Business Profiles_MRN_012611

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16 I busIness profIles I JAnuArY 26, 2011MID rIVers neWsMAGAZIne neWsMAGAZIneneTWorK.CoM

After 17 years of working in the bed-ding industry, both in retail and whole-sale, Jonathan Handyside, owner of The Back Store, recognized a shift in product innovation and technologies.

“Conventional mattresses today sim-ply do not offer consumers the same improvements in real sleep benefits and overall product durability as does cur-rent technology,” Handyside said. “I wanted to create a retail atmosphere that mirrored that shift and focused solely on today’s newest sleep innovations.”

The Back Store is a unique better sleep boutique, offering discerning shoppers a complete assortment of the newest and most innovative sleep sur-faces. The store is the area’s only com-plete Tempur-Pedic Gallery, featuring more than 100 Tempur-Pedic products and accessories.

Specifically focusing on sleep from a better health perspective, The Back Store specialties include Tempur-Pedic natural latex and adjustable air mat-tresses designed to reduce pressure and maintain a more correct postural sleep-

ing position. The store carries the larg-est selection of non-metal spring mat-tresses, adjustable motion bases and specialty pillows in the St. Charles county area.

Friendly and knowledgeable Trained Better Sleep Experts are available to recommend and assist in personalizing mattresses specifically for each cus-tomer’s needs.

“We’re an alternative sleep store that focuses on people’s back and sleep problems, and we have sleep systems that speak directly to those problems,” Handyside said. “Our goal first and foremost is to become the preferred retailer of St. Charles residents seeking a pain-free, undisturbed, quality night’s sleep.”

The Back Store1376 Mid Rivers Mall Drive

St. Peters(636) 279-2225

10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon. – Sat.;11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun.

www.stlbackstore.com

Local residence owners Dennis and Laura Miller are happy to bring to the O’Fallon area Miller’s Fine Jewelry, a unique, full-service jewelry store that brings new levels of selection and ser-vice to the area.

Dennis has been in the jewelry busi-ness for 32 years and has worked for three of the largest diamond companies in the world. Miller’s is proud to be an exclusive dealer of the Star129 Dia-mond, the brightest and best perform-ing diamond available. Miller’s will be featuring an extensive selection of the finest bridal engagement designers in the country, hoping to be the “go to” store for bridal rings and diamond jewelry.

At Miller’s Fine Jewelry, “If you can imagine it, then we can create it” with its master craftsman on staff. They will be able to appraise your jewelry with the experience of their graduate gemol-ogist. All jewelry repairs are completed on site.

Miller’s values its customers and

wants to create distinction and develop a “customer for life” relationship. The store is confident it will reach its goal by offering knowledge about client purchases and providing some of the best guarantees on purchases and repairs.

Clients are encouraged to browse Miller’s’ selection and experience a very casual and friendly environment, where they will always feel at ease and welcome.

Miller’s Fine Jewelry is conveniently located at the Plaza at Hutchings Farm; from 70, just past Target, near Pasta House.

Miller’s Fine Jewelry2510 Highway K • O’Fallon

(636) 272-40979:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon., Tues.,

Wed. & Fri.;9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thurs.;

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat.;Closed Sun.

Fine Jewelry

Hearing Health Care Center utilizes the latest in advanced technology to provide the best in hearing care for all of its patients. Owned by Carol Berg-mann, the Center provides comprehen-sive audiological testing for individuals 3 years of age and older. Each patient at the family-owned and operated busi-ness receives personalized attention and treatment from an on-staff audiologist.

“Helping someone to hear again is so rewarding,” Bergmann said. “We give back what they have been missing. It makes us feel good to see people hear-ing things they haven’t heard in a long time.”

The office also provides hearing aid screenings, evaluations, fittings and post-fitting counseling. A wide array of hearing aids is available in a variety of sizes and circuit options. The newest device is the 100% invisible, extended wear hearing aid, the Lyric. Wear 24 hours a day while showering, sleeping

and exercising. In addition, the Center is well stocked with information and supplies for hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

Because Hearing Health Care Center has relationships with multiple hearing aid manufacturers, the company is able to offer each of its patients the optimal hearing aid to meet his/her individual needs. Dr. Alison Benner and Dr. Kate Sinks, have doctorates in audiology.

Keeping up with the service on a hearing aid has never been so easy. The Center offers free service on each patients’ hearing aid every three months.

“We care how you hear,” Bergmann said, “and we will work with you until you are satisfied.”

Hearing Health Care CenterEllisville

Richmond Heights • St. Charles(636) 391-9622

www.hearinghealthcare.org

HearingHealthCareCenter

Solar Attic Blanket of St. Louis LLC is a family-owned business dedicated to bringing jobs and cost-effective, eco-friendly, and energy saving solutions to customers throughout the St. Louis region. Owner John Engelbach has a vision of eco-friendly products / solu-tions and using them to combat energy loss for their customers’ homes and businesses. This process not only saves money for his customers, but works toward a green future by cutting our dependence on foreign oil. John was born and raised in the St.

Louis area and has worked in research for Washington University since 1993. His positive experiences with Solar Attic Blanket in his own home led to the decision to share the Energy Star Tax Credited Rated blanket with other St. Louis homeowners. His ultimate goal of premium, made

in USA, product performance and 100 percent customer satisfaction is shared by his experienced staff dedicated to prompt, professional and reliable ser-vice. Solar Attic Blanket is the only

major company in St. Louis that exclu-sively sells and installs this type of product. How does a Solar Attic Blanket work?

The Blanket consists of 97 percent pure aluminum, applied to both sides of a durable polymer mesh. This offers a permanent way to reduce energy costs by blocking radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it, like traditional fiber-glass insulation. The Blanket is perfo-rated to allow your house to breath and any moisture to evaporate. Typical sav-ings for the average family run between 20 percent and 40 percent, providing a wise long term investment for almost any home. Find out how The Solar Attic Blanket can benefit your family and home. Call today and arrange a free in-home estimate, call John per-sonally, email or visit their website today.

Solar Attic Blanket of St. Louis LLC(636) 475-9490

www.solaratticblanket.com

I busIness profIles I 17JAnuArY 26, 2011MID rIVers neWsMAGAZIneneWsMAGAZIneneTWorK.CoM

Having a flair for the creative plus a passion for color, fashion and style, Heidi Sowatsky in 2004 opened her own Decorating Den Interiors fran-chise in St. Charles and is thrilled to make her lifelong obsession with inte-rior design her reality. Sowatsky has a design philosophy of making each design project both beautiful and functional.

“I like to create beautiful rooms my clients can live in – not just look at,” Sowatsky said.

