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RARE BREED
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JANUARY VOL 15 | NO 1
Departments
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Staff Writer Brett Auten
features
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Around Town Local news and events
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Always an Adventure Drug Deal
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Moore on Life Cold comfort
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Automobile Alley 2019 Kia Forte tries its best to stand out in a crowded marketplace
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Food Try the trendiest flavors tonight: New seasonings make it easy
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Entertainment 2018 St. Louis Film Critics award winners named
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Community Calendar: January
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Community News
Advertiser Profile The sum of all years…and more to come
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A rare breed Wentzville resident is a world renowned dog handler and will be a judge at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City
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Nonprofit Profile Circus Harmony: hope in one ring
For advertising information, please contact us at:
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
2019
contents
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Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.
On the Cover: Submitted photo
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
Mid America
TEEN CERT gears up for 2019 The Mid America Teen Community Emergency Response Team, based in western St. Charles County, has had an exciting previous 15 years. Now in its sixteenth year providing emergency planning and response training to thousands of teen and adult students, the nationally-acclaimed program has added several new attributes to their already robust repertoire. One of the newest features added to Mid America TEEN CERT is the addition of the programs’ hybrid training and response trailer, which has the capability to deploy not only to classes, but also mass casualty incidents and disasters if called upon. The “most-situation” vehicle is equipped with supplies to assist first responders in serious emergency events, and has the sleek appearance to present itself nicely in events and parades. The trailer will eventually have onboard satellite and communications to operate as a mobile command unit as well if needed. Another benefit to the training is the inclusion of several badge requirements for members of the American Heritage Girls (www.americanheritagegirls.org), such as Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety Building, Survival Search and Rescue, Outdoor Skills, and All God’s Children. Mid America TEEN CERT already includes several Boy Scout merit badges in the curriculum, such as Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Fire Safety, Safety, Disabilities Awareness, Search and Rescue and Wilderness Survival; requirements for Girl Scout and 4H badges are also built in to the training as well. Students that participate in the program are trained to handle all emergency situations. Mid America TEEN CERT (MATC), is intended to teach teens and adults students to assist efficiently and effectively in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, without putting themselves or others in any unnecessary danger. The program teaches an average of 7-8 4 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
Submitted photo Mid America TEEN CERT (MATC), is intended to teach teens and adults students to assist efficiently and effectively in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, without putting themselves or others in any unnecessary danger.
training classes and 12-15 philanthropic events per year. Each Mid America TEEN CERT class is 22-24 hours and is personally designed to suit the individual organizations’ needs. The average size of each class is 25-30 students. One of the unique aspects of Mid America TEEN CERT, is that the program has operated entirely without any outside funding since its beginning and remains one of the most popular youth programs in the nation. With thousands of volunteer participants, Mid America TEEN CERT was selected in 2018 as the No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Program and Youth Program in Missouri for the seventh straight year, and achieved the recognition as No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Training Program and Outstanding Youth Training Program in America for the fourth straight year. 2019 Training Dates and Locations Mid America TEEN CERT training is free of charge and open to anyone who is at least 12 years and older. Trainings are usually held in and around the St. Louis region. There are currently seven upcoming training sessions scheduled for 2019 (with two more being finalized). Dates and locations include: • Ozark Trailblazers District, April 12-14, 2019 at S-F Scout Ranch, 120 US-67, Farmington, Missouri • Troop 677, May 3-5, 2019 at Beaumont Scout
Reservation, 6480 Beaumont Reservation Drive, High Ridge, Missouri • Troop 853, May 17-19, 2019 at Wentzville FPD Station #3, 1146 Clinton Prinster Memorial Drive, Foristell • Troop 390, August 2-4, 2019 at Location TBD • MO ARNG CYP (National Guard), Sept. 13-15, 2019 at Patriot Center, 2405 Logistics Road, Jefferson City, Missouri • AHG Troop MO1880, Dates TBD at Immaculate Conception Church, 7701 State Highway N, Dardenne Prairie • Chamberlain University School of Nursing, Dates TBD at SIUE Edwardsville, Maryville Campus, 650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis • Macon County Health Department, Dates TBD at Macon County Health Department, 503 N Missouri Street, Macon, Missouri • Troop 553, November 1-3, 2019 at Location TBD
Proper preparation and training can play a crucial role in protecting ourselves and our community. Emergencies can be terrifying, but with the proper preparation and training, even the worst situation can be manageable when responded to confidently and effectively. For further information about Mid America TEEN CERT, classes or events, and donating, contact program director Mark Rosenblum at mark.rosenblum@outlook. com, @TEEN_CERT, or visit www.facebook. com/groups/MIDAMERICATEENCERT.
