CNSTC: November 15, 2023

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November 15, 2023

A Family Arena facelift

Around Town

United Services for Children celebrates new location. Pg. 3 Fort Zumwalt seniors earn National Merit recognition. Pg.3

Features

Automobilre Alley, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Photo by Karl Lund The Family Arena, located at 2002 Arena Parkway, is set to receive some needed renovation over the course of the next 12 months. If the county council approves the upgrades as requested, the arena will receive $10.5 million in renovations over the next four years.

Moore On Life & Crossword. Pg. F-4

The Family Arena is St. Charles County’s largest event venue and looks to add $10.5 million in renovations over the next four years

Weather

By Brett Auten Much like the rest of us, The Family Arena is in need of a little self-care. For nearly 25 years, the arena has rocked and rolled, played host to every type of niche event you can think of and, as of late, been the home to nearly 30 high school graduations. That wear and tear has started to show and the arena, which is owned by St. Charles County, has already began some of the improvements. Located at 2002 Arena Parkway (formerly the South River Road) in St. Charles, the arena’s prime location has been a big part of its draw. It is just 1.5 miles south of the 5th Street Exit at Interstate 70 and is less than eight miles from Lambert International Airport.

The Family Arena opened in 1999 and hosts 125-plus events per year. With the ability to seat up to 11,000 people, it is the largest event venue in the county and home to an indoor pro soccer team, the St. Louis Ambush and a multitude of concerts from an array of artists. “These are very core things,” Tom O’Keefe, advertising and booking manager with The Family Arena, said. “They are much needed and we are very excited about them.” The state of the seats is often the biggest complaint when it comes from patrons. A perusal of the Google reviews highlight such a need. So the most noticeable upgrade will be for the $3 million-plus arena seats. “The biggest complaint we get is that the seats are dirty, when they’re really not,” O’Keefe said. “They are just stained from

years and years of use. They look dirty no matter what we do.” The new, retractable seats will make things much more efficient when the need for more floor space is needed and the ease in which to do it will cut labor costs as well. Other potential upgrades include a new heating and cooling system and for LED-powered concourse signs. The arena’s roof is leaking and past its useful life span, with three of the five lower sections of roof needing replacement. The existing dome will be repaired and the addition of LED-powered lights in the parking lot will help save money. If the county council approves the upgrades, the arena will receive $10.5 million See ‘FACELIFT’ page 2

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2 Around Town November 15, 2023 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com ‘FACELIFT’ from cover in renovations over the next four years. The goal would be to have all of those in place by 2026. The council already approved $1.8 million in renovations for seven new video boards in the arena. Officials said the arena has an annual attendance of about 400,000, and has never had a major upgrade. Other potential upgrades include a heating and cooling system and LED-powered concourse signs. Crowds and bookings at the venue are through the roof and the Ambush like calling the county home. “Until summertime, you would be hard pressed to find an open week at the arena. We do a lot of events, like cheer and dance that you just don’t see a lot. And those (events) repeat on an annual basis.” In the summer of 2024, it will be closed in order to do another round of renovations, possibly the all-important seats. “That is our slow time,” O’Keefe said. “The

Photo by Karl Lund

level of acts that we attract; that is when they are hitting the amphitheaters, fairs and festivals.” The work would mostly be funded with

federal money given to venues like these that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic along with the county’s capital improvement sales tax fund.

MoDOT closes section of Route D near Route T for box culvert replacement project Drivers traveling on Route D near Route T may expect delays during a box culvert replacement project that began Nov. 6. All work is weather permitting. Crews closed Route D between Route T and Cappeln-Osage Road during construction. The signed detour will be Route T north to Route N east to Route Z south and

vice versa. Route D is anticipated to reopen by February 2024. The existing box culvert was built in 1936 and is in poor condition. Erosion is occurring on the Route D embankment due to frequent flooding during heavy rain events. The project will replace the existing box culvert with a larger box culvert. The proj-

ect also includes raising the elevation of Route D about 18 inches to reduce the frequency of roadway flooding. For more information on this project, visit: https://www.modot.org/route-d-culvert-replacement-st-charles.