Decorating Den Interiors provides a wide breadth of products, from custom designed window treatments, to carpet-ing and area rugs, wall covering, cus-tom furniture, lighting, and accessories. For each client, she works to create a design plan that reflects the homeown-er’s taste, personality and budget.

Sowatsky is the winner of numerous design awards, including four Dream Room Awards and Best of Show. Her work has been published nationally in Draperies & Window Coverings trade magazine, “The Complete Home Deco-rating Idea Book” and “Decorating…

the Professional Touch.” Locally, her work has been seen on KSDK’s “Show Me St. Louis,” and in local publica-tions, such as the St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Magazine.

When she is not busy helping clients beautify their surroundings, Sowatsky strongly believes in giving back to her community and has been an active sup-porter of local organizations. She was also nominated in 2006 and 2008 for a Dove Award, celebrating women of achievement in St. Charles County.

The thriving business continues to expand with decorators and an office manager, as Sowatsky said business is strong and going very well.

“We do it all,” she said. “From our initial design consultation service to final product installation, we handle every detail of redecorating your home.”

Decorating Den InteriorsSt. Charles

(636) 244-1623www.decoratingstcharles.com

Mike and Kathie Faszold, owners of Faszold Heating & Cooling, make it their mission to ensure that each cli-ent’s home is safe and comfortable.

The locally owned and family-owned Faszold’s accommodating services include air duct sealing, tankless water heating and geothermal heating and cooling. Highly qualified Comfort Spe-cialists are readily available to help.

Faszold also provides state-of-the-art energy audits as Show-Me Green Ener-gy, to provide clients with the informa-tion they need to improve their home’s performance related to energy con-sumption and associated costs. Home Energy Audits identify ways a home-owner can dramatically reduce energy costs while creating a more comfort-able and healthier atmosphere.

“A Home Energy Audit will identify problems directly related to energy loss, such as inadequate or missing insulation, air infiltration, inefficient heating and cooling systems, windows or solar gain,” Faszold said. “Other areas, such as improper ventilation will

be identified, which is a safety and health issue because of the potential for mold growth and moisture damage to building materials.”

Michael Faszold II is the second gen-eration of Comfort Specialists in the family and is BPI Certified. Very few technicians in the area are qualified to perform these comprehensive assess-ments of a home’s energy efficiency. Faszold prides itself on excellent cus-tomer service and building a long-term relationship with its customers.

“You’ll find that at Faszold, your sat-isfaction is our No. 1 concern, and we’ll strive to achieve that on each and every visit; not because it’s our job, but because it’s your home,” Faszold said. “Stop in or call today to schedule a ser-vice call or to request a free estimate.”

Faszold Heating & Cooling103 N. Service Road • St. Charles

(636) 397-1237www.faszold.com

www.ShowMeGreenEnergy.com

Heating & CoolingSince 1980

Enhancing the bond between your pet and family

Positive Paws Pet Training believes that strengthening the communication between dog and family is essential in creating a healthy bond and achieving acceptable behaviors. Since opening in 2006, Kim Gracner, owner of Positive Paws Pet Training, has educated own-ers and changed behaviors of hundreds of dogs. Positive Paws Pet Training offers in-home customized training programs tailored to achieve goals and dog’s needs.

Kim believes that training in the dog’s environment is most successful for behavioral change. “Problematic behaviors typically occur within the home environment. Since dogs need leadership and proper structure, the family plays an important role in the training process,” Kim says. It is essential for dogs to understand their expectations for successful training.

The programs at Positive Paws Pet Training are structured to teach all ages and breeds. In addition to basic cues, everyday issues such as house training, jumping, digging, nipping, and exces-sive barking are addressed. Programs

are offered for more challenging issues such as aggression, fear and anxiety.

The method of training is as impor-tant as the cues which are taught. Posi-tive Paws Pet Training practices posi-tive techniques only. Kim advocates that dogs learn more readily from rewarding methods.

Kim is a Certified Canine Behavior Counselor, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors, and Bet-ter Business Bureau. She continues to expand her knowledge by attending workshops by world-renowned trainers.

Kim has two four-legged family members: Brandie, a Chocolate Labra-dor Retriever, and Baxter, a Golden Retriever.

Positive Paws Pet Training(636) 352-3104

www.positivepawstraining.com

Studio 703 is the place to go for a contemporary, urban look. Located in the heart of Chesterfield and co-owned by Bob Pitts and Shawn Summers, Stu-dio 703 is a complete hair salon that also offers on-location styling and makeup for weddings or special occa-sions, as well as photography.

The experienced stylists at Studio 703 come from all different parts of the country, with most having worked in major fashion cities, such as New York, Los Angeles and Paris. They keep up with cutting-edge trends to provide sophisticated haircuts, colorings, updos and makeovers.

“Clients consistently comment as to how nice it is to come someplace where, no matter who they go to, they feel confident they will come out with a pleasant experience,” Summers said. “We have the sophistication of the East Coast and the trends of the West Coast. We are committed to providing a high level of service for Studio 703’s clients at a fair price.”

In addition to their everyday services, the salon regularly provides editorial styling for ALIVE Magazine photo shoots, and there are stylists featured weekly on the KPLR midday show for all the beauty needs. So stylists know how to get the latest look for any hair type.

The salon also offers “junior” hair-styles for the younger St. Louisan. No matter what people are used to or where they come from, they can get the great service and contemporary or clas-sic styles they expect.

Studio 703703 Long Road Crossing • Chesterfield

(636) 536-6770www.thestudio703.com

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Choice Cabinet St. Peters owners Pat Ramshaw and Pam Makarewicz recognized a need in the community for an affordable and reliable home project service. With over 30 years of cus tomer service , remodel ing experience and kitchen and bath design, this brother and sister team opened a St. Peters location. They are able to provide a satisfying customer experience that already has clients referring others for all of their cabinet projects.

Choice Cabinet products feature an all plywood cabinet, with eight different Maple door styles. Standard features include dovetail drawers, full extension with easy close drawer slides and full overlay doors. Hardware and Onyx solid surface bath products including shower bases, wall kits and vanity sink tops are also offered. Choice Cabinet features products for all projects including the kitchen, bath, office or entertainment rooms. They offer countertops in laminate, solid surface and granite - shopping the best prices for the customer.

Choice Cabinet continues to be the

favorite choice for upscale appearances at a fraction of the cost.

Choice Cabinet’s professional staff provides a personal experience and job well done. Every cabinet is provided with a lifetime limited warranty. The company’s extensive inventory and just-in-time/drop-ship program enables Choice Cabinet to uniquely serve the commercial market as well.

