Mid Rivers Newsmagazine 11-29-23

Vol. 20 No. 23 • November 29, 2023 

midriversnewsmagazine.com 

CHANUKAH 

Shining light in the darkness 

A conversation with Rabbi Chaim Landa 

PLUS: Mature Focus ■ Townhomes Approved in St. Peters ■ Holiday Happenings

FACEBOOK.COM/MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE 

MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE.COM 

SALENA ZITO 

November 29, 2023 

MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE 

I OPINION I 3 

Community colleges, trade schools 

largely void of Israel-Hamas protests 

TV host Mike Rowe said that eight years 

ago, he was switching the news channels on 

his television and saw several college students 

setting fire to the American flag and 

dancing around a pile of burning flags. They 

were telling reporters in interviews they 

were disgusted with Old Glory and “fearful” 

of the flag. 

“It wasn’t lost on me in the moment that 

all of these events were happening at what 

is considered the best of the best elite universities 

across the country,” Rowe told 

me. Among supposedly non-elite students, 

though, the situation wasn’t and isn’t as bad. 

Rowe said it didn’t take long for him to 

figure out why those “elite” students drew 

those conclusions about Old Glory: The 

idea of associating fear with the flag came 

from the very people who were supposed to 

be instructing these privileged students. 

Rowe said the evidence was crystal clear 

when Jonathan Lash, then the president of 

Hampshire College, chose not to assure the 

students that no country offers more liberties 

to their people and therefore there was 

nothing to “fear” from the flag. Instead, he 

spoke up in ways they understood to validate 

their fears. 

“Lash actually removed any traces of the 

American flag from the campus and said in 

a statement that removing the flag from the 

campus ‘will better enable us to focus our 

efforts on addressing racist, misogynistic, 

Islamophobic, anti-immigrant, antisemitic, 

anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and behaviors,’” 

Rowe explained. 

Lash, a former Peace Corps volunteer, federal 

prosecutor, Harvard graduate and president 

of a Washington-based environmental 

think tank, left the college in 2018. Hampshire 

College, under Lash in 2015, was one 

of the first elite schools in the United States 

not to accept SAT scores from applicants, in 

part because Lash said SATs were strongly 

biased against students of color. 

Rowe said that if people are shocked by 

the blatant antisemitism among college 

students and by the students’ clear lack of 

understanding of history, they haven’t been 

paying attention to the ethos of (supposedly) 

elite universities for at least two generations. 

Higher education, for decades, has been 

trending not liberal but radically left. Phillip 

Magness and David Waugh wrote earlier 

this year in the Independent Review that 

60% of faculty in universities across this 

country identified as “hard left.” 

Magness and Waugh wrote that while 

the modal college professor has been at the 

political left of the public since the 1960s, 

it wasn’t until very recently that this overall 

skew obscured an underlying stability in the 

political composition of faculty. 

Their data showed it was in 2001 that faculty 

majorities went from liberal to hard left 

and now are nearing a supermajority in the 

academic world. 

It is not lost on Rowe that the two places 

of higher education where you don’t see 

campuses erupting in violence and destroying 

the safety of Jewish students are trade 

schools and community colleges. 

“In 2016, I was feeling very proud to have 

a scholarship fund that was earmarked for 

trade schools when everywhere I looked, I 

saw people burning the flag at elite universities,” 

Rowe said, adding, “Maybe it happened 

then, or maybe it is happening now, 

but I looked, and I couldn’t find a single 

incident of a trade school or community college 

burning the American flag.” 

“These schools simply don’t go there,” he 

said of the trade schools and community 

colleges nationwide whose certificate programs 

and two-year degrees are designed 

around filling this country’s skills gap. 

The typical financial aid package is huge 

at Harvard University, in which pro-Palestinian 

rallies have cost the school financial 

support from alumni. The total budget for 

a student this year is $80,600, with federal 

scholarship amounts set at $64,500. 

Over 55% of the students attending Harvard 

received federal grants or loans. 

Rowe said if you want to throw a little gas 

on the fire of the psyche of the American sitting 

at home, shaking her head, wondering 

what these students are up to, “Just remember 

you’re paying for it.” 

The Department of Education tallies show 

there are nearly 4,000 colleges and universities 

across this country with 40% of their 

students holding some type of job while 

attending school. 

In contrast, there are just a little over 

1,000 community colleges and 7,407 trade 

and technical schools as of 2022 with 80% 

of those students employed while attending 

school in the former. 

Rowe said that when the protests at the 

elite universities started to unfold after the 

Oct. 7 massacre, he wondered what seemed 

so familiar. “And the answer isn’t because 

it’s familiar in terms of bad behavior. It was 

familiar because it’s another thing that never 

happens at schools where people go to learn 

a skill.” 

© 2023 Creators.com 

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6 I OPINION I 



@MIDRIVERS_NEWS 


EDITORIAL 

You ‘Musk’ be kidding me 

Big business sure is fun, isn’t it? 

Who needs daytime soap operas or the 

federal government to keep us entertained 

when corporate America is bringing this 

level of drama? 

Take Elon Musk, please! The billionaire 

entrepreneur and super awkward Saturday 

Night Live host spent most of last week 

convincing us that he was and then was not 

an antisemite. Which is correct? No idea, 

never met the man. Nor have 99.9% of 

the people who have a “very strong opinion” 

on the topic. That said, Musk made it 

way, way too easy to get painted with the 

brush of antisemitism, that’s for sure. Can 

he defend his odd posts? Sure, but it takes 

some serious linguistic jiu-jitsu to walk 

back his very public statements. Musk 

might be the only man alive who would 

buy a $44 billion platform, turn it into a 

$15 billion platform, use it to get labeled 

an antisemitic conspiracy theorist, and 

then declare victory for free speech. 

(By the way, check this out. If the controversy 

surrounding Musk continues and 

ends up getting labeled as a full-blown 

issue, we could call it getting “Elon-gated.” 

That right there is pure comedy gold.) 

Now, consider artificial intelligence. Not 

the technology, that’s what we call the Board 

at OpenAI who ousted their CEO out of the 

blue, shocking everyone (including their 

lead investors), and then promptly hired 

him back when the entire staff threatened to 

quit. As if AI wasn’t scary enough, we add 

palace intrigue between CTO Ilya Sutskever 

and fired/rehired CEO Sam Altman (Who 

is from here! Parents still live here. They 

might read this. Yikes!). Sutskever, whom 

the press keeps calling a genius, led the coup 

against Altman, changed his mind, and then 

co-signed a letter calling for his own firing 

from the Board. This genius-level stuff sure 

is complicated. 

Seriously though, it is easy to pick on 

Big Business (easy and surprisingly satisfying 

– I would recommend it!), but that’s 

not why we’re here. 

We’re here to make our annual plea for 

local readers to shop at local stores. Not 

exclusively, we gave up chasing that dream 

long ago. We know how easy it is to shop 

with a single click, to shop without leaving 

your computer screen, to shop without 

really having to shop. (It’s good to put a 

couple extra bucks into Jeff Bezos’ pockets 

because there is absolutely nothing super 

weird and creepy about that guy.) 

What we’re asking is that you check out 

your local stores as well. Eat at a local restaurant, 

shop at a local boutique, or let a local 

jeweler help you make lasting memories. 

We think you’re gonna find it to be 

worthwhile. We think your life becomes 

enriched when you do business with 

people who truly appreciate the business. 

We believe it comes back to you tenfold. 

That local business owner you’re working 

with has kids in the same school as you. 

They live nearby and pay the same taxes 

and drive the same streets and vote on 

the same issues. No, those local business 

owners aren’t Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos 

or Sam Altman, they are your neighbors. 

(Although, again, your neighbors could be 

Sam Altman’s parents, and if so tell them 

we said “hi” and we would love to interview 

them one day. Link in bio.) 

So, set aside some gifts on your list 

and drive to local places where you can 

buy things from a human being. Skip the 

online checkout and the self-checkout, and 

instead check out your neighbors’ stores. 

Every day we drive by a local restaurant 

that you’ve probably heard of called 

“Annie Gunn’s.” Now, Annie Gunn’s is 

not an advertiser so this is not pandering 

(though they should be an advertiser; 

if only because we’re mentioning them 

because we are nice despite the fact they 

do not advertise with us and should.) OK, 

that last part was pandering. 

Anyhoo, Annie Gunn’s is owned by the 

Sehnert family and has been an icon in this 

area for more than 30 years. The restaurant 

and market is currently displaying a 30-foot 

banner that goes across the front of their 

store. It’s been there since the pandemic. 

To us, that 30-foot banner epitomizes the 

spirit of local business. It reads simply, 

“Grateful & Thankful.” Why haven’t they 

taken it down? Probably because local 

businesses never lose that feeling of being 

grateful and thankful for local support. 

We would be grateful and thankful if you 

took a little time and a little money to shop 

and dine at a local business this holiday 

season. 

Founder 

Publisher Emeritus 

Publisher 

Managing Editor 

Associate Editor 

Staff Writer 

Features Editor 

Business Manager 

Graphic Designer 

Graphic Designer 

Graphic Layout 

Advertising Account Executives 

Nancy Anderson 

Vicky Czapla 

Ellen Hartbeck 

Jessica Baumgartner 

Bethany Coad 

Suzanne Corbett 

Robin S. Jefferson 

Reporters 

Doug Huber 

Sharon Huber 

Tim Weber 

Kate Uptergrove 

Tracey Bruce 

Laura Saggar 

Lisa Russell 

Erica Myers 

Donna Deck 

Aly Doty 

Emily Rothermich 

Linda Joyce 

Joe Ritter 

Sheila Roberts 

DeAnne LeBlanc 

John Tremmel 

Sue Zimmerman 

ON THE COVER: Rabbi Chaim Landa, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County 

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8 I NEWS I 





REGIONAL MAKERS • DESIGNERS • ARTISTS AT THE FOUNDRY ART CENTRE 

12/1 from 5pm to 8pm & 12/2 from 11am to 5pm 

foundryartcentre.org 

The 505 Foundation donated $8,000 to the St. Charles County Police Department in memory of Sgt. John C. 

Bush on Nov. 13. Presenting the award are members of Bush’s family. 

(Source - both photos: St. Charles County) 

NEWS 

BRIEFS 

O’FALLON 

Road project funding, 

plans remain tabled 

Funding and plans for the new intersection 

at Tom Ginnever Avenue and North 

Cool Springs Road remain on hold until 

Dec. 14. 

O’Fallon has been seeking to use external 

funds to help with the reconstruction 

and replacement of the Tom Ginnever 

Avenue and North Cool Springs Road 

stop-controlled intersection with a roundabout 

to mitigate congestion and delays, 

and to improve safety through this intersection. 

The project also would address 

pedestrian improvements including the 

installation of new 10-foot, shared-use 

path sections within the intersection project 

limits. 

The total project cost is estimated to be 

$1,518,000. The city has proposed to use 

$986,700 in federal funding (65% of the 

estimated project total) for all items that 

are eligible for federal reimbursement. 

Bill No. 7596, sponsored by Mayor Bill 

Hennessy, would authorize an agreement 

to use MoDOT Congestion Mitigation 

and Air Quality Funding (CMAQ) for this 

project. CMAQ funds actually are federal 

funds passed through the East-West 

Gateway Council of Governments and 

MoDOT. 

The City Council had planned to do a 

second reading and a vote for passage of 

the bill at its Oct. 26 meeting. However, 

the bill was tabled in order to collect more 

information and address concerns from 

residents, especially related to the planned 

roundabout. 

At the Nov. 16 pre-council meeting workshop, 

intersection plans were reviewed 

in detail and discussed with the council, 

focusing specifically on the proposed new 

roundabout. However, at the regular council 

meeting, the bill was left on the table. 

Asked after the meeting about the bill, 

Mayor Bill Hennessy explained, “It was 

left on the table because both (Ward 1) 

council members were excused from the 

meeting and this is in their ward. I do 

expect that the bill will removed from the 

table at the December (14) meeting and 

will be voted on.” 

City sets 2023 property 

tax rate 

O’Fallon had established a 2023 general 

property tax levy rate of $0.2917 per 

$100 assessed valuation. However, the 

city’s assessed property value after Board 

of Equalization review increased by 

$7,462,882 as compared to the information 

used to calculate the initial tax levy rate. 

Consequently, O’Fallon had proposed 

legislation (Bill No. 7598) that would 

reduce the general tax levy rate to $0.2909 

per $100 assessed valuation. The higher 

valuation and the lower rate would yield 

the same amount of tax revenue. The debt 

service tax levy rate portion of the property 

tax would remain the same. 

At its Nov. 16 meeting, the City Council 

approved the bill by a vote of 8-0, setting 

the 2023 general tax levy rate at $0.2909 

per $100 assessed valuation. Council 

members Deana Smith and Ron Epps 

(both Ward 1) were absent/excused. 

