CNSTC: Nov. 30. 2011

November 30, 2011

Vol 13

No 48

July 13, 2011

Vol 13 No 28

Christmas is the season of giving.

What better gift than spending time with family and friends? Watch a parade, sip hot cocoa, stroll through amazing light displays. St. Charles County’s cities offer something for everyone.

Celebrate the Season

By Shelly Schneider

IN this Issue

Augusta 29th Candlelight Christmas Walk More than 1500 glowing luminaries welcome visitors to charming Augusta. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available, and freshly roasted chestnuts await you at the bonfire at the old town square. The 29th Annual Candlelight Christmas Walk will be held from 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday, December 2 and Friday, December 9.

Defiance Candlelight Tour at the Daniel Boone Home and Boonesfield Village Thousands of candles create a soft glow illuminating the path into 1820, where residents of the Missouri frontier prepare for the holiday season. Enjoy wassail, cookies and period music.

The Candlelight Tour will be held on December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the last tickets are sold at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Lake Saint Louis Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Join family and friends at The Meadows Shopping Center in Lake Saint Louis at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 2. Highlights include the official lighting of the Christmas tree in the roundabout area, Victorian carolers, the Soundwaves Choir from Green Tree Elementary School, sleigh rides, and a visit from Santa. Bring along your Around Town . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Lincoln County Life . . . . . . . 7 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

camera and take your picture with Santa on his sleigh. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be served by Santa’s elves, courtesy of Max & Erma’s. All events will be held outdoors, so please dress accordingly!

The Lake Saint Louis Mothers Club hosts the annual Lake Saint Louis Holiday Home Tour from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 4. The Holiday Home Tour is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain VIP access to a selection of beautiful and uniquely decorated homes within the Lake Saint Louis community. The homes, which range in size and style, are decorated for the holiday season by talented and generous homeowners. The cost is $10 per ticket.

Advance tickets can be purchased at The Wharf Pharmacy, 2175 E. Terra Lane or the UPS Store, 6290 Ronald Reagan Drive, or online at www.lslmothersclub.com. On the day of the tour, tickets can also be purchased at any of the tour homes.

O’Fallon Celebration of Lights Celebration of Lights is a drivethrough holiday light display held at

Fort Zumwalt Park through December 30 (closed on December 25). Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 8,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on Walk-Through

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Christmas Traditions . . . . . . . . 11-13 Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Editorials/Recipe . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Photo courtesy of the City of O’Fallon

Night. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, and 6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Cars are $9, commercial vans are $15 and buses are $1 per person ($25 minimum).

See CELEBRATE page 2

MOVIE PEEK

See MOVIE page 15

“The Descendants” - Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366 P: 636.379.1775 F: 636.379.1632 E: ofcnews@centurytel.net

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What’s Happening . . . . . . . 20-21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

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2 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

CELEBRATE from Cover All non-commercial vehicles are just $7 on Tuesday nights. Visitors receive $1 off any regular admission with a canned food donation (not valid on Tuesdays or Walk-Through Night).

Walk-Through Night will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13. The cost is $2 per person (ages 2 and under are free). Parking is available at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway; O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway; or O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. Sorry, no pets allowed at this event. Visitors may walk along the illuminated route and enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa, fireworks and booths filled with holiday crafts, gifts and festival food. The fireworks display will begin at 7:25 p.m.

For information on train rides, carriage rides and sleigh rides, visit www.ofallon.mo.us. Directions: from I-70, take Bryan Road (Exit 216). Turn south on Bryan Road. Take a left at Veterans Memorial Parkway (South Outer Rd.). Drive 1.5 miles and take a right on Jessup Lane into Fort Zumwalt Park.

St. Charles St. Charles Christmas Traditions The highlight of any visit to Historic Main Street has to be the Santa Parade. More than 40 costumed

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Victorian carolers and Legends of Christmas come together for this magical event at 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during Christmas Traditions.

The Santa Parade starts at the corner of Boone’s Lick and South Main. After the show don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with all the Santas as well as collect their Character Cards.

Las Posadas 2011 will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. It is a beautiful re-enactment of the Spanish tradition. Las Posadas finds Mary and Joseph looking for shelter as they process down South Main Street with thousands of visitors carrying luminaries and singing carols. The procession begins at the corner of S. Main Street and Boone’s Lick Road. Las Posadas culminates along the riverfront in Frontier Park with a re-telling of the Christmas Story in narrative and song, a live nativity scene, and carols sung around the Yule Log bonfire.

Be sure to visit Trains on Main located at the “North Main Train Station” at 222 N. Main Street.

This year’s display will include a Victorian winter scene, a circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy, Polar Express, and so much more. Features HO, O, N and G gauge trains. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum. Trains on Main is open during regular festival hours. For more information, call 636.724.2106.

For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.stcharleschristmas.com.

St. Peters Community Events Enjoy wonderful ice skating routines and festive holiday characters during the annual Winter Wonderland on Ice Show at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Performance times are 7 p.m. on Friday, December 9, and 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 10. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children (12 and under) and $5 for seniors (55 and older)

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for St. Peters residents and Rec-Plex pass holders.

Tickets for the general public are $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors. For more information, please call 6369.939.2386 or visit www.stpetersmo.net.

Get your kids’ wish lists together, and visit Santa at the Old Town Log Cabin in Old Town St. Peters from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Town. The event is free. Bring your own camera for great photo opportunities, and dress appropriately—this is an outdoor event. The Old Town Log Cabin is located at 141 Gatty Drive, across from Old Town Park.

Join Santa at Rec-Plex South for a special breakfast, crafts and Christmas songs from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. Kids ages 2-8 and their parents (and grandparents) can join in on the fun. Bring your own camera for some memorable pictures with Santa. The cost is $11 per child and $5.50 per adult.

Advance registration by December 3 is required due to limited space. Call ext. 1400 at 636.939.2FUN or visit www.stpetersmo.net to learn more.

Wentzville Community Events Wentzville’s kickoff to the season is the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 4. It’s a night filled with glittering lights, holiday music, crisp night air and lots of friends. The official Wentzville Holiday Tree will be located on the wedge of land between Pete’s Drive- In and Dee’s Produce, at the intersection of Pearce Boulevard and Luetkenhaus Boulevard (formerly Business Route 61).

Gathering for the lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. Live holiday musi¬cal entertainment will enhance the festive spirit that evening, and Wentzville’s Mayor Paul Lambi will officially light the tree. Immediately following the tree lighting, the Wentzville Holiday Parade will begin. The parade starts at Budget Towing on Luetkenhaus Boulevard, will travel south to Pearce Boulevard, then turn and go west on Pearce to the Wentzville firehouse. At the firehouse, kids and adults alike may gather for cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate, and, of course, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Bring your camera so you don’t miss a single photo-op as children sit on Santa’s lap and talk over their Christmas list with the jolly old elf.

Wentzville’s Holiday Night Lights Display is held at Rotary Park and is open to visitors Thursdays through Sundays through December 11. From December 15 through December 30 (closed Christmas day), www.meadowlandsestates.com the display will be open from 6 – 10 p.m. Admission is only $8 for vehicles holding up to six passengers. Vans, buses or limos holding seven or more people must pay an additional $1 per person, beginning with the seventh person.

A special walk-through night will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, December 12. In addition to strolling through the impressive light displays, visitors that evening may enjoy refreshments in the Kolb building. Santa will also be there, so bring your camera!

The cost for the walk-through evening is $3 per person for ages 6 and up. Children 5 and under will be admitted free. No drive-through viewing will be www.changescapeweb.com/cnewsad allowed on this special night.

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 3

Community Council of St. Charles Enjoy a ‘Winter Wonderland on Ice’ at the Rec-Plex Bring the family to experience one of our area’s skaters, mature skaters, and even special charCounty Names Executive Director hottest performances on ice when St. Peters Rec- acters such as Frosty the Snowman. Will Santa The Community Council of St. Charles County, a regional provider of support services for nonprofit agencies, has named longtime community volunteering director Mary Hutchison as its Executive Director.

Hutchison, who has served as Acting Executive Director since October 1, joined the Community Council staff in 2004 and most recently served as the agency’s Director of Volunteer Programs.

In this role, she expanded the volunteer opportunity base in St. Charles County and its surrounds, and built a dynamic network of businesses, churches, service organizations and volunteers to support nonprofit community programs.

“Mary’s relationship-building skills add tremendous value to the Community Council, its members and the communities we serve,” said Steve Martinez, chairman of the Community Council’s board of directors. “The Community Council has always had a strong commitment to bringing people together for the betterment of the community, and Mary’s leadership will help us continue to have a positive, growing impact on our community.”

Hutchison replaces former Executive Director Denise Liebel, who recently became president and CEO of United Services in St. Peters. Hutchison holds a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. Her new position is effective immediately.

“In today’s economic environment, where needs have increased and resources have become more scarce, the need for a connective organization like the Community Council has never been greater,” Hutchison said. “I look forward to building on the Council’s history of promoting constructive relationships that foster new solutions to community needs.”

Plex figure skaters lace up to perform at the annual “Winter Wonderland on Ice” show. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 9, and 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 10.

Tickets are on sale at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road. Get your tickets early—past shows have sold out.

Skaters from the Rec-Plex’s ice skating school will perform to plenty of holiday classics. The show will come alive with solo performances, synchronized skating and formation teams, upand-comers as early as preschool-aged, advanced

SCC on Ice is Free!

Get into the holiday spirit with “SCC on Ice,” a free ice-skating event on the campus of St. Charles Community College on December 7. For the first time, SCC will host an artificial ice rink complete with free skate rentals open to the public. Attendees may choose to enter a giant walkin snow globe for a whimsical photo opportunity.

The event, hosted by SCC Foundation and Stu-

Enjoy Sounds of the Season at St. Charles County Heritage Museum For the first time ever, the St. Charles County Parks Department is hosting the Sounds of the Season at St. Charles County Heritage Museum. The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. on December 4, at the County Heritage Museum (1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters). Come in out of the cold, sip a cup of hot apple cider and enjoy an afternoon of inspiring music, all while touring the beautiful free Museum.

The first 100 guests will receive a free holiday ornament.

