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DECemBER Departments

Publisher Editor Production Manager Contributors

Bob Huneke Mathew DeKinder Rebecca Brockmann Avalanche, Brian Guerrero, Tony Mathews, Cindy Moore, Dave Welborn Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten

features

Around Town Local news and events

Business Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

Entertainment The epic conclusion to the Middle-earth saga

Food Holiday recipes

Always an Adventure Thorns, burs, stingers and fangs

Moore on Life Season’s grievings

Health Holiday gift ideas for the health conscious

Photo Op O’Fallon Tree Lighting Ceremony

Community Calendar December

14 Community News

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Fun for ALL! Resolving to put people first in 2015 By Dave Welborn, Exec. Director, KEEN St. Louis

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contents

VOL 11 | NO 12

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

2014

Advertiser Profile Which mortgage is right for you? By Robin Daniels

Being Santa Putting on the red suit comes with its own joys and challenges By: Brett Auten

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

On the cover: Photo courtesy Big Stock

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

AROUND TOWN Girl Scout Gold Award project creates butterfly garden to help ecosystem For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Taylor Knoche searched for an ideal spot to build a butterfly garden and memorialize her friend, AnaBelle Miller. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest national award that a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador – girls in grades nine through 12 – can earn. “I knew I wanted to build a butterfly garden but I wanted to put it in a place where many people would visit, would pay tribute to my friend and would benefit my community,” said Knoche, a graduate of Francis Howell High School and current freshman at Truman State University. She and her family frequently visited the off-leash dog park in Broemmelsiek Park, south of Wentzville. While at the park one day with her parents, they found the perfect spot. She contacted St. Charles County Parks for permission and was connected with a man who would become her project advisor, park supervisor Mitch Busken. He loved her idea and got on board with it quickly. Busken and his team helped Knoche by tilling a piece of land near a pond. He also donated some items needed for the garden – wood, concrete, and bolts for a bench, and mulch for the ground – giving the project another boost. Her next step was to buy the plants, ground cover and materials needed for a water source. For flora, she selected native Missouri plants that make plenty of nectar and have colored blooms known to attract butterflies: swamp and butterfly milkweed, rose verbena, shining blue stars and black-eyed Susans. Besides giving butterflies a place to feed and pollinate, Knoche wanted to remember AnaBelle. “AnaBelle was in my Brownie Troop and she loved Girl Scouts,” said Knoche. “She also loved butterflies. AnaBelle was struck and killed while waiting for the school bus when we were in second grade. I think she would have loved her garden.” AnaBelle’s family lives in Hawaii now, 4

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Taylor Knoche won the Girl Scout Gold Award for building a butterfly garden at Broemmelsiek Park, south of Wentzville.

but they were in the area visiting and attended the garden’s dedication. “I felt a sense of pride when AnaBelle’s mom visited the garden,” Knoche said. “Knowing I did something to honor my friend made all the struggles worth the effort.” Knoche described what she learned from her project and what she learned about herself. “This garden taught me the challenges of being a project manager. I learned organizational skills, how to coordinate volunteers and how to manage donations,” she said. “I learned although things can be frustrating at times and there are always obstacles, I can overcome whatever’s in my way as long as I put my mind to it, ask for help when needed and stay positive.” Her family donated many garden items, telling Knoche if she gave the time, they would contribute the supplies. All girls spend a significant amount of time completing their Gold Award projects. Knoche spent more than 87 hours over 11 months creating the garden. Attaining the Girl Scout Gold Award requires a suggested

80 hours of planning and implementing a challenging, large-scale project that is innovative, engages others and has a lasting impact on its targeted community with an emphasis on sustainability. “My parents, grandparents and the park service have all agreed to help maintain the garden beyond my involvement,” said Knoche. “I am really lucky to have so much support.” “The first time I saw butterflies in the garden was really exciting and all I could think was, ‘It worked!’ I dedicated this garden in memory of my friend, a former Girl Scout and the process helped me remember the good times with AnaBelle and her love of butterflies.” Less than one percent of all Girl Scouts earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. With talent, passion, commitment and determination, they can make changes in their communities and impact people around the world. This year, 40 girls in eastern Missouri earned Gold Awards. They were recognized at a reception at Maritz in Fenton in June.

AROUND TOWN

The Daniel Boone Home decorated for Christmas in 2012.