ST. CHARLES CITY 

Helping Hands 

donations sought 

Through Friday, Dec. 8 residents can 

donate winter coats, gloves and personal 

County Executive Steve Ehlmann congratulates 

Director of Administration Joann Leykam on her 

Lifetime Public Service Award. 

care items for residents in need. The items 

will be distributed at the St. Charles Convention 

Center’s annual Helping Hands for 

the Holidays event on Wednesday, Dec. 13. 

Donations can be dropped off at the following 

St. Charles locations: 

Saint Charles Convention Center 

1 Convention Center Plaza 

(636) 669-3000 

Upper-level Administrative Offices from 

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Embassy Suites Hotel 

2 Convention Center Plaza 

(636) 669-3000 

Donations may be dropped off in the 

lobby 24/7. 

St. Charles City Hall 

200 N. Second Street, #2851 

(636) 949-3200 


lobby from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through 

Friday. 

New Frontier Bank 

1771 Zumbehl Road 

(636) 940-8740 


lobby during regular business hours. 

St. Charles Fire Station #4 

3201 Boschertown Road 

(636) 949-3250 

Donations may be dropped off 24/7.





I NEWS I 9 

In 2008, the Saint Charles Convention 

Center embarked on a mission to make a 

difference in the local community and produced 

its first annual Helping Hands for 

the Holidays. 

The Convention Center created the free 

event with the goal of improving the lives 

of people in need during the holidays. Over 

the years the event has surpassed 14,000 

attendees and many volunteers. 

Last year, the event saw a 55% increase 

in attendance from 2021, welcoming 870 

guests. The Convention Center partnered 

with CAPS of St. Charles County, Sam’s 

Club and Dollar General to host the 15th 

Annual Helping Hands event. 

paign will host its annual St. Charles 

County Elected Officials day on Saturday, 

Dec. 9. Meet local officials as they ring the 

bell at the Red Kettle. 

Dardenne Prairie raised $1,973.33 in 

2023, taking the lead of local communities. 

Police sergeant’s 

service lives on 

At the Nov. 13 St. Charles County Council 

meeting, representatives of the John 

Bush family presented a check for $8,000 

to the St. Charles County Police Department 

on behalf of the 505 Foundation. 

The foundation was created to honor the 

memory of Sgt. John C. Bush. 

Bush diligently served the county for 

50 years, and his family has continued 

that legacy through their donations toward 

public safety. 

This year, the foundation was able to provide 

the St. Charles County Police Department 

with steel targets, a brass catcher and 

tables for the range classroom. 

Director of Administration 

awarded for service 

Joann Leykam, St. Charles County 

Director of Administration, recently was 

presented with the Lifetime Public Service 

Award by the East-West Gateway Council 

of Governments. 

In her role with the county, she has 

been pivotal in many collaborative and 

innovative efforts, including the establishment 

of the St. Charles County Police 

Department, the Metro Air Support Unit, 

the St. Charles County Regional SWAT 

Team, the St. Charles County Drug Task 

Force, St. Charles County Regional 

Emergency Management, and the 

Regional Information and Intelligence 

Center. 

Pedal the Cause moves 

to new location 

Pedal the Cause is moving to the city of 

Saint Charles and the Family Arena for its 

15th annual ride in 2024. 

Two years ago, with news that the Chesterfield 

Mall would be redeveloping and 

with the knowledge that the ride would be 

outgrowing the roads and levee capacity in 

Chesterfield, organizers began looking for 

a new home. 

Two course options will be offered on 

the Katy Trail. According to the announcement, 

“The 20-mile and longer course will 

make it out to flat, newly paved roads with 

no traffic and incredible farmland in every 

direction. Rest stops will be positioned at 

several historic sites along the way like 

the historic Black Walnut Trailhead, Portage 

des Sioux and the Marais Temps Clair 

Conservation Area. Riders will make their 

way toward the Mississippi River where 

the Our Lady of the River Shrine could 

make the perfect spot for a water break. 

The Big Hitter, Metric Century and River 

Century rides will all pass through this 

beautiful place.” 

According to organizers, Century riders 

will travel to Grafton, Illinois, via ferry 

and enjoy the scenic River Road and Pierre 

Marquette Park. 

In 2023, Pedal the Cause donated a 

record-breaking $5,003,916 to Siteman 

Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. 

Louis Children’s Hospital to fund the best 

new ideas in adult and pediatric cancer 

research. The donation is the highest in the 

organization’s 14-year history. Founded in 

2010 with the bold model of using 100% of 

public donations to fund world-class cancer 

research, Pedal the Cause has donated more 

than $45.8 million to the cause, funding 211 

adult and pediatric projects. 

ST. CHARLES COUNTY 

Salvation Army 

seeks donations 

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Cam- 

Freezing weather is coming! 

Slips and falls affect us all. 

Frost, ice and snow are particularly dangerous for our seniors. 

If you slip, give us a call! 

95% of our rehab residents return to home. 

EXPERTS IN DEMENTIA CARE 

gardenviewcarecenter.com 

636-240-2840 | O’FALLON 

636-537-3333 | CHESTERFIELD 

636-861-0500 | DOUGHERTY FERRY

10 I NEWS I 





Chanukah: A little bit of light can change the world for the better 

By TRACEY BRUCE 

The celebration of Chanukah runs Dec. 

7-15, and despite the dark tidings ongoing 

from Israel and the conflict in Gaza, the 

focus of the festival in St. Charles County 

will be about light – as it always has been 

for Chanukah, from its beginning until now, 

Rabbi Chaim Landa, co-director of the St. 

Charles Jewish Community - Chabad, said. 

“Chanukah is about light over darkness,” 

said Landa. “I think this year’s celebration 

is especially significant, meaningful and 

needed. Now, more than ever, we need 

this expression of light, the sense of 

Jewish pride; our response to the hatred 

of any kind is to illuminate our surroundings, 

stand proudly as Jews and focus on 

what we are fighting for. We cannot cower 

or hide our faith and certainly not obsess 

about the hate in the darkness. 

“That is the lesson of Chanukah, the tremendous 

power of light to overcome darkness.” 

Chanukah commemorates the rededication 

of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, 

after the Jews rose up against their 

Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean 

Revolt and were victorious. The fight was 

to preserve Judaism and Jews as a people. 

“Chanukah recalls the victory of a militarily 

weak but spiritually strong – Jewish 

people over the mighty Syrian-Greek 

forces who had overrun ancient Israel and 

also threatened to engulf the land and the 

people in darkness,” Landa said. 

Before the temple was desecrated during 

the occupation, the lighting of the menorah, 

a lamp stand with nine branches, was 

a daily event. After the temple was recovered, 

only one container of oil 

that had not been desecrated 

was discovered – only enough 

for one day. It took eight days 

to press olives into oil. Miraculously, 

the menorah was lit and 

the oil lasted eight days, according 

to the Babylonian Talmud. 

Today, the traditional celebration 

of that event begins with 

the lighting of one candle on 

the menorah on the first day of 

Chanukah with another candle 

lit each day until the eight days 

are complete. 

“I think this is especially 

important now as antisemitism has come 

to the fore. The menorah’s representation 

of the words of the sages – that ‘a little bit 

of light expels a lot of darkness’ becomes 

that much more meaningful. It shares the 

universal message of triumph of freedom 

over oppression, light over darkness, of 

liberty and independence; and one and 

all it’s a story of the Jewish people, it is 

our story. Unfortunately, it has been a 

reoccurring theme,” Landa said. “But the 

Jewish people are an eternal people, and 

we will not only embrace our Jewishness, 

but embrace it more proudly, more openly 

with more confidence. We’ll stand tall. 

We’ll stand strong. 

Landa said during these difficult times 

people need to be proactive to make a 

difference. Landa is a student of the late 

Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 

(the Rebbe) who has been called the 

most influential Jewish leader of the 20th 

century and is the leader of the Chabad- 

Lubavitch movement. 

The Dreidel Man is a favorite part of Chanukah on Main in 

Saint Charles. 

(Source: Rabbi Chaim Landa) 

“The real battle ... is a spiritual battle. 

There are people trying to make our world 

dark. They are terrorists. They are creating 

terror. We have to be responsible, We have 

to remain positive, not let fear trip us or 

hate destroy us,” Landa said. “We can’t 

wait for positivity or light to come upon 

us; we have to be intentional about it. 

“I think that’s always but especially when 

there are other forces of negativity, of 

darkness and hatred, that makes it so much 

more important to go out and positively 

engage and appreciate the next person 

for who they are. Celebrate your heritage 

proudly openly. 

“Sometimes it seems like what we are 

doing can be insignificant – giving charity 

daily, doing a good deed, being kind 

to another person, it can seem like this is 

small stuff. If the message of Chanukah is 

that a little bit of light can push away a lot 

of darkness. Just imagine what a whole lot 

of light can do. Light will always prevail 

over darkness.” 

“What the Rebbe has taught us is that 

every single individual or individual 

good deed can change this world for 

the better and never underestimate it.” 

The reminder of Chanukah is not 

only to bring light but show that light 

to others. It is a holiday celebrated in 

the open, publicly rather than in the 

home or synagogue, he said. 

“This holiday is in the streets; it’s 

by the window,” Landa said. “I think 

that it is coming at a very important 

time. People, Jewish people and I think 

people of all faiths need this message 

of hope of light and of pride. We should 

be proud Jews, openly, publicly … We 

are proud of who we are.” 

Landa said they are expecting very large 

turnouts for all the events planned in St. 

Charles County for Chanukah. 

“We’re gearing up for a very, very busy 

Chanukah season,” he said. 

Plans include lighting a menorah in Berthold 

Square Park in Historic Saint Charles 

on Dec. 10. The event will begin at 5 p.m. 

In addition to lighting the menorah, there 

will be sufganiyot, (jelly donuts), hot latkes 

(potato pancakes), the Dreidel Man, and 

traditional games, such as dreidels (spinning 

tops). The Chabad will also be giving 

away menorahs to anyone who wants one, 

Landa said. 

“The Jewish people need it. St. Charles 

needs it. America needs it. The world needs 

it,” Landa said of Chanukah on Main and 

other public celebrations. This is the story 

of the effort to wipe out the Jewish nation, 

but the Jewish nation is not only surviving 

but thriving and celebrating, and that is 

what we are going to do,” he said. 

Capital Improvement Sales Tax retention proposed for April ballot 

By JOHN TREMMEL 

At its Nov. 13 meeting, the St. Charles 

County Council introduced Bill No. 5243, 

proposing the reauthorization of the current 

1/4-cent capital improvement sales tax 

by placing it on the April 2, 2024, ballot for 

a vote of the people. 

The bill was sponsored by council 

member and chair Terry Hollander (District 

5). If normal process and timing are followed, 

the bill will receive a vote for passage 

at the next council meeting on Nov. 27. 

If the voters approve the ballot item on 

April 2, a sales tax would be retained at the 

current rate of 1/4 cent to provide funding 

for capital equipment necessary to the 

overall design, construction, furnishing, 

equipping, and maintaining the operation 

of county capital improvements. The tax 

would be effective Jan. 1, 2027, and would 

sunset on Dec. 31, 2041, unless renewed 

by the voters. 

Past projects funded by the capital 

improvements sales tax included the first 

responder communication system for 

all police, fire and ambulance services 

throughout the county; the Pet Adoption 

Center, which serves the unincorporated 

area and all municipalities desiring to have 

the county serve as its kennel; the County 

Administration Building: the Courts Building; 

the Emergency Operations Center; 

the Juvenile Detention Center; the County 

Police Department; the Law Enforcement 

Training Center; and the renovation of the 

Adult Corrections Center to add additional 

space for jail cells. 

The Capital Improvement Sales Tax was 

first approved by voters on the Aug. 6, 1991, 

ballot at a rate of 1/4 cent for a period of 15 

years. Then was renewed by the voters in 

2005 at 1/5 cent for the period of 15 years 

from Jan. 1, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2021. 

In 2009 the county became aware it 

needed to replace the law enforcement, 

fire and emergency medical communication 

system for police, fire and ambulance 

communication throughout the county, so 

it requested the voters to return the tax to 

its original rate of 1/4 cent at the election 

in August 2009. The voters approved; the 

1/4 cents tax was set for 15 years from Jan. 

1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2026, then the 

tax is to return to 1/5 cents from Jan. 1, 

2027, through Dec. 31, 2031. 

In 2023, the county said it now recognizes 

the need for: 

• Upkeep of the law enforcement, fire and 

emergency medical system radio system 

serving not only the county but also all 

municipalities, fire districts and the ambulance 

district. 

• Coverage of the annual costs of operating 

the 911 system throughout the county. 

• Building maintenance. 

• Bonds payments of the Emergency 

Operations Center. 

• Expansion of the countywide jail. 

• Future expansion needs of the county 

police laboratory, which serves all county 

municipalities as well as county police. 

• Additional space for the county’s Pet 

Adoption Center which serves any municipality 

within the county choosing to house 

dogs and other animals there. 

Those identified needs require keeping 

the Capital Improvement Sales Tax at the 

current rate of 1/4 cent and not reducing it 

to 1/5 cent in 2027.



