Happenings — Vol. 2 No. 3
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VOL.2NO.3HOME|BUSINESS|WELLNESS|TRAVEL|EVENTS|REALESTATEhappenings.N°94&370ValleyLive.Work.Play.
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HUBMemberSpotlightJoinTheHUB,ourgrowingCommunityNetworking&AdvertisingGroup.Youcouldbeinthespotlight!Whetheryou'rebuying/selling,managing,orinvestinginproperty,wespecializeinturningyourgoalsintorealitywithapersonaltouch.3324RueRoyaleStSt.Charles,MO63301info@CommonsGroup.COCommonsGroup.CO636-493-0307EmilyClemonsTheDawningFirm.com314-279-7288
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CONTENTSSPRINGBREAKSTAYCATIONPAGE6Wanttoavoidthehassleofpackingforaspringbreakroadtrip?Checkoutourfive-daySTLstaycationguide.WELLNESSPAGE16IntegratedHeath&Wellnessprovidesanoverviewofmakingyourwell-beingalifelongjourney.BUSINESSQ&APAGE20WesatdownwithJonathonLee,thefounderofTheSaintCharlesBourbonSociety.YOUTHFLAGFOOTBALLPAGE30FlagFootballisagreatactivityforkidstoexperienceteamplay.Checkouthighlightsfromthesession.NO.13FINANCIALCORNERPAGE12NextMissionFinancialPlanningprovidessomeimportantresourcesintheeventoftheunexpected.HOME&GARDENPAGE26Springisatimeforincreasedwildlifetoyourhomegarden.Checkoutthisguidetocreateavibrantatmosphere.BaseballSeason,Photo:AnnieBenfield
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THHUBEeditor’sletterhappenings.MAGAZINEPARTNERSEditor/PublisherZacMetcalfPhotography&DesignElieMetcalfContributorsTerriSteffesMikeHunsbergerCindyJacksonAsspringapproaches,wefindoursevesembracingthepromiseofwarmerweatherandlongerdays.Thecrispchillofwinterbeginstofade,replacedbyagentlebreezeandthevibrantcolorsofbuddingflowers.Springisatimeforrenewal,offeringusachancetoshedtheheavinessofthecoldermonthsandstepintothesunshine,readyforfreshadventures.Formany,springbreakisanopportunitytospendqualitytimewithfamily.Whetherit’satriptothebeach,ahikeinthemountainsorsimplyenjoyingabackyardbarbecue,thesemomentshelpusreconnectwitheachotherandwithnature.Theextendeddaylighthoursencourageoutdoorfun,makingittheperfecttimetocreatelastingmemories.Thisseasonalsoinvitesustoembraceasenseofjoyandoptimism.Thewarmthofthesunandthebeautyofbloomingflowerscanliftourspiritsandinspirenewgoalsforthemonthsahead.Solet’scelebratethearrivalofspring—fulloflight,love,andthepromiseofafreshstart!ZacMetcalfEditor/Publisher13thISSUEOnthecover:SunsetinNT.Photo:ZacMetcalfInquiries:Pleasesubmitinterestinbecomingapartnerto:zac@370valley.comorcall:636-312-0422
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Food/Drink/RetailKimberly~JohnDavidJewelersEventVenuesTheCommons-MeetingSpacesTheCommons-CourtyardTheBridgeCoffee&FairTradeMarketProfessionalServicesTheCommons-SharedOfficeNierodaInsurancePersonalServicesTheCommons-FitnessCenterOffices45.ArrowSeniorLivng46.SunshineSeniorServices47.HenscheHatCompany48.DigiCanPrinting49.NewTownGeneraAssemblyReligious57.St.CharlesChristianChurch11.TheBridge|FaithCommunityRealEstate50.NewTownSalesCenterPromenadeatNewTownTheCommons-CommercialRE1.2.Bonnidel’sceCream3.CasaMia4.DomainStreetWineBar5.Marsaa’sMarket6.MoyO’sTropcalSno7.Padavan’sNY8.SugarBabyCakes10.SweetThingsBakery11.12.BobaqueRestaurant13.Brewtique14.15.16.GlenMarkFarms17.NewTownAmphtheater18.TheMarquee19.NewTownChape20.TownHal40.42.43.Shelternsurance44.M.DinzebachConstruction21.22.AmericanPuppyGrooming23.SalonAlchemy24.SalonTurbo25.BackinMotionChiropractic26.BluebirdFamilyDenta27.HairCommanderBarberShop28.StudioBlendSalonandSpa29.NewTownDanceAcademy30.DemurePortrait31.ThePamperedPneapple32.VetStop33.NewTownPicklebal34.Musicians’Connection51.52.53.NTRentaProperties54.HoustonHomes5423(C)2023SteveCoxAlRightsReserved25425334302422324310312732611742484781929175162201851249281346454414405215501211657*LstingswithogosarepartofTheHUBpoweredbyTheCommons33NEWTOWNPICKLEBALL5001MERTENCROSSINGBROUGHTTOYOUBY‘NewTown’and‘NewTownatSt.Chares’areregisteredtrademarksandusedwithpermissionandmaynotbeusedorreprintedwithouttheexpresswrittenpermissionoflicensor.