Christmas candlelight tours to be held at the Historic Daniel Boone Home

Join Lindenwood University’s Historic Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center as it celebrates the holiday season with its annual Christmas Candlelight Tours on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. This four-night event is a celebration of past Christmas traditions and life on the American frontier. The Christmas Candlelight Tours will be an open-walk format, with the exception of the Boone Home. After first visiting the Boone Home, guests are free to visit and enjoy the historic buildings in the village at their own pace. Step back in time to the year 1819. The people in town will be preparing for Christmas as their family traditions have taught them. View the Boone Home and the village decorated and lit with thousands of candles to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere full of holiday cheer and good tide. As visitors make their way through the candlelit village, they will see the traditions of different cultures and see how this special holiday was celebrated on the frontier. Artisans, musicians, and town folk will populate the village singing carols and playing favorite Christmas tunes. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served to all guests. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on December 5, 6, 12 and 13, with the first tour starting at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (age four to 11), children age three and under are free. Advanced tickets are

now on sale through Dec. 1 for a discounted rate. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Located at 1868 Highway F in Defiance, the Daniel Boone Home is the house in which the legendary explorer and frontiersman, Daniel Boone, spent his final years. The four-story Georgian-style home was built overlooking the Femme Osage Valley. The adjoining village contains over a dozen other 19th-century buildings that have been moved from the surrounding area and are used to represent town life on the frontier. Lindenwood University uses the site to educate both visitors and students about the importance of Daniel Boone, his family, and the time period in which he lived. For additional information contact Patricia Fulhorst at pfulhorst@lindenwood.edu or visit www.danielboonehome.com.

O’Fallon resident marks her 100th birthday Hazel Walkenhorst celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 9 at a huge party with her family including most of her 37 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with the staff of Garden Villas of O’Fallon. “Hazel is one of our most active residents,” according to Anna Beilsmith, activity director at Garden Villas of O’Fallon. “She participates in almost all of our activities, has many friends and loving family that visit often,” Beilsmith concluded. Mrs. Walkenhorst was married to her late husband Charles for 54 years and they were blessed with six children. They met at Proctor and Gamble where he was a welder and she was a product tester. Along with her career at Proctor and Gamble, Mrs. Walkenhorst taught Sunday school for 20 years. She attributes her longevity to God’s blessing for her Sunday-school work. Hazel is no stranger to excitement. She rode “The Ninja” roller coaster at Six Flags when she was in her 70’s and parasailed with her grandson in Mexico in her 80’s. She has tap danced her entire life and when she was in her 60’s joined the “Silver Steppers.” She danced with that senior group for several years. She currently enjoys the recreational programs at Garden Villas of O’Fallon where she has lived for the past few years. Some of her favorite activities are exercise classes, crafts and happy hour.

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

AROUND TOWN Daughter honors mom with DAR membership Jeanne Kelley was installed with her daughter Kathy Kelley Franklin at the recent Caroline Close Stuart Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution meeting. Knowing her mother was approaching her 90th birthday, Kathy worked with Chapter Registrar, Mary Jo Anderson to collect the family history and public records needed to document her mother’s lineage back to Revolutionary War Patriot, Mordecai Michener. A life-long dream, Jeanne had heard the stories from her own mother and grandmother about their ancestor Mordecai Michener. Born in Pennsylvania, Michener was a Quaker whose beliefs of non-violence were not challenged by his support of the cause. Instead of going to fight Michener contributed by paying a local tax helping to support the troops where ever they might be fighting.

Members of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution at a recent meeting. Back row, from left: Kathy Franklin, Karen Wisner and Linda Crafton. Front row, from left: Jeanne Kelley, Cheryl Moellenhoff, April Webb, Kendra Wickline and Rosemary Captain

Joining the DAR is how Jeanne and Kathy are making sure their descendants continue to tell the stories and pass on their family heritage. Six other women were also installed at the meeting including, Cheryl Moellenhoff, Pam Safriet, April Webb, Kendra Wickline, and Linda Wilcox. Membership in the NSDAR is a unique opportunity to honor one’s lineage and heritage as a descendant of a patriot of the American Revolution. Since the 1890 founding, DAR members have work tirelessly to promote historic preservation, patriotism and educational ideals through a comprehensive committee struc-

ture in communities across this nation and in Units Overseas. Organized in Lake Saint Louis in 2012 the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter has quickly grown to nearly 100 members since its first meeting. Eligibility for membership is open to any woman, 18-years-or-older, who, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about the DAR contact Chapter Regent, Karen Wisner at 314772-9486. You may also find information about the local DAR chapter on the web at http://www.mssdar.org/ccstuart.

Melissa Joan Hart will highlight the St. Louis Working Women’s Show Melissa Joan Hart, the actress, producer and director who first earned fame as the lead actress in ABC Network’s “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and currently appears in ABC Family Network’s “Melissa and Joey,” will appear Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. on the main stage at the 28th annual St. Louis Working Women’s Show, which runs February 20-22 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Hart’s company Hartbreak Films produced the “Sabrina” shows in association with Viacom and they are now in syndication around the world. They have inspired two “Wonderful World of Disney” movies, “Sabrina Goes to Rome” and “Sabrina Down Under,” both of which she also produced and starred in. The 6

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original series was so popular that it launched a variety of “Sabrina” related ventures, including the soundtrack, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” featuring songs by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys and Hart herself singing the Blondie hit, “One Way or Another.” The ABC Family series, “Melissa and Joey,” which she executive produces with co-star Joey Lawrence, stands as ABC Family’s No.1 series launch for adults 18-49. Hart has directed films for TV and the movies, including Disney Channel’s “So Weird,” Nickelodeon’s “Taina” and the short film, “Mute.” She recently published her memoir, “Melissa Explains It All: Tales from My Abnormally Normal Life.”