 

 

 

 

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12 I NEWS I 



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By JOHN TREMMEL 

At its Nov. 16 meeting, the O’Fallon 

City Council gave first readings to Bill 

No. 7602 for the proposed 2024 City 

Budget and Bill No. 7606 for the proposed 

2024-2029 Capital Improvement 

Plan. Both bills were sponsored by Mayor 

Bill Hennessy. 

The council had conducted discussions 

about the proposed budget at a workshop 

on Oct. 19 and at the Oct. 26 council 

meeting. 

Because the budgets must be passed 

prior to year-end, both bills will receive 

second readings and votes for passage at 

the Dec. 14 council meeting. 

The budget consists of 18 different 

funds with anticipated revenues of 

$132,439,654 and planned expenditures 

of $143,108,384 (including transfers). It 

reflects direction provided to city staff 

during budget preparation along with 

goals identified in the city’s Strategic 

Plan. The 2024 budgeted expenditures are 

about $14.2 million or 11% higher than 

2023. The number of full-time positions 

authorized for 2024 is 13 or 2.7% higher 

than 2023. 

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 

includes $133,161,218 for 2024. That is 

about $10 million or 8.2% higher than 

2023. The CIP is for planning purposes 

and does not constitute an adopted budget. 

Its purpose is to systematically plan, 

schedule and finance capital projects to 

ensure cost-effectiveness and conformance 

with established policies. It also 

provides a basis for funding future capital 

projects based on available resources. 



O’Fallon City Council to vote on 

2024 budgets at Dec. 14 meeting 

Schaefer Autobody Centers is hosting 

a Holiday Toy Drive through Dec. 15 in 

support of St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s 

Snowflake Village program. 

The Snowflake Village is an in-hospital 

“toy store” that ensures every child receives 

a special gift during the holiday season. 

The donations create a festive atmosphere 

for families facing challenging circumstances. 

A particular need is for teen gifts such 

as Lego sets, sports apparel, and spa items. 

Infant toys, including board books, rattles, 

and lovies, are also in high demand. An 

Amazon wish list from Children’s Hospital 

of the most wished-for items can be found 

on the Schaefer Autobody Centers’ website 

(schaeferautobody.com/toys). Monetary 

donations can also be made through 

2024 Budget Funds Expenses 

• General: $40,301,321 

• Street & Road Improvement: 

$24,791,726 

• Sewer: $21,088,415 

• Water: $16,676,138 

• Recreation: $9,222,013 

• Police & Road Improvement: 

$8,427,593 

• Environmental Services: $5,924,136 

• Debt Service: $4,333,634 

• Police Training Facility: $3,770,000 

• Renaud Center: $3,242,041 

• Stormwater: $2,101,317 

• Sewer Lateral Insurance: $971,183 

• Transient Guest Tax: $942,840 

• CBDG: $520,785 

• Public Venue: $469,689 

• Water Service Line Insurance: $256,853 

• Inmate Security: $38,700 

• Police Training: $30,000 

The 2024 budget includes 490 personnel 

authorized at the beginning of the year, 

plus 11 newly authorized, resulting in 501 

total authorized full-time positions. 

2024 Capital Improvement Plan 

• General: $40,326,321 

• Street & Road Improvement: 

$24,448,094 

• Sewer: $21,088,415 

• Water: $16,683,563 

• Recreation: $9,222,013 

• Police & Road Improvement (Use Tax): 

$8,427,593 

• Environmental Services: $5,924,136 

• Renaud Center: $3,242,041 

• Stormwater: $2,101,317 

• Sewer Lateral Insurance: $971,183 

• Public Venue: $469,689 

• Water Service Line Insurance: $256,853 

Toy donations sought for St. Louis Children’s Hospital 

the same website. 

St. Louis Children’s Hospital kindly asks 

donors to avoid contributing items such as 

play guns, Nerf guns or other toy weapons, 

latex balloons, candy, gum or other food, 

scary or violent action figures or dolls, and 

used toys or books. Handmade items are 

also not recommended for donation. 

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped 

off at any of Schaefer’s 13 area locations, 

including: 

• St. Peters, 4170 N, Service Road 

• O’Fallon, #1 Team Drive 

• Wentzville, 2530 E. Pitman Street 

In addition to supporting Snowflake Village, 

the donations will help sustain the 

hospital’s ability to celebrate important 

childhood milestones, including holidays, 

birthdays and treatment milestones.





Townhomes at Lienemann Park development approved in St. Peters 

I NEWS I 13 

By JESSICA MARIE BAUMGARTNER 

A new single-family townhome development 

was approved at the Nov. 9 St. Peters 

Board of Aldermen meeting. This came 

after the senior purchasing manager of 

Lombardo Homes, Steve Valentine, gave 

a presentation noting updates that have 

been added to the Harvey Fred Lienemann 

Unified Credit Trust and Lombardo Homes 

of St. Louis, LLC’s plans to better serve 

residents. 

Lienemann noted that the 22-acre site is 

set to house around 226 new units, as well 

as a new city park. It will be developed in 

two phases. He said Lombardo took tree 

preservation into serious account during 

the planning process. The project goal was 

to preserve about 50% of the existing trees. 

With additional clearing added for parking 

for the new park, as well as clearing for rerouting 

stormwater, the final approved plan 

preserved 49.1% of the site’s tree cover. 

“We believe that an outdoor lifestyle is 

our selling feature,” Valentine noted. 

In addition to the preserved trees, the 

planned layout includes additional greenery 

that will be planted around the townhomes 

and in the courtyard. The new community 

will offer additional amenities that include 

a pool, clubhouse, dog park, playground, 

courtyard fire pits and connectivity to the 

proposed Lienemann Park and its nature 

walking trail. The units themselves are to be 

designed with varying colors and styles to 

give them a unique look that ensures that no 

two units are the same. 

Valentine explained that the developer 

reached out to the Francis Howell School 

District to determine what kind of impact 

the development would have on it. Jennifer 

Jolls, the district’s chief communications 

officer, provided demographic information 

that indicated “no space issues exist 

currently, and enrollment is anticipated to 

remain relatively stable through the period 

noted.” 

“Typically, impacts from housing of this 

nature bring limited student enrollment 

increases,” Jolls noted. 

Concerns regarding water runoff were 

also addressed. Stormwater concerns 

were brought to light in the early stages 

of planning. In order to better serve the 

community, the developer reconfigured 

the plans to eliminate a proposed basketball 

court to grow both detention basins. 

In addition, Linemann Park is expected to 

provide ample space for water flow, while 

an easement that runs the entire length of 

“This has been looked at 

so many ways and made 

better each time. Is it 

100% to my agreement? 

No. But it’s 95% there.” 

– Alderman Patrick Barclay 

the northern border is expected to aid with 

runoff. The current site layout is designed 

to work with existing waterways and eliminate 

the need for retaining walls as much 

as possible, which also aids in preventing 

drastic water impacts on existing residential 

land. 

A homeowners association is slated to 

be created so that residents within the new 

community will take over ownership of 

the area once the development is finished. 

Alderman Dr. Gregg Sartorious (Ward 2) 

expressed concerns regarding the HOA. 

“Some of them are in dire straits,” Sartorius 

said. 

He then described how a lack of funds 

has led homeowners to pay $300 a month, 

yet their siding is still chipping and other 

problems are arising. He asked if there is 

an upfront fee being instituted in home 

buying costs within the development to 

ensure that the HOA is started with the 

funding it needs to achieve longevity. 

“This is something Lombardo takes pride 

in,” Valentine said. “Many of the HOAs in 

the area start off in debt. Lombardo has a 

history of ensuring that they do not hand it 

over to the HOA in debt. 

He explained that the early years of 

development can be difficult for budgeting 

as the community begins. 

“Relative to the pre-funding,” Valentine 

said, “there is a capitalization fee that 

varies based on the community which budgets 

with the HOA companies to ensure 

that they have a great operating budget and 

that upon each closing on homes puts in 

$1,000 for the HOA account to ensure that 

the association gets a proper start.” 

Alderman Patrick Barclay (Ward 4) 

praised the developer for taking the time to 

make the project fit the community. 

“I want to just thank not only the developers 

to landowners, the realtor, especially 

the staff and employees,” he said. “This 

has been looked at so many ways and 

made better each time. Is it 100% to my 

agreement? No. But it’s 95% there.” 

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I SCHOOLS I 15 

BULLETIN 

BOARD 

By BETHANY COAD 

Hardin educator earns 

prestigious award 

On Nov. 17, Leah Lawrence, a seventhgrade 

English language arts teacher at 

Hardin Middle School became the first 

Milken Educator Award recipient in the 

city of St. Charles School District’s history. 

Bestowed by the Milken Family Foundation, 

the award recognizes outstanding 

K-12 educators nationwide for their excellence 

and leadership. Along with the honor 

comes a $25,000 unrestricted cash award. 

Milken Educator Awards Vice President 

Stephanie Bishop was joined by Missouri 

Commissioner of Education Margie 

Vandeven to surprise Lawrence at an allschool 

assembly. 

She is one of up to 75 recipients across 

the country who will be honored in 2023- 

24 as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s 

Journey to the 3,000th Milken 

Educator. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” 

the awards will reach $75 million in 

individual financial prizes in 2023-2024 

and more than $144 million invested in the 

Milken Educator Award national network 

overall. 

“We are thrilled to have the Milken 

Family Foundation recognize one of 

Missouri’s exceptional teachers with this 

award,” said Commissioner of Education 

Margie Vandeven. “The hard work that 

Leah does every day to use both creativity 

and data to drive her instruction and help 

her students succeed is so exciting.” 

Outside the classroom, Lawrence serves 

as a mentor to new teachers and as Hardin’s 

English language arts department chair. She 

has presented on a wide range of instructional 

topics, including at the district’s orientation 

for new teachers, the Missouri Association of 

Secondary School Principals, and at Lindenwood 

University, her alma mater. 

Lawrence is a three-time Lindenwood 

University graduate, earning a Bachelor of 

Arts in English education in 2007, a Master 

of Arts in education in 2012, and an education 

specialist degree in school administration 

in 2016. 

Howell Middle rallies around 

breast cancer survivors 

Last month, Francis Howell Middle 

wore pink in solidarity with and to raise 

awareness of those fighting breast cancer. 

The entire student body went on a mission 

to garner support for Pink Ribbon Good, a 

nonprofit organization. 

Recognizing that many students have 

been impacted personally by cancer and 

wanting to honor several teachers who 

have fought and survived breast cancer, 

the students planned the Pink Out Pep 

Rally on Oct. 27 

As part of the planning, students learned 

that Pink RIbbon Good exists to serve each 

person and family affected by breast and 

gynecological cancer. The organization 

provides free healthy meals, rides to treatment, 

house cleaning, essentials and peer 

support so that no one is alone in the fight. 

“I think the reality is that everyone has 

personal experiences or connections to 

cancer,” Principal Kirsteen James said. “I 

have experienced the loss of my grandfather 

and father-in-law, and my father is 

currently in treatment. Specifically as a 

building principal, I have seen some of the 

bravest, strongest, most resilient women 

fight long and hard and persevere … all 

while being incredible teachers, para educators, 

administrative assistants, wives and 

Retirement & Assisted Living Community 

cordially invites you to our 

Holiday 

Boutique 

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 • 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Shop a variety of vendors including: 

Betty's Baubles and Beads, Augusta/Montelle/Balducci and 

Mount Pleasant Wineries, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Paper Pie Books, 

Dot's Chocolate Shop, Live Laugh Love Create, Kordick’s Creations, 

Wild & Wooley, Whistle Shop 301, Pampered Chef, and Touchstone Crystal. 

Holiday Sweets Buffet including Cookies and Cupcakes, 

Give-a-Ways, Festive Music & Tours! 

RSVP to Rhonnie at RAyden@delmargardens.com or call 636-242-8842. 

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DelmarGardens.com 

mothers. They are truly some of the most 

inspiring women I have had the privilege 

of knowing.” 

Setting a goal to beat the $2,500 raised 

last year, the student council jumped into 

action, selling pink items and planning the 

pep rally. Each year the school designs and 

offers special edition Pink Vikings spirit 

wear for students and families that wish to 

purchase and which 100% of all proceeds 

are donated to the Pink Ribbon Good nonprofit. 

Ultimately, the 2023 Pink Out Pep 

Rally raised $2,500 for Pink Ribbon Good.

16 I SCHOOLS I 



an ESSENTIAL part of your 

DAILY ROUTINE 



Immanuel Lutheran welcomes 

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The benefits of exercise have been 

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People with Parkinson's have 

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One of the most common is rigidity. 

When someone has rigidity, they will 

have extreme stiffness in one or 

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Another symptom affecting people 

with Parkinson's is bradykinesia, or 

slowness of movement. This can 

impact trying to start a motion as well 

as carry out a movement. 

People with Parkinson's often 

experience lack of coordination with 

their movements. This can result in 

poor balance, falls and difficulty 

carrying out daily tasks. 

