Calendar of Events - January

Friday, January 1
21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride
11 a.m.
Defiance, MO
Sponsored by Trailnet. An enthusiastic group of bicyclists have started each New Year with a bike ride on the KATY Trail. Join them this year for the 21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride. The group will leave from the KATY Trailhead in Defiance at 11:00 am and ride to Augusta (7 miles). They will stop for lunch upon their return to Defiance, depending on restaurant availability. Please dress in layers and wear a helmet.

Sunday, January 3
St. Louis’ Best Bridal Show
St. Charles Convention Center
Noon-4 p.m.
The bridal fashion show features elegant and popular wedding dresses, gifts, appetizers, drinks, music and wedding planners.
$5
For more information, go to http://shows.stlouisbestbridal.com/ or call 314-744-5777

Saturday, January 9-Sunday, January 31
Eagle Days
Various locations
Events include live eagle programs, activities, exhibits, video, guides with spotting scopes and refreshments.
For details go to the Missouri Department of Conservation and download the Eagle Days brochure, or call 573/751-4115 ext. 3289

Saturday, January 9-10
Snowflake Making
The Magic House, Kirkwood, MO
Saturday, 10:00-5:00 Workshop
Sunday, 11:30-5:00 Workshop
Let it snow with artist Marion Nichols as she shares the unique art of cutting paper into intricate snowflakes. Join the blizzard of activity in the museum’s Expericenter to discover how to snip fantastic flakes of your own designs. A former preschool art teacher, Marion Nichols is renowned for transforming ordinary sheets of paper into delicate snowflake patterns, and is the author of several books on the subject.
Info at the Magic House or call 314-822-8900

Friday, January 15-Sunday, January 17
St. Charles Boat Show, Sale and Fisherman’s Expo
St. Charles Convention Center
Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boat dealers showcase their new, non-current and pre-owned boats, plus all things fishing, including tackle, rods, reels, boating accessories. Family fun for young anglers, seminars and speakers, and boating safety by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Regular Admission - $6.00 / Ages 6-15 $3.00. 5 & Under Free
On Friday, seniors age 60 and above admitted for $3.50
Info at http://www.letsgoshows.com/

Saturday January 23
Winter Wildlife Tracking-Learn from the experts
St. Charles Park District
Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.
9 a.m.-noon
You’ll never look at “bare” ground again after this tracking class taught by top experts in the field. Learn how to interpret tracks, tail patterns and scat to identify wildlife. Begin with an interactive indoor class with overview of local fauna and tracking techniques, the outdoors to practice what you’ve learned.
Ages 18 and over. To register, call 630-513-6200.
$10

Saturday, January 30
Fete De Glace (Festival of Ice)
100-200 block of North Main
Watch professional ice carvers bring the art to life in a competition using chain saws, power grinders, sanders, cold chisels, hand saws, and irons from 10am-3pm. This competition is judged and juried by the crowd. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available and nearby fire pits to warm up.
Free

January 31-February 28
The Big Read National Endowment for the Arts
The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of reading in American public culture.
Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street
The book chosen for participation is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The Foundry Art Centre and the St. Charles Community College Library sponsor the Big Read in St. Charles City/County and bring the community the power of literature.
For more info call 636-255-0270

$35 million economic development package passed at MHDC

As Chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, I am very excited to announce that moments ago we passed a $35 million economic development initiative. This initiative, first unveiled by Governor Jay Nixon and myself on November 24, will provide property tax relief to thousands of qualified middle- and low-income Missouri homebuyers, create and protect potentially thousands of good-paying jobs and help improve energy-efficiency in Missouri housing.

The $35 million package was approved at today's MHDC meeting, which was webcast live for the first time ever in an effort to bring increased transparency to the housing agency. The package provides:

1. $15 million to pay the first year of property taxes for qualified homebuyers who purchase a new or existing home after January 1, 2010. This has the opportunity to help between 9,000 and 11,000 Missouri families making less than $100,000 a year.
2. $15 million to finance and begin construction on affordable multi-family housing. This will create and save thousands of jobs at a time when Missouri unemployment is over 9% and allow us to continue to make quality affordable housing available to all Missourians.
3. $5 million in assistance to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. This helps potential homebuyers overcome the obstacle of coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs. MHDC has been a national leader on this front.
4. Additional assistance to homebuyers who purchase an energy-efficient home or purchase energy-saving appliances. This is an opportunity to raise energy-efficiency standards in Missouri, making a positive impact on both the economy and the environment. It's a win-win.
   

