CrossRoads: September 2013

Our Caring Community Help for the Disabled, the Elderly and More

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SEPTEMBER around town

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2013 contents

MO’ Cowbell Volunteers National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Lake Saint Louis Reality Check Program Citizen of the Year Nominations Mental Health Events Supplies Donated at Back-to-School Fair

VOL 10 | NO 9

entertainment

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The Conjuring

food

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Bake Fig Desserts

always an adventure 10

by Brian Guerrero

Alaskan Ride IV

by Avalanche

Moore on Life 11 Published monthly with direct mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis, plus newsstands in Troy.

Panda Pandering

by Cindy Moore

features 12

Everyone Can Play

By Shannon Cothran

Publisher Editor Production Manager Production Columnists Photographer Staff Writer

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

My Son Brendan

By Daniel Murray

Our Caring Community

By Shannon Cothran

business 16

Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce News

By Tony Matthews

For advertising information, please contact us at:

Progress West HealthCare Center New Name

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

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2013 Huneke Publications, Inc.

Cuivre River Annual Meeting photo op 18 community calendar 19

The St. Louis Rams’ Pre-Season Training Camp September

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.

Cover: L-R Kelly Behlmann, Dante, Amaris, Alli, Dylan. Photo by Ray Rockwell

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AROUND TOWN MO’ Cowbell Looking for Mo’ Volunteers A call for additional volunteers to help with the 3rd Annual MO’ Cowbell Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6 St. Charles has been announced by race organizers who expect the number of runners and spectators this year to reach 10,000.

All volunteers must be 14 years or older, and they receive a limited edition volunteer t-shirt and commemorative cowbell. To become a volunteer, visit MOCowbellRun.com.

MO’ Cowbell is organized by the civic group, Partners for Progress of Greater St. Charles, with the assistance of Big River Running Company. For 2013, a portion of race proceeds will go to the “Take 20 and Read” program of the St. Charles City-County Library District to promote reading and literacy.

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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As we look around today, we cannot help but to see cancer awareness ribbons popping up on everything from bumper stickers to t-shirts. Awareness ribbons for every type of cancer imaginable. But one that is close to my heart and that is not recognized enough is the GOLD ribbon: the ribbon for Childhood Cancer.

Childhood cancer strikes one in every 300 boys and one in every 333 girls before they reach the age of 20. Due to advances in treatments, about 80% of children treated for cancer survive 5 years or more. As the treatments allow these children to live longer, they can also cause health problems that may not show up until months or even years after treatment. These problems are called late-effects.

Two-thirds of these survivors will face one or more late-effects from treatment that is classified as severe or life-threatening.

These can include heart damage, a second cancer or more, lung damage, infertility,

growth deficits, hearing loss and most commonly, cognitive impairments such as attention, memory, producing and understanding, reasoning, problem solving and decision making. As you can see, childhood cancer is for life. It is imperative that all survivors of childhood cancer receive on-going monitoring and continue with physical and psychosocial care throughout their entire lives.

The causes of childhood cancers are largely unknown, and for the most part they cannot be prevented.

YOU can help us raise awareness for Childhood Cancer in the month of September by wearing gold (shirts on sale @ www.leapsoflove.org), replacing your outside lights with a gold light bulbs or displaying a gold ribbon in your window of your car or place of business.

From all of us affected by childhood cancer, we “thank you” in advance for your support and concern for our children.

Living Word 1/12 www.westcommunitycu.org

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AROUND TOWN Lake Saint Louis Reality Check Program Congressman Bill Posey (Rockledge, FL) issued the following statement commending the Lake St. Louis MO Police Department for enlisting Larry Lawton of West Melbourne, Florida, in their efforts to help young people avoid a life of crime: “In the years that I have come to know Larry Lawton I have seen the good work and the positive impact that his Reality Check program has had on young people living in Florida’s Eighth Congres-

sional District. Central to Larry’s initiative is reaching out to at-risk teenagers and young adults before they make serious mistakes that might ultimately lead them to a life of crime and regret.

“I commend Larry for his dedication to helping kids everywhere make better choices and I am pleased to hear that the Lake St. Louis Police Department has enlisted Larry Lawton in their efforts to help at-risk youth.”

Citizen of the Year Nominations Nominations for Wentzville’s 2013 Citizen of the Year Award are now open and will remain open through October 15. Residents who know someone in the community whose service or actions deserve special recognition are invited to nominate that person to be named Wentzville’s 2013 Citizen of the Year.

To submit a nomination, a person must be either a resident of the City of Wentzville, a Wentzville business owner, or an employee of a business located in Wentzville.

For a nominee to be eligible, he or she must reside in Wentzville at the time the nomination is made, and cannot be an elected official or serve on the Citizen of the Year Award selection committee.