Another area that suffers with 

Parkinson's disease is the 

automaticity of certain tasks. This 

means it takes someone with 

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perform simple tasks that the rest of 

us do on "autopilot". 

Exercises specifically designed to 

target these problem areas have 

been very successful in improving 

PD symptoms. This makes it crucial 

to find someone who is trained in 

Parkinson's specific exercises. 

It's common that people have 

symptoms for several years before 

getting an actual diagnosis. So even 

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Laura Numeroff with Immanuel Lutheran students. 

By BETHANY COAD 

If you give a school a book, an author 

may come to visit. At least, that is what 

happened at Immanuel Lutheran St. 

Charles, when Laura Numeroff, author of 

the widely popular “If You Give a Mouse a 

Cookie” series, came to visit. 

On Friday, Nov. 10, the entire student 

body had the opportunity to meet and greet 

Numeroff, who interacted with all classes 

from preschool through the middle grades. 

The event was the brainchild of kindergarten 

teacher Darlene Rockenbach, who 

is currently in her ninth year of teaching 

at Immanuel but has taught in elementary 

schools for 30 years across the states of 

Nebraska and Missouri. 

A passionate advocate for reading 

instruction, Rockenbach believes if students 

learn to read they can accomplish any 

of their life goals. For her, inviting authors 

to school is nothing new. 

“While I was in Nebraska 

I’d get famous authors to 

come to my school and do 

presentations,” Rockenbach 

explained. “It got our students 

excited about reading 

and writing. I wanted to 

create this same excitement 

at Immanuel Lutheran.” 

Rockenbach started communicating 

with Numeroff 

more than a year prior to 

the visit, trying to schedule 

a good date. Last year, fundraisers 

were in anticipation 

of the big day and students 

spent time getting ready to ask solid questions. 

“Students spent time doing art projects 

and writing their own “What If …” stories. 

Laura was excited to read their thoughts 

and see the artwork!” Rockenbach 

exclaimed. 

Zillah and Numeroff 

(Source: Immanuel Lutheran School) 

Numeroff began her visit by reading 

some of her own books to Immanuel’s preschool 

classes. Springboarding off her own 

experiences and tailoring her explanations 

to each grade category, she explained how 

she created books – viewing words as if 

put together like a puzzle. 

“Don’t give up,” Numeroff told the students. 

She said “If You Give A Mouse a 

Cookie” was rejected nine times before a 

publisher accepted it. She also explained 

that rejection and editing, which can feel 

like another obstacle, come with the territory 

of being a writer. Demonstrating that 

perseverance pays off, she relayed that she 

recently sold the rights to her 48th book. 

A more interactive presentation was 

given to the sixth through eighth grades in 

the form of a writer’s workshop at which 

Numeroff asked students to read their own 

“What If” stories. 

“Our students were excited 

and very brave to get up and 

read to her,” Rockenbach 

said. “She encouraged students 

to be careful on how 

many “what ifs” and “thens” 

to use in their writing.” 

In discussing how the 

publishing process works, 

Numeroff talked about the 

ins and outs of getting an 

illustrator involved in the 

book process, including how 

she had illustrated several of 

her own books when she was 

getting started. 

An avid animal lover, she 

connected with Immanuel Lutheran’s 

comfort dog, Zillah. In 2016, she released 

the book “Raising a Hero,” which supports 

Canine Companions for Independence and 

represents all those – human and canine – 

helping children, adults and veterans with 

disabilities and special needs.

18 I 





On the Bookshelf: A selection of local authors’ books worth gifting 

By JESSICA BAUMGARTNER 

Every year dozens of local authors 

release a wide range of books on topics that 

are close at hand and deep in their imaginations. 

Either way, a book is a journey that 

begins with the flip of the first page. 

Among the latest titles from these local 

authors, you might find a journey you want 

to take or one you want to share as a gift 

this holiday season. 

NON-FICTION 

In “Walking South City: A Journey 

Through Historic St. Louis Neighborhoods,” 

Jim Merkel sets out on a walk 

that takes him block-by-block through the 

tales of history and community in South St. 

Louis. Along the way, he ponders how the 

area has changed over time. Join him as he 

interviews some of the unique characters 

and leaders who help maintain the city, 

encounters quirky stores and restaurants, 

and enjoys beautiful scenery in parks and 

on restored streets. 

Merkel loves St. Louis, possibly because 

one branch of his history-loving family 

moved there before the Civil War. A longtime 

local journalist and author, he always 

finds hope in the underdogs – in neighborhoods 

that have come back to life after 

decades of decline and people whose love 

for their homes and neighbors remains 

steadfast. 

Merkel has written five books about the 

Gateway City, including “Hoosiers and 

Scrubby Dutch: St. Louis’ South Side.” His 

books are available at jimmerkelthewriter. 

com and through local publisher Reedy 

Press (reedypress.com), where you will 

find plenty of other local authors. 

“The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated 

Timeline” by John C. Guenther, FAIA, 

LEED AP seeks to “connect the dots” of 

history and take readers on a journey of discovery 

not unlike the one Lewis and Clark 

through key events, assisted by historic 

images. Readers can enjoy a chronological 

look at the historic foundations of the Jefferson 

National Expansion Memorial, starting 

from the very beginning: when the Louisiana 

territory was controlled by France. 

As the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis 

has served a central role in U.S. history. It 

was here that Lewis and Clark began their 

Corps of Discovery Expedition (1804– 

1806) and steamboats docked during the 

country’s Golden Age of Steamboating. St. 

Louis is also where the Missouri-Pacific 

Railroad began, in 1849, to forge a path to 

the west coast. 

An architect who has produced a distinguished 

body of architecture that contributes 

significantly to the built environment, 

Guenther explains how Eero Saarinen’s 

Gateway Arch became a powerful and 

symbolic expression of westward exploration. 

With projects ranging from the adaptive 

reuse of historic landmarks to new 

projects that fit into their physical, environmental, 

social and historical context, 

Guenther is uniquely qualified to write on 

the intersection of history and architecture. 

Furthermore, he serves as the president of 

the Society of Architectural Historians – St. 

Louis Chapter and co-founded and taught 

Mid-Century Modernism in St. Louis 1930- 

1970 at Washington University in St. Louis. 

His book can be found at reedypress. 

com. 

In another journey through history, 

authors Cameron Collins and Dennis Dillion 

revisit some of the “Lost Treasures of 

St. Louis.” Their latest work is the second 

edition of “Lost Treasures” and features 

130 new memories of the people, places 

and things that are woven into the identity 

of St. Louis and her citizens. 

Chock full of photos, this beautiful 

coffee table book makes a perfect gift for 

anyone whose ever said, “Do you remember 

…?” or “Remember when ….” With 

help from Collins and Dillion, readers can 

travel back to places they thought they had 

forgotten and discover quirky St. Louis 

history that to them is new. 

“Lost Treasures of St. Louis” is another 

offering from Reedy Press (reedypress. 

com), which is known for its impressive, 

photo-centric histories. 

In “Convinced? Decisive Answers to 

the 21 Most Challenging Questions,” coauthors 

Dan Manternach and C.J. Rysen 

take readers through more than four years 

of research into scientific proof, historical 

records and reasoned logic on the way to 

answering 21 of the most often asked and 

difficult questions challenging Christianity. 

The duo points to a “cosmic harmony 

of science, scripture and reason” that they 

say even the most ardent skeptic will find 

hard to deny. “In fact,” Rysen says, “Our 

research is so well-documented with over 

400 annotations and references that the 

onus will be on the skeptic to keep an open 

mind and remain intellectually honest with 

themselves.” 

Manternach and Rysen say you don’t 

have to replace intellectual honesty with 

“blind faith” to believe the Bible is divinely 

inspired and without error. But the two 

retired executives invite readers to judge 

for themselves. Their book can be found 

at BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com. 

“And Then You Went Missing,” is a 

self-help guide that encourages readers to 

take a good hard look at the relationships 

that cause them unhappiness 

and consider 

what they can do to find 

serenity regardless of the 

choices of other people. 

Drawing on her personal 

experiences and 

those from her coaching 

practice, Sonja Meyrer 

leads readers on a journey 

of rediscovery as 

she reveals the avenues 

she explored in finding 

strength, courage and 

her best self. Meyrer 

provides readers with 

practical tools to help set 

boundaries and protect 

what matters most. 

A certified professional 

recovery coach, Meyrer is wellversed 

in helping people navigate difficult 

relationships. She said she wrote this book 

because a workshop participant asked her 

to do so. In its creation, she wanted to provide 

a step-by-step action plan for preparing 

to set firm, life-changing boundaries 

that last.” Her book is available through 

sonjamcoaching.com. 

FICTION 

In her latest work of historical fiction, 

author Pat Whaler weaves a story around 

the life of self-taught artist Rose O’Neill, 

who traveled from the Midwest to New 

York in 1893, determined to become an 

illustrator in a field dominated by men. 

Mindful of her duty to the impoverished 

family she left behind, Rose’s obligations 

require her to yield to the men who hold 

the reins of her career. 

Yet despite the obstacles facing her, she 

excels at her craft, eventually designing a 

new character, the Kewpie, from which the 

Kewpie Doll was born. 

“The Rose of Washington Square” 

gives insight into a woman that readers will 

not soon forget: illustrator, artist, writer, 

suffragist, and philanthropist – all brought 

to life masterfully by Whaler. In September, 

“The Rose of Washington Square” 

won the Missouri Writers Guild Show Me 

Your Best Award. In August it was longlisted 

for the esteemed Chanticleer Goethe 

Book Award. 

In May, it was named a finalist in the 

Readers’ Choice Book awards. 

An avid reader since childhood, Whaler 

says writing became a reality for her when 

editors began to accept her stories a dozen 

or so years ago. Today, she has eight published 

works – two historical novels, two 

in the holiday fiction category and a threepart 

romance series. Locally her books are 

available at Main Street 

Books, 307 S. Main St. 

in historic Saint Charles, 

and at the usual places 

online. Learn more at 

patwhaler.com. 

It’s the 1890s and 

young entertainers Billy 

Brannigan and Daniel 

Baron are on the road to 

fame and fortune but not 

without some misadventures 

and mayhem along 

the way. In “Baron & 

Brannigan: Book 1, 

Song and Dance” by 

Ed Farber, unexpected 

detours take the young 

duo from Doc Noble’s 

Midwest medicine show to a traveling 

minstrel show and finally the gas-lit stages 

of old New York’s gaudy music halls and 

vaudeville theaters. 

As they hone their song and dance act, 

they mix with talented performers, zany 

songwriters and popular celebrities of the 

era including champion boxer John L. Sullivan. 

Both find romance. Billy squires 

beautiful Lily Langford and Danny pines 

for Claire Noble, but each discovers that 

love, like life, seldom follows the chosen 

path. 

At age 91, Farber says age is no reason 

to slow down if you are mentally alert. In 

addition to writing, the Creve Coeur resi- 

See ON THE BOOKSHELF, page 24

2023 

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who have made Favazza’s the place for 

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Now celebrating its 45th year, Favazza’s 

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pasta, salads, seafood and more. 

Favazza’s 

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A sweet and tasty stack 

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22 I HEALTH I 





Giving Thanks 

for Your Health 

St. Luke's Urgent Care - O'Fallon 

5511 Winghaven Blvd. 

Suite 100 

O'Fallon, MO 63368 

We're Open until 5 p.m. 

on Thanksgiving 

stlukes-stl.com/urgent-care 

314-695-2500 

LEARN MORE 

7-0142 

11/2023 

The act of gift-giving at the holidays has mental health benefits for the 

giver, research has shown. 

(Adobe Stock photo) 

HEALTH 

CAPSULES 

By LISA RUSSELL 

Area hospitals again earn 

high grades for safety 

BJC Progress West Hospital, Barnes- 

Jewish West County Hospital and Mercy 

Hospital St. Louis were among the 30% of 

hospitals nationwide to earn the best possible 

grade of A in the recently announced 

Fall 2023 Hospital Safety Grade rankings 

from The Leapfrog Group. Barnes-Jewish 

St. Peters Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical 

Center and St. Luke’s Hospital both 

earned above-average safety grades of B. 

Twice each year, the independent group 

assigns letter grades to nearly 3,000 general 

acute-care hospitals across the country. 

These grades area based on more than 30 

national performance measures reflecting 

errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and 

the processes in place to prevent patient harm. 

For Mercy St. Louis, this distinction for 

safety is its 23rd straight A in a row, dating 

back to 2010. 

“Having an independent organization, like 

Leapfrog, recognize the priority we place 

on patient safety is important,” said Kat 

Nelson, Mercy chief quality officer. “It’s a 

validation that our communities can trust us 

for safe, high-quality care. And it’s an honor 

our co-workers can take pride in earning.” 

Mercy earned five of the 13 Leapfrog A 

grades awarded in Missouri, with Mercy 

Hospital South, Mercy Hospital Washington, 

Mercy Hospital Springfield and Mercy Hospital 

Joplin also receiving top safety ratings. 

Information on all St. Louis area hospitals’ 

performance is available at hospitalsafetygrade.org. 