This economic development package provides property tax relief to thousands of Missourians at a crucial time in our economy without spending Missouri tax dollars. This will be paid for entirely out of MHDC's reserve fund and federal recovery funds already in our possession. This comes in addition to more than $100 million in recovery funds and more than $19 million in reserves already allocated to boost Missouri's economy and put Missourians back to work.
My goal as Chair is to ensure MHDC is playing a pivotal role in Missouri's economic recovery and I believe we are doing that. The agency already offers competitive interest rates on home loans for qualified borrowers and a cash assistance loan plan for first-time homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. MHDC has also been a national leader in allowing Missourians to use the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer tax credit up front for a down payment or closing costs. This program has been a success and will continue until at least April of 2010.

At a time when economic resources are scarce, it is important for you to know that I am constantly looking for new and innovative ways to get our economy moving again as well as ways to better marshal the tools and resources that are available.

One of those tools is the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, which provides low-interest loans to qualified small businesses and family farms. On November 23, I announced the largest-ever small business loan issued through the program. A small agricultural company in Marshall qualified for a $3.4 million loan, which will save the business more than $300,000 over five years compared to the cost of a regular loan. In addition, the loan will allow the company to add jobs and expand its customer base.

Thanks to changes made earlier this year to the Missouri Linked Deposit Program through my Invest in Missouri legislation, I am able to issue these kinds of loans to more small businesses with less turnaround time, allowing them to receive much-needed capital quickly.
Again, this costs Missouri taxpayers nothing. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program allows us to invest right here in Missouri to help small businesses that need it the most and who are playing a pivotal role in our economic recovery.

We have about $200 million in loans already out to small business throughout Missouri and we still have another $520 million available. To find out more about the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, click here.

Regards,

Clint Zweifel
Missouri State Treasurer

Property tax credit will help stimulate more home sales in 2010

A proposal before the Missouri Housing Development Commission would credit up to $1,250 in property taxes for qualified buyers.

Buying a home in Missouri in 2010 looks to include even more incentives for people to enter the housing market. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is considering a proposal to provide up to $1,250 in property tax breaks for qualified buyers. This, on top of the extended first-time buyer $8,000 tax credit and $6,500 for repeat buyers, sets up next year as one of economic stimulation for Missouri.

The property tax break is supported by Gov. Jay Nixon and State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, the MHDC chairperson. This $15 million proposal would be funded from the Commission’s reserve fund. An estimated 9,000-11,000 households could benefit. Show your environmentally friendly side and the commission will provide an extra $500 if the house is energy-efficient or if the buyer can begin energy efficient steps within 60 days of closing. This perk includes improvements like insulation, energy star rated appliances, efficient water heaters and windows.

Income limits do apply, ranging from $58,300 to $98,560.

The big day is Friday, December 18, when commission members vote on the proposal. Because of all these incentives, those thinking about buying a home next year need to set up a planning schedule and begin sprucing up your house for sale. The first step is to analyze your finances, work on getting as big a down payment as possible, and check that credit score. There may be reports on your score that are wrong or fraudulent, reducing your score and the size of loan. By checking now you’ll avoid problems when you are ready to buy.

And, investigate the MHDC to see if you qualify for more assistance. The Commission administers any number of housing programs, from purchasing a home with a First Place loan, assistance for veterans, buying property in disaster areas and home repair grants. Help is out there for homebuyers to realize property ownership.

Written by Myra Vandersall

IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit

Daily Real Estate News | December 7, 2009 |

IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit
The IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property.

When a home-owning parent of an adult child co-signs for a mortgage and both names appear on the note, the IRS says that under some circumstances, the first-time home buyer can qualify for the whole amount.

The IRS says the parent doesn't qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn't owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit.

When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer.

Source: Washington Post Writers Group, Kenneth R. Harney (12/04/2009)

Holiday Light Display

Holiday light displays make the season bright and glitzy
St. Charles County is one of the most lighted up communities during the holidays. Add the traditional lights in St. Louis, and families can see stars every evening. Here are a few to enjoy.

O’Fallon
Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park
Through December 30 (closed December 24 and 25)
This drive-through holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 8,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on walk-through night.
Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
$9/ vehicle - $15/large (15 passenger) van - $1 per person/ bus ($25 min.)
Tuesdays - $7 for cars, vans and non-commercial vehicles
$1 off any regular admission with canned food or toy donation (not valid on Tuesdays)
Closed to vehicle traffic on Mondays for train rides by advance reservation only To make a train reservation, call 636-379-5502.

Carriage rides are available too with advanced reservations. Call Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at 636-390-4403.

