Issuu

NOVEMBER 2019

LifestylePubs.com/StCharlesCounty

Thanks = Giving GIVING BACK: FOR THE LOU

SSM 'CALLED TO SERVE'

YEAR-END GIVING GUIDE

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November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

Judy Peters | judy.peters@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cindy O'Hara | cindy.ohara@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Kaylee Mitchell

St. Charles County Knows How to Give Back! IF THERE'S ONE THING ST. CHARLES COUNTIANS ARE GREAT AT, IT 'S GIVING BACK. And there's never a reason to be bored or unfulfilled when you consider the hundreds of St. Charles County nonprofit and service organizations, churches and charitable-minded businesses that can use your volunteer time, donations, talents and prayers. This issue is devoted to highlighting a few

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Stout COPY EDITOR

Hayley Hyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nikki Peters, Cindy O'Hara, Kimberly Blaker, John Mohr, Greg Shoemaker - Cornerstone Wealth Management CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janet Watkins

examples of this kind of generosity. Whether it's something you do as a family, with a group or as an individual, giving back can bring a sense of hope in these troubled times to both the recipient as well as to the volunteer. Speaking of hope, Jessica White spreads that message each day in her fitness business, Enact Wellness Solutions. Having been 340 pounds at her heaviest, she is now "building a sense of community" with her clients and teaching them to overcome any fears or doubts about their goals. Read her story on page 14.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

We've also included some tips on instilling that spirit of giving in your children (page 22) and some advice on year-end giving from a local expert at Cornerstone Financial (page 26). And just for fun, with the cooler weather (finally!), a family movie night is perfect for fall, so try the fun recipes in "Plan a Pop-Up Movie Night."

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Let's remember to be truly thankful for all we've been blessed with. God bless you and your family.

Judy Peters, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/StCharlesCounty

Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2019

FEATURES 10 SSM Employees Give Back Called to Serve

14 Enact Wellness Solutions A Sense of Community

18 For the Lou: You Can Be Too Church Members Help 32-Plus Charities

18 14

32 Plan a Pop-Up Movie Night Try these Fun Fall Recipes

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Giving Back

Inspired By

26 Financial Buzz 28 Healthy Lifestyle 32 Culinary Creations 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

AROUND TOWN

SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

PET SPA OWNER RECEIVES AWARD

In the age of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s

Jessica Cooke (middle) was recently awarded

easy to skip over the local, smaller shops for the big

the 2019 Champion for Children Award from United

box store or online retailer, but there’s good cause

Services for her work with providing the children a

to keep our neighborhood shops in business, and

therapy dog named Chip. Jessica is the owner of

that’s what Small Business Saturday is all about.

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Celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30. Shop the local stores in St. Charles County and help keep our county strong!

ARTISTS ON MAIN OPEN GALLERY AT STREETS OF ST. CHARLES SWINE AND WINE PIG ROAST AT DEFIANCE RIDGE

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a squealing good time! On Friday, Nov.15, 6-9 p.m.,

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Defiance Ridge Vineyards is going “whole hog” at

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

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GIVING BACK

SSM Employees Give Back 'CALLED TO SERVE' IS THIS YEAR'S THEME

ARTICLE JUDY PETERS

“MISSION DAYS” IS A CHERISHED ANNUAL TRADITION AT SSM HEALTH. It’s

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

an opportunity to engage employees, reconnect to the mission and participate in

SSM HEALTH

philanthropic activities that give back to the community. Each SSM Health hospital ministry selected a worthy cause or organization to serve as beneficiaries of these employee-driven service projects. In partnership with the United Way of Greater St. Louis, materials were delivered to each hospital location so employees could participate in assembling items into care kits specific to