Performances include: • Greenleaf Singers from 3-4 p.m.

• Four Winds Consort from 4-4:30 p.m.

• City Voices Chorus Singers from 4:30-5 p.m.

• St. Louis Christmas Carols Association from 5-5:30 pm.

• St. Charles Community Singers from 5:30-6 p.m.

The current Museum displays depict the German immigrants who settled St. Charles County in the early 1800s, as well as the rich history of the home.

For more information, contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636.949.7535.

make an appearance? Come and find out!

The shows will be in the ice rink in the original Rec-Plex building.

Ticket pricing for St. Peters residents and RecPlex passholders is $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under as well as seniors ages 55 and up. General ticket pricing is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors ages 55 and older.

Go online to www.stpetersmo.net to learn more about the St. Peters Rec-Plex and the figure skating program.

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dent Activities, will be from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on the outdoor Campus Plaza, located near the Student Center on the SCC campus. Free hot cocoa and flavored coffee will be provided. Holiday crafts and activities will also be available for families from 5-8 p.m.

For more information, contact Mandi Smith at 636.922.8469 or asmith@stchas.edu.

4 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Big Red Box Event at the Foundry

Santa Claus is Coming to St. Peters Don’t worry - you don’t have to go up on the rooftop to be with Ol’ Saint Nick. Share your wish list with him early at St. Peters’ annual Breakfast with Santa. The event will take place on from 8:3010:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 10 at St. Peters’ Rec-Plex South facility. Register in advance by Saturday, December 3.

Children ages 2-8, plus parents and grandparents, can register to take part in this fun holiday

event. Everyone will enjoy a delicious continental breakfast, and kids will do holiday crafts and sing Christmas songs. Bring a camera to capture memories, especially your child’s meeting with Santa.

The cost for the event is $11 per child and $5.50 per adult. To register, call ext. 1400 at 636.939.2FUN, go online to www.stpetersmo.net/ rec-connect, or sign up in person at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Rd.

Residents Encouraged to Voice Their Opinions at Open Houses The Foundry Art Centre will host the annual “Big Red Box” event, a show and sale of gift holiday items on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, 2011.

The “Big Red Box” Show and Sale is in its sixth year and is a great event for family fun and shopping. More than 20 juried artists from the Best of Missouri Hands organization will present the show, which will also feature free gift-wrapping, entertainment and refreshments.

The “Big Red Box” Show and Sales hours are from 4 – 9 p.m. on Friday, December 2, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3.This event is free and open to the public, and Foundry Art Centre members receive a 10 percent discount.

For more information about the “Big Red Box” Show and Sale featuring the Best of Missouri’s Hands artisans, contact the Foundry Art Centre at 636.255.0270 or visit www.foundryartcentre.org.

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Open houses will share information about recommendations for the future of the Cottleville Fire Protection District The Cottleville Fire Protection District does not meet national standards for the number of firefighters per shift, nor does it meet the amount of firefighter training hours required annually. In addition, rising expenses on the maintenance of aging facilities and equipment are straining the district’s operating budget. Is this okay with the community the district serves?

Community leaders heading up the CARES (Citizens Advancing Responsible Emergency Services) program want to know. These leaders have spent months discovering challenges such as these, and creating recommended solutions.

Now they are hosting four open houses to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the challenges, the recommendations, and the suggested investment by the community to

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make them a reality.

Each open house will offer the same information and opportunities for feedback, and each will follow the same format. The open houses are designed to allow community members to come and go according to their own schedules.

Attendees will move through several informational stations at their own pace. These stations will provide information about the challenges facing the district, and describe the points of consensus reached by community volunteers about how they should be addressed. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss this information with CARES volunteers and district representatives. Everyone attending an open house will also have an opportunity to complete a feedback form.

Remaining open houses will be held: 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30 at Station #4, 4340 Towers Road; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 at Station #1, 1385 Motherhead Road; and from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 4 at Station #2, 4065 Old Hwy. 94 South.

CARES will present its recommendations to the District Board of Directors on Tuesday, December 13.

“I urge all community members to attend one of the upcoming open houses,” said Kim King, CARES community leader. “The future of our emergency services is critically important, and we want everyone to learn more and make their voices heard.”

Additional information about CARES is available online at www.CARESforCFPD.org or by phone at 636.447.6655.

Santa’s North Pole Dash

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Dashing through the…streets of historic St. Charles! The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce is hosting Santa’s North Pole Dash and Children’s Snowman Shuffle. The 5k run and 1-mile fun walk will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. All 5k registrants will receive an adult Santa’s jacket (t-shirt), hat and beard to wear during the race. The 5k race is $35 and the Children’s Snowman Shuffle is $15 per child (includes a tshirt). To register, please visit www.stcharleschamber.org/ santadash.

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 5

Keeping Pets Safe During the ‘A Christmas Carol’ Returns to Lindenwood Holidays Stage for Holidays St. Charles, Mo.—The Lindenwood University got to see, so Michael Juncal and I discussed it at Theatre Department will present the perennial length and decided to create a new adaption. The holiday favorite A Christmas Carol at 7:30 p.m. story is still the wonderful tale you’ve come to December 1 – 3, with a 2 p.m. matinee on De- love, with a handful of new elements and surpriscember 3. es. Come see Dickens’s Ticket prices range holiday classic with some from $10 to $18, and new moments never beperformances will be in fore seen on stage.”

Lindenwood’s Bezemes In addition to JunFamily Theater. Tickcal, the cast features Joe ets are available at the Bayne as Bob Cratchit Lindenwood University and Charlie Rosser as Box Office, 636.949.4433, Tiny Tim. Also featured or online at www.lindenare Christopher Strawwood.edu/center.

The hun, Jacquelyn Danter, Bezemes Family Theater Taylor Poore, Shelby Daand the box office are lovis, Shane Bosillo, Nicole cated in the J. Scheidegger Dele and many others.

Center for the arts on Assisting Helms are stage the Lindenwood campus manager Jordan Smith at 2300 W. Clay St., one and assistant stage manblock west of First Capitol agers Christina Smith and Drive in St. Charles.

Katie Ritter. Scenic design For more than 30 years, In Lindenwood University’s production of A Christmas Carol, is by Donnell Walsh with audiences from through- Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim foreground) are played by Joe Bayne costumes designed by out the region have come and Charlie Rosser, respectively, and Ebenezer Scrooge is Donna Northcott. Sound to Lindenwood to enjoy played by Michael Juncal. and lighting design are Charles Dickens’ classic story of a miserly old by Sarah Thompson and Corey Verdusco, reman and his Christmas Eve journey of self-dis- spectively. Choreography and movement are decovery in the company of three ghosts. signed by Rafael Quintas.

This year’s production is from a new adaptation For more information about the Lindenwood by director Becca Helms and actor Michael Jun- University Theatre Department, contact Departcal, who portrays Scrooge in the play. ment Chair Larry Quiggins at 636.949.4850 or “I’ve been involved with Lindenwood’s A lquiggins@lindenwood.edu.

Christmas Carol since I was a freshman here,” said Helms, a graduate student. “I always thought there was more to the story that the audience never

As the pages of the calendar flip and we move closer to the holiday season, pet owners should be aware of common – but hidden – dangers to their pets as we transform our homes for the celebrations to come.

“The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy for our families, but in preparing for the season, many pet owners run the risk of exposing their pets to household dangers that could present potential lifethreatening hazards to their pets,” said veterinarian Lori Pasternak, of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care (www.helpinghandsvetva.com). “These latent hazards could derail a family’s holiday season if their pets become ill as a result of these hidden perils.”

Pasternak’s list of prospective risks include: • Decorations – While holiday decorations can make a home feel more festive, they can be tantalizing traps for pets. Pet owners should keep decorations and ornaments higher up on trees so they are not consumed by pets. If a pet decides the colorful garland or tree trim might make a tasty snack, they can and will get stuck in your pet’ intestines, necessitating immediate surgical removal. Moreover, exposed cords from electric lights can cause electrocution or oral burns if chewed.

• Gift Wrap – When it’s time to pull all the gifts out of hiding to be wrapped, take care that your pet isn’t in the room as you spread out all the wrapping paper, bows and ribbons. If a cat should starting gnawing on the ribbon, it will literally “stitch” the cat’s intestines together as it is being passed through the gut. Surgery is one holiday gift you don’t want to give your family pet.

• Holiday Feast – While turkey and ham make up the majority of traditional holiday meals, turkey and ham bones can become lodged in the intestines if swallowed in large pieces. Be careful that your guests don’t give in to the holiday spirit too much and choose this time to offer table scraps to your pets. Your pet could become seriously ill or even choke to death.

• Flowers – The poinsettias many choose to use as holiday centerpieces are also toxic to most household pets if they are chewed and swallowed in large enough quantities. The level of toxicity is completely proportionate to the size and weight of your pet, but instead of doing the math on that equation, it’s better to choose other types of floral arrangements that don’t endanger your pets.

“The holidays should be a time for fun, not an unscheduled trip to the animal hospital,” Pasternak added. “If something does happen, don’t hesitate to take your pet to the nearest animal hospital, and know that if you come to ours, we work with our pet owners on affordable payment structures in emergency cases.

But we’d rather not see you this season. The best holiday gift you could give your pet is a hazardfree household so they can enjoy the warmth and joy of your celebrations safely and soundly.” www.desmetretirement.wordpress.com

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6 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Free Curbside Christmas Tree O’Fallon News New Councilmember needed for Ward 5 Recycling Due to the resignation of one of the O’Fallon’s Ward 5 City Councilmembers, Mayor Bill HenInformation courtesy of the city of Wentzville With Wentzville’s free, curbside, live-Christmas-tree recycling service, residents can easily dispose of their Christmas trees and know the trees will be recycled into com¬post or organic mulch.

Since the city has gone to a one-day-a-week pickup schedule for solid waste and recycling, residents only need to put their Christmas trees out on the same day they put out the rest of their trash.

The first day Christmas trees can be put at the curb¬side for pickup will be December 26 and the last day they will be picked up will be January 13. Please be sure to remove the tree stand, tinsel, and lights. Also, trees should not be covered with plastic or any other kind of wrapping material.

