St. Charles County , MO August 2019

AUGUST 2019

Cute Kids and Furry Friends

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FOUR WAYS KIDS BENEFIT FROM PETS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2019 PUBLISHER

Judy Peters | judy.peters@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cindy O'Hara | cindy.ohara@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nikki Peters, Judy Peters, Cindy O'Hara

What's Not to Love?

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janet Watkins

BECAUSE WE DEDICATED AN ISSUE TO BOTH THE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR COMMUNITY EARLIER THIS YEAR, IT WOULD ONLY BE RIGHT TO CELEBRATE SOME OF OUR CUTEST RESIDENTS: KIDS AND PETS! I’ve really enjoyed developing this issue because, well…I like kids, and I like pets. What’s not to love, really? I’ve had both dogs and cats, and there are things I love about both.

There's no doubt we have some serious pet lovers in St. Charles County (my grandchildren included, in the photo above). Meet a few of them—and their four-legged friends—and you’ll find what makes the bond between humans and animals so special. We also outline several ways that kids benefit from pets.

And in this issue, you’ll read about some who spend their days working with children and with animals and love what they do!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

So, as summer winds down, and school starts up again, go pet your dog or cat

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

(or rabbit, horse, turtle or whatever it may be), and hug a child. They’re all special

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

blessings in our lives!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

God bless you and your family (and your pets).

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Judy Peters, Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Girls model the Foxtail Lilies Princess Collection

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at The Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET

neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’

WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY. 4

Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County areas’ most affluent opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2019

FEATURES 16 Quite the Pampered Pet Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa Gives Pet Owners Peace of Mind

22 Four Ways Kids Benefit from Pets The Bond Between a Pet and a Child has Lifelong Effects

24 Academy Helps Children Transition Little Acorns Program Goes Beyond Daycare

22 16

26 4 Arrows Horse Ranch Local Ranch has Heart for Helping People

26

DEPARTMENTS

24

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Locally Owned

16

Animal Kingdom

22 Healthy Lifestyle 24 Giving Back 26 Inspired By 30 Local Limelight 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Page Turners

NOW OPEN ON HISTORIC MAIN STREET ST. CHARLES

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

7

GOOD TIMES

Kids and Their Pets Thank you to Facebook fans of St. Charles County Lifestyle for sending in your "Kids 'n' Pets" photos!

1.

8

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

Showtime Summer Camp The Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Showtime Summer Camp performed Out of the Box Stories. Showtime is a unique concept for performance camps created by Laurie Strickland. Scripts are written for each show, and the students, ages 7-12, participate in creating their characters, making props, choreographing and staging scenes.

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AROUND TOWN

FIVE STUDENTS NAMED IN TOP 100

DAY OF PLAY FOR ALL AGES

Five FHSD seniors, David Yang (FHHS); Arianna

To magnify Community Strong as St. Charles

Chaves (FHN); Michael Yu (FHC); Stephanie

County’s new health and wellness initiative,

Monson (FHC) and Sarah Reider (FHHS), were rec-

the nonprofit is hosting Day of Play for all ages

ognized as part of the 2019 Missouri Scholars 100.

Sept. 7 at O’Day Park in O’Fallon. The goal is to

The group honors 100 of Missouri’s highest achiev-

inspire a culture of health and well-being in St.

ing students who must have a minimum 3.75 GPA;

Charles County. Day of Play will feature fami-

have an ACT score of 29 or SAT of 1900; be in the

ly-friendly games, live music for dancing, wellness

upper-10 percent of their class; and have upper-

education and healthy food trucks to celebrate

level courses in math, science, English and a

how we can all move one step closer to a healthier

foreign language. They must also have excellent

life through a playful mindset.

attendance, be exemplary school citizens and be involved in school activities.

REGISTER FOR GIRLS ON THE RUN

BOONE CENTER INC. RECEIVES $20,000 DONATION FROM ANDREW'S HUGS Brian and Cheri Norton of Andrew’s Hugs pre-

Girls on the Run is now enrolling for the fall sea-

sented Boone Center Inc. (BCI) with a $20,000

son at more than 100 schools, including 14 sites in

donation at BCI's 21st Annual Wing Ding

St. Charles County. Join now for a season of build-

and Barbecue Fling at the St. Charles Family

ing confidence, friendship and accomplishment!