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Vic&DianeDonatiHallofFameMembersRE/MAXEDGESELLINGNEWTOWNFOROVER20+YEARS!YOURTRUSTEDNEWTOWNEXPERTS!WITH100'sOFHOMESSOLDINNEWTOWN-WEKNOWNEWTOWN!OURCOMBINED50+YEARSOFEXPERIENCEWILLHELPYOUNAVIGATETHESELLING/BUYINGPROCESS.CALLUSFORAFREECONSULTATION&WEWILLSHOWYOUOURPROVENMARKETINGSTRATEGYTOGETYOUMOVINGQUICKLY!GETINTOUCHVic3147134329(cell)636.300.3030(office)vdonati@remax.nethttps://vicdianedonati.EDGESTL.COMDiane3147134326(cel)636-300-3030diane.donati@gmail.comLicense#1999111456fyourhomeiscurrentylistedwithabroker,pleasedisregardthisadvertisement.REMAXEDGE©2023RE/MAX,LLC.EachOfficeIndependentlyOwnedandOperated.23_476
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SpringHikes:ExploringNewBeginningsonLocalTrailsAswinterfadesandthefirsthintsofgreenemerge,there’ssomethingespeciallyrefreshingabouthittingthetrailwithyourfamily.Springisn’tjustachangeofseason—it’saninvitationtostepoutside,moveyourbodyandreconnect.Theselocaltrailsofferjusttherightblendofnature,lightadventureandspacefornewmemories.GetOutsideGetOutside
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Astheseasonshiftsandtheairwarms,springbecomesmorethanjustabackdrop—it’sanopportunity.Aftermonthsindoors,there’ssomethinggroundingaboutgettingoutsidewithyourfamily.Theselocalhikesofferawelcomereset,wherethesightsofbuddingtreesandwindingtrailsechoafreshstart.KatyTrail:AFamilyRideintoSpringTheKatyTrailhaslongbeenareliableweekendoutinginSt.Charles,especiallyforfamiliesseekingfreshairwithoutgoingfarfromhome.Earlyspringisanidealtimetobikethisroute—beforethecanopyfullyfillsin,theviewsopenwideacrosstheriverandfarmland.StartingfromMainStreetinhistoricSt.Charles,thetrailrunsadjacenttoHighway94andoffersagentle,tree-linedpath.Asyouride,keepaneyeoutforearlysignsoflife:buddingtrees,purplegroundcoverlikedeadnettleandhenbit,andthequiethumofaworldwakingupagain.WeldonSpringTrails:WindingRoadsandWorthwhileViewsSometimesthejourneytothetrailheadisNEARBYTRAILSTOWELCOMESPRING
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PAGEFOUR|JOURNEYitsownkindoftherapy.ThedrivetotheLewis&ClarkandLostValleytrails,justoffHighway94,isfullofgentlehillsandscenicturns—settingthetoneforapeacefulfewhoursoutside.TheLewis&ClarkTrailgivesyouchoices,withloopsrangingfromshortwalkstoan8-mileadventure.Forthoselookingforabitmoreelevationandchallenge,theLostValleyTrail,justfiveminutesaway,offersa10-mileloopthat’sasolidoutingforfamilieswitholderkidsorseasonedhikers.Eithertrailgivesyouachancetoshakeoffthewinterstillnessandstretchintosomethingnew.PereMarquette:AScenicRiverEscapeThishikebeginswithabitoffun—takingtheGoldenEagleFerryacrosstheMississippifromjustoutsideNewTownintoCalhounCounty,Illinois.Fromthere,awindingdrivethroughhillsidefarmlandbringsyoutoanothershortferrycrossingovertheIllinoisRiver.OnceatPereMarquetteStatePark,chooseyourownpace.Thereareeasyout-and-backstrollsormorestrenuousclimbs,withthebluffviewsofferingaquietrewardforyoureffort.Thisisadaytripthatfeelslikeamini-vacationandremindsushowmuchbeautylivesjustbeyondthefamiliar.MaraisTempsClair:StillWatersandStillnessForthosewhocravecalmandquiet,theMaraisTempsClairConservationAreainOrchardFarmoffersaslower,morecontemplativewalk.This918-acrepreservegivesfamiliesaglimpseintothemarshlandsshapedbytheMissouriRiver.Thewideaccessroadsmakeiteasytoexploreonfootwhilespottinglocalwildlifeandwetlandplantlife.It’sthe“BRINGBINOCULARSTOMARAISTEMPSCLAIR—MIGRATINGBIRDSLOVETHISSPOTINEARLYSPRING.”