Because Christmas trees will only be picked up in Wentzville neighborhoods on regularly-scheduled, trash-pickup days, residents should only put the trees out at the same time they put out the rest of their trash and recyclables. And over the holidays, don’t forget to recy¬cle non-foil gift boxes and wrapping paper with regular curbside recycling. Don’t include bows or ribbons with your recycling, however.

If residents have questions about the Christmas-tree recycling or recycling of other materials, they can call 636.327.5102.

nessy is accepting applications to fill the vacancy beginning in January 2012. Ward 5 encompasses the area north of Mexico Road and west of Hwy. K/M. The chosen applicant will fill the position until the April 2013 election. Eligible candidates should complete an application and submit it to City Clerk Pam Clement at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366. The deadline to apply is December 9.

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive helps local families With the holidays approaching, please help those most in need by donating non-perishable canned or boxed food and personal care items to O’Fallon’s Cornucopia of Care Food Drive through Saturday, December 17. Items may be dropped off at the following sites: • O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 N. Main St. • Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle • Lindell Bank, 4521 Highway K • Fox’s Pizza Den, 1120 Technology Drive, Ste. 119 • New Frontier Bank, 5000 WingHaven Blvd.

• First State Bank of St. Charles (in O’Fallon), 300 Woodlawn Ave. Donations also are welcome at the Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park, November 25 December 30, 2011; get $1 off drive-through admission Wednesday through Sunday with a donation.

Filing for Wentzville Elected Positions Begins December 13 Beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, candidates may begin filing for the elected municipal offices that will appear on the April 2012

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Save money on holiday shopping!

Get your exclusive discount flyer of great deals at O’Fallon stores and restaurants when you visit O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights holiday light display in Fort Zumwalt Park

November 25–December 30.

To learn more and see a list of participating businesses, please visit

www.ofallon.mo.us/colpromo www.ofallon.mo.us/COLpromo

ballot. Candidates will need to file at City Hall, 310 West Pearce Boulevard. The filing period will remain open until 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Positions open for filing are mayor, and one alderman seat from each of the city’s three wards. The may¬oral position is for a four-year term. Alderman positions are for two-year terms.

According to city ordinances, candidates running for mayor must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Wentzville for at least one year prior to the election. Aldermanic candidates must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the city of Wentzville for at least one year prior to the election, and reside in the ward for which they are filing.

If residents would like more information about the duties and qualifications for serving in these elected positions, they can call the City Clerk’s office at 636.639.2010.

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 7

Sign Up for O’Fallon’s Jolly “Jingle Bell Lunch”

Holiday Family Evenings

Celebrate the season with friends old and new at a traditional sit-down meal of slow-roasted turkey with all the trimmings served to the tune of a light-hearted holiday show. Jingle Bell Lunch will be held from noon–2 p.m. on Monday, December 12, at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, Missouri 63368. The cost is $15 for O’Fallon residents and $18 for non-residents.

Register: 1. Online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ParksandRec 2. At the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), or the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Offices, 400 Civic Park Drive (63366) 3. By calling 636.474.2732 For more information, contact Recreation Specialist Paula Creech at pcreech@ofallon.mo.us, or call 636.474.8121.

The Foundry Art Centre will be hosting Holiday Family Evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 7 and 14. Children 12 and under are invited to join the Foundry staff in creating some delightful holiday decorations. Guests will be treated to cookies and hot cocoa.

The Holiday Family Evenings are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Angela at 636.255.0270 or angela@ foundryartcentre.org. Or visit www.foundryartcentre.org.

A Dickens of a Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty through Two Tumultous Acts O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Mark Landon Smith’s comedy, A Dickens of a Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty through Two Tumultous Acts on December 2 - 4 and 9 - 11 at the auditorium in O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). The play runs Friday through Sunday for two weekends: December 2 - 4 and 9 - 11, 2011.

Curtain is 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. The box office will open one hour before.

Tickets are available at the Parks and Recreation Office (400 Civic Park Drive) and the Renaud Spirit Center (2650 Tri Sports Circle). Tickets are also available by phone using Visa or MasterCard. Please call 636.379.5606 or 636.474.2REC. Enjoy playwright Mark Landon Smith’s hilarious comedy about the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth an-

nual farewell tour of the Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddock, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles.

Bettina, the company diva, pretends to be ill, certain the production will be cancelled. To her shock and rage, the show goes on without her.

Roles are shuffled at the last minute and sweet Cynthia Imbry, the general understudy, finds herself thrust onstage to perform a role for which she’s ill-prepared. Midway through the play, Bettina rushes in, determined to reclaim her role.

Mayhem ensues as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could possibly go wrong, does, to hilarious, ridiculous results.

Dardenne Prairie Offers Emergency Beacon Program The City of Dardenne Prairie is continuing the Emergency Beacon Program for all of its citizens. The Emergency Beacon Program consists of a special light switch or light bulb adapter. The program allows emergency responders to find a home more easily, because the light on the front of the home will flash when activated.

The only requirement at the time of pick-up is for the resident to leave his or her address. The special switch replaces the regular light switch of a front house light. This switch has three positions: Off; Flash; On. This device application allows the homeowner to use any light bulb as the front porch or front window light.

The other option is an adapter that screws into one’s front porch or front window light socket. This device allows the homeowner to use a regular light bulb with their regular switch. The light will flash when turned on twice (repetitively). Essentially, the Emergency Beacon Program device is an every-day front porch or front window light that becomes a flashing beacon to help emergency responders find those in need fast.

In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Residents should then tell the operator the emergency and ask the responders to look for the flashing light. Then activate the flashing light.

Other requirements to participate in this free program are for the immediate installation of the device and maintain the strict compliance for the appropriate use of this tool as it is not a toy. The City of Dardenne Prairie has established a working model display in the City Hall lobby. Donations to support the initiative are welcome.

www.ofallon.mo.us/col

8 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Team Berk-Mooney Scores Big for Local Charities Jacob and Edward may be the stars of the blockbuster movie Twilight, Breaking Dawn, part 1, but Dr. Mary Berk-Mooney of Troy Dental Care was the local star for the movie’s premier at the new Troy Movie House. Dr. BerkMooney hosted 100 guests and in exchange for a ticket each guest brought 2 canned goods and a $5 donation.

The evening was a success with $500 donated to Dr. Mary Berk-Mooney presents Heidi Fairbanks of the Crider Health Center the Crider Health Center with a check for $500. The and more than 200 canned Crider Health Center promotes a full, productive, goods donated to Bread for and healthy life for everyone.

Life Food Pantry. Dr. Mary Berk-Mooney would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening possible, especially Linda and Phil Parker, owners of Troy Movie House. She hopes to see you at the next and final Twilight premier!

Three EHS Band Members Honored

Three Elsberry High band members have received honors. Tracey Beck has been named to the All-District Band, and Zach Barber and Anne Heintzelman have been selected for the AllDistrict Honorable Mention Band. They auditioned with 385 other students from the district.

Band Director Tom Speers stated, “It is a huge honor in our district because Elsberry competes against all the Columbia area schools and many other schools larger than ours.”

Both the All-District and Honorable Mention Band will perform at a concert in January.

www.drtumanyan.com

www.troydentalcare.com

www.troyflooringcenter.com

www.pbtc.net

ICBA Congratulates Peoples Bank & Trust for 60 Years of Membership The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) congratulates Peoples Bank & Trust Co., for reaching an important milestone as an ICBA member. This marks the community bank’s 60 years as a member of ICBA, the only national trade association dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of the nation’s community banks.

“ICBA is fortunate to have Peoples Bank & Trust Co. as a member of the association for 60 years,” said Camden R. Fine, ICBA president and CEO. “Community banks such as Peoples Bank & Trust are relationship bankers that are passionately committed to serving the needs of their local customers and communities. It’s the community banks like Peoples Bank & Trust that drive economic stability and prosperity on Main Street and make their communities a better place to work and live.”

Community banks reinvest in their communities everyday because they are an integral part of the economic, financial and civic fabric of thousands of towns and cities across America. They are common-sense lenders that do right by their customers and exist solely to serve the needs of their local customers and communities.

“As an ICBA member, Peoples Bank & Trust is proud to be part of a nationwide network of community banks that advocate on behalf of this great industry and its valued customers,” said Mr. David Thompson, president and CEO of Peoples Bank. “Peoples Bank & Trust looks forward to continuing its role with ICBA to help strengthen and preserve the community bank industry so that consumers across the nation can experience the difference of working with a local community bank for years to come.”

School

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 9

Wentzville Students “Speed Stack” to Help Break World Record On Thursday, November 17, students at Boone Trail, Crossroads, Discovery Ridge and Green Tree Elementary all participated in the sixth annual World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) STACK UP! Thousands of students at hundreds of schools around the country and around the world competed together to try to set a new Guinness World Record in the “World’s Largest Sport Stacking Event.” Last year 316,736 stackers participated to break the previous year’s STACK UP! record.

Sport stacking has been termed a “track meet for your hands at warp speed.” Competitors stack 12 specially designed cups called Speed Stacks in predetermined sequences as fast as they can.

Green Tree Elementary fourth grader Cat Hercules said “My brother got me my first set of cup stacks, I love the free stack. It’s fun, but it’s also good because you use both sides of your brain.”

Stackers race against the clock, compete in relays and often combine sport stacking with fitness challenges as part of physical education classes.

“It’s one of their favorite activities of the whole year, and it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” said Green Tree P.E. teacher Char Wagemann. “Students get a lot out of it, and they have so much fun!”

To see if students set a new World Record this year, visit the WSSA website at www.thewssa.com.

St. Charles Optimist Club Recognizes “Youth in Government Day” The St. Charles Optimist club recognized eight high school students who participated in the club’s Annual Youth in Government Day on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 during the noon luncheon. The students represented Lutheran High School – St. Charles, Orchard Farm High School, St. Charles High School and St. Charles West. During the day the students visited with St. L to R: Project Chairperson, Dulcie Coulliard, Mason Vieth - LSC, Paige Willbrand – LSC, Troy Charles County personnel and Broeker – OF, Preslee Nast – SCW, Tyler Afflick – SCW, Payton Murphy – OF, Antonio Gray – SCHS, Candace Mohapp – SCHS, Optimist President – Fred McGinley learned about the operation of county government. County Executive, Steve Ehlmann discussed operations of his office and Larry Crawford, Dept. of Corrections Director, conducted a tour of the county jail facilities. The students agreed that it was good to visit with the executive but didn’t want to return to the county jail. During the noon meeting, County Administrator Chuck Gross stressed the importance of character in all of their dealings with family, vocation and encounters with people in general.