Fun for ALL!

Resolving to put people first in 2015 By Dave Welborn, Exec. Director, KEEN St. Louis As we start a new year, if you haven’t already, you will soon likely be overwhelmed with many articles, news stories, social media posts and advertisements about making, keeping and unfortunately, breaking New Year’s resolutions. Over the next few weeks, you will hear from weight loss experts, exercise gurus, financial management strategists, psychiatrists, psychologist, hypnotists and more. Some will be selling a service or product, while others just want to help you help yourself. An under-riding message that seems to run through all this is that to create change, you need to create new habits. New habits will create new actions. It makes sense. One habit that organizations like KEEN St. Louis would like to change is how many people think of individuals with disabilities. The first step is simple. It starts with at the language we use. KEEN is part of a growing effort to spread awareness of the “People First language,” putting a person before his or her disability. The state of Missouri is also part of the effort as well and spells out expectations to in its employee handbook. “Language is powerful. When we misuse words, we reinforce the barriers created by negative and stereotypical attitudes. When we refer to people with disabilities by medical diagnoses, we devalue and disrespect them as members of the human race. For too long, labels have been used to define the value and potential of people who are labeled. Often, when people hear a person’s diagnosis, they automatically make assumptions. Assumptions are made about the person’s potential, what he or she can or can’t do, whether he or she can learn, be employed, or live in the community. We must believe all people with disabilities are real people with unlimited potential, just like all people. People will live up (or down) to our expectations. If we expect people with disabilities to succeed, we cannot let

labels stand in their way. A person’s self image is strongly tied to the words used to describe the person. We must not let labels destroy the hopes and dreams of people with disabilities and their families.” Kathie Snow is the founder of “Disability is Natural,” a website whose mission it is encourage new ways of thinking about individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. “Our language shapes our attitudes; our attitudes shape our language; they’re intertwined. And our attitudes and language drive our actions,” Snow wrote in a recent post on her site. “When we adopt new ways of thinking and talking about people with disabilities we’ll not only exert a positive influence on their lives, but on our society as a whole. We’ve seen the power of language on other groups; we’ve made changes and no longer use ethnic slurs and other harmful descriptors. Now it’s time to extend that courtesy to the boys, girls, men, and women in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities who happen to have disabilities.” The State of Missouri may have summed it up best. “The only label a person really needs to use is his or her name.” KEEN St. Louis offers a free program for schools which celebrates diversity by pointing out characteristics that makes us more alike than different. Dave Welborn is the Executive Director of KEEN St. Louis, a local nonprofit which provides free recreational programs for kids with physical and mental disabilities age 5-17. For more information visit www.keenstlouis.org DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

BUSINESS Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie Chamber hosts five ribbon cuttings The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies for Real Living Now, Village Café, Mercy Kids, 6 North Café, and Ria Medical.

4. 6 North Café is located at 10 Cliff View Drive, Wentzville 63385. You can reach them at 636-856-8066 or online at www.6northcafe. com.

1. Real Living Now located at 1000 Edgewater Point, Ste. 406, Lake St. Louis, 63367. You can reach them at 636-634-2828 or online at www.reallivingnow.com.

5. Ria Medical is located at 105 Creekside Office Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385. You can reach them at 636-639-6262 or online at http:// riamedicalllc.com. 2. Village Café is at 6127 Ronald Reagan Dr., Lake St. Louis, 63367. You can reach them at 636-561-0235 or online at www.facebook. com/villagecafelakestlouis.

3. Mercy Kids is located at 4525 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, 63376. You can reach them online at www.mercy.net/cottleville.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serves Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comprised of 625 members. If you are interested in having a ribbon cutting at your place of business please contact the chamber. To view pictures & video of these recent ribbon cuttings please visit our Chamber Facebook Page. For more information please call the chamber office at 636-3276914 or visit the chamber online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com. By tony mathews

Tony Mathews is the President and CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce For more on any of this information or the chamber in general, please call the chamber office at 636.327.6914 or visit the website www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com. Located at 210 South Linn Avenue in Wentzville.