Choice Cabinet brings ministry to its core values and culture through a lifestyle of helping others.

Family-owned and operated, Choice Cabinet provides the beauty the client desires, the quality they admire, and the price they require. Come by, meet us and see our showroom displaying all of our cabinetry.

Choice Cabinet3893 Mid Rivers Mall Drive • St. Peters

(636) 498-00059 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri.;9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tues., Thurs.;

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat.www.choicecabinet.com

Parkside Retirement Living, established in 1977, is a full service, faith based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC). They are located next to Blanchette Park in Old St. Charles on a beautifully landscaped 13 -acre campus. Parkside is very near the historic St. Charles Main Street district and area hospitals.

The mission statement at Parkside remains today as it was when it was founded, namely, to provide “an affordable, high quality living environment to the senior population. Parkside’s emphasis is to maintain the highest quality of independence within all levels of care by offering programs and services which support the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of each individual within a supportive community.”

Because Parkside is a CCRC, it is very easy to transition from the Independent Living to the Residential Care and Health Care portions of the community. All of these “living” areas are available in a connected complex on the same

campus should, for example, a spouse or friend require short term rehabilitation, or a longer term stay. Late in 2009, a gentleman moved from a St. Charles area independent living facility to Parkside, where he could easily visit his spouse on a several times daily basis.

Tom Walther, a St. Louis area native and veteran health care and senior service executive, is the Executive Director at Parkside. A Saint Louis University graduate with a master’s in Health Care Administration, Walther is very familiar with Parkside and its 5-Star status.

“While the 5-Star rating is in reference to a designation achieved only through strict adherence to quality of care standards and a rigorous state survey process, I can confidently say that this rating is equally applicable to our entire Community,” Walther asserts.

Parkside Retirement Living 2150 W. Randolph St. • St. Charles

(636) 946-4966www.parksideretirement.org

Heritage Dental Group gives their patients many reasons to smile.

They offer a full range of services for the entire family, including Oral & IV sedation, implants, veneers, Lumineers, Invisalign, 6-month smiles, Zoom! Teeth Whitening, smile designs and complete reconstructions.

“We like to say ‘yes,’” Dr. Mary Smith, DDS, said. “Just try us. Our staff is exceptional, as are our services.”

Many patients fear going to the den-tist, but Heritage Dental Group offers a personalized approach and several ways to relax while receiving treat-ment. From topical and local anesthet-ics to oral medications, the dentists at Heritage Dental Group do everything they can to ensure comfort.

Heritage Dental Group has served the community for 30 years, with the aspi-ration to deliver world-class dental services.

“I love caring for my patients and improving their lives,” Dr. Timothy Larson, DDS, said. “Being able to meet and exceed their expectations is one of the best feelings in the world.”

The recent addition of Dr. Smith allows Heritage Dental Group to con-tinue that service, offering even more hours and services.

Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Larson received their doctorates of dental sur-gery from Univeristy of Missouri School Of Denistry. They also are active members of the American Den-tal Association, Greater St. Louis Den-tal Society, and are passionate about their patients’ satisfaction.

“You can rely on us to listen to your concerns, recognize your individual needs and provide thorough, unhurried appointments,” Dr. Larson said. “We always take time to answer any ques-tions and explain treatments and procedures.”

Heritage Dental Group(636) 441-3466

7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mon. – Thurs.;By appointment, Fri. – Sat.

www.heritagedentalgroup.com

Dr. Mary Smith, DDS Dr. Timothy Larson,DDS

Using harsh chemicals to remove dirt and germs from a home is only fixing part of the problem – those toxic chem-icals can sometimes make the problem worse.

Maid Brigade of St. Charles County is the industry pioneer and leader in green cleaning systems with an intense focus on customer service.

As the first national residential clean-ing company to go green and the only company to be Green Clean Certified, Maid Brigade’s mission is to provide consistency and thoroughness through Green Cleaning systems, training, equipment and supplies.

Locally owned and operated by a long-time member of the community, Maid Brigade of St. Charles County allows its clients to spend their time doing things they enjoy, rather than wasting countless hours cleaning. Peo-ple can rest easy their home, as well as family, is in good hands.

Exclusive Green Clean Certification includes strict criteria, such as no car-cinogens, human or aquatic toxins, or reproductive toxins. Micro-fiber cloths

and mops are utilized to remove maxi-mum dust, germs and dirt, leaving three times fewer particles in the air than other maid services.

Products are thoroughly and continu-ously tested for the guaranteed healthi-est cleaning service on the market.

“Customer focus is the most impor-tant part for us,” said Maid Brigade of St. Charles County owner Nathan Supinski, who opened his thriving new business less than a year ago. Every Maid Brigade house cleaning maid receives a comprehensive background check, consistent, regular training and constant supervision to ensure top sat-isfaction with each client.

“When our maids and house cleaning service customers are happy, so are we,” Supinski said.

Maid Brigade of St. Charles County30 Jason Court • St. Charles

For an estimate: (636) 329-0600Client care: (636) 329-06018 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri.

www.stcharlesmo.maidbrigade.com


Seven years ago, Sarah Corrigan and her daughter felt there was a real demand in the community for a unique décor and gift store. They soon joined forces to start The White Hare, offering distinct home décor gifts and an exten-sive, top-notch floral selection.

The store’s extremely popular in-home accessorizing service caters to the personal desires of the client to help with a new space or simply add finish-ing touches to an existing one.

“We come to your home, talk to you about what areas you are working on, and take measurements and photos,” The White Hare owner Sarah Corrigan said. “We then schedule another day when we return with a selection of items just for your space.”

In addition, the store carries the best quality floral and merchandise avail-able while maintaining a good price for its loyal and dedicated customers. Holi-day decorating also is available, using

existing home décor or bringing in the newest stock from the store.

“We emphasize customer service and getting our clients exactly what they need and want,” Corrigan said. “We are always changing and striving to have the most creative ideas that we can.”

The White Hare recently moved to a bigger and better location, enabling the store to carry more variety, larger stock and offer more classes.

“We strive to have every client leave the store with a positive experience,” Corrigan said.

The White Hare6119 Mid Rivers Mall Drive

St. Peters (636) 441-1111

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mon. – Sat.;12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun.www.thewhitehare.com

St. Louis Skin Solutions has been in business since 2004, helping people obtain healthy, beautiful skin.