St. Dominic’s Grandparent’s Day Sets Tone for Veteran’s Day

St. Dominic welcomed more than 500 grandparents to its annual Grandparents’ Day on November 10. The day’s activities included breakfast, entertainment and tours with grandchildren. With Veterans Day just one day later, there was added enthusiasm this year as the school hosted a special ceremony in honor of those who served in the Armed Forces. A prayer service included acknowledgements to St. Dominic alumni retired or actively serving. In addition, any veteran grandparents in attendance stood and were recognized while St. Dominic choir students performed patriotic songs.

Holiday Concert The City of St. Charles School District will present its 3rd annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 11, 2011. The event will be held from noon to 7 p.m. at the beautiful J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Campus of Lindenwood University.

This event is unique in that students from all six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools will perform vocal and instrumental holiday selections. In addition, Lindenwood University has provided the beautiful and state-of-the-art Bezemes Theater offering professional quality sound and lighting to accentuate the experience for both the audience and the student performers!

Admission is free, but we ask everyone to consider a donation to the district’s Sharing Closet. Donations of cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and/or cash will be accepted and used to benefit families in need within our community.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY STRONG COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN ST CHARLES DISTRICT YMCAS This year the St. Charles District YMCA’s will assist more than 700 individuals.

Donate today and join us in building a Stronger Community!

Giving is as easy as visiting one of the websites below.

www.rayrockwell.com

www.stpetermo.net

www.ymcastlouis.org/ofallon ymcastlouis.org/ofallon ymcastlouis.org/stcharles www.ymcastlouis.org/stcharles ymcastlouis.org/tricounty www.ymcastlouis.org/tricounty

Business

10 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Bastian Announced As Chairman at F&M Bank and Trust President, Stevens Plowman and the board of directors at F&M Bank and Trust Company announce the appointment of Don Bastian as Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Bastian served as a board member of MCM Savings Bank in 2003 and he joined the F&M Board when MCM merged with F&M Bank in 2006.

“I have big shoes to fill,” Bastian said. “Bayard Plowman, our prior chairman was a well respected icon in our region. I am proud to have been chosen to replace him and will do my best for F&M Bank and our com-

munity.”

Bastian, a Hannibal native, earned a Bachelor’s degree in both accounting and computer science from Westminster College in 1982. He worked in Houston, Texas, for several years as a Certified Public Accountant before attending the University of Missouri at Columbia where he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree. He is currently a solo practitioner in the firm bearing his name.

He is Chairman of the Hannibal Planning and Zoning Commission, and past president of Hannibal LIONS. He has taught Business Law at Hannibal-LaGrange University, was president of the Northeast Missouri Eco-

nomic Development Council, and was a board member of the Northeast Missouri Community Foundation, the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce, and the Hannibal Arts Council. Bastian is married with three children.

“I am delighted with the board’s decision,” said Stevens Plowman. “Don Bastian has an outstanding background in law and finance. He will be an excellent chairman as he holds the confidence of all board members.”

Serving customers since 1870, F&M Bank and Trust Company has three locations in Hannibal, one in Monroe City, O’Fallon, Palmyra, Shelbina, Springfield, St. Louis and Quincy. For more information, please visit www.bankfm.com.

MWA Benefit Planners Turns Five

By DeAnna Massie MWA Benefit Planners, LLC celebrated its fifth anniversary this past July. Located in O’Fallon, Mo., the agency is a sub-entity of Midwest Agencies, which has been serving clients for more than 20 years. MWA Benefit Planners has built a reputation for efficiently and cost-effectively managing client portfolios in four specific areas: Individual Markets, Senior Resource Services, Employer Group Benefits and Westplex Benefit Administrators.

For the uninitiated, that means Midwest Agency Benefit Planners, LLC team designs, develops, and manages employee benefit services for small to medium size businesses.

They coordinate health, welfare and retirement benefits, and provide consulting and brokerage services. The agency is independent, which means agents aren’t tied to the products and services of one provider. They can assemble packages from a variety of vendors, including insurance companies, mutual fund companies, investment management firms, banks, and third party administrators.

Franklin Guerrettaz, director of Employee Benefits Services, said thorough review of multiple providers is best for his clients.

“Our focus is to assist our clients in the analysis of coverage and plan design that provide the

maximum coverage and cost effectiveness,” he said.

Guerrettaz added employers have to manage a variety of benefit needs and expectations, but Midwest Agency Benefit Planners has built an infrastructure to provide a fully integrated range of solutions.

“We are committed in providing excellence in service to our clients, utilizing our technology and other resources to streamline participant applications, vendor reviews and compatibility as well as vendor matching,” he said.

In addition to developing benefit programs, the agency also designs a comprehensive administrative package around the needs of each client.

Most importantly, Midwest Agency Benefit Planners recognizes that the field is constantly growing and changing. The agency provides an ongoing review of benefits and services as well as educational seminars in Employer Provided Benefits, Medicare, Social Security, Maximizing Section 125 and Health and Wellness plans.

“We strongly believe there is strength in knowledge,” Guerrettaz said.

Midwest Agency Benefit Planners is located at 8917 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon, Mo. For more information, call 636. 978.6620 or 866.686.1713, or visit midwestagency.com.

Business Spotlight A place to find out a little more about your local businesses! www.smithdaiberlaw.com

www.westcommunitycu.org

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 11

www.historicstcharles.com

12 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions Welcome to St. Charles Christmas Traditions!

Christmas sparkles each year in historic St. Charles,

Missouri during our one-of-a-kind Christmas Traditions festival. While you’re making holiday plans, escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian carolers, and Santas from around the world.

There’s no better place than Main Street during a Christmas festival for a holiday stroll with your loved ones. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights, stroll a while.

Duck into a shop or two for a little holiday shopping. Then, take a break at one of the many restaurants, dessert cafes or coffee houses.

For a complete schedule, please visit www.stcharleschristmas.com.

And when Santa has to leave on Christmas Eve, join us for the Santa Send-Off at 1:30 p.m.

We’ll bid Santa goodbye during this last parade of the season and wish him the best as he heads back to the North Pole.

Breakfast with Santa December 3, 10 and 17 Come enjoy breakfast at the beautiful Mother-InLaw House Restaurant for an up-close-and-personal

visit with Santa. Bring your holiday wish list.

Plus, don’t forget the camera to capture all the holiday fun.

Doors open at 9 a.m., and breakfast is served at 9:30 a.m. Parking is free on the street and nearby lots.

Tickets are $15 and reservations are required. But hurry! Only a limited number of tickets are available.

To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles.com.

The Complete Works of Christmas!

December 4, 11 and 18, 2011 Someone has killed the Grinch and now Santa’s on Trial! Who can imagine the jolly old elf with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly could ever be a murderer?

Come help us discover the real killer.

Tickets are $62.50 and reservations are required. But hurry! Only a limited number of tickets are available.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 6 p.m. Parking is free on the street and nearby lots.

To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles.com.

Information from www.stcharleschristmas.com

The Santa Parade The highlight of any visit to Historic Main Street has to be the Santa Parade. The Santa Parade starts at the corner of Boone’s Lick and South Main at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and sunday during Christmas Traditiosn and features more than 40 costumed Victorian Carolers and Legends of Christmas who all come together for this magical event.

The Santa Parade is led by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp and culminates at the corner of South Main Street and First Capitol in Berthold Square where you will be treated to a short show featuring the talented Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp as well as all the rest of our International Christmas Characters.

After the show don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with all the Santas as well as collect their Character Cards.

Decorations Saint Charles is one of America’s great Historic Districts.

There is no other place quite like South Main Street, which features 10 blocks of historic buildings, some dating as far back as the late 1700s.

For Christmas Traditions, we pull out all the stops to create a festive setting the whole family can enjoy. With more than 10,000 feet of fresh greenery, 150 wreaths, 1,200 hand-tied red velvet bows, and thousands of white lights in the trees and on the buildings, you just can’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit.

In the daytime, the crisp reds and greens provide a colorful backdrop as you walk the brick streets enjoying all that Christmas Traditions has to offer.

And in the evening, the white lights make a nighttime stroll or drive down Main Street one of St. Louis’ best free light displays.

The holiday decor on Main Street is just one more way that Christmas Past Comes To Life in Saint Charles during Christmas Traditions.

Photos with Santa Capture memories of your family’s visit to Saint Charles in a special photo with Santa.

Set against a classic holiday backdrop in lower level of the Tourism Center at the corner of Main Street and First Capitol Drive, our Victorian Santa will bring a touch of class to this treasured memento, all at a

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 13

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions

greater value than mall photos.

Photos are $12 for the first and $8 for the second. They are 5 x 7 and come in a lovely gold foiltrimmed frame. You may also purchase more photos with Santa in varying sizes online or by visiting The Tintypery at 510 S. Main Street.

Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Carriage Rides Take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping and enjoy a relaxing, complimentary carriage ride down Main Street!

Our complimentary carriage shuttle will be available (weather permitting) during Christmas Traditions on Wednesday and Friday Nights, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.

The carriage rides are courtesy of the SBD and the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To reserve a carriage for a special event or evening during the holiday season, please call 636.398.4123.

and Joseph looking for shelter as they process down South Main Street with thousands of visitors carrying luminaries and singing carols. The procession begins at the corner of S. Main Street and Boone’s Lick Road.

Las Posadas culminates along the riverfront in Fron-

tier Park with a re-telling of the Christmas Story in narrative and song, a live nativity scene, and carols sung around the Yule Log bonfire.

All Photos courtesy of Karen Godfery

Trains on Main Be sure to visit Trains on Main located at the “North Main Train Station” at 222 N. Main Street. This year’s display will include a Victorian winter scene, a circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy, Polar Express, and so much more. Features HO, O, N and G gauge trains.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12.

Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum.

