crowne Plaza of Des Peres 11776 Manchester Road • Des Peres • 314.984.0040 1 mile east of 270 • www.betzjewels.com

Over 30,000 Pairs Of Boots In Stock!

BOOTS • BeLTS • HATS • JeweLry • CLOTHInG

Lucchese • Old Gringo • Corral • Ariat • Dan Post Justin • Tony Lama • Dingo • Frye FENTON (4 miles west of 270) Highway 30/Gravois • 636-349-6633

ST. PETERS 5859 Suemandy Dr. • 636-970-2668

www.StLouisBootStores.com

42 I gift guide I the

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Dance Bag everything a dancer needs!

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Looking for A Perfect gift Gift Certificates Available

Featuring: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap HipHop, Zumba and Character Shoes

Nutcracker Holiday Gifts Come see our unique gift ideas for the Holiday/ Nutcracker Season! Items include: T-shirts, charms, ornaments, coloring books and much more!

Starting at $4.50 The Dance Bag 64 Four Season Shopping Center (Olive at I-141) (314) 453-9600 • www.dancebagstl.com

Every $200 Purchased Receive A $20 Voucher

Plus: Leotards, Warmups, Tights, Accessories and much more!

Owned and Operated by Dance Professionals Ask about our senior discount!

64 Four Season Shopping Center 141 & Olive in Dierberg’s Shopping Center

314-453-9600

www.dancebagstl.com Mon & Fri 12-5:30, Tues, Wed & Thurs 12-6:30, Sat 10-4

DUSTY MILLER

2327 Technology Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63368

636-625-8772

www.spawinghaven.com *May not be combined with any other discount or promotion, Must present this ad at time of purchase.

Offer expires 12/31/09. No Cash Value.

FELIX RIVERA

Vice President, Manufacturing

Sterling Silver Dog & Hearts Bracelet Red hearts accent our Sterling Silver Dog Bracelet from Los Angeles-based artists Anne and Jane™. With an extra one inch in links, the bracelet adjusts from 7” to 7.5”. $80 Humane Society 17357 Edison Avenue • Chesterfield (636) 530-7676 • www.hsmo.org

Chief Inspector, Quality Control

Spa Gift Certificates for BOTOX, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Laser Services, Skin Care, Hair, Nail Care and Massage.

Spa WingHaven Day and Medical Spa 2327 Technology Drive • O’Fallon (636) 625-8772 • www.spawinghaven.com Gund Plush Rocking Horse Gund Rocking Horse with neighing and galloping sounds plus head and tail movement.

For ages 3 and up. Priced at $199.99 Unique Toy and Game 16530 Manchester Road •Wildwood (636) 458-3700 • www.uniquetoyandgame.com

Gifts for

TINA MITCHELL Director of Operations

LORETTA ADAMS

Head of Product Development

Gifts for animal lovers, made with animal love.

TiGer Fans Young & Old

Available at

16530 Manchester Rd. • Wildwood

Holiday Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm • Sunday: 11pm-6pm

636-458-3700

ViSit OuR O’FALLON tOy StORe

Visit us in Chesterfield Valley (636.530.7676) at Boone’s Crossing, behind Home Depot, or our headquarters (314.951.1566) on Macklind Avenue. For hours and directions, call or log onto HSMO.org.

5133A2_Holiday08_4.916x5.6.indd 1

11/26/08 10:31:21 AM

A Pocketful of toys • 9987 Winghaven Blvd.

www.uniquetoyandgame.com

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Think Christmas Think Willow Lake!

Interchangeable Handbags Miche handbags available in Classic or new Big Bag style. Large assortment of interchangable shells.

Classic Bag starting at $62, Big Bag starting at $78 Posh Unique Boutique 5343 Hwy N • Cottleville (636) 939-3070 • www.poshuniqueboutique.com

A St. Louis Home Fires Exclusive The “Element” by Fuego is the perfect backyard or condo dweller grill. Portable and easy to use.

Priced at $499.99 St. Louis Home Fires (formerly Smoke N’ Fire) 15053 Manchester Road • Ballwin (636) 256-6564 • www.stlouishomefires.com

... for that extra

special gift

We Carry Miche Bags!

Home Decor Antiques & More Voted Best Antique Store in St. Charles County - 2nd year in a row NEW LOCATION! Just one store around the corner

• Handcrafted Jewelry • Miche Handbags • Baby Gifts • Childrens Gifts • Webkinz & Japanese Erasers

For a Personalized, Fun and Inspirational Gift Play with our vintage inspired baubles and design endless combinations of whimsical jewelry. You will never be at a loss for words or inspirations.

Starting at $13.95 Willow Lake 1120 Technology Dr., Suite 113B • O’Fallon (636) 300-3349

St. Louis Wholesale Hot Tubs

• Whimsical Holiday Decor • Cheryl Mackay Designs • Tina Shackleford Designs • Accessories

5343 HWY N In Historic Cottleville 636-939-3070 www.poshuniqueboutique.com Extended Holiday Hours November - December Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 Thursday 10 - 7 • Sunday 12 - 4

112o Technology Dr • O’Fallon

Persimmon Pointe Market • Suite 113b A Relaxing Gift You Will Enjoy Hot tubs starting at $2,450 with some up to 50% off. Reconditioned hot tubs starting at $1,200 and financing is available.

St. Louis Wholesale Hot Tubs 16309 Westwoods Business Park (636) 394-4600 • www.besthottubprices.com

I gift guide I 43

(Hwy K & 40 across from Cracker Barrel)

636-300-3349

Pre-Season SALE on all

Gas Logs!

$50 Off

Any gas log purchase with installation • Check store for details

A Christmas Gift For

The Entire Family Payments As Low As $80 A Month 2009 Closeouts & Demos From $2,450

Accept Delivery Before Christmas

$500 OFF

"West County's Barbeque & Fireplace Headquarters"

16309 Westwoods Business Park Dr. • (636) 394-4600

A HEARTH AND GRILL GALLERY

www.besthottubprices.com

www.stlouishomefires.com

(Off Old State Rd. • Just South of Manchester)

Formerly Smoke 'N Fire

15053 Manchester Rd. • Ballwin

(636) 256-6564

44 I gift guide I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Anniversary Sale

20% OFF all regular priced maternity*

11243 Manchester 314.835.9935 (2 mi. east of I-270)

* Excludes any sale items, previous purchases or Medela Products.

C onte m p ora r y M a ter ni t y Cl o th i n g

12-4 & 12-5

Let Us Be A Part Of Your Holiday Party DiGregorio’s deli and antipasto trays for your holiday or corporate events.

Starting at $49.50 DiGregorio Foods 5200 Daggett Avenue St Louis 314-773-Link • digregoriofoods.com

Gift Certificates For TheHolidays This holiday season get creative with your gift giving. Choose the gift of organization, or room rearranging. Because every home deserves a little Moore!

Marcia Moore Design (314) 560-0830 • www.marciamooredesign.com

DiGregorio’s Market

The Perfect Gift for New Mothers Caden Lane’s diaper tote is as functional as it is fashionable. The perfect holiday gift.

Priced at $120 9 Months in Style 11243 Manchester Rd. • Kirkwood (314) 835-9935

We Have recipes To Fit Any occasion

Why?

Public Benefit: Locally owned businesses tend to require less DiGreGorio’s • 5200 DAGGeTT AVeNUe 314-776-1062 • MoNDAY-sATUrDAY: 8AM-5:30PM

6.

investment in infrastructure and tax subsidies than do national chains. These businesses also tend to make more efficient use of city services.

newsmagazinenetwork.com

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Enter t ai n ment COMEDY Eddie Izzard, Jan. 9, The Fox Theatre

Dec. 17, The Family Arena “A Gospel Christmas,” Dec. 17, Powell Symphony Hall The Zac Brown Band, Dec. 30, The Family Arena

EXHIBITS “Dinosaurs Unearthed,” ongoing, Saint Louis Science Center

FAMILY & KIDS

Spryo Gyra ties together Christmas music and jazz in its “A Night Before Christmas” concert on Dec. 5 at The Touhill.

St. Louis Holiday Magic, Dec. 4-6, America’s Center First Night – Saint Louis, Dec. 31, Grand Center Harlem Globetrotters, Jan. 3, Scottrade Center “Sesame Street Live,” Jan. 6-10, Scottrade Center

CONCERTS Julio Iglesias, Dec. 4, Powell Symphony Hall “Christmas with John Tesh,” Dec. 5, The Family Arena Spyro Gyra, Dec. 5, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center Saint Louis Brass Band’s “Holiday Spectacular,” Dec. 6, Florissant Civic Center Theatre Bryan Adams, Dec. 7, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center R. Kelly, Dec. 8, The Fox Theatre “Star Wars: In Concert,” (multi-media event), Dec. 10, Scottrade Center “Christmas with Aaron Neville,” Dec. 11, Lumiere Theatre Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 12, Scottrade Center “A Charlie Daniels Band Christmas,” with special guest The Well Hungarians, Charlie Daniels brings his “A Charlie Daniels Band Christmas” show to The Family Arena on Dec. 17.

outdoor furnishings • indoor furnishings • unique accessories

20% Off Christmas

Accessories

20%

oPen house through Sun. Dec. 6th Come in and see our beautiful Holiday Decor.

Enjoy holiday refreshments & music.

Mark Roberts Fairies

20% Outdoor Furniture

$10 OFF Fresh Cut Christmas Trees *Bring this ad in to receive discount.

at M a n s f i e l d N u r s e r y

16977 Manchester Road, Ellisville MO • (636) 394-6416 • Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-6 • MansfieldNursery.com

Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” plays Dec. 12-13 at The Fox Theatre.

LIVE PERFORMANCES “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 2-27, Loretto-Hilton Theatre The Joffrey Ballet in “Nutcracker at The Fox,” Dec. 3-6, The Fox Theatre “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 10-13, The Fox Theatre “The Little Dancer,” Dec. 11-13, COCA Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Dec. 15-27, The Fox Theatre Saint Louis Ballet in “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 18-22, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center “Bah, Humbug!”, Dec. 19, 22 and 23, Loretto-Hilton Center

tickets and information Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center: touhill.org, (314) 516-4949 COCA: cocastl.org, (314) 7256555 First Night – Saint Louis: firstnightstl.org The Family Arena: familyarena. com, (314) 534-1111 Florissant Civic Center Theatre:

I 45

florissantmo.com/Theatre/ticketsOnline.shtml Fox Theatre: metrotix.com, (314) 534-1111 Loretto-Hilton Center: repstl.org, (314) 968-4925 Lumiere Theatre: lumiereplace. com, (314) 881-7777 The Playhouse at Westport Plaza: theplayhouseatwestport.

com, (314) 534-1111 Powell Symphony Hall: slso.org, (314) 534-1700 St. Louis Holiday Magic: stlholidaymagic.com, (314) 421-1023, ext. 2700 Saint Louis Science Center: slsc. org, (314) 289-4400 Scottrade Center: ticketmaster. com, (314) 241-1888

46 I cover story I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Have yourself a merry little...

winter party?

By Diane Plattner

Halloween, Christmas parties and other traditions are quickly fading in the name of political correctness to ensure sensitivity to all. But has political correctness in schools gone too far?

Many area public and independent private schools, which once had Christmas parties during the holiday season, now instead host general “winter” parties with snowmen or trees with reference to no particular religion. Likewise, many area schools now host fall parties instead of Halloween parties and friendship parties instead of Valentine’s Day parties.

The trend, which has grown immensely during the past decade, is reflected in revisions of several area school district policies on the issue.

Rockwood School District’s policy on holiday celebrations, adopted in 2000 and revised in 2007, states an aim for flexibility to address its diverse community. It offers several guidelines, including the following: • Teaching about religious holidays is permissible, but celebrating religious holidays is not.

• Religious symbols may be displayed on a temporary basis but only if they are part of the academic program.

• Religious themes should not dominate programs and performances when presented to coincide with particular holidays and may not be used as a vehicle for promoting religious beliefs.

• Traditional items, such as a tree, can be used, providing they are without religious symbols.

