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Staying true to their roots

CrossRoads: May 2015

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The Community News CrossRoads Magazine Community News, Wentzville, Lake Saint Louis, Troy, Lincoln County Family, Events, Chamber of Commerce

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Staying true to their roots

2 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

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Published monthly with newstands mail circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis,

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

PublisherBob Huneke

EditorMathew DeKinder

Production ManagerRebecca Brockmann

ContributorsAvalanche, Staci Budde, Robin Daniels,

Tony Mathews, Cindy Moore, Laurie Nobe, Russ Patton

PhotographerRay Rockwell

Staff WriterBrett Auten

VOL 12 | NO 5 Departments

features

4

6

By Robin Daniels

By: Brett Auten

By Staci Budde-–Co-Founder

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13

9

8

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Advertiser ProfilesForrest Keeling Nursery a regional institution

Know your retirement account options: IRAs

Staying true to their rootsBusinesses in Wentzville keep hometown charm while surrounded by rapid growth

Nonprofit ProfileThe Averi Budde Foundation

Around Town Local news and events

What’s The Word?Wentzville could use a trip back to the future

EntertainmentLooking back at the career of director Cameron Crowe

BusinessWestern St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

FoodMentor knows best

Always an Adventure The general store Moore on Life Spring clinging

Community CalendarMay

Automobile AlleyChevrolet Colorado makes a strong impression

Photo OpO’Fallon Garden Expo

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 3

2015contentsMAY

On the Cover: Photo by Ray Rockwell

4 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Around Town

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Eleven-year-old Heritage Elementary stu-dent Chloe Layton was recently crowned Miss Missouri Pre-Teen United States. The competition took place at Theatre Law-rence in Lawrence, Kansas the weekend of March 20. There, Chloe competed

against other talented young ladies from the state of Missouri aged 10-12 years old. The competi-tion consisted of interview, personal introduction, sportswear modeling and eveningwear. The Miss Pre-Teen United

States Pageant is a "non-glitz" pageant that encour-ages young girls to show-case their personalities from within. It is affiliated

with the Miss United States Organization. With the title of Miss Pre-

Teen United States, Chloe will now move on to com-pete at the National Pag-eant held during the Miss United States pageant week in Washington D.C over the 4th of July holiday. In addition to the amazing prize package she has won, Chloe will also get to take part in the holiday parade in Washington D.C and at-tend the Miss World Pag-eant Finals, also being held in D.C. In her free time, Chloe

loves baking, riding her bike and doing gymnas-tics. She is being sponsored by many friends, family and local businesses.

Wentzville student crowned Miss Pre-Teen United States

Eleven-year-old Heritage Elementary student Chloe Layton was recently crowned Miss Mis-souri Pre-Teen United States.

Submitted photo

Around Town

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 5

www.byerlyrv.com

No medicine works for premature infants like human milk, but many infants in the NICU don’t have access to this resource. The Milk Bank, a nonprofit human milk bank serving NICUs across the Midwest, is now expanding into Missouri so more fami-lies can be part of this lifesaving mission.The Milk Bank

opened a new milk depot at Little Flower Family Medi-cine in O’Fallon on March 31. This will allow eligible mothers in the area to drop off their milk donations, where they will then be sent to The Milk Bank’s pasteurization facility in Indianapolis and distributed to NICUs across the Mid-

west. When no milk depots are present, do-nors must package and ship their donations to The Milk Bank. Currently, the only depot in Missouri is in St. Louis. With the opening of the Amber Sky and Little Flower Family

Medicine depots this March, Mis-souri will be home to three milk de-pots for interest-ed donors.The Milk Bank, a

HMBANA-affiliat-ed, nonprofit milk bank, ensures that fragile infants get the highest qual-

ity donor milk. Donors are screened for eligibility, and they must pass a blood test to donate their milk. The Milk Bank accepts donations through a child’s second year of life and has dispensed over 1 million ounces

of donated milk since its founding in 2005.“We are thrilled to open a milk depot to

welcome more Missouri mothers to our mission,” says Janice O’Rourke, Executive Di-rector of The Milk Bank. “When more moth-ers become aware of how easy the milk do-nation process is and how they can be a part of it, we will be able to help more infants.”

Breast milk donation for premature infants expanding into O’Fallon

6 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

What's the Word?

Wentzville could use a trip back to the futureGrowing up in St. Charles I never really gave

a second thought to Historic Main Street, as it was placed right at my fingertips. I have shopped the shops, eaten at many of the lovely restaurants, learned the history of Lewis and Clark and walked the beautiful cobblestone streets. The shops, the restau-rants and the vast and rich heritage were something I began to take for granted. I started thinking to myself that no one has what Main Street St. Charles has, until I started working in Wentzville.Wentzville was never on my radar. It was

a place we passed while on our way to the Lake of the Ozarks, usually being the place we stopped for a quick burger. It wasn’t until I started working in Wentzville that I really started to see its true beauty. Downtown, Old Town, The Village Center – whatever you may call it – is absolutely breathtak-ing. I became curious about the history of Wentzville. How long ago was it established? What remains of “Old Wentzville” today? After doing some research the most im-portant question to me became, “How can downtown Wentzville return to its roots?” As I stood on the tracks of the old Wabash

Railroad looking around at all of the vacant land, I started to picture what could be, I started to picture the future of The Village Center. I can envision it now; tents along the old railroad featuring local produce, artists set up along West Allen showcasing and selling their masterpieces, members of the community marketing hand-made prod-ucts, walking to Friendship Brewing Com-pany (as soon as they open) and not only having a cold one that was brewed right here in The Village Center, but also learn-

ing about the history of the building and how the owners are refurbish-ing it with what they found inside when they purchased it. The 100 year old building will be revitalized into Wentzville’s first brewery while maintaining the beautiful oak walls that came with the historical build-ing. Friendship Brewing Company is doing exactly what I see for the future of The Village Center, bring-ing in the new and exciting all while maintaining the old, rich history that’s engraved in the city’s foot-print. I picture being able to walk the streets of