A wide variety of treatments are available for both men and women, with services including Botox/ Dys-port, dermal fillers, SmoothShapes for cellulite, tattoo removal, laser hair removal, facials, chemical peels, laser peels, along with treatments for Rosa-cea, Melasma, sun damage, acne, leg veins, fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Amy Miller, board-certified phy-sician, also offers her patients Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Ther-apy (BHRT), which can improve the skin in addition to improving muscle tone, bone density, mental clarity, and libido, along with helping to reduce fatigue. Many patients have found BHRT to help bring back their quality of life.

St. Louis Skin Solutions provides only the highest quality products to help patients maintain healthy skin, includ-ing SkinMedica, Clarisonic, Obagi,

Latisse, and Jane Iredale. The girls at St. Louis Skin Solutions are readily available to help patients find the per-fect skin care that meets their specific needs.

St. Louis Skin Solutions also hosts special events to educate the communi-ty and provide solutions for healthy, beautiful skin.

U p c o m i n g e v e n t s i n c l u d e : Botox Day on Feb. 3, with 10 percent off of Botox and other specials; Obagi Lunch n’ Learn on Feb. 10, with 15 percent or more off; and Artefill Day on Feb. 17, with $150 off first syringe and $350 off additional syringes. Call today to ask for details or set up an appointment.

St. Louis Skin Solutions13100 Manchester Road, Suite 250

Des Peres(314) 543-4015

www.stlouisskin.com

Dr. Amy Miller

Clearing fogged insulated glass is now easier than ever with the innova-tive Crystal Clear process. For a frac-tion of the price of new windows, Clear Window Technology can quickly remove trapped moisture from failed insulated glass and restore clarity and lost insulating value. The technique has been in use in Canada since 1989, and Clear Window Technology brought it to the U.S. in 2005.

Certified technicians use precision tools to clean the interior of the glass and introduce valves to enable the win-dow to expel moisture. The valve allows vaporized moisture to vent to the outside and keeps additional mois-ture from accumulating. As a result, the window looks great and supports the natural cycle of evaporation.

“We use only environmentally friendly chemicals which are harmless to people, pets and plants. As a result, some windows have too much damage for the process to work,” said Dennis

McHugh, who co-owns Clear Window with Susan McHugh. “In those cases, we can replace the damaged glass with a superior insulating glass that uses ‘warm edge’ technology, leaving the existing frame in place. The seal is so good that it carries a 20-year warranty against failure. We’ve replaced over 80,000 pieces of glass with this type of seal and can count the failures on one hand.”

Complete window and door and patio door replacement are available through their Air Shield division, a Bet-ter Business Bureau Accredited busi-ness that has been supplying quality replacement products, including Ander-sen, since 1983.

Free evaluations are provided, and all products are backed with a 20-year warranty.

Clear Window Technology(314) 966-2666

www.clearwindowtech.com

When President/Owner Jeff Minnis is not programming, he is running Jeff Computers, the leading source for all computer solutions.

“Since we are locally owned and operated, we offer faster and better quality service,” Minnis said. “We can fix almost any computer problem, and we also custom build desktop and lap-top computers.”

Jeff Computers is a worldwide solu-tion for information technology needs, offering laptop and computer repair, both new and refurbished desk and lap-tops, Clear super faster 4G wireless Internet, Cricket Android phones and Cricket basic unlimited phones. In the near future, Jeff Computers will be releasing an easy backup program to help users keep their data safe.

Jeff Computers’ innovative services also include the sale and installation of the brand new ultimate connection – Clear Internet – the first network built for today’s on-the-move lifestyle. It offers speeds four times faster than 3G and is available in virtually every cor-

ner of St. Louis. Clear is designed with the Internet in mind and goes places Wi-Fi cannot. It delivers an Internet connection anywhere – at home or on the road.

Minnis also is the creator of the popu-lar StudyX, the easy and fun software program used by educators and stu-dents alike to help students focus and study for tests. His computer knowl-edge and personalized computer ser-vices give Jeff Computers a significant edge on the competition.

“We are one of the few companies that can solve all of our customers’ needs, and our complete website ser-vice offers quick repairs online,” Min-nis said.

Jeff Computers’ trained and experi-enced technicians guarantee both qual-ity and reliability for the highest quali-ty of service around.

Jeff Computers14366 Manchester Road • Manchester

(636) 256-7901www.jeffcomputers.com

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Beth Academy staff realizes the diffi-culty of leaving a child, which is why they go out of their way to make sure each child feels like part of the family.

The child care center and preschool is state-licensed, serving children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. As a brand new, 10,000-square-foot facility, Beth Academy features the latest in safety, security and educational amenities to provide an open and friendly environ-ment for children to learn and have fun in the process.

Carla Beth, owner of Beth Academy, said the most uplifting sound is the sound of children laughing and singing.

“I pursued Beth Academy to extend my work in helping as many young children as I can to get off to the right start in life,” Beth said.

From the biometric fingerprint scan-ner required to enter the front door to the 16 security cameras covering all classrooms and playgrounds, there is a strong feeling of warmth and security throughout the building.

Oversized classrooms are profession-

ally designed with learning centers that feature top of the line children’s fur-n i s h i n g s a n d e q u i p m e n t . A 1,000-square-foot activity room, labeled the Enchanted Palace, has a 20-foot mirrored wall to utilize as a dance studio, computer center and big screen theater – all to enhance chil-dren’s learn ing and phys ica l development.

The experienced and educated staff shares a passion for working with young children, and all lead teachers possess degrees. The experienced group takes pride in their curriculum and in making Beth Academy every child’s home away from home. Tuition is inclusive and cover meals and extra-curricular activities

Call today for a tour. Parents must see it to believe it.

Beth Academy4301 Keaton Corporate Blvd.(behind Culver’s on Hwy K)

O’Fallon(636) 928-0505

www.bethacademy.com

The Blodgett Lighthouse is a retail lighting showroom that goes above and beyond to provide exceptional, hands-on lighting knowledge and customer service.

The modern, old-time lighting store carries an extensive selection of light-ing parts, replacement glass, ceiling fans, lampshades, and a plethora of hard-to-find, long-life light bulbs.

“We call ourselves the nirvana of lighting,” The Blodgett Lighthouse President Hank Blodgett said. “We know just about everything there is to know about lighting, and what we don’t know, we will research.”

Blodgett started out as a representa-tive for Westinghouse when he became interested in the art of lighting. He soon started Villa Lighting with Jack Villa, and in 1982, he began pursuing the retail end of residential lighting. Now, he has over 30 years of experi-ence and a greater love for the field than ever.

Many staff members have been with The Blodgett Lighthouse for years and are considered family. Two of

Blodgett’s five daughters joined in on the fun as well.

Many lighting stores sell their prod-uct and lose the relationship with the customer, but The Blodgett Lighthouse continues to be of service to the cus-tomer throughout the lifespan of the product. Designers also are available to help with the layout of any lighting needs.