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

"AS EMPLOYEES OF SSM HEALTH, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE THE MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY. THAT HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE OUR FOUNDING SISTERS ARRIVED IN ST. LOUIS IN 1872." —DR. DOUG BARTON the needs of the populations the respective organizations serve. This year, 5,845 volunteers participated in SSM Health Mission Days, logging 10,010 volunteer hours and assembling 8,350 care kits (called “Service2Go kits”) that were distributed to 15 local nonprofit agencies. Collectively, this represents a community investment of $336,856. The beneficiaries in St. Charles County were Heritage Primary School in Wentzville, Crisis Nursery, Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home, Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. Hundreds of kits were distributed to these organizations to help those in need throughout our community. Employees also wrote positive messages and words of encouragement on cards that were included in each kit. The theme of this year’s Mission Days was “Called to Serve.” “As employees of SSM Health, we are called to serve the most vulnerable members of our society. That has not changed since our founding sisters first arrived in St. Louis in 1872,” says Dr. Doug Barton, vice president of medical affairs for SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital-St. Charles. “It’s the reason why SSM Health is prioritizing Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) to find creative ways to impact the most dire health challenges facing our individual communities. Mission Days was one component of our CHNA initiative. We look forward to sharing more about how we’re addressing these health needs in the coming months and years.” November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

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November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

ENACT WELLNESS SOLUTIONS BRINGS SENSE OF 'COMMUNITY' ARTICLE CINDY O'HARA | PHOTOGRAPHY JANET WATKINS

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

ALMOST

WELLNESS

YEARS

AGO,

SOLUTIONS

ENACT

BUSINESS

OWNER, JESSICA WHITE, WEIGHED HER HEAVIEST AT 340 POUNDS. After being married for one year to her high school sweetheart, and unable to walk upstairs without catching her breath, she went to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor bluntly told her that she needed to make some changes. If she didn’t, she was on track to become a prime candidate for Type 2 diabetes. “I knew I was big,” Jessica says. “But there’s a difference between knowing you’re big, and knowing you’re going to die.” While she doesn’t excuse her weight gain, she does lay some of the blame squarely at the feet of her thyroid, the temperature- and metabolic-control system of the body—in charge of how fast or slow you burn calories, as well as auto-immune issues. After the doctor’s appointment, Jessica began a walking program around her neighborhood. Slowly, the weight started coming off. Now, a much slender and healthier Jessica is an instructor, business owner and personal trainer who prides herself on helping others achieve their goals. “It’s about creating a sense of community,” Jessica says. “Community is what we’re about; fitness is just a bonus.” One of the reasons she opened her own studio is that Jessica recognized how intimidating it can be for people—especially women—who want to work out but are afraid to walk into a gym. “I wanted to create a sense of openness and an atmosphere where I can make people feel comfortable because I love people, and I love to see them change,” she says. “I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients, what things they’ve tried before that haven’t worked. I understand because I’ve been there. You try everything, and then eventually, you stop trying.”

CONTINUED >

November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

(CON TI N U ED)

“I WANTED TO CREATE A SENSE OF OPENNESS AND AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE I CAN MAKE PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE BECAUSE I LOVE PEOPLE, AND I LOVE TO SEE THEM CHANGE.” —JESSSICA WHITE

“I’m teaching people that it’s a lifestyle, and that you don’t have to be obsessive to lose weight and be healthy.” While Jessica loves the safe space she has created for her (mostly) female clients, she is more than the sum of her business. Along with her husband, she also volunteers her time in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, where she teaches self-defense to girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking. She and her husband became in-tune to this cause through a mutual friend, who has created When The Saints, a home for girls in that country and a first of its kind. The haven is a place that is “free from sexual exploitation and ruled by the transforming love of Jesus,” according to its website. The home was opened Dec. 15, 2015. Now Jessica devotes two weeks every year to teaching young women self-defense, as well as helping them to find their voice for change through their experiences and suffering. It seems apropos that when asked what she would now tell her younger self, her answer is, “Don’t give up.” That is surely applicable to her current clients and the young women she encounters two weeks out of every year half a world away. 16

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

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November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