Gift-giving has mental 

health benefits 

The positive feelings we receive from 

giving gifts to others during the holidays 

have their basis in neuroscience, it turns out. 

Particularly when a gift is shared with 

someone with whom we have a close relationship, 

the act of giving it activates key 

reward pathways in our brains, according 

to researchers at the University of California, 

Berkeley’s Greater Good Science 

Center. Several of its studies over the last 

decade have demonstrated that spending 

money on someone other than yourself 

promotes happiness and mental well-being. 

Research also has shown that spending 

money on others feels better than splurging 

on ourselves, and that the joy of giving a 

gift – no matter the size –lasts longer than the 

fleeting pleasure we feel when accepting one. 

That’s because generous behavior, 

whether it’s by giving a loved one something 

they really want for the holidays or 

donating to a charity, boosts interaction 

between the parts of the brain associated 

with socialization and feeling pleasure, 

Applesauce recall linked to high lead levels includes local brand 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

recently recalled three 

cinnamon applesauce products containing 

“extremely high levels of 

lead” linked to 22 toddlers falling 

ill as of mid-November, including 

in Missouri. 

The FDA investigation primarily 

involves WanaBana brand Apple 

Cinnamon Fruit Puree sold in 3-pack 

pouches of 2.5 ounces each. Schnucks 

brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce 

pouches have also been recalled, along 

with Weis brand cinnamon applesauce 

pouches. However, no cases of illness 

related to either the Schnucks or Weis 

brands have been reported to date, according 

to a WanaBana media release. 

There is no safe level of lead in children’s 

blood. It can cause long-term effects 

including damage to the brain and nervous 

system, learning and behavioral problems, 

Schnucks cinnamon applesauce pouches are among three 

brands recently recalled due to potentially high lead levels. 

(U.S. Food ad Drug Administration photo) 

and decreased ability to pay attention, the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

said in a related health alert. 

The CDC considers 3.5 micrograms per 

deciliter an above-normal level of lead 

exposure in most children. The affected 

children, who are between the ages of 1 

according to Emiliana Simon-Thomas, 

Ph.D., the center’s science director. 

“Oftentimes, people refer to it as a 

‘warm glow,’ this intrinsic delight in 

doing something for someone else,” said 

Simon-Thomas, who studies the neuroscience 

and psychology of compassion, 

kindness, and gratitude. “But part of the 

uniqueness of … gift-giving compared 

to something like receiving an award 

or winning money is that because it is 

social it also activates pathways in the 

brain that release oxytocin, which is a 

neuropeptide that signals trust, safety, 

and connection. It’s often referred to as 

the ‘cuddle hormone.’” 

Local study examines effects 

of long hospital stays on kids 

Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital 

in Maryland Heights is already unique. It’s 

one of only a few hospitals in the U.S. with 

the mission of caring solely for kids from 

birth to age 21 who are well enough to 

leave a traditional hospital, but need more 

help before they can go home. Recently, 

and 3, had levels ranging 

from 4 to 29 micrograms per 

deciliter. They experienced 

symptoms including headache, 

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, 

change in activity level 

and anemia. 

The FDA’s recall 

announcement said consumers 

should not eat, sell 

or serve recalled WanaBana, 

Schnucks or Weis brand cinnamon 

applesauce pouches 

and should discard them. 

An early November 

press release from Schnuck Markets 

said its recall includes both 4-packs and 

12-packs of Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce 

Pouches along with 20-packs of 

Schnucks Applesauce Variety Pouches, 

all of which may be returned to Schnucks 

or Eatwell Market stores for a full refund.





I HEALTH I 23 

the Ranken Jordan team conducted a pioneering 

study that takes its advocacy for 

kids a step further. 

While it’s known that children hospitalized 

for long periods are more at risk for 

neurodevelopmental delay due to lack of 

stimulation, the study is the first of its kind 

to track the movements and interactions of 

children in a hospital setting, an important 

step towards reversing this trend at children’s 

hospitals nationwide. 

“Our study confirmed to me that patients 

who are hospitalized during a crucial 

early childhood development window are 

not getting enough neurodevelopmental 

stimulation,” said Nick Holekamp, M.D., 

Ranken Jordan’s chief medical officer and 

leader of the research. “The accepted standard 

of care for children in hospitals does 

not prioritize play and time away from the 

hospital room. The fact that our study is the 

first to look at how young patients spend 

their time shows this issue is not getting 

enough attention.” 

The research team used time-motion 

observations to track 20 patients at 

Ranken Jordan for more than 230 hours. 

While they found that Ranken-Jordan 

patients spend nearly half their waking 

hours out of bed – significantly more than 

in a typical hospital setting – “the data 

shows even we have room for improvement,” 

Holekamp said. 

The study’s findings have already 

inspired one of Ranken Jordan’s newest 

initiatives, called OZ (short for Optimization 

Zone), a program of structured play 

for medically complex children ages 5 

and younger that has nearly doubled the 

time they spend out of their rooms each 

day. OZ was the basis of a talk Holecamp 

gave at TEDxStLouis earlier this year, 

calling on the pediatric medical community 

to change how kids with complex 

medical needs are treated in the hospital 

environment. 

Ranken Jordan Chief Executive Officer 

Shawn Dryden said the hospital is committed 

to devoting more time and resources 

both to research and to sharing Ranken 

Jordan’s unique care model with the larger 

medical community. “Because of advancements 

in technology, there is a growing 

number of children in the U.S. with complex 

medical conditions, so research in this 

area is essential,” Dryden said. 

On the calendar 

St. Luke’s Hospital and Macy’s cosponsor 

a Winter Wellness Event on Saturday, 

Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the 

Macy’s location in Mid Rivers Mall, 1600 

Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters. Learn 

about St. Luke’s women’s health and wellness 

resources and take advantage of free 

health screenings. Gifts with purchases 

will be available at select cosmetic counters; 

the event also includes a scavenger 

hunt and storewide discounts, light refreshments 

and gift basket drawings. Register 

online at stlukes-stl.com. 

• • • 

St. Luke’s Hospital presents Vitamin 

ZZZ … Steps to Sounder Sleep on Tuesday, 

Dec. 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the St. 

Luke’s Hospital Institute for Health Education, 

222 S. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, 

Rooms 1 and 2. Are you one of the 

approximately 60 million Americans who 

have a chronic sleep issue? Learn more 

about sleeping better at this free, in-person 

class. Register at stlukes-stl.com. 

• • • 

BJC presents a Family and Friends 

CPR virtual course on Wednesday, Dec. 

6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live via Teams 

Meeting. This class uses the American 

Heart Association curriculum to teach 

hands-on CPR skills (course does not 

include certification upon completion). 

The cost is $50. Registration for a seat 

in this class is for two people. Register 

online by visiting bjc.org/cpr-class. 

• • • 

BJC St. Louis Children’s Hospital presents 

a Staying Home Alone virtual class 

on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m., live 

via Teams Meeting. Parents and children 

attend the class together to ensure a child’s 

readiness to stay at home alone. The registration 

fee is $25 per family. To register, 

call (314) 454-5437. 

• • • 

Schnucks and St. Luke’s Hospital offer 

an Eatwell Market grocery store tour 

on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6-7 p.m. at 

Eatwell Boones Crossing, 220 THF Blvd. 

in Chesterfield. Take a wellness-focused 

tour through Eatwell Market by Schnucks 

with a St. Luke’s dietitian. Participants will 

receive a $10 gift card to use at Eatwell 

Market. The cost is $5; space is limited and 

registration is required. To sign up, visit 

stlukes-stl.com. 

• • • 

BJC St. Louis Children’s Hospital sponsors 

a Babysitting 101 virtual class on 

Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6-8:30 p.m., live 

via Teams Meeting. This interactive class is 

a great introduction to the basics of babysitting 

and is recommended for ages 10 and 

above. The cost is $25 per child. Parents 

may sit in on the class at no additional cost. 

Register online at bjc.org/babysitting-class. 

• • • 

St. Luke’s Hospital presents Coffee and 

Conversations on Wednesday, Dec. 20 

from 10-11 a.m. at the Desloge Outpatient 

Center, 121 St. Luke’s Center Drive in 

Chesterfield, in Building A. This month’s 

topic is Mindfulness and Spiritual Health; 

learn about practicing mindfulness to 

relieve stress and find new ways to take 

care of your spiritual health. Register at 


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24 I 



ON THE BOOKSHELF, from page 18 

dent is an accomplished artist whose paintings 

have been included in numerous St. 

Louis Artists Guild exhibitions and hang 

in private collections. Visit edfarberauthor. 

com to buy his book and learn more. 

St. Charles resident Linda Alcorn says 

she enjoys adventuring through her imagination. 

But what’s an adventure –real or 

imagined – without a furry friend alongside? 

Alcorn drew from her own “dog 

mom” adventures in penning “Don’t Bark 

to Strangers,” the story of Chip, an Australian 

Shepherd puppy who turns the life 

of his owner, Sinclair, (and her trash can) 

upside down. 

Chip changed everything for Sinclair, 

her family and her moody cat. But he made 

them all a little crazy. So, in her quest to be 

the best dog mom ever, Sinclair came up 

with a unique idea. She decided to start a 

Ruff Life therapy business for pet parents. 

She’s unlicensed and a little unhinged, but 

her clients love talking to her, and to each 

other, about their furry family members. 

You can bet they have some hilarious stories 

to share. 

“Don’t Bark to Strangers” is available on 

amazon.com. 

KIDS & YOUNG ADULTS 

In 2021, Michael Kleckner published 

“Mike’s Unforgettable St. Louis History,” 

a book for adults. But why should grownups 

have all the fun? 

As he tucked his 

5-year-old son into 

bed one night, Kleckner 

decided to write 

“Mike’s Unforgettable 

St. Louis History, 

For Kids.” Kids and 

their grown-ups will 

enjoy historical photos 

alongside whimsical 

illustrations that bring 

history to life. From 

the humorous origins 

of favorite foods to animals 

escaping from the 

zoo, Kleckner shares 

fun stories from St. 

Louis history. Learn 

more at mikesunforgettablestlouis.com. 

J.M. Gulmire is a kid at heart with a house 

full of critters and elves (aka children). She 

wrote “Kay-9 the Robot Dog” because 

the elves begged her for a story about robot 

dogs. Upon searching through mountains 

of books and so many web pages that the 

computer revolted, she found nothing. 

When the dust settled there was nothing 

in children’s fiction, nonfiction, or unfinished 

fiction about a robot dog, so Kay-9 



jumped onto the page demanding belly 

rubs and bolts, Gimire says. 

In “Kay-9 the Robot Dog,” Gulmire 

tells the story of Ryan, a lonely only child 

whose dad is away serving in the military. 

Ryan can’t have pets and all he wants is 

a dog. So he decides to make one. He 

loves computers and building things, but 

everyone thinks he’s just playing around, 

making a toy. 

Ryan focuses on creating the best Kay-9 

he can but can he prove that his robot 

dog isn’t just a toy? Find out for yourself. 

“Kay-9 the Robot Dog” is available on 

amazon.com. 

In “Lexi’s Gift,” John R. Stoeffler 

founder of the “Sweet Dreams Pillow” 

tells the story of a little girl named Lexie, 

whose best friend’s father is in the Army 

and called to active duty. Susan is so sad 

that her dad will miss her birthday and 

Christmas and won’t be there to hug, kiss 

and tuck her in at bedtime. Lexie wishes 

she could do something to comfort Susan 

while her father is away. With a little help, 

she makes the perfect present for Susan: 

a pillow on which her father’s picture is 

printed. Susan is thrilled, and the girls 

decide to make more picture pillows for 

military kids. In doing so they discover it 

is more fun to give than to receive. 

Illustrated by Jeanine-Jonee Keith, 

“Lexie’s Gift” is available at amazon.com 

and barnesandnoble.com. 

In “Oceans of 

Sand,” award-winning 

young adult 

fantasy author Jessica 

Flory shares 

the story of a young 

woman whose desert 

world has always 

been treacherous but 

now is plagued by an 

unnatural famine that 

threatens to destroy 

all. Norah is chosen 

with her best friend, 

Zadock, to sail across 

an ocean of sand in 

search of an artifact 

that could end the 

famine. 

Caught in a crossfire 

between forbidden feelings, an unforgiving 

desert, and starving nations willing to 

do anything to survive, Norah and Zadock 

discover the true meaning of sacrifice and 

the power that love has to heal the world. 

Flory uses her bachelor’s degree in 

molecular biology from Bringham Young 

University-Provo to dream up cool settings 

and magic systems. She is a proud member 

of the Hot Mess Writers Critique Group 

since 2013. Her books are available at 

amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.


MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE I BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT I 25 

Cottleville Smiles – spreading joy through every smile 



Rendering of Cottleville Smiles’ new office coming soon. 

(Cottleville Smiles photos) 

Cottleville Smiles has been 

serving the residents of the St. 

Charles area for over 40 years. 

In 2021, Dr. Tanner Brown 

DMD took over the practice 

with a vision of changing the 

way people experience dentistry. 