The friendly staff is also available to repair, rewire and redo any light fix-tures or lamps and purchases antique fixtures and reconditions them as well. Installation is offered for everything sold.

“We’re told we have the best prices in town, and with our hands-on customer service philosophy, we are your beacon to fabulous lighting,” Blodgett said.

The Blodgett Lighthouse2156 Bluestone Drive • St. Charles

(636) 949-21779 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri.;

9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thurs.;9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat.

www.theblodgettlighthouse.com

Tec Air Inc. Heating and Air Condi-tioning President and CEO Charles Haas have more than 40 years of expe-rience in his field.

“I had worked with another company until starting my own business in 1983,” said Haas, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering “I wanted to provide quality heating and cooling services for the homeowner and com-mercial customers. Our business is to service, sell and install the best heating and cooling, air filtration, purification and humidification.”

That dedication has earned Tec Air a special affiliation with Climate Master CEO Thermal.

“We sell Trane heating and cooling equipment, making us a preferred pro-vider in all of St. Charles and the sur-rounding area, Haas said.

The family-owned/operated, Tec Air Inc., services all brands in the St Charles & St Louis area and sells and installs systems at every efficiency level. The company’s technicians are Union-Certified, NATE-Certified.

The highly trained and qualified tech-nicians make them Tec Air’s greatest assets,” according to Haas.

“We employ the highest qualified per-sonnel in the area to ensure your busi-ness and family’s confidence that the job will be done right,” Haas said. “We believe our technicians do a better job than anyone in the industry”

Tec Air’s, goal is to acquire custom-ers and keep them for life. The compa-ny never tries to sell customers more than they need, but makes sure that they have what they do need and that it is operating efficiently. Specializing in indoor air quality and comfort, new construction, add-on and replacements, room additions, humidifier installation, electronic air cleaners, service and maintenance.

Tec Air Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning

License # M2741A233 N. Callahan Road • Wentzville

(636) 332-944424 hours a day, seven days a week

www.tec-airinc.com

“Quality, savings, service with no wait” is Kitchen and Granite Creations’ motto. In four years, the company has built four stores, with returning customers and referrals keeping it busy.

The process starts with the customer coming in and picking out the cabinets, and/or granite they like. They then schedule a free, no obligation measure. The designers use state-of-the-art software to design the kitchen, and once the kitchen is purchased, KGC’s installations are typically completed within a couple of weeks. The entire installation process only takes one to two days.

Combined, designers have more than 50 years of experience in the kitchen remodeling industry. Clients can be assured that they will get the kitchen of their dreams, whether they want a full kitchen or a new granite countertop. KGC blows its competitors out of the water, because it has no middleman. The company builds its own cabinets and

imports and fabricates its own granite, minimizing costs. It will save the client money without cutting out quality.

KGC uses only all-wood Maple cabinets with a Limited LifeTime Warranty. With other companies charging for costly upgrades, KGC offers glazing and full extension drawers with soft close glides as standard features and only installs A-grade, 3-cm granite. Only the best quality products are sold.

KGC opened its fourth location in Earth City. The large showroom features wholesale cabinets, in addition to granite countertops. A fifth location will open in the spring in Fairview Heights, Ill. The sixth location will open this year in St Peters. For a free, no obligation measure and quote, call KGC today and start planning a new kitchen.

Kitchen and Granite Creations, LLC(636) 527-8850 • (314) 838-8588www.kitchengranitecreations.com


The Little Gym of St. Charles County is celebrating its eighth anniversary this January. As the premier motor-skill development program for children, The Little Gym offers high-energy classes for kids 4 months to 12 years old.

“We are a non-competitive and curriculum-based program which is one of the things that makes us unique.” says owner Mary Lee Stephens. “The Little Gym International has a team of early childhood development specialists, gymnasts and musicians who create the curriculum appropriate for the various age groups we teach.”

The result is helping children grow physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally – all while having a blast!

Mary Lee and her husband, Mark Stephens, decided to open a The Little Gym of their own.

“Our three kids grew up going to The Little Gym in Ballwin and we really believed in the program. If we missed a

class during the week, Mark would take them on the weekends,” says Mary Lee. “He loved it as much as I did!”

So, several years later when circumstances had the couple looking for a new career path, they pursued The Little Gym and purchased the territory in St. Charles County. “We get great joy out of making a difference in children’s lives,” says Mark.

“We always tell the kids, ‘At The Little Gym, you don’t have to be the best; you just have to try your best!’”

For a free trial visit, contact Mary Lee or Mark.

The Little Gym of St. Charles County7347 Mexico Road • St. Peters

(636) 970-1220www.tlgstcharlesmo.com

Fitness Showcase is a high-end spe-cialty fitness retail company based in Kansas City. The company sells to both individuals and commercial accounts, such as apartment complexes, hotels, schools, corporate accounts, fitness centers and more, with Missouri loca-tions in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.

“I was given the opportunity to join a friend in opening a retail fitness store, while still selling to commercial accounts,” Fitness Showcase owner Rick Vemmer said. “I loved the busi-ness then, and I love it now. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here for 25 years.”

Fitness Showcase does not outsource anything. The customer deals with one company from beginning to end. The staff is comprised of the company’s own employees, including sales, deliv-ery crews and service techs.

Fitness Showcase is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its cus-tomers through the sales, service and support of high-quality, value-priced equipment. The company combines top of the line specialty fitness equipment with the personal touch that only a locally owned and operated business

can offer. From treadmills, ellipticals, cycles

and steppers to free weights and circuit equipment, Fitness Showcase special-izes in selling only the newest equip-ment manufactured by the best lines to ensure the integrity of each product.

The staff makes the shopping experi-ence a very pleasant one, practicing a low-pressure approach.

“We educate the consumer by show-ing them the value and then letting them decide,” Vemmer said.

The community can trust Fitness Showcase for all their fitness needs.

Fitness Showcase60 THF Blvd. • Chesterfield

(636) 536-399611737 Olive Blvd. • Creve Coeur

(314) 989-99051127 N. Warson Road • Creve Coeur

(314) 427-555612008 Manchester Road • Des Peres

(314) 909-0088www.fitness-showcase.com

Tim Whitworth, Heath Tasky, manager.

Celebrating 20 years in business, owners Linda and Jerry Bosch continue to offer great service and outstanding prices. Having cruised on over 139 different ships, they are the Cruise Experts.

People always ask them, “Why use a Travel Agent?” When building a home you need a blueprint and someone who knows what they are doing in order to build it correctly. Using a Travel Agent is much the same. They bring the products to you that guarantee you a quality and affordable vacation. They make sure you have all the necessary documents, so that your vacation runs smoothly.