The Village Center while shopping, dining and exploring the history of the city. Could you just imagine walking down the streets and stopping to see beautiful markers that showcase the history of certain buildings and what once stood on those vacant spots of land and parking lots? Imagine walking up to the MFA, Inc. Building and learning that what once stood there was the man-sion of Charles Musik, the man who hosted numerous celebrations on his land. Com-munity-wide barbeques, elaborate 4th of July parties, and many other events were held at what was called “Musik Grove.”I would absolutely love to see something

like Musik Grove come back to Wentzville. Live entertainment, local restaurants shell-ing out their favorite eats and cold drinks and families perched on a blanket together tak-ing in the sounds and the smells of the new lifestyle that The Village Center has brought back to life for its residents. I see bringing in a mix of old and new to Wentzville, keeping

the heritage and history in tact but also adding new and excit-ing things for the community to do while ex-ploring The Vil-lage Center area of downtown W e n t z v i l l e . What is first up

on the agenda to bring life to The Village Cen-

ter, you ask? That would be the 3rd Annual Blues and Classic Rock Festival that will be taking place on Saturday, May 16 right out in front of Old Friends Vintage Guitars. There you will find a family-friendly event that will include six of the best local blues and rock bands, food from a locally owned business, and a beer garden. I honestly see this festi-val as the “future of The Village Center.” It is only with activities and events like this that The Village Center will not only return to its roots by keeping the history alive, but also take on a whole new life for the residents of Wentzville. So grab your friends, family, a few lawn chairs and head to the festival!I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The

Village Center has the potential to not only be like Main Street St. Charles, but better. The business owners are in for the long haul to tackle getting The Village Center up and going, moving and shaking. So here is what I want to know from you, the community…What would YOU like to see come to The Village Center? Entertainment, farmers market, shops, restaurants, etc.? Please send your thoughts and comments on what you would like to see come to The Village Center to Laurie Nobe at [email protected]. We want to hear from you, the community!

BY LAURIE NOBELaurie Nobe was born, raised and still resides in St. Charles County. She is rehabbing a house and planning a late sum-mer wedding with her fiancé.

The tracks of the old Wabash Railroad facing west into Wentzville.

Photo by Laurie Nobe

The Averi Budde Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 in support of pediatric heart programs in and around the St. Louis area and community, and to help sup-port heart families and research pro-grams. The foundation was founded after

the birth of twin girls Adison and Averi Budde. Averi was born with several con-genital heart defects requiring her to have open heart surgery at five days old. Averi has had five open heart surgeries to date and four cardiac cathertizations. During Averi’s stay in the hospital, Averi’s Grandma Vicki Isom and parents, Ryan and Staci Budde wanted to give back for the amazing care they received. They held a fundraiser at Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon, Missouri to raise awareness and funding for the St. Louis-area patients and CICU. This year will be the eighth year for the fundraiser which is now held annually at Blue Springs Ranch on September 12. We encourage all to attend for an amazing fun day for a great cause!To date, the Averi Budde Foundation has raised $175,000 that

has been donated to St. Louis Children’s CICU, SSM Cardinal Glen-non Dallas Heart Center, Camp Rhythm (a camp for children that have had open heart surgery), AED/Defibrillators for Sullivan and Bourbon Ambulance districts and schools and Pulse Oximetry machine for Missouri Baptist Hospital Obstetrics department. The foundation has held a Pediatric Congenital Heart conference where five top surgeons and cardiologists came to educate St. Louis Children’s CICU staff. Several heart families have been as-

sisted financially and with lodg-ing while their child was in the

hospital. Several events coming up to benefit the foundation include the Annual Averi Budde Family Fun Day at Blue Springs Ranch, Bourbon Missouri on Septem-ber 12, which includes a silent auction, carnival rides, bounce

house, carriage rides and a dinner all included. May 31 is our second Food Truck

event to be held in Cottleville at Legacy Park from 4 - 8 p.m. with bounce houses and a

washers tournament. There are approximately one-in-110-babies born

with congenital heart disease and most will die before they see their first birthday. Our mission is to educate and help local institutions and families during their child’s hospital stay and help fund equipment, education tools and scholarships to the CICU staff.

Please find us on FB at the Averi Budde Foundation or

our website at averisjourney.com

or email at [email protected]

The Averi Budde FoundATion looks to support little hearts

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 7

Nonprofit Profile

www.pcrc-stl.com

www.viperrocks.com

8 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” reads the sign in the local gen-eral store. A staple of rural living, the local general store is the place to get groceries, beer, cigarettes, first-aid supplies, ice cream, camp-ing supplies, fishing tackle and in some cases, mail, hardware, guns and ammo, gasoline and the latest gossip. Once away from urban areas and off the interstates, these institutions serve as local cultural hubs, enabling a very scattered and remote population to pick up ne-cessities without going to “town,” as well as interact with each other. Without such institutions, many rural dwellers would have little to no contact with their neighbors. For most denizens of the hinter-boonies, solitude and privacy are desirable features of remote living, but even a hermit needs to say “hi” to another human once in a while. For travelers and tourists passing through, a short stop in such an es-

tablishment can provide more information than any map, guidebook or social media posting. Where to go, what to see, where to stay and where and whom to stay away from can all be learned with a short stop and a few questions. The information and conversation flow a bit more freely when the questioning party makes some purchases. Yes, the locally owned and operated establishment will charge a bit more than the generic urban-mart. That’s because the remote pur-veyor of goods likely has to pay more wholesale for an item than the big box store can sell it for retail. However, you probably won’t find out what the road conditions are or where the best places to fish are located by asking questions at the nearest Big-Box located 40 miles away. (Actually, you won’t find the best places to fish at the local store either, but you will probably be directed to places where you can catch fish. Only morons give up their best fishing holes.) Beyond obtaining goods and travel information, one can learn a lot

about the flavor of a locale simply by meeting some of the residents. Farming and ranching topics dominate much of the conversation in the Midwest stores. Small shops near lake and river resort areas are well represented by fishermen and boaters. Here in the remote Rockies, a motley assortment of mountaineers, cowboys, movie stars, active-duty and retired enforcers (on both sides of the law), pastors, avalanche forecasters, lawyers, realtors, construction workers and a few with no visible means of support are the people you will find at the local general store. Some mornings during the off-season, it is a