Nominating forms are available at Wentzville City Hall, or residents can call 636.327.5101 and request a form be mailed to them. Nomination forms are also available online from the City’s Web site at www.wentzvillemo. org. Residents can find a link to download the form by clicking on the Citizen of the Year link on the City’s homepage. When filling out the nomination form, in addition to detailed information as to why they believe the nominee deserves this award, residents can provide any photos and doucments they believe support their nominiation.

Completed nomination forms and any related attachments must be returned to

Wentzville’s City Clerk, Vitula Skillman, at Wentzville City Hall, 310 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville, MO 63385, no later than October 15. The Wentzville Board of Aldermen will make the presentation of the award to the winning nominee at one of the January 2014 Board of Aldermen meetings.

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AROUND TOWN Mental Health Events St. Charles Community College will host a series of events this fall to bring awareness to mental health. All events are free and open to the public.

The events, which will be held in the auditorium of the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building unless otherwise noted, include: Before I Die, Community Project The Miami, FL Before I Die 11am - 2pm Wednesday-Thursday, Sept 4-5 – This is a community-oriented public art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in a public space by writing an item from their personal or professional bucket list on chalkboards. @SCCfreaks: Bullying on campus and how YOU can help end it, Presentation 11:30am Tuesday, Sept. 10 – Have you seen the @SCCfreaks Twitter account? How about the T-shirts? Come learn how to address

this behavior and about the programs SCC is implementing to help people on campus realize the impact of their words and actions.

The Bucket List, Film 6:30pm Tuesday, Sept. 10 – The film The Bucket List is about two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and take a road trip with a list of things that they would like to do before they die. iConnect, Presentation Noon Wednesday, Sept. 25 –Technological advances may have changed how we connect, but there are some basic needs that drive our connections. Research cites relationship as critical to reduce substance abuse and risk-taking behavior. This workshop will explore connections, how we can enhance our communications to keep our relationships real and how new technology has changed the way our brain functions. Presented by Kathi McKenzie, from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – St. Louis www. ncada-stl.org.

Call Me Crazy: A Five Film, Film 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 – The film Call Me Crazy: A Five Film”depicts mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in an attempt to bring dialogue about mental illness out into the open.

Intimate partner violence and technology safety, Presentation Noon Wednesday, Oct. 16 – This presentation will cover the topic of intimate partner violence by discussing theories, myths, research, and real-life application. Discussion will include how abusers stalk and further harass their victims using technology and how to be safe while using technology. The presentation will also offer practical ideas on how to help a friend who may be experiencing violence and what role we can all have in ending intimate partner violence.

Energy drinks: Buzz in a bottle, Presentation 11:30am Thursday, Nov. 14 – This program explores what energy drinks are and the ingredients and the physical impact of those ingredients on our body. We will explore short-term and long-term Continued on next page

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AROUND TOWN Supplies Donated at Back to School Fair In partnership with the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, First Bank participated in a Back to School Fair for the Wentzville School District on Saturday, August 10 at Morningstar Church in Dardenne Prairie. There were over 1,500 school bags and 4,000 supplies donated by the community.

At the fair, First Bank staff provided children with a variety of ac-

First Bank’s Liz Modesitt assists a student.

tivities, giveaways and school supplies. A variety of organizations and businesses participated in the event.

First Bank’s Kathy Kuester helps out at the booth.

Mental Health Events continued... impacts. Presented by Kathi McKenzie from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – St. Louis www.ncada-stl.org.

For more information about the upcoming mental health events, contact Kelley Pfeiffer at 636.922.8544 or kpfeiffer@stchas.edu.

The mental health programming for 2013-14 was funded in part through a RUN. LIVE. LEARN. health and wellness grant. The grant was one of six that were provided by the RUN. LIVE. LEARN Committee, which is responsible for planning the college’s annual wellness event. Visit stchas.edu/run for more information.

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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.

The Conjuring Truths and why the film became more successful than other recent horror films based on real events In the early 1970s, real-life demonologists, Ed and Larraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) investigate a haunted farmhouse occupied by the Perron family in Harrisville, Rhode Island. There are numerous historical and modern facts about this particular haunting, so many witnesses to corroborate the stories that it’s I’ve become fascinated by it.

Countless horror film have been promoted with taglines like “based on a true story.”

But we know these films’ stories have been dramatized for effect and to let us witness the unbelievable on the big screen with our own eyes. We know that what directors create for us is fake (The Conjuring is no exception either), so it remains really difficult for us to believe that any of what we see on the big screen might have really happened. Films like The Amityville Horror (1979), An American Haunt- The Conjuring photo courtesy of Warner Bros. ing (2005) and The Haunting In Connecticut (2009), are examples of films made with good true-story intentions but which never became big enough hits to surpass cult status.