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BUSINESS Holiday progressive dinner party The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is having an Inaugural Holiday Progressive Dinner Party on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $25 and includes food, drinks, party bus rides, and commemorative tshirts. Only a very limited amount of tickets will

be sold and they will sell out fast, so get your group together and reserve your spots. You can call the WSCC chamber office to reserve your spots today at 636-327-6914. An itinerary for the evening can be found online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

Chamber congratulates the Best of Western St. Charles County winners

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Community News on the Best of Western St. Charles County awards. The chamber announced the winners at the Nov. 13 Chamber Membership Meeting at Morning Star Church. Best of Western St. Charles County Winners were: Attorney at Law – Coyne Cundiff Hilleman; Automotive Repair & Service – Harris Automotive; Bank – PNC Bank, Wentzville Branch; Car Dealership – Century Motors; Chiropractic – Heller Chiropractic; Church – Morning Star Church; Construction – Freedom Welding;

Dentist – Crossroads Dental; Employer – Serco; Financial/Investment – Edward Jones, Gary Weber; Florist – Dunn’s Florist; Hair Salon & Spa – The Color Room; Insurance – John Dickey – Shelter Insurance; Landscaping/Lawn Care – Professional Irrigation; Martial Arts – Jin Jung Kwan Hapkido –USA; Non-Profit – WASSI; Promotion Items/Screen Printing – Impressive Promotions, INK; Real Estate/Realtor – Rob Hussey, Expert Realty; Restaurant – Village Café; Retail – Initial Outfitters, Karlie Gittemeier; Senior Care – Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe; Veterinarian – Animal Medical Center of Wentzville.

Pay It Forward Holiday Raffle enter for the chance to win $500 The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their Third Annual “Pay It Forward Raffle.” There will be two grand prize winners this year. Each winner will receive a $500 Visa gift card! With each ticket purchased the chamber will be paying it forward and donating $1,500 from the raffle sales to Operation Food Search and $1,500 will go towards the four $750 scholarships the chamber awards annually for local students. Tickets are only $10 a piece and the chamber is selling only 400 tickets. With each raffle ticket you buy you are providing food for local families and scholarships for local students. The drawing will be held on Dec. 11. You can purchase your tickets by calling the chamber office at 636327-6914, visiting their offices at 210 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville, or visiting online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

Chamber hosts five ribbon cuttings

www.pbtc.net

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

ENTERTAINMENT The epic conclusion to the Middle-earth saga is here “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies are all non-holiday films that do have enormous meaning to the holiday season. Each of the six films has graced us with their presence in theaters roughly one week prior to Christmas. On Dec. 17 we will be rewarded with the final film, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” which will tie up all the loose ends of the Middle-earth saga leading us to where we began our cinematic journey 13 years ago with “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” At the time, epic fantasy movies were deemed a tough sell. In previous decades the better entries into the genre were considered cult classics at best. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” broke that dry spell on Nov.16, 2001 thanks to the extremely popular series of novels by J.K. Rowling. For many, J.R.R. Tolkien’s works “The Hobbit,” and especially the three “Lord of the Rings” novels were a more difficult read, so there was no guarantee that any of the films would be a hit. The three-picture deal was such a huge gamble for New Line Cinema that its very existence depended on it.

“The Lord of the Rings:” “The Fellowship of the Ring” (Dec. 19, 2001) Impressed with the unique developments within the first hour, I still had no idea what was in store for me – even after the nailbiting horse chase sequence through the

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

woods as Frodo’s life hangs by a thread. He is a hobbit and the ring-bearer on a mission to Mordor to destroy the one ring that could destroy all of Middle-earth. Once our characters entered the Mines of Moria within the film’s second hour, we were given a serious dose of mind-blowing action with shocking visuals that far exceeded our imaginations. The fight scenes were fearlessly gritty, with vivid imagination and superb acting performances all in one. “The Fellowship of the Ring” had us leaving the theater wondering how we would survive the wait of an entire year before seeing the next installment. It was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, winning four. “The Two Towers” (December 18, 2002) With great success comes great anticipation and no movie had more public anticipation than “The Two Towers.” The fellowship had been broken resulting in three separate story lines. Not only did it deliver, but it still managed to out-perform our own imaginations. With bigger thrills, visual effects splendor (Gollum was the groundbreaking attraction) and one of the greatest battle sequences ever captured on film. This film is the 29th highest-grossing film of all and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two. “The Return of the King” (December 17, 2003) If there was one thing left at stake for this groundbreaking conclusion of “The Lord of

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the Rings” it was the Oscar. Watching that film turned out to be the most glorious experience of all; as it delivered a heartfelt ending that made it nearly impossible not to tear up. There has never been character development in a movie franchise quite like this ever before. Winning all 11 of its Academy Award Nominations, “The Return of the King” won Best Picture and was the second film ever to gross a billion dollars worldwide.

“The Hobbit”: Eleven years later on Dec. 14, 2012 we were finally given the chance to return to Middleearth with “An Unexpected Journey” and last year’s “The Desolation of Smaug.” With the overwhelming success of “The Lord of the Rings” it would seem nearly impossible for “The Hobbit” trilogy to measure up. They have become box-office successes in their own right. When “The Battle of the Five Armies” opens this month it will be an end of era when we got to visit Middleearth in the multiplexes a week before we opened our gifts from under the tree. Thank you to Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema for taking such a huge risk to entertain us for the ages. 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.