• If holiday displays are created, they must

allow for a variety of cultural and religious beliefs. District employees should not set up these displays and displays are subject to review and approval of the school administration.

In addition, Rockwood’s religious expression policy, adopted in 2007 and revised last year, offers various guidelines.

Regarding prayer, the guidelines state, “The exercise of constitutional rights of religious expression may not be engaged in when the expression disrupts educational activities or schoolsponsored activities.”

In addition, Rockwood’s guidelines regarding student assemblies and extracurricular activities state, in part, “School administrators will determine or substantially control the content of what is expressed at student assemblies and at extracurricular activities. In such cases, religious expression will not be permitted as the religious expression may be attributed to the school or seen as an endorsement of a particular religious belief or expression.”

The Parkway School District takes a similar approach to holiday celebrations and religious expressions. Parkway’s teaching about religion policy, revised in 2008, states, in part, “Religious neutrality is essential and must be maintained.” It also states, in part, that “when religious themes are explored within the classroom or program setting, care must be taken to ensure objectivity and that the subject matter is related to sound and secular educational

goals.”

Several area private schools, such as Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), an area independent school with no religious tone, take a similar approach to area public school policies on religious expression. MICDS officials said they do not teach one religion but may expose students to various cultures.

In addition, MICDS now hosts a winter party, not a Christmas party, which was the school’s tradition up until about a decade ago.

“Years ago, the school was decorated with Christmas trees,” said Debbie Higgins, communications official for MICDS. “But that is not reflective of our school family.

We now have a giving tree with mittens.”

Higgins also said that the MICDS parents’ association created a holiday display that features various traditions, including

Diwali, Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah.

“We have parents from India, parents who are African American and a significant Jewish as well as Christian population,” Higgins said. “We have this on display where kids can learn about everything. We want to make sure our kids are learning about world religions and customs, not just their family traditions, but also their classmates’ traditions.”

Many parents applaud the idea of exposing students to various religions and cultures reflective of the student body and the world’s diverse cultures.

“My religion doesn’t celebrate Christmas, and I used to feel left out when I was a kid and our school only had a Christmas tree and Christmas party,” said Terry Miller, of West County. “I think it is wonderful that our area schools now recognize many of

Has political correctness in our schools gone too far?

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM the different holidays and traditions. It is much more welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds.”

While many people echo that sentiment, some, nevertheless, worry that schools’ aim for political correctness may inadvertently bury or stifle many diverse cultures that comprise society. Some parents have expressed concerns that area school districts’ policies on religious expression make students and faculty too afraid to say anything at all about religion.

One Marquette High School parent recently expressed concerns about possible restrictions on a child bringing a Sunday School item to show-and-tell.

“If they are too politically correct in an attempt to be sensitive to everyone, they can end up doing more damage than good,” said Diane Wilson, of West County. “Then they can end up sheltering kids and not exposing them to the reality of our diverse world.”

The increased aim toward more political correctness in schools also is reflected in some school curricula. The Parkway School District now teaches the alternative calendar designations of Before the Common Era (BCE) and Common Era (CE). These alternative calendar designations are being taught in addition to the traditional calendar dates of Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD), which is Latin for “in the year of the Lord.”

“We teach both calendars because students are exposed to both in their textbooks, online resources, in the newspaper and news magazines,” Parkway Social Studies Coordinator Liz Morrison said. “BCE and CE are based on the same calendar as AD and BC and the dates are the same (for example, 30 AD is the same as 30 CE). If we want our children to be able to function in society and be literate citizens, they need to know both.”

Roxanna Mechem, of Rockwood, said that although it is unlikely that an elementary student would ever encounter anything other than the BC-AD calendar designations, secondary students may encounter resources that use either the BC-AD or the BCE-CE designations.

“Within the last 10 years, BCE-CE designations that were primarily in college-level textbooks have begun to appear in social studies resources,” Mechem said. “The most notable uses are in AP (Advanced Placement)-level texts and on AP history exams. In addition, BCE-CE designations sometimes appear in respected social studies resources like National Geographic and the History Channel, to name a few.”

Still, Rockwood’s approach has sparked opposition from some parents, including several who have signed a petition against the use of the alternative BCE-CE calendar designations. They believe that introducing the alternative calendar with the traditional

BC-AD calendar denies the historical basis of the dating system and leads to confusion.

Area history professionals said the alternative calendar designation, which has picked up speed in recent years, is meant to be more sensitive to non-Christians, who are not dealing with numbers that reference Christ’s birth.

State education officials said there is no official policy on dates, with curriculum decisions left up to district officials. They noted that various calendars, including Jewish, Muslim and Chinese, are ways to introduce kids to different cultures in world history.

Mechem said Rockwood does not write history textbooks or resources for publication but uses high-quality materials from many sources to ensure students get a world-class education.

“Social studies teachers are aware of the controversies surrounding the calendar designation and seek to follow board policy regarding non-partisan, non-sectarian, factual teaching,” Mechem said.

“Therefore, teachers are encouraged to help students understand the various dating systems they encounter in resources, the beginnings and development of various calendar systems, and designations within an appropriate historical context and the various perspectives of those who may favor a particular calendar system.

Students are then able to understand the designations they may encounter related to dating systems.”

Mechem said this approach is being used in public schools across the nation in response to the more frequent use of BCE-CE in publications, textbooks and college-level courses.

“There is no official policy or plan to remove the use of BC-AD or to force the use of any particular dating system,” Mechem said. “Instead, social studies teachers engage in factual teaching of current practices within history to make sure that students understand multiple perspectives and are literate if they encounter either the BC-AD or BCE-CE designation in the course of the study of history or in independent reading.”

This approach suits some parents, who said they are confident in the decisions their school districts are making, which, they also said, provide their kids with excellent educations.

“I fully support our area school district leaders who well know how to teach our kids to prepare them for our challenging, diverse world,” Miller said. “I think they are doing a great job.”

However, Wilson and others warn of a slippery slope that may one day lead to a society of ignorance and a stifling of the melting pot of cultures on which the country was built.

I cover story I 47

Ask About Our Remodeling Stimulus Package Kitchens • Baths • Finish Basements • Room Additions • Custom Carpentry

From the Simple...

...To the Most Extravagant

$1,000.00 Off Must be presented upon initial appointment. Certain stipulations apply.

Thru 12/30/09. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

636-887-4384 • www.bdmrestorationinc.com

Tax Rebates $1,500 - Carrier Rebate $1,000

Complete Heating & Cooling System Installed

Since

rucks er 40 T

v

1963 O

6 MONTHS

INTEREST FREE FINANCING

Available on select Carrier systems with approved credit. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Ask for details. Expires 12-30-09.

$2,995 2 1/2 Ton 13-Seer 70,000 BTu 80% AFue

ve You

to Ser

We Service All BrAndS! 24 Hour emergency Service 7 dAyS A Week

$68.00

FALL FURNANCE TUNE-UP Not valid with any other offer. With this ad only.

Please present ad at time of service.

Expires 12-30-09.

$25 OFF ANY REPAIR

(Excludes Diagnostic Charge) Not valid with any other offer. With this ad only.

Please present ad at time of service.

Expires 12-30-09.

314-994-7875 • 636-757-9999 • 800-969-7875 www.schneiderservice.com

100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee

If for any reason you, the original purchaser, are not satisfied with your Carrier system, as the original installing contractor Schneider, we will repair the problem to your satisfaction or remove the Carrier products and refund the purchase price. This guarantee will remain in effect for one year after the original installation date. Price does not include ductchanges, electric modifications or refridgeration lines,or gas lines

48 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Do you hear

what I hear?

Let us help you hear every Holiday Moment!

Ellisville Hearing Center

Jacqueline Hartman MA, CCC-SP/A Audiologist & Hearing Instrument Specialist

(636) 394-4240

15991 Manchester Road (next to Ellisville City Hall)

Bu si ness PEOPLE

Breidenbach

Grand opening AWARDS & HONORS

Van Ness

Rick Breidenbach, of Chesterfield, has joined Rock Solid Branding LLC as partner and head of account services.

••• Rodger Van Ness, executive director of Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, was elected national president of the MercedesBenz Club of America.

••• BJC HealthCare has appointed Progress West HealthCare Center President John Antes to serve as president of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Antes now serves as president of both hospitals.

PLACES Yummy & Co., a shop offering baked goods including cakes, cupcakes, cookies and muffins and featuring a kids’ play room and party room, has opened at 108 Holloway Road in Ballwin.

STOP

Don’t Pay That Ticket!

Des Peres Hospital received CIGNA quality designations in total hip replacement, total knee replacement and adult pneumonia; the hospital also received CIGNA Centers of Excellence designations in angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft and spinal fusion.

••• Antes Mercy Health Plans’ Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE received a Five Star Excellent Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is the only health plan in Missouri to receive that distinction. In addition, “U.S. News and World Report” ranked Mercy Health Plans’ Medicare health plan among the top 100 in the nation for 2009-2010, and the America’s Best Health Plans 2009-10 list ranks Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE 93rd out of more than 700 in the nation and No. 2 in Missouri.

MEETINGS & NETWORKING West County Chamber of Commerce holds a First Friday Coffee Club at 7:30 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 4 at Autumn View Gardens (16219 Autumn View Terrace Drive in

Enjoy the Ride

David A. Rubin, selected by his peers to the List of

At Shelter Insurance® we pride ourselves on helping folks like you get the right auto insurance coverage at the best rate possible.

will handle it for you ONLINE!

That’s our way of helping you Enjoy the Ride!

$75.00 • No Court Appearance No Points • No Record

Call, click or come see us to find out how our shield can help protect you!

“Best Lawyers in America”,

www.MissouriTicketLaw.com

A Service of the Law Offices of David A. Rubin, LLC. THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY ON ADVERTISEMENTS

Celebrating Our 30th Year Of Serving West County!

Steve Downs

142 Enchanted Pkwy # 101 Manchester, MO 636-391-9111 ShelterInsurance.com 1-800-SHELTER

Restauraters (from left) Don Tamillo, David Miller, Timmy Laughlin and Tony Dahl have opened Sammy Scott’s Sandwiches & More at 12766 Olive Blvd. (Olive and Mason Road) in Creve Coeur. The menu features “from-scratch comfort food,” including sandwiches, homemade salads, wraps and soups.

Ellisville). To register, e-mail Deb Pinson at dpinson@westcountychamber.com or visit westcountychamber.com.

••• Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce holds Tribeca Holiday After Hours at 5 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 8 at Tribeca Bistro and Lounge (120 Chesterfield Valley). Admission is free for members and $15 for nonmembers. To register, call 532-3399 or visit chesterfieldmochamber.com by Dec. 6.

••• West County Chamber of Commerce holds After Hours at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 10 at Candicci’s Italian Restaurant (100 Holloway Road in Ballwin). Nonmember admission is $15. To register, call 230-9900 or visit westcountychamber.com

by Dec. 9.

••• Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce holds a general membership meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wed., Dec. 16 at Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center. Admission is $18 for members and $25 for non-members. To register, call 532-3399 or visit chesterfieldmochamber.com by Dec. 14.

••• West County Chamber of Commerce holds a general membership meeting at 11 a.m. on Thurs., Dec. 17 at Forest Hills Country Club. A holiday performance by the Humming Hawks follows networking and lunch. Admission is $20 for members and $25 for guests. To register, call 2309900 or visit westcountychamber.com by Dec. 14.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 49

MIKE SHANNON’S CHOICE:

$

1,500

FEDERAL ENERGY TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE

On Qualified Systems

10 Year Parts Warranty!

$

2,495 Installed - 70,000 BTU Furnace - 2-1/2 Ton Air - Conditioner - 2-1/2 Ton Coil Some Restrictions Apply

R-410A

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS

Galmiche & SonS heatinG & coolinG

Central/North 993-1110

Since 1950

West/South 576-9999

www.santasmagicalkingdom.com OPEN EVERY NIGHT THROUGH JAN. 3

NEXT TO SIX FLAGS

Santa’s Magical Kingdom

Entertain your entire family for an evening for just $15 with this coupon!