full-fledged hermits’ convention, with the more reclusive folks push-ing the boundaries of their social phobias. Once more than a half-dozen or so humans are within conversation distance, the less socia-ble individuals make a hasty retreat away from the madding crowds. When the summer season arrives and the owners and employees are dealing with throngs of hungry and thirsty customers, the local cus-tomer base dwindles a bit; we’ll come back when it’s not so busy and there’s time to visit.Nationwide, such establishments have declined in number over the

last few years. The negative effects of the economic meltdown of a few years ago have not subsided much outside of those areas gifted by the central banks’ digitally-conjured bailouts. And the EPA, in a quest to protect aquifers, has been enforcing onerous and expensive regulations on gas stations. The current requirements for fuel storage and dispensing are simply too costly for a small volume gas station to cover. So, the owner faces a difficult choice of spending more money on fuel-dispensing equipment than will be returned in the hopes of boosting other sales; pulling the tanks out of the ground and losing the traffic; or simply walking away from the building and giving the keys to the bank. A drive through any sparsely-populated area re-veals a lot of empty buildings with old gas pumps out front, standing on broken concrete pads overgrown with weeds, monuments to the passing of a simpler time. Difficulties aside, the local general store is alive and well. Most resi-

dents of those out-of-the-way places understand that if they don’t support their local business, it will go away and they’ll have to go to “town,” which is much worse than paying a few extra bucks for their goods. And visitors know they can get more local knowledge from the mom and pop establishment than anywhere else. If you stop by, grab an ice cream cone and visit a while, the locals are friendly. Just don’t expect us to give up our favorite fishing holes.

Always An Adventure

The general store

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

Photo by Avalanche

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Spring has sprung and with it the daffo-dils, tulips and hiacythinths…hiathinmints? Oh, you know what I mean. Those re-ally colorful flowers no one can pro-nounth let alone thpell!Things inside are starting to spring

open as well – like cupboards and clos-ets.Naturally, the reason they start to spring

open is because of all our stuff – that major component which separates us from the rest of the animal species. And since we accumulate so much stuff those places that we do stuff our stuff tend to get overstuffed and spring open.Thus, the time for spring-cleaning rolls around.This opportunity creates the perfect occasion for one of those

cheery, husband-wife projects, which if done properly can cause bonding and teamwork and strangulation.The reason…no one wants to part with their stuff.My husband begins by rummaging through my spice cabinet and

says, “Let’s unload this tin can collection. They serve no purpose.”He reaches back into the cabinet and snaps off a container of

cream of tartar cemented to the bottom of the cupboard.“It appears you’re tartar has turned to mortar!” he says tossing it

like a basketball into the garbage can.I rush in. “Stop! Do you realize that stuff costs three dollars an ounce? That’s

48 bucks a pound…$96,000 per ton. It’s not garbage; it’s gold!”“It’s mold! Canned botulism! And what exactly is this one?” He

takes a cautious sniff. “Dill weed? Sweet mother of condiments! If you’re paying that kind of money for weed, it had darn well better be the illegal kind.”It joins the growing heap of cans.“Now, what about this thyme?” he says dipping a finger in it. “Is it

supposed to be a solid or particle?”“Particle.”“It’s now particle board. Appears your thyme is up. And dare I ask

about these cans marked, Ginger, Marjoram and Rosemary? What are you storing here, the cremated remains of the Spice Girls? Al-though, it would explain why the group broke up so suddenly.”He thinks he’s got me. I retaliate.“Well, Mr. Hoarder-pants, while we’re on the subject of clearing

out, what about your mass collection of bolts and nuts?” I rattle a Mason jar filled with some of his stash.A cold sweat appears on his brow while his left eye develops a vis-

ible twitch. “Release the nut jar!”“Why? They serve no purpose.”“They most certainly do,” he bristles. “Let me give you a typical sce-

nario. It’s mid-May. A freak winter storm has shut down the entire state. Winds are howling 95 miles per hour; trees are being flipped from the ground like Pop Tarts from a toaster. Suddenly, from the bowels of the basement, there’s a distinct ping from the furnace.

The problem: a quarter-inch Phillips-head screw has loosened itself from the

thermostat setting off a chain reac-tion, causing the temperature to plunge 60 degrees. The next thing

you know, I’m forced outdoors to bat-tle sub-zero conditions and dodge flying

roof tops to get the right component and save your extremities from frostbite.”

He drops to the floor for visual effect and continues.“Then, after crawling through the blinding blizzard, I find

the hardware store encased in a thick sheet of ice. Only by smashing through it with a shopping cart do I discover that all furnace parts have been winterized, warehoused and replaced by isles of Weed wackers and garden mulch. So much for your extremities! But no, I merely head out to the garage and pick out a replacement screw, which I rescued from an old snow blower engine, and ta-da, we’re toasty warm while you could have been forced to ignite your furni-ture to stay alive.”“Listen, sweetie, if you expect me to hang onto 17 bottles of nails

and screws in preparation for the return of the Ice Age, you’re nut-tier than a jar of Skippy,” I say.“Yes, and if you think you’re suddenly going to take up cooking to

use those toxic seasonings then I’ll eat that entire jar of Skippy.”“So-o-o, maybe we shouldn’t act too hastily,” I say, retrieving my

rusted spice cans.“You’ve got a point there,” he says hugging the nut jar to his chest.

“This cleaning can wait. It’s a nice spring day. Let’s go for a walk. The hiawathas are in full bloom.”