Make your meal a holiday hit Three flavorful courses to impress guests A memorable holiday meal always comes down to the mouthwatering meals served by the host. This season, impress family and friends with three traditional courses many come to expect at such a gathering: a juicy bird, a hearty side and a sweet ending. Featuring flavor-packed herbs, spices and the freshest ingredients, these recipes allow you to serve up the very best of the season to those you love.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Yield: 8 pints Ingredients: 2 Maple Leaf Farms Whole Ducks (5 pounds each), thawed if frozen 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup water 1 onion, unpeeled and quartered 2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 2 small sprigs fresh sage 1 large bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 3/4 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Remove giblets and orange sauce packets from ducks and reserve for another use. Rinse ducks; pat dry with paper towels. Place breast sides up on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Roast according to package directions. Place remaining duck giblets and necks in large saucepan. Add broth, water, onion, carrots, sage sprigs, bay leaf, thyme and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer gently uncovered 1 hour. Strain broth; set aside giblets and discard remaining sol-

Crispy Roast Duck with Giblet Gravy

ids. If broth measures less than 2 cups add water to equal 2 cups. Remove roast ducks from oven and transfer to rack of broiler pan. Preheat broiler. Pour off and reserve drippings from roasting pan. Add vermouth to pan and cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until mixture is reduced by about half, 2–3 minutes. Spoon off 1/4 cup fat from reserved drippings; transfer to medium saucepan. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 1 minute. Add

2 cups strained duck broth and wine mixture to saucepan. Add drippings to saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens. Chop reserved giblets and add to gravy. Simmer 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Broil ducks 5–6 inches from heat source until skin is well browned and crispy, 6–8 minutes. Cut each duck into quarters and transfer to serving plates. Pass gravy separately. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired. More recipes at www.mapleleaffarms. com.

Prep time: 35 minutes Chill time: 1 1/2 hours or overnight Bake time: 15–20 minutes Cook time: 40–45 minutes Servings: 8 Prep time: 45 minutes | Servings: 14 Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups 2 percent milk 1 cup Daisy Sour Cream 1 1/2 cups shredded Asiago cheese 1/8 teaspoon paprika Directions: Butter 11-by-7-inch (2 quart) baking dish and set aside. Slice potatoes to 1/8-inch-thick circles. Place potatoes in large saucepan or Dutch oven; add water to cover by 1 inch. Cook until tender and cool slightly. Heat oven to 350°F. In 2 1/2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Stir in flour and salt. Cook until mixture bubbles. Gradually stir in milk and cook until mixture boils. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and cheese. Cook on low until cheese is melted, stirring constantly. Layer half of potatoes in baking dish. Pour half the sauce over potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Sprinkle potatoes with paprika. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and top starts to brown. More recipes at www.daisybrand.com.

Ingredients: Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (2 ounces) ground pecans 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, cold 1 egg yolk 3–4 tablespoons ice water, divided 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Filling: 3 eggs 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup pecan halves Directions: To make crust, mix flour, nuts and salt in large bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until pieces are size of small peas. Mix egg yolk, 3 tablespoons ice water and lemon juice in small bowl. Add to flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring lightly and tossing with fork until moistened and dough just holds together. Add remaining ice water, if needed. Gather dough and shape into 1-inch-thick disk.

Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Refrigerate, wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 hour or overnight. Heat oven to 425°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, rolling from center to edge, to form 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters; ease and unfold into 9-inch pie plate. Press pastry gently against bottom and sides of pie plate, easing out any air. Trim edge leaving 1/2-inch overhang. Fold overhang under; flute edge. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes. Line piecrust with aluminum foil; fill with pie weights. Bake in oven until pastry is set, 8–10 minutes. Remove foil and weights; pierce pastry all over with fork. Bake until pastry is golden brown, 5–7 minutes longer. Cool completely

on wire rack. Heat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs, brown sugar, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt in medium bowl until well blended. Arrange pecan halves evenly in bottom of piecrust. Carefully pour egg mixture over pecans. Bake in center of 350°F oven until knife inserted midway between center and edge of pie comes out clean, 40–45 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Note: Pastry dough can be made in food processor. Also, ground almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts can be substituted for pecans. More recipes at www.IncredibleEgg.org.

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE Thorns, burs, stingers and fangs It was already in the upper-80s by late morning in the Texas Panhandle desert, and there was nothing out there to block the sun. Mesquite trees and prickly pear cactus appeared to be the predominate vegetation that grew in this parched land, with a few tufts of grass somehow clinging to life. Our goal here was hunting hogs. As my cousin drove through the ranch gate I kept looking for a shady spot, with none in sight. It was a long way from my usual hunting grounds. Twenty-four hours earlier I had driven over a mountain pass in the Rockies; there, it had “warmed up” into the 40s. Snow covered the alpine tundra above 11,000 feet. A five-day elk season had just opened. My cousin Vern had been after me for years to come and visit, touting the year-round hunting opportunity. Feral hogs are a nuisance in Texas and can be hunted at any time with no bag limit. Ranchers are happy for hunters to keep the wild porcine numbers down, as they compete with livestock for the limited edible vegetation. These nuisance animals filled many freezers with their mild-flavored meat. For me, no extensive preparations for the hunt were required. My cousin was quite familiar with the ranch, as he, along with a group of other hunters, had leased the area for several years. We arrived at Vern’s camper and with the heat building I looked forward to a few minutes inside – out of the sun. We went in and found a number of wasps had taken up residence. Multiple strikes with the flyswatter were insufficient to rid the place of the winged menaces. A bug-bomb was deployed, and that chemical weapon of mass-insect-destruction stirred up hundreds and hundreds of wasps. We discovered that they had infested the camper in the gap between the paneling inside and the aluminum skin outside. A steady cloud of wasps flew out of the exterior vents. The rattling of the wasps on the inside of the aluminum skin sounded like light rain on a metal roof. Vern attacked the fleeing swarms with Texas-sized can of bug spray. Dead wasps carpeted the ground around the camper. After 20 minutes or so of this pestilential battle, the camper was clear of