Around Town
St. Charles County Ambulance District earns highest possible credit rating from Moody’s St. Charles County Ambulance District earns highest possible credit rating from Moody’s St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) has received a triple-A rating, the highest rating possible, from Moody’s Investors Service a leading global credit rating, research and risk analysis firm. The District applied for the bond rating in connection with an initial sale of $47.9 million of the $70 million of bonds authorized by voters in August. Moody’s released a report that describes the rationale for assigning the rating including a modest debt burden, stable financial operations and sizable reserves.
Joy Howard, the district’s financial advisor, noted that in addition to the State of Missouri, SCCAD is now one of only four governmental units in the state to have a Moody’s triple-A rating. “Just as individuals benefit by having excellent credit scores, the triple-A rating will result in the lowest possible interest cost on the district’s bonds,” Howard said. Howard indicated that the district will save approximately $1,050,000 of interest by having the highest bond rating compared to the next rating grade on its initial bond sale. “The district’s trend of surplus operations and conservative budgeting practices
St. Charles County offers natural Christmas tree recycling
Additional tree collection locations in St. Charles County
Rather than tossing away a natural Christmas tree after the Yuletide celebration, residents should consider recycling these evergreens. They can serve as fish habitat in area lakes, chipped wood paths along natural surface walking trails, mulch and more. The Division of Environmental Health and Protection leads the natural tree recycling collection in St. Charles County and partners with several local organizations to provide convenient drop-off locations. To recycle natural Christmas trees in St. Charles County, residents must remove the stand, all decorations, lights and any packaging. Trees may be taken to any of these locations:
St. Charles County Recycle Works locations • Recycle Works Central in St. Charles, 60 Triad South • Recycle Works West in Wentzville, 2110 East Pitman Avenue Both are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 12. Please Note: The Recycle Works facilities are not open on Sundays.
contributed to the high rating,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer. “We are proud to be among the small group of Missouri governments to achieve a triple-A rating, and we expect to continue achieving strong results going forward.” The district plans to sell the bonds by competitive bidding on Nov. 29. Projects slated for completion utilizing funds generated by the bonds include acquisition of property for new ambulance stations and a consolidated district headquarters facility, construction of said facility, and purchase of advanced life support units and lifesaving equipment.
• Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville (Group Picnic Area parking lot), 560 Interstate Drive Open 7 a.m. to sunset, daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 12
• Laurel Park in St. Peters (upper parking lot), use McClay Valley Boulevard entrance Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 12.
• St. Peters Earth Centre, 115 Ecology Drive Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 12. Please Note: St. Peters Earth Centre is not open on Sundays.
• Progress Park in Wentzville (parking lot), 968 Meyer Road Open Jan 2 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours.
• Heartland Park in Wentzville, 100 William Dierberg Drive
and accessories are processed for a small fee. For more information on how to use St. Charles County’s recycling program or to discover how additional materials may be recycled through these facilities, please call 636-949-1800 or visit https://www.sccmo. org/RecycleWorks.
Open Jan 2 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours.
• Rotary Park in Wentzville, 2577 W. Meyer Road Open Jan 4 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours.
Recycling additional holiday materials The county’s Recycle Works facilities also accept light strands, cardboard gift boxes and wrapping paper. Clean paper, certain plastics and corrugated cardboard are collected at no charge to residents. Glass is accepted at the Recycle Works West facility only. Various electronic items, appliances
www.dpc4u.org
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
WSD technology coach achieves international certification Michael McCann, Technology Coach for the Wentzville School fine the skills and mindsets needed to transform teaching and District, has achieved the distinction of becoming an ISTE Certified learning practices with technology. To earn the distinction of ISTE Educator. This recognition from the International Certified Educator, McCann completed extensive professional development around designing, faSociety for Technology in Education is awarded to educators who have successfully demonstrated cilitating and assessing learning using technology and passed a rigorous evaluation of his portfolio competency in the ISTE Standards for Educators by ISTE Standards evaluators. and recognizes those who demonstrate the effective use of technology for learning in meaningful “Those who have earned the certification have proven themselves innovators in their classrooms and transformative ways. The certification was established earlier this year and mentors for other members of their school or district,” said ISTE Chief Executive Officer Richard and McCann is one of only five educators in the state, and one of seven educators in the world to Culatta. “As an ISTE Certified Educator, Michael joins a distinguished community of educators achieve this distinction. from around the world who share their commit“We are excited for Mr. McCann’s accomplishment to lifelong learning and their passion for ment on becoming an ISTE Certified Educator,” engaging students in active, authentic learning.” said WSD Director of Technology Greg Lawrence. Photo courtesy Wentzville School District McCann started his teaching career in the WSD “To earn this international certification and recogMichael McCann, Technology Coach for the in 2006, went on to serve as an assistant principal nition demonstrates Mr. McCann’s focus on innoWentzville School District, has achieved the disvative instruction and technology in the classroom, tinction of becoming an ISTE Certified Educator. in Warrenton from 2015-2017, and worked for Education Plus as a School Improvement Consulwhich will ultimately benefit our teachers and our tant before returning to the WSD as a Technology Coach this year. students.” The internationally recognized ISTE Standards for Educators de- He also is an adjunct professor at Missouri Baptist University.