Moore On Life

Spring clinging

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 9

Payne1/8

BY CINDY MOORECindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

10 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Staying true to their rootsFew, if any, communities in Missouri have

had the type of growth that Wentzville has experienced. Growing from a town of only about 5,000

in 1990 to 29,070 by 2010, Wentzville has become a premier location for both busi-nesses and residents. Wentzville is the fast-est growing city in the state of Missouri, according to the 2010 Census, with an in-crease in population of 322 percent. Yet, for all its rapid growth, it has retained its hometown charm and friendliness.Pete’s Drive In encapsulates that home-

town charm. The restaurant, located at 1009 East

Pearce Blvd, was established in August 1966 and at the helm ever since has been Pete Luetkenhaus. Luetkenhaus, 80, started

it when he was 31 when there was next to nothing in the area.“There was the city hall at the extreme

end of town and the rest was all fields,” Lu-etkenhaus said. What started off as an A&W, the busi-

ness has been in the same location for 49 years. Unlike the rest of Wentzville, little has changed on the menu since then, with hamburgers and assorted fair reigning su-preme.“We have always tried to serve quality

food,” Luetkenhaus said. “It’s some of the best around.”Generations of residents have passed

through Pete’s door either as customers or employees. Two of Pete’s employees, Bev-erly Kersting and Elaine Howdershell have

logged well over 40 years at the establish-ment. Pete’s daughter, Marsha Perotti, has been working there since she was 13. “We kind of keep to ourselves over here

on the quiet end of town,” Perotti said. “We rely a lot on our regulars. It’s gotten to the point where customers and friends are all the same.”Over at the UnKorked Wine Garden, She-

lia Stewart set up shop five years ago in one of the towns most historic buildings at 205 East Allen. First came the Southwestern Bell Company when the town’s first switch-board was installed around 1915-1916 and was in operation prior to World War I. In 1930, the house was sold to Dr. and Mrs. Schroeder. Dr. Schroeder was the first chi-ropractor in the Wentzville area and the

couple continued to run the switchboard for a number of years with help from their daughter, Lillian Schroeder. Fast for-ward a few genera-tions and Stewart has created a charming destination for win-ing and dining and live music. “This is a unique

building where fam-ily businesses have continued to thrive,” Stewart said. “It was the house, the lo-cation, everything about it. I knew there would be room for a garden and outside seating.Stewart feels that

Wentzville has done a good job of han-dling its brisk expan-sion.“St. Charles almost

lost control whereas we have expanded and grown and not

Pete’s Drive In 1009 East Pearce BlvdWentzville, MO 63385

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 11

Businesses in Wentzville keep hometown charm while surrounded by rapid growth

overwhelmed ourselves,” Stewart said. “We’ve done a good job of keeping it set-tled.”Over at Windows and the Works at 501

East Allen, Donna-Marie Pierre has been in the decorating business for 38 years in the St. Charles County area. Not only does she own her own business but she is also very active in the community. She belongs to the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and Downtown Business As-sociation. Donna-Marie’s husband, Art specializes in painting, window replace-ment, doors, awnings and installing 3M solar films. Windows and the Works is the ultimate

family business. All of the Pierre children have worked for the company at one time or another. Daughter Susan-Marie brings warmth and person-al style as showroom coordinator and the right hand to Donna-Marie. With a grand-daughter Evelyn and grandsons Justin and Peyton, there is hope that a third genera-tion will be in the business.Among the newer

businesses are Little Black Book: Women in Business and 55 Creative.Established in 2012

by co-founders, An-gel Magasano and Tess Henley, Little Black Book: Women in Business is a certi-fied nonprofit corpo-ration in the state of Missouri dedicated to the advancement of female owned businesses through referral marketing. The organization is a

tight knit group of women business owners and operators who are active referral part-ners. Programs are offered to help educate women in areas of business and personal growth and development.Today, Little Black Book boasts over 60

certified members in Western St Charles County, Missouri and a Collegiate Chapter at Southeast Missouri State University un-der the direction of Founding Faculty Dr. Erin Fleugge-Woolf. By the end of 2015 LBB will host chapters in Western St Charles County, Eastern St Charles County, Cape Girardeau, and Cleveland, Ohio.At 55 Creative, Lucas Web Marketing and

Chris Oth Creative merged in 2013. The merger allows them to better serve the small business owner by offering a single

solution where you can get a logo, website, brochures, and more, all in one place.So while Wentzville grows by leaps and

bounds and the big box stores and national franchises have set up shop after shop, the hometown charm and value has neither departed nor stymied the addition of busi-nesses that hold close these same values.

Photos by Ray Rockwell

Page 10: Left - Pete Luetkenhaus established Pete’s Drive In at at 1009 East Pearce Blvd. in August 1966.

Page 10: Top - Marsha Perotti, daughter of Pete Luetkenhaus, has been working at Pete’s Drive In since she was 13.

Page 10: Bottom - Two of Pete’s employees, Beverly Kersting (left) and Elaine Howdershell have logged well over 40 years at the establish-ment.

Page 16: Left - Shelia Stewart established UnKorked Wine Garden five years ago.

Unkorked 206 E Allen StWentzville, MO 63385

Wine Garden

By Brett Auten

12 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Built exclusively at GM’s Wentzville assembly facility, the 2015 Chev-rolet Colorado is now being featured and showcased throughout the U.S. with the help of their 3,200 dealer network footprint. It’s the “sister product” of the GMC Canyon, which of course is built

on the same manufacturing line. Colorado is positioned in the mid-size pickup truck category. Ford and Chrysler (Dodge) previously were players in this arena stateside but elected to pull out some years ago due to declining sales and other factors. Import nameplates such as Toyota and Nis-

san remained as a viable choice in this spe-cialty truck market as well. “Many people like the ‘can-do’ spirit of a

truck, but they want a vehicle that is easier to maneuver in traffic and easier to park at work or at home,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “For them, bigger is not necessarily better. Also, they don’t want to give up the latest in convenience and safety features, which aren’t available on current midsize pickups. For those customers, the new Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect choice.” This truck is designed to meet many of the “wants and needs” of

truck customers in North America. Colorado has distinctive outer design cues coupled with a quiet and comfortable interior that offers car like amenities. It also has innovative extras such as the Chevy My-Link system with text messaging and app-based conveniences, plus built-in/available Wi-Fi (with a three-month complimentary data trial period). MyLink is standard on LT and Z71 models. It combines with OnStar