Arena. Andrew’s Hugs raises money to empower,

Registration ends Aug. 28 at noon. For information,

include and improve the lives of people with dis-

visit GirlsOnTheRunStLouis.org or call 314.862.6266.

abilities. It is named in honor of the late Andrew CONTINUED >

10

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

WELCOME TO LINDENWOOD PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING THE 23RD PRESIDENT OF LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

JOHN R. PORTER AND HIS WIFE, BEVERLY, TO THE ST. CHARLES COUNTY COMMUNITY.

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AROUND TOWN

(CON TI N UED)

Norton who, according to his dad, “loved every minute” he worked at BCI. Tony Spielberg, the CEO of BCI, said the focus of the Wing Ding is on BCI’s mission to help adults with disabilities secure the full employment of their choice.

RIVERFEST RESCHEDULED TO AUG. 30-31 Due to the flood, Riverfest (the Fourth of July celebration in St. Charles) was rescheduled to Aug. 30-31 in Frontier Park. Come and spend Labor Day weekend celebrating all that’s great about America! The festival will feature live music, the Fountain City Amusements Carnival and food and craft vendors. The firework show will be Saturday, Aug. 31.

Fun. With a Twist.

The World’s #1 Wing Coaster, the World’s 2 Longest Water Coasters and the #1 Wooden Coaster in the Nation are one thing. But free soft drinks, free parking and free sunscreen?

That’s just the twist you’ve been looking for.

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME The St. Jude Dream Home, sponsored by Payne Family Homes, is open for tours through Aug. 18. The hours are Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. There's still time to enter the Dream Home Giveaway, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Mail-in tickets must

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

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LOCALLY OWNED

Online Boutique Offers Unique Clothing 'MOM-PRENEURS' CATER CLOTHES TO TWINS ARTICLE CINDY O'HARA

14

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

Use code LOCAL for 20% off!

Foxtail Lilies

WHEN DANA FISCHER AND SARAH KAATMAN, CO-OWN-

the additional income that will come from selling their designs

ERS OF FOXTAIL LILIES, FOUND OUT THEY WERE HAVING

to other boutiques, the co-owners hope to be able to pass the

TWINS, THEY IMMEDIATELY TAPPED INTO THE “TWIN MOM

savings along to its customers.

UNDERGROUND NETWORK” ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO BE MOMS TO TWO INSTEAD OF ONE. From this connection (which is how they met), was born an idea—an online clothing boutique to cater specifically to moms of multiples.

The goal, they say, was to create clothes that make kids feel good about themselves.

“We just want to treat customers the way we want to be treated,” Sarah says.

Currently, the online boutique offers almost any style or collection your child is interested in.

For the little princesses, The “Disney Days” and princess collections have an Anna and Elsa top and short set along with

Two years later, Foxtail Lilies Boutique is still going strong and

an “under the sea” romper adorned with Ariel. But maybe your

is entering a new chapter by starting to sell its wholesale designs to

girls see themselves saving the world instead! In that case, you

other boutiques.

can’t go wrong with the superhero collection that showcases Bat

“There was much laughter and tears shed these last two years, but it is definitely worth it in the long run,” Dana says.

Girl, Super Girl and Captain America.

For boys dreaming of baseball, zoo animals or the Avengers,

One of the biggest challenges the co-owners face, according to

Foxtail Lilies T-shirts and short sets will be the first thing they grab

Sarah, is that “people want to see the clothes on a child as opposed

out of their drawer. If, instead, they see themselves exploring other

to being photoshopped or laying on the ground.”

galaxies, the Buzz Lightyear bracelet will help them get wherever

Another challenge? The rise in shipping costs.

their imaginations want to go.