Salvation Army-Lincoln County Unit awarded $2,500 grant Volunteers with the Salvation Army-Lincoln County Unit are entering their busiest stretch of the year. They are currently holding the “Coats for the Cold” project and are finalizing preparations for the Red Kettle campaign. “We do what we can to help others,” said Phyllis Cross, who serves as the group’s co-chair. The Salvation Army has a long history of doing just that. In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the nonprofit organization served approximately 3,100 Lincoln County residents through its programs, which include utility/housing assistance and hosting a back-to-school event. In September, the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board awarded a $2,500 Operation Round Up grant. The funds will be used to provide assistance in a variety of ways for disadvantaged Lincoln County individuals and families. “This will help us get through the fiscal year,” Cross said. The “Coats for the Cold” drive concluded last month. The coats were distributed Nov. 17 at Harvester Christian Church, located at 43 Front St. in Troy. The Red Kettle campaign, the group’s main source of funding, started the day after Thanksgiving. Bell ringers will be at Walmart and Kroger in Troy and will also be collecting donations in Winfield and Elsberry throughout the holiday season. The group is always looking for support, whether it be a monetary contribution or from 6 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
Submitted photo The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board awarded a $2,500 grant to the Salvation Army-Lincoln County Unit to provide assistance to disadvantaged individuals and families. Pictured (from left) are Salvation Army volunteers Ginny Patterson, Donna Loughridge, Phyllis Cross, Marie Hanebrink, Betty Guzenski and CREC Community Trust board member Jim Mayes. Not pictured are Salvation Army volunteers John and Sandy Emerson, Cathy Weatherford and Dan Anderson.
persons interested in volunteering. “We can always use bell ringers,” Cross said. The Salvation Army operates out of the Bread for Life Food Pantry, located at 820 Cap Au Gris Street in Troy. The office is open every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Prospective clients must fill out an application and are screened before any assistance is provided. For more information, call 636-358-0435.
Around Town
Local general honored with Women in American History Award On Nov. 3, the St. Louis Soldiers Memorial Military Museum was officially reopened after several years of renovation. Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt, a native of St. Louis, was honored as the keynote speaker for the grand reopening. The Saint Charles Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) chose this as a fitting opportunity to recognize the general with the Women in American History Award. Regent Laura Ross-Dedloff and Vice Regent Joyce Townsend were on hand to make the presentation in person. Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt is the Air Force’s first female fighter pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours, with over 300 combat hours including operations Summer Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She has risen through the military ranks to achieve the rank of Brigadier General now serving as the current Commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Her achievements in a male dominated field is an inspiration to other young women to serve our country in ways that at one time were unthinkable. But today, thanks to women like Leavitt, the sky is the limit.
By Debby Stopke Submitted photo
Meridian Waste announces recycling changes in Wentzville Meridian Waste, an integrated, non-hazardous solid waste services company, announced changes to service for recycling customers in Wentzville, effective Dec. 1. Resource Management’s Earth City Materials Recovery Facility notified Meridian Waste that they would no longer accept single stream recyclables collected curbside from any residential customers effective November 2018. World market conditions and current contamination levels have forced many processors into an unsustainable model to continue operating as before, and thus, changes to curbside residential recycling programs are necessary. Items still accepted for curbside collection within these cities include: aluminum, tin and steel cans, and plastics labeled 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Black plastics as well as plastics labeled 4 and 6 are not acceptable for recycling. The following items are no longer accepted for curbside recycling collection: glass bottles and jars, mixed paper (newspapers, magazines, junk mail, computer paper, telephone books) and corrugated cardboard. These items can either be placed in the garbage or recycled at designated recycling drop-off sites. When in doubt, throw it out, as recyclables contamination is a threat to the ability to process and market clean recyclables from the entire collected load. “This crisis is sweeping the U.S. and frustratingly, it’s impacting the greater St. Louis marketplace,” said George Sides, area president for Meridian Waste. “Recycling is a true cycle and requires viable buyers of non-contaminated processed materials to be a truly sustainable system. We are hopeful that the market will correct itself over time; however, in the meantime we must find alternative solutions and make some significant changes to the way that we recycle. Through some out-of-the-box thinking and working with local processors, Meridian Waste is pleased to offer a dual collection recycling program processed at properly permitted facilities to ensure that these citizens still have the opportunity to recycle and help preserve valuable natu-
ral resources in a clean and sustainable manner.” Drop-off sites for itemized materials will be listed at www.MeridianWaste.com/Wentzville For more information on the recycling industry crisis, please visit: www.MeridianWaste.com/MORecyclingCrisis
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Around Town
DRAWING NEW BOUNDARIES By Brett Auten