The Conjuring is different. The director took a different approach, beginning with the tagline “based on the true case files of the Warrens.” This line gives a specific, more precise meaning. The storyline seems to be loaded with numerous factual elements—probably more than most horror films—resulting in its success. Lorraine Warren and every member of the Perron family supported the making of the feature despite Ed Warren’s passing in 2006.

The Harrisville farmhouse is also real, still standing and currently occupied today. Like the Amityville home, the farmhouse also has a historic death count of sorts. The Perron family lived in that house for 10 years and all are currently alive and well. The eldest daughter of the family, Andrea Perron (portrayed by Shanley Caswell), published a book, House Of Darkness House Of Light, in 2011, sharing each of her family members’ own personal experiences living in the house, including her own.

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film even though the screenplay is solely told from the Warrens’ point of view.

That clever side story about the creepy Annabelle doll was also a real investigation, but not related to the Perron family investigation.

The doll is actually a Raggedy Ann Doll currently in Lorraine’s possession. The film version was James Wan’s visual creation (director of Saw and Insidious).

Wan and his crew wanted to make this film scary as hell, but with good accuracy. They used both Lorraine Warren and Andrea Perron as consultants.

How did this $20 million budgeted feature become a $100 million-plus blockbuster hit along with winning praise from critics (with at least an 85% Rotten Tomatoes approval)? Is the film really that scary-good? It does depend on the individual viewing it.

Each person is scared of different things for reasons of their own, but this is where I believe the film’s R rating is key. James Wan does not use language, gore or gruesome violence with the intensions of making a terrorizing PG-13 thriller. According to screenrant.com and PeliBlog, producer Walter Hamada stated, “When we sent it [to MPAA], they gave us the R-rating. When we asked them why, they basically said, ‘It’s just so scary. [There are] no specific scenes or tone you could take out to get it PG-13.’”

In this rare case, the R rating for The Conjuring seems to have been a compliment.

If you loved The Conjuring for Wan’s new take on the horror genre, buckle your seat belts. Sequel(s) are now in the works, but they’re – thankfully - set to follow the Warrens on more investigations. They did investigate the Amityville house and that Haunting In Connecticut afterwards for starters. Or, you could check out Wan’s other work. He finally got his wish as his Conjuring direction earned him his ticket out of the horror genre. He’s been asked to take over Universal’s latest installment of their biggest moneymaking franchise: Wan will direct Fast & Furious 7.

FOOD Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or making a dessert for a friend’s party, bring something special to the table with these amazing dessert recipes. Each delicious bite

Bake Fig Desserts stars the unique flavor only found in figs.

With their rich honey-like sweetness and delightfully crunchy edible seeds, figs take foods from good to great. Available yearround from Valley Fig Growers, California

Chewy Ginger-Molasses Fig Cookies Ingredients 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 large egg white 3 tablespoons light molasses 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup stemmed, finely chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate Fig Crinkles Ingredients 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt

dried figs are ready to eat right out of the package or can be easily diced, sliced or poached for cooking and baking. For more holiday recipes, visit www.valleyfig.com.

Makes about 30

Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat brown sugar and oil in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in egg white and molasses.

In separate bowl combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon and salt. On low speed, slowly beat in flour mixture until combined. With spoon, stir in figs.

Shape 1-tablespoon portions of dough into balls.

Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Place sheet in center of oven and bake cookies 7 to 9 minutes, until crackled on top and set around edges. Cool on wire rack.

Makes about 30 cookies 1 cup stemmed, finely chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar Directions Beat brown sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in melted chocolate. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.

In medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. On low speed, slowly beat

into chocolate mixture. Stir in figs. Cover bowl and chill 3 hours.

To bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Form 1-tablespoon portions of dough into balls. Roll in confectioners’ sugar. Place balls, 2 1/2 inches apart, on greased baking sheet.

Place sheet in center of oven and bake cookies 7 to 9 minutes, until crackled on top and set around edges.

Cool on wire rack.

German Chocolate Cake With Broiled Fig and Coconut Topping Makes 2 single-layer cakes Ingredients Cake: 1 18 1/4-ounce German Chocolate Cake Mix (Check cake mix for additional ingredients like oil, eggs, water) Fig-Coconut Topping: 1 cup stemmed, chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 6 tablespoons whipping cream 1 cup flaked coconut 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans

Directions Follow package directions and prepare two 8-inch round cakes. Bake and cool as directed.

For topping, in medium saucepan combine figs, sugar, butter and cream.

Stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a simmer. Simmer 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in coconut and pecans. Spread warm topping on top of each cake layer, dividing evenly.

Place one cake at a time on baking sheet or heatproof pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 15 to 30 seconds, or until topping bubbles, watching constantly. Remove from oven. Repeat with second cake. Cool. Transfer cakes to serving plates to serve.

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ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

Alaskan Ride IV

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.