Save $3 off Admission Mon-Thurs.

per car or family van May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Excludes buses, commercial passenger vans, or limousines.

Expires 1/3/10

Santa Express Train Rides or Holiday Wagon Rides

!

W E N Santa Photo Package

Capture Precious Holiday Memories!

Receive a beautiful 15 picture photo set for just $9.95. 2nd copy of the set is just $4.95.

Visit our website for details.

Millions of lights...Thousands of smiles!

Treat your family to a one of a kind experience they’ll never forget!

Save $3 off Admission Mon-Thurs.

Train & wagon rides include vehicle admission into the Kingdom. You must mention this ad when making your reservation.

Call 636-938-5925 to reserve your ride today!

May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires 1/3/10

50 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

“Excellent” Missouri’s only Medicare plan rated 5 stars for 1 the Member Quality Rating

With plans starting at zero premium, the choice is easy

Photos courtesy of The Alzheimer’s Store

Thoughtful gifts for the elderly

MedicareADVANTAGE

By Mercy Health Plans

HMO & PPO Plan Options SEMINARS Tuesdays with Mercy Each Tuesday, 9 a.m.

14528 S. Outer 40, Chesterfield Tuesday, December 8, 9 a.m.

St. John’s Mercy Medical Center 615 S. New Ballas Rd., St. Louis Call today to register for a seminar, schedule an appointment, or to enroll in a plan.

Mention Code: STL192

888-330-3202 TTY Users Call

800-468-4418

Friday, December 11, 1 p.m.

Hampton Inn 55 Dunn Rd., Florissant Let us know if you need special accommodations.

Additional seminar dates and locations are available at: mercyhealthplans.com

A coordinated care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract. Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE plans are available to persons entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B by age or disability living in the service area. Medicare Part B premium must continue to be paid plus an additional plan premium if applicable. Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. 12009 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey.

H2611/H2667_6652 v1 11_09 SL-MA-192-1109 Approved 11/11/2009

By SUE HORNOF Finding the perfect gift for a loved one with dementia, hearing loss, poor vision or reduced mobility poses special challenges.

West Newsmagazine asked caregivers at area retirement communities to share their suggestions for gifts for elderly people who struggle with mental or physical limitations. Following are their recommendations: • Items for keeping warm, such as a lap blanket, sweater, large-banded socks and the “Snuggie” (sleeved blanket).

• Wrinkle-free, washable clothing that is easy to remove, such as a sweat suit with an elastic waistband or a comfortable nightshirt.

• Stuffed animals.

• Baby dolls for those with moderate to late stage Alzheimer’s disease.

• Calendar with “cute pictures of animals.”

• Calendar with important birthdays, anniversaries, etc. written on the appropriate dates.

• Playing cards with large print for those with poor vision.

• Oversized pens that are easy to grip.

• Family photographs in frames, albums or scrapbooks. If the person has dementia, label photographs with family members’ names.

• Digital photo frame pre-loaded with photographs of people and places that evoke fond memories. Set the frame to the slowest possible speed so photos do not change too quickly.

• Large-print crossword puzzles and word searches that are not too challenging for the recipient.

• Jigsaw puzzle with large, easy-to-grip pieces.

• Personal care items, such as lotions, body washes and baby powder.

• Perfume.

• Electric razor for men.

• Wristwatch, either digital or with large numbers; a “talking” watch for someone who is blind or has poor vision.

• Fleece-lined, moccasin-style slippers for men.

• Amplified hearing device for the hearing impaired.

• Shoes that fasten with Velcro.

• Nightlight.

• Erasable white board for jotting down reminders.

Ellen Warner, founder and president of The Alzheimer’s Store (alzstore.com), said that one of the best gifts for someone in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease is “a baby doll with a happy face and eyes that sparkle,” because it makes the recipient feel important.

“Look for gifts that make people feel like they matter, like they have something to do and that make them feel important,” Warner said.

Warner suggested the following gifts for those in various stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Early stage: • Clock that shows the day, date and time.

• Memory phone with photos of frequently called family and friends.

• Automatic medication dispenser.

Middle stage: • Video of classic television shows.

Middle to late stage: • “Mothballs in My Attic,” a fill-in-theblank workbook with simple questions designed to stimulate memories of childhood days, family life and growing up.

• The Handyman’s Box, a wooden tool box with interesting doors, locks, latches, hasps and knobs.

• The FiddleTwiddle, a soft hand muff with tactile features outside and a squishy ball inside.

All stages: • Music from bygone days.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 51

Weather the Winter

Get out of the cold, ice and snow!

We changed the name.

Stop shoveling and worrying about maintaining your home during the winter months...Come enjoy a warm, friendly retreat and experience a vibrant vacation.

Enjoy all the comforts of home without the worry...At Autumn View Gardens you’ll find stress-free living, enriched social, cultural and recreational activities, great dining and additional assistance is available if you need it. Whether it’s for individuals trying out our community without a longterm commitment or to provide caregivers a short rest, the Holiday Respite Retreat is available with your needs in mind.

Respite Services Include: • • • • • • •

Furnished Studio Apartment Utilities provided Including Cable Personal and Individualized Care Nursing Supervision if Needed Emergency Call System Housekeeping and Laundry Services Fine Dining – 3 Meals Provided

Retreat Packages Starting as Low as… $100.00 per day

Space is limited. Call today to reserve your apartment.

Autumn View Gardens Assisted Living 11210 Schuetz Rd. St Louis, MO 63146

314.993.9888 www.AutumnViewGardens.com

Nestled between two scenic lakes, the New England lighthouse signals the difference...

Retirement living that pulses with excitement and offers residents all the comforts of home.

We kept the quality.

ResCare HomeCare, formerly Kelly Home Care, provides professional nursing, personal care, homemaking, respite and many other services in the home, the hospital, long-term care facilities and other places of residence. Want to avoid a retirement home? Need help caring for a loved one? Explore your options.

For a free estimate of our services, call us today:

314.989.9552 • At the Harbor, Cape Albeon’s Independent Living apartments, relax in your spacious new one or twobedroom apartment with full kitchen, walk-in closets, washer/dryer hook-ups and patio or porch.

• At the Cottages, you’ll love chatting over picket fences with your neighbors. Floor plans include spacious two-bedroom and Ask ab out our mo two-bathrooms with cathedral ceilings, ve-in sp ecial!

636-86 fireplaces and patios with beautiful 1-3200 www.ca pealbeo lake views. n.co m

• At the Village, Cape Albeon’s Assisted Living apartments, enjoy an exercise class, share memories over lunch, take a scenic bus drive, attend church and still have time for individual interests in the privacy of your own apartment.

Cape Albeon is retirement living with a difference you’ll have to see to believe.

3380 Lake Bend Drive St. Louis, MO 63088

52 I NEWS I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Wanting to stay independent? Place your trust in us.

On the calendar Our Caregivers are:

Typical Services Include:

• Compassionate & Loving • Dementia Disease Trained • Carefully Screened & Selected

• Bathing, Personal Care & Dressing • Walking & Exercise Assistance • Meal Preparation/Clean-up • Light Housekeeping/Laundry • Medication Reminders/Set-up • Assistance with Errands/Outings • Emotional/Spiritual Support • Nurse & Manager On-Call 24/7

(314) 965-4350

Questions about how Medicare Advantage programs could work for you?

Wildwood Internal Medicine is hosting An Informative Panel featuring • Essence Healthcare • United Health Care (Secure Horizons) • Coventry (GHP Gold Advantage)

1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 8

The St. Louis Genealogical Society Book Jamboree is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at No. 4 Sunnen Drive, Suite 140 (off Big Bend Blvd., just south of Manchester Road). Guests meet local authors and representatives of local historical and genealogical societies; authors are available to autograph their books. Call (314) 647-8547 or visit stlgs.org.

••• Saint Louis University hosts the 2009 St. Louis Times Geriatrics Symposium from 8:15 a.m. (registration/check-in is at 7:30 a.m.) to 1 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 8 at Busch Student Center, Room 170 (20 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis). Event speakers include Margaret T. Donnelly, presenting “Aging in Missouri”; Miguel Paniagua, M.D., presenting “Falls in Elders and Injury Prevention”; Abhilash Desal, M.D., presenting “Keeping Your Brain Young!”; and Linda Weiner, presenting “Human Sexuality and Aging.” The registration fee for those registering online in advance is $45 and $10 for seniors aged 65 and older and for students; walk-in registration is $50. Garage

parking, morning refreshments, lunch and networking are included in the cost. To register, visit stlouistimes.com/symposium_2009.asp.

••• Wildwood Internal Medicine hosts a Medicare Advantage informative panel at 1 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 8 at Table Three (16765 Main Street in Wildwood).

The panel features representatives from Essence Healthcare, United Health Care (Secure Horizons) and Coventry (GHP Gold Advantage). Space is limited. To register, call Shannon at 458-4800.

••• “50-Plus Jigsaw Puzzle Time” is from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 8 at the St. Louis County Library Daniel Boone Branch (300 Clarkson Road in Ellisville).

Teams compete in completing a jigsaw puzzle. Registration is encouraged. Call (314) 994-3300 or visit slcl.org.

••• Sunrise Senior Living and the St. Louis chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association host a free viewing of “The Memory Loss

Patio Homes Now Available!

at

Table Three 16765 Main Street in Wildwood Delicious seasonal buffet will be provided Space is limited, so please RSVP to Shannon at 636-458-4800 www.wildwoodim.net

Add life to your years…with a new lifestyle.

Spend less time caring for your house and more time caring for you.

Call to schedule a visit today!

636.923.2307

1 Meramec Bluffs Dr. n Ballwin, MO 63021 ph 636.923.2307 n MeramecBluffsLiving.org

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Tapes” (part 2) from HBO’s documentary series, “The Alzheimer’s Project” at 6:30 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 8 at Sunrise of Des Peres (13460 Manchester Road). The screenings is followed by a professionally led discussion of Alzheimer’s disease. To RSVP, call (314) 801-0452 or visit alzstl. org.

••• A Senior Citizens’ Holiday Luncheon for Manchester residents who are age 65 or older is at 12 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 10 at the First Evangelical Free Church (1375 Carman Road). Admission is free, but due to space limitations, reservations are limited to the first 300 individuals making a reservation. Call 391-6326, ext. 400.

••• A Grandparents’ Class for expectant grandparents is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 10 and on the second Thursday of each month at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. Current prenatal and hospital care, infant care, feeding routine and safety tips are reviewed. Admission is free. For more information or to register, call (314) 205-6906.

••• The Lafayette Older Adults Program

(LOAPS) 2009 Holiday Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 14 at Ballwin Golf Course. The Southwest Middle Concert Choir performs from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Lunch is provided by Sarah’s Café. The cost is $10 per person. For more information or to register, call 227-7508.

••• The United Hebrew Monday Seniors Group sponsors a Chanukah luncheon in cooperation with the Shaare Emeth Seniors Group from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 14 in the Shaare Emeth Auditorium in Creve Coeur. A roast beef brisket luncheon prepared by the Shaare Emeth Women of Reform Judaism group and musical entertainment by Cantor Seth Warner are featured. The program is open to all individuals aged 60 and older. Admission is $7.50 per person. For reservations, send a check payable to Shaare Emeth Seniors to Stacy Jesperson, c/o Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141 by Dec. 7. For more information, call Ione Comess at (314) 434-5645.

••• Lunch and Bingo at the Pointe is at 11 a.m. on Wed., Dec. 16 at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. Guests play six rounds

Home Helpers ♥ Bathing/Personal Care ♥ Hospice Support Care ♥ Light Housekeeping ♥ Laundry/Linen Change ♥ Nursing/Physical Therapy ♥ Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care ♥ Recuperative Care ♥ Meal Preparation ♥ In-Home Massage Therapy ♥ Mobile Hair Stylist ♥ Insured and Bonded ♥ And So Much More!

636-391-0000 314-961-1002 www.HomeHelpersStl.com

Ask about FREE In-Home Monitoring System!

of bingo, eat lunch and play six more rounds of bingo, Prizes are featured. For more information, call Colleen Ahearn at 227-8950.