Sleigh rides are another way of seeing the lights. Reservations are a must. Call 636-379-5502.

After enjoying the Celebration of Lights, save your program! Presenting your program at participating O'Fallon businesses qualifies you for great discounts. For detailed information, go the Celebration of Lights website.

Wentzville
Holiday Night Lights
Rotary Park, Foristell
Through December 27
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Price: $8 per car or $1 per person per bus or van over 7 people
The City of Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department will present the 13th Annual Holiday Night Lights at Rotary Park. This one-mile drive-through display features more that 36 themed lighted displays and 500,000 lights. For detailed information go to the City of Wentzville’s website or call 636-332-9236.

Alton
Christmas Wonderland
Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, off Washington Avenue
Through December 27
Monday-Friday, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
Price-$7 for cars and small vans
$1 per person for 10+ passenger vehicles
Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see three million lights twinkle amongst a beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park's Christmas Wonderland. Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene. Or, make the night even more memorable with a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. Carriage rides are first-come, first-served on Saturdays and Sundays. Other evenings may be possible upon request. For carriage ride reservations, call Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986.
For more information about the event, call 866-465-7890 or go to visitalton.com.

St. Louis County
Winter Wonderland
Tilles Park
9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis
Price-$9.00 Family vehicle; $10.00 Limousine; $30.00 Commercial transport van; $75.00 tour bus
Through January 3 (Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturdays are closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for carriage rides.
St. Louis County Parks is celebrating our 24th year of Winter Wonderland! Winter Wonderland is created and designed by St. Louis County Parks employees. We hope you enjoy your drive through Winter Wonderland.

Horse drawn carriage rides are available every night except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Advanced reservations are required for all carriage rides and ticket prices vary depending on type of carriage and number in party.
Purchase tickets online at MetroTix.

St. Louis
Wild Lights: St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park
December 11-13, 18-23, 26-30
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Price-$4 for Zoo Friends members (no passes)
$5 for general public
Free for children under two
Stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo's enchanting holiday wonderland and enjoy hundreds of thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds, including penguins in paradise, flamingo lagoon and butterfly garden, shooting stars and a gingerbread village. For more information, go to stlzoo.org or call 314-781-0900.



St. Louis City
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Christmas Lights Display

Through January 2
Location: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
After sunset
Free
The display features over 800,000 lights that adorn a magnificent tree, the Bevo Plant, Pestalozzi Street and surrounding landscape of the nation's largest brewery. Light-tour lovers can drive or stroll on Broadway, Lynch, Arsenal, and 12th to admire the spectacular sparkle of the Christmas spirit.
For more information call: 314-577-2000

Do you know of a Light Display in the area? Please share in our comment box!

Looking forward to 2010

Hello Family and Friends!

As another year comes quickly to a close we wanted to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!

Through your confidence in us as experts in real estate, we have had the privilege to help over 50 families buy and sell their homes this year! We consider ourselves so lucky to be involved in such and important part of your life. You inspire us to continually hone our skills and share our talents in an area that grows more and more complex every year. Motivating us to grow our services and expand our team and partners.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US TO: get your home sold, help you with short sales and foreclosures, purchase/sell investment property, take advantage of the tax credit and buy your first home, move up to a bigger family-sized home, negotiate your contracts and navigate your inspections!

It has been so fulfilling for our team to watch so many of you take advantage of our knowledge of the helpful tax credit and become home owners! The Grant Hickman Team is rocking and rolling, and again, we have you to thank for it! May you, your family and friends end 2009 on an awesome note and enjoy great happiness in 2010!

THANK YOU from The Grant Hickman Team,
Grant Hickman
Lori Linhoff
Cary Knobbe


SMART MOVES SINCE 1975
One Point West Blvd., St. Charles, MO 63301

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010!
Plus...A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners!

It's official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.

In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30, 2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

So Who Gets What?
The program that has existed for FTHBs remains intact with the one exception that more people are now eligible based on an increase in the amount of income someone may now earn.

Additionally, the program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Deadlines
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Higher Income Caps in Effect
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the tax credit.

What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual's primary residence.

What is the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs)?
An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is eligible for the FTHB tax credit?
Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible. This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How do I claim the credit?
For those taking advantage of the tax credit in 2009, you may choose to either apply for the credit with your 2009 tax return or you may apply for the credit sooner by filing an amended 2008 tax return with Form 5405 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf).

Can you claim the tax credit in advance of purchasing a property?
No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a taxpayer claim a credit if the property is purchased from a seller with seller financing and the seller retains title to the property?
Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Examples of this would include a land contract, contract for deed, etc. According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the property and 7. the duty to maintain the property.