Every so often, some maneuvering is called for. The Francis Howell School District has seen splashes of significant population growth within its boundaries. And it just so happens that these increases in are occurring in two elementary schools that are already about to top out due to student population. Currently both Fairmount and Warren Elementary are over capacity, and projections are that enrollment at those two schools will continue to increase with the present attendance boundaries. With a current enrollment of more than 1,100 students, Fairmount is now the largest elementary school in Missouri. The District Capacity Committee has been examining the issue for some time, and after much discussion and research, presented a plan to the Francis Howell Board of Education that will create long-term solutions to the capacity concerns. The process will use soft boundary changes at Fairmount and Warren that will allow students to stay in their current elementary school until they finish, with school bus transportation provided during this time. It will also allow younger siblings of those students to attend the same school as their older sibling if requested. Only incoming kindergarten and transfer students in these areas will be required to attend the new schools. Dr. Will Vanderpool is the district’s Director of Alternative Learning and headed up the District’s Capacity Committee. He said that every two-to-three years, boundary adjustments like these are needed to be made. “We have an overall stable district enrollment,” Vanderpool said. “But we have pockets of real growth. It doesn’t take a whole lot of new students, around 50 or 60, 8 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
The Francis Howell School District will redraw the boundaries of Fairmount and Warren Elementary Schools, which are both currently over capacity
before things start to get pushed to capacity.” These soft boundary changes will affect part of the current Fairmount attendance area, which will become a Central Elementary attendance area. The plan will also shift part of the current Warren attendance area to a John Weldon Elementary attendance area and another part to an Independence Elementary attendance area. Under this plan, Central will receive approximately 84 students, and John Weldon and Independence will each receive approximately 95 students. “It will take several years to reach these levels, and the buildings receiving these students will be staffed sufficiently to keep class sizes relatively unchanged,” Vanderpool added. These boundary changes will also affect the current Francis Howell Middle and Francis Howell High School attendance areas north of Highway 364, they will become Saeger Middle and Francis Howell Central High School attendance areas. In a corresponding move, the current Saeger and FHC attendance areas south of Highway 364 but north of Highway 94 will become
Francis Howell Middle and FHHS attendance areas. The Fairmount attendance area that is shifting to Central Elementary will also mean that those students will remain with their cohort group and continue in the feeder pattern to Hollenbeck Middle and FHC. The same guidelines that apply to the elementary changes in regards to timing and transportation will also apply to these changes. According to Vanderpool, the proposal will allow the transition to occur gradually and minimize the impact on students and their families as we move students to schools with more available space. The plan will also align students into a cleaner feeder system for middle and high school. “We are trying not to overload Warren Elementary and give it room to as the Cottleville area continues to see growth with a lot of new subdivisions being built,” he added. For more information, including maps, visit the district website at www.fhsdschools.org. Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District
Advertiser Profile
The sum of all years… and more to come
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By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV
WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET
Another great year has passed in 2018, our 70th year in business! In the 1940s, Walter Byerly began building travel trailers at his home in Kirkwood, Missouri. By 1948 he established his business on Manchester road in Des Peres. In 1967 John Patton purchased the company which, at that time, had only six employees. Now at our third location in Eureka, Missouri, Byerly has over 60 employees. John’s son, Russ, bought the company in 1984 and his son Warren took over the position of General Manager in 2015. Byerly, again in 2018, has been recognized as one of the top 50 RV Dealers in North America. What a year it has been! Focus on quality, supported by experience and committed to-customer service have helped Byerly succeed for three generations. Our employees’ enthusiastic involvement in spring and fall campouts, the monthly RV School, the Santa’s Magical Kingdom shuttle and other events and promotions testify to our Byerly’s quest to be your RV Dealer “for the rest of your life.” We have great expectations for 2019. Come see us at the Midwest Gateway RV Dealer sponsored RV Show in February at the St Louis Convention Center. Thank you for your business and loyal support and Happy New Year. Byerly RV, is located at I-44 and Hwy 109 in Eureka. For more information visit www.byerlyrv.com or visit us on Facebook. Wor th the Drive Byerly RV
295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Old Town Smokehouse is located at 2 E. Main St. in Historic Downtown Wentzville. The business opened in October 2017, with new owners Kaitlin Kolb and Danielle Moors taking-over in July 2018. The restaurant specializes in great food and craft cocktails. The specialties include smoked shrimp with seasoning from nearby Ellbee’s General Store, pork belly and collard greens. The restaurant features light music on Friday and Saturday nights, and provides a fun place for their customers to visit. The menu is slightly changed every three months, with a different homemade dessert almost daily. The business is locally owned and involves family and friends. If you are looking for a cozy atmosphere where values matter - this is your place.