Specializing in both Land and Sea Vacations, you can be sure they will give you travel tips that save you money. Some of the most popular des-tinations for 2011 are: Alaska and Europe by land or sea. All Inclusive packaged vacations are very affordable and relaxing. The Caribbean continues to be the No. 1 cruise destination. Did you know that only 6 percent of Ameri-

cans have cruised?Shop the Internet but buy from the

local travel experts. They are certified, bonded and insured. They know what products you can count on.

In today’s electronic world we all need a break from the ordinary. It is important to share quality time with each other. Family vacations, Family Reunions, Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Business Meetings, Class Reunions, Card Clubs, Church Groups, Scrapbooking, are some of the groups who travel together.

How far in advance should you plan your vacation? They recommend that you plan at least six months in advance and take out Travel Insurance to protect your investment. The time is now, the prices are right. Call or come by today!

Just Cruises521 Salt Lick Road • St. Peters

(636) 970-258110 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; Evenings & Sat. by appt. only

www.cruisenut.com

Specializing in Cruise and Land Vacations

Thomas Stairs owners George and Brad Thomas have a passion for designing and building unique custom stairs, which shows in the quality of their workmanship and the high num-ber of referrals they receive.

“We love the challenge of coming up with new designs, but the real chal-lenge is changing the look of an exist-ing set of stairs,” George said. “These stairs have more limitations, such as being old stairs, a lack of space, age of the home, and the biggest concern – a family that lives there.”

The simplest change Thomas Stairs does is switch wooden spindles with iron.

“It only takes a day or two with no mess, and it’s the easiest way to dra-matically change the look of a room,” Brad said.

Thomas Stairs also will change the old stair parts, such as handrails and newels, with new and upgraded parts.

The biggest change Thomas Stairs will do is completely tear out an old staircase and replace it with a new one, which can often take up to two weeks.

The problem is the process. The mess, dust, noise and not being able to use the stairs for a few days make most people unwilling to go through the hassle.

Thomas Stairs, however, has a solu-tion to this problem. They first build a new staircase in their shop to replace the old one, on the day of install they send two installers to tear out the old stairs while the rest of the crew loads up the new stairs for transport. Before the day is done, a new, usable set of stairs is installed.

“We’ve been pre-building stairs like this for new construction for years and decided it would work even better in existing homes,” George said. “Wheth-er you select a one-of-a-kind, custom-built staircase or baluster replacement, you can be assured that we’ll give your project our very best – with no detail overlooked.”

Thomas Stairs(636) 273-5148

www.thomasstairs.com

folio: .5 – .4708month: 2.067 – .4916


Thanks to Laser Vein Center, it is possible to say goodbye to unsightly and unhealthy veins for good. The Cen-ter is a medical practice that compre-hensively treats all of the manifesta-tions of vein disease from varicose veins to spider veins.

Laser Vein Center utilizes advanced technology to provide excellent medi-cal care for its patients. Owner Thomas Wright, M.D., F.A.C.P., R.V.T., begins the process with a thorough physical examination and utilizes a specialized ultrasound to assess problems accurately.

Patients with varicose veins can be treated with the advanced endovenous laser procedure, which is minimally invasive and can be performed in a 45-minute office visit.

“The procedure is as invasive as get-ting an IV,” Dr. Wright said. “Patients are up and walking around that day and can resume normal activities within a day or two.”

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, patients do not suffer scarring. Research at the center

has shown improved patient outcome and satisfaction compared to the earlier treatments of vein disease including the earl ier, f i rs t generat ion, laser treatments.

“We focus on optimal outcomes and optimal patient experience.” Dr Wright said.

Dr. Wright is was one of the first 248 board certified specialists in Phlebolo-gy in the country, a medical specialty that deals with all aspects of vein disease.

Laser Vein Medical Center is the only vein disease practice in the St. Louis area that is credentialed with and accepts all major insurance plans.

“We deliver excellent medical care with advanced technology,” Dr. Wright said.

Laser Vein Center3449 Pheasant Meadow Dr. • O’Fallon

(636) 397-4012 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.www.laserlipoandveins.com

Finding time to clean the house can be a chore in itself, but with the help of Home Cleaning Centers of America, homeowners are able to relax while someone else takes care of the dirty work.

For the past 20 years, Home Cleaning Centers of America has provided its customers in St. Charles County with high quality residential cleaning services. From scrubbing the kitchen floor to washing the baseboards to wiping down the inside of the microwave, Home Cleaning Centers of America has the cleaning covered.

Co-owned by Charles and Leah McNevin, the company focuses on customer satisfaction through quality workmanship provided by dependable employees.

“Our attention to detail and our quality of work sets us apart,” Leah said. “We average less than one complaint per month with about 300 homes being cleaned. We always go back that day or the next morning to correct any problems.”

In fact, a recent customer satisfaction

survey rated Home Cleaning Centers of America 9.8 out of 10 in all categories.

Before cleaning a home for the first time, homeowners can request a free in-house estimate. The company also offers flexible scheduling to accommodate customer preferences. No long-term commitments are required, either. While 95 percent of customers depend on them for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly services, they also offer one-time cleanings for help around the holidays, for parties, rental cleanups or for those who are moving into or out of a residence.

To keep things running smoothly, the McNevins are in the office to handle customer inquiries Monday through Friday.

“We want to provide the best quality cleaning in St. Charles County,” Leah said.

Home Cleaning Centers of America1327 Caulks Hill Road • St. Charles

(636) 926-80668 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday www.homecleaningcenters.com

Ceasar and Cherry Villegas enjoyed Smoothie King smoothies so much that they purchased a franchise in Cottleville.

“I have been a big fan of Smoothie King smoothies since 2000,” Cherry said. “I love the taste first and fore-most, and I don’t feel guilty drinking them. My family and I were always at Smoothie King anyway, so why not have one for ourselves and share the health benefits of these delicious smoothies?”

Those unfamiliar with Smoothie King should take note: It is not your average juice bar.

“It is considered a juice bar, but Smoothie King is the premier smoothie bar and nutritional lifestyle center in the industry,” Cherry said. “Smoothie King offers guests the original, nutri-tional fresh-blended real fruit smoothie and healthy retail products, including sports nutrition products, energy bars, healthy snacks, vitamin supplements, herbs, and minerals. The combination helps you achieve your health and fit-

ness goals.”A healthy alternative to fast food,

Smoothie King smoothies are served in a cup so are easy to consume on the go. They are the perfect meal alternative for those wanting to trim down, build muscle, get an energy boost or simply indulge in a great tasting, healthy snack. Flavor options are limitless, and each rich and creamy real fruit smooth-ie is made fresh to order by the friendly staff at the Cottleville Smoothie King.

