CrossRoads July 2013

summer travel Missouri’s Theme Parks

A Weekend in Independence Pack Up the Pups Women Seeing the World Solo

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CROSSROADS JULY 2013

JuLY around town

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2013 contents

Missouri Digital Heritage Recycle Works Accepts Hazardous Waste Farmers Market Adds Flea Market Local Gymnasts Succeed

always an adventure

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Alaskan Ride

by Avalanche

Moore on Life

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Diet Diary of a Madwoman

by Cindy Moore

VOL 10 | NO 7

Published monthly with direct mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis, plus newsstands in Troy.

Publisher Editor Production Manager Production Columnists Photographer

Bob Huneke Shannon Cothran Rebecca Brockmann Vicki Seagraves, Donna Huneke Avalanche, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore Ray Rockwell

entertainment

8

Great July 4th Moments in Cinema

food

9

Dig In to Foodology

features 10

Women Seeing the World Solo Enjoy the Ride business 16

Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce News

By Tony Matthews

Trim Your Wedding Costs

Community News

www.mycnews.com

Independence: A Weekend Vacation for Families Pack Up the Pups

For advertising information, please contact us at:

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

by Brian Guerrero

photo op 18 community calendar 19

Food Trucks In Frontier Park July

Copyright 2013 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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

JULY 2013 CROSSROADS

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AROUND TOWN

Missouri Digital Heritage The Missouri Digital Heritage (MDH) website has dramatically expanded the amount of information available online about the state’s history.

Since going live on April 29, 2008, MDH pages have been viewed more than 400 million times. During this period, the total number of collections has grown from 34 to 399, now connecting users to nearly 70 of Missouri’s local libraries, universities and cultural institutions through a single,

searchable destination.

“The Missouri Digital Heritage website offers an extraordinary level of access to the stories, photographs and documents of our state,” Kander said. “I am proud that my office provides this service so Missourians and the broader online community can piece together their own personal history.”

The Secretary of State’s office houses both the Missouri State Archives and the Missouri State Library. The archives is the official

repository for state documents of permanent historic value, while the library provides hundreds of grants per year through federal Library Services & Technology Act funds. Many collections included on the MDH website are made possible through this grant program.

For more information on the Missouri Digital Heritage website, visit www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com, email mdh@sos. mo.gov or call 573.751.3280.

Recycle Works Accepts Hazardous Waste With the return of warmer weather and fresh air, spring presents the perfect time for cleaning garages, basements and backyard toolsheds. However, these home-cleaning chores can sometimes unveil leftover items that can negatively impact our environment, if not disposed of correctly. St. Charles County’s Division of Environmental

Health and Protection offers a solution for the proper disposal of these toxic materials in a safe and convenient manner.

Until Oct. 26, St. Charles County residents may safely dispose of Household Hazardous Waste that typically is not collected by curbside recycling programs. Residents may bring unwanted items like chemicals, automobile fluids, pesticides and oil-based paints—please note that latex paints are not accepted—to the Recycle Works Central location (60 Triad South Dr. in St. Charles) from 9am - 3pm, Tuesdays through Fridays, and the last Saturday of each month, with no appointment necessary. There is a nominal $10 fee for

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CROSSROADS JULY 2013

loads up to 50 pounds. (For larger loads, the fee is the base $10, plus an additional $1 for each pound of material above 50.) For a list of materials accepted at the facility, please visit the Division of Environmental Health and Protection section at health.sccmo.org/ health or call 636.949.1800.

To ensure safety and sanitation, please follow these precautions when transporting hazardous waste for collection at Recycle Works Central: 1) Make certain that the waste is properly packed and does not mix with other materials.

2) Wherever possible, leave materials in their original containers. Items that are not in their original packaging should be clearly labeled with their contents. Mixed waste in plastic bags will not be accepted.

3) Make certain that the lid is securely attached.

4) Place materials inside a box that is lined with newspaper. Additionally, filling gaps between containers with crumpled newspaper will help prevent spilling during transport.

5) Place the filled box in the trunk of your vehicle while transporting to Recycle Works Central.

6) Upon arrival at the facility, please remain inside your vehicle until assisted.

Farmers Market Adds Flea Market

AROUND TOWN

Local Gymnasts Succeed At the Region 4 Championships on April 12-14, Stacey’s Gymnastics’s gymnasts competed and succeeded. Region 4 Gymnastics consists of 7 states, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Only the top gymnasts who qualify from each state are invited to the Region 4 Championships.

Stacey’s Gymnastics Level 8 gymnast’s Emily Gilot and Claire Bonacorsi finished 8th all around at the Region 4 Championships.

Jordan Clark, Level 9, finished an impressive 5th place all around and will move on to the Western’s meet in California to compete with the top gymnasts from Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Stacey’s is located at 916 Main Plaza Dr. in Wentzville.

Farmers and flea market vendors will flock to the downtown pavilion in Warrenton every Saturday morning through September 28 to peddle their goods to local buyers. For several years the city has hosted a similar market that was restricted to local farmers only. With the addition of flea market vendors the number of visitors to the downtown area is expected to increase.

Farmers interested in selling locally grown produce may obtain an annual permit for $10. All other merchants may obtain an annual permit and Downtown Market Merchants License for $25.

Vendors may pick up applications from City Hall, located at 200 West Booneslick, Warrenton, Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm or download an application from the city website at www. warrenton-mo.org.