In his own words, he 

shares why that vision of dentistry 

is so important to him. 

“At Cottleville Smiles, our 

mission began with my personal 

journey. Inspired by the 

memory of my beloved sister 

and her courageous battle with 

cancer, I am deeply driven to 

provide exceptional care to others with 

love and compassion. This heartfelt 

commitment shapes the core values of 

our company, fostering a work family 

that embraces fun, pours out compassion, 

and creates enduring friendships. 

We firmly believe that such an uplifting 

atmosphere directly translates into 

transformative care for our patients that 

goes beyond dentistry. 

“We understand that everyone faces 

hardships, whether in their personal 

lives or when seeking dental care. That 

is why we are passionately dedicated to 

creating a warm and inviting environment 

where every individual is heard and 

supported. Our goal is to not only address 

your dental needs but to also uplift your 

spirits and leave you feeling better about 

yourself than when you arrived. By combining 

our heartfelt approach with the latest 

advancements in technology, we strive to 

provide the highest level of comfort, predictability, 

and outstanding dental outcomes. 

“At Cottleville Smiles, we have witnessed 

the profound impact of a smile. It 

radiates confidence, inner joy, and the 

power to spread happiness to those around 

you. We are committed to helping you 

achieve a smile that reflects your true happiness, 

enabling you to make a 

positive difference in the lives 

of others. 

“Together, we are more than 

a dental practice – we are a 

community built on trust, compassion, 

and shared smiles. 

We value your trust and are 

honored to help guide you with 

your dental care. At Cottleville 

Smiles, we are 

here to support 

you, listen to you, 

and partner with 

you on your smile 

journey. Let us 

empower you to 

embrace your best 

smile and discover 

the joy and confidence 

it brings to 

Dr. Tanner Brown D.M.D. 

your life and the lives of those you touch.” 

New technology has also helped to make 

dentistry more convenient by reducing 

the number of appointments needed and 

detecting problems sooner. 

“Dentistry has changed more in the last 

10 years than it had in the 100 years prior 

to that,” Dr. Tanner explained. “All the 

advancements coming into our space are 

exciting! No more goopy impressions, 

crowns can be completed in a single day, 

artificial intelligence helps detect problems 

before they become painful, and so 

much more. 

“It can be a lot to keep up with but we 

will stay on the cutting edge. I want to 

ensure we are giving the best comprehensive 

and conservative care available to our 

community.” 

Cottleville Smiles is expected to move in 

March. The new office will be located at 

Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Ohmes Road, 

across from St. Charles Community College 

directly behind Circle K in the former 

Dinner Bell restaurant. 

“We are excited to move into a new, 

updated space in order to grow our team 

and help more people,” Dr. Tanner said. 

“The building will be larger and updated, 

but at the end of the day, it is just four 

walls. It is the people inside that make it 

special. The purpose and reason we can 

grow is due to our amazing team and 

incredible patients.” 

Cottleville Smiles 

6065 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. • Cottleville 

(636) 928-4090 

www.Cottlevillesmiles.com 

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26 I MATURE FOCUS I 





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News & Notes 

By LISA RUSSELL 

Preventing holiday falls 

For older adults and those who care for 

them, the holidays can quickly turn from 

joyful to disastrous due to an accidental 

fall. According to data from the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, emergency 

departments record about 20 million visits a 

year due to fall injuries… and the number of 

falls generally reaches its peak in December. 

Many falls that occur at this time of year 

can be prevented with a little thoughtful 

planning, however. Following are some 

tips from the University of Chicago’s 

Successful Aging and Frailty Evaluation 

(SAFE) Clinic for making your home as 

“fall-safe” as possible this holiday season. 

Decorating hazards: Using a ladder to 

string holiday lights or hang ornaments 

is a major cause of the deadliest fall accidents. 

It’s important to ask for help or hire 

assistance for aging loved ones who plan 

to continue those decorating traditions 

this year. The lights themselves can also 

cause disorientation that leads to a fall for 

those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, 

so avoid using flashing, twinkling, or animated 

lights to prevent possible injuries. 

Tripping hazards: While it’s customary 

to display gifts underneath the tree, 

this creates a risk for trips and falls, so 

keep them off the floor if possible. Electrical 

cords connected to trees and other 

lighted items also create major tripping 

hazards if not secured out of the way. Floor 

decorations such as trains, rugs, figurines 

and other holiday items can significantly 

increase fall risks as well, so be mindful 

to keep these items out of walkways and 

leave plenty of room for older residents 

and holiday guests to navigate. 

Outdoor hazards: Keep sidewalks, 

driveways and steps clear of decorations. 

In bad weather, clear any ice and snow and 

make sure surfaces are well-salted. Provide 

ample exterior lighting to allow visitors 

to clearly see where they are stepping 

and walking. 

Party hazards: At gatherings, make 

sure any spills are cleaned up promptly to 

minimize the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. 

Keep an eye on household pets and small 

children so they don’t get underfoot when 

larger groups are together. Be mindful as 

well that some older adults who have a holiday 

cocktail or two could become dizzy and 

fall, especially if they take medications that 

interact with alcohol. 

If you or someone in your household 

does take a fall, don’t let the fact that it’s a 

Using a ladder to hang decorations creates 

is one of several fall risks facing older adults 

during the holiday season. (Adobe Stock photo) 

holiday delay you from seeking treatment, 

the clinic’s experts say. Complications 

such as head injuries, internal bleeding or 

fractures are more serious for older adults 

and should be treated immediately. 

Beware of ‘phantom hackers’ 

Complex financial scams primarily targeting 

seniors are rising all over the U.S., 

according to a recent FBI public service 

announcement. Unfortunately, many victims 

of so-called “phantom hackers” have 

lost some or even all of their retirement 

savings as a result – with an average loss 

of more than $30,000. 

Between January and July of 2023 alone, 

about 19,000 complaints related to this 

specific type of fraud were filed with the 

FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. 

These scams comprised losses of more 

than $542 million, an increase of 40% over 

similar crimes reported in all of 2022 – and 

there may be many more victims who have 

FBI ‘don’ts’ for avoiding 

financial fraud 

1. Don’t click on unsolicited computer 

pop-ups, as well as links or attachments 

in text messages and emails. 

2. Don’t call any phone number provided 

in a pop-up, text or email provided 

for your “assistance.” 

3. Don’t download computer software 

at the request of an unknown 

individual. 

4. Don’t let any unknown person 

have control of your computer, no 

matter what company they claim to 

represent. 

5. Don’t send money via wire transfer 

to foreign accounts, cryptocurrency 

or gift or prepaid cards at the instruction 

of someone you don’t know.





I MATURE FOCUS I 27 

not yet come forward, the agency stated. 

The multi-layered scams involve groups 

of criminals posing as technology professionals, 

financial institution representatives, 

and government employees and are 

usually carried out in three phases. 

First, scammers posing as tech support 

representatives from legitimate companies 

contact victims via phone call, text, email 

or computer pop-up window, informing 

them that their information may have been 

compromised. When they call a provided 

number for “assistance,” they are directed to 

download a software program which allows 

the scammers access to their computer… 

and in many cases, they also give the criminals 

access to their financial accounts. 

The scam is then turned over to fraudulent 

“representatives” of the victims’ banks 

or investment or brokerage firms, who tell 

them their funds have been accessed by foreign 

hackers and must be moved into “safe” 

third-party accounts, such as with the Federal 

Reserve. They are directed to transfer 

money via wire transfer, cash or cryptocurrency, 

sometimes in multiple transactions 

and often directly to overseas recipients. 

They are directed not to tell anyone 

about these transactions … and if they 

become suspicious, they are also contacted 

by scammers posing as representatives of 

the U.S. government. This part of the scam 

may also include an official-looking letter 

or email to calm their suspicions. 

The FBI has requested that anyone in the 

area who believes they have been targeted 

by phantom hackers, or who may have been 

a victim, contact both its local St. Louis 

field office at (314) 231-4324 and the Crime 

Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov), including 

as much information as possible. 

On the calendar 

BJC Missouri Baptist Hospital offers a 

Today’s Grandparents class on Monday, 

Dec. 4 and Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6:30-9 

p.m. at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center 

Clinical Learning Institute, 3005 N. Ballas 

Road. The course fee is $20 per person 

(each person attending must register separately). 

Registration is available online at 

classes-events.bjc.org. 

• • • 

BJC of St. Charles County sponsors a 

monthly Stroke Support Group meeting 

on Monday, Dec. 4 from 1-2 p.m. at Barnes- 

Jewish St. Peters Hospital, 6 Jungermann 

Circle in St. Peters, in Medical Office Building 

1. A virtual attendance option is also 

available online via Teams. Register online 

at classes-events.bjc.org. 

• • • 

St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital offers 

Medicare counseling sessions on Tuesday, 

Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

in Conference Room 1 of the hospital, 

2345 Dougherty Ferry Road in Des Peres. 

Registration is limited and is available at 


• • • 

Lindenwood University’s College of 

Science, Technology and Health presents 

LindenW.I.S.E., a community program 

for adults over 60. The December event, 

Holiday Teach ‘n Taste, is on Wednesday, 

Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the university’s 

Hyland Arena, 209 S. Kingshighway 

in St. Charles, in the VIP Room. The 

event is free. For more information or to 

register, email wise@lindenwood.edu. 

• • • 

St. Luke’s Hospital presents a free 

online program, A Discussion of Overactive 

Bladder with Dr. Cathy Naughton, 

on Wednesday, Dec. 13 beginning at 6 

p.m., live via Zoom. If symptoms such as 

uncomfortable urges to use the bathroom, 

frequent accidents and getting up multiple 

times at night are part of your everyday 

life … relief is possible! Register online at 


• • • 

St. Louis Oasis presents A Holiday Classic 

Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 

1-2 p.m., online via Zoom. Get into the 

holiday spirit with this festive presentation 

featuring movie trivia and clips from all of 

your favorite holiday classics. The cost is 

$17. Register by visiting st-louis.oasisnet.org. 

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28 I 



BE INFORMED, MEET ELECTED OFFICIALS 

Dec. 1 | Jamey Murphy, Legislative Assistant to 

Nick Schroer – 2024 Legislative Agenda 

Dec. 8 | John Tompkins, Club President – 

2024 Club Plan of Action 

Dec. 15 I Member Christmas Party & 2024 

Installation of Officers – Must RSVP by Dec. 8 

Dec. 22 I NO MEETING – Merry Christmas 

Dec. 29 I NO MEETING – Happy New Year 

MEETING LOCATION: 

B. Hall’s Family Grill | 3782 Monticello Plaza Dr I O’Fallon 63304 

FRIDAY LUNCH MEETINGS AT NOON 

St. Charles County 

Pachyderm Club 

FOLLOW US @St.CharlesCountyPachydermClub 

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR 

Bundt Cakes 

$5 Off 

purchase of $25 or more 

Valid at: 

St. Peters 

Wentzville 

St. Louis - Chesterfield 

St. Louis - Brentwood 

Expires 11/30/2023. Limit one (1) coupon per 

guest. Coupon must be presented at time of 

purchase. Valid only at the Nothing Bundt Cakes 

bakery(ies) listed. Valid only on baked goods; 

not valid on retail items. Must be claimed in 

bakery during normal business hours. Not valid 

for online orders. Not valid with any other offer. 

Discounts applied before tax. Coupon may not 

be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet 

distribution strictly prohibited. No cash value. 

For 

Bakery 

LIKE 

US ON 

Facebook.com/midriversnewsmagazine 

Gifts from the kitchen 

Nut Brittle 

By KATE UPTERGROVE 

Yes, you can buy candy for gift-giving but 

making it is somehow sweeter, especially if 

you customize your creations. For instance, 

Peanut Brittle is easy enough to buy just 

about anywhere. But what if your gift 

recipient likes it spicy, or extra Christmasy, 

or with a different type of nut? That’s where 

creativity in the kitchen comes into play. 

Handmade gifts say you cared enough 

to make something special. Here are a few 

recipes to jump start your imagination. 

NUT BRITTLE 

Ingredients 

2 cups sugar 

1/2 cup water 

6 tablespoons unsalted butter 

1/3 cup light corn syrup 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

12 ounces roasted salted peanuts, 

cashews, pistachios and/or pecans 

Flaky sea salt, optional but it does help 

balance the sweetness 

Cooking spray 

Variations 

Spicy Brittle: Add a sprinkling to 1 teaspoon 

of chipotle powder, depending on 

your heat preference. 

Christmas Brittle: Add 1/4 teaspoon each of 

cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice. 

Directions 

• Spray sheet pan with cooking spray; 

then line with parchment paper allowing 

some paper to rise above the sides of 

the pan. The cooking spray will hold the 

Christmas Fudge 

parchment in place. The parchment paper 

will allow you to remove the brittle easily 

from the sheet pan. A silicone mat could be 

used in place of the parchment paper. Hot 

mixture will be poured into this pan so putting 

a towel beneath it is a wise idea. 

• Measure out all your ingredients. 