For the Lou: You Can Be, Too ARTICLE NIKKI PETERS

PHOTOGRAPHY THE CROSSING CHURCH CREATIVE TEAM

AS SAINT LOUIS METRO AREA RESIDENTS, WE HAVE OUR OWN PERSONAL REASONS TO BE PROUD OF WHERE WE ARE FROM. Some of us may rave about Forest Park and the Muny; others may boast of the success of the Blues and the Cardinals. We could talk about our ever-expanding zoo, the Loop, the Art Museum, the City Museum, the Fox and any number of places and experiences. These places and experiences would be incomplete if not for the people who live and work here or visit the metro area. It is this great love for the people of “The Lou” that led one area church to execute a radical idea. For the week of Sept. 3-8, The Crossing Church’s Mid Rivers, Chesterfield, Fenton and Grant’s Trail campuses changed their normal weekly schedule and canceled weekend services. Instead, church staff and members were encouraged to step into the St. Louis area community to serve and meet the needs of various businesses and organizations. This movement was titled “For the Lou” and called for service in neighborhoods, schools, other churches, blood banks, food banks, hospitals, kitchens and a wide array of other places. Serving opportunities were organized and available for sign-up through the church’s website, or individuals could elect to seek out a service opportunity on their own. In all, an estimated 1,850 people participated in this community outreach event via the online sign-ups, with many more seeking their own serving initiatives. Additionally, roughly 32 organizations and businesses were affected by this movement. While this organized event may be over, this movement does not have to be. There are still organizations and places in our community that need ongoing monetary assistance and helping hands. A few of these organizations in St. Charles County are detailed here.

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

Crisis Nursery The Crisis Nursery offers five locations—two locations in St. Charles and St. Louis and one in Wentzville. It defines its mission as a commitment to the “prevention of child abuse and neglect and the provision of emergency intervention, respite care and support to families in crisis.” This nonprofit agency, founded in 1986, works with social services to provide advocacy for the family and the children. The Crisis Nursery also provides temporary care for children ranging from infants to age 12 in the event that an emergent situation arises due to a parent’s or sibling’s death, lack of food or shelter, increased parental stress or an event that warrants a parent-child separation for the safety of the child(ren). Not only does the Crisis Nursery provide a safe haven for the children in its care, but it also offers each child “a medical exam, a developmental assessment, therapeutic interventions, art activities to help with emotional expression and three meals a day plus snacks.” Resources and referrals are also available for individuals who contact their 24-hour helpline. Donations and volunteer help are necessary components to keep this organization thriving and reaching the community. To make a donation to this worthwhile cause, call Karen Schuessel at 314.292.5770. To volunteer your time to work with the children or to make the nursery a clean and safe place, contact CrisisNurseryKids.org or 314.768.3201.

CONTINUED >

November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

FOR THE LOU: YOU CAN BE, TOO

(CON TI N UED)

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Services As the largest social service provider for the Tri-County area of St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren, Sts. Joachim and Ann offers its services to “protect families, especially children, the elderly and disabled from the despair, hopelessness and social injustice caused by poverty.” Founded in 1981 by five charitable individuals with only $500 between them, Sts. Joachim and Ann is now able to offer comprehensive case management and resources for those at or below 50% of the Missouri median income. Additional services include but are not limited to rent/mortgage utility assistance, temporary shelter/permanent housing, home repairs, referrals and resources, service planning, and employment services. This beneficial service relies heavily on assistance from the community through donations, volunteer hours, financial contributions, and food donations. With nearly 100,000 volunteer hours logged yearly, Sts. Joachim and Ann needs community support just as much as our communities need it. To offer a financial contribution or volunteer, you can make a donation online at JACares.org/ How-To-Help or call 636.441.1302 for more information.

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing to families in need who are willing to invest hard work into building and being financially responsible for their home. A primary driving force behind the inception of Habitat for Humanity was a desire to eliminate inadequate and unsafe housing. Homes may be considered substandard for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to unaffordability, home damage and location within an unsafe community. Applicants for Habitat for Humanity are potential homebuyers living at or below 50% of Missouri’s median income. Homebuyers are required to put in 350 hours of what is known as “sweat equity” toward the house that they will be living in. These hours can be earned by helping with construction on their house, helping in the construction of other homes and engaging in mandatory and elective 6-8-week workshops geared toward taking care of the home, managing finances, personal health and other topics. Upon completion of the required hours, tasks and workshops, applicants become homeowners with a safe home and an affordable mortgage. To learn more about how to volunteer for this cause as a group or an individual, visit HabitatStl.org. 20