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wasps but saturated with insecticide, and less than hospitable – shade notwithstanding. Leaving the camper to air out, we drove out onto the hunting grounds. I was unfamiliar with the desert and its flora and fauna. Having lived in the St. Louis area and the central Rockies, cacti and parched soils were a bit foreign to me. Virtually all the vegetation here had the ability to draw blood. Mesquite, prickly pear cactus, yucca plant, goatheads and cockleburs were in abundance, and at one point or another during the day each variety of sharp-edged vegetation did indeed break the skin and draw a red donation from me. Vern explained that everything out in this desert, plant or animal, could and would harm you. We drove around to various water holes, around which were signs and tracks of deer, hogs, coyotes and turkey. Vern pointed out a roadrunner, and later a rattlesnake, the skin of which now adorns his garage. I saw several deer and we heard coyotes throughout the afternoon and evening. We set up on a water hole at dusk and waited. It was at this time of day that the desert truly came alive. The searing (for me) 95-degree temperature lowered to just plain warm. Birds and coyotes began to sing, and a mesquite bush next to me began moving. It seems that the bush was covered with previously unseen “walking stick” bugs which only moved at dusk. A series of grunts and snorts came from our left. Vern looked at me, pointed at the first in a line of pigs and nodded his head, indicating I was to take the first one. The hogs came in single file and the lead hog suddenly stopped right in front of Vern and looked at us. I had no shot, except right past my cousin’s ear, a bad idea. He took the shot before the pigs ran, and we spent the first hour of darkness dressing out the hog and putting the meat in the cooler. How all the varieties of wildlife not only exist, but thrive in what appears to be a barren wasteland is quite amazing; but not amazing enough for me to leave the Rockies – except for visits. 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.

MOORE ON LIFE Season’s Grievings With Christmas speedily approaching we will soon find our mailboxes brimming over with festive excitement. Arriving are items such as: gift packages from a favorite aunt, fancy flyers from jumbo department stores, greeting cards from friends and relatives far away and catalogs tempting us to buy amazing holiday gizmos. While some may be annoying, all are generally welcome. However, one thing in the mailbox blitz is most definitely unwelcome. No, I am not talking about Granny’s mail-order fruitcake. Even that is not as irritating as this item. Of course, I am referring to the dreaded…Christmas Newsletter! This frightful fiend generally arrives in two stomach-churning varieties. One is The Brag Letter, the other I refer to as The Medical Malady Letter. Both are equally disturbing and can put a frigid frost on the season quicker than any sub-zero arctic blizzard can. Exhibit one: The Brag Letter. This is generally written by some long-lost adopted cousin’s twiceremoved half-nephew whom you have not seen since the last family reunion in the 70’s. The types of people who write these letters have been endowed with loads of money yet deprived of all common sense. The content of their message usually starts out cheery, but it’s shortly after the initial ho, ho, ho, you soon hear yourself groaning no, no, no! “Dearest family: What a Christmas miracle! Little Bernard Alexander has acquired yet another trophy to add to his growing collection from the Country Manor Youth Hunting Club, for being the youngest tot ever to bring down a rare albino gazelle. Who would have believed there was only one such animal in all of the universe and our little Bernie would be the one to bag such a beast. And honestly, what better way to celebrate the season than with a snowy-white endangered species’ head mounted above the roaring fireplace? Of course, we are ever so pleased to announce Catherine Victoria, our violin virtuoso, has finally been recognized and landed her debut performance at Carnegie Hall. Long overdue, I would say. I suppose all those costly hours of training under Itzhak Perlman have finally paid off. Yes, life’s difficulties and challenges can oftentimes be so rewarding, but isn’t that what the season is all about?” After this shameless rundown, the letter finally gets back on track ending in humility. “As for me and my lovely wife Amelia, we humbly have forfeited our yearly retreat to Maui to help with the unveiling of the Von Snoot golf course (named after ourselves due to a substantial donation). Truly, it was an honor to sacrifice because nothing gives such a feeling of peace as donating to a worthy charity around this time of year.” Before they have a chance to include a current update on their investment portfolio and gold mine investments, I have tossed it aside opting for a new kind of torture. Exhibit two: The Medical Malady Letter. This letter joyfully includes every ailment known and unknown to humankind in all its gore and glory. If you are fortunate and have