Last month’s tale described living with the Alaska State Bird through the Yukon and getting into Alaska As we got into the state of Alaska, we headed to a “big” city, Fairbanks. There we were able to clean off some of the grime, get fresh food and perform a bit of motorcycle maintenance. The local bike shop was a uniquely Alaskan place, the Farthest North Outpost for parts and service. An old cabin with dog sleds, snowshoes and other Alaskan memorabilia decorating the place, it was destined to soon be “upgraded” to a sterile, white modern showroom in the near future, with all the charm of any other big-box retailer. We took care of last minute maintenance, and headed out 150 miles along a gravel highway to Circle City.

Circle was named for the Arctic Circle by early miners, who thought it was on the Arctic Circle. As it turned out it was a few miles south of the Arctic Circle proper, but in the grand scheme of things, it was still pretty darned far north. Extremely remote for the entire length of the road, encounters with others were few and far between.

We stopped for a rest along the road, and a passing Jeep stopped. The driver opened his window and immediately handed out

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a bottle of whiskey with no comment, a pretty friendly greeting out in the middle of nowhere. After gladly taking a swig to wash down some of the dust, while fervently hoping it would somehow repel the swarms of mosquitos, we introduced ourselves to the hospitable driver. Coincidentally, he used to live in the Lower 48 just a couple miles away from where we had packed up and left a few weeks prior. He had been mining for gold somewhere in these remote regions and was planning on heading to Siberia soon, as this remote place in Alaska was getting too crowded and regulated for his tastes.

We stopped in the little town Central where the main gathering point in town was the general store/bar/gas station. We got supplies and went to the Circle Hot Springs, another quite out of the way destination. The springs were very nice and nearly deserted.

We then went to Circle, on the Yukon River.

We stayed a day, (a common pattern) then headed back to the Parks Highway, which runs from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Along the Parks Highway is Denali National Park and its namesake mountain. Rising to over 20,000 feet in elevation, Denali is the highest point in North America. Rarely seen because of cloud cover, the mountain was out on a sunny day during our time there. Vehicle traffic is not allowed in the Park, and sold-out bus tours were the only

way to get close to this landmark. Knowing that by the time we could get on a bus, the mountain would likely be again shrouded in clouds, we elected to splurge on a flight seeing trip in a Cessna 185.

Flying around this massive mountain range was quite humbling. While mountains in the Lower 48 typically rise 5,000 to 7,000 feet from their bases, Denali rises nearly its entire elevation from just a couple thousand feet above sea level. The north side, named the Wickersham Wall, is a single 14,000’ pitch, one of the longest mountain faces in the world.

Our pilot landed (via deployable skis) on a glacier used as a base camp by climbers.

Situated at about 5,000 feet above sea level, we were surrounded by spectacular peaks reaching up into a deep blue cloudless sky.

Avalanches of loose, melting snow could be seen and heard running from the steepest slopes. Other than the sound of the shifting snow, it was completely silent, with no birds, traffic or other sounds to be heard. Taking off from the glacier was like sliding around on a dirt bike in deep mud, skidding and sliding back and forth until enough speed was achieved for take-off. After we were back in the air, we spent another hour or so flying around the surrounding area, looking at glaciers and wildlife before landing back at the little town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna was a funky little town in the middle of the wilderness, the jumping-off point for those heading into Denali National Park. We arrived just after the conclusion of the annual Moose Dropping Festival. (The “Dropping” referred to a moose by-product, not the act of dropping a moose.) We camped along a riverbank, content with the day’s flight-seeing adventure.

Next month: South to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula

MOORE ON LIFE

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.

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha…panda, panda, panda!

Why is it that baby pandas get so much press time? Have you ever noticed how high they rate on the importance-meter?

Pay attention if one happens to be born during a major crisis.

For instance, let’s say there’s a breaking news story alerting citizens to take cover due to a hurtling, bus-sized meteor ready to tear a crater into the city of…

Just as the announcer is about to divulge the name of the town doomed for destruction, a chirpy reporter breaks in: “We interrupt this interruption to bring you an even more urgent interruption.

From Somewhere Zoo, USA, we bring you news of giant panda, Thingama Jing. Jing has just given birth to a baby cub weighing in at .001 ounces and looking like an adorable little pink wad of bubble gum. Wait, I’m being told that is a little pink wad of bubble gum? Move the camera over, please. Yes, now we have a clear picture. That is indeed the baby, or a common garden slug, but a very handsome garden slug…and pink, like bubble gum. Good thing no one stepped on it. Congratulations, Thingama Jing and her new little baby, Thingama Bing. We now return you to the previous special news broadcast.”

Previous broadcaster: “Wow…that was some explosion!”

From that point on, we can expect an onslaught of pictures (black and white of course) of the fuzzy-faced, black-eyed bamboo-chomper-of-cuteness. We can also anticipate hourly updates and non-stop interruptions to our favorite television programs as they parade the adorable antics of the new arrival.