to bring connectivity technology to the driver and passengers. Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert are also offered on this new truck. A built-in rear camera is standard across the model line up. Getting

down to specifics, it’s available in a four-door extended or crew-cab body configuration. More precisely, the choices include the extended cab model with a 6’ 2” rear bed, a crew cab with a 5’ 2” cargo bed and a crew cab configuration with a 6’ 2” bed. Standard with the rear cargo carrying bed is their lock-able tailgate

and two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections. This makes it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools. Furthermore, 13 cargo tie down rings are included with the bed rail plus tailgate protectors as well as their standard CornerStep rear bumper design for easy height access. The truck’s unique design telegraphs a confident stance overall with

a sporty demeanor. The raised/taller rear cargo box nicely matches

the aggressively raked belt line of the truck’s cab. The vehicles dis-tinctive proportion’s help reinforces the truck’s athleticism. Under Colorado’s hood, there is a choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 200-horsepower or a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine. With the heading of fuel efficiency, the latest EPA estimated numbers come out to be 27 mpg highway with the four-cylinder and 26 mpg with the V-6 (2-WD models). Under the umbrella of towing, its trailer

rated at 7,000 pounds with the optional V-6 engine and with their heavy-duty “factory in-stalled” towing package. As expected, it’s also offered with a four-wheel-drive underside set-up as well. With a test drive you’ll notice the quiet inte-

rior, due in part to their triple-sealed doors. A boldly designed instrument panel has large controls and a center console with a floor-mounted shifter. Attention is evident to de-tail and premium appointments. Colorado’s

seats are designed for long-haul comfort and wear. The vehicle also has active automatic hidden aero front grille shutters, designed to enhance aerodynamics seamlessly while at highway speeds. Models and trim levels include their work truck model plus their LT and Z71 versions from General Motors. The four-wheel drive system employs an electronically controlled

transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select from three modes, 2WD, 4WD HI or 4WD Lo. All models are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission; how-ever, the extended cab 2WD models equipped with the 2.5L engine are also available with a six-speed manual gear box. Colorado is designed to help keep occupants safe on the road, em-

ploying a number of active and passive safety features. At road test, the Z71 4WD, Crew Short Box V-6 version I drove had an MSRP of $36,710. That also included the factories $875 shipping charges.

Automobile Alley

Locally-built Chevrolet Colorado makes a strong impression

BY DAVID FINKELSTEINDavid Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Techni-cian, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some

15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufactures, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.

Submitted photos

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 13

Retirement. It does sound nice, doesn’t it? You no longer have to work – though you may still do so if you choose – and you get to do things you haven’t had the time for. But then there’s the financial side of retire-ment, and the two questions that are the most daunting for those approaching and planning for retirement:1. Do I have enough money saved up for

retirement?2. How can I catch up if I’m behind?The answer to the first question can be

answered by working with a financial plan-ner. The second can be answered by the in-dividual retirement accounts, or IRAs. IRAs offer a place for you to save specifically for retirement and can grow rapidly due to compound interest.As with most financial products, there are

different types of IRAs, each with their own benefits and intended users. Below is a brief overview of the most common types of IRAs.

Traditional IRA • Contributions to this type of retirement

account may be fully or partially deductible,

and taxes are not assessed until you make withdrawals from it. • Contribution limits are as follows for tra-

ditional IRAs: $5,500 under age 50; $6,500 if you are 50 or older. • Withdrawals can be made from tradition-

al IRAs fee-free once you reach age 59.5. • You can no longer make regular contribu-

tions to a traditional IRA once you reach age 70.5 or older.

Roth IRA• The main difference between Roth and

traditional IRAs is when taxes are assessed; traditional IRAs tax withdrawals, whereas contributions are taxed for Roth IRAs. • While there are many rules regarding

withdrawals from a Roth IRA, there are cer-tain qualifying expenses you may be able to use contributed funds for without having to pay a fee: - first-time home purchase, qualified edu-

cation expenses, death or disability, unre-imbursed medical expenses or health insur-ance if you are unemployed.• Contribution limits: $5,500 under age 50;

$6,500 if you are 50 or older.

Simplified Employee Pension (SEP IRA)• SEP IRAs are available to businesses of any

size, even those who are self-employed.• They are easy to set up and operate.• SEP IRAs come with low administrative

costs.• The employee is always 100 percent vest-

ed in (has total control of) all money in the account.• Contribution limits for SEP IRAs are as

follows: 25 percent of an employee’s salary, or $53,000 for 2015.• Withdrawal rules are the same as the

rules governing IRAs.

You should consult your own tax advisor when thinking about opening an IRA. They can help you understand the tax benefits and consequences of each account.

Forrest Keeling Nursery, located at 88 For-rest Keeling Ln in Elsberry, grows over 97 varieties of seedlings, 122 varieties of RPM (root production method) potted liners, 22 species of oaks and 27 varieties of nut trees. It specializes in native plant material. Finished stock includes ornamental shrubs, evergreens, and caliper trees up to 3” in di-ameter. Forrest Keeling was founded 60 years ago

by Hugh A. Steavenson. Steavenson, then manager of the U.S. Soil Conservation Nurs-ery in Elsberry, began to grow a variety of species in the backyard of his father-in-law, Dr. Forrest Keeling. Because of Dr. Keeling’s love of gardening, the Nursery was named for the Elsberry physician. Steavenson’s fledgling operation became a full-time op-eration on a 22-acre tract north of Elsberry and has grown to embrace 1,000 acres of prime agricultural ground south of Elsberry.Although Forrest Keeling’s rural location

dictated its beginning as a re-tail mail-order nursery, rapid growth shifted emphasis to wholesale business and retail trade in the garden center only.Forrest Keeling greatly ex-

panded its RPM propagation program to ten acres of green-houses in the early 1990s. Production of a wide range of trees, shrubs, and evergreens is executed in a proprietary multi-step system.Today Forrest Keeling spe-

cializes in the production of native plant materials of unique quality: de-ciduous tree and shrub seedlings and RPM potted tree liners, as well as a full line of gar-den market and landscape-sized evergreens, trees, shrubs, ground covers and specimen trees.