Crossroads Arts Council calls for art for Artistic Holiday Gifts showcase Are you a local artist with a passion for creating handmade art? Crossroads Arts Council (CAC) is inviting the talented community of artists to participate in its Artistic Holiday Gifts showcase. To be considered for this showcase, artists must be members of CAC. If you are not a member you can easily join by visiting https://www.crossroadsartscouncil. org/join-us/.

CAC is looking for artworks that are reasonably priced, ensuring that a wide range of art enthusiasts can enjoy and purchase these creations. All submitted artwork must be entirely handmade. Art is encouraged in various mediums, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and textiles. There is no entry fee and no commissions during this showcase. Artists receive 100% of sales. By participating in this showcase,

artists are contributing to the “shop local” and “shop small” movements, helping your community thrive. Apply online at: https://www.crossroadsartscouncil.org/event/december-show-artistic-holiday-gifts-under-100/. Drop off date is Nov. 29, 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Reception is Dec. 3 from 2 – 4 p.m. Pick-up date is Dec. 26 from 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com


www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 15, 2023

United Services for Children celebrates new location with ribbon cutting

Fort Zumwalt seniors earn National Merit recognition

Submitted photo

Denise Liebel, CEO of United Services for Children celebrated the new location of the organization with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 17. Joining Liebel were her administrative staff, several of the program educators and therapists, the Board of Directors for United Services, the Blue-Ribbon Committee and several of the funding agencies who service United Services. Also in attendance was city of St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer, State

Representatives Mark Matthiesen and Wendy Hausmann, Candidate Terri Violet, Alderman Greg Sartorius and St. Charles Regional Chamber President / CEO Scott Tate, several Board Members and Ambassadors of the Chamber. United Services for Children is located at 3420 Harry S. Truman Blvd in St. Charles. They are a nonprofit organization which provides pediatric therapy and early intervention service to children with develop-

Around Town 3

mental disabilities and delays and offers support services for their families. Focusing on children ages birth through eight years old, the center serves approximately 275 children annually. For more information on United Services for Children, the services and programs they offer, ways to donate to support their mission or endowment information, please visit their website at www.unitedservicesforchildren.org or call 636-926-2700.

Fort Zumwalt School District’s National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists are seven Fort Zumwalt seniors among the top scorers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) taken by more than one million high school juniors at more than 22,000 high schools across the nation. The semi-finalists represent less than 1% of high school students and qualify to continue in the competition. Next spring, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will award about $35 million to roughly 8,000 graduating high school seniors. Fort Zumwalt National Merit Semi-Finalists are: West High’s Ayman Amerin, Jack Kidnie, Gunnika Singh, Joseph

Ward and Lucas Weethee as well as South High’s Jakeob Konarik and North High’s Andrew Lubiewski. Fort Zumwalt School District’s National Merit Commended Scholars are 12 Fort Zumwalt seniors recognized as among the top 5% of the students who took the PSAT/NMSQT last spring. National Merit Com-

mended Scholars are: Chistopher Abiprojo, FZW; Rebekah Bacon, FZN; Jeremiah Bender, FZN; Clair Gwak, FZE; Zoe Hahn, FZE; Adam Jose, FZS; Alex Kirt, FZE; Victoria McClure, FZW; Alexander Roesler, FZS; Cameron Rohrbach, FZW; Rachel Smith, FZS and Lillian Zimmer, FZE.

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Around Town

November 15, 2023 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

'We were going to make a big splash’