••• The city of Eureka Parks and Recreation Department hosts a senior social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 17 at Eureka Community Center. Lunch and musical entertainment by the Eureka High School show choir are featured. Admission is $5.

Registration is required. Call 938-6775.

••• “Understanding Medicare,” a seminar and Medicare Part D enrollment event, is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 18 at Des Peres Hospital Community Room 2 (2345 Dougherty Ferry Road). A light lunch is served. Admission is free. Call (314) 966-9695.

•••

I NEWS I 53

Refinance: ~ Pay off your existing mortgage ~ Set up a line of credit for cash when YOU need it ~ Set up extra monthly income

PuRchase: ~ Downsize and move up to a more expensive newer home with only a part of your proceeds, and never make another payment. ~ Use the extra cash to invest as you please!

Shaare Emeth Senior Group hosts a Chanukah luncheon from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 21 at Congregation Shaare Emeth (11645 Ladue Road) in Creve Coeur.

Admission is $7.50 for members and $8.50 for non-members. To register, call Stacy Jespersen at (314) 569-0010.

Now Open!

38 Detached Villas from the $290s!

• Low Maintenance • Lake views • Beautiful Clubhouse • Low association fees with a wide array of included services • In Wildwood Town Center with restaurants, shops & more just minutes away • Private, surrounded by dense woods • Free membership to YMCA next door

Come Tour the Brand New Display Call Beth Biggs

636-273-5300

www.MeadowsofWIldwood.com

Secluded & Private, yet easy to find!

We’re located in Wildwood Town Center off Hwy. 109 just south of Hwy. 100 (Manchester)

54 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Cast your vote today!

Visit NewsmagazineNetwork.com to vote.

Winners will be published in the January 13, 2010 issue.

Holid ay Happen i ngs Santa’s Magical Kingdom, a drive-through holiday light display, is from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday through Sun., Jan. 3 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Resort (next to Six Flags in Eureka). Visitors can meet Santa in his workshop and have photos taken. Admission is $18 per family vehicle and $30 per limousine, commercial transport van and small bus. Train and wagon rides also are offered. Call 938-5925 or visit santasmagicalkingdom.com.

••• St. Louis County Parks’ Winter Wonderland 2009, a drive-through holiday light display, is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday through Sun., Jan. 3 (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) at Tilles Park (9551 Litzsinger Road). Carriage rides only are offered on Saturdays. Admission is $9 per family vehicle, $10 per limousine, $30 per commercial transport van and $75 per tour bus. For carriage ride tickets prices, call (314) 534-1111. Visit co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/.

••• Santa visits and is available for photos from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (with breaks from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with a break from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) on Sundays now through 6 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 24 at Ches-

terfield Mall. Visit chesterfield-mall.com.

••• “Gardenland Express,” a holiday flower and train show, is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sun., Jan. 3 at Missouri Botanical Garden.

Admission is $13 for adults, $9 for St. Louis City/County residents and $5 for children aged 3-12. Call (314) 577-9400 or visit mobot.org.

••• The Men’s Ministry at Living Word Church hold a Christmas tree lot from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends at 17315 Manchester Road. Visit livingwordumc.org.

••• The Chesterfield Lions Club hosts its 44th annual Christmas tree lot from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at Four Seasons Shopping Center (on Olive Blvd. just west of Woods Mill Road). Proceeds benefit area organizations in need. Visit chesterfieldmo.lionwap.org.

••• The St. Louis Florists Network Holiday Rooms in Bloom opens with a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 3 at the Historic Samuel Cupples House on the campus of Saint Louis University. The only Richardsonian mansion in St. Louis is decorated by professional area florists with floral works of art. The house is open also from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6. Admission is free; visitors are encouraged to donate a

Shop ‘Till You Drop! $

10

OFF

per family (2 hr. minimum) Limit 1 coupon per family Expires 1-31-10

636-227-1800

Why?

(We’ll Watch The Kids) Flexible child sitting service Kids ages 2 to 11

Stable Communities Economic research shows that

10.

2 convenient accredited locations Indoor/outdoor playgrounds Gym, games, crafts, movies, meals, snacks and fun!

Manchester (near Dierbergs)

636-379-9494

O’Fallon (Hwy. K & N)

new or gently used clothing item to benefit the St. Francis Xavier (College Church) parish help center. Call (314) 977-2666.

••• “Return to Bethlehem,” a living drama about the birth of Christ featuring a journey through the ancient city of Bethlehem with a costumed cast of more than 60 people, is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 4 and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 and Sun., Dec. 6 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (Baxter and Clarkson Roads in Chesterfield). The event is indoors and wheelchair accessible. Admission is free. Call 5320400 or visit forministry.com/57.

••• The Wildwood Business Association hosts a Hot Air Balloon Glow and Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 4 at Fountain Plaza in Wildwood Town Center. Two 7-story hot air balloons, a tree-lighting, photos with Santa for a $5 suggested donation, a craft tent, live music and dance presentations, food and warm beverages are featured. Donations are accepted for the Wildwood YMCA Strong Community program for those in the community needing assistance. Call 821-2200.

••• The city of Manchester Parks and Recreation Department and American Legion Post 208 hold Breakfast with Santa for kids aged 2-9 at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at 225 Old Sulphur Spring Road. Tickets are $2 per Manchester resident child, $3 per resident adult, $3

entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and live in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

®

www.kidsplayfun.com

Mon.-Thurs. 6:30am-10pm, Fri. 6:30am-Midnight, Sat. 8am-Midnight, Sun. 1pm-6pm both locations

newsmagazinenetwork.com

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

per non-resident child and $4 per nonresident adult and must be purchased in advance. Call 391-6326, ext. 400.

••• Cookies with Claus is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at The Lodge Des Peres. Admission is free. Call (314) 8356150.

••• A Christmas Cookie Walk and Craft Boutique is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at Bethel United Methodist Church (17500 Manchester Road in Wildwood).

Homemade cookies and candies are sold for $6.50 per pound; individually priced confections, holiday décor and other handmade items and lunch also are featured.

Call 458-2255.

••• The annual UMW Cookie Walk is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at United Methodist Church of Green Trails (14237 Ladue Road in Chesterfield). Homemade holiday cookies and treats are sold for $7 per pound with proceeds funding missions for women, youth and children. Call (314) 469-6740.

••• Breakfast with Santa is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at the city of Ellisville Park Administration Center.

Admission is $3 per child with children aged 1 and younger admitted free of charge.

Call 227-7508.

••• Candy Cane Hunt at the Carousel is at 10 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at The Carousel at Faust Park in Chesterfield. Admission is $5 per person aged 2-10. Tickets must be purchased at the St. Louis Carousel Gift Shop.

Call (314) 615-8383.

••• “Yule Dog” Holiday Costume Contest is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at the Old Post Office Plaza (corner of 9th Street and Locust in downtown St. Louis).

Dogs come in holiday costumes and winners walk the red carpet. The suggested registration fee at the event is $5, with proceeds benefiting Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Visit downtownstl.org.

••• A Gingerbread House Workshop is from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 and on Sat., Dec. 12 at Whole Foods Market in Town & Country. A frosted gingerbread house and candy are provided; a pastry chef assists with decorating. All ages are welcome. The fee is $19.99; registration is required. Call 527-1160.

••• The 15th annual Christmas Service of Remembrance, a service for bereaved families and friends offering ways of coping during the holiday season, is at 3 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory (14960 Manchester

Road in Ballwin). Refreshments are served in the Family Center following the service.

For reservations, call 227-5511. *** St. Louis Women’s Chorale presents “An American Christmas” at 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5 and at 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church (100 E. Adams Ave. in Kirkwood). Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $20 for adults. Call (314) 768-0949 or visit stlwomenschorale.org. *** A Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus is at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum (516 S. Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood). Breakfast, unlimited playtime in the museum, a framed photo with Santa and a creative holiday activity are featured. Tickets are $18 per person/$15 for Magic House members. Reservations are required. Call (314) 822-8900 or visit magichouse.org. *** Chanukah: Festival of Lights is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Blvd. in St. Louis). Storytelling, festive Israeli music and dance and a ceremonial menorah lighting are featured. Admission is included with Garden admission and is free to children aged 12 and younger. Call (314) 577-9400 or visit mobot.org.

••• Skate with Santa is at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at Hardees Iceplex in Chesterfield. Admission is $7. Call 537-4200.

••• A “Lessons & Carols” concert is at 6:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 6 at Living Word Church (17315 Manchester Road in Wildwood). Admission is free. Call 821-2800.

••• Pizza with Santa is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 11 and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 12 at Eureka Community Center. Pizza, Christmas crafts and a treat bag for kids are featured.

Admission is one non-perishable food item per person. Tickets are required and must be picked up at the Eureka Parks and Recreation office. Those purchasing tickets prior to Dec. 7 must be able to prove Eureka residency. Call 938-6775.

••• Candlelight tours of the General Daniel Bissell House Museum are at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 11 and Sat., Dec. 12 at 10225 Bellefontaine Road in St. Louis. The house is decorated as it might have been in the early 19th century and is lit entirely by candlelight. Hot chocolate, cider and Christmas cookies are served. Admission is $7 with children aged 11 and younger admitted free of charge. For reservations, call (314) 544-6224.

Now opeN!

COUPON

Carry-Out Specials

Taj Palace

(Cash only)

All Vegetable Entrees ONLY $9.00 + Tax

CUISINE OF INDIA

CARRY OUT • CATERING

All Chicken Entrees ONLY $11.00 + Tax

ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET

636.728.1000 Bus. 314.482.3146 Cell

All Lamb, Goat & Seafood Entrees ONLY $13.00 + Tax

Chesterfield Commons Shopping Center 92 THF Boulevard • Chesterfield • Behind Taco Bell Everyday: 11:30am-2:30pm • Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm

10

%

OFF

I 55

Valid Until 1/30/2010

EAT . clec.tic

Catering Order Must present coupon and one per order. Not valid with other offers.

Expires 12-31-09

wraps • soups • salads pizza • rice bowls pasta• fluffy tacos ciabatta buns

$1 OFF Entree

Excludes drinks, fluffy taco & sides Must present coupon and one per order.

Not valid with other offers.

Expires 12-31-09

Open for lunch

Mon-Sat 11-3:00 pm Closed Sundays

636.394.3500 • 15581 Manchester Rd. • Ballwin

Zayna’s

Cafe & Hookah Bar

Agostino's RESTAURANT & BAR

1st Anniversary

Come Celebrate with us!

Free Appetizer w/purchase of two drinks or entree - bar only Expires Dec. 30, 2009

Live Music Fri. & Sat.

• lunch • dinner • private parties • catering

Book your Holiday Party Now soups • salads • paninis Hookah Bar Hours Monday-Thursday: 6pm - 10pm Friday - Saturday: 6pm - Midnight 1034 Old Des Peres Rd. Near The Des Peres Lodge

314-822-9200

*reservations can be made thru our website, click on Open Table

Serving Award-Winning Italian Cuisine Since 1967

280 Long Road • Chesterfield (Just North of Wild Horse Creek Road on Long Road)

636-536-6900

www.agostinoscatering.com

56 I dining I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Agostino’s tradition continues in Chesterfield

By SUZANNE CORBETT Gourmet Italian cuisine paired with stellar service is an art. It is an art that the late Agostino Gabriele honed and perfected after arriving in St. Louis in 1959, and it is a culinary tradition that Gabriele’s wife, Rosa, and their four children continue at the newest Agostino’s in Chesterfield.

The family relocated their legendary restaurant to Long Road in December.

“Papa first opened the restaurant on The Hill in 1967, then the Colosseum opened on Fee Fee Road in 1973 before moving to Manchester Road in 1989,” said John (Gian) Gabriele, who started busing tables in the family business at age 7.

The new Agostino’s captures the renowned elegance the Gabrieles made famous and features the classic menu that has won countless awards, including the DiRona, which honors dining excellence in North America, and the prestigious Four Star Mobile Guide Award.