Forrest Keeling has an annual production of over four million seedlings, liner and transplant in more than 200 species. This production is efficiently and economically shipped from its central U.S. location to 49 states and across borders to Canada and countries of Europe and Asia.

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

Advertiser Profiles

Know your retirement Account options: IRAs

Forrest Keeling Nursery a regional institution

Photo by Ray Rockwell

Kim Lovelace Young is the owner of Forrest Keeling Nursery, located at 88 Forrest Keeling Ln in Elsberry.

14 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Chamber hosts ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies The Western St. Charles County Chamber

of Commerce hosted ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies for Upscale Resale, UMB Bank Winghaven, Culver’s Wentzville, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and Master Y Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

Upscale Resale is located at #7 Tiffany Lynn Ct., Wentzville, MO 63385. You can contact them at 636-327-5757 or visit them online at www.upscaleresalehome.com.

UMB Bank Winghaven is located at 9957 Winghaven Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. You can contact them at 636-561-5750 or visit them online at www.umb.com.

Culver’s Wentzville is located at 1898

Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. You can contact them at 636-327-7537 or visit them online at www.culvers.com.

SSM St. Joseph Hospital West celebrated a Ground Breaking for their new addition to the hospital. The hospital is located at 100 Medical Plaza, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367. You can contact them at 636-625-5200 or visit them online at www.ssmhealth.com/hospi-talwest.com.

Master Y Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do is located at 1923 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. You can contact them at 636-327-7466 or visit them online at www.ykimtkd.com.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serves Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comprised of over 650 members. If you are interested in having a ribbon cutting at your place of business please contact the cham-ber. To view pictures and video of these re-cent ribbon cuttings please visit our Cham-ber Facebook Page.For more information please call the cham-

ber office at 636-327-6914 or visit the cham-ber online at http://westernstcharlescoun-tychamber.com.Submitted photos

WESTErN ST. ChArLES COuNTY ChAMBEr OF COMMErCEBusiness

www.windowworld.com

Submitted photo

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 15

BY TONY MATHEWSTony Mathews is the President and CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

For more on any of this information or the chamber in general, please call the chamber office

at 636.327.6914 or visit the website http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

Located at 207 South Linn Avenue in Wentzville.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber will be hosting two epic tournaments this May and June. The chamber has added a bowling tournament to complement their annual golf tournament. Get a team together for the Chamber Golf

Tournament on Friday, May 15 at Incline Vil-lage Golf Course or get a team together for the Chamber Bowling Tournament at Bruns-wick Zone at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. You now have the choice to participate in

one event or both. The chamber is offer-ing special pricing on teams for the tourna-ments. Golf teams are only $300 for a team of three.

This includes golf, carts, lunch, dinner, drinks,

attendance prizes, contests and more. Bowling teams are only $100 for a team of

four. This includes two games, shoes, appe-tizers, soda and water. For more information please call the cham-

ber office at 636-327-6914. You can view sponsorship information online http://west-ernstcharlescountychamber.com. When you sponsor the event you are now sponsoring two events for the price of one!The Western St. Charles County Chamber

of Commerce serves Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comprised of 650 members. If you are in-terested in participating please contact the chamber at 636-327-6914.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber is proud to announce their move to new offices. The new chamber office is located at 207 South Linn Avenue, Wentzville, MO 63385. “The chamber is proud to add additional meeting space for our members to meet and additional parking for our visitors,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO. “If you need information about our great chamber members please stop by and visit our staff. I would like to thank all the chambers who helped or donated to the office.” A ribbon cutting and open house was held on March 19, 2015. If you have any

questions please call the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce at 636-327-6914 or visit us at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com. The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serves Dardenne Prai-

rie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comprised of 650 members.

Chamber Pins & Putts Tournaments

Western St. Charles County Chamber moves to new location

www.pbtc.net

Business

Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie

16 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Looking back at the career of director cameron crowe

His movies are rare and can take as long as half a decade to get made. As a filmmaker, his sure-handed direction is to simply pro-tect his writing - which is the glory of his films. Actors love to work with him and the amount of freedom of expression they have through their characters on the big screen can easily suggest that. His stories (usually ranging between lighthearted dramas to down-to-earth comedies) often consist the antagonists as misfits, outcasts or even un-derdogs. What makes his films stand out are the little things in life that most movies don’t focus on. From the choice of words he gives his characters to say and when it comes to romance, nobody delivers like Crowe does. If there was a rule as to how people are sup-posed to fall in love in the movies, Mr. Crowe is one of the very few who have mastered it. It’s the human interaction that really sells his work, guided by awesome soundtracks that feature music specifically chosen by the filmmaker himself. Like (Jerry Maguire’s mentor) Dicky Fox

said, “The key to this business is personal relationships.” Crowe has been a writer since the age of

15, beginning as a journalist. He submit-ted articles about music to the San Diego Union and even Rolling Stone magazine. (If this sounds similar to William Miller’s background in “Almost Famous”, you’re not crazy. It is partially an autobiographical ac-count of Crowe’s life). Years later, he posed as a student in a high school to write a book – before writing his first screenplay based on it. Those efforts lead to the making of an 80’s

cult classic, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) directed by Amy Heckerling. The comedy became one of the biggest breed-ing grounds of future stars - including Sean

Penn (in a legendary performance), Jenni-fer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Eric Stoltz, Phoebe Cates, Forest Whitaker, Anthony Edwards, and even Nicolas Coppola (before he became Nicolas Cage the following year).Producer James L. Brooks (of “Terms of

Endearment” fame) got in touch with him and offered him to be the writer for his next production. It was “Say Anything…” (1989); and, as it turned out, he also earned his shot at making this comedy his directorial debut. As years passed, it’s now regarded as one of the best movies about modern romance thanks to its sheer authenticity. Who knew that a young man holding a boom box over his head would become an iconic symbol of romance on film? “Jerry Maguire” was a bit out of Crowe’s

comfort zone and took him five years to complete the screenplay before it became

his biggest success to date. It was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Pic-ture, Best Screenplay for Crowe, Best Actor for Tom Cruise and a win for Cuba Gooding Jr. in the Supporting Actor category. A mov-ie with three famous quotes is something of a rare Hollywood gem.Cameron Crowe finally got his due and

won his Oscar for Best Screenplay for “Al-most Famous” (2000). It was another slow building success that became a classic over time and another breeding ground of future stars-like Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschanel, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jimmy Fallon-before their fame.Rounding up the rest of his movies are