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 9
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Wentzville resident is a world renowned dog handler and will be a judge at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City By Brett Auten
J
ames Moses’ life has gone to the dogs. Moses, of Wentzville, is among one of seven group judges at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City set for Feb. 11-12. Moses will officiate over the Working Group during the evening competition held at Madison Square Garden. The two-day, all-breed dog show has turned into a national highlight. Moses became involved in the sport of purebred dogs more than sixty years ago. Raised near Niagra Falls, he handled his first dog to its championship when he was 13-years-old. His mother was FrenchCanadian and living on the border allowed him plenty of access into Canada, where he built a wealth of experience. By 19, he handled the number one dog, all-breeds, in Canada. As a handler, Moses has won more than 1,000 Bests in Show. His emphasis has been German Shepherds and he has handled four dogs into the prestigious “100 Club,” including the top Best in Show winning dog of all-time. His history in dog handling runs deep. In 1987, Moses had the privilege of handling the Best in Show dog at Westminster, as well as the AKC Centennial Show in 1984. In addition, he has handled six Westminster group winners. In 1999, he was inducted into the Dog Show Hall of Fame. Moses is approved to judge the Working, Non-Sporting, Toy and Herding groups and Best in Show. This is his second Westminster assignment. “I have pretty much spent my whole life dedicated to handling, and now judging, dogs,” Moses said. “I have an intensive background and have shown probably 50 different breeds to championship levels.
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(Handling) has been my whole life and judging is just a continuation of it.” The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster’s influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all-breed, benched dog show held every year in New York City. Today 204 breeds and varieties of dogs compete in Best of Breed judging One of the biggest challenges as a judge is keeping current on the standards. “Sometimes standards get revised and it is hard to stay current,” Moses said. “You have to adhere to each breed and its written standard of the ideal dog. There has never been a perfect dog but you look for what closely resembles that ideal dog. Each year it is always a learning experience.” Another change in the sport has been the resurgence of small to mid-level breeders. “The old time, wealthy breeders are not as dominant as they once were,” Moses said. “We don’t have as many large kennels as did 40 years ago. The average, smaller breeder can be competitive today. It used to not be that way.” Interest in the event has grown exponentially over the years. “You can live stream throughout the show,” Moses said. “People are becoming involved with even being there. We definitely didn’t have that back then.” Though his schedule in New York is chalked full, he still makes time to catch up with his peers. “It is a busy time but you do get the opportunity to see some friends from out of the country or different states,” Moses said. “Like myself, several of my former competitors are now judges.” Moses would encourage anyone who is interested in handling or judging to look in their own backyard. “If you have a passion of dogs, find a local kennel club,” he said. “There are quite a few in the St. Louis area. All you can to do is join up and become involved.”
Submitted photos James Moses’ of Wentzville is a hall of fame dog handler and is among one of seven group judges at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City set for Feb. 11-12.
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 11
Always An Adventure
DRUG DEAL THE STAGING MEETING TOOK PLACE IN A REMOTE PARKING LOT OF A CLOSED BUSINESS, about two miles away from the police department. Present were several federal agents from various threeletter agencies, four members of a local drug task-force representing six local police departments, Paul, the senior detective from our police department, and I. Having recently been promoted to detective, I was looking forward to the assignment. The plan was for a federal agent to make a purchase of a significant quantity of cocaine, somewhere in the kilo range, at the parking lot of a busy local department store. The agent was wearing an audio transmitter, and a federal dispatcher was assigned to the operation. Another one of the federal agents would also be listening in on the deal, and would keep us locals informed as to what was going on. The decision to make an arrest would be made based upon how the transaction proceeded; it would probably happen at a later time. Once briefed, we all made our separate ways to the area. Paul and I sat down on a bench overlooking the parking lot. An assortment of black SUV’s bristling with antennae repeatedly circled the area, conspicuously enough to lead a casual observer to wonder if perhaps the president was in town. The buying agent arrived, met with the potential seller, and the two got into a vehicle 12 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
together. During the next few minutes, I saw a male leaning up against the wall of the front of the store, not really looking at anything, but not moving, either. Out of all the people in the area coming and going to and from the store, the only ones who were stationary were this male and two not-soinconspicuous detectives. Paul received a call from one of the federal agents, who told him that the seller was stalling. After a couple more minutes, the male leaning against the wall stood up, and began walking straight across the parking lot. He walked behind a row of vehicles, and turned right, going between two parked cars, walked to the other end of the two cars, turned left, and walked out of the parking lot. Out of all the cars in the lot, he had walked right next to the vehicle the agent and potential seller were sitting in. I thought it would be a good idea to follow, and perhaps ID the guy who had walked right by the car. No one else thought so. Shortly thereafter, Paul received another call that the deal was off. By this time, the agent who had been trying to make the buy was leaving by himself. Paul and I left, and we all met back where we had staged earlier. The agent who attempted the buy said the seller claimed he wanted to make the deal, but didn’t have the merchandise with him. They went back and forth for a couple minutes, then the seller said they should leave