• Attach a candy thermometer to the side 

of the saucepan; do not let it touch the 

bottom of the pan. 

• Now, you’re ready to get cooking. In 

a heavy 2-quart pan, add the sugar, water 

and corn syrup. Cook over medium-high 

heat until the sugar is dissolved, the mixture 

is boiling and has reached 275º F on a 

candy thermometer. The mixture should be 

a light, golden brown. 

• Add the butter and nuts. Stir constantly 

over heat until the mixture reaches 300ºF. 

• Remove from the heat and quickly but 

carefully stir in the baking soda and optional 

flavorings. The mixture will bubble. 

• Pour the brittle into the prepared baking 

sheet, spreading it with a metal spoon to 

achieve a thin, even layer. 

• Lightly sprinkle with sea salt. 

• Let the brittle cool completely, about 30 

minutes. Then, break it into large shards. 

CHRISTMAS FUDGE 

There are two schools of thought when it 

comes to fudge. Marshmallow fluff versus 

sweetened condensed milk. Both are pretty 

foolproof but the marshmallow variety can 

be too sweet, so this recipe goes old school. 

Ingredients 

14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Here are a few fun facts about fudge: 

• According to legend, this holiday 

favorite can trace its roots to Valentine’s 

Day, 1886, when a Baltimore chocolatier 

“fudged” a batch of French caramels.* 

• In the mid-20th century, the fudge 

recipe of choice was First Lady Mamie 

Eisenhower’s Million Dollar Fudge. It 

was published in “Who Says We Can’t 

Cook,” compiled by the Women’s 

National Press Club and sold for $2 a 

copy plus 15 cents postage as a fundraising 

project in 1955.* 

• The first marshmallow creme, as 

used in Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge, 

was marketed commercially in 1917 as 

Toot Sweet Marshmallow Fluff. 

• Kraft introduced its Fantasy Fudge, 

perhaps the most famous “fluff” fudge, 

on the back of its Marshmallow Creme 

jar in 1979* 

*Find these recipes and more on 




What you’ll need 

In addition to the ingredients for each 

recipe, you’ll need: 

• A candy thermometer 

• A heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan 

• A roll of parchment paper or a silicone 

may 

• A baking sheet pan with sides (jelly 

roll pan) 

• Flaky sea salt 

• Cute boxes, bags, or tins for wrapping 

up the final product. 

This is important 

When making candy, you are typically 

working rapidly with hot mixtures. 

So it is very important to be 

prepared and read all directions before 

beginning any recipe. 

Measure all ingredients before starting 

the candy-making process. Likewise, 

be sure to prep all surfaces and 

have all the equipment you’ll need 

ready to use. 

Don’t wait to gift your goodies. To 

ensure maximum freshness, deliver 

your handmade gifts within a day of 

making them. Most candies will retain 

their freshness for a week at room temperature. 

24 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate 

chips or chopped 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 

1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature 

Dash of salt 

Variations 

With Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts 

as a final step. 

Peppermint Fudge: Substitute white chocolate 

chips and add in crushed candy canes. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon 

cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

to the melted chocolate. 

Instructions 

• Spray an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish 

with cooking oil; then line with parchment 

paper allowing some paper to rise above 

the sides of the pan. 

• In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the 

sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, 

chocolate, and butter. 

• Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, 

until the chocolate has melted and the mixture 

is completely smooth. 

• Add in extra ingredients for variations 

if you desire. 

• Remove from heat and spread into the 

prepared pan. 

• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before 

cutting into slabs for gifting. 

• Fudge can be stored a room temperature 

for two weeks, in the refrigerator for a 

month, and in the freezer for two or more.



Holiday Happenings 

Saint Charles Christmas Traditions 

continues on historic Main Street 

on weekends through Dec. 23. For a 

complete schedule of activities, visit 

discoverstcharles.com/events/christmastraditions. 

• • • 

Holiday Bazaar Art Show is on display 

through Dec. 24 at the St. Peters Cultural 

Arts Centre, 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd. Original 

art is available for purchase and can be 

picked up Dec. 21-23. 

• • • 

Holiday Night Lights is from 5:30-9:30 

p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 30 at Rotary 

Park, 2577 W. Meyer Road in Wentzville. 

Enjoy a one-mile light display that features 

large illuminated commercial scenes and 

tunnels of twinkling lights. The cost is $10 

per vehicle with up to six passengers, plus 

$1 per additional passenger. Display is 

closed Dec. 3, 11 and 25. For details, visit 

wentzvillemo.gov. 

• • • 

Tractor-pulled “Sleigh Rides” through 

Rotary Park are on Mondays and Wednesdays 

through Dec. 28 in Wentzville to 

tour the Holiday Night Lights. Hot chocolate 

and cookies included. Maximum of 

25 people, including lap children. Free 

rides are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved 

basis. Pre-registration is required. 

See the schedule for available dates at 

wentzvillemo.gov. To register, call (636) 

332-9236. 

• • • 

Celebration of Lights is from 6-9 

p.m. nightly through Saturday, Dec. 30 

at Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Lane 

in O’Fallon. This festive one-mile route 

of holiday light displays was designed 

and funded by local organizations, 

churches and businesses. Drive-through 

tickets are $14 per vehicle and must be 

purchased in advance at ofallon.mo.us/ 

COL, or by calling (636) 474-2732. 

Closed to vehicles on Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 

Dec. 11. The entire display is closed on 

Christmas Day. The City Train tour of 

the park takes place on Monday, Dec. 11. 

Each carriage holds up to five adults and 

five children. Reservations are required. 

Bring a blanket to stay warm during the 

ride. To schedule a ride, visit ofallon. 

mo.us/celebrations-of-lights. 

• • • 

A Holiday Remembrance Candlelight 

Memorial is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 

30 at Baue, O’Fallon; at 11 a.m. and 2 

p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Baue, Cave 

Springs; and at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4 

at Baue in St. Charles. Remember loved 

ones with a name-reading ceremony, 

music, light refreshments and a candlelighting 

ceremony. To register, visit baue. 

com/events/holiday-remembrance or call 

(636) 328-0874. 

• • • 

Merry Makers Market is from 5-8 

p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, and from 11 a.m.-5 

p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Foundry 

Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center in Saint 

Charles. Artists and other vendors will 

be selling their wares. Additional details 

at foundryartcentre.org/merry-makersmarket. 

• • • 

The Augusta Candlelight Christmas 

Walk featuring over 1,000 luminaries 

is from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and 

Friday, Dec. 8 at 5577 Walnut St. in downtown 

Augusta. For details, visit augustachamber.org. 

• • • 

Las Posadas is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, 

Dec. 2 on Historic Main Street, Boone’s 

Lick-South Main in Saint Charles. Las 

Posadas is a re-enactment of the journey 

of Mary and Joseph as they seek 

shelter on their way to Bethlehem. The 

procession ends at Frontier Park with 

carols around a bonfire. For details, visit 

stcharleslasposadas.com. 

• • • 

The Choral Society of St. Charles’ Holiday 

Concert, “My Favorite Things” is at 2 

p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Fort 

Zumwalt South High, 8050 Mexico Road 

in St. Peters. Tickets are available online 

only at brownpapertickets.com and search 

event. Adult ticket is $10; children ages 

6-12 are $5 (plus service fees). Children 5 

and younger are free. 

• • • 

The Choral Arts Singers presents “A 

Season of Joy” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, 

Dec. 2 at Troy United Church of Christ, 

725 S. Main St. in Troy; at 3 p.m. on Dec. 

3 at Friedens United Church of Christ, 

313 E. Main St. in Warrenton; and at 3 

p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 at The Chapel of 

Assumption Catholic Parish, 403 N. Main 

St. in O’Fallon. The concerts are free; 

donations are appreciated. Visit concertarts.org 

or Facebook @Choral Arts Singers 

for concert details and to learn about 

the choir. 

• • • 

An Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll is 

nightly from 6-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 

3 through Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Fort Zumwalt 

Park, 1000 Jessup Lane in O’Fallon. Fireworks 

start at 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. each night. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets 

are $5 per person. Ages 2 and under are 

free. To purchase tickets, visit ofallon.mo.us/ 

See HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, page 30 



I EVENTS I 29 

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HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY! 

4401 Hwy K | O’Fallon, MO | 636.685.0212 

EATWALNUT.COM 

Locally Owned & Operated

30 I 





HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, from page 30 

old-fashioned-holiday-stroll. There will be 

no sales at the gate. All sales are final. 

• • • 

The Holiday Night Lights 5K and 

Fun Run is from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, 

Dec. 3 at Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer 

Road in Wentzville. The cost for the 5K 

is $35 and Fun Run is $20. Each runner 

will receive a custom fleece-blend crew 

sweatshirt, finisher medal and post-race 

snacks. Register at wentzvillemo.gov or 

by calling (636) 332-9236. 

• • • 

Holiday Cookie Decorating is from 

6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4 at 

Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park. All participants 

will learn and use different decorating 

techniques and will take home their 

cookies. For ages 15 and over. Cost is $50 

per person; supplies included. To register, 

visit stcharlesparks.com. 

• • • 

St. Peters Police invites the public to 

help trim their holiday tree from 6-8 p.m. 

on Friday, Dec. 8 at the St. Peters Justice 

Center, 1020 Grand Teton Drive. Guests 

can make their own ornament for placing 

on the tree. The tree trimming is recommended 

for kids ages 3-12, but all ages are 

welcome. Hot cocoa and cookies will be 

available for refreshments, and no reservations 

are needed. 

• • • 

A “Do You Want to Paint a Snowman?” 

workshop is from 11 a.m.-noon 

on Saturday, Dec. 9 at The Foundry Art 

Centre in St. Charles. Celebrate the snowy 

season by creating a one-of-a-kind snowman 

painting on canvas. Children, ages 

5-12 will receive step-by-step painting 

lessons to create a frosty masterpiece. Supplies 

are included in the registration fee of 

$35. For details, visit foundryartcentre.org/ 

kids-classes. 

• • • 

Christmas Trivia Night is from 6-9:30 

p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Augusta 

Harmonie Verein, 5333 Hackman Road. 

Tables of eight are $120 per table or $15 

per person. The best-dressed table wins 

$120. The theme is “Ugly Sweater.” Bring 

your own food. Drinks will be for purchase. 

To RSVP, call (314) 605-2200. 

• • • 

Chanukah on Main Street is at 5 p.m. 

on Sunday, Dec. 10 in Berthold Square 

Park in Historic St. Charles. Featured are 

the lighting of a giant Menorah, a gelt drop, 

Jewish music, the Dreidel Man and hot 

latkes. Everyone is welcome. 

• • • 

A Holiday Home Tour from 3-7 p.m. on 

Sunday, Dec. 10 starting at the Historical 

Center, 310 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville. 

This is a driving tour. Afterward, continue 

the fun at Friendship Brewery Company. 

Tickets are $20 and include a drink ticket. 

Tickets can be purchased before the event 

at the Historical Center or on the day of 

the event. Proceeds benefit the Wentzville 

Community Historical Society. For details, 

visit wentzvillehistoricalsociety.org. 

• • • 

Sundaes with Jack Frost & Friends 

is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 

at The Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main 

Center in Saint Charles. You’ll become 

an honorary member of the Blue Crew 

and craft your own frozen masterpiece at 

a fully-stocked sundae bar featuring Kilwins-St. 

Charles’ original recipe ice cream. 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 

discoverstcharles.com. 

• • • 

The Snowball Blizzard Blitz is from 

6-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 at the Renaud 

Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. 

Participants will have a blast with snowball 

fights and winter games. Must preregister 

by Dec. 6. Cost is $15 for residents 

and $18 for non-residents. For ages 5-12. 

For details, visit ofallon.mo.us. 

• • • 

Ugly Sweater Bingo is from 7-9 p.m. 

on Friday, Dec. 15 at Memorial Hall in 

Blanchette Park, 1900 W. Randolph St. in 

St. Charles. Registration can be made as 

either an individual or a group of eight per 

table. Cost is $20 per person. For ages 21 

and up only. Cost includes admission, all 

Bingo rounds, beer and soda. Guests may 

bring in their own food. To register, visit 

stcharlesparks.com/programs/events-withparks/ugly-sweater-bingo. 

• • • 

The St. Charles County Youth Orchestra’s 

Winter Concert is at 2 p.m. on 

Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Missouri Baptist 

University Pillsbury Chapel, 1 College Park 

Drive in Creve Coeur. Come hear ensembles 

perform seasonal favorites, including 

“Polar Express” and “Ode to Joy.” Cost is $9 

for an adult ticket and $5 for kids. Tickets 

are on sale at sccyotickets.org. 

• • • 

Wentzville United Women in Faith 

holds its Christmas Cookie and Candy 

Sale from 9 a.m.-noon on Sat. Dec. 16 at 

Wentzville UMC, 725 Wall St. Shop handmade 

crafts and holiday decor as well. All 

proceeds go toward projects benefitting 

MID RIVERS HOME PAGES 

women, children and youth. 