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kindofplacewherekidscanwanderwithouthurryandadultscanbreathealittledeeper.GreatRiversGreenway:UrbanPathswithaPauseforPizzaForsomethingclosertotown,headovertotheGreenwayTrailjustoffNewTownBoulevard.ThispavedstretchoftrailrunsalongtheleveeandgentlyclimbsintotheFrenchtownneighborhood,makingitaperfectoptionforfamiliesonbikes.Therideitselfisrelaxedbutvaried,withtree-linedpathsandsmallhillstokeepitinteresting.OnceyoureachFrenchtown,takeabreakatoneofthelocalrestaurants—manywithoutdoorseating.GoodNewsBrewingCo.isapopularstop,offeringuppizzaandpatiospacetounwindbeforeheadingback.StepIntotheSeasonSpringhasawayofnudgingusforward,gently.Whetheryou'relookingforahighenergydayoutorjustwanttostretchyourlegssomewherequiet,thesetrailsofferachancetoreset—together.Sopackafewsnacks,laceupyourshoesandtakethatfirststepintothenewseason.happenings.OUTSIDE
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ash1818.org | 636-946-6127 | admissions@ash1818.org | 619 N. Second St. | St. Charles, MO 63301DiscovermoreabouttheAcademyoftheSacredHeart.Scheduleyourtourtodayhere!Catholic|Independent|PreK3-8|OpentoallFaiths
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HAPPENINGSMAGAZINEREBRANDINGASNTXCONNECT,LAUNCHESEXPANDEDDIGITALANDPRINTPLATFORMoptions,shopping,andservices,categorizedforseamlessnavigation.BusinessNetwork:Wherelocalbusinessesconnect,grow,andthrive.CommunityResources:Accessessentiallinksandinformation.EventandExperienceBookingMarketplace:Secureticketsandreservationsforlocaleventsandactivitiesdirectlythroughthesite.JobPostings:Discoveremploymentopportunitieswithinthecity.LocalDealsPage:Discoverexclusiveoffersandpromotionsfrombusinessesinthearea.Thisexpandedplatform,bothinprintandonline,isadirectresponsetothesignificantgrowthNorthSt.CharlesCityisexperiencing.NTxConnectisaninitiativeofTheCommonstoexpandasahubforbusinessesandresidentstostayinformed,engaged,andST.CHARLESCITY,MO–Excitingchangesarecomingtoyourtrustedcommunityresource!HappeningsMagazineisthrilledtoannounceitsrebrandingtoNTxConnect,markingasignificantexpansioninourcommitmenttoservingtherapidlygrowingNorthSt.CharlesCityarea.InMay,NTxConnectwilllaunchadynamic,multi-platformexperience,includingamonthlyprintpublicationandavibrantonlinehubatNTxConnect.com.Thisevolutionisdrivenbytheincreasingdemandforreliable,communityfocusedinformation,andaimstoprovideacomprehensiveresourceforresidentsandagrowthengineforbusinesseswithinthegeographicalareaencompassingtheOrchardFarmSchoolDistrict.NTxConnect.comisdesignedtobethecentralonlinedestinationforallthingsNorthSt.CharlesCity.Keyfeaturesinclude:ComprehensiveEventsCalendar:Stayup-todateonlocalfestivals,concerts,workshops,meetings,andmore.BusinessDirectory:Easilyfindlocaldining
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connectedtotheircommunity.“WeareincrediblyexcitedtointroduceNTxConnecttoourcommunity,”saidDebSanders,NTxRelationshipManager.“Thisrebrandingandexpansionallowsustobetterservetheneedsofourresidentsandbusinesses,providingthemwithaone-stopresourceforallthingslocal.”ZacMetcalf,PublisherandEditorofHappeningsMagazinefurtheradded,“WhenIlaunchedthismagazineinlate2023,mygoalwastocreateapositivemediumthathighlightsthearea'scommunity,recreationandbusinesses.ThroughthisacquisitionandrebrandingundertheNTxConnectPlatform,thatideacontinuesunderthenewownershipandguidanceofPaulDinkinsandhisteamatTheCommons.Iamexcitedtocontinuetoassistinthedesignandlayoutofthemagazine—andlookforwardtofutureeditionstocontinuetoservethisareawecallhome.”Thewebsite,NTxConnect.com,iscurrentlyunderconstructionandwilllaunchinMay.KeepalookoutforyourfirstmonthlyprintedcopyofNTxConnectatabusinessnearyou.