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

The Sparrows' Nest The Sparrow’s Nest defines its mission as embracing the “Godgiven dignity of all human life by empowering young moms and their children to realize their full potential.” The Sparrow’s Nest executes its mission by providing a safe place both physically and emotionally to its young residents. This long-term, nonprofit, faith-based housing program is available to pregnant teens throughout the duration of their pregnancy. These young women can also elect to stay in the home for up to a year after giving birth. Moreover, young moms with children younger than the age of 5 can also qualify for this service. Moms are provided with “diapers, wipes, baby supplies, clothes, bibles and counseling referrals” if applicable. Residents are younger than the age of 19 and are required to complete their education via a traditional school environment, homeschool or a GED program. In addition to meeting basic needs such as shelter, meals and clothing, the Sparrow’s Nest also requires participation in a parenting curriculum, which includes content on everything from parenting skills to budgeting and Bible study. While there is a staff presence available 24/7, volunteers are an instrumental support system to the residents of the Sparrow’s Nest and are needed for program functioning. Volunteers act as mentors, Bible study leaders, administrative helpers, tutors, labor coaches and kind-hearted individuals to create a community that encourages young moms to make goals and celebrates in their achievements. To donate or volunteer, visit TheSparrowsNestStl.org/Volunteer. November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

Teaching Children How to Give Back

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. VOLUNTEERING IS AN EXCELLENT WAY FOR

FAMILIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR

COMMUNITIES AND OFFERS LOTS OF BENE-

OperationGratitude.com/WriteLetters.

FITS TO THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND SKILLS. First and foremost, nothing is more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference

appreciate our

country.

their For

dedication more

and

service

information,

visit

HELP AN OLDER ADULT BY RUNNING ERRANDS.

in the lives of others. What’s more, volunteering

Do you know an older person who doesn’t drive

raises kids’ sense of civic responsibility. It also

or own a vehicle? Offer to transport them to do their

makes for an excellent family bonding experience

errands and grocery shopping. If it’s too difficult for

and provides valuable skill-building and socializa-

the older person to go out, you could offer to do the

tion opportunities for kids and adults alike.

errands for them.

Regardless of where you live, countless volunteer opportunities are available—and there’s something to fit every family’s talents and interests. So, share these ideas with your kids to see what triggers their enthusiasm. Then make a family plan to put it into action.

VOLUNTEER AT A SOUP KITCHEN OR FOOD PANTRY. The poor and homeless are always in need of nutritious food and meals. Search online for local soup kitchens and food pantries. Then call and speak to the manager and offer your family’s service. Be sure to

OFFER YOUR SERVICE TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER. Coordinate with a local women’s shelter to hold a clothing and toy drive. Or put together arts-andcrafts kits and spend an afternoon teaching a craft workshop for children at the shelter. Childcare is also often needed for working mothers staying at these shelters.

RAKE, MOW OR REMOVE SNOW FOR A DISABLED PERSON.

mention the age of your children in case there are age

If you don’t know anyone who’s disabled, ask

restrictions. At a soup kitchen, you can help prepare

coworkers or friends if they know of someone. Or do

and serve a meal or do kitchen cleanup. For a food

an online search for disability organizations in the

pantry, help with stocking or putting together food

area. Then reach out and offer your service.

baskets for families in need. Some pantries also need delivery assistance since many low-income families don’t have transportation to pick up their food supply.

HELP OUT AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER. Cats and dogs spend days, weeks and often longer cooped up in small kennels or crates with little opportunity to exercise or socialize. Offer to spend an afternoon walking dogs or playing with cats. You can transport a pet to a new home, clean kennels, donate supplies or help find loving homes through social media.

SEND LETTERS TO MILITARY MEMBERS OVERSEAS. Veterans, new recruits and deployed troops deserve and need to know just how much

FOSTER A HOMELESS ANIMAL. Animal rescues are always in need of families to foster homeless pets while awaiting permanent placement. Search online for pet rescues and animal shelters.

PERFORM FOR CHILDREN IN A HOSPITAL. Countless children suffer from diseases that require lengthy and sometimes indefinite hospital stays. If your family’s got talent, what better way to put it to good use? Contact the local children’s hospital or wing in the area and arrange a date to perform for the kids. You could put on funny skits, perform magic, dance, play music or do acrobats. November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

YEAR-END GIVING: USING A CHARITABLE IRA TRANSFER

THIS TIME OF YEAR, MANY PEOPLE CONSIDER

don’t count as income, so you avoid paying tax on

MAKING YEAR-END GIFTS TO NONPROFITS,

the distribution. You may benefit most from imple-

NOT ONLY TO SUPPORT THEIR FAVORITE

menting the QCD strategy if you:

CAUSES BUT ALSO TO GAIN TAX BENEFITS.