The Downtown Market is free to visitors of all ages. Ample parking is located around the market area. Restaurants and shops are also located within walking distance. For more information about the Downtown Market call the Recreation Department at 636.456.3535.

www.pbtc.net JULY 2013 CROSSROADS

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ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

Alaskan Ride Last month’s column detailed leaving the security and comfort of career and home for the adventure of the open road on a motorcycle trip to Alaska. This month picks up the tale just north of the U.S./ Canadian border.

There’s a scene in the movie Easyrider where Peter Fonda’s character Wyatt stops along the road, takes his watch off and throws it away. It’s a very cathartic act. (My watch got buried at the bottom of a saddle bag and was rarely looked at.) Once we got far enough to the north, it was light 24 hours a day anyhow, and conventional notions of day and night became irrelevant. Once there were no typical time constraints or schedules, travel happened according to how we adapted to our circumstances, as opposed to us forcing ourselves to meet artificial deadlines.

Traveling in such a manner we easily connected with others—especially other motorcyclists— who had dropped out of society, at least for a while. We seemed distant from those travelers who were commuting or simply on a normal vacation. People who had been through recent major life changes made up many of this drop-out group. We met one man who was pulling a trailer behind his motorcycle. The trailer was a rolling wet bar, stocked with all manner of beer and liquor, which was odd because he didn’t drink much. He was a retired librarian who had recently had his third heart attack. His family was shocked that he would want to take a trip like this on his motorcycle; “You can’t do this,” they said, “You’ve just had your third heart attack!” His reply was, “I’ve just had my third heart attack; I have to do this!” And his booze wagon provided a great way to meet people, like putting feeders out for birds. We saw him a few times along the journey, and his campsite always had a crowd.

We met up with a psychotherapist and his wife riding a big touring bike at a glacier overlook. We chatted for a while and explained that we had just become tired of the rat race and decided to take this trip. He said if all his patients did something like that, they wouldn’t need his services. Indeed, we couldn’t have agreed more.

We made it up to Banff and spent a couple of days checking out 6

CROSSROADS JULY 2013

By Avalanche

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

the mountains before heading further north and west. We would return here several years later for an ice climbing trip.

Making our way farther north along the Alaskan Highway (known as the Alcan), the terrain became more and more wild and remote.

Wildlife, including large bears, was sometimes in the middle of the road, and yielded when—and if—the animals felt like it. Any gas stations or stores had to provide their own electricity with a generator. Fresh milk was unavailable, as the transit and storage times would render it spoiled. Prices of common items were double or more what one would expect in the Midwest. At least at the time we went the exchange rate for US/Canadian currency was still quite favorable.

That year it was fairly wet, a common occurrence at that latitude.

We once rode through rain for 9 days straight.

Getting geared up to ride took a while; stretching our rubber rain boots over regular footwear was a comical exercise, with one of us usually landing on the ground while the other laughed.

Waking up one morning at a soggy, muddy campsite, a stranger stopped by our camp and asked if we would like a cup of hot, fresh coffee. Nodding and mumbling “yes,” we slogged our way over to his motor home which he graciously invited us into. It seems that he and his wife used to ride motorcycles quite a bit, and they clearly remembered the “joys” of soggy campsites. He was a member of a club of motor home enthusiasts, some of whom were retirees who had sold their homes and lived on the road in their motor homes. Some of these rigs were larger and far more luxurious than the apartment we had just moved out of. It was one of the best cups of coffee we’d ever had.

After much cool and damp travel, we made it to the Liard Hot Springs, a spectacular series of natural spring-fed hot pools. Secluded in the woods, the pools have clean gravel bottoms with benches, and temperatures range from cool to you-can’t-possibly-stand-it.

They provided a pleasant infusion of warmth after riding in rain day after day.

Stayed tuned for Part III.

Cindy Moore

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings.

Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

Let’s face it. We’re basically all lumpy and need to lose a few pounds. Unless, of course, you’re fortunate enough to be that certain kind with the designer body—sculpted and flawless, the kind who smugly model their size-one apparel. You know the type I’m talking about—they’re plastic, and they live inside store windows.

They’re called mannequins.

Back to reality.

Now if you’re like me, you’ve tried several diets with little or no luck.

But this time I think I have the answer; something different which involves no counting, weighing, measuring or the need for special food items. The secret is to keep a food diary. Each day, I merely jot down everything I eat. Doing so will give me a clear idea of how much stuff I am jamming into my mouth and shame me into not overeating.

Simple enough. I’ll give myself a week to lose my muffin top.

Day 1.

Breakfast - Dearest food diary: I bypassed a bacon-laden breakfast and instead prepared myself some herbal mint tea then dumped it out and inhaled the vapors from the cup. So easy.

Lunch - My dear food diary: At work I passed on the donuts at break and the red velvet cake for Phyllis’s birthday. As a substitute, I peeled an apple then tossed the inner part into the trash and nibbled on the peelings for the remainder of the day. Wow. Why didn’t I do this long ago?

Dinner - Dear food diary: Drove past Slab O’ Pizza and took in the aroma. Drove back and circled one more time. That was some really good aroma. Drove back a third time and ordered a supreme for my husband and a parmesan cheese packet for myself. Hanging in there. Piece of cake. Oh no, I said cake, but I swear I did not eat any red velvet cake today, although I might have licked the leftover frosting from the empty tray. Keep it together!