Ceasar and Cherry happily accept catering and volume orders at a dis-counted price and offer fundraising for area schools, sports teams and social organizations.

“Taste does not have to suffer to live a healthier lifestyle,” Cherry said.

Smoothie King4765 Highway N • CottlevilleCorner Mid Rivers Mall Dr.

(636) 939-KING (5464)7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Fri.;

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sat.;10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sun.www.smoothieking.com

Specializing in basement finishing, Richbuilt Basements has been serving homeowners in the St. Charles area and surrounding communities since its establishment in 1989. Before launch-ing the business, Rich Kempa, owner and founder of Richbuilt Basements, worked for more than 15 years as a designer and draftsman at consulting engineering firms. Today, Kempa oper-ates his business from a home-based office.

Richbuilt Basements specializes in complete basement remodeling. Origi-nally, Kempa handled projects from start to finish by himself, but over the years, his business has grown substantially.

“Now, with multiple crews and the same employees for more than 10 years, we work as a team to complete projects in a timely manner,” Kempa said. “Our goal is simple: to achieve customer satisfaction.”

To reach that goal, Kempa said, he

and his team make sure to keep the lines of communication open at all times, provide customers with straight-forward answers to all of their ques-tions, show respect for each customer’s home and property, emphasize cleanli-ness and deliver worry-free completion of every project.

To date, Richbuilt Basements has completed more than 160 basements.

“We know how to get the job done right the first time in a timely manor and at the right price,” Kempa said. “We take care of everything – from framing to electrical, from plumbing to ductwork, from floor to ceiling, from theaters to family rooms, from painting to pantries and everything in between.”

Richbuilt BasementsO’Fallon

(636) 978-3479 or (314) 713-1388


Barathaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center offers a new option for those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia and need 24-hour supervision.

Operated by JEA Senior Living, the company has a unique philosophy, called “Meaningful Moments.” This philosophy of care is focused on pro-viding the necessary support. It is first important to understand dementia and the ever-changing impact it has on each resident’s ability to understand their world. It also is important to know each resident’s unique life story and to create moments that are meaningful to them personally. Programming is designed to add meaning and value to resident’s lives while around-the-clock care is given.

Felieta Boaz, Barahaven administra-tor, has more than 15 years of experi-ence in the industry.

“Our facility is designed to give a warm, homelike and safe environment to residents,” Boaz said.

Barathaven’s innovative design has set the standard among Alzheimer’s care centers. Biography Boards hang

on the wall outside each resident’s room and reflect the meaningful moments in their life stories while offering the staff and visitors a connec-tion to their history.

Rooms are furnished with linens, a full-size bed, nightstand and lamp. Housekeeping and laundry service are available at no extra charge. Enclosed courtyard and outside walking areas are beautifully landscaped.

Three nutritious meals and snacks are served throughout the day and special diets are catered to as needed. A salon is available to provide haircuts, sham-poos and sets, perms, color and manicures.

“We strive to be the leader in provid-ing quality personal service while hon-oring the experience of aging,” Boaz said.

Baratheaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

1030 Barathaven Blvd. • St. Peters(636) 329-9160

www.jeaseniorliving.com

Indy Motorsports can find its customers any car down to the color.

The small used car dealership in St. Charles specializes in finding its customers the perfect car – regardless of its make or model.

“If you tell me a car you want, down to the color, we can find it for you,” Dan Klott, owner of Indy Motorsports, said.

And with his contacts in the industry, Klott is often able to get the perfect car for his customers at a much lower price.

For example, Klott was able to save his customer $2,000 on a brand new Nissan Maxima.

“I called my contacts at Nissan, and I was able to save my customer $2,000 off the best offer he received,” said Klott, who has 25 years of experience in the industry. “I was also able to buy his trade-in for $500 more than the other dealership offered.”

Low overhead also allows Indy Motorsports to offer its clients the best

possible deal on all types of vehicles.“Our prices are generally thousands

of dollars less than the competition,” Klott said.

Indy Motorsports has about 60 cars on the lot and offers prices for all levels of incomes, varying from a $1,000 used vehicle to a brand new $30,000 car.

The dealership sold 451 vehicles just in the past year, which he said is a lot considering the small size of the dealership..

Indy Motorsports also offers complete auto detail for about half price of its competition. Cars can be detailed for $85, SUVs for $95 and trucks for $100.

“I’ve been in the car business for 25 years, and it’s always been my dream to own a small dealership,” Klott said.

Indy Motorsports450 St. Peters Howell Road

St. Charles(636) 447-5900

Mon. – Sat. by appt. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.www.goindymotorsports.com

More than ever, education is the key to a bright future. Sylvan Learning, a community resource for 30 years, is the leading supplemental education pro-vider, offering remedial and enrichment programs to students from K-adult in reading, writing, math, algebra, study skills, writing, college prep and test prep.

Tammy Noel, executive director, has been with Sylvan for 19 years and in 2010 took over the St. Peters location.

“I love helping families build a plan for success to help their children reach their fullest academic potential,” Tammy said. “The proven educational process helps students of all ages and all levels of capability.”

A qualified, caring staff is committed to each child’s success. For the conve-nience of busy families, personalized tutoring plans are divided into one-hour sessions delivered several times a week, depending on the child’s needs. Tutoring programs customized for each student’s goals and needs are offered for every stage of a child’s academic journey.

“We offer convenient in-center, live

online and in-home tutoring, depending on each family’s schedule,” Tammy said.

Sylvan’s innovative “ACE IT! Tutor-ing” program serves students through funding under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, giving Tammy the opportunity to partner with districts from around the state to give parents options for free after-school tutoring. Sylvan currently serves Ft. Zumwalt, Orchard Farm, Parkway, Wright City, Wentzville, and more.

Excellence in education, a profession-al staff and proven results define Syl-van’s personalized approach to learn-ing. Sylvan Learning builds the skills, habits and attitudes children need to succeed in school and in life.

Sylvan Learning1125 Cave Springs Rd. • St. Peters

(636) 441-231917541 Chesterfield Airport Rd.

Chesterfield(636) 537-8118

9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Mon. – Sat.www.sylvanlearning.com

Edelman Computer Services serves home users and small businesses in St. Peters and the surrounding area. The company was begun initially as a part-time home-based business in 1996.

Owner Doug Edelman had noted a lack of computer services targeted to the home user and small business mar-kets. He started ECS to help fill that niche. He bills himself as the “Neigh-borhood Computer Geek in your Neighborhood.”

