Creve Coeur Pastor Writes On Advent and Anticipation

St. Anselm Church in Creve Coeur celebrates the third Sunday in Advent this weekend.

The following message from Fr. Michael Brunner to members of the St. Anselm Parish in Creve Coeur was shared in the church's weekly bulletin: Anticipation and reality can be somewhat different.   I was a Junior in high school when Bishop Fulton J. Sheen was appointed Bishop of Rochester, NY, my home diocese. That name might not mean much to most of you under 60 years of age, but he was a television superstar who out-polled  the great comedian Milton Berle who was on during the same time spot. He was also the widely known head of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the central fundraiser for the missions. The city was ecstatic at his appointment. I remember going downtown to the War Memorial Coliseum for his civic welcome ceremony…

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Volunteers Needed: Ring Bells for the Salvation Army for the Holidays

Find out how to become one of the ubiquitous Salvation Army bell ringers this holiday season and help raise money for families in need.

It's that time of year again when volunteers for the Salvation Army don their red aprons, stand in front of their red kettles and ring bells to raise money for those in need. We're sure you've seen the famous Salvation Army bell ringing army around every holiday season in front of your favorite mall, grocery store or pharmacy. This year, Patch is making it easy for you to sign up and become a bell ringing volunteer yourself! The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas campaign helps raise funds to provide food, clothes and toys to 6 million people nationwide. Why volunteer? Here are the top 10 reasons why Salvation Army volunteers say they donate their time: If you'd like to volunteer, choose your region below and sign up for a shift online…

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Local Charities Release Holiday Cards for a Cause

Buy your annual holiday cards from a local charity this year.

Every holiday season, families across the country send cards to their loved ones, filling them in on the last year and wishing them a happy new one.  For families planning to buy holiday cards this year, nonprofit organizations around the area are offering unique cards that benefit their missions. That way, each card sends holiday cheer while supporting a worthy cause. Here is our round-up of holiday cards for charity. Operation Food Search Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Our Little Haven Saint Louis Zoo Is your non-profit organization selling cards this holiday season? Add your photo and information to the story by clicking the Upload Pictures and Video button. 

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Nearly Half of Americans Have Already Started Holiday Shopping, What About You?

The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday shopping forecast. Americans are shopping earlier than ever, the survey shows, which could lead to a 4.1 percent increase in national sales.

Accustomed to pinching pennies thanks to years of economic downturn, holiday shoppers this year will look for ways to cut corners, comparative  shop online and even plan to travel less, if not at all, the National Retail Federation said in its annual shopping forecast for the Christmas season. On average, the NRF expects holiday consumers to spend $749.51 on holiday gifts, decor, greeting cards and more in 2012. That's more than the $740.57 shoppers actually spent in 2011. And before you think Patch is reporting on the holiday season, think again. According to the survey, nearly half of Americans say they've begun holiday shopping before Halloween—12.3 percent of those surveyed before September; 7 percent during September; and 22.1 percent…

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Buying Christmas Gifts for the Hard-to-Buy-For: What Do You Do?

Yes, it's still a little early to think about Christmas shopping. I understand. But it's coming up soon. And we all know that one person who is extremely hard to buy for. What do you do?

I will make no apology for this edition of our weekly "Conversation Starter." I'm selfishly motivated by the need for your help. And I don't care that Halloween is still three days away. Or that Christmas is still nearly two months off. We need all the time we can get. See, here's the problem: My father is in his early 70s; my father-in-law is in his early 80s. If anything, they're trying to get rid of things. What do you buy for the hard-to-buy-for? What do you do to make the Christmas merry for the folks who seem to have everything, don't need anything or who won't let themselves get pinned down? Here's another stumper for you: My son is 17. He's a drama kid, a singer, a World of Warcraft fanatic. He is every bit as hard to buy for as my…

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Police Blotter: Stolen Laptops and Christmas Presents

A look at Creve Coeur Police activity for the week of December 12, 2011.

The following is a list of Creve Coeur Police activity for the week of December 12, 2011. December 12, 2011 Creve Coeur Police are investigating a theft from a business located in the 1200 block of Ambassador. Approximately $800 of cash is missing from a business account. A 1996 Dodge Caravan was stolen from the 12300 block of Creek Run Drive. The owner stated that the vehicle was locked during the time of the theft. December 14, 2011 A subject was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated at HWY 270 and Conway Rd. The subject was later released after posting a municipal cash bond. A subject reported that unknown persons broke into his vehicle while it was parked in the 600 block of North New Ballas. The subjects stole hand tools and …

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The Week Ahead In Creve Coeur

The Week Ahead: Special City Council Meeting, Rivalries Renewed and Approaching Holidays

A look at what's going on around Creve Coeur this week.

Welcome to what is traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year, to be followed by what is traditionally one of the slowest weeks of the year. As always, Creve Coeur Patch is here to document it all, and to be the place where you can share it with your neighbors. Monday night will see a rarity at the Creve Coeur Government Center as the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission will each hold meetings. The council session was called specifically to address financing options for retiring the city's commitment to the Olive-Graeser Transportation Development District or TDD. On Tuesday, Hannukah begins at sundown. We invite you to check out what our resident rabbi had to say about the holiday, and hop you'll feel free to share …

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Share Your Holiday Recipes with Patch

Have a special family recipe for the holidays? Share the love!

Every family has a dish, drink or treat that reminds them of the holidays—even if you're tasting it in July! We want to hear your holiday recipes. It's a lot to ask, so in exchange, Patch editors will round up recipes from their foodie readers to share with you.  It doesn't have to be complicated or gourmet. We're not pros here. We're your neighbors, and with your help, we want to find new ways to treat our families this winter. Hit the "Submit Photo & Video" button above to share your own recipes, or email your editor with questions. And from all of us at Patch, Happy Holidays! Avocado Chocolate Mousse Dump everything into food processor and mix until creamy. You may have to stop a few times to scrape down the sides (and taste test). You …

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Black Friday Shopping Guide in St. Louis

The stores, sales and strategies you need to optimize your all-night shopping blow-out.

Here’s a new holiday tradition to try: Say grace, eat turkey, head to the mall. Black Friday sales start at midnight this year at some of the regions biggest stores, including Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Best Buy. We’ve read through the ads and compiled everything you need for the best all-night holiday shopping blow-out possible. And for each sale, we've highlighted the items we think would make the best gifts (at the best prices!) Check back on Black Friday for updates and tips, and if you hit the sales, tag your tweets with #BlackFridaySTL or mention @StLouisLindsay. And don't forget: Black Friday sales are already starting online at popular big box stores. Best Buy said they've already sold out of popular $80 TVs and $150 laptops, but …

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Tour Sparkling Worlds Around St. Louis

Use our holiday light guide map to plan a night of family fun.

Each blue point on our holiday light guide map represents a particularly beautiful light display in the St. Louis region. Click on the blue points to find addresses, hours and details. As more parks, businesses and neighbors begin to deck the halls, send us your pictures of beautiful holiday light displays. We'll add them to the map so families can plan light-viewing outings. Send pictures, addresses and impressions of light displays to your local Patch or to Lindsay.Toler@patch.com. If you're on the road, tweet about it @StLouisLindsay.

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