Midnight - Dear diary: Got up and fed the cats. Might have eaten a few kibbles. Not sure, but woke up with chickeny-tasting grit in between my teeth and a fat tabby licking my mouth.

Day 2.

Breakfast - Diary: I ate some cereal. I’m not sure how much, but when I started the box was full and now the box is lying empty at my feet and random bits of Tasty O’s are strewn across the counter tops and scattered around the kitchen floor like a wood chipper had gotten hold of it. I’m pretty sure I didn’t use any milk, but I can’t be certain because I’m kind of dizzy and wobbling. I will con-

MOORE ON LIFE

Diet Diary of a Madwoman

tinue. I can do this.

Lunch. Dear food diary. Back on track. At work, ate a cup of shredded lettuce with lemon juice. Nothing to it.

1:00. Dear diary: Dug out the apple from the garbage. Bad idea.

Covered in pencil shavings and sticky notes. Sniffed it a few times.

1:30. Diary: Rooted around in my purse: Found a cough drop stuck to the bottom. Tasted fuzzy, but really opened up my sinuses.

2:00. Licked a dozen envelopes dry then chewed on a rubber band.

2:30. Ate apple…pencil shavings, notes and all.

3:00. Rummaged around in my desk. Getting the food shakes. The paper clips are starting to look like little pretzels and the pen holder is taking on the appearance of a jar full of Slim Jims. Found a sugar packet covered in dust bunnies in my top drawer. Sucked it dry.

3:30. Back in my purse. Downed some cherry lip gloss–not bad.

4:00. Bit the eraser heads off of two pencils and washed them down with some hand sanitizer.

4:15. Left early and raced to Slab O’ Pizza and ordered the Bacon Binge.

5:00. Yo diary! Ya, it’s me. Guess what? I ate the whole thing by myself and get this…it was buy-one-get-one-free day! That’s right, and they were both delicious! Gotta run; they’re calling me up for my order of cinnamon toasted caramel sticks.

So what did I gain from my ordeal? One: that diary and diet both begin with the sound “die;” two: that stores need to get bigger mannequins; and three…about five pounds.

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Brian GuerRero

Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.

Great July 4th Moments in Cinema There have been so many Christmas flicks that they’re practically in a category of their own. Movies centered on Independence Day are quite rare in comparison, so I’ve decided to offer a few film choices and their specific scenes for our nation’s biggest patriotic holiday. So, for those of you who have movie nights on or around July 4th, feel free to try these suggestions. Whether you’ve seen them before or not, watching them around the 4th makes these films all the more meaningful.

The Patriot (2000) A farmer and family man (Mel Gibson) is driven to the point of leading the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution. The film features intense, welldone action scenes, especially considering the time period. (In other words: no tanks or fancy bombs could be used as this film is set in the late 1700’s, yet the action is still thrilling).

The perfect Fourth of July moment in this movie is the climactic battle sequence. We also The Sandlot photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox witness the beginning of the birth of our nation as a glorious backdrop to the film’s central story.

Born On The Fourth Of July (1989) This Oscar-winning biopic is about Ron Kovic (played by Tom Cruise in a milestone performance). Kovic is a paralyzed Vietnam vet, who becomes an anti-war political activist.

The Independence Day moment here is the gorgeous opening— complete with John Williams’ sweeping score. We watch Ron Kovic (as a little boy) running around the sidewalks at a Fourth of July parade. He’s excited to see the war heroes in the parade. Years later, we see Ron in the parade himself after his own return from the war, which didn’t turn out the way he imagined.

Jaws (1975) “…Amity is a summer town… we need summer dollars,” says the mayor of Amity. Before the classic “man vs. shark” showdown in the film’s second half, the Fourth of July moment comes in the conflict between the mayor (Murray Hamilton) and Police Chief Brody (Roy Scheider).

Following some fatalities, there’s still not enough evidence to con8 CROSSROADS JULY 2013

vince the mayor to close the beaches: “Tomorrow’s the Fourth of July, and we will be open for business.”

Yet, we already remember the warning given by Brody” “You open the beaches on the Fourth of July—it’s like ringing the dinner bell!”

Thus begins the montage of hundreds of tourists who show up on the beaches anyway as the audience anticipates the terror.

The Sandlot (1993) One summer in the early 1960’s, a new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, wants to befriend the other neighborhood kids by learning to play baseball at an old sandlot.

Grown-up Scotty Smalls narrates a special holiday memory: “There was only one night game a year. On the Fourth of July, the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks giving us just enough light for a game. We played our best then because—I guess—we all felt like the big leaguers under the lights of some great stadium.” We watch their best, Benny Rodriguez, hit one high in the sky, leaving our lovable characters on the field awed by the fireworks while Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful” plays. It’s one of the most nostalgic moments in family films from the nineties.

Independence Day (1996) This popular film is about an alien invasion on July 2nd and the world fighting back on July 4th. Next to the iconic Presidential Speech

by Bill Pullman, it’s the film’s closing line by Capt. Hiller (Will Smith) to his son, though, that takes home the cake. “Didn’t I promise you fireworks?”

Speaking of fireworks, and since I can’t possibly mention all the films I had in mind to share, I’ve come up with a round-up list of more additional choices that feature memorable fireworks scenes: Adventureland (2009), Beasts Of The Southern Wild (2012), Cape Fear (1991), Summertime (1955), Manhattan (1979), To Catch A Thief (1955), Zodiac (2007) and the explosive endings to Blow Out (1981) and Meet Joe Black (1998).

