The improper installation and misuse of child safety seats puts millions of children at risk, so the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed a five-star rating system to guide parents in choosing the right car seat to keep their children safe.

Presently, seven out of 10 safety seats are either the wrong size for the child or seriously misused, reducing their effectiveness in a crash, NHTSA data indicates. The new rating system does not measure how effective a child seat is in protecting a child but compares their ease of use. All safety seats sold in the U.S. already are required to comply with federal safety standards to provide a high level of crash protection.
Visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov online to see the new five-star rankings.

With a concentration of 18th-century French colonial structures greater than anywhere else in the United States, Ste. Genevieve has a charm that has earned the southeast Missouri town a place on the list of the nation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.”

Each year the National Trust for Historic Preservation selects 12 cities that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a commitment to historic revitalization. Ste. Genevieve’s strength was its preservation, with more than 150 pre-1825 structures, many of which are open to the public.

“The treasure trove of French colonial life preserved in Ste. Genevieve provides an incomparable look into the pioneer spirit of the early settlers,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Its Gallic charm beckons you to amble through the streets and journey back in time.”

The well-preserved architecture of Ste. Genevieve is complemented by other area activities, including outdoor adventures at state parks and national forests. The area also boasts shopping, wineries, restaurants and plenty of festivals, including the Spring Garden Walk on May 17–18 and the French Heritage Festival on June 13–14.

For more details about Ste. Genevieve, call (800) 373-7007, or visit online at www.saintegenevievetourism.org.