+ Do not need all the income from your RMD.

You have many vehicles for making donations,

+ Do not want to be taxed on your RMDs.

but for those who are 70 1/2 years or older, you

+ Have significant assets in your IRA.

might consider tapping your individual retirement account (IRA). The qualified charitable distribution (QCD), also

+ Make charitable gifts but don’t itemize deductions. Generally, only taxpayers who itemize get federal income-tax-saving benefits from charitable donations.

known as an IRA charitable rollover, allows you to

+ Make a gift that is large, relative to your income.

donate up to $100,000 per year to qualified chari-

A QCD is not included in taxable income; therefore,

ties. A QCD can be made tax-free, help minimize

it does not count against the usual percentage lim-

your taxable estate and help fulfill your philanthropic

itations on using charitable deductions. In addition,

aspirations—all while satisfying your annual required

by lowering your income, a QCD may potentially

minimum distribution (RMD).

help you to lower your tax bracket and avoid higher taxes on Social Security benefits or tax surcharges

BENEFITS OF A QCD

such as the 3.8% net investment income tax.

If you don’t use a QCD, withdrawals from traditional IRAs and certain Roth IRAs are taxed as income, even if they are directed immediately to a charity. You would receive a tax deduction for your

LIMITATIONS OF A QCD There are limitations to making a QCD from your IRA, including:

donation, but various federal and state tax rules

+ Total gifts cannot exceed $100,000 per year, per

could prevent the deduction from fully offsetting

IRA owner or beneficiary. Married taxpayers with

the income amount.

separate IRAs can give up to $200,000 total but no

A QCD can be a good alternative for distributing

more than $100,000 from each spouse’s IRA.

the required amount from your IRA. While there is no

+ Gifts must be made directly from your IRA

tax deduction allowed for the donated assets, they

to a public charity—supporting organizations,

ARTICLE GREG SHOEMAKER, CORNERSTONE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

donor-advised funds and most private foundations are not eligible.

If you think a QCD may be a good year-end giving option for you

You also cannot use the distribution to establish a charitable gift

or a family member, talk to a financial advisor and tax professional to

annuity or fund a charitable remainder trust.

discuss your situation. There are many giving strategies, and you’ll

+ You can make a donation only from your traditional or Roth

want to find the ones that are the right fit for you.

IRA. Donations cannot come from other employer-sponsored

Disclosures: This communication is not intended to be tax advice

accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s or active SEP-IRAs and

and should not be treated as such. Each individual’s tax situation is

SIMPLE IRAs, to which employer contributions are made. You

different. You should contact your tax professional to discuss your

can, however, rollover funds from your 401(k) or 403(b) to an IRA

personal situation. Securities are offered through LPL Financial,

to contribute to a charity.

member FINRA/SIPC. November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Year-Round Fun at Hidden Valley ARTICLE JOHN MOHR

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

WINTER ADVENTURE-SEEKERS IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA HAVE LONG KNOWN ABOUT OUR AREA’S WELL-HIDDEN GEM, AND WITH THE RECENT ADDITION OF ZIP LINES, HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT IN WILDWOOD HAS BECOME A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR MANY OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. With the new ZipTour ride, your experience is enhanced due to the ability to control your own speed! You’re really able to play with the person you’re riding next to—you can speed ahead, slow down and let them pass you. As you approach the landing platform, you can slow your trolley and stop over the deck. The guides will lower you to the platform, and on you go to the next span! The Hidden Valley ZipTour offers a total of four spans of varying lengths, starting with a short run to get you comfortable with the operation before moving onto the ones with the best views! Or, for a more laid-back activity, you can enjoy a scenic ride to the top of the mountain with a nature hike back down to the lodge along the hiking paths. Then, enjoy food and drinks on the patio. On a clear day, you can see the Arch from the top. Scenic Chairlift Rides are available during weekends only. Hidden Valley Resort, located at 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, off of Highway 109, was recently acquired by Vail Resorts. DJ Koch, the sales and marketing manager, states that customers will see no change in their great experience and, in fact, some improvements are expected over the next few years. Hidden Valley is the only resort within a several-hours drive that offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing trails. The resort boasts 17 skiing trails, including three Black Diamond rated trails, two beginner “bunny hills” and everything in between. CONTINUED >