Whether you’re out watching fireworks or staying inside keeping cool, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

FOOD

Dig In to Foodololgy at the Missouri Botanical Garden This summer, the this problem. In partnership with St. Louis Area Food Bank, the GarMissouri Botanical den will collect food donations throughout the summer. Visitors who Garden invites visi- donate five nonperishable food items will receive free admission from What’s growing now tors to dig deep into 1-5pm on Thursdays. the roots of food and explore the relationship between plants and Trek into the Garden and learn more about plants of global signififood. From celebrity chef demonstrations to the edible garden in the cance during “Food of Our Roots Fridays” at 11am each week. Guides Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, the Garden is serving up some- will provide information about popular foods such as chocolate and thing special every day. Join the Garden as we celebrate and explore coffee and explore how the plants of the world feed people across food in a whole new way. All programming is included with regular the globe.

Garden admission.

Each Saturday, children and families will explore the plants they eat Each Monday an accomplished local chef will take the helm of the during “Family Food Saturdays” in the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s GarKemper Center kitchen, whipping up a unique culinary demonstra- den. Participants will literally “dig in” the soil in the Children’s Garden tion and serving up samples and expert tips. All those in attendance Edible Garden with games and taste tests. The first 200 children will will receive a recipe card of the dish prepared that day and be entered pot a vegetable plant to take home and plant in their own gardens. in a drawing to win a gift certificate Visitors can also participate in the to the featured chef’s restaurant.

“Family Food Challenge” each SaturDemonstrations are held at 11 a.m. day from 1 - 3pm and answer quesand 1 p.m. Seating is limited and tions after exploring the Brookings available on a first come, first serve Interpretive Center. basis. No reservations will be taken.

“Spicy Sundays” will feature edible Celebrity chefs include Vince Bomdelights highlighting common and marito, Jr. from Tony’s Restaurant, unique spices from across the globe.

Nick Miller from Harvest, Cassy Visitors will have the chance to savor Vires from Home Wine Kitchen, the unusual spice in drinks and snacks Josh Allen from Companion, Clara available for purchase at stations in Moore formerly of Local Harvest, the Garden from 1 to 3 p.m. each SatWayne Pritchard from Chipotle urday. Food and beverages are not inMexican Grill, Carl McConnell from cluded with Garden admission.

Stone Soup Cottage, Lou Rook from MOBOT’s Herb Garden. Photos courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden As part of the Foodology celebraAnnie Gunn’s, Josh Galliano from tion, the Garden will also host a foodThe Libertine, Bryan Carr from Pomme Restaurant, Kevin Nashan focused film series to further explore what we eat. The film series is from Sidney Street Café and Anthony Devoti from Five Bistro. presented by Chipotle Mexican Grill. All films begin at 7pm. The ChiTuesdays celebrate “Herbs & Heirlooms” with presentations in the potle Film Series will include the following films: Garden’s famed Victorian District. The St. Louis Herb Society and Gar- • July 11, Grow den staff will co-host a special presentation every Tuesday from 10am • Aug. 8, Cafeteria Man - noon. Visitors will experience diverse herbs from around the world • Sept. 12, American Meat including Greek, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, French and Chinese plant- Admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden is $8; St. Louis City and ings. The first 200 participants will take home a plant of their own.

County residents enjoy discounted admission of $4 and free admisJoin the fun in the Kemper Garden from 10am - noon for “Backyard sion on most Wednesday and Saturday mornings until noon. ChilKitchen Wednesdays” and explore how to make your garden an ex- dren ages 12 and under and Garden members are free. tension of your kitchen. Each Wednesday a selection of three unusual The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in edible plants will be available for visitors to taste with expert tips on south St. Louis, accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit how to grow, harvest and prepare these unusual fruits and vegetables. and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North and South exit.

Garden staff and volunteers will be on hand to lead mini-tours of the Free parking is available on site and two blocks west at the corner of fruit and vegetable demonstration gardens and answer questions Shaw and Vandeventer. during “What’s Growing Now” sessions.

For general information, visit www.mobot.org or call 314.577.5100.

For one in eight people in the St. Louis area, hunger is a reality. Dur- Follow the Garden on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/ ing “Food-for-all-Thursdays,” the Garden hopes to raise awareness of missouribotanicalgarden and http://twitter.com/mobotnews.

JULY 2013 CROSSROADS

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Independence, Missouri A Weekend Vacation Spot for Families Families can spend a budget-friendly weekend in Independence and have some fun spending time together.

Civil War, Outlaws, the Westward Trails and Lewis & Clark Spend the first day in Independence on Historic Independence Square, with a visit to the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum. Step into the dungeon like limestone cells with 2 foot thick walls and hear about their famous visitors, including outlaw Frank James, Civil War guerilla Cole Younger and William Clark Quantrill of Quantrill’s Raiders. The Provost Marshal who oversaw the 12 cells lived in the adjoining home, fully restored and furnished with period antiques. Through a connecting door lies the museum, boasting authentic clothing, uniforms, handcuffs and irons and an exhibit of weapons confiscated from prisoners.

Just outside of the jail you can hitch a ride in a covered wagon with Pioneer Trails Adventures and enjoy a horse-drawn ride and personally narrated tour through historic Independence, before returning to lunch at one of the quaint restaurants that line the square.

A few blocks away stands the BinghamWaggoner Estate, a beautifully restored 26 room home that sits along the Santa Fe Trail.