Once again, a cheery news reporter cuts in just as they are about to announce the winner of American Idol. Reason: baby Bing has

Panda Pandering

just turned over on his left side after slumbering in the same position on a tree limb for the last twelve hours.

Reporter: “We bring you an important update on the condition of baby Bing. Aside from the astounding sleep repositioning, which unfortunately our cameras were unable to capture, we now have a live shot of the after effects of that repositioning.”

The camera zooms in on the slumbering lump. A full minute passes by; a fly circles; an ear flickers. The reporter is ecstatic.

“Wasn’t that incredible? We now return you to your previous scheduled program, but keep it here where we will break live if a nose twitch should occur!”

It is blatant favoritism and animal parents everywhere need to be aware. Ever seen a baby animal of any other species on the 6 o’clock news? How about a pelican? Too gangly. An alligator? Bad overbite. Platypus?

Too many unidentifiable parts.

Think how this must make poor mother rhino feel to realize that her little web-toed, armor-plated, horn-faced offspring is not primetime worthy.

Face it animal mommas, if your baby’s not endowed with fashionable fluff and mass amounts of natural eye-liner, you might as well put your entire family on the endan-

gered species list. And they’re never going to get air time unless the little nipper comes with the occasional extra head.

Case and point: Recently, the freak factor landed a two-headed turtle a sweet gig on the nightly news, but that was short-lived. No follow-ups, no Hallmark card deal and definitely no cover picture on a cereal box.

I ask, are all of these babies so repugnant and facially deformed that they must constantly be passed over? Is our idea of beauty so limited?

It would seem so.

But all is not lost. Move over fuzz ball because a new star has emerged and she lives at the St. Louis Zoo and people are mobbing her and taking more snaps than a pack of crazed schoolgirls at a Justin Bieber concert. And…she came without fancy fur or tattoos around her eyeballs.

In fact, her ears are kind of big and floppy; her nose, a tad long; her outerwear is a bit wrinkled and she’s got large, plodding feet.

She’s kind of a tomboy—likes to roll in the dirt and pick up sticks, but what an exquisite baby!

Her name is, Priya, and she’s a precious pachyderm. If you get the chance, try to squeeze past her fans to get a look and a picture.

Sometimes a face only a mother could love is one we all love.

www.pcrc-stl.com

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AROUND TOWN

Everyone Can Play With Help from the Disabled Athletes Sports Association

By Shannon Cothran In the nineties, Kelly Behlmann met a 7-year-old boy with cerebral palsy named Ryan Duemler. Ryan walked with a limp in both legs but, Kelly says, “He was determined to be competitive.” Ryan inspired Kelly to found DASA, the Disabled Athletes Sports Association, in 1997.

Ryan began competing with DASA in sled hockey, wheelchair basketball, and swimming. After graduating Kelly Behlmann. Photo by Ray Rockwell from Christian Brothers High School, he was invited to train and live at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. “We hope to see Ryan on Team USA in Rio in 2016,” Kelly said.

Ryan is one of hundreds of children who have the opportunity to play sports because of Kelly, including Brendan Murray, who is featured on page (13).

Tyler King, 17, a senior at Francis Howell Central High School with Muscular Dystrophy “could have sat on the sidelines and watched his brother and friends play soccer, but instead he competes on one of the top Power Wheelchair Soccer teams in the country, DASA Rush Dynamites,” Kelly explains. Tyler was recently named to the U18 Team USA and will represent the USA in the world tournament in Paris in October.

And then there’s Ariel Liker, a graduate of Francis Howell high school and long-time DASA athlete, who was offered a track and field scholarship to attend Missouri Baptist College this fall.

The accomplishments of these young people are what drive Kelly.

“As a physical therapist working in neuro rehab and with pediatrics, I realized I was always working on what was broken instead of emphasizing the abilities of each patient and what they could do with those abilities,” she says. “Sports made a huge impact on my life as I learned to set and meet goals and persevere through challenges. I knew sports and fitness could be just as therapeutic—if not more than—your typical therapy settings.

Playing sports has not only physical but also psychological and social benefits for the athlete and their families.

DASA provides sports and fitness opportunities for children and adults that are cognitively age-appropriate with physical and visual disabilities. Wounded warriors with disabilities such as amputee, spinal cord injuries, and PTSD are also welcome. Children start as early as age 4 in a learn-to-swim program.

“DASA needs more athletes,” Kelly says. “Or shall I say children with disabilities need DASA. I know there are more kiddos out there.