“Our menu still has items that our father invented,” said

Agostino’s 280 Long Road, Chesterfield (636) 536-6900 Lunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday Dinner hours: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday-Saturday Reservations available via opentable.com

Agostinoscatering.com

Chef Paul Gabriele. “Maybe the most famous is the Linguinette Maremonte (land and sea). It’s a dish our father created for Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin when he was the chef at the Chase Park Plaza. It has shrimp and clams for the sea and mushrooms and fresh tomato for the land.

It was a big hit then and it’s still a hit today.”

Another signature dish is Penne Vesuvio, a mélange of al dente penne pasta laced with spicy salsicca sausage, mushrooms, tomato cream and whipped fresh ricotta cheese.

“It’s Sicilian style cooking with a Gabriele twist,” Paul Gabriele said. “It takes affection and love and the ability to taste what’s right and what’s not – and we know what’s right.”

Paul and Rosa Gabriele oversee the kitchen, ensuring only the best is presented to guests. John Gabriele’s wife, Francesca, makes the pastries – like house-made cannoli and tiramisu – using Rosa Gabriele’s Sicilian recipes.

During the holidays, Old World-style cookies such as biscotti, pignoli and anise are available at the restaurant and for take-home.

Elena Gabriele said it is not too late to arrange a private holiday party in one of Agostino’s private dining rooms.

There is a lavish private room that is perfect for small gatherings and a spacious second dining room with a fireplace, flat screen TV and well-appointed bar.

“We never charge a room fee for our private dining rooms,” John Gabriele said. “It’s a service we provide to customers to show our appreciation for their business.”

Agostino’s is celebrating a double anniversary this December. As a thank you to the community for their success and a special birthday gift to customers, they are

John (left), Rosa and Paul Gabriele.

offering a complimentary order of Arancinetti – the Sicilian deep-fried rice ball filled with ham and cheese that Agostino’s introduced to St. Louis.

“We’re celebrating our first year in Chesterfield and 42 years in the restaurant business,” John Gabriele said.

“We’re happy. I know Papa is watching over us and would be proud.”

Dine In • Carry Out • Delivery

4.99 Any Entree

$

Now Open!

Buy any entree and two beverages to receive a second entree of equal or lesser value for $4.99

One coupon per table. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

No cash value. Expires 12/31/09.

$50 gift for them, $10 off for you on your next visit*.

Buy a $50 Chev ys Gift Card and we’ll give you $10 off your next mea l. *Offer not valid at time of gift card purchase. Ask your server for details.

Ellisville Clarkson - Clayton Center 636-256-8585 www.chevysfreshmex.com

Party?

Planning At Our Check Ou ters! t Fiesta Pla

Gift Card

Gift Card Offer expires 12/31/09.

Holiday Specials

Cornerstone



Nutrition & Coffeehouse

Featuring



Fresh Organic Vegetable Juice Hummus Veggie Wraps • Organic Coffee Bar All Natural Fruit Smoothies Grass Fed Beef Personalized Gift Certificates Available for Individuals and Businesses

Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 6:30pm Friday 6:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm

17701 Edison Ave. #102 • Chesterfield

(636) 537-5858

www.cornerstonenutritionstl.com

189 Lamp & Lantern Village Town & County

(636)256-7600

www.TheGlobalQ.com

Quesadilla, Salad or Wrap $ 5

Not valid with any other offer.

Dine in or pick up only. expires 12/31/09

Any Sandwich Buy One Get One

FREE 2.99

$

Limit 2 per customer. Must redeem coupon. Expires 12/16/09.

DONUTS 3 FOR .99¢

Limit 2 per customer. Must redeem coupon. Expires 12/16/09.

1.00 OFF

$

Per Pound of Cookies

Free Wi-Fi

Must redeem coupon. Expires 12/16/09.

CHESTERFIELD • 13700 Olive Blvd. Next to Brunswick Bowl 314-894-0900 • mcarthurs.com • Mon-Sat 7am-6:30pm • Sun 7:30am-2:30pm

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Come and Celebrate With Pepe 15 Wonderful Years In Ballwin

Friday, Dec. 4 Live Mariachi Band at 6 p.m.

Free Giveaways From Cazadores th

Come Try Our Extended New Menu Freshest Sushi in town

I dining I 57

Morgan Le Fay’s Tapas Bar & Tavern

a distinctively different neighborhood bar

Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday 2-6 pm Authentic Margarita & Beer Specials • Daily Lunch Specials Mexican Restaurant 15307 Manchester Rd. • Central Plaza • Ballwin • 636-394-8686 Open 7 Days a Week • Locally Owned & Operated

Best Food for the Money!

This poll was taken at our place!

STEaK SPECiaL

If you haven't tried us, you can't like us, and we want you to like us - SOOOOOO!

Tenderloin Steak Special for only $11.95

12oz. New York Strip Steak $10.95

(Includes a side dish and salad) Monday thru Thursday

Can you believe Christmas is almost here.

This year, give them a $1000 Gift Certificate to Massa's. They'll thank you forever.

(Smaller denominations are available)

Trivia

Wednesdays at 8:30 pm Saturday: 9 pm - Close

NEW DaiLY SPECiaLS

636.530.1745

Great Holiday Parties On Small Budgets!

Bring in this ad for

Karakoe Every Monday: 6 - 9 pm

% 10 Off Monday - Thursday • Lunch & Dinner -

Lunch: Monday - Friday 11-2:30 Evening Fare Starting at 4:30 Monday - Saturday Live Music Friday & Saturday 8-11pm

Japanese Sushi Restaurant

Happy Hour Monday-Friday: 3-6:00 pm

1637 Clarkson Rd. • Chesterfield

for more info go to MorganLeFays.com

(In the plaza with Trader Joe’s)

14314 South Outer Forty 314-317-9181

636-536-7778

Limited Time Offer

SNOW CRAB LEGS! ALL YOU CAN EAT!

KaraoKE

Long Rd. & Edison • Chesterfield Valley Mon-Sat 11am-1:30am

Specializing in SuShi, Teriyaki and Tempura

Yeah, we still have the

Wednesday & Saturday

aSK uS abouT CaTEriNg Your NExT EvENT

the party is at my house, make yourself at home

15310 Manchester Road

Well, guess who bought the building next door! AMEREN! I guess the next restaurant will be ELECTRIFYING!

longstreetgrill.com

636-391-3700

$18.95

*Dine in only. No sharing.

No doggie bags.

2 lbs CRAB LEGS $16.95 Both entrées come with a dinner salad, baked potato and dinner rolls.

Don’t Forget!

ReseRve Your HoLidAY PARtY today!

Sunday thru Thursday Only

3 Courses for Only $25

Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

...All Week Long...

Buy $100, Get $20 Free!*

(Thru Dec 5th)

Award Winning Latin American Restaurant Open for Lunch & Dinner • Private Rooms • Catering

*Not redeemable same day of purchase This holiday season it’s best to give and receive!

For a limited time, receive a $10 gift card for every $50 gift card you purchase.

For every $100 gift card you purchase, you will receive a $25 gift card.

2020 Chesterfield Mall • wapango.com • 636-536-1151

2400 Taylor Rd. • Wildwood, MO 63040 636.273.6800 • StoneWolf.biz

58 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

Come To

Your Neighborhood Mexican Cafe since 1992

The Hill

For Great Italian Food & Catering!

Conveniently located off Hwy 44 at Kingshighway & Hampton exits

Salina’S

The Newest Chinese Restaurant with an Elegant Dining Environment

Mexican Cafe 20 Clarkson Wilson Center

Chesterfield

Specializing in Authentic Gourmet Chinese Food and Dim Sum

636-530-9010

NEW

Gift Certi

ficate

The

Book Your Holiday Parties Now Holiday Catering Available

Holidays

5 OFF

$20 Purchase not valid with any other offers.

Expires December 31, 2009

100 Holloway Road • Ballwin, 63011 636.220.8989 live music • catering • private events www.candiccis.net

Many ENTREES to choose from Soups & Appetizers, too!

Call to reserve

Treat yourself & out-of-town relatives to our authentic Arizona Mexican Cuisine!

$

Winter Hours

Di Gregorio Foods 2232 Marconi Ave. • digregoriofoods.com

Mon-Thurs 11-9 • Fri-Sat 11-10:30 Closed Sunday

1

Mon-Fri 11am - 3pm • Dine-in Only

are here!

Mama Campisi’s 2132 Edwards • 314.776.3100

starting at

Gourmet Lunch $ 00 Specials

your next party or event with us NEW Premier Stereo Video System and Stage Open 7 Days a Week 11am-9pm 17 Nationalway Shopping Center Manchester, MO

141 and Manchester in the Plaza with Office Depot

636-527-8989

W E S T H O M E PA G E S

Bauman’s Handyman

services, LLc

• RepaiRs • Honey Do’s • Basement RemoDeling • Decks • BatHs

around the house InsIde and out Dan Bauman 636-332-8577 314-852-0589

Seabaugh

w/the purchase of whole house siding thru 12/1/09.

Furniture & Decorating Co., Inc Since 1930 Upholstering, Repairing and Refinishing

17322 Manchester Road

(636) 458-3809

Complete Residential Service Interior/Exterior • Power Washing Carpentry • Decks • Wallpaper/Drywall Repair

Avallon Painting 314-359-9630

All Work Guaranteed • Full Insured & Bonded Painting St. Louis Since 1974 FREE Estimates

THE FAN MAN

Have the Benefits of a Maintenance Free Home Call 636-949-2030 www.TheSidingCompanyStCharles.com Newsmagazine

West Client:

Home Improvement Interior

& Exteriors

Quality Work

John Hancock

(636) 227-6152

HANDYMAN SERVICE 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

FAUCET LEAK TO FULL REMODEL TILE • CARPENTRY • PLUMBING ELECTRICAL • DRYWALL FREE ESTIMATES

Ceiling • Wholehouse Gable Vent Fans • Recessed Lighting

Specializing in installation for two story homes with no wiring on first floor.

636-288-6410

Quality Work At Competitive Prices!

www.keimarcontracting.com

• • • • •

I RETURN ALL CALLS!

1 Room Or Entire Basement FREE Design Service Finish What You Started As Low As $14 sq. ft.

Professional Painters, Drywall Hangers & Tapers

Call Rich on cell 314.713.1388 Salesperson: Proof:

The Cleaning Agents, LLC

“We’re Tough On Grime”

Decks • Custom Wood Working • Cabinet Refacing Siding, Soffit and Fascia Repair

DON JAMES

ASk How To SAvE MoNEy oN your uTiliTy bill

(636) 337-0880 All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Free Gutters & Gutter Screens

1279 Hwy 100 • Wildwood, MO 63069 (636) 451-5107 (Cell:(636) 485-7723) Residential • Commercial • New Construction

PLUMBING

We Come PREPARED! • • • • •

P5313

Fully stocked trucks for expedient repair Quality plumbing repairs Fair • Honest • Reliable Reasonable rates • Licensed Satisfaction Guaranteed Specialists in OLD HOME repair.

T O N Y L AM A R T I N A PLUMBING COMPANY 965-9377 INC. “We want to be your family plumber”

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 59

W E S T H O M E PA G E S Your Best Source for New Construction, Service & Pool Renovation

insuREd, quality woRkManship

• Power Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Deck Restoration Call About Fall Specials!

Call Today!

Crown Molding 10x10 rooM

Starting at $200!

Free Estimates • 636-379-8345

636.271.2200 • www.littlegiantpool.com

Modern

Kitchens

&

Baths

14381 Manchester Rd 3122 South Kingshighway Family Owned & Operated (636) 394-3655 (314) 772-1611 www.modernkitchensandbaths.com

K

ITCHENS

A

T

A

DI S C O U N T

Let Us Help You Design Your Dream Kitchen FREE ESTIMATES 40% TO 65%OFF QUALITY CABINETS AT LOW PRICES IN BUSINESS MANUFACTURERS FOR OVER 50 YEARS LIST PRICE 100% FINANCING

E V SA 0% 2

SIDING & WINDOWS

SA 20 V %E

SERVING WESt cOuNty AmericaWest Homes Free Estimates • (636) 537-1776

TOOLS Bosch, Porter Cable, Ryobi, Makita, DeWalt, Delta, Sioux, Skil, etc., etc.