been very good this year, yours will include graphs, charts and color images. “Dear family: This year has been exceedingly good…well except for that nasty polyp which formed in a most embarrassing place (see diagram). Because of the size, it had to be lanced and drained then cauterized to prevent further development. Imagine our surprise when after it was removed, we discovered that it was in fact my undeveloped twin (see photos). What an unexpected gift! Out of respect for the season, we named her, Joy. The trials continue with Harold’s calloused feet. Would you believe he has grated those things twice this month and they’re still as rough as 60-grit sandpaper? His soles could scrub the varnish off of a fine piece of furniture with one swipe. At least it forced him to clip his toenails, which were at an all-time length. They do grow at an unusual rate (see enclosed video). We hope this letter finds your Christmas disorders not quite as interesting as ours.” Honestly, is there a way to cancel my subscriptions? Now that would be a gift. Until then, I’ll look on the bright side. Afterwards, I do have some new wrapping paper. I think I’ll start by packaging up last night’s fish dinner leftovers.

by 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.

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS

ADVERTISER PROFILE Fixed or adjustable rate mortgage, est which one is b for you? Lately interest rates on mortgages have been favorable, therefore leading most homebuyers down the road of a traditional 30-year home loan. However, as appealing as that fixed-rate mortgage may seem, borrowers may be able to get an even lower interest rate with a loan more suitable to their needs via an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). If you are settled in your career, starting a family and are ready to put down roots in a community, a 30 or 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is a great fit. A locked-in rate means youâ€™ll always know what your monthly payment will be and as time passes the equity you have in your home will increase. However, if you are moving up the corporate ladder in an industry that could promote you to another city within a few years, or want to simply keep your long-term options

open, an ARM could be a perfect home purchasing solution. An adjustable rate mortgage begins with a set interest rate, for a specified length of time. The length of the set rate varies and could be five, seven, 10 or even 15 years depending on what your lender offers. However, after the initial locked-in time period passes, the interest rate will adjust periodically. If rates rise, youâ€™ll want to be sure your income can handle the higher house notes.

Living Word 1/12

www.lwcs.us

CROSSROADS DECEMBER 2014

But if interest rates recede further, adjustable rate mortgages can become even more compelling. Adjustable interest rate loans can feature one or more built-in caps. These caps could limit how much the interest rate can increase the first adjustment, for each subsequent adjustment, or limit the maximum interest rate increase for the term of the loan. ARMs offer another avenue of financing for homeowners who want lower initial payments or relocation flexibility. Discuss your future plans and lifestyle with your lender to determine if you could benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage. By Robin Daniels

www.pcrc-stl.com

Robin Daniels is Asst VP/ Secondary Market Manager for Peoples Bank & Trust Co. NMLS #408454 (636) 290-7272 www.pbtc.net

HEALTH eas

Holiday Gift Id for the

HEALTH Conscious

Americans have a lot on their minds during the holiday season, and the stress of ballooning budgets and crowded calendars can be enough to affect almost anyone’s well-being. With that in mind, why not use the holidays as an opportunity to give the most important gift of all? That gift, of course, is health. Here are a few ways to make your health-conscious friend or family member smile from ear to ear. The Gift of Fitness: Whether buying for a fitness buff or a beginner, options abound. Exercise balls, kettlebells and resistance bands are inexpensive gifts that can help budding fitness gurus build their home gyms. If the DIY option isn’t right for the person you have in mind, try a prepaid gym membership, trainer session or package of yoga classes. Losing weight is the most popular New Year’s resolution, so spread the health. Healthy Tech: Many health enthusiasts like to monitor their progress and chart their results. These days, there are a number of gadgets that can help keep track of your fitness and dietary goals. From wristbands that log daily activity to wireless heart monitors and interval timers, technology can supercharge any regimen. Culinary Inspiration: Whether you’re shopping for a vegetarian, a Paleo enthusiast, or just someone looking to build a healthier kitchen, culinary gifts are always a sure bet. Healthy cookbooks and kitchenware will help them stick to their healthy habits, and you might even get a delicious meal in the bargain. Charitable Donations: Donating to a health- promoting charity

on another person’s behalf can be a great way to support his or her health-conscious cause. Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2 – a nationwide event that marks the perfect time for such a gesture. If you’re looking for a unique way to give back, check out Action for Healthy Kids, an organization that works to make schools healthier places for kids to learn. In its online gift catalog, you’ll find a host of charitable options, scaled to fit almost any budget. From a physical activity classroom kit to school breakfast for a child for the entire year (students who eat school breakfast score 17.5 percent higher on standardized math tests), Action for Healthy Kids provides an easy way to make an impact with healthy gifts. “Everyone is looking for the perfect gift for kids this time of year, and it’s hard to beat the gift of a healthier life,” said Rob Bisceglie CEO of Action for Healthy Kids. “It’s estimated that one-third of U.S. kids are overweight or obese. That’s a statistic that needs to change.” For more information, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org. Staying healthy and fit is important year-round, so don’t hesitate to give your friends and family holiday gifts that will help enrich their mind, body and soul. While other gifts might be used and discarded, yours will keep on giving. (StatePoint) Photo courtesy Andres Rodriguez - Fotolia.com

www.llywelynspub.com www.mscwired.org

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS 15

Bein Sa

CROSSROADS DECEMBER 2014

ng anta Putting on the red suit comes with its own joys and challenges By Brett Auten