“Singles” (1992), “Vanilla Sky” (2001), “Eliza-bethtown” (2005) and “We Bought A Zoo” (2011).When a film features Bradley Cooper, Ra-

chel McAdams, Emma Stone, Alec Baldwin, John Krasinsky, Danny McBride and Bill Murray, you know something’s up. Since it happens to be written and directed by Cameron Crowe, I don’t care what the plot is. I’m already going to buy my ticket-giving the man the “kwan” he deserves. “Aloha” welcomes everyone in theaters May 29.

Entertainment

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

Sports agent, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) confesses his love to Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger) with the words “You complete me” followed by her responding words “You had me at ‘hello.’” This was long after his client, Rod

Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), forced him to scream the words “Show me the money!” as a bargaining chip to main-tain their business relationship in “Jerry Maguire.”

These iconic movie moments have one thing in common: Cameron Crowe.

William Miller, a journalist - still in high school - rides a tour bus with an up-and-coming rock band as they sing along to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” in “Almost Famous.”

Lloyd Dobbler (John Cusack) holds a boom box over his head while playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” to win back the love of his life (Ione Skye) in “Say Anything…”

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Servings: 1 dozen rolls

Ingredients:Rolls:1 1/3 cups warm milk (105°F)2 packages (1/4-ounce each) active dry yeast1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened2 egg yolks1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract3/4 teaspoon salt4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting

Filling:1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened1/3 cup granulated sugar2 tablespoons bread flour2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze:1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter1/2 cup lightly-packed light brown sugar1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup confectioners’ sugar (about 1/4 pound)

Directions:1. For rolls, stir together warm milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in large bowl. Let stand 5–10 minutes or until foamy. Add butter, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar,

egg yolks, vanilla and salt. Mix with electric mixer us-ing dough hook on me-dium speed until combined. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix on medium speed until smooth, elastic dough forms, about 5 min-utes. 2. Spray large bowl with vege-table pan spray. Form dough into ball, place into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. 3. For filling, stir together butter, sugar, flour and cinna-mon in medium bowl until well-combined. 4. Prepare 13-by-9-inch pan with vegetable pan spray.5. Punch dough down and roll out to 18-by-14-inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread filling onto dough and roll up from long end, like a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal, trim ends and cut into 12 equally-sized pieces. 6. Place rolls into prepared pan; cover with plastic wrap and let rise 25–30 minutes or until doubled in size. 7. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap from rolls and bake 25–29 min-

utes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack while preparing glaze. 8. For glaze, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cream. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a simmer; cook for 1 minute, stir-ring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Pour glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm.

Servings: 2 dozen

Ingredients:Cupcakes:2 eggs plus 4 egg whites, lightly beaten (reserve 2 yolks for filling)1 cup cream of coconut1/2 cup water1 teaspoon coconut extract1/2 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract2 cups all-purpose flour1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, coarsely chopped1 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened and cut into tablespoons

Filling:2 egg yolks3 tablespoons cornstarch1 1/4 cups thick mango juice, divided1 tablespoon granulated sugarPinch salt

Icing:2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (about 1 orange)1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions:1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with baking cups.2. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg

whites, cream of coconut, water, coconut and vanilla extracts until well combined.3. In large bowl, mix flour, shredded coconut, sugar, baking powder and salt with electric mixer on low speed until combined, about 15 seconds. Add butter, 1 table-spoon at a time, continuing to beat on low speed until mixture looks dry and crum-bly and largest chunks of butter are about 1/4 inch in diameter, about 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add half of liquid ingredients. Beat on low speed until flour mixture is moistened, about 15 sec-onds. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds. With mixer still running, slowly stream in remaining liquid. Stop mixer and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Beat on medium speed for an additional 30 seconds. Divide batter evenly into baking cups, filling about 2/3 full. 4. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in centers of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool com-pletely on grid. 5. For filling, whisk together egg yolks, corn-starch and 1/4 cup mango juice in small bowl until smooth.6. In saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup mango juice, sugar and salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Slowly stream half of hot liquid into egg yolk mixture, whisk-

ing constantly. Add egg yolk mixture back into saucepan and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Strain through fine mesh sieve. Cool completely.7. For icing, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy; gradually add confec-tioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, scraping down bottom and sides of bowl as neces-sary. Add orange zest and vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.8. To assemble, remove center of cupcake with coring tool or paring knife. Fill with mango filling. Pipe icing onto cupcakes.

Note: Stir cream of coconut before measur-ing it, as it tends to settle as it sits. Coconut can be coarsely chopped in food processor or with knife.

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 17

Whether she’s your mom or a “like-a-mother” mentor, chances are you’ve got a lot to thank her for this Mother’s Day. It’s a time for celebrating your biggest supporters, num-ber one fans and best friends. In life, we’re lucky to form

relationships with women we can learn from and grow with. Beth Somers and Elizabeth Nelson from the Wilton Test Kitchen consider themselves lucky.Beth Somers, Director of

Creative Content Develop-ment, owes her start to her former boss Milette Raz. Raz is trained in the Wilton Method of Cake DecoratingTM and taught Somers how to deco-rate. But Somers thinks of Raz as so much more — call-ing her a mentor, her second mother and her friend. Years after working together, the duo teamed up for Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, returning home as champi-ons of season six with winning recipes like Tropical Getaway Cupcakes.Elizabeth Nelson, Assistant

Culinary Specialist, attributes her love of baking to her grandma Ann, learning the basics with her and picking up passed down recipes that she brought with her to college. She looks up to her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother, whom she’s told she also gets her competitive nature from. Nelson and her grandmother went through a lot of trial and error together to come up with what they be-lieve is the perfect cinnamon roll recipe, very similar to this recipe for Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze.