I see them walking through the stores or at ball games with their siblings. It bothers me that they are not playing a sport, too. Many parents just don’t know about DASA or assume it is not for their child. DASA is so unique in that we service children and adults that are age-appropriate. Special Olympics has great programming for 12

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those with intellectual disabilities and some of those children have physical disabilities too. But DASA services those children that are typically main-streamed in school and do not necessarily need oneon-one assistance to understand the game. DASA is training athletes to reach paralympic potential. We encourage participation on athletes’ high school athletic programs such as track and swimming and wrestling, and help set them up for college scholarships in collegiate disabled athlete sports programs.”

Any interested athletes can find more information and register for classes online at www.dasasports.org. Classes fill up fast.

DASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies upon fund raising events, grants, and individual and corporate donations. The organization is now recognized as the Paralympic Sport Club St. Louis. “DASA’s biggest need is financial support,” states Kelly, “because many of our programs require adaptive equipment to participate in the sport.” For the triathlon, for instance, a handcycle, used by those with paralysis or amputation, costs as much as $3,000.

Then to run the running portion of the race, the racing chair can cost as much as $2,500. DASA provides this equipment to the athletes. A soccer wheelchair costs $8, 000. We do not own our facility, so facility costs can add up quickly, renting everything from pool space to ice time. And most expensive is the travel costs. Because we are the only program in Missouri like this, our athletes, coaches and families have to travel to compete.”

To support DASA, much of the greater St. Charles area community will attend the Sportacular Dinner Auction at the St Charles Convention Center on November 3. Mike Elam and News Channel 5’s Mike Bush keep the audience of over 300 people entertained and excited to bid on live and silent auction items while they enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing. DASA is seeking donations and sponsorship for this event as well. For more information on this event or other ways to give to DASA, check out the website www.dasasports. org, call 636.477.0716, or email Katie Sachs at katies@dasasports. org. DASA’s office is located at 1236 Jungermann Rd., Ste. A, in St. Peters.

DASA’s Available Sports SLED HOCKEY SWIMMING TRACK AND FIELD POWER WHEELCHAIR SOCCER ARCHERY ROCK CLIMBING TENNIS STAND UP SOCCER MARTIAL ARTS GOLF DASA SNOW SKI PROGRAM

My Son Brendan

By Daniel Murray I have often heard people use the term “short bus” to jokingly call someone unintelligent.

In response, I’d like to tell you the story of a young man named Brendan. Brendan was born in December of 1994. He was born with a Congential Diaphragmatic Hernia, a birth defect that if not treated immediately, kills most children. Even though he was born at a local Trauma 1 hospital, they were not equipped to handle such a serious medical issue on a newborn. Brendan was flown to Cardinal Glennon Children’s hospital within minutes of being born. At the time, doctors were not even sure he would survive the flight, but with this being the only hope, the decision was made to move him.

After arriving at Cardinal Glennon, Brendan was put on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a life support system which was essential for his survival. It is a machine that takes over the work of the lungs and heart, providing oxygen to the blood for babies and children that are very sick. While on this life support system, Brendan suffered a stroke which left him with Cerebral Palsy on his right side, vision issues, seizures and some learning disabilities.

Brendan has done well in school through the years. He has adapted to both his physical and learning disabilities. However, he is also keenly aware that these challenges are the reason he “rides the short bus.” He does not like being viewed as different from other kids, but being on the “short bus” puts him front and center as being different.

It’s like a target on his back. He has endured teasing and name calling from other kids, just because he “rides the short bus:” stupid, dumb, retarded, etc. All of this through no fault of his own. I have seen how this affects Brendan first-hand. I am Brendan’s father.

We want to express that Brendan is also smart, caring, curious, and loves being around others. With all that he has been through, his mother and I would not change him, or our situation, in any way.

Through all his challenges, he shines in our family. Kids like Brendan

are sensitive to being labeled by their situation, so the stigma of the “short bus” is always present. Something our community should know about kids who “ride the short bus” is that they are wonderful, loving people who face challenges every day and bring a lot of love and happiness to those who know and love them. We would ask that people use more care in choosing their words to be sensitive to the disabled community.

Dawn, Brendan, and Daniel Murray. Photos by Ray Rockwell

Payne 1/8

www.byerlyrv.com www.byerlyrv.com SEPTEMBER 2013 CROSSROADS

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Our Caring Community Information on where to get help for the disabled, the elderly, and children in need in western St. Charles County

By Shannon Cothran St. Charles and Lincoln Counties have many organizations to help families in need. Does someone you love have a disability? Was your grandparent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Are you safe at home?

Somewhere in your area, there is someone who wants to help you.

The St. Charles County Community Council’s 2013 Community Resource Directory is arguably the single best resource available. The booklet is a massive listing of people, organizations, and companies that can provide services depending on your needs. To get a copy of the book, you can call 636.978.2277 or visit this lengthy url: www. communitycouncilstc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YcC_39FOZRU% 3d&tabid=89. Just how helpful is this directory? “If you or anyone you know needs help of any kind, the Community Council’s good work will point you in the right direction to get aid,” explains Colene McEntee, public affairs coordinator for St. Charles County Government.