Trains on Main is open during regular festival hours.

For more information, call 636.724.2106.

Las Posadas 2011: Saturday, Dec. 3 During the day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the normal Saturday Festival takes place.

At 6 p.m. a beautiful re-enactment of the Spanish tradition of Las Posadas finds Mary

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

Learn & Play

14 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Statepoint Crossword Theme: At The Gym

Ephron’s in Top Form with Book of Reflections She might profess to being old, but writer, director Nora Ephron is like fine wine – she just keeps improving with age. Her new book of reflections, “I Remember Nothing,” brings us a mix of happy-sad that’s poignantly touching.

Ephron, who recently wrote and directed the movie “Julie and Julia” and penned the screenplay for “When Harry Met Sally” delights because she write about situations we can all identify with.

Like the time you’ve got something on the tip of your tongue but it won’t come to you: “The Senior Moment has become the Goggle moment, and it has a much nicer, hipper, younger, more contemporary sound, doesn’t it?”

And who hasn’t forgotten a person’s name, “Please, please, please. Give me a hint. My husband is likely to walk up, and I’ll have to introduce you, and I won’t be able to, and you’ll know I have no idea who you are even though we spent an entire weekend together on a boat in 1984.”

These reflections are balanced by more serious ones – Ephron’s honesty about her alcoholic mother, who overnight became an incorrigible drinker when Ephron was only 15, Ephron’s reflection on the breakup of her second marriage and the loss of a best friend.

But mostly Ephron is clever and funny, so very funny, in a book that can be read in one sitting, but will keep you smiling for hours.

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2010.

ACROSS 1. Can cause mass destruction 6. *Part of a strength training set 9. Ball of yarn 13. Fear-inspiring 14. Husk of corn 15. It has two doors 16. “Boy _____ World” 17. “He ___ and drank the precious Words...”

18. Packers QB 19. *Lookout man 21. ____ the Great, king of Persia 23. Rolled grass 24. Colored 25. Socialist, abbr.

28. ____ E. Coyote

30. Silver in a cloud?

35. Often done cold turkey 37. Harsh, as in remark 39. Oil tanker 40. “Do ____ others as you would have them do...”

41. _____ like a dark cloud 43. Bog down 44. Sour in taste 46. Feed storage 47. Don’t forget to hit this button when done 48. Ennui 50. *Done to a sparring partner 52. Bear’s winter hangout 53. Conservative talkshow host 55. File a suit 57. Red light, green light

www.breezeparkliving.org

60. *Dumbbells and plates 64. Narrow water-filled gorge 65. And not 67. Greek bazaar 68. Raja’s wife 69. *Sometimes follows injury 70. Himalayan country 71. *____ gym, accessible to everyone 72. Kicked in yard game 73. Proficient DOWN 1. Tailor’s actions 2. Sound from rival of #28 Across 3. Black and white treat 4. Catcher’s gear, pl.

5. Bequeath 6. Back seat 7. Jack Sprat couldn’t do this to fat 8. College president 9. Sweet talk 10. Used in angling 11. “”Iliad,” e.g.

12. Skin cyst 15. *Exercise of the heart 20. Piaf or Wharton 22. Unagi 24. Ascetic Muslim monk 25. *Glute exercise 26. 1/16th of a pound 27. Recognized 29. Vietnam’s neighbor 31. Jodie Foster’s “____ Island” (2008) 32. It describes the siege of Troy 33. Courage to go on 34. Light signal 36. Reality TV actress Spelling

38. “Wilhelm ____” by Friedrich von Schiller 42. Agitate 45. *Often done in four counts 49. Police ___ shot 51. Region of northeastern South America 54. Type of boom 56. Pelted, as with eggs 57. *Congratulatory gesture 58. *Listen to one on headphones while exercising 59. Bad luck predictor 60. Kind of bird 61. It springs eternal?

62. Try not to fall into this 63. Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of this 64. “To and ___” 66. South American tuber See Answers page 21

www.kslq.com

MOVIE

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 15

“The Descendants” George Clooney turns in another solid, though understated, performance in “The Descendants,” a film about a man who is knocked completely out of his comfort zone.

Clooney plays Matt King, a Hawaii-based attorney who finds himself at a crossroads. King, who refers to himself as the “backup parent,” now has to take charge of his daughter Scottie (Amara Miller) after his wife is seriously injured. He also goes to retrieve his other daughter Alex (Shailene Woodley) from an exclusive boarding school, but he finds her intoxicated and breaking curfew.

After keeping his family at a distance, King has to be a real parent to Scottie and Alex for the first time in years. At the same time, he’s also managing a very public land deal involving all his relatives. As descendants of Hawaiian royalty, the King family holds 25,000 acres of prime real estate that they now are forced to sell. The offers for the property are so good that everyone involved stands to make a great deal of money.

While juggling family and business, King discovers some disquieting information about his wife, which could affect his entire future as well as the land deal.

Director Alexander Payne (“Sideways”) is a great storyteller and, using a script based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, he tells the intriguing tale of an absentee father who must become a better parent and human being.

George Clooney is picture perfect here as Matt King, a lawyer who measures life in terms of dollars and cents. His family holdings have made him wealthy, but Matt spends only the money he makes at his law practice. As his life slowly unravels, Matt must reconnect

with all the women in his life.

The breakout stars of “The Descendants” are, however, the two young ladies who play Clooney’s daughters.

Newcomer Amara Miller is nicely cast as Scottie, a 10-year-old who has trouble adjusting to her mother’s condition. Scottie expresses herself best with photographs that her teachers and classmates find highly upsetting.

Shailene Woodley is especially impressive as eldest daughter Alex. After returning home with her father, she becomes Matt’s unlikely ally as he deals with his wife’s illness and the upcoming land deal. Alex also brings outspoken boyfriend Sid (a hilarious Nick Krause) with her wherever she goes, which leads to some explosive outcomes.

Emotionally charged entertainment, “The Descendants” is wellcrafted and one of the more promising films of the holiday season.

“The Descendants,” rated R for language including some sexual references, currently is playing in theaters.

www.stcharles.rightathome.net

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Editorial

16 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

“Over the Fence” My Memories of Not Remembering I can’t remember names. It’s not from aging or head injuries or some terrible disease. It started when I was old enough to climb curtains. Perhaps it’s a genetic defect.

It’s embarrassing to bump into old friends and not remember their names. Worse yet, if I’m with some other friends, I can’t introduce them because I’ll forget their names, too.

Years ago, I got hurt and had to find a different job…one less physical, so I sold cars for a few years. It was O.K., except I couldn’t remember the customers’ names. The boss told me to write their names down immediately after I met them. I tried that, and most of them became suspicious and wanted to know why I was writing their names in my notebook. I told them about my terrible memory, and they made excuses and left. Who wants to buy a car from a salesman with a bad memory? If they returned and bought the car, he would probably forget them the minute they drove it away. I admit…many salesmen forgot customers after they sold them a car anyway. In fact, some of them hid if they brought the car back.

I wasn’t a very good salesman. I couldn’t lie very well. We were taught to lie to customers that were ‘just looking’ and wanted our rock-bottom price. We lied about a low price to keep them from buying elsewhere. Since most other dealers did it, too, the end result might be a price for which nobody could sell it. For me, that meant forgetting the customers’ names I lied to.

Forgetting names really hurts dating potential. When I meet a shapely adorable and learn her name only to forget it within seconds sends out the wrong signal. A friend suggested using any name that came to mind and they would

correct you. So I asked, “So Blanchette, where are you from?” She glared at me and growled, “I’m not a bridge. My name is Linda you idiot.” Then I forgot it again and the conversation went downhill fast.

If I ask a woman her name and then write it down, the same thing happens as when I sold cars; she becomes suspicious. If I explain I can’t remember names, the potential relationship usually goes from guarded interest to fear of my memory being bad about some other things…like whether I’ll remember her name the morning after the wedding or what abandoned quarry I left her body in.

I finally gave in and bought a memory improvement book, but I forgot where I put it.

It’s also a selective bad memory. I remember the names of my long ago classmates from high school. Yet I have a hard time remembering the names of current friends and acquaintances. I hate admitting that young memories are sharper than old memories. I usually tell people the memory section in my brain is full up.

Through repetition, I finally remember names, but it does seem to take longer these days. It took a year to remember my favorite bartender‘s name. That’s probably illegal in some countries.

Whoops, I just remembered; I can’t remember the words to songs either. I can remember the music but not the lyrics. Since I was once a musician, this was frustrating indeed. My fellow musicians wanted me to sing with the rest of them but I couldn’t remember the words. In musician’s language, that’s uncool. Fortunately, forgetting about being a musician was easy.

Happiness is meeting an old friend that can’t remember your name either.

Christian Hospital “Just Lose It” Winners Announced

Above Photos: Chris Ray, Before (left) and After (right).

Group Photo: Chris Ray, Kimberly Wesley and Ida Bostic. The top three “Just Lose It” Winners!

Chris Ray is the first place winner of Christian Hospital’s “Just Lose It!” competition.

Ray made it to the top early in the competition and stayed there. His advice for others is to climb right back on that wagon if you fall off for a day.

Second place went to Kimberly Wesley. Wesley is a trainer, but wasn’t walking the walk. She received a firsthand look at what it takes to get back to a healthy weight.

Her advice to others is to stay focused and committed, and get help. Wesley said the Christian Hospital forum was great because it allowed her to talk with others following the same journey.

Ida Bostic took third place.

Bostic joined the “Just Lose It!” challenge because she is diabetic, and she wanted to get her blood sugar under control.

Bostic said her best advice is to just get out and walk.

www.starkbros.com

Editorial

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 17

Writer Proudly Wears the Chartreuse Letter You’ve heard of the “Scarlet Letter,” right? The woman in the novel wore a large red “A” on her person to signify her act of adultery.

My recent act had nothing to do with adultery, but I’m walking around these days with a giant scarlet letter.

Actually, scarlet probably isn’t the right color. It should be something more neon, more fitting. Let’s call it the Chartreuse Letter. Excuse me. The letter is “S.” It could stand for many things in my case. Shelly, Schneider, Sensitive, Sympathetic, Supportive, etc. You get the picture. This time, though, the “S” stands for SUCKER. The entire family, Mimi and Poppy included, piled into the van for a fun-filled morning at the zoo. First things first, however; money, then gas.