For the Love of Food

Mentor knows best

Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze

Tropical Getaway Cupcakes

PHoToS BY RAY RoCKWELL

18 CROSSROADS | MAY 2015

Photo Op

With spring in the air Ray Rockwell ventured out to the O’Fallon Garden Expo at Fort Zumwalt Park on April 11. The expo featured food, vendors and lots of helpful tips for gardeners.

O’Fallon Garden Expo

Community Calendar

May:1 – May Day

2 - Silent auction and lunchWentzville VFW Post 5327 will host a silent auction and lunch at noon at 1414 Hwy Z in Wentzville. Proceeds will benefit the Run for the Wall. For more information call 636-639-1648. The event is open to the public.

2 - All-city garage saleDuring the Wentzville All-City Garage Sale on May 2, the Wentzville Masonic Lodge will rent the lodge parking spaces for those who would like to sell their items. The spaces will rent for $20 or two for $35. The sale will begin at 7 a.m. If you don’t want to set up a sale, the Lodge will accept donations for those who would just like to clean out their garage. The Lodge will have coffee, soda, water, pastries, and hot dogs for a small donation. The Lodge building will be open for tours. For reserving your sale space or more in-formation, contact Bill Stone 636 262-9201 or e-mail [email protected] . The lodge is located at 602 W. Meyer Rd.

2 - Mud runThe Battlegrounds, St. Louis’ largest permanent mud run obstacle course, will hold its sixth bi-annual race beginning at 8 a.m. Runners can select to destroy either a 5k/3.2-mile or a five-mile mud run where they will experience the demands of more than 30 military-themed obstacles for those who want to test their physical and mental abilities. The Battle-grounds is located at 950 State Highway 00 in Wright City next to Cedar Lake Cellars winery and event ven-ue. All participants must be 18 years of age or older. The race costs $120 before April 17, $140 before April 30, and; $160 for May 1 and 2. Groups of five or more are highly encouraged to register, and VIP upgrade options are available to all. For more information, call 314-569-3005 or visit the website at www.the-battlegrounds.com.

5 – Cinco de Mayo

6 – National Nurses Day

8 – Truman Day

9 - Craft fairHoly Cross Lutheran Church Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Fair located at 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. O’Fallon runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Looking for crafters and vendors. Booths $45 – tables free. For information or application, call Laura Hoffman 636-240-8442.

9 - Pals Animal Shelter 5K Run/WalkPals Animal Shelter 5K Run/Walk will take place at Quail Park in Wentzville. Runners, walkers and spon-sors can sign up at Pals-Pets.com.

9 - Library Foundation galaThe St. Charles City-County Library Foundation in-vites you to follow the yellow brick road to the Imag-ine Gala which will feature themes from the Wizard of Oz to highlight the value of literacy and the signifi-cance of libraries to a community. A portion of each ticket purchase is tax deductible and benefits the Library Foundation’s literacy initiatives. Individual tickets are $125 and seating for a table of 10 is $1,250. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stchlibrary-foundation.org. Visit www.stchlibraryfoundation.org or call Karen at 636-441-2300, ext 1517 to learn more about the Imagine Gala, to purchase tickets and for sponsorship details.

10 – Mothers’ Day

15 - 5K Challenge RunThe family-friendly RSC 5K Challenge Run obstacle course race will be held at 7 p.m. outside the Ren-aud Spirit Center (RSC). Designed for ages eight to adult, some of the obstacles will be just for fun, while others, like the army crawl and tire run, will require some athletic ability. The entry fee for race registra-tion through May 1 for ages 16 and older is $25 for O’Fallon residents and $29 for non-residents, and registration for the 15-and-under set is $20 for resi-dents and $23 for non-residents. A $5 late fee will be added for registration May 2-14, and a $10 late fee will be accessed for race day registration. To register in advance, visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com/rsc5k and register online by noon on May 14, or print the registration form to submit with the entry fee. Look for food trucks and kids’ games after the race, along with a free showing of “Big Hero 6.” (Although the Movie in the Park is free, please call 636-474-2732 to let staff know how many in your party will be attend-ing.) For more information call 636-474-2732.

15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day

16 – Wentzville Blues and Classic Rock FestivalEvent runs from noon -10 p.m. with a block party at 1 E Allen St. in Wentzville. There will be six bands tak-ing the stage. Food, soft drinks, beer will be available. This is a family-friendly event.

16 – Armed Forces Day

18-19 - Run for the WallWentzville VFW Post 5327 will host its 27th annual Run for the Wall. You are cordially invited to come and welcome more than 400 motorcycles riders mak-ing their way across the United States to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The event begins on May 18 at 6 p.m. with a welcome cer-emony and dinner at VFW Post 5327 at 1414 Hwy Z in Wentzville. On May 19 there will be a breakfast at 5 a.m. followed by a memorial ceremony at the Viet-nam Memorial at 7:45 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help with serving meals and clean up. Food and silent auction donations are needed. If you can help, please call 636-639-1648.

22 – National Maritime Day

23 - Concert in the parkCome enjoy a night of great music and dancing with Pennsylvania Slim from 7 – 10 p.m. at Boulevard Park in Lake Saint Louis. Feel free to bring your chairs, food and beverages. Glass is prohibited.

25 – Memorial Day

30 - Motorcycle ride and festivalJoin Crider Health Center for the 3rd Annual “Cruisin 4’ Crider” Awareness Ride and Community Festival that features an awareness ride for motorcycle en-thusiasts from novice to experienced. The beautiful ride signifies supporters helping to “stop stigma in its tracks.” Our Wentzville location will feature a full-scale festival atmosphere complete with vendors, children’s games and activities, food trucks, live mu-sic, raffle items, and more.

30 - Fun runThe Jillian Memorial 5K Fun Run is May 30 in Elsberry. Sign up on Active.com.

MAY 2015 | CROSSROADS 19

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

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CLASSESBEGIN

June 15th