8125 Brentwood Industrial Drive Off Manchester Just West Of Hanley

644-6677 (800) 444-0423

BATHROOMS REMODELED “Water Damaged Showers a Specialty” Tub to Stall Shower Conversions Grab Bars/ High Toilets/ Personal Showers

636-394-0315

www.tileandbathservice.com Senior Discounts Available

Tile & Bath Service, Inc. 25 Years Experience • At this location 20 years 14770 Clayton Road • visit our showroom

When you want it done right the first time...

We’re the place to check out first.

The Handy Hubby • • • • • •

“A handy man service”

Painting Tile Work Plumbing Electrical Carpentry Full Remodels

Joseph Dubbs The Hubby

No Job is too small!

8a.m. - 7 p.m

(314) 623-7066

Interior / Exterior 458-7707 Drywall Repair Power Washing Cedar Treatment Paper Removal Carpentry Fully Insured

Insured • Free Estimates

(314) 494-7719

NEED ELECTRIC? T.D. DeVeydt Electric L.L.C. Licensed - Bonded - Insured New Service • Repair • Remodel

Troubleshooting • Upgrade • Back-Up Generators

314-606-8160 Call for a free estimate today!

Canine Waste Management

Fall Discounts

The Complete Poop-Scoopin’ and Removal Service “Uncovering St. Louis County since 2001”

Custom-Designed & Built Decks • Porches • Gazebos

314-605-7301

(636) 227-0800

Licensed Special Waste Hauler Bonded • Insured

www.archadeck.com FREE ESTIMATES

#1 in Professionalism & Service Excellence Now Available Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Specializing In:

Driveway & Patio New and Replacement

Traditional Finishes To Old World Charm

www.stl-concrete.com

SHOWERS REBUILT

®

(636)

Squeaky Clean

Specializing In: • Crown Molding Chair Rail • Baseboards • Fluted Molding

Little Giant Pool & Spa

Professional Painters Inc.

” ation nstall tom I Systems” s u C “ ll ice A “Serv

Call Now to Plan for Holiday Lighting

(314) 822-0849

Free Estimates

GARAGE DOORS LC

• Certified Backflow Testing • Deck & Landscape Lighting • Holiday Lighting • Licensed and Insured

www.erainlc.com

636-946-8890 TILE YOUR HOME Kitchen * Bath * Fireplace Floor * Shower * Entry

Suburban Tile Company Est. 1980 • Insured • Free Estimates

636-394-0799 / 636-346-6386 www.suburbantilecompany.com

Door Solutions, Inc.

Garage Doors • Electric Openers We Service All Brands

24 Hour Service • 314-550-4071

F inish & Trim C arpentry C o .

Custom Woodworking • Bookshelves Fireplace Mantels • Doors Entertainment Centers Theatre Rooms • Custom Bars

R. Kinder

Master Carpenter #1557

(636) 391-5880

Insured • Satisfaction Guaranteed Since 1979 • www.finishtrim.com

60 I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

classifieds Announcements

Computer Services Serving St. Louis & St. Charles Co

Manchester Great Street Visioning Sessions

www.stlpcguy.com

Your Input Matters!

On December 7, 8, 9, and 10 the public will have an opportunity to learn more about the Manchester Road Great Streets project at a series of Visioning Sessions hosted by East-West Gateway Council of Governments. Participants will have the opportunity to visit informational stations staffed by planners and engineers who will provide information on the project, address key issues, and accept comments from the community. In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a polling exercise that will begin promptly at 12:30PM during the mid-day session held on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 ONLY and at 7:30PM for all four evening sessions. The polling process will take place via a keypad system allowing participants’ responses to be tabulated instantly during the meeting providing real-time feedback from the community concerning the future of the corridor. ter Road between Routes 141 and 109, including ways to improve infraonomic development, make the corridor safer for pedestrians, and enhance aesthetics in an environmentally responsible manner. The project involves a cooperative effort among the communities of Ballwin, Ellisville, Manchester, Wildwood and Winchester, as well as the Missouri Department of Transportation and the West County Chamber of Commerce.

The mid-day session on Wednesday, December 9 will start promptly at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and all evening sessions at 7:00 p.m. Individuals wishing to participate in the polling must be seated by 12:30 p.m. for the mid-day Session and 7:30 p.m. for all evening sessions. Polling questions will be available on the project website at www.ewgateway.org/manchester beginning December 11, 2009.

Your Participation is Encouraged!

To learn more about the project, visit www.ewgateway.org/manchester.

Funding for this study is provided through the East - West Gateway Council of Governments.

Assisted Care

Automotive Sales/ Service Save $500.00 on any In-Stock 2009 MINI

Hurry in for a test drive today.

Home Helpers is your #1 source affordable, dependable care by compassionate caregivers. ♥ Senior Adults ♥ Recuperative Care ♥ Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care ♥ Bathing/Personal Care ♥ Transportation ♥ Meal Preparation ♥ Housekeeping ♥ On Call 24/7 Insured/Bonded and Carefully Screened West County 636-391-0000 www.homehelpersstl.com

Please present ad for discount.

MINI of St. Louis.

Visit us at 8455 Maryland Ave in Clayton or shop online at HYPERLINK http://www.miniofstlouis.com www.miniofstlouis.com

Carpet Services CARPET REPAIRS. Restretching, reseaming & patching. No job too small. Free estimates. (314) 892-1003 Mill-Direct Pricing on Luxury Name Brand Carpet Laminate & Wood Flooring

We Will BEAT the Other Guys In Quality, Pricing and Service after the Sale!

We stand behind our product by bringing you, all the latest styles including the new Frieze Carpet.

We employ our own installers to guarantee quality work.

Free Financing & Free Estimates

We Bring the Showroom to YOU!

Serving the St.Louis Area Since 1992

Cleaning Services CLEAN AS A WHISTLE Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Move in & Move Out

Get Ready for The HOLIDAYS $10 OFF New Clients

Your Satisfaction is Our Goal Insured & Bonded Call 314-426-3838

Cleaning Services "We Have An Eye To Locate Dirt"

We Cut Cost not Corners Weekly•Monthly We'll Meet Your Needs

15% OFF

First Time Clean

All Work Guaranteed

CALL: 314-852-9787

Call Mike at 636-675-7641

Service at your home or office for: • PC problems or set-up • PC won't start or connect

•Spyware •Adware •Virus Removal •Hardware •Software Upgrades

$30 diagnostic charge only for first ½ hour Day, evening and weekend appointments available.

Garage Door Services

Position Wanted

West County Garage Door Service. Proudly serving West County since 1980. Springs, cables, electric openers. No extra charge for Evenings and Weekends! Call 636-388-9774

Does Your Home Need Help?

Personal Assistant Duties: Grocery/gift shopping, household management, laundry, house-sitting, vehicle serving, transportation, light housework and errands. Nanny Duties: Childcare, drop-off / pick-up, activities, trips, meals. Please Contact clogan96@live.com.

Gift Ideas

Custom Portraits

Computer Problems?

Susan Campbell

Need a Great Holiday Gift Idea?

Slow Performance? Poor Connection?

Viruses? Data Loss?

Small Business and Residential Computer Support, Repair and Maintenance For A Free Estimate Call

314.304.7996

Prices Starting At $75.00 www.pcservicesllc.biz

Firewood Computer Service & Support

for Small Business & Individuals

Computer Problems?

Computer Support Needs?

Computer Training Needs?

Website Needs or Questions?

Moving to a MAC? For Economical On Demand Service and Support Since 1995

Call 636-532-0859

Ask about our special offers for new customers!

Specializing in Home Offices and Small Businesses. County Computer Consulting LLC, can support your computers and networks. Call Ray for more information at 636-391-3853 or www. CCC-LLC.BIZ. HOME COMPUTER SERVICES We destroy viruses and spyware, fix slow or crashed computers, perform software and hardware upgrades, install and troubleshoot any wired or wireless network, recover/ move data and install new computers. 13+ years experience working on home/corporate computers and networks.

To schedule an appointment call Matt at 314.226.4279 o r w w w. y o u r p c d o c s . c o m

Electrical Services We do it all! We do it right! For over 30 years. Custom Homes to Service Work! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. West County Electric. Call 314-471-8721

SMALL JOB SPECIALIST Minor Electrical Work. Ceiling fans Installed. Light Fixtures Replaced. Security Lighting.

Dusk to Dawn Motion Detectors. Low Voltage Yard Lighting.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans. GFCI Receptacles/Switches.

Recessed Lights. Specializing in St.Louis County's Finer Homes.

Free Estimates. Insured for your protection. Accepting Visa / MC 314-353-5555

Firewood Get firewood early! 8x4 stack. Oak and Hickory seasoned. Call 314-808-3330

WestNewsMagazine Classifieds 314-610-3313

Fire Wood

Split Seasoned Oak and Hickory 4x8 ft Stacked and Delivered Call for Pricing

20 Years Exp

636-337-7758

Flooring Services Holidays Coming Soon!

Put a new floor under that tree.

A new quality Hardwood Floor with expert installation. Over 20 years experience, fully insured, references. Also available Laminate, Carpet and Tile. By Ken Wood Flooring.

6 month 0% financing available. Call Ken at 636-6755939, for Free Estimates.

WOOD FLOOR REFINISHING Add instant equity to your home Professional Floors of St. Louis 25 year old fully insured company serving entire metro community Sanding, refinishing, repairs, new installation, most manufacturers available.

Free estimates 314-843-4348 profloorstl.com

For Rent Vacation Destin Florida Area. Beautiful 3 bed, 3 bath condo or home, Gated Gulf Front community.

Includes beach front cabana, 3 pools, tennis courts & more.

Call for Special Spring/summer rates and availability. To view pictures please go to www.vrbo.com /127089 or /148365. For Additional info Call 314-922-8344.

For Sale Pride Legend Motorized Scooter Deluxe - 3 wheeler with loading lift, oxygen attachment, basket and more. Made in America. 314-703-7456

Mobile Home For Sale 1999 Brophs 16' x 80', 3 bd 2 bath Fireplace, Nice covered 12' x 25' deck, Mature Trees Big shed w/ elec., Located in family community w/ amenities. Moscow Mills $17,500 636-734-8402

Pencil Portraits in Color or Black & White

portraits10@aol.com 314.397.1225

Hauling Services

J & J HAULING

WE HAUL IT ALL Service 7 days. Debris, furniture, appliances, household trash, yard debris, railroad ties, fencing, decks.

Garage & Basement Clean-up Neat, courteous, affordable rates.

Call: 636-379-8062 or email: jandjhaul@aol.com

Help Wanted Acting & Modeling Agency is accepting applications for ages 3mo to 80yrs.

Beginners Welcome.

Images Agency's people have appeared in Ads, TV Shows & Commercials such as: Build-A-Bear, Sears Portraits, Six Flags, Wal-Mart, McDonalds & BJC Hospitals. We develop, market & place all sizes & heights. Apply Online At www.stlcastingcall.com OR Call 314-372-0512 State Licensed

Holiday Decorating

C KRestoration

Christmas Lights Christmas Christmas Tree Tree Delivery Delivery Set Set Up Up & & Disposal Disposal 636-466-1626 636-466-1626 Reasonable Rates Reasonable Rates Insured Insured •• Bonded Bonded

Holiday Lighting

We install, service, remove & store Holiday Lights for your Home/Business Fully Insured!

Flash Track Lighting

Nick 636-391-1161

Eco-Cycle LLC "Green Hauling" 1-888-y-eco-cycle

yecocycle.com

Business Opportunities Replace your nestegg with simple biz working from home.

Call 314-667-3513 or visit www.FreeLikeMe.net.

visit website for pricing stlholidaylighting.com

Outdoor Solutions can make Your Home Festive for The Holidays.

We Design, Install, Warranty and store all Decorations and Lights.

Fast Free Estimates (636) 296-5050

Help Wanted

Home Organizing

Mortgage Protection Specialist. PT/FT earn 75K+ Great opportunity for Insurance Agents, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Teachers and more.

Leads provided, will train. Call 636-778-0592

OVERWHELMED WITH STUFF? Does your clutter steal your peace and space?