November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

(CON TI N U ED)

HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT HAS BECOME A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR MANY OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

The steepest grade for the advanced skier is up to 40% with a vertical drop of 320 feet, but the variety of trails caters to every skill level. They have nine lifts, which include five chair lifts, one tow rope and three carpet lifts. Snowboarding has become one of the bigger draws for snow enthusiasts. In addition to the ski trails, the resort also offers two terrain parks that include jumps, rails and jibs, enticing the most daring and skilled athletes. The Polar Plunge tubing park has 16 lanes that are 1,000 feet long and are separate from the other skiing trails. The tube rides are a great way for larger groups and families to take a fun trip down the mountain. Equipment for all of the activities is available for rent. In addition, Hidden Valley features a fire pit and concession stand near the Polar Plunge. Also, the spacious main lodge, the restaurant and the bar offer visitors other ways to enjoy the resort plus several food and drink options. Weather permitting, winter activities at Hidden Valley run from mid-December through

March.

All-year-round

offer-

ings are available on the website at HiddenValleySki.com. 30

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

St. Charles County L

WANTS TO HELP MAKE

2020

YOUR BEST YEAR EVER! We want to Partner with you in building your brand and sharing your message with our 100,000+ Readers Give us a call or email to set up a brief meeting at your convenience.

JUDY PETERS

If time does not allow for that, please request a media kit and call me with any questions.

636-238-3306 judy.peters@lifestylepubs.com

FLOORING TO FIT YOUR

Lifestyle HARDWOOD TILE

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LUXURY VINYL CARPET

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1010 Miralago Way Cottleville, MO 63376 636-441-1111 www.THEWHITEHARE.com

Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5

Stop in for new furniture before the Holidays! November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

PLAN A POP-UP MOVIE NIGHT INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS OVER, SPREAD OUT SOME COMFY SEATING AND DIM THE LIGHTS. Whether it’s a birthday sleepover, an adults-only gathering or nearly anything in-between, hosting a movie night in the comfort of your own home—or on a projector in the yard—can be the perfect escape. Of course, tasty snacks like these only add to the fun.

ARTICLE JUDY PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY FAMILY FEATURES

POPCORN PEPPERONI PIZZA DIPPERS YIELD: 16 SQUARES INGREDIENTS + Nonstick cooking spray + 2 eggs + 1/2 cup tomato and basil reduced-fat cooking cream + 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese + 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper + 10 cups popped popcorn + 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese + 1/3 cup thinly sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped + Marinara sauce, for dipping

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Popcorn Pepperoni Pizza Dippers

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cooking cream, parmesan cheese and black pepper. Stir in popcorn, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Spread mixture in prepared pan, patting down with spatula or spoon.

Find more recipes perfect for serving at your next

Bake about 15 minutes until set and lightly browned.

movie night at Popcorn.org.

Let sit for 5 minutes. Cut into 16 bars. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

SWEET AND SALTY POPCORN PARTY MIX

YIELD: 14 CUPS

INGREDIENTS + 10 cups popped popcorn + 2 cups miniature pretzel twists + 1 cup pecans + 1 cup peanuts + 2 cups rice, wheat or corn cereal squares + 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) + 1/2 cup packed brown sugar + 1/4 cup corn syrup Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix

+ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 300 F. In a large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, pecans, peanuts and cereal squares; set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir the mixture until it begins to boil. Boil 3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Note: Mixture will foam. Pour syrup over popcorn mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour mixture onto a large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking. Stir mixture several times as it cools. Store in an airtight container.