ECS provides such services as trouble shooting and repair, wired and wireless networking, security sweep/cleaning, upgrades and performance optimization and what he jokingly refers to as gen eral “ghostbusting,” referring to when a customer’s machine behaves as though it were “haunted.”

Edelman Computer Services pro-vides in-home and on-site service as well as pickup and delivery. Most prob-lems can be fixed in a single visit. The recent rash of worms, viruses, trojans and other se curity threats and perfor-mance robbers has kept them busy.

“If you’re experiencing slow perfor-mance, seeing pop-ups or have new icons on your desktop you didn’t

install… you probably are infected and should have a check-up! There are extremely nasty new rootkits circulat-ing currently, which routine security programs like McAfee, Norton, AVG, MS Security Essentials etc will notpre-vent and can’t clean. If you have “Whitesmoke Translator” on your desktop, for example, you are infected with an aleureon type rootkit!” Mr. Edelman says. “Unlike others, we can clean this infection without reformat-ting your drive.”

Mr. Edelman is a professional IT Spe cialist by trade. He holds multiple professional certifications and has taught PC Main tenance & Repair and Network Funda mentals at St. Charles Community Col lege.

Whether a system needs tweaking, protecting, cleaning or resurrecting, Edelman Computer Services has the ex pertise and experience you need.

Edelman Computer Services(636) 294-8383

www.pc-fixer-stl.com

I NEWS I 35JANUARY 26, 2011MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINENEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM

By Amy ArmourThe Fort Zumwalt Board of Education

was showered with gifts, snacks, words of appreciation—and even a song—at its Board of Education meeting on Jan. 18.

The official School Board Recognition week was held Jan. 23-29, but the board celebrated during its Jan. 18 me eting.

Five children from Twin Chimneys Ele-mentary School spent time during recess in preparation of their singing debut. The children sang a ‘Thank You’ song to the Board of Education in honor of School Board Recognition week.

Students from various schools in the district brought board members baskets of treats and gifts. Handmade paper chains with thank you notes written on them hung from the dais and a large sign from J.L Mudd Elementary said “We Appreciate You.”

Fort Zumwalt School Board members are unpaid volunteers in the community who donate three years of service to the board. Members are non-partisan and do not cover any specific area in the district.

“It’s the greatest form of community service that’s out there,” said Dr. Bernie DuBray, superintendent. “They’re out there to do good things for the kids.”

DuBray said the celebration of Board Appreciation week also turns into a lesson plan for teachers.

“Because the students give these gifts to the school board they discuss what a school board does,” said DuBray.

DuBray read the proclamation by Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon deeming the week of Jan.

23-29 School Board Recognition Week in Missouri.

“We continue to hear how this admin-istration, faculty and staff enjoy working with us, but this board very much enjoys serving this district,” said Board President Mike Swaringim. “I thank everyone for the recognition.”

FZSD celebrates School Board Recognition week

Elementary school students brought gifts and praise during the Jan. 18 Board of Education meeting.

Add the elegance of iron to your home in two days or less

with St. Louis’s Original Baluster

Replacement Systems!

With so many styles, it’s the most cost

effective way to get the biggest bang for your home

improvement dollar!

Call for a free in-home estimate! 636.273.5148

www.thomasstairs.com

Opened nearly two years ago, West County Nissan in Ellisville has earned a reputation for being the easy, no has-sle place to buy a Nissan or pre-owned vehicle. Co-owners Bill Haegele and Jeff Garlich, both residents of West County, established a “Red carpet treat-ment for everyone” attitude from the very beginning, and it has paid off with strong sales and high customer satisfaction.

“It’s simple,” Garlich said. “This is where we live. We want all of our neighbors to enjoy an easy, stress-free buying experience. Bill and I have only worked in the automotive business. We know how customers want to be treat-ed, and we work hard to make sure we deliver.”

Now carrying one of the largest Nis-san inventories in the area, West Coun-ty Nissan’s sales have continued to grow – by doing things the right way, they emphasize.

“We don’t play games like most other dealers,” Haegele said. “When we advertise a price, it’s a real price, with-out phony mark-ups to show bigger discounts.”

Currently, West County Nissan is offering an exclusive Powertrain for

Life coverage plan with any new Nis-san or qualifying pre-owned vehicle, which also includes a complimentary maintenance program, no-charge ser-vice loaners, state safety inspections and Saturday service hours with no appointments through its new Nissan Express Service department.

Also reflecting its continued growth, West County Nissan in late spring will be moving to a brand new, 47,000-square-foot facility on seven acres in Ballwin, making it one of the largest in the Midwest. This state-of-the-art dealership will feature a chil-dren’s play area with video games, a customer café, a huge selection of new Nissans and pre-owned vehicles, and of course, West County Nissan’s strong emphasis on complete, 100 percent customer satisfaction.

“That will never change,” Haegele said.

West County Nissan15908 Manchester Road • Ellisville

(888) 384-2901www.westcountynissan.com

Whether a homeowner is looking to upgrade to a granite countertop or a builder is interested in custom tile floors, Aphrodite Granite & Marble, Inc. can provide the perfect custom solution. The customer centric/service-oriented company can help homeowners create a beautiful kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity top or island top in a variety of quality stones, from materials including marble, granite, onyx or travertine. They also specialize in sourcing hard-to-find colors. In addition, the Aphrodite Granite & Marble professionals can build intricate furniture and carpentry pieces, including tables, fireplaces and crown molding.

Customers can expect high-quality, custom products created by experienced craftsmen.

“We use a laser to pinpoint each cut,” said Aphrodite Granite & Marble President and CEO Tony Xenos, who has 15 years of industry experience. “Everything we do is very custom-based.”

To save customers valuable time, the company has an in-store stone selection on display in their showroom. Before

making a decision, customers fill out a questionnaire that will guide them to the optimal product for their particular needs.

“Every single input a customer would want is prompted by the questionnaire,” Tony said. “Customers do not need to worry about leaving anything to the imagination.”

Selective sourcing and product design allow the company to offer affordable, quality stone products. Regardless of budget, Aphrodite Granite & Marble can help homeowners find the perfect material to complement their home.

In addition to its current location in Valley Park, on Feb. 1, Aphrodite Granite & Marble, Inc. will open its newest showroom, located at 17516 Chesterfield Airport Road, next to the Family Church entrance.

Aphrodite Granite & Marble, Inc.49B Old Elam Ave. • Valley Park

(636) 243-91368 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. on Sat.; by appointment on Sun. www.aphroditegranite.com

E-mail: [email protected]

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