By Jeff Stahlhut

After second-place finish a year ago, Francis Howell completes goal of capturing program’s first state title After coming oh-so-close to winning the state title a year ago, the Francis Howell softball team managed to finish the job this season, finishing off a 27-6 campaign with an 8-0 victory over Blue Springs South to earn the Class 5 State Championship. The win was the icing on the cake on an incredible season - and something the coach and players were confident could happen. “There were certainly high expectations for this team when I was hired. We returned nine seniors from last year’s second place state finish,” said firstyear coach and 2016 Howell graduate Lexi Romeril. “As soon as we had our first meeting, the girls were adamant on their goals. They wanted to win conference, win districts and then win a state championship. We also had the goal of beating the all-time wins record for the program, but we didn’t end up playing enough games because of a few reschedules. I knew that because everyone was on board with these goals, we were going to make a big splash.” Senior starting pitcher Lorin Boutte, who posted a 13-5 record on the season with a 1.07 earned run average (ERA), 205 strikeouts, and was the author of perfect games against conference foes Timberland and Troy, also had high expectations for the team. “Absolutely, there was no doubt in my mind that we could win state,” she said. “After our state run last year, we as a team finally knew what it took to get there. Everyone went into this season with the goal of getting back and winning the state tournament. We all worked hard this season and constantly pushed each other to be better.” Despite her individual success, Boutte kept her focus on her team. “My main focus and the goals I set for this season were team oriented,” she said. “The strikeouts and perfect games were a bonus. My teammates were the ones to help me make those individual performances happen.” Sophomore Elia Cabo, who opened the season as the starting center fielder only to suffer an injury in a pre-season tournament but made it back for the postseason, also came in with the confidence that the Vi-

kings had what it took to bring home a title. “Yes, never had a doubt,” she said. “This team was ready to win state from the first day we got back together in August. Everyone knew the goal and everyone knew their role to get to that goal.” Cabo was also talked about making it back to the team after her injury - and contributing once she returned. “It felt amazing to be able to contribute in the state tournament. I got Photo by Jimi Morisaki hurt in the first couple Members of the Francis Howell softball team celebrate after winning the Class 5 state championship on Oct. 27. The weeks this year and re- Vikings defeated Blue Springs South 8-0 in the title game, one day after beating Troy Buchanan 3-2 in the semifinals. habbed until districts. I body was ever alone, we always had each other’s backs trusted in God’s plan and stayed focused the whole and picked one another up after an error. I think the time on the end goal. Praying over my team before the amount of effort everyone put in put us in a great postate game was such a huge highlight for me before sition to win state this year.” the game,” she said. “Once I saw how everyone was How does a player earn such a compliment from focused I knew after the first inning we were going her coach? Her outlook seems to say it all. to win. Everyone was locked in - it was our time to “Through the season, I got little playing time. So I make history and everyone just did their part for sevtook this opportunity to support my teammates, I was en innings - it was a team effort all year and especially everyone’s biggest supporter, there wasn’t one time during the last five games of the year. This is someduring a game I wasn’t cheering someone on. I made thing I will never forget.” sure I gave everyone a high-five and told them how Junior shortstop Camille Walkowiak was also a begood they did,” said Owens. “I wanted to make sure liever from the beginning of the season. everyone knew how proud I was of them. I always try “We were expected to come out this year and put on to be the best teammate anyone could ask for and set a show, and I think we accomplished that,” she said. an example everyone should follow.” “The moment I realized when we had what it took to Coach Romeril added more accolades about her make it back to the Final Four and eventually to the team’s effort in the championship game. After noting championship game was our win against Eureka. That the potent Blue Springs South offense is never out of a put it into perspective, for us, that we would only have game, she complimented her own team’s offense. three games left, at most. Coach Lexi told us to take it “Our offense was also productive all year, but less game by game, inning by inning, out by out, and not with the long ball and more with station-to-station get too ahead of ourselves. This really helped keep us pressure,” she said. “At one point in the game we were all grounded in the stressful games to come and made up 3-0 and I knew that wasn’t enough to keep the Jagus realize that it’s so much more than the game. It’s uars at bay. Then, Lorin hit a grand slam with a 2-2 about the experiences and the friendships we make count. We knew that would be the game. for a lifetime.” “It wasn’t just Lorin (Boutte) who was integral in the Coach Romeril also recalled the Eureka game as a offense this season, though. “Camille Walkowiak’s basnotable point in the season. erunning in the Final Four was unmatched. She had “We gave up three runs in the top of the first, but the two stolen bases against Troy in the semifinal game vibe in the dugout was so pure and competitive,” she and also scored the winning run on a squeeze bunt said. “Every athlete throughout our lineup was calm by Adelle Metz. Her ability to put the pressure on the and focused. That win was so fun because it was gritty defense and take risks is one of the biggest reasons we and felt earned. That might’ve been our toughest game won that game.” all year. We were prepared to win state after that beNow, the focus turns to next season where if all goes cause of the trust that was built.” as planned, nine players should return. “We also had Senior Sofie Owens, who her coach describes as very successful JV and C teams this year, so there is “an absolute culture piece,” and who was recognized talent coming through the ranks. I’m looking forward with the Gateway Athletic Conference Sportsmanship to next year,” said Romeril. “The culture and expectaAward this year, echoed the sentiments of her teamtions have been set and we have a large enough group mates. returning to help foster that environment. It will be “After finishing second last year, everybody had good to have voices alongside the new players to help one goal for the whole season, and that was to be them understand that it takes a lot of hard work to get state champs. We practiced daily and each day everyto the state championship game, so it’s not expected, one put in max effort. Our roster was full of amazing it’s earned.” players, everyone played their hardest,” she said. “No-