town and drive to a remote area, where he could pick up the coke. (Coincidentally, that remote area is very near where I live now.) The buying agent wisely refused, and the deal was off. I mentioned the male who walked right next to the pending transaction prior to its cancellation, but no one else thought it was important. The consensus was that this was an attempt at a rip-off, by luring the buyer to a remote location. My suspicions about the male whom I believed to be a lookout were pondered, but not given much weight, given my lack of seniority. Whether or not it was a rip-off attempt, or a detected sting operation – or both - with all of us there, plus the other unseen agents and dispatchers, there was well over one thousand dollars-per-hour of the taxpayers’ money being spent, (in 90s dollars) with not much to show for it. It struck me then, and now, a number of years later, that our efforts at curbing the illegal drug trade were about as effective as bailing water out of the ocean with a Dixie cup. BY AVALANCHE
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
Moore On Life
Cold comfort
THE FIRST COLD OF THE SEASON HAS COME AND GONE AND IT WAS A BRUTAL ONE. I lay in bed like a sack of wet laundry unable to move for days. I refused to go to the doctor because I knew the verdict. I would pay a large amount of money to hear a young intern tell me to get plenty of rest and drink clear liquids. I could get that information for free on Google and not have to share a crowded waiting room with people coughing tuberculosis germs into my breathing space. But then the cold moved into my head behind my eyeballs. It felt as though a small fur-bearing mammal had burrowed into my sinuses and decided to hibernate in my nasal passages. I could count on it being there until spring. I bit the bullet. I went to the clinic and sat waiting to hear the verdict. The doctor, who looked a lot like the boy who mowed my lawn last summer, came in and handed me a piece of paper. “Oh joy. A prescription for some lovely
cold-curing drugs,” I told myself. “Sorry Mrs. Moore. You have a virus and viruses have to run their course.” “But doctor, isn’t there anything you can do for me?” “Well, there is one thing. It’s a new remedy that I just read about yesterday. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear liquids.” “Interesting. And just where did you read about this new remedy?” “On the Internet. In fact, you could have saved yourself a lot of time and money by just Googling it first. Here’s the bill. Pay at the front. ” On day ten of my cold, I trudged into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. A homeless man with stubble stared back at me. Frightening how a few days of not keeping up on one’s hygiene can lead to such a complete metamorphosis. On the lighter side, with a little trimming I could sport a dapper-looking goatee. They’re all the rage right now.
I decided a shower might be just the thing to freshen up my dismal appearance. Afterwards, I stood dripping on the bathroom scale when what to my wondering eyes should appear! The scale showed ten pounds lighter! Yes! Not even a week into the new year and I had already reached my goal to lose weight. This called for a celebration at my favorite all-you-can-eat buffet!
BY CINDY MOORE
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. JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
KIA FORTE
2 0 1 9 TRIES ITS BEST TO STAND OUT IN A CROWDED MARKETPLACE
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ith a base retail price point $17,690, Kia Motors is offering their redone Forte compact sedan with a number of improvements for 2019. Forte tends to compete in a very crowded segment with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic and V W Jetta. This model received a number of exterior upgrades and sheet metal changes impacting the sedan’s frontend design as well as the car’s rear assembly. It takes on a more modern look with some styling cues adopted from their popular Optima. At times, when testing out a new vehicle, I try and gauge the “curb appeal” or reaction from others. It’s sort of an unscientific analysis to use as an indicator on how the general public acknowledges what I’m driving. That said, I honestly didn’t get that much response to share while behind the wheel of the redone Forte. This imported five-passenger, four-door automobile is offered in four trim levels for 2019. FE, LXS, S and their top end EX with their model designations. All versions come with a 2.0-liter four cylinder DOHC, multiport fuel injected 16-valve engine. It’s rated at 147-horsepower and 132 lb. - ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is offered on the FE model, as is an optional continuously variable automatic (CVT). The CVT is standard on the other trim levels. Depending on options, the EPA fuel consumption numbers run from 31-mpg city, to 41-mpg with highway driving. With its 14 14 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
gallon gas tank, the driving range is quite extraordinary. The car is only produced with a front-wheel-drive layout, constructed on a unibody steel underside platform. An actual spare tire is included on their EX models, while the other versions only have an inflatable electronic air pump. That’s where their 24/7 roadside assistance service might be handy! It’s included for a period of fiveyears/60,000 miles. Interior room is on par with other models in this category, seating comfort is exhibited throughout. The dash controls and gauges are fairly easy to interrupt and effortless to navigate. Steering, breaking and road drivability is quite adequate. Acceleration is spirited, even with four adults on-board. Also included as standard with the ‘19 Forte is Bluetooth wireless handsfree technology, rear camera display, forward collision avoidance with lane departure warning, USB/Auxiliary input jack, dual 12-volt power outlets, steering wheel audio and phone controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, trip computer, remote keyless entry, dual zone automatic temperature control, twin overhead map lighting and sunglass holder as well as a lengthy list of safety improvements at no extra cost. Their EX premium model has a base pricing of $21,990 - shipping and destination charges would have to be added, which come out to be $895. It’s manufactured at their newly built plant located in Mexico, and the vehicle itself comes with a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. At roadtest, the