Currently, Foxtail Lilies allows customers to return items, unlike many other online boutiques. For those who are local, items can

Receive a 20% discount with the promo code: LOCAL.

be picked up directly from Dana’s home in St. Charles. But for

FoxtailLilies.com

those out of state, shipping costs can be inhibitory. However, with August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

15

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Quite the Pampered Pet Owner Jessica Cooke

YUPPY PUPPY PET SPA GIVES PET OWNERS PEACE OF MIND ARTICLE JUDY PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY JANET WATKINS 16

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

“NOW, MORE THAN EVER, PEOPLE CONSIDER PETS PART OF THE FAMILY, AND THEY’RE IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL. THEY’RE SEEKING OUT TRAINING TO MAKE SURE THE PET WORKS WELL IN THE HOME.”

WHAT STARTED 16 YEARS AGO AS A LUXURY DOG GROOMING SERVICE, YUPPY PUPPY PET SPA IN WINGHAVEN HAS EXPANDED INTO A FULL-SERVICE HOTEL, PLAY CAMP (DOGGIE DAYCARE) AND TRAINING FACILITY. “We offer an upscale, exclusive, sanitary environment to make sure the pets are pampered and content, giving pet owners peace-of-mind,” says owner and “Top Dog,” Jessica Cooke.

In addition to providing a wide range of services, the independently-owned Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa also carries a wide array of pet products, including Yuppy Puppy’s own line of dog shampoo.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

17

ANIMAL KINGDOM

(CON TI N U ED)

Jessica says the dogs and cats participate in a variety of services each day. There are plaza suites, quiet suites, luxe rooms, cat boarding rooms, training classes, grooming and play camp—to name a few options.

According to Jessica, Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa is a holistic pet care facility; it’s not a “one-size-fits-all.”

“We’re staffed 24 hours a day, so if a dog is used to going out at 2 a.m., we are able to keep them on their schedule. People use our training and daycare services for a healthier, better-behaved and well-rounded pet,” Jessica says.

“Now, more than ever, people consider pets part of the family, and they’re in it for the long haul. They’re seeking out training to make sure the pet works well

“WE’RE STAFFED 24 HOURS A DAY, SO IF A DOG IS USED TO GOING OUT AT 2 A.M., WE ARE ABLE TO KEEP THEM ON THEIR SCHEDULE. PEOPLE USE OUR TRAINING AND DAYCARE SERVICES FOR A HEALTHIER, BETTER-BEHAVED AND WELL-ROUNDED PET.”

in the home.”

Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa also operates a nonprofit rescue organization called Yuppy Puppies Forever, which focuses on giving orphaned pets the care that’s needed when they’ve been displaced.

“While the rescue dogs are staying with us, they get the five-star treatment! They live the suite life living in our hotel, grooming in our state-of-the-art pet spa and getting their puppy degree from Yuppy Puppy Ivey League. We give every dog their happily ever after.”

“We love what we do,” Jessica concludes.

Sounds like quite a pampering for a beloved pet!

636.625.0030 YuppyPuppySpa.com

18

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

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19

ARTICLE NIKKI PETERS | PHOTOGRAPHY NIKKI PETERS AND ASHLEY AUCKER

IT USED TO BE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THAT BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES WERE ROUTINE AFFAIRS. Guests were

Pa r t y Like Pinterest

mailed invitations, the celebration was held at the birthday child’s home, and brightly colored helium balloons would adorn the doorways. Presents would be opened in front of children wearing pointed party hats. Mom, Grandma, Aunt Ethel or a dear relative would bake a cake to accompany the “Happy Birthday” song, and if you were lucky, there might be a donkey available for you to pin a tail on.

While we haven’t completely thrown tradition out the window, we now live in a culture that strives for a unique experience. We do not want the standard “birthday party in a box.” Instead, we want our children’s parties to be one-of-a-kind occasions that showcase the personality and interests of our kids.

For example, for the bookworm in your life, party guests (and of course, the birthday buddy), could dress like their favorite storybook characters. Birthday treats and decor would complement the theme, creating an immersive experience.

For young ones with a “lovey,” or older ones who love all things cuddly, you might consider having a teddy bear cotillion. The birthday kiddo and crew bring their favorite stuffed animal in their best duds and have a dance party!