Are there other restrictions to taking the credit?
Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe your situation, a credit would not be due.

• You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
• You do not use the home as your principal residence.
• You sell your home before the end of the year.
• You are a nonresident alien.
• You are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• You owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2006, through July 1, 2009.

Can you buy a home from a step-relative and be eligible for the credit?
Yes. Provided the person you are buying a home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

Can parent(s) who will not live in the property cosign for a mortgage for their child and the child that is a qualifying FTHB still be eligible for the credit?
Yes.

Can a separated spouse who has not owned a home for four years qualify for the FTHB tax credit if the spouse has owned a property anytime in the last three years?
No. However, the spouse may be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. The best path to take in any situation regarding income taxes is to speak with a professional tax preparer or CPA.

If you have any questions that fall outside the situations here, give me a call and if you do not have an accountant to speak with, I can refer you to one.

Your Real Estate Expert,

Grant M. Hickman GRI, ABR, e-Pro

#1 SCHNEIDER Home Buying & Selling Team

Direct: (314) 265-1531

Spotlight on ROI Realty Partners

Q: Please introduce yourself?

A: Adam Glosier

Q: What is the name of your business?

A: ROI Realty Partners, Inc.

Q: How can someone contact you to learn more?

A: (314)598-2357 or aglosier@roirp.com

Q: Where is your business located?

A: 2850 West Clay, Suite 220 in St. Charles, MO 63301

B: 101 West Vandalia, Suite 305G in Edwardsville, IL 62025

Q: Briefly describe what you/business does?

A: We specialize in helping Landlords / Owners & Tenants / Buyers with all of their commercial real estate needs. From Lease and / or Sale negotiations to renewing existing Leases. There are tremendous opportunities in the commercial real estate market today and with the right agent working for you, there can be some real money to be made. A recession is a terrible thing to waste.

Q: How many years have you been in business?

A: 3

Q: Do you have a Website Address?

A: www.roirp.com - currently under construction

Q: What is your burning desire?

A: To travel the world guilt free.

Q: What's something not many people know about you?

A: That I am on a Sega video game, NCAA Basketball 1999.

Stop Missouri Double Taxation on real estate and say Yes to a new constitutional amendment and log on to YesToSaveHomes.com.

Let’s stop Missouri politicians from penalizing homeowners and buyers

Missouri is one of 13 states that does not levy a transfer tax on home sales, and a coalition of property owners, businesses and the Missouri Association of REALTORS™ want to keep it that way.

The group sees transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already pay property taxes on real estate. A petition drive and a website have been created to help homeowners and potential buyers reach lawmakers who have the power to levy such a tax.

To place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot to prohibit Missouri lawmakers from passing the tax initiative, the group needs more than 157,000 valid signatures. To make voters more aware of this issue, a new website, www.YesToSaveHomes.com is now online to help consumers learn more about the tax, calculate the tax based on the home’s sale price, and get involved.

Here’s the simple and straightforward proposal: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

As an example, here’s a calculation on a St. Charles County home sale. The home sold for $150,000 and at the St. Charles County taxation rate of 7.0750%, the amount would be an additional $10,612.50.* Jane Mendenhall, president-elect of the Missouri Association of Realtors, believes the transfer tax places undue stress on low-income Missourians who typically spend a larger percentage of income on their home.

Add the mix of Missourians who have lost their jobs, had pay cuts and have been forced to sell their homes or experienced a drop in property values, and the transfer tax just isn’t good for the recovering Missouri economy.

Legislators are looking around to fine new sources of revenue. The transfer tax is one of those sources politicians are eyeing. With the help of voters and homebuyers, the transfer tax will not be an additional burden on Missouri residents.

* This number is based on area percentages.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Your holiday cheer doesen't have to go up in smoke

Careful preparations and common sense will make this season a fire-free, happy holiday for your family.

Keeping your family safe during the holidays is top priority so that all can enjoy the lights, the glitter and the sights of the season. Seasonal fires claim more than 400 lives, 1,650 injured and more than $990 million in property damage.

Here are some simple tips that don’t take much time but will make your family fun last.