2019 EX I drove had a sticker price of $26,515 after options. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.
Nonprofit Profile
Circus Harmony: Hope in one ring
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ircus Harmony is a nonprofit social circus organization, which means they use circus arts to motivate social change. As both an arts education and a youth development organization, they inspire individuals and connect communities with their circus education and entertainment programs. Circus Harmony has a positive impact on the St. Louis area and beyond. Circus Harmony teaches the art of life through circus education. They work to build character and expand community for youth of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Through the teaching and performing of circus arts, they help people defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers, all at the same time. Through programs like Peace Through Pyramids, Circus in the Parks and Circus Harmony Showcase and Teacher Training, they help children find their strengths while inspiring hope in those who watch the children soar. Circus Harmony is the winner of the 2019 Missouri Arts Award for Arts Education! Of the over 1,400 children a year that they serve in the St. Louis metropolitan area, over 70 percent receive some sort of financial assistance. Their programs teach valuable life skills like perseverance, focus, and teamwork. They train their students to be successful in circus and in life. Learning circus with others teaches trust, responsibility and cooperation. Perhaps the most important experience they give their participants is the opportunity to meet and interact with children from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds than their own. Circus Harmony believes the path to peace is a path of cooperation and communication. Teaching children from different neighborhoods how to stand on each other’s shoulders may seem like a strange way to take this path. But it’s the technique they use successfully. Circus Harmony promotes peace through pyramids, joy through juggling and harmony through handsprings. Circus Harmony’s renowned youth circus troupe, the St. Louis Arches, perform around town and around the world. They are featured every year with St. Louis’ Circus Flora. Graduates are on tour with Cirque du Soleil, Circa Contemporary Circus of Australia, Les 7 Doigts de le Main, The Flying Wallendas and other companies. This year, their annual January show is a circus spy thriller, “Accelerando,” which will be presented in their little circus ring on the third floor of City Museum Jan.19, 20, 26 and 27. Their spring circus classes for all ages start on Jan. 28. More information on this unique organization, their shows and classes can be found on their website at www.circusharmony.org. Learn how building human pyramids also builds hope! JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Try the trendiest flavors tonight New seasonings make it easy
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xotic flavors common in the Middle Eastern region of the world like harissa, za’atar and shawarma are having a moment, appearing on restaurant menus and in popular make-at-home recipes.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 16 minutes | Servings: 8
Now is the perfect time to give these flavors a try. Thanks to new global seasonings from McCormick Gourmet, the spice combinations are already blended for the ultimate taste and simplicity. Made from high-quality herbs and spices, the seasonings are USDA-Organic certified and Non-GMO Project verified so you can feel good about the ingredients used in your cooking. The expertly blended spices help create distinctive global-inspired dishes that take your home dining experience to the next level so you can explore these flavors from around the world without leaving the comfort of home. • Za’atar: This traditional Middle Eastern blend of spices including thyme, oregano and sesame seeds is perfect for sprinkling on flatbreads, roasted vegetables, nuts or popcorn. It can also be mixed into hummus or oil for dipping. • Harissa: A spicy flavor found in North African cuisine, this seasoning is made from a combination of chilies, warm spices and mint. Add it to meat and veggies before roasting, stir it into cooked rice and grains, mix it into yogurt to make a dip or combine it with roasted bell peppers and oil to turn this spice into its namesake sauce. • Shawarma: Often associated with the slow roasting of meat, this Middle Eastern street food favorite is made with cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and more. Use this seasoning to flavor an easy marinade for chicken, pork or steak. Look for these flavors as well as new Peruvian and Berbere seasonings in the spice section of retailers nationwide. Find more recipe ideas at McCormickGourmet.com. 16 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
Ingredients:
Directions:
1 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
In small bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt and 1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5 teaspoons shawarma seasoning, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon gourmet Sicilian sea salt
In small bowl, mix oil, lemon juice, remaining yogurt, remaining shawarma seasoning and sea salt. Reserve 2 tablespoons of mixture; set aside. Place chicken in large re-sealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 1 hour, or longer for extra flavor.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
Heat grill or skillet to medium heat.