The holidays are just around the corner so now is the time to Get Organized!

Caregivers Wanted. Experience with all aspects of home care. Must have good communication skills. Work where you are appreciated!

Call 636-391-0000

636.489.8223

www.DesignSolutionsSTL.com email:Mimi@DesignSolutionsStl.com

WestNewsMagazine Classifieds 636-591-0010 x 121 314-610-3313

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

I 61

classifieds Home Improvement CARPENTRY--DOORS AND INTERIOR TRIM--WINDOWS AND SIDING--STORM AND GENERAL HOME REPAIRS. 25 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE. 636-394-7927

No Tools? No Time?

No Problem.

Handyman 314.322.2705

MyHoneyDo.com

Davis Home Repair & Maintenance

Total Bathroom Remodeling Cabinetry•Plumbing•Electrical 20 Years Experience JS Home Services Handyman • Carpenter 25 Plus Years Experience Cheap Rates! Free Estimates! House Closings, Deck Repairs, Structural Repairs. All Jobs Big or Small.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured.

Call James at 314-420-3562

Painting, Carpentry, Interior & Exterior Door Installation.

Plumbing, Bathroom Remodel, Handyman Services. No Job Too Small.

References Available.

Call Waid

(314) 277-7891

Masonry Services

stlbasementsbydesign.com

Autullo Masonry Inc. Brick and stone contractor. 32 yrs in business in St.Louis. Our reputation is built on quality and service for all your masonry needs. Paving, sidewalks, patios, walls, fireplaces indoor and outdoor, fire pits and tuck pointing. Free Estimates.

Insured. Call 636-394-5543

(636) 675-1850

Landscaping/Lawn Care

Home Winterization!

Save money on heating cost. Window insulation, filter replacement, cracks caulked, etc. Call Len 314-567-3616

MIENER LANDSCAPING Rock walls, patios, pruning, chainsaw work, etc. Friendly service, with attention to detail. Call Tom 636.938.9874

Basements by Design LLC "Simply the Best"

Building Maintenance Services PowerWashing & Deck Staining, Most Decks $500 AC Service & Cleaning Starting at $45 Painting•Carpentry•Drywall Plumbing & Electrical.

Your Home Improvement & Repair Specialist!

Residential & Commercial Insured and Bonded Call us today at 314-583-5250

HOME CRAFTSMAN

Painting Services

Plumbing Services

Santa Services

LYONS LAWN SERVICE

Jim's Paint & Trim Service.

Interior & Exterior painting, crown and decorative moulding, wallpaper removal, texturing, drywall and rotten wood repair. Call 636-778-9013

ANYTHING IN PLUMBING. Good Prices!

Basement bathrooms, small repairs & code violations repaired.

Fast Service. Call anytime: 314-409-5051

Rent a Santa. Call Jack 314-238-4146

COMMERICIAL

SNOW REMOVAL •STUMP GRINDING

636-394-1309

Leaf Clean-up & Vacuuming •Landscape Design & Installation •Aeration & Seed Slicing •Lawn Mowing & Fertilization •Drainage Work •Landscape Lighting •Mole Trapping Fast Free Estimates (636) 296-5050 Morales Landscaping LLC Fall Aeration and Leaf removal, Bush & Tree removal. Retaining Walls, Patios, and Much More!

Call 636-699-5189

Schwartz Brothers Landscape Solutions Inc. Design and Build

•Total Yard Clean-Up • Curb Vacuming • Leaves • Brush • Sticks •Starter Fertilizer Applications •Lawn and Shrub Care •Fertilization and Weed Control •Licensed Commercial Applicators •Fully Insured •Free Estimates Referrals Upon Request

Leaf Clean-Up, Vacuuming Aeration, Seeding, Sodding, Fertilizing, Spraying, Grass Cutting, Yard Clean-up, Weeding, Trimming, Edging, Mulching, Planting, Dethatching, Brush Removal, Retaining Walls, Patios & Drainage Work

Fall Cleanup! Leaf remova l , mulching, tree & brush removal, stump removal, trimming, planting, garden tilling, and gutter cleaning, m o w ing! Snow Removal. Valley Landscape Co. (636) 458-8234

Music Lessons GUITAR/ VOICE LESSONS Now Accepting New Students.Lessons in your home. Exp. includes: Band leader, composer, vocalist. (refer. avail). $35/hr. www.themakeshiftgentlemen.com Call Joe 636.346.7146 or 636.458.2066

Painting Services

Father & Son Painters 25 Years Experience Clean, neat, fast. One room of the whole house. Wallpaper removal & drywall prep.

Insured, 10% Senior Discount.

Reasonable. References. www.cedarbeautiful.com 314-846-6499 or 314-852-5467

I LOVE TO PAINT

PAINTINg & FAux FINIshEs •20Th ANNIVErsAry sPEcIAls•

•Complete Room & Surface Prep •Renew Kitchen Cabinets •New Look for Furniture •Dependable • References

•••Expensive Look ••• •••Affordable Price••• David @ 314-732-3289

25% Off

All Interior Painting

Pet Services

Yucko’s

MCLEAN EXCAVATING

excavating•grading•demolition land clearing • retaining walls •sod installation Commercial & Residential insured • free estimates

314.265.9003

Recession Roofing & Home Repairs

Family Owned & Operated Co We know what it's like to be over charged. Give Us a call for High Quality Work at rate that won't break the pocket. Licensed and Insured. No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. Call today for a Free Estimate and to take advantage of 15% Off during this recession.

Call Wayne

314-685-0884

A-ACCURATE ROOFING SIDING & GUTTERS no job too Large or too Small, Affordable Roofing residential & commercial, all types of roofing, 40 year experience, call for a Free Estimate, 636-939-5109 or 1-800-459-ROOF

Wanted

Cash Cash Cash

Sell your Old or Unwanted Jewelry, Diamonds & Watches. Top Cash Paid!

Diamond & Jewelry Brokers

473 Lafayette Ctr Next to Dierbergs

(Baxter & Manchester)

636-391-6622

Wanted To Buy. Baseball Cards, Sports Cards. Cardinals Souvenirs and Memorabilia Pre-1975 Only. Private Collector 314-302-1785

Wedding Services

Anytime...

Anywhere...

Marriage Ceremonies Renewal of Vows Commitment & Affirmation of Love

(314) 703-7456

www.yuckos .com

West County Pet Care. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking. We take care of Pets in your home where Pets prefer.

Daily, Weekly Rates. Insured 636-394-6852 314-401-5516

Power Washing • Window Washing Gutter Cleaning

636-527-2501

Plumbing Services

A-1 Custom Painting & Wallpapering, we handle your design needs, professionally trained.

Faux finishes, texturing, marbling, graining. Interior & exterior, insured, free estimates.

All work done by owner. Call Ken or Hugo at 636-274-2922 or 314-640-4085. 24 years experience.

MASTER PLUMBER. Water Heaters, Code Violations, Backflow Preventers. Licensed & Bonded, Fully Insured. No Job Too Large or Too Small.

(314) 288-9952

www.painting-pros.com

Roofing Services

COLE TREE SERVICE Tree and stump removal.

Trimming, deadwooding.

Free estimates. Insured.

636-475-3661

314-770-1500

PIANO LESSONS: Masters Degree in Composition w/ Piano major, 5 yrs. in Europe, 30 yrs. teaching experience, all ages. Taught music theory and piano at college level.

Manchester & Strecker. Call Arthur 636-458-0095

Interior and Exterior Painting

SMALL JOB SPECIALIST Minor Plumbing Repairs.

Drain/Sewer Opening. Kitchen Faucets/Disposals Installed.

Bathroom Vanities, Toilets Repaired/Replaced. Water Lines/ Drain Lines Replaced. Dishwashers/Ice makers Installed.

Specializing in St.Louis County's Finer Homes. Free Estimates. Insured for your protection. Accepting Visa / MC 314-353-5555

Tree Services

POOP SCOOP’N SERVICE

Piano Lessons

636-225-7286

Painting, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Door replacements, all Odd jobs, No job too small! Very Reasonable Prices! Free Estimates!

All work Guaranteed! 636-791-2079

Affordable Plumbing Repairs and bathroom remodeling.

Call Craig 636-458-1161 or 314-614-4840

(314) 393-7754

Call 314-426-8833

PROFESSIONAL, HONEST WORK WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY Basements, Built-Ins, Moldings, Doors Carpentry, Bookcases, Cabinets Kitchens, Baths, Painting, Repairs Whole House Remodeling OWNER ON THE JOB 30 Years Experience–Super Quality

Landscaping/Lawn Care

CLASSIFIEDS

Let West Newsmagazine Help You Promote Your Service or Business Delivered into 67,000 Mailboxes In the West County Area 3 Times a Month Call Kathy 636-591-0010 x 121 or 314-610-3313 classifieds@westnewsmagazine.com kfclassifieds@yahoo.com

62 I real estate I

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

r e a l e s tat e 607 Kerryton Place Circle • Ellisville MLS # 90037560 • $252,900 PRICE REDUCED

Excellent Location - Fantastic Value 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Villa Fully Finished Lower Level For more information call

Sharon Baker 314-537-7588

920 Carpathian Dr. - Lake St. Louis MLS # 90054638 • $142,900

Across from Hawk Ridge Park with Easy Hwy. 40 Access 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths Like New Condo w/Private Garage

406 Clayton Hollow Dr. • Wildwood This gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 1.5 story home with approximately 5,000 square feet of finished living space will astonish the most selective buyer! For free 24 hour recorded information regarding the details of this property please call 1-800-628-1775 ext.1146.

16201 Wynncrest Ridge Ct. • Wildwood This amazing 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 1.5 story home with approximately 6,000 square feet of exquisite finished living space is situated on a premium, cul-de-sac lot with treed backdrop. For free 24 hour recorded information regarding the details of this property please call 1-800-628-1775 ext.1106.

Season’s Greetings 

A very special “Happy Holidays’ wish to our friends &  clients, those of you who have used our services, and  those who have helped to keep us busy this year with your  referrals. We sincerely appreciate your support.  Have a joyous Holiday season!  Happiness, good health and a wonderful 2010 is  our wish for you and your family. 

16511 Carriage View Ct. – Grover Dir: Hwy 100 ( Manchester Rd ) W of Clarkson to L on Taylor Rd. cross Old Manchester to Cherry Hills Subd. to R on Carriage View Dr to R on Carriage View Ct.

16500 Carriage View Ct. – Grover Dir: Hwy 100 ( Manchester Rd ) W of Clarkson to L on Taylor Rd. cross old Manchester to Cherry Hills Subd. to R on Carriage View Dr to R on Carriage View Ct.

1351 S. Jefferson, Ste. 100 Washington, MO 63090

www.TheKrauseTeam.com

To advertise, call 636.591.0010

Open House! Sun. Dec. 6 • 1-3 p.m.

Carol Haddox

636-549-1129

Location is everything.

Open House! Sun. Dec. 6 • 11-1 p.m.

314.541.2566 cell 636.239.0667 office

PROPERTIES WEST 636.532.5900 each office independently owned & operated

Atrium Ranch with Pool

BACKS TO WOODS!

LIKE NEW!

1354 Riverdale Circle Chesterfield • $487,000 Gorgeous granite kitchen, inground pool, 2 fireplaces, over 4,000 sq. ft. of space. Finished lower level.

Call Mike Leeker 314-435-4040 www.MikeLeeker.com

18180 Bent Ridge Dr. Wildwood • $379,000 1/2 Acre lot! Fabulous GR Ranch!

Updates include granite kit, carpet, lighting, paint, siding & more.

Palladian windows, screened porch & deck. Gourgeous fin. LL! Call Mike Leeker 314-435-4040 www.MikeLeeker.com

4641 Colima Ct. South County • $237,500 LIKE NEW! NEW roof, siding, kitchen, appliances, flooring, carpeting, A/C, NEWER water heater. Finished LL. Fresh paint throughout, Huge oversized garage, 3 full updated bathrooms!

Call Janet Bourne 314-941-7633

MOTIVATED SELLERS!