• Make a plan. You should do this anyway, so sit down as a family and discuss who is in charge of what should you have to evacuate the house. Using a floor plan, identify two ways out of each room and agree on a place to meet once you have evacuated. The National Fire Protection Association has a great floor plan to download that you can customize for your home.
• Choose a tree. Choose a tree that is fresh and green. Branches should be hard to pull back and the needles will not shed. Test for a sticky trunk and always have the tree lot person make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk. Trees are very thirsty.
• Water your tree. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the 24 hours after it is cut, and one or more quarts every day after. Maintaining a steady water level prevents the needles from drying out and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water will also keep the tree fragrant. Do not allow the water pan to empty or go below the tree base.
• Let there be lights. Part of the Christmas tradition is all glitter and lights. Don’t try to skimp by with old, frayed light strings or broken sockets. Should these catch on fire, you’ll be spending more than you could ever believe. LED lights are in now and use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, reducing your impact on the environment. Up front, these lights are more expensive but over a period of years, they more than pay for themselves.
• Plug ‘em in. Overloading a wall outlet is not a good idea. Purchase some surge protectors and plug your strands of lights in there first, and the surge protector into the wall. Turn the lights off when you retire for the night.
• Candle light. The glow of candle light makes the holiday warm, but candles should be attended at all times and not left burning if you leave the house. Fireplaces are the same, and refrain from burning wrapping paper in the fireplace. Sparks could ignite and fly on to flammable materials.
• DO have a wonderful holiday season. With just a few precautions, your family will be safe, happy and warm.

Written by Myra Vandersall

QuickBooks help

Joan Campbell with J Campbell CPA, has been a Certified Pro Advisor for more than 20 years. She can help get your personal or business books set-up correctly, or prepare your payroll, make sure you are tax compliant. So you don't have to crunch numbers all day.

Call The Grant Hickman Team @ (314) 558-9225 for Expert Advice!

Amend your taxes to get HOUSING TAX CREDIT NOW

Amending the tax return is to the home buyers benefit. It is better to get it down now before everyone else. Also, the IRS is constantly changing the rules. If you closed on your home after Nov. 6th, you must use the new form. Buyers need to use someone who is aware of the forever changing rules.

Call The Grant Hickman Team @ (314) 558-9225 for Expert Advice!

Calendar of Events

December 2009 Calendar of Events 11.30.09


Ongoing through Saturday, December 26
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Christmas gets that much better with the historic celebrations on Main Street. Shops open their doors with special holiday gift ideas, Victorian carolers roam the streets singing traditional songs of the season while the Legendary Christmas Characters tell of Christmas lore past. Ice skating at Frontier Park, carriage rides and Santas abound. For full schedule, go to the St. Charles Christmas website.

Friday, December 4
VFW Fish Fry
VFW Post 2866, 66 VFW Lane
3-8 p.m.
Tired of turkey? Try the catfish, walleye, crappie, cod, fried chicken and shrimp dinners at the VFW. Sandwiches are a reasonable $5.50 and plates go for $8.00.

Fridays, December 4 and 11
Augusta’s 26th Annual Christmas Candlelight Walk
5-10 p.m.
Tour this charming river town during the holiday season for a wide variety of food, wine, live music performances, shopping and holiday experiences. Augusta will be lighted with luminaries to show the way. View an old-fashioned cedar Christmas tree hung with antique ornaments, popcorn strings, gingerbread figures. The Ebenezer United Church of Christ hosts a Christmas carol sing-a-long from 7-9p.m. For more information, go to the Augusta Chamber of Commerce website.

Saturday, December 5
Las Posadas
6 p.m.
Begins on South Main Street and ends in Frontier Park
Beautiful re-enactment of the Spanish tradition of Las Posadas (the Inns) with Mary and Joseph looking for shelter as the proceed down South Main with thousands of visitors carrying luminaries and sing carols. The Christmas story is told in Frontier Park, the Christmas trees is lit and carols are sung around the Yule log bonfire.

Saturday, December 12
St. Charles West Warrior Bands 24th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
St. Charles West High School Drive, 3601 Droste Rd.
150 crafters, homemade cookies, attendance prizes and concession stand
Free

Friday, December 18–Sunday, December 20
Scrooge, The Stingiest Man In Town
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday
Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Theater, St. Charles Community College campus,
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Cottleville
The Young People’s Theatre of St. Charles Community College presents this traditional musical production of Christmas past, present and future. Area St. Charles County youth are highlighted in this production
$7 for general admission, $6 for students/seniors.


Saturday, December 19, 2009

Candlelight Concert
6 pm - 8 pm
 First Missouri Capitol State Historic Site, 200-216 S. Main Street
"Papa and Jackie Wright" will narrate and perform "The History of Christmas Music" in this candlelight concert. This warm holiday show with marimbas, drums, and various instruments will leave you with the holiday spirit. Lit entirely by candles, the concert is held in the legislative chambers.
$6. Reservations are needed
For more information call 636-940-3322