4 pita pockets, halved
Remove chicken from marinade. Discard remaining marinade. Grill or saute 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 F, brushing with reserved marinade.
1 medium seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 8 lettuce leaves
Slice chicken into thin strips. Serve in pitas with cucumber, lettuce and yogurt dressing.
For the Love of Food
Za’atar Labneh
Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8 (2 tablespoons each) Ingredients: 1 cup labneh (yogurt cheese) 2 teaspoons Za’atar seasoning, divided 1 tablespoon olive oil pita bread, for serving (optional) pita chips, for serving (optional) sliced fresh vegetables, for serving (optional) Directions: In small bowl, mix labneh and 1 teaspoon seasoning until well blended. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining seasoning. Serve with fresh pita bread, pita chips or sliced fresh vegetables, as desired.
Shaved Carrot with Pomegranate Salad Harissa Dressing Prep time: 20 minutes | Servings: 5 Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 3 tablespoons pomegranate juice 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons harissa seasoning 1/2 teaspoon Sicilian sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 pound multicolor carrots, washed and peeled 1/2 cup shelled roasted pistachios 1/2 cup dried cranberries 3 cups baby arugula 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions: In large bowl, mix mint, pomegranate juice, honey, harissa seasoning, sea salt and pepper. Gradually add oil while mixing with wire whisk until well mixed. Set aside. Trim carrot ends. Slice each carrot lengthwise into ribbons with vegetable peeler or
mandoline. In medium bowl, toss carrots with 1/4 cup prepared dressing. Stir in pistachios and cranberries. Arrange arugula on serving platter. Drizzle with remaining dressing and top with carrot mixture. Sprinkle with feta before serving.
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 17
Entertainment
2018 ST. LOUIS FILM CRITICS AWARD WINNERS NAMED
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t. Louis film critics spread the love as 15 different films receive recognition over 20 award categories. Spike Lee’s “Blackkklansman” and Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” lead the pack with three awards each as “Vice” comes in a close second. Notable awards include: The tragic romance “A Star Is Born” gains the coveted “Best Picture” award, while Spike Lee’s rousing biopic wins “Best Director” for “Blackkklansman.” In the acting categories Ethan Hawke’s turn as soul-searching Reverend Ernst Toller wins “Best Actor,” and Toni Collette’s memorable performance as Annie, a bereaved daughter discovering her family’s horrible heritage wins “Best Actress.” Richard B. Grant earns “Best Supporting Actor” for his role as Jack Hock, a supportive ne’er-do-well in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” and Regina King’s emotional and heartfelt turn as Sharon Rivers captures the coveted “Best Supporting Actress” award. Eligible films include those that opened in St. Louis during the 2018 calendar year, including foreign-language films that may have been released to qualify for awards the year before, but were not made available to membership until this year. A film, slated for a January 2019 release in St. Louis, is considered eligible if a screening/screener/screening link is made available to all members. The following is a complete list of the winners:
2018 ST. LOUIS FILM CRITICS AWARD WINNERS BEST PICTURE A Star is Born
BEST SCREENPLAY-ORIGINAL Adam McKay-”Vice”
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
BEST DIRECTOR Spike Lee “BlackKklansman”
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Alfonso Cuaron- “Roma”
BEST COMEDY “The Favourite”
BEST ACTOR Ethan Hawke- “First Reformed”
BEST EDITING Hank Corwin-”Vice”
BEST DOCUMENTARY “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
BEST ACTRESS Toni Collette- “Hereditary”
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Hannah Beachler - “Black Panther”
BEST FOREIGN FILM “Roma”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Richard E, Grant- “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
BEST MUSICAL SCORE Terence Blanchard- “BlackKklansman”
BEST SCENE Ocean scene in “Roma”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Regina King- “If Beale Street Could Talk” BEST SCREENPLAY-ADAPTED Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Wilmott, and Spike Lee- “BlackKklansman” 18 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2019
BEST SOUNDTRACK “Bohemian Rhapsody” BEST VISUAL EFFECTS “Avengers: Infinity War” BEST ACTION FILM “Mission Impossible: Fallout”
BY MATHEW DEKINDER
Mathew DeKinder is a film critic and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and also serves as the publisher of the Community News.
Community Calendar
JANUARY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 19
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