Here is a brief listing of aid organizations near you.

For Children Crisis Nursery The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is committed to the prevention of 14

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child abuse and neglect and provides emergency intervention, respite care and support to families in crisis through short-term care for young children in a safe and nurturing environment, helping families resolve crisis, offering resources for empowerment, ongoing support and parent education, community outreach and awareness, and advocacy for children and families. For more information, call Mary Kay Kreider, MSW, Sr. Program Director, 636.887.3071, visit crisisnurserykids.org, or stop by the office at 700 Medical Drive in Wentzville.

There is also a 24-Hour Helpline 636.887.3070.

Youth In Need Founded in 1974 by community volunteers, Youth In Need offers more than 50 direct service and support programs to children, teens and families. Youth In Need provides residential homes, foster care case management, homeless outreach, counseling and support groups, education and infant, child and family development. The agency is one of few programs in the nation that offers a continuum of care for children from birth to adulthood. Contact them at 636.946.5600, 1815 Boone’s Lick Rd. in St. Charles, or at www.youthinneed.org.

Sources: crisisnurserykids.org, www.youthinneed.org, lincolncountycoa.com, www.mid-eastaaa.org, www.ddrb.org, www.factomo.org

For Seniors Lincoln County Council on Aging LCCOA’s Executive Director Sandy Jung explains, “The Lincoln County Council on Aging will be happy to take any calls about resources in Lincoln County. We work closely with the Alzheimer’s Association and other senior service providers to assure older adults, both mobile and homebound, are better prepared and supported to age in place. We are a starting point for resources for seniors in the county. Call us Monday-Friday, 8am – 4pm at 636.528.7000.”

Seniors over 60 can eat a free lunch and social with others each day at a center (a $3.50 donation is suggested but not require).

Those 60 and over or handicapped, who live within the city limits of Troy, can receive transportation to and from the Troy site for a fee of $1.00 each way. Contact Connie at 636.528.7000 for details of utilizing this service. There are centers in Troy, Winfield, Silex, and Elsberry. Visit lincolncountycoa.com for more information.

Mid-East Area Agency on Aging With services in St. Charles, MEAAA is one of 10 Area Agencies on Aging in Missouri. Funding is provided under the amended Older Americans Act of 1965 and administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. There are many forprofit agencies that provide services and advice to seniors however, as a non-profit quasi-governmental agency; MEAAA is mandated to provide accurate unbiased information and services. Contact them at www.mid-eastaaa.org, or call 636.207.1323 or 1.800.

AGE.6060, or email info@mid-eastaaa.org.

For the Disabled Developmental Disabilities Resource Board In 1977, voters of St. Charles County approved a tax for themselves of up to sixteen cents per $100.00 of assessed property valuation to provide community-based programs and supports for citizens with developmental disabilities. Out of this legislation came the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County, located at 156 St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. Its services include adult day programs, residential services, advocacy services, supported daycare, early intervention, family support, transitional programs, respite, sheltered workshop, adaptive equipment, supported employment and recreation. The DDRB can direct people to one of the area’s any support groups as well. You can reach DDRB at 636.939.3351 or online at www.ddrb.org.

Family Advocacy & Community Training Family Advocacy and Community Training (F.A.C.T.) is a non-profit agency that works to make sure every child and young adult in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Franklin counties has the best educational opportunities possible, family support and access to community resources, regardless of their individual abilities. They work to teach parents how to resolve problems at school effectively, help young adults gain the self-confidence and skills to advocate on their own behalf, provide support and resources to children with serious emotional disorders. And, they reach out into our community to provide disability and mental health awareness and mediation. To contact F.A.C.T., call 636.949.2425, visit www.factomo.org or stop by the office at 800 Friedens Road, Suite 200 in St. Charles.

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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

Local Jobs and Classified Postings Trying to find a job? Looking to sell an item? If the answer is yes, let the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce help you.

The chamber has added a new classifieds section to their website to allow local businesses and residents the opportunity to view/ post job opportunities and sell items.

All you have to do is go to the chamber website westernstcharlescountychamber.com, click under the members tab and click on classifieds. Once you are there you can search for items or post an item. The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hopes that this new feature will help residents find great jobs and sell items.

For more information or questions please call the chamber office at 636.327.6914 or send us an email to info@westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

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Annual Luau At The Lake Aloha! The Chamber is hosting its 6th Annual Luau at the Lake.

The luau will be held at Boulevard Park Amphitheater, 2550 Lake Saint Louis Boulevard, Lake St. Louis, on Saturday, September 7, from 6pm - 10pm. It’s sure to be fun and you are invited to join us! Put on your wildest Hawaiian wear and purchase your tickets today!