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WELLNESSCORNERTheInvisibleForce:HowOur ThoughtsShapeOur LivesIfIcouldpickjustonesuggestion,abitofadviceyoushouldfocusontochangeyourlife,itwouldbethis—shiftthewayyoulookatyourgoalsbyresettingyourperspective.Manyofmyclientshavetried,failed,triedagain,andcometocoachingbecausetheyknowwhattheywant,andwhattheyshoulddo,yetarenotabletomakethechangestheydesireandneed.Somehow,betweenshouldanddid,there’sagapwhichconsistsofwantingto,butnotdoing.Whatisitaboutbeinghumanthatkeepsusworkingagainstthegoals,dreamsandhealthylifeweknowweneedbutaren’tachieving.Westart,getclose,self-sabotage,feelbadaboutourselves,giveupandthentryagain.Manytimes,it’sdifferentscenariosbutthesameoutcome.Irecentlyheardsomeonesay,“Inevermakethesamemistaketwice.Threeorfourhundredtimes,yes,butnevertwice.”Maybeyoucanrelate.Eventhoughmostofusdonotknowtheextentthatlifestylechoiceshaveonchronicdisease,mostknowthatweneedtoliveahealthylife.What’shardertoconnectistheroleourmindplaysinthisequation,andhowtomanageourminds.Howmanytimesdowehavethebestofintentionsto:exercisetomorrowmorning,prioritizearelationshiporfinallycutupthoseveggiesstillintheirplasticbags—onlytotalkourselvesoutoftheverythingweknowweshoulddo.Itseemsthatwehaveaninnereviltwinthatworksovertimetotaxourwillpowerbyconvincingusthatourhealthydecisionscanalwayswaituntiltomorrow.Thisvoiceinourheadneverstopstalking.It’sthevoicethatconvincesyoutostayinbedandmissyourworkout,buttellsyouyourbellyissaggingwhenyoulookinthemirror,thenremindsyouthatyoushouldhavegonetobedearlier,yettellsyouthatscrollinglateatnightisagoodstressrelease.Ourinnervoice,leftunchecked,iscritical,blaming,dramatic,contradictoryandextreme.Let’sjustsaythatifthisvoicematerializedintoByCindyJackson
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aperson,you’d“unfriend”them.Althoughthisvoiceisloudandcommandsourattention,itssuperpoweristhatit’sinvisible.Mostoftheday,wearecompletelyunawareofitspresenceandevenmoresoofitspower.PhysicistDavidBohmsaid,“Thoughtcreatesourworldandthensays,‘Ididn’tdoit.’”Ourmindusesourthoughtsandourfeelings,andthesefeelingsfeelsostrongthatthethoughtsappearunapologeticallytrueandbelievable.Ourmindsdonotworkliketherational,logicalforceinourlivesthatweassumetheydo.Badhabits,selfsabotagingchoices,andprocrastinationallleadtoalifestylethatisafarcryfromwhatwereallywant.Thegoodnewsisthatwecanchangeourmindsandthewaywethink.Thisiscalledneuroplasticityandsimplystated,istheabilityourbrainhastochangeandgrowbymakingnewneuronetworks.Everyactionbeginswithathought.Tochangeanythinginourliveswemustbeginwithourthoughts.Whatwethinkinformsouremotions,andtheseemotionscanbethecatalystbehindtheactionswetake,goodandbad.Themoreproductive,healthythoughtswehave,themoreproductiveandhealthywefeel.Whenwefeelproductiveandhealthy,weactinwaysthatareproductiveandhealthy.Whenweactproductiveandhealthythemorewethinkproductiveandhealthythoughts,andthecyclecontinueswiringourbraininthispattern.Theconverseisalsotrue.There’sasnowballeffectthatoccurshere;however,ittakesworktogetthatsnowballrollingintherightdirection.Thisexplanationisextremelysimplifiedforthepurposeofthisarticle.Buthowweeffectivelychangeistomindfully(seewhatIdidthere)drawourattentiontoourthoughts,emotionsandsubsequentbehaviors.Gettingoffautopilotandgivinganythingnotonascreenourfullattentionishard,Iunderstand.Butbydrawinginward,wegaintheinsightintoourbehaviorweneedtomakedeliberatehappenings.WELLNESSdecisions.Gettingtoanunderstandingofourbehaviorthroughselfawareness,discovery,andcuriosityisaprocessthatreapshugebenefits.ThisisoneofthemanyprocessesIsupportthroughcoachingandloveseeingmyclientsgaininsightthatcreatessustainablechange.Reshiftingourperspectiveandgainingconsciousnessaroundourunconsciousthoughts,opensourlivesuptoopportunitiesandpossibilities.Knowinghowourmindsworkforandagainstusisgreatnews.Thebadnewsisthistakestimeandeffort.Ourselfdefeatingthoughtsandunhealthypatternsarenotgoingtovanishquicklyorwithoutsomework.Remember,youbuildbadhabitsandgoodhabitsthesameway.Startbyexaminingabehaviorthatisworkingagainstyou.Withadetectivelikecuriosityandwithoutjudgement,askyourself,“WhatamIthinking,remembering,tellingmyselfwhenthisbehaviorcomesup?Isthistrue?”Next,grabontothestrongervoiceinsideandexplorethosethoughtsaskingyourself,“WhatdoIgetfromthis?Dothesethoughtsalignwithmygoals,dreams,desires,whoIwanttobe?”Thesearenotrhetoricalquestionsormeanttoplaceblamebutratherconnectswhatyouwantwithwhatyouactuallydo.It’shelpfultojotthesethoughtsdownandrewritethemintotruths,rootedinwhatyoureallywantforyourlifeandwhoyouwanttobe.Byexaminingourthoughtsandbehaviors,wecanharnessthepowerofourmindstocreatelasting,positivechanges.Todiscussifcoachingwouldbenefityou,checkoutthisLINKtosetupacomplimentarycallwithme.