November 2019 | St. Charles County Lifestyle

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

and writer who recorded eight

SALVATION ARMY TREE OF LIGHTS LUNCHEON

ies. According to Pollstar, Rodney

major record label comedy albums, which have sold millions of cophas been one of the top 10 high-

22 RAT PACK CHRISTMAS SHOW St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre

Old Hickory Golf Club

est-grossing touring comedians for

Return to Las Vegas in its hey-

The St. Charles County Salvation

the last 10 years and among the top

day with a tribute to such greats

Army's Tree of Lights campaign

5 the last several years.

kicks off Nov. 13 with Special Guest Speaker Joyce Smith, author of The Impossible, depicted in this year's

hit movie, Breakthrough. The powerful effect of prayer that inspired the major motion picture is based on a true story in St. Charles County.

Tom

Jones,

Johnny

Mathis,

Elvis Presley and, of course, Frank,

20 TREE LIGHTING AND MARKET Streets of St. Charles

Celebrate the season at the Holiday Tree Lighting and Christmas Market

Sammy and Dino—performed by Dean Christopher and Band. BrownPaperTickets.com

29 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS— OPENING DAY

at Streets of St. Charles. A beauti-

LADIES NIGHT OUT

be a Holiday Market with unique

The

Streets of St. Charles

gifts, hot chocolate and s’mores! The

Traditions begins at 11 a.m. with the

Ladies, grab your friends and come

event runs 4:30-7 p.m.

arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by

ful 24-foot tree will be lighted to kick off the holiday season, and there will

join us for Ladies Night Out! This will be a fun night of shopping, drinks, giveaways and more! Be one of the first 30 women to check-in at the entry table to win a Streets of St. Charles gift! The event is from 5-8 p.m.

escorted

hang the ceremonial last piece of

Drum Corps and all of your favorite Legends of Christmas. Watch as they greenery, marking the official start to

Enjoy some of the finest food and

the holiday season.

SUPERHEROES FOR KIDS

the day of the event for $45.

Everyone is welcome to unite for the

and soda. Outside alcohol and food are

carriage,

St. Charles Convention Center

PayPal for $40 and by cash or check

$25 per person includes draft beer

Christmas

THE TASTE OF ST. CHARLES

may be purchased online through

seek justice for children.” The cost of

by 30 of its top restaurants. Tickets

Child Center as they “fight villains and

season

by the Lewis and Clark Fife and

15 annual trivia night benefitting The

2019

horse-drawn

wine St. Charles has to offer, provided

St. Peter Parish Center, St. Charles

Frontier Park

22 THE 12TH ANNUAL TREASURE CHEST HOLIDAY EXPO

30 POP-UP MARKET ENCOURAGES 'SHOPPING SMALL' Blooming Daisy Marketplace

In honor of Shop Small Saturday, Blooming Daisy Marketplace, 5541 Chestnut St. in Cottleville, will hold its final pop-up market of the year,

St. Charles Convention Center

featuring local makers and artisans.

two teams and the best team theme.

This shopping extravaganza will have

The hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Costumes not required but encour-

more than 200 booths filled with

aged. TheChildCenter.com/Trivia

unique gift items, one-of-a-kind arts

allowed. Prizes are awarded to the top

and crafts, gourmet goodies, holiday

décor, toys, books, games and more!

RODNEY CARRINGTON LIVE

with raffles and prizes throughout

We are always accepting submissions

the weekend. Admission and park-

for events you'd like to see included

Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa

ing are free. The hours are Friday,

in our Calendar section. Submissions

Rodney

1-6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and

are accepted via the Contact Us tab at

Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

LifestylePubs.com/StCharlesCounty.

There will be special events daily

Carrington

multi-

talented comedian, actor, singer 34

St. Charles County Lifestyle | November 2019

B BELLEVAUX

BELLEVEAUX BY EXECUTIVE HOMES An enclave of 30 luxury residences on private cul de sacs Customized homes f rom the $440â€™s Large lots, many backing to mature trees Located off Ken Drive, St. Charles 63301 636-978-8882

EXECUTIVEHOMESINC.NET

Community focused and proud At SSM Health St. Joseph Hospitals in St. Charles, Lake Saint Louis and Wentzville we recognize that community involvement is the genesis of where real health improvement begins. When we aren’t in the clinics and hospitals treating patients, or working diligently to ensure we are providing the best care possible – we are thankful and proud to be a part of this community! ©2019 SSM Health. All rights reserved. GSC-STL-19-704261 9/19