Early residents of the home could stand on their porch and watch wagons depart for the west, as well as later civil war battles. There are many evidences of the children who lived in the historic home, from the life sized doll in the kitchen highchair to buggies and children’s clothes in the bedrooms to a large display cabinet with a collection of authentic toys that belonged to the Waggoners on the third floor. About 90 percent of the home’s furnishings are original to its earlier residents. Along one edge of the property, wagon swales (or ruts) from covered wagons can still be seen. Take the self-guided quarter mile swales walking trail with 9 interpretative signs along the way.

Across the street is the National Frontier Trails Museum, the only museum dedicated to the history and preservation of three major paths to the west; the Santa Fe, the Oregon and the California trails. Besides full size wagons, clothing, tools, artifacts 10

CROSSROADS JULY 2013

found along the trail, letters and journals of travelers, and the film “West”, children can “pack” their own wagon with the items they might choose to take along with them. A display on “Blazing the Way West” also includes models of Lewis and Clark boats, reproductions of drawings, maps, and copies of pages from the journals of the explorers. Take a few minutes and play the “Oregon Trail” computer game to see what kind of traveler you would make.

Next door is the restored Chicago and Alton Depot, chock full of neat railroad equipment and memorabilia that was used during the 1800s in this working depot. Evening activities include a trip to major league sporting events (Kansas City Chiefs Football, Kansas City Royals Major League Baseball or Kansas City Wizards Major League Soccer) at the nearby sports arenas a five minute drive away or professional hockey with the Missouri Mavericks and Missouri Comets (indoor professional soccer) at the Independence Events Center. Don’t forget to save time for a stop at the mega-outdoor Bass Pro Shops for rock wall climbing, pistol and archery ranges, wildlife displays, massive aquarium and laser arcade, plus outdoor playgrounds, parks, fishing lake and walking trail on-site.

Puppets, the Trumans, and the Lazy River On your second day, begin at the unique Puppetry Arts Institute, for an entertaining and educational morning learning about the fascinating world of puppets. This organization was created to help share the collection and inventory of world famous puppeteer Hazelle Rollins, who operated what was the largest puppet factory in the world from Kansas City. View beautiful, authentic ethnic puppets, including shadow puppets, hand puppets, rod

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puppets and marionettes in the International Room, and over 200 individually handcrafted puppets made by the Hazelle factory in the Hazelle room.

There is also a Punch and Judy display, a puppet reference library, and a video of the life of Hazelle. The highlight comes when children are able to pick a head from the factory inventory, paint, dress and create their own puppet and then put on an impromptu show for the family on stage.

Slow down with a visit at the one-of-a-kind Children’s Peace Pavilion, in the Community of Christ Auditorium. The Pavilion encourages children to touch, ponder and experiment through a creative display of interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities. Children can explore mazes, put on puppet shows, create artwork, do puzzles and crawl through a cave as they discover ways that they can discover four main areas of Peace.

Then head to the Harry S. Truman Museum and Library, where interactive “decision” theaters let visitors “vote” on what they feel were important factors that influenced the President’s decisions. On the lower level, kids can dress up like Harry, Bess or Margaret, sort mail as Truman did while postmaster, make their own campaign buttons, engage in a “race” to Bess’s home and play a computerized Trivia game.

Unwind at an Independence amusement center, Cool Crest, with minigolf, video arcade, batting cages, go-karts and pizza, or the Fun Town Factory, jam-packed with inflatables, a climbing wall, dance and music games, air hockey, sports games, arcades and a pizza buffet. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, splash your way around Oasis Adventure family aquatic center. The cutting edge water park offers a 900 foot lazy river, water slides, water sprays lap pool, sun deck, poolside climbing wall and zero-depth beach. Fun Town Factory is another can’t miss destination for kids of all ages with kid pleasers such as arcades, inflatables, a pizza buffet and a dance club. Ice skating at the lush Independence Events Center is a great option, as are free high school hockey games or professional Missouri Mavericks matches and all kinds of concerts and special events ranging from Disney magic to Barney and Curious George shows, Riverdance concerts and dog shows. Strap on some skates and learn the basics of hockey, then play a pickup game of hockey in the adjoining Community Ice rink.

Many unique lodgings such as charming B&B’s or national chain motels abound, and unique eateries on the square as well as well known restaurant offer choices for all ages. As part of the Kansas City metro area, Independence shares in low costs that earned Kansas City a rating of most affordable city to visit in a recent Travel and Leisure reader poll. The Independence Tourism website, www.visitindependence, lists details and printable discount coupons, as well as the chance to flip through interactive brochures.

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JULY 2013 CROSSROADS 11

AROUND TOWN

Pack up the Pups Missouri Pet Owners: How to Take Your Dog(s) Along for an Adventure

Summer travel season is quickly approaching and with it comes the question of what to do with a family’s “furry kids” while the family is away. First-time author Justine Riggs has the answer: take them along!

Her book, Love Dogs, Must Travel—Best of Missouri, is a guide to the Show-Me State’s best dog-friendly hotels, hikes, restaurants and more. Riggs breaks the state into seven regions and outlines the pick-of-the-litter attractions in each.

The idea for Riggs’ book came when her family was planning a quick Thanksgiving getaway and couldn’t find an easy resource that compiled dog-friendly attractions and accommodations.

“Vacations are all about relaxing and taking time to enjoy the really good stuff in life. My dogs give me so much joy and are a really essential part of our family. When I can take them along on a trip, it makes for a true family vacation,” says Riggs.