However, the sporty one in your world might enjoy playing some basketball, organizing a game of tag and busting out the ever-favorite parachute! Cake pops could easily become representations of baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls and tennis balls.

Also, do not forget that even the seasons can be in your favor. Birthday pool parties are always in style, and squirt guns offer cheap and fun entertainment. Having a spring birthday party? Surprise the guests with an after-cake-egg-hunt. Eggs can contain toys, candy, stickers and other fun favors.

With advancements in technology and accessibility to resources, the future of kids’ parties is bright and brimming with potential. Grandma can still make the cake if you want, but this time, pointy hats are not required.

Not an idea guy? Do you struggle to be a creative mama?

You can still rock the birthday party game! Type in “unique birthday party themes” into a Pinterest search engine. Your

Campfire Party

mind will explode with possibilities, and your kids will thank you for your willingness to party outside of the box.

20

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

Garden Tea Party

Bubble Party

Foam Party

Art Party

Teddy Bear Party

Karaoke Party

Barn Party with a Parachute

Book Character Party August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

21

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

FOUR WAYS KIDS BENEFIT FROM PETS 1.

2.

3.

4.

THE BOND BETWEEN A PET AND A CHILD HAS LIFELONG EFFECTS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOTOLIA

one.

two.

Increased Physical Activity: Whether taking a walk

Empathy and Companionship: No matter what may be

or playing fetch, pets provide unique opportunities for

going on in a child’s life, a pet can be there through highs

children to engage in physical activities, both indoors

and lows as a constant friend. Research shows a pet

and out. As a bonus, encouraging children to expel

can help reduce stress and moderate its impact. Having

energy alongside their pets can tire out both ram-

a companion animal like a cat or dog may provide the

bunctious parties, which can benefit the whole family.

secure attachment and emotional support a child needs.

This effect can also be seen through such programs as the Cesar brand’s First Day Friends, which celebrates the benefits of the human-animal bond in the classroom.

22

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

“KIDS WITH PETS TEND TO HAVE GREATER SELF-ESTEEM, LESS LONELINESS AND ENHANCED SOCIAL SKILLS.”

PETS CAN MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, BUT THE BOND BETWEEN A CHILD AND A PET CAN BECOME A SPECIAL ONE WITH LIFELONG EFFECTS. From increased physical activity to a positive influence on confidence and social skills, there are many ways younger family members can benefit from growing up alongside a furry friend.

Find more information at Cesar.com/FirstDayFriends.

three.

four.

Improved Social Skills and Self-Esteem: Kids with

Responsibility: Pet ownership can help teach kids

pets tend to have greater self-esteem, less loneliness

about responsibility and caring for another living being.

and enhanced social skills, according to recent stud-

Feeding, cleaning, walking and grooming are all activ-

ies. Moreover, simply owning a pet can help facilitate

ities that appropriately aged children can do with the

conversation between children who may find social

help of an adult.

settings difficult, ultimately learning to form bonds and friendships with their peers.

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

23

GIVING BACK

Academy Helps Children Transition

24

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

LITTLE ACORNS PROGRAM GOES BEYOND DAYCARE

ARTICLE LINDSAY MCCULLOUGH

DECIDING TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD INTO PRE-K CAN BE A STRESSFUL DECISION FOR PARENTS. More than that, where to enroll them weighs heavily into the decision. At the Academy of the Sacred Heart, they understand that transitioning little ones from home life to school is a milestone in a child’s development. This is why the school’s Little Acorn program strives to make the experience as seamless as possible by sparking a child’s curiosity to learn while helping them build their confidence.

Educating with love has been the school’s mission for more than 200 years. As an independent Catholic school for children of all faiths, the Academy provides a nurturing learning environment that offers challenging academics and small class sizes.

As an example, center time focuses on readiness skills such as identifying letters, pre-writing, numbers, counting, colors and shapes. Students practice these skills through stories, art, games and hands-on activities that incorporate STEM. Within these skills, children also develop patience, independence and the ability to share and listen.