www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 15, 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 17: Holiday bazaar

Immanuel Lutheran Church Wentzville Women in Mission will host a Holiday Bazaar from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran church at 632 East Hwy. N. in Wentzville. The event will feature homemade holiday decorations, ornaments, holiday gift ideas and much more. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed

Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

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If you hear a high-pitched whistle, see an unusual area of dead grass, or smell rotten eggs, leave the building or area immediately and call us at 1-800-552-7583 to report the leak. As another important safety step, make sure you install carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of every sleeping area. Ameren Missouri responds to gas leak calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week — and we never charge for this service.

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Sports

November 15, 2023 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

NOVEMBER 23, 2023 | 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.

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UMSL finishes season undefeated The second-ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball swept Southwest Baptist on Saturday afternoon at John Q. Hammons Court to finish the regular season undefeated. The Tritons end the regular season 28-0, 13-0 GLVC. UMSL never trailed in the opening stanza as it began the match with three straight points. They led by as many as 12 in the frame taking the opener 25-13. The Tritons hit .394 in the opening set with 16 kills against three errors in 33 attempts and were led by Lexie Rang with five kills while Humm and Mya Elliott had four kills apiece. UMSL hit .324 in the frame and was again led by Rang with five kills while Humm and Elliott had four kills each. The final set was tight early before the Tritons pulled away with another run to grab a 17-11 lead after a ball handling error by Katie Pogue. The Tritons finished the contest hitting .357 with 45 kills against 10 errors in 98 attempts and was led by Rang with 14 kills while Humm finished with 12 and Elliott added 10 more UMSL will be the number one seed in next weekend’s GLVC Tournament. The Tritons will take on eighth seeded Upper Iowa. * On to the next level

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on l l a F ’ O Su p p o r t s o n se busines cial e these sp s and day g n i p p o ur sh o y p l e to h e u n i t n co ive! r h t y t i commun Find an O’Fallon retailer near you... www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.


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Feature

November 15, 2023 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY

BY DAVID FINKLESTEIN

The 2023 Nissan Leaf brings affordability to the electric vehicle market In 2022, Nissan Motors reduced the price of their all-electric battery powered compact Leaf. Now, manufactured in its second generation, the 2023 model reflects this identical pricing strategy. The Leaf is offered in two trim levels. It begins with an entry level S model. From there, they offer the SV Plus build combination. MSRP pricing starts out at $29,135 for the S Edition and the SV Plus that I tested, was priced at $35,800. Predictably, the SV Plus has the most advanced technologies and generally features what most customers tend to find appealing. It also includes the longer-range enhanced battery pack as well as a higher output drive motor for improved acceleration. The upgraded battery helps to put to rest driver anxiety. This allows the operator to be totally focused on driving, rather than constantly looking at the distance gauge. As expected, drive range distance is certainly fluid, depending on many fluctuating variables. Once the battery capacity might be in jeopardy, the computer-controlled system automatically goes into “turtle” mode in order to conserve power. The S Model gets around 150 miles on a full charge, the SV Plus reflects approximately 230 miles of drive distance. The odd thing is that Nissan choose to include a strange looking and somewhat awkward Chademo on-board charging connector. I

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

discovered that not all public universal charging stations are compatible with this unusual setup. Regardless, on a Level-1 charge (home 110-volt AC system) it often takes some 24 hours or more to achieve a full charge. With a Level 2 (220-Volt AC charge setup), it generally takes less than eight hours for a full charge. The entry LEAF S is equipped with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW electric motor that delivers some 147 horsepower. The Leaf SV PLUS features

‘AUTOMOBILE ALLEY’ continued on F4

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MetroLink: whose pass is it anyway?