I saw the man out of the corner of my eye as we pulled into the gas station. We’ll dub him “Sleazeball,” in keeping with the “S” theme. He pulled into the station, hopped out of a car, and walked to another car to talk to a woman. I didn’t think anything about it at the time.

I parked the van and stepped out, ready to fill the tank.

“Sleazeball” approached as the pump’s computer read $7.

“I hate to even ask, ma’am,” he said, looking greasy, unkempt and tired.

“My wife ran the car out of gas. I left my wallet at home, and we need about one gallon to make it back home.”

Recipe:

Sirens went off in my head (another “S” word). If the average car can travel 20 miles on one gallon of gas, this guy was 80 miles from home with no wallet. What didn’t sound right about that? And where was the car he emerged from just minutes before? I peeked around the corner to see the little red car with the woman in the passenger’s seat. Against my better judgement, I dug into my pocket and counted out $4.

“Thank you so much,” he said, quite sincerely. (If I work at this hard enough, I’ll come up with a column’s worth of “S” words!)

He returned to the pump, and then went inside the station to pay-or so I thought. “Sleazeball” came out after a minute or two, thanked me again, and sped off in the little red car.

Something inside my gut just didn’t feel right. The man was nice enough, but aren’t most con-artists really nice people? I replaced the gas nozzle, pulled the $20 that was nestled in my other pocket, and headed into the station to pay the attendant.

“The gentleman in here just a minute ago, did he pay for anything besides the $4 in gasoline?” I thought maybe he just wanted the money for cigarettes or lottery tickets.

“He didn’t have any gas at all,” answered the nice attendant behind the counter. “He came in and asked me

for the time, looked around a little, told me to have a nice day, and left.”

What a sucker I’d been! That “Sleazeball” had this con down to a science. He faked pumping gas, faked paying for the fuel, and very sweetly thanked me for helping.

I was furious! If I hadn’t been hauling six other people in the van, I would have risked life, limb and a few speeding tickets to track down the “Sleazeball” and give him a piece of my mind. Did he have no conscience? How many other people had he suckered before spotting me? “Steam” poured from my ears, and only our three children riding in the van prevented me from “spouting” four-letter words. Don’t worry, I won’t demonstrate with an “S” word this time.

It was a 30-minute drive to the zoo, and by the time we found a parking place I’d forgotten all about “Sleazeball.”

It was only $4, after all.

Do people see suckers coming from a mile away? Do suckers look different? Do they exude some suckerlike odor? Maybe. If that’s the case, I figure to be taken at least a few more times during my life. I still believe in helping my fellow human being whenever possible, and if that makes me a sucker, then I’ll proudly wear the Chartreuse Letter.

New Holiday Classics: Sweet and savory recipes for the season

(Family Features) The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the table with friends and family and share delicious dishes and treats. Every family has their traditional favorites — whether sweet or savory.

Rigatoni Romesco with Grilled Shrimp Servings: 6 • Cook Time: 20 min.

Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons Crisco® 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided, plus 1/3 cup olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, divided and chopped - 1 slice white bread - 1 cup Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter - 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, undrained - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes - 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley - 2 teaspoons salt, divided - 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 3 pounds (about 3 dozen) large raw shrimp, peeled

and deveined - 1 (16-ounce) package rigatoni pasta, cooked according to package directions and kept warm Optional Garnish - Chopped Italian parsley, chopped peanuts or roasted red pepper strips Directions: 1. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 cloves garlic to a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Sauté and stir about 1 minute.

2. Transfer garlic to small bowl. Add bread to skillet and cook 2 minutes on each side until toasted. Remove bread and tear into large pieces.

3. Place sautéed garlic, remaining clove raw garlic, bread, peanut butter and roasted red peppers in food processor

and purée well. Add in pepper flakes, tomatoes, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, vinegar, chili powder and paprika; purée. With processor running, add 1/3 cup oil gradually through the feed tube and mix well.

Return sauce to skillet and heat thoroughly. Keep warm.

4. Heat grill. Season shrimp with remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1 tablespoon oil in large bowl. Stir to combine. Grill about 2 minutes on each side or until opaque.

5. Place pasta on large platter. Top with sauce, then shrimp.

Serve hot. Garnish with Italian parsley, chopped peanuts and red peppers if desired.

Peanut Butter Caramel French Toast Servings: 8 • Prep Time: 30 min. • Cook Time: 45 min.

Ingredients: - Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray - 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup butter - 1/2 cup Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter - 2 tablespoons light corn syrup - 12 1-inch-thick slices French bread - 6 large eggs, beaten - 1 1/2 cups milk - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract - Whipped cream or whipped butter Directions: 1. Coat 13 x 9-inch baking dish with no-stick

cooking spray. Stir brown sugar, butter, peanut butter and corn syrup in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened. Pour peanut butter mixture into baking dish. Place bread slices over mixture, trimming to fit.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, vanilla and almond extracts in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and chill 8 hours or

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overnight.

3. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover. Bake 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Invert onto large serving platter. Cut into servings. Serve with whipped cream or whipped butter.

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Apple Cranberry Peanut Butter Crisp Servings: 9 • Prep Time: 15 min. • Cook Time: 40 min.

Ingredients: - 6 cups peeled, sliced Gala apples (about 3 large) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Topping - 6 tbsp Pillsbury Best® All Purpose Flour - 3 tablespoons toasted wheat germ - 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup Jif Omega-3 Creamy Peanut Butter - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - Smucker’s® Sundae Syrup™ Caramel Flavored

Syrup (optional) or Smucker’s Sugar Free Sundae Syrup Caramel Flavored Syrup Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Stir apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar and cinnamon until coated. Spoon evenly in 9 x 9-inch baking pan.

2. Mix flour, wheat germ and 1/4 cup brown sugar in medium bowl.

Cut in peanut butter with fork until crumbs form. Stir in walnuts. Crumble over apples.

3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are fork tender and top is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with caramel flavored syrup, if desired. Serve warm.

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Sports

18 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Sports You See... With Gary B. Guns ‘N Hoses Featured MVP Guest Proceeds To Backstoppers The 25th event of the police officers boxing the firefighters had a great crowd on Thanksgiving Eve. Police won nine of the 17 bouts. Winners included: David Keough FD, Kelly Kennon FD, Will Smith PD, Brian Gregory FD, Kristen Troup FD, Lucas Andert FD, Brandon Johnson PD, Rhonda Sanika PD, Brian Yount PD, Dondrell Harris PD, Bennie Blackmon PD, Chris Childers PD, John Dickherber FD, Frank Prusinowski FD, Chris Jenkerson FD, Matt Brillos PD and Ron Freeman PD. Laurie Taylor (pictured) of Pattonville Fire Protection District took a loss in a ‘Walkover’…she was injured before the fight and could not compete. Thanks anyway!

Honored was MVP of the Cardinals David Freeze pictured with Photos by Gary Baute Sean. ~~~Remembering all that have perished in the line of duty

son against Concordia Seminary.

The women’s basketball team is on a three-game winning streak as it won the last contest during the Thanksgiving weekend over Black Hills State 69-52.

Coach Francis and the Lady Lions finished with a 21-10 overall record in the 2010-11 season and they hope to replicate it this year. The women’s program has a long stretch of away games before returning to the Hyland Arena to battle Urbana on January 14. ~~~Thanks to Matthew Schmack, Graduate Assistant-Sports Information-Lindenwood University for the article Rascals Search to Fill a Few Positions Back-To-Back Great Seasons Recently I noticed that the General Manager slot for the River City Rascals was vacant.

Also, broadcaster Jason Troop has moved to Washington, IA taking a Sports Director position for KCII. ~~~Good luck John and Jason

Lindenwood Basketball Teams Men and Women The Lindenwood men’s and women’s basketball teams have gotten off to a great start in their 2011-2012 seasons. The men’s team has jumped out to an impressive 4-1 record with two of those victories coming in overtime. The team returned from its trip to Fairbanks, Alaska where it went 2-1 over some tough competition. The Lions will wrap up their road-game stretch by playing Urbana University on Wednesday, November 30 with Central State, and Wilberforce this weekend. LU returns home on December 13 for the first home game of the sea-

Simple Things Cause Accidents For years, I have been a strong proponent of the thought that the “simple things” in life can cause us some of the “biggest problems”. As far as traffic crashes are concerned, typically, it’s something “simple” that causes a crash, which often results in serious injuries and fatalities.

Some of those “simple” things include: speeding, texting, or talking on a cellular telephone, and not paying attention to changing conditions. The list could go on and on. We all know better, but for some reason, we

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www.jenningshistory.org

Remaining Season Schedule for Rams not Easy Rams 20-Arizona Cardinals 23 In the four of the five remaining games of the NFL regular season, the Rams will play teams looking to win their division or a playoff position. An uphill task for the organization indeed.

Not being able to shut down the Cardinals’ offense on November 27 made Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo face reality.

“Very disappointing loss,” the coach said. “Parts of it I’d say we’re in there battling and yet we made too many mistakes and end up losing the football game… so that’s where I’m at and I think the players feel the same way. So no matter what this week, guys will come back and work their tails off. Play for the fans, play for themselves. Represent them well, have a lot of pride. And go out and try to win a football game. That’s how we’ll approach it.”

Good talk, let’s hope results are a win next time.

NEXT RAMS HOME GAMES: December 18 Noon against the Cincinnati Bengals January 1 Noon against the San Francisco 49ers (end of regular season) Check the latest news at www.stlouisrams.com ~~~Need to shake it up

By Sgt. Paul Reinsch, Missouri State Highway Patrol

don’t make being a safe driver a priority in our lives.

One issue that seems “simple” to understand, but is often misunderstood by drivers, is proper lane usage.

Without a doubt, a “simple” lane violation can have disastrous outcome.

Missouri law clearly says when driving on a highway with a total of two lanes (one lane in each direction) drivers must drive in the right-hand lane. Obviously, a driver may cross into the other lane to overtake a vehicle if the pass can be made safely.