YOUR NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

2329 Windsor Meadow Blvd.

Wildwood $244,900 DARLING ranch shows like display!

4 years young! Meticulous! Fab fin LL! Upgrades galore! Hdwd flrs!

Chef’s delight kit! Lux master suite & bath! Csmt deck! Concrete patio!

Call Chris Ronberg 314-922-4358 www.ChrisRonberg.com

1752 Stoney Terrace Dr. Ballwin • $219,900 3bdrm/2.5ba. Picturesque yard backing to lake & private cmn grnd.

Fin’d w/o LL opens to patio. Gas FP. Newer flooring/appliances, washer/ dryer. Quick close & $8k tax credit!

Call Barb Woodham 314-346-2272 www.RELadyProperties.com

HUGE $10,000 REDUCTION!

GRT INVESTMENT PROPERTY!

873 Woodside Trails Ballwin • $182,000 Wonderful 3bd, 3ba ranch villa w/vaulted ceiling, frpl, new flooring, & fin. w/out LL! Large deck overlooks trees! Pool, Tennis & Clubhouse. low Condo Fees!

Call Stephanie Thompson 314-479-4555 stephaniethompsonrealtor.com

1434 Willow Brook Cove #3 St. Louis • $139,900 FURNISHED! Ground level condiminium! Walking distance to community center. 2 bd, 1.5 ba, pool, granite, newer everything/all appls stay incl washer/dryer. $8k tax credit.

Call Barb Woodham 314-346-2272 www.RELadyProperties.com

Barb Woodham Robin Williams 314-346-2272 314-401-0155

Janet Bourne 314-941-7633

13429 Manorlac Drive Chesterfield • $137,500 Updated 3-level townhome in Chesterfield with 2brs, 1.5 baths and one-car garage. View of small lake.

Community clubhouse, pool & tennis.

Call Robin Williams 314-401-0155 www.CallRobinWilliams.com

Big Enough to Provide Excellent Service...

Small Enough to Care!

636-728-1881 636-728-1881 www.SellingStLouis.com 14567 Manchester Rd. Ballwin

Chris Ronberg Stephanie Thompson Mike Leeker 314-479-4555 314-435-4040 314-922-4358

DECEMBER 2, 2009 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

The #1

Office in Missouri!

Coldwell Banker Gundaker

- Town & Country Office -

www.prudentialalliance.com Chesterfield/Wildwood

636-537-0300

18211 OLD WILD HORSE CREEK RD

1539 Shalimar Ridge Lane 525 Clark Ave. 2301 Divot Dr. St. Louis County Webster Groves St. Louis $650,000 $314,900 $239,000 Custom luxury 1.5 story on 3 acres Spectacular, remodeled 2 story Charming brick traditional ranch with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and home with extensive updates. featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.

3-car garage.

CHESTERFIELD) Amazing 1.5 sty on 9+ acres. Totally renovated + addition. Spectacular bonus rm, veranda, master his & hers baths, fin W/O LL, inground pool. $2,999,900

Open Sunday 2-4

18608 RO BRIDGE COURT

280 Glandore Dr. 508 Randy Dr. 103 Jubilee Hill Dr, L Ballwin Creve Coeur Wildwood $245,000 $279,900 $129,900 Unique 1.5 story backing to trees. Gorgeous upper level condo with Outstanding all brick ranch home Vaulted ceilings, numerous updates 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. with numerous updates & large level including kitchen. back yard.

Open Sunday 1-3

I real estate I 63

Open Sunday 1-3

46 Rolling Rock Ct. 215 Cedar Tree Lane 2008 Woodmor Ridge Dr. Ladue Ballwin Wildwood $999,999 $318,900 $418,900 3+ acre estate. Builders’ own home Exceptional custom built 3 bed- 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath 2 story home with beautiful spaces and ameni- room, 3 bath ranch on a beautifully with oodles of updates and amenities. landscaped private lot. ties!

18104 Big Pine Ct. 7837 State Road Y 41 Pacland Estates Dr. Wildwood Dittmer Chesterfield $679,900 $495,000 $2,695,000 Well appointed 4 bedroom, 4.5 Custom built home on approx. 47 Magnificent 1.5 story country estate bath home offering a gourmet level, private acres. Loaded with home on 3 acres in a private enclave kitchen, sun room and lovely yard. extras! Breathtaking views. of custom-built homes.

WILDWOOD) Magnificent cust 1.5 sty in Wildhorse Spring Farm. 1.58 ac lot, numerous custom amenities thruout, beamed ceilings, gourmet kitch, hearth room. $1,599,000

17548 GARDEN RIDGE CIR

WILDWOOD Fabulous atrium ranch.

5BR, 4.5ba and 3 car garage. Prof decorated, gourmet kit w/granite, fin LL w/rec rm and bar area, 2FP, sunroom, level yard. $615,000

2254 RIDGLEY WOODS DRIVE

CLARKSON VALLEY 3 bedrooms plus bonus room. 2full/2half baths.

Finished lower level, large sunrm.

Trees & nature galore! $545,000

16357 CHERRY ORCHARD DRIVE

WILDWOOD 3BR,3ba ranch home in Meadows of Cherry Hills. 3 car garage, finished lower level, newer wood floor and carpets. Newer facia and soffits. $289,000

904 OAKWOOD FARMS LN

31 Chesterfield Lakes Dr. 2034 Joes Way 7301 Forsyth Blvd. A Chesterfield Chesterfield University City $549,850 $2,750,000 $219,500 Fabulous updated condo with Charming two story home with 4 One of a kind mini resort! 8+ acres, spectacular charm and space. Me- bedrooms, 2.5 baths, finished walk over 10,000 square feet if finished out lower level on 3 acres. living space. ticulously maintained.

636-394-9300

www.cbgundakerhomes.com

BALLWIN Move-in ready 2 story with large level backyard. 4BR/2.5ba, 2car garage. No carpet on main level. Ballwin amenities. Home Warranty Plan offered. $234,900

60 CONWAY COVE DRIVE

CHESTERFIELD 2BR, 4BA twnhm, renovated, huge MST BR, wd flrs, W/O LL. End unit. $194,900

Ladue/Frontenac

314-997-7600

Relocation

800-325-7700

105 LITTLE HILL CT (BALLWIN) 4BR/2ba large home with Patriot sunrm.

On cud-de-sac. Backs to woods and common ground. Private, backs to woods and common ground. $244,900 444 LINDY BLVD (BALLWIN) 3+BR/2ba split level home w/oversized 2 car garage W/O LL with rec/family room & sleeping area. Beautiful yard. Home Warranty Plan offered. $154,900 1335 CROSSINGS CT #A (BALLWIN) 2BR, 2ba condo at the Crossings @ Hickory Sound. 1 c gar, secure building, newer paint, newer carpet, 1009 square feetm LR/DR combo. $114,900 7 WHEATLEY CT (CHESTERFIELD) 2 sty on quiet cul-de-sac. Backs to trees.

Great rm w/wood flrs & wet bar. 3 season rm, charming kitchen w/tile flrs. Master suite with fireplace. W/O LL. $424,000 1590 TERRA VISTA (CREVE COEUR) Fabulous former display attached villa w/upgrades everywhere. Granite, custom cab, wood flrs, stainless appliances, fin LL, walkout, wet bar, 3BR/3ba. $390,000 12917 PORTULACA #123 (CREVE COEUR) Main level updated 2BR, 2ba w/sitting rm/study, wood flrs & 2 garage spaces. Move-in condition. $149,900 550 COEUR DE ROYALE DR #206 (CREVE COEUR) 1700+sq ft, 3BR/2ba, eat-in kit, priv laundry, storage, Pergo, newer carpet/ceramic. Garage. $149,900 11872 CRESTA VERDE DR (CREVE COEUR) Fab 2BR, 2ba garden condo, updated kit & both baths, newer cpt & paint, 1st flr, huge bsmt laund & storage, bldg handicap access. $99,900 481 CHUKKER VALLEY (ELLISVILLE) Magnificent 5BR, 4.5ba. 1.5 story. Shows like a display. Fin W/O LL, 3 c gar, 2FP, gorgeous kitchen w/granite, stainless, 42 maple cabinets, hearth rm,. $593,250 120 BONNYBRIDGE CT (ELLISVILLE) Open flr pln 3BR/2ba ranch. Main flr laundry, cathedral ceilings, walk-out LL with rec room, newer systems and roof.

Original owner. $195,000 1739 WOODMORE OAKS DR (MANCHESTER) 3BR, 2.5ba spacious home in convenient location! Finished LL w/family rm, huge fenced yard & deck. Many updates, well-maintained. $255,000 315 WHITEHALL (MANCHESTER) Updated split level home on quiet street.

Fenced yard. 4BR, 2 full bath, spacious kitchen & breakfast room. LL family room, 2 car gar. Great home. $174,900 13039 MIDFIELD TERRACE (ST LOUIS) 3BR/2.5ba detached villa. Shows like a display. Meticulous. Newer kitchen.

Wood floors. Main floor laundry. 2 c gar.

Newer decking. $218,000 17610 AILANTHUS (WILDWOOD) Beautifully appointed 2sty, cul-de-sac lot, 2sty entry, great rm with bay, wet bar & fireplace. Fabulous kitchen, master bath w/Jacuzzi. Fin LL w/ rec rm. $599,900 17603 MYRTLEWOOD (WILDWOOD) Beautiful 2-sty on cul-de-sac lot backing to trees. 2-sty entry, T-staircase, incredible kitchen opens to vaulted great rm, large master suite, W/O LL. $549,900 17418 RADCLIFFE PLACE DR (WILDWOOD) Beautiful atrium ranch on over an acre wooded lot. Gorgeous wood floors, 9' ceilings, 3 bay windows, stnl app, awesome 9' W/O LL. $539,900 18607 BABLER MEADOWS DR (WILDWOOD) Cust 1.5sty, 3.5 gorgeous acres, inground pool, main flr master + additional BR on main flr, 2sty great rm, 2 FP, lovely kitchen, fin W/O LL. $529,900

Call NOW for details about the

$8000 Tax Credit

available to First Time Home Buyers!

10358 CHIMNEY ROCK DRIVE #26

CREVE COEUR 3BR/2ba in secure building w/elevator and garage.

One of largest units in well-maintained complex. Eat-in kitch, formal dining, pool, club house. $150,000

New Homes Div

636-733-5040

2131 SADDLE CREEK RIDGE CT

Chesterfield Wndrfl cust hm. Frml din rm & grt rm w/vlt ceil. Grmt kitch + brk & hrth rms. Mn flr mstr ste & lux bth. 4 add'l BR. Fin LL w/gym, rec rm, bar, & fam rm. $1,639,000

13513 KINGS GLEN DRIVE

TOWN & COUNTRY Meticulous! Cust built 4BR, 6ba ranch. 1 ac parklike yard, updated kitch, 4 sides brick, circle drive, 3 c rear entry garage, fin W/O LL. $839,900

13534 FEATHERSTONE DRIVE

TOWN & COUNTRY (Mason Valley) Fabulous updated ranch. Unbelievable pool, fin W/O LL. Expanded white/granite kitchen-high end appls. Owner's suite. $549,900

158 HICKORY TREE COURT

BALLWIN Updated 4BR, 3BA home on culdesac, finished lower level, 2 decks, open floor plan, newer carpet, stainless appliances, clean and neat! $309,900

1417 TIMBERWOOD LANE

ST LOUIS Very nice 3 BR/2.5 BA brick ranch. Over 2000 sq ft of living space. Finished LL. Fenced yard. 2 car garage. Well maintained.

Parkway Schools. $244,900

13024 TWIN MEADOWS CT

UNINC ST LOUIS Highly desirable main floor ranch style condo with 9ft ceilings on main, 2 car attached garage, walk out finished LL, sides common ground. $214,900

2335 MANOR GROVE DRIVE #8

CHESTERFIELD Spacious condo, over 2000 sq ft. 2+ bedrooms, 2.5ba, fam w/gaslog FP, neutral decor. Secure lobby, parking, elevator. Great location. $145,000