Movie: By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

According to Wikipedia, construction on what would become the MetroLink light rail service began in 1990. In 1993, the first 13.9-mile leg opened with 16 stations between the North Hanley and 5th and Missouri stations in East St. Louis. Stations such as College in Belleville opened in May 2001. An extension from College to the Shiloh-Scott station opened in May 2003. Residents in the greater St. Louis area have used the light rail system to attend special events, concerts and, more recently, soccer matches. While looking for work, I found myself immersed in MetroLink history after taking a temporary job as a surveyor. The work seemed straightforward: spend several hours on station platforms asking riders which MetroLink pass they were using for their current trip. Although some declined to answer, others were happy to talk about their experiences. I spoke to one regular rider who said she was grateful for the service because she suffered from seizures. She didn’t drive anymore and relied on MetroLink to get to work and also see her family. I spent a lot of time on train platforms during the last month. When I was assigned to an unfamiliar station, the first thing on my “to-do” list was locating the

id temperature drop in the afternoon. Thankfully there were heaters at the station to keep me and the passengers somewhat warm and dry. On Nov. 7, my last day contracting for MetroLink, I left home and walked over to my assigned location for a double shift. It turned out to be a picture-perfect day as I walked under a sky that shifted subtly from dark clouds to traces of blue to sunshine. The weather was comfortably warm, which made my job easier. In the afternoon, several workers were on the platform as music was playing Submitted photo courtesy of other passengers. After a glorious start, though, I was running bathrooms. When you work hours on your out of steam and waited for my shift to end. feet, knowing where to go when you’ve reI chose the headline “MetroLink: whose ally “got to go” becomes crucial! Suffice it pass is it anyway?” for this piece because to say, my bathroom survey came in handy MetroLink really belongs to everyone. I more than once (trust me on that!). Good witnessed men and women carrying what walking shoes and weather-appropriate l thought were all their possessions and, clothing will make the task more enjoyable. when I asked which pass they were using, During my final days on the platforms, they told me. Other commuters brought I spent six hours at Emerson Park station their bikes to use once they reached their in East St. Louis in the rain. That was folstop. I looked at my tracking sheet and saw lowed up the next day at the same spot for a cross-representation of humanity who another wet and cold shift. Each shift starthad taken MetroLink or were about to take ed slowly, but I was able to talk to people the light rail to go home. about the passes they were using. Later in Whose pass is it? It’s yours, mine and evthe day there were distractions such as a eryone’s. domestic disturbance just outside the gates to Emerson Park station followed by a rap-


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November 15, 2023 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Moore on Life

By Cindy Moore

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CROSSWORD: THANKSGIVING

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estaurant prices are getting totally out of control and it’s not just me. Here’s how I know. Recently a family took their kids to a restaurant. All seemed to be going well until the bill arrived accompanied by a nasty little surprise. “A long hair in the house dressing?” You say. No, worse. “Oh, no…you don’t mean? Paper straws that fall apart in your mouth?!” Wow, that is extremely nasty, but this was even more offensive. The group was fined $50 for “bad parenting.” When the parents demanded an explanation, the owner snorted haughtily then said, “Your children were breathing loudly and stared in my general direction more than once.” I just think this must be a way to get extra dough. Apparently, the tip jars taped to every cash register and inside the bathroom stalls are not bringing in enough cold cash. So not only are restaurants raising menu prices, but some also charge fees for credit card use and water and even something called a kitchen appreciation fee. I guess that must be for the use of the gas stove instead of cooking over a fire pit in the parking lot. I suspect it will get worse. Me: “Excuse me. Where are the restrooms?” Waiter: “Down the hall to the left, but you’ll need to get a key at the front desk which requires a $10 deposit.” “What for?!” “College! You don’t think I want to work here for the rest of my life, do you?!” We finished our meal and I asked the waiter