“The Little Acorns learning center is located at the heart of school life at the Academy,” Marcia Renken, the lower school principal says.

“These students have their own space to learn but can also see the comings and goings of the older students, allowing our youngest to develop relationships with them.”

EDUCATING WITH LOVE HAS BEEN THE SCHOOL'S MISSION FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS.

The primary school welcomes learners as young as three years old into The Little Acorns program, which uses technology as enrichment, providing iPads for each student to dabble in the beginning stages of coding. Smart bikes and Osmo technologies in the classroom enhance the students’ letter, number, problem-solving and critical and creative thinking skills. Students have physical education four days a week, as well as weekly yoga and daily music and movement in the classroom.

“My favorite thing about the Academy is that I feel like it’s a home,” Dr. Jessica Miller, a current parent says. “I feel like I’m dropping my children off at a friend’s or a relative’s house every day when they walk through the doors.”

The Academy of the Sacred Heart is hosting an admission informational meeting Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the campus, located at 619 N. Second St. in St. Charles. Private tours are also available by appointment. To schedule, email Admissions@ash1818.org.

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

25

INSPIRED BY

26

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

4 A R ROWS HORSE RANCH LOCAL RANCH HAS HEART FOR HELPING PEOPLE

WHEN MONICA MARSH RECEIVED HER FIRST

won three world championships in the Equestrians

PONY AS A GIFT AT THE AGE OF 6 YEARS OLD,

with Disabilities classes at the Palomino World Show

SHE HAD NO IDEA THAT IT WOULD SPAWN A

two years in a row.

LIFETIME OF HELPING OTHERS UNDERSTAND

“Horses give back to humans in so many ways,”

JUST HOW BEAUTIFUL (AND INFLUENTIAL)

Monica says. “They taught me love, respect, hope, hard

HORSES CAN BE.

work and perseverance.”

She grew up in Kansas City, where she says 4-H taught her about horses, friendships and competition.

“I started showing at the age of 8 and never stopped!”

Monica believes that, “each horse is a gift, and that it is our job to help that animal be as healthy and successful as it can be.”

Monica says. “My family tirelessly supported me at

It was that passion that led her to the executive

local shows, circuit shows and then AQHA shows.

director position at TREE House of Greater St. Louis

In middle school, I discovered my love for the speed

(a local equine therapy center) for many years.

events. I worked at a race track in Iowa, then at a sta-

But owning her own horse ranch had been a dream

ble in Overland Park, and later at an 80-acre breeding

of Monica’s for many years. That dream has come true

facility in Louisburg, Kansas. I am well-versed in caring

with the ranch she and her husband, Kenton, now own

for numerous horses, have raised and trained several

in Wentzville called 4 Arrows Ranch at Dardenne Creek.

foals of my own and competed all over the country. I

“Our prayer is that by our presence at the ranch, we

was given a scholarship to Kansas State University

can spread some love, knowledge and bless you and

and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where

your horses on your journey together,” Monica says.

rodeo became my focus. I competed in college and

The horse ranch consists of 27 heated stalls, an

professional rodeos and had the opportunity to raise

indoor and outdoor riding arena, large flat green

and train a few great horses.”

fields and trails for outdoor riding, and classes in both

It wasn’t until her daughter was born with a disability that Monica turned to helping individuals with special needs through equine therapy.

Western and English riding. They also offer lessons and birthday parties.

The Marsh’s also own a healthcare company that

By using horses in a therapeutic way, Monica’s

focuses on the care of seniors and individuals with dis-

daughter, Krosby (who has been riding since the age

abilities and live two miles from the ranch. They have

of 2), not only rides somewhat independently but has

two children, Krosby and Kurt.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE CINDY L. O'HARA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF 4 ARROWS RANCH

August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

27

INSPIRED BY

(CON TI N U ED)

“OUR PRAYER IS THAT BY OUR PRESENCE AT THE RANCH, WE CAN SPREAD SOME LOVE, KNOWLEDGE AND BLESS YOU AND YOUR HORSES ON YOUR JOURNEY TOGETHER.”