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WesatdownwithSt.CharlesResidentDr.Beckeman.Dr.BeckemanistheoperatorofVetStop—afull-serviceveterinaryclinicintheheartofNewTown.Happenings:HiDr.Beckeman,thankyoufortakingthetimetomeetwithus.Tellusalittleaboutyourbackgroundandhowyoubecameinvolvedinanimalcare.Dr.Beckeman:So,IguesshowIgotstartedandbecameinterestedinpetcareisgrowingupinArnoldandvisitingmyGrandfather’sfarminVanBuren,Mo.—Ienjoyedtakingcareofandlookingaftertheanimalsonthefarm.Incollege,Iwasn’tinitiallyinterestedinveterinarycare,butduringmysenioryearIneededtotakeanagricultureclasstohaveanAgcreditasapartofmystudies.IendeduplovingitandthendecidedtogetintoVetSchoolandgraduatedin‘96fromMizzou.Dr.Beckeman:ThebulkofmyworkaftercollegewasforaclinicinFenton,Mo.for18years,andwemovedherein2017.Atthattime,IrecognizedtheneedforNewTowntohaveaVeterinaryClinic.AsIwasclosetoretirementage,Iwasn’tsurethatIwaswantingtoinvestinanything.However,IwaswalkingthedogsthroughNewTownonedayandsawasignthatsaid,“VetStopComingSoon”.Iwenthome,calledthatdayandgotaninterviewwithDr.McKnight—shestartedtheNewTownofficefollowingherdream.Happenings:Thatisawonderfulstory.And,whenitcomestopetcare,whattypesofservicesdoyouprovide.Dr.Beckeman:Weareafull-serviceclinic—fromroutinevaccinestosurgeriesandmanagingcomplexdiseases.Forsurgeries,Ispecializeinorthopedicsandsofttissue.WithusbeinginMissouri,thetemperaturescanwarmquickly,sowerecommendallpetstobeonheartwormandfleaandtickmedicationyear-round.Happenings:Iamsureyouhavealotofsuccessstories,butisthereoneparticularrecoverythatapethasmadethatreallystandsout?Q&AWITHDR.BECKEMANATVETSTOP
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Dr.Beckeman:Sure.Wehadoneparvocase—avirusthataffectstheintestinaltrack,andthereisnocureforit.Usuallyitisacoupleofdayswherewetreatthepetssymptomaticallyandtheyeithermakeitordon’twithinthattimeframe.But,thisonelabpuppyweendeduptreatingfornearlythreeweeks,andheendeduppullingthrough.Ithinkitshowstheresiliencethatpetshave—evenatsuchayoungage.Happenings:Successstorieslikethatarewhyitissoimportanttohavepetcarenearbyandaccessible.WithbothlivingandworkinginNewTown,whatdoyouenjoyaboutthisareamost?Dr.Beckeman:Wemovedoutherebecausemybrother-in-lawlivesinNewTownandwehaveotherfamilynearbyinSt.Charles.Ilovethesenseofcommunityhere.Ithasthatkindofsmalltownfeel,butyetitisstillapartofSt.Charles.IlikeworkinghereduetothefactthatIgettoknowmyclientsandseethemoutandabout.Thisallowsmetopartnerwiththeownerswhenitcomestotheirpet’scare—seeingthemwalkingwiththeirpets,Icanseetheirprogressinreal-time.Byobservingthemoutsideofwork,Ithinkthathelpstoprovidethepetswiththebestcarepossible.EventhoughIamfearfreecertified,thepetsaresomuchmorerelaxedinanoutsideenvironmentandlessguardedoverall.Happenings:Thatextendedcareisdefinitelyabenefittohavingyourplaceofworkbeinthesameneighborhood.Thatbringsmetomyfinalquestion.Otherthanhavingpetsonaroutinepreventativecareprogram,whatisyourtoprecommendationtopetownerswhenitcomestocaringfortheirpetsathome?
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Dr.Beckeman:Exerciseandnutrition.Yourpet’sweightmanagementisahugekeytotheirlongevity.Petsarenotoriouslyresilient,sotheymayseemfinewheneatinganot-so-healthydiet,butthatwillcatch-upwiththematsomepoint.Thenumberonethingapetownercandotokeeppetshealthyistokeepthemthin.Overweightpetshaveashorterlifespan.Maintainingadietisbetterfortheirjointsandbetterfortheirhealthoverall.And,thatissomethingthatpetownershavecompletecontrolover.Peoplelovetheirpetsandattimesdowanttogivethemtreats.Wejustencouragecontrolledportions—insteadofafulltreat,givethemhalf.Happenings:Thankssomuchfortalkingwithustoday,Dr.Beckeman.Itisnicetohaveaplaceintheneighborhoodtolookafterourpetsandcreateahealthyatmosphereforthemtothriveinthecommunity.Wewishyouandtheclinicallthebestinthefuture.Dr.Beckeman,VeterinarianatVetStophttps://vetstopanimalclinics.com/new-townlocation/AttheNewTownlocation,alongwithDr.Beckeman,isDr.MillereveryotherSaturday.Dr.MillerpracticesatVetStopinSt.Peters—alargefacilitywithsuperviseddaycare,attentiveboarding,andin-housegrooming.ItisalsoafirstclassmedicalfacilityhousingDr.SmithandDr.Thornberry.
