Create a New Family Heirloom This Christmas!

If you, your parents, grandparents or friends have decided not to put up a tree this year, why not create a new type of tree? An ornament tree. Here's how!

Culinary Corner

Creating the Perfect Easter Party

Backyard entertaining combined with a little creativity and pastries will make your party a success.

The cherry blossoms and magnolias are blooming, all this rain has given us the gift of lush green lawns (and allergies). It is a perfect time to uncover the patio furniture and enjoy an Easter celebration outside. Spring cleaning is in order. Out with the old and in with the new. Refresh your home with new table linens from Bed, Bath & Beyond or a fresh coat of citrus green paint in the kitchen or dining room. If paint is too much of a commitment, throw pillows or patio chair cushions in vibrant colors of the season can do the trick. Invite friends and family, especially kids, and throw an egg-decorating party. Serve sweet pastries with seasonal fruit, cocktails, a dry rose wine, sweet tea or lemonade. Whenever holiday crafts present …

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Garden Club Trades Trowels for Knitting Needles

Local garden club members move meetings indoors during the winter months, this year to knit hats for the homeless.

The Mason Ridge Garden Club spends all spring, summer and fall planting and maintaining the beautiful gardens and grounds of Longview Farm House. When temperatures drop and winter rolls in, the gardens lie dormant, but the club does not. Seven of the ten members continue meeting each week during the winter months, working together on some craft or project. This year, the group decided to knit hats for the homeless. Over the course of the winter they have produced 45 knitted hats and six scarves. They donated it all to Places for People, a nonprofit organization helps homeless individuals, particularly those with mental illness. The donated hats will be given to people who need them, or sold at the organization's thrift shop, with proceeds …

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Patch Picks: Summer Camps

Here are a few of our favorite summer camps offered in West County.

Summer may seem like a long way off, but now is the perfect time to think about what camp your child would like to attend. There are many camps to choose from right here in West County, from traditional outdoor day camps in the park to professionally instructed dance camps for aspiring ballerinas. Sign up now because many camps have limited space. They also offer discounts for early bird registration. The Little Gym of West County Ages 3 to 8 Type of Camp: This gymnastics day camp lasts for three hours a day. Parents can schedule their children for one day or several weeks. Discount: A free trial class is offered through the website. Where: 15425 Manchester Rd Ste. 7, Ballwin. More Info and Pricing: The Little Gym Summer Camp Vetta Sports …

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Hanna Woods Celebrates Diversity with "Taste of Hanna"

Families of Hanna Woods Elementary School gathered at the school to sample foods, see traditional dances and make crafts from around the globe.

Families of Hanna Woods Elementary School students gathered at the school Thursday night for the first annual "Taste of Hanna" event, in honor of the diverse range of cultures represented at the school. Through food, crafts, music and dancing, students and their families experienced a taste of Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Japan and many other countries. The event, organized by the school's Culture Diversity Committee, is a way of reaching out to the families of an increasingly diverse student body. "We wanted to make everybody feels welcome and special, and honor all of the different cultures," said Jill Shapiro, head of the committee. "Families who had never set foot in the school except to register their child...they were talking to other…

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