Riggs visited the locations in her book with her four-legged travel companions, sister Weimaraners Harlie and Kaia, who personally approved of everything from hidden gems off the beaten path to popular attractions.

“Dogs make excellent traveling companions. They look adorable riding along and they never ask ‘Are we there yet?’ Our state is overflowing with great places to enjoy with them!” Riggs says.

Some of Riggs’ tips for traveling with dogs: Start Small: It’s best to begin by taking dogs on short errands like the bank or post office so they get a feel for riding in the car.

Call Ahead: There may be a hotel or attraction on your itinerary 12

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that either doesn’t list pet information on their website or has not updated details in a long time. If there is a can’t-miss location on your trip, call ahead and confirm details.

Bring Cleaning Supplies: Some dogs have a tendency to roll around in and eat things they shouldn’t when they’re out of their element. It’s best to have towels and other cleaning supplies along just in case.

Traveling Alone? Plan Potty Breaks for Yourself: Most bathrooms do not allow pets to accompany their companions inside.

Have a plan for how to handle nature’s call if you’re traveling by yourself.

Be Conscious of Puppy Paw Pads: When walking in unfamiliar areas, you may encounter rough terrain or plant life that your pup isn’t conditioned to handle. Be conscious of your dog’s tolerance for these unusual materials and consider bringing booties for hiking.

Plan to Make Friends!: Riggs says some of the best attractions in her book were found by talking with other dog owners. She says there is a natural camaraderie among people who love their puppies—take advantage of their knowledge.

About Justine Riggs: Justine Riggs lives in St. Charles with her husband, daughter, and the playful menagerie of rescued dogs and cats. She loves to travel as well as volunteer her time to local charities involved in animal welfare and rescue. Love Dogs, Must Travel is her first book.

Women Seeing the World Solo So you’re a woman and you want to see the world on your terms. Join the crowd! More and more women are traveling alone or with girlfriends; an estimated 32 million in the past year, according to the Travel Industry Association.

“It’s the new trend in travel and, really, it’s a no-brainer,” says Ruth Yunker, an intrepid solo traveler and author of Paris, I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Ways, (www. ruthyunker.com), a humorous recounting of her extended stay in Paris as part-time resident, part-time tourist.

“We value our independence and we have the means to get up and go, so why not?” Yunker says.

If you’re a woman who has dreamed of taking off on a safari, jaunting across Europe or sampling fried seahorses in Beijing, Yunker offers valuable advice: 1. So you want to travel. You are dying to travel. You have a list of 10 favorite places you’re going to get to … one day. Buy the airline ticket six months in advance. A non-refundable ticket. Don’t fret.

Don’t get stopped by all the details. Just do it. There. You’ve taken the first step. You can, and will, worry about all the other details later. But baby, with this ticket, you are now on your way.

2. Bring a few creature comforts from home. I bring my own pillowcase for the airline pillows, my ragged at-home comfy wear instead of new nightgowns for the hotel or apartment, and the clipboard for working crossword puzzles.

3. Pack only clothes you currently actually wear. Do not buy a ton of new clothes for the trip. A suitcase packed with new clothes is a trip doomed to tears, trust me. The old clothes fit you now.

You know without thinking how to look pulled together. The new clothes are uncomfortable. They don’t go with anything yet. And they scream brand new traveler!

4. Bring some currency from your destination country with you. Do it. Everyone will tell you otherwise. They’ll say it’s so much cheaper to change your money once you get there. Maybe. But in the mayhem of the airport, suitcases going in every direction, do you really want to be finding the currency exchange? Just getting to the hotel/apartment will be job enough. So do arrive with Euros or whatever currency you need. It doesn’t have to be a huge sum, just enough to ease your arrival.

5. Once at the hotel, unpack your toilet articles and arrange them in the bathroom in the same order you do at home. It makes things so much easier. It’s nice to be able to leave the hotel/ apartment without having had a meltdown looking for misplaced mascara.

About Ruth Yunker: Ruth Yunker is an author, humorist, columnist, blogger and diehard world traveler. Her peripatetic childhood led to an adulthood always on the move; she has lived all over the United States, from Boston to

Los Angeles, Brussels, Belgium and, for a short time, Paris. Her first book, Me, Myself & Paris, recounts her first experiences as a single woman living alone in Paris for three six-week stints. Her newest book, Paris, I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Ways, continues the saga from a more City of Light-experienced perspective.

www.historicstcharles.com JULY 2013 CROSSROADS

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Enjoy the Ride at Missouri’s Theme Parks Missouri’s collection of theme and amusement parks supplies countless thrills and chills. Without exception, these parks are anchored by the most exciting rides of all—roller coasters. In Missouri, our world-class roller coasters literally reach new heights.

Kathleen Olsen’s first memory of a roller coaster is from a family trip to Six Flags Over Mid-America (now Six Flags St. Louis) in 1976.

Back then, passengers were loosely secured on the car’s bench seat by a belt across their laps. At the time, the brand new Screamin’ Eagle was billed as the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster.

The train of cars traveled on rails utilizing steel strips mounted onto a wood superstructure.

“There were no loops or corkscrews, but the drops from high in the sky were exhilarating,” Kathleen recalls.

It’s been some 37 years since then, and Kathleen Olsen has evolved into Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Her perspective of and respect for theme parks and roller coasters has evolved as well.