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PAGEFOUR|JOURNEYFOOD&DRINKHomemadePizzaIngredients:1½cupsofall-purposeflour1teaspoonofinstantyeast1teaspoonofsugar1teaspoonofsalt1tablespoonofoliveoil½cupofwarmwaterPizzasauceCheese(mozzarellaoryourpreferredtype)Toppingsofyourchoice(e.g.,pepperoni,bellpeppers,mushrooms,onions)PreparetheDough:Inalargemixingbowl,combinetheflour,instantyeast,sugar,andsalt.Makeawellinthecenterandaddtheoliveoilandwarmwater.Mixuntiladoughforms.Kneadthedoughonalightlyflouredsurfaceforabout5-7minutesuntilitbecomessmoothandelastic.Placethedoughinalightlyoiledbowl,coverwithacleankitchentowel,andletitriseinawarmplaceforabout1houroruntildoubledinsize.ShapetheDough:Oncethedoughhasrisen,punchitdownanddivideitintotwoequalportionsfortwopizzas.Onalightlyflouredsurface,rollouteachportionintoaroundshape,about¼inchthick.AddToppings:Placetherolled-outdoughonapieceofparchmentpaper.Spreadpizzasauceevenlyoverthedough,leavingasmallborderaroundtheedges.Sprinklecheesegenerouslyoverthesauce.Addyourdesiredtoppings.BakethePizza:Carefullytransferthepizzaontheparchmentpaperontothepreheatedpizzastoneorbakingsheetintheoven.
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EllieSojinMetcalf,FoodColumnist,HappeningsMagazine.Bakefor10-12minutesoruntilthecrustisgoldenbrownandthecheeseismeltedandbubbly.Serve:Removethepizzafromtheovenandletitcoolforafewminutesbeforeslicing.Servehotandenjoyyourdelicioushomemadepizza!
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Springhasofficiallysprung,andforgardenersinZone7,Aprilisatimeofvibrantgrowthandrenewal.Astemperaturesriseanddaylightstretcheslonger,yourgardenisprimedforaction.Whetheryou'renurturingseedlings,cultivatingperennials,orplanningafreshediblelandscape,thismonthispackedwithessentialchoresthatwillsetthestageforathrivinggarden.Fromsoilpreparationtopestmanagement,understandingtheuniqueneedsofyourplantsduringthiscrucialtimeiskeytoaflourishingspring.JoinusasweexplorethevitaltasksyoushouldtacklethisApril,ensuringyourgardennotonlysurvivesbuttrulythrivesthroughouttheseason.Getreadytorollupyoursleevesandtransformyouroutdoorspaceintoabloomingparadise!UnderstandingZone7:ClimateandGrowingConditionsZone7ischaracterizedbyitstemperateclimate,whichoffersaperfectbalanceofwarmandcoolseasons.Thiszone,whichcoverspartsofthesoutheasternandsouthwesternUnitedStates,includingregionslikeNorthCarolina,Tennessee,andOklahoma,experiencesmoderatewinterswithtemperaturestypicallyrangingfrom0to10degreesFahrenheit.ThegrowingseasoninZone7generallylastsfrommid-ApriltolateOctober,providingampletimeforavarietyofplantstothrive.St.Charlesisbetween6band7aonthetemperateclimatezone.Inadditiontotemperature,Zone7alsoexperiencesafairamountofrainfall,particularlyinthespring.Thisnaturalirrigationsupportsrobustplantgrowthbutalsonecessitatespropersoildrainageandaerationtopreventrootrotandothermoisture-relatedissues.ByfamiliarizingyourselfwiththespecificclimateandgrowingconditionsofZone7,youcanmakeinformeddecisionsaboutplantselection,plantingtimes,andgardenmaintenance,settingthestageforasuccessfulandthrivinggarden.AprilGardeningChecklistforZone7APRILGARDENINGGUIDE:ESSENTIALCHORESFORZONE7THISSPRINGGARDENCLUBTIPS
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AprilisapivotalmonthforgardenersinZone7,markedbyaflurryofessentialtasksthatsetthefoundationforabountifulgrowingseason.Asthelastfrostdateapproaches,it'stimetotransitionfromwinterpreparationstoactiveplantingandnurturing.Tokeepyourgardenontrack,here'sacomprehensivechecklistofchorestotackleinApril.Firstandforemost,it'scrucialtofinalizeyourgardenplanandacquireanynecessaryseedsandtransplants.ThisincludesselectingvarietiessuitedtoZone7'sclimateandensuringthatyouhaveamixofcool-seasonandwarm-seasoncrops.Organizeyourgardenlayout,consideringfactorslikesunlight,spacing,andcompanionplantingtomaximizegrowthandyield.Next,focusonsoilpreparation.ConductsoilteststodeterminepHlevelsandnutrientcontent,andamendyoursoilasneededwithcompost,manure,orotherorganicmatter.Thisstepisvitalforcreatingafertileenvironmentthatsupportshealthyrootdevelopmentandplantgrowth.Additionally,clearyourgardenbedsofanydebrisorweedsthatmayhaveaccumulatedoverthewinter,andturnthesoiltoimproveaerationanddrainage.Buyspringperennialsforaddingcolortoyourspringgarden.StakeyourdaffodilssincestemsmaybeweakduetorainsDealwithyourdandelions(digoutorsprayifneeded)PruneyoursummerbloomingbushesbeforetheybloomPlantcoolseasonveggiesFertilizeroses(followdirectionsonthelabel)MovehouseplantsoutsideRefreshherbgardenPrunespringfloweringbushesaftertheyhavebloomed(withinacoupleofweeks)TillyourgardenSetuparainbarreltocollectrainwaterRootsweetpotatoslipsPrepcontainersforpottingPreparingYourGarden:SoilTestingandAmendmentsArticlebyTerriStefes
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Soilhealthisthecornerstoneofathrivinggarden,andAprilistheperfecttimetoassessandenhanceyoursoil'scondition.ConductingasoiltestisafundamentalstepinunderstandingthenutrientprofileandpHbalanceofyourgardensoil.SoiltestscanbedonethroughlocalextensionservicesorwithDIYkitsavailableatgardencenters.Thesetestswillprovidevaluableinsightsintowhatyoursoilmaybelackingandguideyouinmakingthenecessaryamendments.Onceyouhaveyoursoiltestresults,you'llbeabletodeterminetheappropriateamendmentstoimprovesoilfertility.Commonamendmentsincludecompost,whichaddsorganicmatterandimprovessoilstructure;lime,whichraisespHlevelsinacidicsoils;andsulfur,whichlowerspHinalkalinesoils.Additionally,fertilizersrichinnitrogen,phosphorus,andpotassiumcanbeaddedbasedonyoursoil'sspecificnutrientdeficiencies.Incorporatingtheseamendmentsthoroughlyintothesoilwillcreateanutrientrichenvironmentconducivetohealthyplantgrowth.Inadditiontonutrientmanagement,it'sessentialtoensuregoodsoilstructureanddrainage.Heavy,claysoilscanbeamendedwithsandandorganicmattertoimproveaerationandpreventwaterlogging,whilesandysoilsmaybenefitfromadditionalcomposttoenhancewaterretention.BytakingthetimetoprepareyoursoilproperlyinApril,you'lllaythegroundworkforaproductiveandthrivinggardenthroughoutthegrowingseason.FloweringPlantstoConsiderforSpringBloomsSpringissynonymouswithbloomingflowers,andAprilistheperfecttimetointroduceaburstofcolortoyourZone7garden.Therearenumerousfloweringplantsthatthriveinthiszone,eachofferinguniquebeautyandbenefits.Whenselectingplants,considerfactorssuchasbloomtime,sunexposure,andsoilpreferencestocreateaharmoniousandvisuallyappealinggarden.Oneofthemostbelovedspringbloomersisthedaffodil(Narcissus),knownforitscheerfulyellowandwhiteflowers.Daffodilsarehardyandeasytogrow,makingthemanexcellentchoicefornoviceandexperiencedgardenersalike.Theypreferwelldrainedsoilandfulltopartialsun,andtheycanbeplantedinclustersforastunningdisplay.Anotherpopularoptionisthetulip(Tulipa),whichcomesinawiderangeofcolorsandshapes.Tulipsthriveinwell-drainedsoilwithfullsunexposureandshouldbeplantedinthefallforaspectacularspringshow.Forthoselookingtoattractpollinators,considerplantingbeebalm(Monarda)orconeflower(Echinacea).Bothplantsarenotonlybeautifulbutalsobeneficialforthelocalecosystem,providingnectarforbees,butterflies,andotherpollinators.Beebalm,withitsvibrantred,pink,orpurpleflowers,prefersmoist,well-drainedsoilandfullsun.Coneflowers,ontheotherhand,aredrought-tolerantandthriveinwell-drainedsoilwithfulltopartialsun.Byincorporatingavarietyoffloweringplants,you'llcreateadynamicandthrivinggardenthatburstswithcolorandlifethroughoutthespring.PlantingSeasonalVegetablesinAprilAprilisanidealmonthforplantingawidearrayofseasonalvegetablesinZone7.Asthesoilwarmsandtheriskoffrostdiminishes,gardenerscanstartsowingseedsandtransplantingseedlingsforabountifulharvest.Whetheryou'reafanofleafygreens,rootvegetables,orwarmseasoncrops,there'ssomethingforeveryonetogrowduringthisvibrantmonth.