28

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

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29

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Lindenwood Students Perform with Patti LuPone BROADWAY SUPERSTAR GIVES STUDENTS "REAL EXPERIENCE" AND LASTING MEMORIES

Lindenwood musical theatre students perform with Broadway legend Patti LuPone

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

PATTI LUPONE IS AN AMERICAN ACTRESS AND SINGER WHO HAS WON TWO

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

GRAMMY AWARDS, TWO TONY AWARDS AND TWO OLIVIER AWARDS. She is also a 2006 American Theater Hall of Fame inductee. When the Broadway superstar performed recently as part of the touring series at Lindenwood University’s J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, 20 Lindenwood students had the opportunity to rehearse with her and then perform on stage with her.

30

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

This

rare

opportunity

is

part

of

Lindenwood’s commitment to “real experience” for its students. The students were selected from the junior- and senior-level musical theatre majors and Voices Only, the university’s premier acapella group.

“The key was to find good strong voices who could sing harmony well and could act the song,” Pam Grooms, chair of the music department says. “It was a thrilling day to watch Patti LuPone, a master performer, rehearse and perform with the Lindenwood students.”

The students delivered. LuPone’s pianist and musical director, Joseph Thalken, who worked with the students before the performance, offered some high praise.

“We work with many student groups for this show,” Joseph tells Pam. “This group is one of the best we have worked with.”

LuPone, best known for her portrayal of the title character in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Evita, graciously told the students it was their show. The students performed four numbers with LuPone in the show’s second act and then returned for the finale.

“I grew up listening to Patti LuPone,” Lillie Weber, a musical theatre major says. “I never thought in my wildest dreams I would ever have the chance to be in the same room as Patti LuPone, let alone have the chance to sing with her.”

Broadway superstar Patti LuPone August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

31

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2-4

16

Network’s

BOOK FAIR WITH 250,000-PLUS ITEMS!

DARDENNE PRAIRIE SUMMER CONCERTS

races). The festival is 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,

City Hall Park—Dardenne Prairie

how to enjoy healthy rivers.

The Friends of the St. Charles City-

The City of Dardenne Prairie hosts

RaceForTheRivers.org

County Library will host the 2019

a summer concert and food truck

book fair, one of the largest in the

rally in City Hall Park on the third

St. Louis area. The times are Friday,

Friday of each month, 7-10 p.m. Along

Noon-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.,

with the music, guests can enjoy food

and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday is

trucks and cornhole tournaments.

a special $5 a bag day (most items).

Aug. 16 features Dr. Zhivegas.

FamilyArena.com/Event/St-Charles-

DrZhivegas.com

Family Arena

BLUES AND BARBECUE

Missouri

with food, music and information on

25 REPTILES AND RAPTORS O'Day Park—O'Fallon

The World Bird Sanctuary will be presenting "Reptiles and Raptors," a

16-18

close-up look at the unique animals

FESTIVAL OF THE LITTLE HILLS

fun for the entire family!

that surround us at O'Day Park in O'Fallon, 2-4 p.m. It will be interactive

Historic Main Street

30-31

St. Charles County Heritage Museum

It’s the largest festival of the year

Enjoy a summer evening filled with

in St. Charles with more than 300

live music and tasty barbecue at

craft booths, demonstrations by

the St. Charles County Heritage

craftspeople and artisans, food

Museum. StLouisianaQ will be sell-

vendors, live music and other

ing its award-winning barbecue

entertainment

kids

As a result of the flooding, the annual

6-9 p.m., and a local blues favor-

corner. The times are Friday, 4-10

St. Charles Riverfest Festival was

ite, the Rum Drum Ramblers, will

p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.,

postponed until Aug. 30-31. The

begin entertaining at 6:30 p.m. The

and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

celebration includes live music, a

museum is open late, and admission

FestivalOfTheLittleHills.com

carnival, food and craft vendors and

including a

9 STARGAZING AT BROEMMELSIEK PARK

ST. CHARLES RIVERFEST Frontier Park

fireworks Saturday night along the

is free!

21 JIMMY AND THE CHETS Music on Main

Bring your lawn chairs to this free

banks of the Missouri River.