On highways with a total of four or more lanes (two or more lanes in each direction), a driver is mandated to drive in the right lane unless passing slower traffic, letting another driver have enough room to enter the

highway safely, or preparing to make a legal left turn.

Once you have completed the pass, Missouri law REQUIRES you to return to the right lane. It is not legal or safe to continuously drive in the left lane.

As far as overtaking vehicles is concerned, make sure you are in a safe passing zone.

On a two-lane roadway: Never pass on a hill, at a curve, in an intersection, or when you can see approaching traffic.

On highways with a total of four or more lanes (two or more lanes in each direction), always try to get through the other driver’s blind spot as quickly as possible without exceeding the speed limit.

The longer you stay in the other driver’s blind spot, the longer you are in danger of having that vehicle collide with your vehicle.

Never stay alongside, or immediately behind, a large vehicle such as a truck or bus. These vehicles have large blind spots and it’s difficult for their drivers www.centralcountyfire.org to see you. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the truck’s side mirror, most likely, the truck driver can’t see you. Remember, it takes longer to pass a large truck.

After passing any vehicle, make sure to provide plenty room to the vehicle you just passed by maintaining your speed. Last, but certainly not least, anytime you make a lane change always use your turn signals, so other drivers know of your intentions.

Safe driving is a full-time job and we need to realize that “simple” mistakes can cause serious traffic crashes. Please do your part to be a good, safe driver by following all traffic laws, and by paying attention to the main task at hand.

Health

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 19

Crider Health Center to Serve as Behavioral Health Care Home Community Mental Health Centers to Coordinate Medical Care Beginning Next Year An individual with serious mental illness will live, on average, 25 years less than an individual without mental illness. While the decreased life expectancy is alarming, 60 percent of premature deaths for those with serious mental illness are due to preventable medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD and high cholesterol, as well as behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, and an inactive lifestyle. The disparity is because individuals with serious mental illness are unlikely to seek out medical treatment for their ailments except in emergencies. Therefore, when treating individuals with mental illness, a focus on overall health, not just behavioral health, is crucial in helping them live longer, fuller, more productive and healthier lives. Giving such individuals with mental illness a healthcare home, a place where they can have their healthcare needs identified and receive the appropriate medical, behavioral, and related social services and supports they need, is just what the doctor ordered.

The Missouri Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning January 1, 2012, Missouri will become the first state in the nation to create coordinated care programs for mentally ill or substance abuse patients who also are dealing with other chronic health problems. As the first state to amend its Medicaid state plan, Missouri will address the issue of cooccurring mental and chronic illnesses by paving the way for healthcare homes.

Crider Health Center is already addressing the integration of behavioral and primary healthcare, as well as dental services, within its clinics that deliver services to St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Franklin Counties. Striving to address the disconnect in healthcare, Crider provides behavioral health interventions to primary care patients and primary health care interventions to behavioral health patients; however, this alone will not yield the success Missouri is looking for unless significant barriers are breached. The “healthcare home” must stretch beyond the walls of the clinical setting. Preventative care must be conducted in the homes and workplaces of consumers, where access to everyday living supports can positively impact the intervention. The goal is that Crider clients will become more effective consumers of medical services. They will be able to articulate their needs and identify health and wellness ser-

vices that will positively impact their health.

“Crider Health Center understands that treating an illness is not enough. It is imperative that we treat the whole person and provide the necessary healthcare services such as routine checkups and screenings, links to community supports, and information on how to prevent or treat disease,” said Dr. Karl Wilson, president and CEO of Crider Health Center. “Another element to treating the whole person is to provide education and supports for families of loved ones who are dealing with serious mental illness.”

Robert, a consumer of Crider Health Center services, is just one example of how healthcare homes can help those with mental illness lead healthier and more productive lives. Diagnosed at an early age with mental illness, Robert struggled as an adult to find his way in life. Because Robert was not receiving care from a psychiatrist, he was unable to control his mental illness and did not seek out medical care when his health began to deteriorate. As a result, Robert found himself facing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. At the urging of his family, Robert finally agreed to seek medical and psychiatric treatment. However, at Crider Health Center, Robert received more than the psychiatric and medical care he needed… he received another chance at LIFE. He is living independently, volunteering while he looks for work, has stopped smoking and increased his level of activity, lowering his weight and blood pressure.

“When individuals with mental illness do not have access to primary healthcare, they tend to visit emergency rooms when they fall ill,” said Dr. Wilson. “This practice not only creates a burden for local hospitals, but is very expensive. The purpose of healthcare homes is to reduce the strain that Missouri hospitals are experiencing and to reduce costs by providing integrated healthcare which will improve the mental and physical health of our consumers.”

How to Prepare for Labor and Delivery For some women, the thought of labor and delivery causes a lot of anxiety. However, preparing mentally and physically early in pregnancy can help you have a smoother delivery.

Many women choose a childbirth partner.

By James N. Martin, Jr, MD This person can be a spouse, partner, friend, President, The American or relative who can provide support through Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists your pregnancy, labor and delivery. He or she can accompany you to prenatal visits and childbirth classes. You can practice breathing or relaxation exercises together, and on delivery day, your partner can coach you through contractions and help carry out what you’ve learned in your classes.

Some women also choose to have a doula, or professional labor assistant. Doulas support both women and their childbirth partners and can take some of the pressure off during a long labor.

Childbirth education classes help prepare women for what to expect in labor and delivery. The techniques taught in popular classes, such as Lamaze, Bradley, and Read, can vary, but the idea is the same - that fear and tension make pain worse. They aim to relieve pain through education, emotional support, relaxation techniques, and touch. Your doctor can give you information on the different types of classes available.

During childbirth classes, you will learn about a number of different ways to approach labor and delivery. Topics that may be addressed include having a natural childbirth vs. using pain relief medication during labor, episiotomy, breastfeeding after delivery, and who will be in the delivery room.

If you choose to work with a midwife, ACOG recommends using a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or certified midwife (CM). Unlike lay midwives, CNMs and CMs are accredited, have passed a national certification exam, and are trained professionals. They work with qualified doctors to care for women and their babies through early pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the weeks after birth.

Women must also consider where they will deliver. It’s important to be in a setting where trained emergency medical staff are available in case complications arise that threaten the life or health of the mother or baby. Therefore, ACOG recommends that all births take place in a hospital setting or a birthing center within a hospital complex.

Discussing these details beforehand can ease confusion at the time of your delivery. You can make a list of options that appeal to you and share them with your doctor for review. He or she can let you know if your preferences conflict with hospital policy.

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20 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

CHURCH December 2 & 4: Choral Arts Singers Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (Hwy. N in Wentzville), 3 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Assumption’s Chapel on North Main Street in O’Fallon. Free.

Info: 636.745.8161 or www.concertarts.org/index.html.

December 10: St. Charles County Youth Orchestra Winter Concert 1 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church (Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles).

Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” & other Christmas selections.

Tickets are $4 for adults & $2 for children, and available at the door. 5 & under are free. Info: 636.916.0515 or email sccyo@sccyo.org.

Every Thursday at 7 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friends and Family Support Group Open to anyone who has a loved one suffering from any kind of addiction. Held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 66 Oak Valley Drive, St. Peters.

For more information, email ARP-stln@hotmail.com.

Operation Backpack - United

Methodist Church, Wentzville Food search program to provide food to at-risk children over the weekend when they don’t have access to free breakfast & lunch at local schools. There is a monthly financial need. It costs $5.40/child per week to provide backpack full of nutritious food. $200 provides a child w/ enough food for a year. Contact: 636.327.6377.

Truth Matters!! Free Bible Correspondence Course Call: 636.294.9468 or 636.272.3013. Come Learn God’s Word with us. Sun. 9:30 am. - Bible classes 10:20 am. - Worship; Sun. 5 pm. - Worship; Wed Eve 7 pm. 2309 Markoe Avenue, Wentzville, MO 63385.

3rd Tues. Free Luncheon for Seniors.

Seniors 55+ enjoy free lunch, cards, games, bingo. From 11 am - 2 pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. Info: 636.561.8951.

2nd Wed.: Noon Luncheon Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell. United Methodist Women provide main entree & bevs. 636.673.2144.

EVENTS

December 1: O’Fallon Family YMCA Teen Leader’s Club 7-8 p.m. Join today and make new friends while becoming a leader in your community. Club meets twice a month for one meeting & one or more service projects in the community and through the YMCA. Ages 1318, free to join! Contact Andrea Humphries - 636.379.0092 x 249.

9:30 a.m. at Calvary Church, 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Mo., 63376. State agencies, volunteer groups, faith groups and local government agencies work together to help ex-offenders reenter society successfully. Attorney Vincent Johnson will speak about barriers in trying to find housing. Info: Karleen Rogers at krogers@sccmo.org.

December 1: Town Hall Meeting 7 p.m. at Mike’s Pizza (128 Triad Center West, O’Fallon, MO.) with Representative Kurt Bahr.

Guest speakers will be from Ameren Missouri and Cuivre River Electric.

December 3: Arts & Crafts Fair 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Francis Howell Middle School (825 O’Fallon Road, Weldon Spring, Mo. 63304). Sponsored by the Francis Howell High School Band Boosters. Info: Donna at 636.498.0487 or craftfair@fhhsmb.org.

December 2: Recycled Kids Toy/Home Sale & Food Drive At the St. Charles Convention Center. Gently used and new toys and home goods for the holiday season. You are welcome to consign and make some extra money. We are also hosting a food drive for St. Joachim and Ann Care Center. Please drop off canned goods, dry items & toiletries during our event. Free admission. Visit www.recycledkidssale.com for more.

December 3: Our Lady’s Inn Birthday Party for Jesus Luncheon 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. O’Fallon Family YMCA. $5 per person. Lunch, beverage, dessert, activities & a reading of “The Christmas Story.” Reservations at www.ourladysinn.org or call Tammy D. at 314.351.4590.

December 2: 180 Project Meeting

December 4: LSL Mothers Club Annual Holiday Homes Tour 5-8 p.m. Lake St. Louis homes will be decorated and displayed.

Tickets are $10 at www.lslmothersclub.com, the Wharf Pharma-

cy (2175 W. Terra Lane) or The UPS Store (6290 Ronald Reagan Drive) prior to the tour. Tickets may also be purchased the day of at any of the tour homes. Info at 636.219.6117 or www.lslmothersclub.com.