• • • 

Winter Wonderland on Ice Show is at 

5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and at 2 p.m. 

on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the St. Peters Rec- 

Plex, 5200 Mexico Road. Tickets are on 

sale on Nov. 27 at the Rec-Plex front desk. 

For details, visit stpetersmo.net. 

SANTA SIGHTINGS 

Children may write Santa a letter 

using the provided template at wentzvillemo.gov. 

Drop off your letter at one of the 

special mailboxes at Progress Park Recreation 

Center, around downtown historic 

Wentzville, or at the Kolb Building during 

Santa Saturdays. Mailboxes will be up in 

late November. 

• • • 

Santa Claus Visits are from 11 a.m.- 

7. p.m., Monday-Thursday through 

Dec. 24 at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters. 

Extended hours begin on Dec. 8. Visits 

are always free and photo packages are 

available for purchase. For details, visit 

shopmidriversmall.com. 

• • • 

Santa Saturdays continue through Dec. 

23 in Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Road in 

Wentzville. After driving through the Holiday 

Night Lights display, stop by the Kolb 

Building to see Santa. For details, visit 

wentzvillemo.gov. 

• • • 

The St. Peters Tree Lighting Ceremony 

is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at 

St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre 

Blvd. This free event includes festive musical 

performances from the Childbloom 

Guitar Program of St. Charles County, 

TOP GUNN FAMILY 

CONSTRUCTION INC. 

Build and Repair Decks & Fences, 

All Painting, Wallpaper Removal, 

Powerwash/Stain Decks, Finish Basements, 

Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths 

Senior Discounts • Military Discounts 

First responders must show ID 

Call Today • 636-466-3956 

GunnFamilyConstruction@gmail.com 

ROOFING 

TUCKPOINTING 

GUTTERS 

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THE FAN MAN 

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Gable Vent Fans • Recessed Lighting 

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(314) 510-6400 

INTERIOR 

PAINTING 

BONDED & INSURED 

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636.697.8090 

30+ YEARS 

EXPERIENCE 

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& Painting 

Power Washing • Painting • Staining 

INTERIORS • EXTERIORS • CONCRETE 

CEDAR HOMES • DECKS & FENCES 

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• 1 Room Or Entire Basement 

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• As Low As $15 sq. ft. 

• Professional Painters, Drywall 

Hangers & Tapers 

Call Rich on cell 314.713.1388 

• Landscaping 

• Tree Removal 

• Yard Prep 

• Fertilize 

Landscapes, Fences 

& More L.L.C. 

Storm 

Damage 

Specialist 

(314) 795-8219 

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MID RIVERS 

H O M E P A G E S 

636.591.0010





I 31 

Lindenwood’s Voices Only, a performance 

by Butch Wax & The Hollywoods, and an 

appearance by Santa Claus. For details, 

visit stpetersmo.net. 

• • • 

A Candy Cane Hunt is from 1-2 p.m. 

on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Gould Building at 

Wapelhorst Park, 1875 Muegge Road in 

St. Charles. Expect a visit from Santa and 

hot cocoa. Cost is $15 per person (ages 

14 and younger.) Bring a bucket or bag to 

collect the candy canes. For details, visit 

stcharlesparks.com/programs. 

• • • 

Breakfast with Santa is from 9-11 a.m. 

on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Rec-Plex, One 

St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. Children 

ages 2-8 will enjoy a continental-style 

breakfast, crafts, a hot chocolate and donut 

bar, and Christmas Carols with Santa 

and his elves. The cost is $9 for member 

adults (ages 9 and over); $14 for member 

children (ages 8 and under) and $11 for 

non-member adults; $16 for non-member 

children. Advanced registration required at 

stpetersmo.net. 

• • • 

Storytime With Santa is from 6-7 

p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 at Webster 

Park Community Building, 2201 S. 

River Road in St. Charles. Children are 

welcome to wear pajamas and bring a 

blanket and pillow to get comfortable 

during storytime. Each child will have 

the chance to get their photo taken with 

Santa. Cost is $15 per person. To register, 

visit stcharlesparks.com. 

LOCAL EVENTS 

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 

St. Charles Flea and Artisan Market 

is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on the second Saturday 

of the month through December at 

the Saint Charles City Hall parking garage, 

200 N. Second St. in St. Charles. Details at 

stcharlesflea.com. 

• • • 

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra 

will be accepting video auditions for new 

students through the month of December. All 

levels of string, wind, brass and percussion 

are invited to apply. Rehearsals will begin 

Jan. 6. For details, contact sccyomusic@ 

gmail.com or visit sccyo.org. 

• • • 

Artists sought for 2024-2025 sculpture 

series, “The Shape of Community,” a citywide, 

temporary sculpture exhibition, featuring 

large-scale works of art in prominent areas 

throughout O’Fallon loaned by artists for an 

18-month period. Submissions are open until 

Feb. 6. To submit artwork for consideration, 

visit ofallon.mo.us/shape-of-community. 

BENEFITS 

Cornucopia of Care continues through 

Dec. 8. Join Volunteer O’Fallon to collect 

items for local food pantries. Donation sites 

include O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 100 N. 

Main Street, and Renaud Center, 2650 Tri 

Sports Circle. For details, visit ofallon.mo.us/ 

cornucopia-of-care. 

• • • 

The Immaculate Conception of Dardenne 

Mens Knights Of Columbus hosts a Knight 

At The Mouse Races at 7 p.m. (doors open 

at 6 p.m.) on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2199 Post 

Road in Dardenne Prairie. Tickets $20 and 

include snacks, beer and setups. 

FAMILY & KIDS 

Family Story Time is at 9:30 a.m. and 

10:30 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays 

weekly at the Spencer Road Branch Library, 

427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. Stories, 

songs and activities intended for children 

ages 6 and younger. Free event. Register at 

attend.mylibrary.org/events. 

• • • 

Family Fridays are from 2-4 p.m. on the 

second Friday of every month at the Heritage 

Park Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing in St. 

Peters. Each session has games and crafts, 

storytime, or hands-on displays. Free event. 

Details at stccparks.org. 

• • • 

Art Start is at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at 

The Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center 

in St. Charles. Children create small art projects 

that pair with a story. Free event. For 

ages 2-5 with a caregiver. For details, visit 

foundryartcentre.org. 

SPECIAL INTEREST 

The Cavesprings Toastmasters Club 

offers in-person and online meetings from 

8 a.m.-9 a.m. Wednesdays at the St. Charles 

Ambulance District, 2000 Salt River Road 

in St. Peters. Improve public speaking and 

communication skills by gaining confidence 

when speaking in front of others. RSVP to 

cavespringstoastmasters@gmail.com. 

• • • 

Public Stargazing is at sunset or 7 p.m. 

on Friday nights at the Broemmelsiek Park 

Astronomy Site, 1593 Schwede Road in 

Wentzville. Join the Astronomical Society 

and discover the planets, stars, constellations, 

nebulas, and galaxies on clear Friday 

nights through the largest public-viewing 

telescope in Missouri. Advanced registration 

is requested for groups of 10 or more. For 

details, email outreach@asemonline.org or 

visit asemonline.org. 

• • • 

St. Peters Lions Club meets on the first 

and third Tuesday of the month at The Lions 

Club House, 9 Park St. in St. Peters. Being 

a Lion is about leading by example, building 

relationships and improving the world 

through kindness. For details, email lionsclubstpetersmo@gmail.com. 

• • • 

Cottleville/Weldon Spring Rotary Club 

meets at noon on Wednesdays at Bemo’s, 

5373 Hwy. N. Details at cwsrotary.org. 

RSVP to Toddrasche01@gmail.com. 

• • • 

Citizens for Smart Growth in St. 

Charles County hosts an evening of 

dinner, wine and live entertainment by 

Michael Shaerer. The evening begins at 6 

p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at Defiance Ridge 

Vineyards. Tickets are available at defianceridgevineyards.com, 

search “Smart 

Growth.” 

MID RIVERS CLASSIFIEDS • 636.591.0010 • CLASSIFIEDS@NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM 

CLEANING SERVICES 

SPOTLESS CLEANING 

SERVICES 

for your home or business. 

Specializing in everyday cleaning 

of homes, rentals, move outs & 

home buying, etc. 

Family owned & operated 

Call today (636) 777-9319 

to schedule your cleaning 

or a FREE ESTIMATE. 

Email: spotless.dina@gmail.com 

COLLECTIBLES 

WANTED TO BUY 

• SPORTS MEMORABILIA • 

Baseball Cards, Sports Cards, 

Cardinals Souvenirs and 

Memorabilia. Pre-1975 Only. 

Private Collector: 

314-302-1785 

WANTED TO BUY 

VINYL RECORD ALBUMS 

Buying quality collections of 

Rock, Jazz, Blues and More! 

No collection to large or small 

Private Collector: JP 

Call or Text 636-342-1616 or 

Email: Jp.vinyl57@gmail.com 

EDUCATION 

Traveling Fossil & Rock 

Presentations with a Biblical 

Perspective. Suitable for all grade 

levels. FREE Fossils for everyone. 

Can the Bible timeline 

be tested and trusted? Yes! 

The Rock’s Cry Out Ministry 

Contact Bill Barnes 314-608-2928 

ELECTRICAL 

ERIC'S ELECTRIC 

Licensed, Bonded and Insured: 

Service upgrades, fans, can lights, 

switches, outlets, basements, 

code violations fixed, we do it 

all. Emergency calls & back-up 

generators. No job too small. 

Competitively priced. 

Free Estimates. 

Just call 636-262-5840 

GARAGE DOORS 

DSI/Door Solutions, Inc. 

Garage Doors, Electric Openers. 

Fast Repairs. All makes & models. 

Same day service. Free Estimates. 

Custom Wood and Steel Doors. 

BBB Member • Angie's List 

Call 314-550-4071 

www.dsi-stl.com 

HAULING 

J & J HAULING 

WE HAUL IT ALL 

Service 7 days. Debris, furniture, 

appliances, household trash, yard 

debris, railroad ties, fencing, decks. 

Garage & Basement Clean-up 

Neat, courteous, affordable rates. 

Call: 636-379-8062 or 

email: jandjhaul@aol.com 

HELP WANTED 

Rockwood School District 

Hiring For Position of: 

Food Service 

Our Child Nutrition Assistants 

work school days only 

Part time or Full time, 

No experience needed. 

Starting Pay $14 Hourly. 

Seven Paid Holidays, 

Retirement through PEERS, 

Perfect Attendance Days 

Manager positions available 

with full benefits. 

www.rsdmo.org 

or call 636-733-3253 

HOME IMPROVEMENT 

REMODEL & REPAIR 

Rotted wood, Painting, Tile, 

Drywall, Floors, Electrical, 

Carpentry, Plumbing, 

Power Washing. Insured. 

FREE ESTIMATES 

Tom Streckfuss 314-910-7458 

sbacontractingllc@gmail.com 

Mizzou Crew LLC (Since 2004) 

We can’t do everything, 

but we CAN do a lot! 

Landscaping, Demolition, 

Flooring, Light Construction, 

Furniture Assembly, Fencing, 

Deck Repair, Rough Carpentry. 

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email mizzoucrewstl@gmail.com 

HOME IMPROVEMENT 

AFFORDABLE CARPENTRY 

Kitchen Remodeling, Wainscoting, 

Cabinets, Crown Molding, Trim, 

Framing, Basement Finishing, 

Custom Decks, Doors, Windows. 

Free estimates! 

Anything inside & out! 

Call Joe 636-699-8316 

HAPPY HANDYMAN SERVICE 

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LANDSCAPING 

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Mulch, Shrub Trimming, 

Yard Cleanups, Power Washing, 

Moles, Small Walls & Paver Patios. 

Hauling Services, 

Demolition, 

Handyman Services 

& Rough Carpentry 

Call/Text Jeff 

314-520-5222 

or www.MizzouCrew.com 

PAINTING 

Interior and 

exterior painting 

Deck staining 

- Insured & Free Estimates - 

Dickspainting.com 

314-707-3094 

PLUMBING 

ANYTHING IN PLUMBING 

Good Prices! Basement 

bathrooms, small repairs & 

code violations repaired. Fast 

Service. Certified, licensed 

plumber - MBC Plumbing 

- Call or text anytime: 

314-409-5051 

TREE SERVICES 

Complete Tree Service for 

Residential & Commercial 

Tree Pruning & Removal 

Plant Health Care Program 

Deadwooding • Stump Grinding 

Deep Root Fertilization 

Cabling & Storm Clean Up 

ISA Certified Arborists 

Doug Beckmann MW-5255A 

Teresa Hessel MW-5754A • Brad Meyer MW-5286A 

Free Estimates • Fully Insured 

314-426-2911 

meyertreecare.com 

WEDDING SERVICES 

ANYTIME ANYWHERE 

- CEREMONIES - 

• Marriage Ceremonies 

• Vow Renewals 

• Baptisms 

• Pastoral Visits 

• Graveside Visits 

Full Service Ministry 

(314) 703-7456

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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine 11-29-23

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