‘FINE’ DINING for a doggie bag. We then paid the bill and headed for the door. “Oh Ma’am,” he said. “You left your doggie bag.” “That’s for you. I couldn’t afford to use your restroom and can’t wait long enough to get home to use mine. Let’s just say, that’s my deposit.” Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

‘AUTOMOBILE ALLEY’ from F1 a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 160-kW electric motor that produces 214 horsepower. The battery module warranty is covered for defects, materials and workmanship issues for eight years, or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. These models also include Nissan’s regenerative braking system. It’s engineered to help recharge the onboard battery while decelerating. New model year changes that help with the cars design identity include an attractive and revised front grille and bumper/fascia assembly, slight improvements with its modern exterior lighting, exclusive eye-catching aluminum-alloy multispoke wheels and a rear underside wind diffuser. Also new is a modified rear air spoiler, designed to help with aerodynamics while cursing on the interstates. Minor changes were incorporated with the vehicle’s comfortable and quiet interior. With my test drive of the SV Plus rendition, Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist was included as well as their hands-on driver assist system. It combines electronic Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist technologies. ProPILOT Assist also includes a stop and hold function. It’s de-

signed to bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold it in place, and can bring the vehicle back up to speed when traffic starts moving once again. The factory’s 360-degree safety shield is also included. It’s partly made up of their automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, plus lane change and rear cross traffic backup warning. This model is assembled at their facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. The majority of the drive line components originate and are imported from Japan. Leaf is one of the most affordable EV’s in its segment. The factory shipping and destination charges are extra, they were posted showing $1,025.00. David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards.

SEE ANSWERS ON STL and STC PG. 5

ACROSS 1. "If all ____ fails..." 5. End of philosophical system 8. Center of our orbit 11. Indian flatbread 12. Take down, as in a dragon 13. Yemeni neighbor 15. Homer's "Iliad", e.g. 16. *Copper coin with issuer of Thanksgiving Proclamation 17. A sign or symbol, archaic 18. *A certain famous Mayflower rock 20. *5K, a.k.a. Turkey ____ 21. Blair or Hayek 22. Spy org. 23. Like hikers' camps 26. Tourney grid 30. Beehive State native 31. Casual top 34. Money in Milan 35. Belches 37. Roth ___, acr. 38. Low-ranking workers 39. Old Norse texts 40. Major Black Sea port 42. Dog command 43. Resize 45. *Thanksgiving, a.k.a. ____ Day 47. Baby goat 48. Subway entrance 50. Parting words 52. *Massachusetts' contender for first Thanksgiving celebration 55. Oyster gem 56. One thing on a list 57. Of two minds 59. Sonnets and such 60. Mastercard rival 61. Carve in stone 62. Ted Turner's "baby" 63. Lt.'s inferior, in the Navy 64. "James and the Giant Peach" author

DOWN 1. Compass dir. 2. Arctic native 3. Flying jib, e.g. 4. Enclose in a cyst 5. Part of small intestine 6. *Traditional occupant of the last parade float 7. *Pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving, e.g. 8. Asian food thickener 9. *Tbs. or tsp., in Thanksgiving recipe 10. Zip 12. Chews out 13. Ostium, pl. 14. *"____ on 34th Street" 19. '90s TV sitcom "Boy ____ World" 22. TV tube in days gone by, acr. 23. *Sweet one or russet one 24. Short musical composition 25. Smart candy? 26. Women's undergarments 27. Newsstand, e.g. 28. "Sesame Street" Muppet 29. *Dinner exclamation? 32. Sweep under the rug 33. Fury 36. *Lions' opponent this year 38. ____ exclusion principle in physics 40. Like something for a wedding day 41. Bad rep 44. Supermarket walkway 46. Let for money 48. Form of civil disobedience 49. Lock of hair 50. Past participle of "be" 51. Knitter's ball 52. Long live, in French 53. Itty-bitty bit 54. Like part of McDonald's logo 55. Rubber substitute, acr. 58. Stanley Cup org.


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