“The Screamin’ Eagle is still operating,” she pointed out, “but coasters as a whole have come a long way, to put it mildly.”

Most modern roller coasters run on a tubular-steel framework, easily bent to allows the cars to rocket through loops, corkscrews, and huge drops; however, wooden coasters are still being built. Missouri’s three, world-class parks boast both types of construction.

In 2013, two new roller coasters begin thrilling, even challenging, brave riders in Missouri. One sets two new world records.

“I am eager, and admittedly a bit anxious, to give both a try,” said Danner. “Six Flags, the hair-raising location of my youth (no pun intended; well, maybe a little), has added its ninth coaster.”

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Boomerang is a nerve-racking, steel roller coaster that flings you through a combination of intense and ferocious sensations. First, you and 37 other riders are slowly pulled backward, 125 feet into the sky; after a short pause, you are released to rocket along 1,650 feet of twisting steel track, at speeds reaching 50 mph, through loops and cork-screws, before climbing a second hill where the track ends.

At that point, you pause in mid-air before running the full route again—backwards.

But wait! That’s not the end of the story at Six Flags. The eight themed areas of the park expose visitors to a collection of 49 rides and attractions, 18 food options, and numerous gift and souvenir shops. Plus, six theaters present a constant variety of top-name entertainers, concerts and special events throughout the season.

And—as if that’s not enough to keep you exhausted—Hurricane Harbor waterpark (included with Six Flags admission) is home to water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and nearly a dozen waterborne activities.

The Six Flags St. Louis complex is located in Eureka, 30 miles south of downtown St. Louis. Six Flags welcomes adventurers April thru September; Hurricane Harbor is open late May thru early September. Check the website for specific days and times.

World records are not broken very often. That said, a new ride at Silver Dollar City in Branson has broken three, this year. Outlaw Run—billed as the world’s most daring wood roller coaster includes the steepest drop for a wood coaster anywhere on earth—162 feet, almost straight down at 81 degrees (world record No. 1); a double barrel-roll, making it the only wood coaster in the world to get you upside-down (world record No. 2); the first outside-banked turn on

a wood coaster (world record No. 3). And reaching a top speed of 68 mph, it is the second-fastest wood roller coaster on the planet.

After you catch your breath, this 1880s-themed park includes 30 fun-filled, family friendly rides and attractions (some dry; some wet) to keep you entertained. Among them is Marvel Cave, a Registered Natural Landmark, with one of the largest subterranean entry-rooms in the United States. Also, Silver Dollar City is home to 60 shops, with 100 resident craftsmen and artisans, demonstrating their talents. And don’t miss the dozen delightful restaurants showcasing a unique style of country cooking, rated among the best theme park food in the nation by Amusement Today magazine.

Tired yet? They put on more than 40 live shows spaced throughout the season, including six world-class festivals which are among the most attended themed-festivals in the country. As a Golden Ticket Awards winner, Silver Dollar City shows have been rated among the best in the entire theme park industry.

Silver Dollar City is open select days in April and May, daily June and July, and select days August thru December. Check the website for specific days and times.

Need more thrills? Travel to Kansas City to experience Missouri’s third major theme park, Worlds of Fun, themed around the Jules Verne book, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” For a single entry ticket, enjoy both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun waterpark.

At Worlds of Fun, you can scream your head off on Mamba, one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Mamba is

a state-of-the-art coaster, where riders climb 200 feet before plummeting toward the earth at 75 mph, through nine drops, racing along 5,600 feet of steel track. Add to that nearly 100 rides and adventures; 33 food and snack options; Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang roaming the park; and plenty of amazing performers from across the country. The newest attraction is Dinosaurs Alive!

The multi-sensory, interactive dinosaur park features more than 35 life-sized dinosaurs (no, they don’t bite), including the world’s largest animatronics dinosaur, standing nearly 40 feet tall and 72 feet long (hey, that’s another world record).

Oceans of Fun features 60 acres of drenching water attractions, including a twisting raft adventure; the wave pool; water playhouse; 33 water slides; a lazy river; and a monsoon.

Worlds of Fun thrills visitors April through October; Oceans of Fun will cool you off mid-May through mid-September. Check the website for specific days and times.

So get out there and be thrilled on the wind this year in Missouri.

Enjoy the show.

For listings of other things to see and do in Missouri, go to VisitMO.com. Order your free copy of the Official Missouri Travel Guide at 800.519.4800.

Cover: Mamba at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. Photo courtesy of Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Page 14: The Screamin’ Eagle at Sixflags St. Louis. Photo courtesy of Modivision of Tourism Page 15: Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City in Branson. Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

JULY 2013 CROSSROADS 15

BUSINESS Western St. Charles County

By tony mathews

Tony Mathews is the President and CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie

Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Rainbow Deals The Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Rainbow Deals located at 1198 Lake St. Louis Blvd., Lake St. Louis. Rainbow Deals is a discount dollar store. Stop by and get everyday items reasonably priced at a local variety store. For more information please call 636.724.2810 or visit their website at www.rainbowdeals.org.

For more information please call the chamber office at 636.327.6914 or visit their website westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

July Chamber Membership Meeting Join us for the July Chamber Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 11. Doors open at 11:15am. The meeting will go until 1pm. Meeting will be held at CenturyLink, 1151 CenturyLink Drive, Wentzville. The speaker will be State Representative Chuck Gatschenberger, who will give an update on the last legislative session and upcoming issues for legislation. R.S.V.P. by calling the Chamber office at 636.327.6914, or online at www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com

Back to School Family Fair The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce will host their Back to School Family Fair on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 8am – 1pm at Morning Star Church. Morning Star is located at 1600 Feise Road, Dardenne Prairie.

This will be a fun-filled day for families to gather information, coupons and giveaways from local businesses and groups as they prepare to return to school. The Chamber will also have free school supplies to give away to students.

If you would like to have a booth the event the cost is $50 or you can be an Event Sponsor for only $250. Please contact the chamber office at 636.327.6914 for more details and to sign-up.

There will be free school supplies for children, health screenings and more. Each booth will feature a fun activity for children, coupons, and you get to learn about the great businesses in the area.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to discover local businesses and how they can serve your needs. Please call the Chamber Office at 636.327.6914, or visit westernstcharlescountychamber.com to confirm your booth, or if you have any questions.

For more on any of this information or the chamber in general, please call the chamber office at 636.485.3123 or visit the website www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

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BUSINESS

Trim Your Wedding Costs

By Jason Alderman Weddings have always been big business, but I was shocked to see how expensive they’ve become in the 17 years since my wife and I got married. According to the annual Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the U.S. now costs $28,427, and that doesn’t even count the honeymoon.

Wait, it gets worse.

Among the more than 17,500 surveyed brides who got married in 2012, the average amount paid for a wedding dress was $1,211. On average they also spent $204 per wedding guest and dropped $12,905 for the reception venue.

There are many ways to rein in wedding-related costs while still having a memorable event.

Here are a few suggestions: Create a budget. Unless you’re a professional wedding planner, you’ll probably be floored by how many expenses weddings can amass, including: wedding and engagement rings, invitations, postage, marriage license, clergy and location fees, flowers, bridal gown and groom’s tuxedo, rehearsal dinner and reception, photography, catering, DJ or band, limousine, parking attendants, tips, gifts for wedding participants and honeymoon expenses.

Shop around. Bridal expos are a good way to meet a lot of vendors and gather ideas. Just don’t get caught up in the excitement and commit to anything before you’ve done follow-up research. Some tips: • Bring along someone from the wedding party as well as a trustworthy friend who isn’t emotionally and financially connected to the wedding.

• You may feel pressured by vendors to sign contracts or put down deposits, but it’s probably wiser to take their contact information and research them first.

• Create a separate email account for wedding vendor communications. Once you sign up for one offer or contest, believe me, your inbox will be swamped.

After you’ve settled on vendors, get signed contracts that specify dates, products, prices, deposit and payment terms, cancellation policies, liability insurance and whether tax and gratuities are included.

Here are a few suggestions for trimming costs: • Date flexibility. You’ll get more bang for your buck offseason – a June wedding might cost 20 to 30 percent more than one in April or October.

• Have your florist use in-season flowers.

• Daytime weddings are often cheaper than evening events.

• Instead of a hotel, consider less-costly alternative reception venues like community centers, museums, city park clubhouses or other public facilities looking to earn extra income. Ask whether they have their own tables, chairs, sound and lighting systems; if not, add equipment rental costs into the equation.

• A buffet dinner reception could save you $15 or more per guest compared to a plated dinner, because you’re not paying for table service. Save even more by hosting an afternoon reception and serving lunch or hors d’oeuvres.

• If you’re hosting a large reception, have a smaller display cake for the cutting ceremony, with a sheet cake stored in the kitchen.

• Serve wine, beer and one signature cocktail, instead of offering a full bar.

• Consider renting or buying a second-hand wedding dress from a consignment shop, or an online specialty site. The same goes for grooms wear.

• Hiring a disc jockey instead of a live band will save hundreds of dollars; plus you get a broader selection of music and a built-in emcee to move things along.

One last budgeting tip: Limit the number of guests to ensure you can have a meaningful interaction with each. Remember, spending just one minute apiece with 300 guests would take five hours.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

WWW.SOMETHINGPRINTED.COM www.facebook.com/somethingprinted

JULY 2013 CROSSROADS 17

Food Trucks in Frontier Park On Tuesday, June 18 people came out to Frontier Park to have some tasty eats! Come to one of the next events on Tuesday, August 20 and Tuesday, October 15.

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Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JuLY To see your organization’s event listed here, please email editor@mycnews.com.

Queen Fair Pageant

Independence Day

6pm, Bonfis Auditorium, Troy

Lincoln County Fair Parade

Alderman Social City Meeting

314.540.0088 www.lincolncountyfair.net

636.327.5101

5pm, West College to Troy City Park in Downtown Troy

3 – 4:30pm, City Hall, Wentzville

Lincoln County Historical/ Archeological Society

7:30pm Troy City Hall 636.528.8813

Lake Saint Louis Farmers Market

The Meadows Hwy 40 & Lake Saint Louis Blvd.

8am – 12pm rain or shine (every Saturday) 314.495.2531

Gateway Saddle Club Open Horse & Pony Show

Bubble Mania

9:30 – 10:15am Progress Park, Wentzville 636.322.9236

12pm Hawk Point Arena, Troy 314.220.8658

Bread for Life Food Pantry 4 – 6:30pm 102 South Lincoln Drive, Troy 636.528.3646

JULY 2013 CROSSROADS 19

Presorted Std US Postage

PAID

St. Louis, MO Permit 2828

2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

www.Welsch-heatcool.com

www.langinsurance.com

www.MuddAutoBody1.com