‘Tis the season for jingle bells and catchy carols. Nothing brings the feeling of Christmas cheer like the sight of Santa Claus. Jolly ol’ St. Nick is the life of any December party. Allen Rone and his wife Chris have relished their role of playing Santa and Mrs. Claus around the Christmas season. Rone has donned the famous red suit and hat for five years, most famously at the annual Christmas Parade in Wentzville. Having no previous Santa experience, his decision to do so came down to simply being asked. “We were sitting around with a couple of people and it was brought up that there wasn’t a Santa available,” Rone said. “I don’t know if it was my full white beard and little bit of a protruding belly but I was asked if I would consider being Santa. It was that simple. I thought it sounded like fun.” His first go-around as the closing float and the biggest name of the parade was much like Santa’s sleigh. Being exposed to the elements had its difficulties. “It was very cold being in that open float,” Rone said. “It was different than what I expected. It all worked really well. It has never been just bitterly cold. We’re dressed warm enough and there’s always a blanket nearby. The biggest thing is to prepare.” For Rone it is after the parade when the real fun begins. As the parade comes to a close, Rone makes his way to the Wentzville firehouse to visit and chat with all of the kiddos who have lined up to discuss their Christmas wishes and wants. A challenge Santa has in 2014 is keeping up to date on all of the latest technological gizmos and games. “Early on I was able to bluff my way through pretty good,” Rone said. “But it’s good for Santa to be up on the hot items and the newest gadgets.” And the mood of the child can be every which way. From the overly excited to the downright scared, Rone has to be prepared for it all. “Some are totally scared to death, some will go ahead and sit on my knee, and others will just stand there unless brother or sister is there to encourage them along,” Rone said. “They’re anxious. They have been standing in line for quite awhile. When you go through 100-125 kids it can take awhile.” Rone has become a fixture of the Western St. Charles County Chamber Parade. The annual event trumpets and kick starts the holiday season and draws a large gathering. For the 12th annual Christmas Parade festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., on Dec 7 with a tree lighting ceremony near Pete’s Drive-In. The parade will start at Budget Towing, head south, and then move west down Pierce Boulevard before concluding at the Wentzville Fire Department. Waiting for the kids after the Wentzville parade will be plenty of cookies and candy canes at the firehouse. “We think it is a great start to the holiday season,” Tony Mathews, of the Western St. Charles County Chamber said. “The parade has been growing in popularity and we have gotten huge crowds the last couple of years.” And there’s no bigger star on that night than the chubby man in the red and white. “I’ve been on the float the last couple of years and it is great seeing how excited all of the kids are,” Mathews said. “They are really anticipating his arrival.” Photo courtesy Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce: Chris and Allen Rone portray Mrs. and Mr. Santa Claus at the Wentzville Chamber Parade.

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS 17

Photo Op Photos By Ray Rockwell

CROSSROADS DECEMBER 2014

O’Fallon’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Ray Rockwell spent some time at the O’Fallon Tree Lighting Ceremony at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre on Nov. 19. Festivities included live choral music, visits with Santa, kids’ games and crafts and face painting.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

December

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive

Lake Saint Louis’ Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

6 a.m. – 8 p.m. at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 636-379-5507

at The Meadows 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. 636-625-1200

Candy Cane Hunt

9 - 10:30 a.m. at Renaud Spirit Center, O’Fallon 636-379-5417

St. Charles County Epic Ride

9 a.m. at Weldon Spring Conservation Area 636-949-7535

Wentzville Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade

5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Intersection of Pearce Blvd and Luetkenhaus Blvd. 636-327-5101

Holiday Night Lights Walk Through 6 – 8 p.m. Rotary Park, Wentzville 636-327-5101

Holiday Night Lights Walk Through: Inclement Weather Date

“Christmas in Cricket County”

7 p.m. at SunRise UMC, O’Fallon 636-978-2727

6 – 8 p.m. Rotary Park, Wentzville 636-327-5101

Sounds of the Season

First Day of Hanukkah

First Day of Winter

CHRISTMAS EVE

1:30 p.m. at Heritage Museum, St. Peters 636-255-6000

New Year’s Eve

CHRISTMAS

Holiday Night Lights in Rotary Park Wentzville from 6 – 10 p.m.

Every night in December except Christmas and New Year’s Eve 636-327-5101

DECEMBER 2014 CROSSROADS 19

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