SEP 7 MOVIES IN THE PARK

Broemmelsiek Park

outdoor concert 5-7:30 p.m. in

Bring the family to Broemmelsiek Park

the 100-200 blocks of North Main

Grab a lawn chair or blanket and

in Defiance and discover constellations

Street. Music this month is by Jimmy

watch fun family movies on a giant

and stars through complex telescopes.

and the Chets.

outdoor inflatable screen. Popcorn

The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri hosts this educational stargazing program at the Astronomy Viewing Area in the park. For more information, visit ASEMOnline.org or call 636.949.7535. No registration

24

for purchase. Glass is not allowed in

RACE FOR THE RIVERS

Life Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Frontier Park

is needed; advance registration is

For avid paddlers looking for a com-

requested for large groups of 10 or more.

petitive race or those looking for Rivers is your event! The Greenway

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

St. Charles County Heritage Museum

is free; soda and candy are available

laid-back family fun, Race for the

32

annual

kayak races (40-mile and 20-mile

City-County-Library-Book-Fair

9

11th

River event includes two canoe and

the park. See The Sandlot Saturday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. and The Book of

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August 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

33

PAGE TURNERS

THE ADVENTURES OF SPARKLEPANTS LOCAL AUTHOR FULFILLS CHILDHOOD DREAM OF WRITING ARTICLE JUDY PETERS

Author Stephanie Paasch

STEPHANIE PAASCH, FROM TROY, MISSOURI, IS THE

Her first book in the series is Sparklepants: Moving Day.

AUTHOR OF A FUN CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES NAMED THE

“It’s a story about the day Ellie Marie and her puppy dog,

ADVENTURES OF SPARKLEPANTS. She has been writing since the

Sparklepants, (along with their family) move into a new house.

age of 5 but made it her exclusive career just more than a year ago.

Ellie Marie learns what a realtor is and a few new words too! Even

“In that year, I wrote 153 books and outlines; many are in editing,

though moving can be scary, she has Sparklepants with her to

waiting on illustrations or beta testing right now,” Stephanie says.

“I’ve had two published and added to Amazon! It has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am beyond excited it’s finally happening! I just had to trust in my own talents enough to take the leap.

make it feel more like home right away.”

“I had moved several times as a child and in my college years, so the story was easy to write. I had lived it!” Stephanie adds.

“In my search for an illustrator, I learned that one of my top

“I have always told incredible stories to my kids,” she explains. “I

choices was related to my favorite literature teacher. I asked her

hadn’t originally planned to share them with the world. After much love

to read a few books from my series and send me two character

and encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to quit my

sketches. It was like she had looked inside my brain and drew

corporate job of 12 years and started writing stories. I asked my kiddos

exactly what I had envisioned!”

what stories were the most interesting or what characters they loved the most and made sure to bring those characters to life in my books.”

34

St. Charles County Lifestyle | August 2019

You can buy her Sparklepants books at Main Street Books in St. Charles or on Amazon.

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EXECUTIVEHOMESINC.NET

for your children and family SSM Health Pediatrics in St. Charles County offers expert, compassionate care to meet all of your child’s health care needs.

• Diagnosis and treatment

• Sports and back-to-school physicals

• Immunizations

• Well-baby examinations

It’s easy to find the care you need for your child, when and where you need it.

Same day appointments may be available.

Visit us at ssmhealth.com/StCharlesPeds or schedule an appointment with one of the eight pediatricians in the area.

711 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Suite 200, St. Charles, MO 63303 | 636-669-2443 Dr. Nadira Adil | Dr. Keith Moll | Dr. Hong-Zhang Frankel (starts Sept. 1) 1475 Kisker Road, Suite 200, St. Charles, MO 63304 | 636-498-5970 Dr. Rebecca Melvin 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 310, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 | 636-625-2662 Dr. Jennie Austin | Dr. Alan Holshouser | Dr. Kristen Rowe 1598 W. Meyer Road, Wentzville, MO 63385 | 636-332-8228 Dr. Pamela Witthohn

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