Cost is $40 per person. If you reserve a table of 8 we will give you one free ticket. Your ticket will include dinner, an open bar and entertainment. There will be the following for your enjoyment: Lighted cups, a great raffle, a limbo contest, Hula dancing, live entertainment and a DJ. We will have specialty drinks, Hawaiian food and a pig roast.

Three Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies The Chamber hosted three ribbon cutting ceremonies for Jeanie’s Alterations & Tailoring, Little Caesars Pizza, and Pink Lemon Studio.

1. The ribbon cutting for Jeanie’s Alterations & Tailoring was held on August 6. Jeanie’s is located at 111 Blumhoff Avenue, Wentzville. Jeanie’s Alterations & Tailoring can be reached at 636.887.0610.

2. The ribbon cutting for Little Caesars of Wentzville was held on July 23. Little Caesars is located at 1126 West Pearce Blvd., Suite 104, Wentzville.

They can be reached at 636.887.0899.

3. The ribbon cutting for Pink Lemon Studio was held on July18. Pink Lemon Studio is located at 2182 East Pitman Avenue, Wentzville. Pink Lemon Studio has pole/fitness classes and parties. They can be reached at 636.896.5855 or at their website www.pinklemonstudio.com.

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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.

BUSINESS Progress West HealthCare Center Announces Name Change Progress West HealthCare Center, St. Charles County’s only acute care hospital along I-64/40 in O’Fallon, is pleased to announce it has a new name: Progress West Hospital. The patient-centered mission, vision and values will remain the same, as will the highly-qualified physicians, nurses and team members. Progress West’s name change celebrates its mission and brings attention to the essential services it provides to our community.

“Over the past year, we’ve been conducting extensive market research in St. Charles County,” says Barbara McLaurine, manager, marketing and communications. “Consumers and patients expressed their confusion regarding the term ‘healthcare center’ and voiced their understanding that ‘hospitals’

are full-service, treat more serious needs, have emergency departments, and are where you go for surgery or treatment. With this, we have made the decision to re-name Progress West HealthCare Center to Progress West Hospital.”

Progress West’s name change is just one way BJC HealthCare in St. Charles County is making patient-centric decisions to help consumers understand their health care options. Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital share a close connection. Each hospital shares the vision to deliver a personalized and exceptional experience. The hospitals work together as one team, collaborating to give consumers broader access to specialties such as orthopedics, cardiology, stroke, and women’s ser-

vices; to improve coordination of care; and to make health care more convenient for patients. Moving forward, consumers will see that reflected in a new co-branded logo.

For a referral to a board-certified primary care physician or specialist on staff at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital or Progress West Hospital, call 636.928.WELL (9355) or visit www.BJCStCharlesCounty.org.

Progress West HealthCare Center

Cuivre River Annual Meeting Election Results Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members elected four directors at their annual meeting Friday, August 9 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Nearly 3,000 people attended the event.

Four incumbent directors were re-elected to new three-year terms in their respective districts.

Lincoln County DisDelano Brown trict 2: Delano Brown of Winfield defeated Jim O’Brien of Winfield

and Jackie Davis of Foley.

Pike County: Walter Gregory of Bowling Green defeated Don Gerken, Jr. of Eolia.

St. Charles County District 2: Diane Saale of Defiance defeated Tom Moore of Foristell, Dr. Timothy Graven of Foristell, and Robert Hussey of Wentzville.

Warren County District 1: Dennis BrakenDennis Brakensiek siek of Wright City defeated Chad Smith of Truxton.

www.advancebeautywentzville.com

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The St. Louis Rams’ Pre-Season Training Camp

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Photo Op PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER Labor Day

Co-Rec Fall Softball League

Rock The Cause Firefighters Foundation Event

3-9pm, Progress Park/Fireman’s Park, 968 Meyer Rd, Wentzvville

5pm, $25, Chihuaha Mexican Restaurant, 101 N Lincoln Dr, Troy

636.332.9236 parkinfo@wentzvillemo.org

636.528.8567

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Free Trilogy concert 7 – 10pm, Windjammer Point in Lake Saint Louis www.lakesaintlouis.com Parks & Recreation Department

in memory of the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

Deadline to list sale for Wentzville Fall City Wide Yard Sale on 28th

Constitution Day

Downtown Economic Development and Historic Preservation Committee Meeting

$6 per listing or 3 neighbors for $15

6 – 8pm, Wentzville City Hall 310 W. Pearce Blvd.

636.332.9236 parkinfo@wentzvillemo.org

636.327.5101

Lake Saint Louis Farmers Market The Meadows, Hwy 40 & Lake Saint Louis Blvd.

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

4th Annual Lincoln County Medical Center Stroll Stone Shelter Pavilion Cuivre River State Park 636.528.8551

Wentzville Free Large Item Fall Pickup 6am – 5pm 636.327.5102

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

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Presorted Std US Postage

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