December 4: Patt Holt Singers 12th Annual Dinner Show 4 p.m. at St. Peters Parish Center, First Capitol and Third Streets in St. Charles. $15 per person. Dinner at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Cash bar. Reservations required. Info: 636.947.0120.

Through December 5: 2011 Fall Art Show The Oak Leaf Artist Guild “Fruits of Our Labor” show at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre (1 St. Peters Centre Blvd. - city hall). 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Saturday. Info at www. oakleafartistguild.org.

December 8: Mom’s Afternoon Out at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Ages 6 weeks-5 years. $10.00/child. Let us take the little ones for a couple of hours. Registrations must be received by the Tuesday before. For more info or to register, contact the Service Center at 636.379.0092.

December 17: Cribbage Card Playing 1 – 4 p.m. at Bandana’s Bar-B-Q in Wentzville (I-70 at Exit 208 on S. Service Road). Play 4-handed partner games. Fun and relaxing play. Register by email 512barbore@centurytel.net, or call Bud Arbore at 636.463.2978. www.mycnews.com/Piglowski.pdf

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1st and 3rd Wed.: 7 p.m. St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Diverse group of people has a wide variety of carving skills ranging from novice to professional. Meetings include brief business mtg. followed by carving session. At Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles.

Visitors always welcome!

Hazelwoodwood High School 45th Class Reunion: We are having a class reunion in 2012 and are looking for classmates of Class of 1967. Please contact Kay at 1967hhshi@gmail. com or 636 745-2601 for more information.

Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 21

4th Mon.: 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 388 Meets At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

Crossroads Cribbage Club Every Wed. at 12 p.m.

Meets at Rizzo’s Bar & Grill, Wentzville, MO. Every Thurs: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10:00 a.m - noon. Free. Join us every week to play your favorite board games, cards or dominos.

Bring a snack and your favorite stories to share. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 x230.

Every Tues: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Join us every week to work on quilts “One Stitch at a Time” for local charities. Anybody welcome, no sewing experience required.

4th Tues.: 6:30 p.m. O’Fallon Garden Club.

Meets at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. More info call Barb at 636.978.5930.

3rd Wed.: O’Fallon Family YMCA Prayer Breakfast 7:30 a.m. The Y has always been nonsectarian, accepting of all faiths. We encourage you to come as you are and join members and guests of our community for prayer and fellowship on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 for more information.

VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane.

Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Every Weekend: Orchard Farm Radio Controlled Flying Club Bring your family to watch flying model airplanes. Directions: www.orchardfarm.com Info: 636.300.1480.

HEALTH December 28: Free Mammograms 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be at Reliance Bank - Wentzville Ladies 40 years old and older are eligible (for those with little or no health insurance). Register at 636.332.3640.

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Can email for further information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

• 1st and 3rd Monday: 9:30-11 a.m.

500 Medical Dr in Wentzville; doctors dining room of St Joseph Hospital; contact 636-5611407.

• 2nd and 4th Tuesday: 6:30-8 p.m.

2 Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, MO; 4th floor conference room of Progress West Hospital; contact 636-561-1407.

Progress West HealthCare Center is proud to offer the following events to the community, FREE unless otherwise noted.

To register or get directions, please call 636.344.CARE(2273) or visit www.progresswesthealthcare.org. *Middendorf-Kredell Library (MK): 2750 Hwy K. 636.272.4999. *Progress West Healthcare Center (PWHC): 2 Progress Point Pkwy.

636.344.2273 or 363.344.1000.

Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. Support children 4–12 w/parent/significant caregiver w/cancer.

1st Thurs.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer Support Group for adults w/ cancer. Siteman Cancer Cntr, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters.

Call 636.916.9920.

Every Mon.: 7 p.m. Tobacco Free for Life Support group. Free. St. Peters City Hall. 636.947.5304.

2nd Thurs.: 4 p.m. Support Group for Alzheimer’s Delmar Gardens, 7068 S. Outer 364, O’Fallon. Call: Jennifer Krpan, Ralph Covinsky 636.240.6100.

1st Mon.: Better Breathers Club Those w/chronic lung disease.

St. Joseph Health Cntr., 300 1st Capitol Dr., St. Charles. Free lunch. 636.947.5684.

4th Thurs.: 6:30–8 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group Siteman Cancer Cntr, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way. 636.928.WELL (9355) or 800.392.0936. http://

siteman.bjsph.org.

3rd Sun. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Alzheimer’s Meeting Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Rd., O’Fallon. Faith-based for caregivers, family of those w/ memory loss. 1.800.272.3900.

Gateway to Hope Program The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured & reside in Missouri.

Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or visit our Web site at www.gthstl.org.

4th Tues: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group At HW Koenig Med Bldg, St Joseph Hosp. West. 636.625.5447 Last Tues.: 7–8:30 p.m. HOPE (Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Group) Sponsored by SSM St. Joseph Health Cntr & SSM, at Harvester Christian Church, Rm CH–104, 2950 Kings Crossing.

636.928.7651, x. 115.

3rd Wed. 6:30–8 p.m. KidsCan! Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-

Crossword Solutions from page 14

Every Wed. 6:45 p.m. Charity Bingo VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. Cash prizes awarded. Support Vets & other worthwhile charities.

Now a non-smoking facility. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org for more info.

www.facebook.com/mycnews

Every Thurs., 11:45 a.m., Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon.

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. More info at www. ofkiwanis.com.

Every Fri.: 3–8 p.m. VFW Fish Fry

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22 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

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Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us.

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Community News - St. Charles County • November 30, 2011 • 23

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Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run.

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FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

ON C RAZY

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y for 86 Years 1921 - Weekl Established & Operated ies Family Owned & St. Charles Count Louis Serving St.

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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Fair Women’s

By Shelly A.

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toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles County resident Friendship stages, broods greatest can upload s have the prevention of mosquitoes Day is Aumethod fingertips. a two-mintoes are mainly Proper maintens right at their gust 5 and - propert of the ance ute video pest y is the first variety, and the first to of the in light of emerge in the are step toward describ ing mosquito spring months prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to propert friend lights ten miles or more drained y should be adequately i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , to prevent a blood meal women any pools or to lay .....................3 water that may to www.ra puddles of r story............. eggs. last place high Cove County mosqui ten days or longer. diance ribtheir eggs directly ....................6 to v a control ider.... l u e McCauley lists on the water bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schne several things 9 on , surface, their may do to homeowners cies in this Florissant ..........8 friendships, group do - their summekeep mosquitoes from test closes Old Olay is offering venture ruining theirTown r: breeding sites. not ..10,far11from a chance to Aug. treat themsel women Charles.........

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E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in the lunTAINMENT Doors open Film Group’s See ENTER feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari Carmen and h A special a e Chris Kattan lin. year will b cheon this Dan Cough by author page 3 presentation N’S FAIR See WOME

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2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

Vol 9 No 28

er

in the larval

a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast exercis plastic surmation on nence, and inconti ement and urinary personal improv fitting and bra gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, p made easy, hair, makeu

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers.

Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

July 11, 2007

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes.

Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.

Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs.

While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d i s ea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to animal ers escalatin owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

S LOU

Schneider

C o o li n g It

Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on at the 2007 to questio more , and image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuSt. Fair Nov. 17, at Women’s ay, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s r, and more speake e ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and exhibits and a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

Mosquito Sea son By

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription.

The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the fast-growing Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with additional copies available in newsstands, plus online subscribers.

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

58206_CirMap.indd 2

Or, sign up for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION at www.mycnews.com

7/5/11 3:30 PM

24 • November 30, 2011 • Community News - St. Charles County

Money Advice for the Holidays Consumers spend more money in October, November and December - on things like presents, entertaining and travel - than at any other time of the year. And, many of those purchases are made by using credit cards with high interest rates which can lead to serious financial problems for months or years to come. To keep from turning into Mr. Scrooge during and after the holidays, here are some tips to help maintain your generosity without busting your budget.

Shorten your gift list. Reduce holiday spending by purchasing gifts for fewer people. Convince your loved ones not to exchange presents this year or agree to a gift exchange with a dollar limit, with each person buying a present for only one other family member.

Give with your heart – not your wallet. A special photo, home-baked goods, a coupon for your services (such as babysitting or yard work) or a tax-deductible contribution to a charity are all thoughtful gifts.

Create a holiday budget and stick to it. Once

you’ve figured out who’s on your gift list, decide how much you want, and can afford, to spend on each person.

This will help you resist the temptation of making impulse purchases.

Shop early. Good deals are readily available before the day after Thanksgiving. Prices tend to be lower, you have more time to find online or mail order bargains and you can get great deals on models that are being phased out by year end.

Avoid unnecessary warranties. Don’t be pressured to buy an extended warranty or service contract. Extended warranties often duplicate the product’s existing warranty and are rarely worth the additional cost.

Keep track of your purchases. To make sure you stay on budget, keep all sales receipts. They will also come in handy when reviewing your credit card statements.

Get gift receipts for your recipients too -they’ll enjoy the gift even more if they can exchange it for something that suits them better.

Choosing Payment Methods When it comes to paying for holiday purchases, follow this advice: Pay by cash, check or debit card. To avoid finance charges from credit card bills, use your credit cards as little as possible. When you can, pay by cash, check, or debit card instead.

Pay off your credit card bill quickly. By paying off your credit card bill in full, you can avoid paying sizable interest payments. If you can’t do that, try to pay as much of the bill as you can each month.

Consider transferring the balance to a low fixedrate credit card. Get a credit card with a low, fixed interest rate – ideally one with no annual fee – and transfer your high rate credit card balances to it. But be careful. People who constantly juggle cards often get into financial trouble. And, too many open and closed accounts may lower your credit score.

By mapping out a spending strategy and drafting a holiday budget (and sticking to it), you can maintain some financial sanity during this festive – and sometimes frantic - time of year. That way, your finances will get off to a good start once the New Year rolls around.

This information is brought to you courtesy of West Community Credit Union in Brentwood, Kirkwood and O’Fallon. For more information, contact us at 636.720.2400 or www.westcommunitycu.org.

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