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Coolseasonvegetableslikelettuce,spinach,andkalethriveinthemildtemperaturesofearlyspring.Theseleafygreenscanbedirectseededintothegardenandwillprovidefresh,nutritiousharvestsinjustafewweeks.Toensureacontinuoussupply,practicesuccessionplantingbysowingseedseverytwotothreeweeks.Additionally,rootvegetablessuchascarrots,radishes,andbeetscanbesowndirectlyintothesoil.Thesecropspreferloose,well-drainedsoilandwillmaturequicklyinthecoolspringweather.AsAprilprogressesandtemperaturesrise,it'stimetostartplantingwarmseasonvegetablesliketomatoes,peppers,andcucumbers.Theseheatlovingplantsshouldbestartedindoorsorpurchasedastransplantsandsetoutintothegardenafterthelastfrostdate.Ensurethatthesecropsreceiveplentyofsunlightandareplantedinnutrientrichsoil.Bystaggeringyourplantingtimesandselectingavarietyofvegetables,youcanenjoyadiverseandabundantharvestthroughoutthegrowingseason.EssentialGardenMaintenanceTasksforAprilMaintainingyourgardenisjustasimportantasplanting,andAprilisacrucialmonthforperformingessentialupkeeptasks.Regularmaintenanceensuresthatyourplantsremainhealthyandproductive,andithelpspreventcommongardeningissuesbeforetheybecomeproblematic.Herearesomekeymaintenancechorestofocusonthismonth.WeedingisatoppriorityinApril,asweedscanquicklytakeovergardenbedsandcompetewithyourplantsfornutrientsandwater.Regularlyinspectyourgardenandremoveanyweedsbyhandorwithahoe,beingcarefultopullthemoutbytherootstopreventregrowth.Mulchinggardenbedswithorganicmaterialslikestraw,woodchips,orcompostcanalsohelpsuppressweedsandretainsoilmoisture.Pruninganddeadheadingareessentialtasksforpromotinghealthygrowthandprolongedblooms.Removeanydeadordamagedbranchesfromshrubsandperennials,andtrimbackanyovergrownareastomaintainatidyappearance.Deadheadingspentflowersencouragesplantstoproducenewbloomsandpreventsthemfromgoingtoseedprematurely.Additionally,keepaneyeoutforpestsanddiseases,andaddressanyissuespromptlywithappropriatetreatmentsororganiccontrolmethods.ImportanceofWateringandIrrigationinAprilProperwateringisvitalforthehealthandgrowthofyourgarden,especiallyduringthetransitionalmonthofApril.Astemperaturesriseandplantsbegintoestablishthemselves,it'sessentialtoprovideconsistentmoisturetosupporttheirdevelopment.However,thekeytosuccessfulwateringliesinstrikingtherightbalance,asbothoverwateringandunderwateringcanleadtoproblems.InZone7,Apriltypicallybringsincreasedrainfall,whichcanhelpreducetheneedforsupplementalwatering.However,it'simportanttomonitorsoilmoisturelevelsregularlyandadjustyourwateringscheduleaccordingly.Agoodruleofthumbistowaterdeeplyandinfrequently,allowingthesoiltodryoutslightly
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betweenwaterings.Thisencouragesplantstodevelopdeep,resilientrootsystems.Useasoakerhoseordripirrigationsystemtodeliverwaterdirectlytotherootzone,minimizingevaporationandensuringefficientwateruse.Mulchingisanothereffectivestrategyformaintainingsoilmoistureandreducingthefrequencyofwatering.Alayeroforganicmulcharoundthebaseofyourplantshelpsretainmoisture,regulatesoiltemperature,andsuppressweeds.Bemindfulofthespecificwaterneedsofdifferentplants,assomemayrequiremoreorlessfrequentwatering.Bypayingcloseattentiontoyourgarden'shydrationneedsandemployingsmartwateringpractices,you'llcreateanoptimalenvironmentforyourplantstothrive.SuccessfulContainerGardeninginZone7Containergardeningisaversatileandrewardingwaytogrowplants,especiallyforthosewithlimitedspaceorchallengingsoilconditions.InZone7,Aprilisanexcellenttimetostartcontainergardening,astheweatherbecomesmorefavorableforoutdoorplanting.Herearesometipstoensureyourcontainergardenthrivesthisspring.First,choosetherightcontainersforyourplants.Ensurethattheyhaveadequatedrainageholestopreventwaterlogging,andselectsizesthataccommodatethematuresizeofyourplants.Containersmadefrommaterialsliketerracotta,plastic,orwoodcanallworkwell,butkeepinmindthatlightercoloredcontainershelpkeepthesoilcoolerinhotweather.Additionally,usehighqualitypottingmixdesignedforcontainers,asitprovidesbetterdrainageandaerationthangardensoil.Whenselectingplantsforyourcontainergarden,considertheirlightandwaterrequirements.Manyvegetables,herbs,andflowerscanthriveincontainers,butit'simportanttogroupplantswithsimilarneedstogether.Forexample,herbslikebasil,thyme,andoreganoarewell-suitedforcontainergardeningandcanbegrowntogetherinasunnyspot.Similarly,leafygreenslikelettuceandspinachcanbegrownincontainersandplacedinpartiallyshadedareastopreventboltinginwarmerweather.Regularmaintenanceiskeytosuccessfulcontainergardening.Checksoilmoisturelevelsfrequently,ascontainerstendtodryoutmorequicklythangardenbeds.Wateryourcontainersthoroughly,allowingexcesswatertodrainout,andavoidlettingthesoilbecomewaterlogged.Fertilizeyourplantswithabalanced,watersolublefertilizereveryfewweekstoreplenishnutrients.Byfollowingthesetips,youcanenjoyathrivingcontainergardenthataddsbeautyandproductivitytoyouroutdoorspace.AsyouembarkonyourAprilgardeningjourney,rememberthatgardeningisnotjustahobbybutarewardingandtherapeuticexperiencethatconnectsyouwithnature.Takethetimetosavorthesights,sounds,andscentsofyourgarden,andenjoytheprocessofwatchingyourplantsgrowandthrive.Withdedicationandabitofhardwork,yourZone7gardenwillbecomeabloomingparadisethatbringsjoyandbeautythroughoutthespringseasonandbeyond.
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ORCHARDFARMPhotosbyAnnieBenfield
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