THE
fruits OF labor
MAY
2022 writers
VOL 18 | NO 5
BY AVALANCHE
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.
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.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12
BY CINDY MOORE
MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13
Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore Staff Writer Brett Auten
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.
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
For advertising information, please contact us at:
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
Copyright 2022 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.
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner. He's invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered "Car Talk Radio" over 35 years ago, as his new show "Automotive Insight" can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14
BY STEVE BRYAN
ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15
2 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
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.
MAY 4
2022
contents
Around Town Local news and events
11
Feature Story THE FRUITS OF LABOR O'Fallon's Holy Cross Lutheran Church is launching another season of its Community Garden Plots
12
Always an Adventure Changing seasons
13
Moore on Life Old habits
14
Automobile Alley The 2022 Toyota Sienna makes minivans cool again
15
Entertainment Tom Cruise’s Captain Peter Mitchell returns in ‘Maverick’
16
For the Love of Food Whip up a bountiful weekend brunch
19
Community Calendar: May
On the Cover: Submitted photo
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
Honoring the legacy of
Weldon Spring
A new 25,000-square-foot interpretive center that honors the work performed at the Weldon Spring Site is now open By Brett Auten
A
25,000-square-foot interpretive center that honors the work performed at the Weldon Spring Site opened its doors to the public last Friday. From 1941-1945, the U.S. Army manufactured trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT) at the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works. In 1956, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission constructed the Weldon Spring Uranium Feed Materials Plant, now referred to as the Weldon Spring Chemical Plant. The plant converted processed uranium ore concentrates to pure uranium trioxide, intermediate compounds, and uranium metal. A small amount of thorium was also processed. Exhibits address the history of the Weldon Spring area, the site’s contributions to World War II and the Cold War, cleanup and continuing long-term stewardship. CONTINUED PAGE 5 4 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Top photo: Legacy Management Director Carmelo Melendez shows former Weldon Spring Site worker Robert Laird one of the exhibits inside the new Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center near St. Charles, Missouri. LM welcomed about 70 guests to a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 14.
Bottom photo: Legacy Management Weldon Spring Site Manager Rebecca Roberts talks with local historian Dr. Daniel Brown as part of activities at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center near St. Charles, Missouri, on Thursday, April 14.
Around Town
Former workers and distinguished guests gathered last week for a cutting of the ribbon ceremony at the new Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center.
“With what is going on with Russia and the Ukraine, it draws your mind back to these times,” Dr. Daniel Brown, a local historian, educator, and author, said. “It reminds you of the sacrifices that people had to make to overcome evil yet it is still out there and there is still a need to respond to it.” Technical assistance with the design and construction of the $7.4 million Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center was provided by a support agreement between LM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facility was constructed to highlight the workers who provided their service to the nation, and recognize the sacrifices of displaced families and others who were impacted. “The United States owes a debt of gratitude to the workers at the Weldon Spring Site and workers throughout the nuclear complex who gave so much to our nation,” U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management Director Carmelo Melendez said. “Facilities like the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center provide valuable resources to the community and allow DOE to recognize the work of so many people who played critical roles in the Allied forces winning World War II and the Cold War.” Col. Kevin R. Golinghorst, Commander, United States Army Corp of Engineers St. Louis was one of the featured speakers.
Golinghorst said the collaboration is an example of how intergovernmental cooperation can serve the public. “We are incredibly proud of the partnership and our team’s contribution to achieve this public space,” Golinghorst said. “Utilizing state-of-the-art engineering principles will enable the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management to provide a sustainable community resource to the many visitors, teachers and school groups who will visit this facility.” Recently installed exhibits at the interpretive center highlight the site’s history, cleanup and continuing long-term stewardship. The Weldon Spring Site is now managed by LM. It is important to remember the more than 700 people who were displaced when the facility was built in the 1940s. Before the site was constructed, this land was home to three towns: Hamburg, Howell and Toonerville, which were all forced to evacuate to allow for the building of the plant. Hamburg was a town established by German immigrants and maintained a predominantly German population during its history. “They said, ‘We’ll go.’ They didn’t like it, but they said that if the federal government says they need our land for the defense of our
country … ‘We’ll go,’” Brown said. The state-of-the-art interpretive center is energy efficient and features the exhibit hall, four classrooms, an auditorium, and meeting spaces available for use, at no cost, to community groups such as nonprofit organizations and schools. Expanded offerings of on-site STEM education, an emphasis of DOE, will also be offered. “The interpretive center allows DOE to provide educational programs, tours, research opportunities, and meeting rooms for public use,” Rebecca Roberts, LM Weldon Spring site manager, said. “The surrounding gardens and prairie trails are also open to the public to explore.” The Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center is located on Missouri State Route 94, 2 miles south of the Route 94 and U.S. Highway 40/61 junction. The site serves as a trailhead to the multiuse six-mile Hamburg Trail with connections to Missouri Department of Conservation trail systems, the Great Rivers Greenway trail network, and the historic Katy Trail State Park trail that stretches across the state along the Missouri River. The top of its 41-acre disposal cell offers panoramic views of St. Charles County and the 150-acre Howell Prairie. On a clear day visitors can see all the way to the St. Louis Arch. MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
‘Beams of Hope’ offers lasting impression for new Habitat homeowners The new framework going up in a Habitat home begins an exciting journey for a first-time Habitat homeowner, as well as for the many volunteers and community partners who assist in the building of the home. Beams of Hope, a fundraising initiative launched by Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, offers individuals, families, businesses, organizations and community members the opportunity to personalize the two-by-six lengths of lumber, which provide the framework for Habitat’s 95th home. The home, located in the city of St. Charles, is slated for completion by the end of this year. According to the Habitat SUBMITTED PHOTO Beams of Hope, a fundraising initiative launched by Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, offers individuSt. Charles construction team, over 100 beams are als, families, businesses, organizations and community members the opportunity to personalize the two-by-six lengths of lumber, which provide the framework for Habitat’s 95th home. needed to frame the interior and exterior walls of each Habitat home. of Hope campaign, which will go toward the organization’s home To participate, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County offers building initiative. Participation is encouraged from individuals, the following guidelines: families, businesses, organizations, places of worship and community members. Visit https://donorbox.org/beamsofhope for more • Each beam is available with a $250 donation. Habitat for Humaninformation. ity of St. Charles County hopes to raise $25,000 with the Beams • A plain, wood beam may be picked up during the office hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the local Habitat affiliate office at 2041 Trade Center Drive in St. Peters, Missouri. • Words of hope, encouragement, peace and inspiration may be inscribed on the beam. Participants are encouraged to use their artistic skills and imagination in the personalization of their beam. (Please note: to preserve the structural integrity of the beam, it cannot be cut, burned, carved or physically altered in any way.) • Decorated beams should be returned to the Habitat office by May 16. • Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County will post logos of Beams of Hope participants on signage at the home’s jobsite, as well as on its website and social media. Contact leah@habitatstcharles.org for more information. • “Beams and Bagels,” a celebratory viewing party for all participating donors to see their personalized beams installed in the new Habitat home, is slated for July. “During a Habitat construction project, the home’s wood beams are signed primarily by the volunteers, donors, friends and family members that helped build the home,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Beams of Hope is a unique way to expand on this idea for members of the St. Charles County community to offer indelible, meaningful messages of peace, home, inspiration, praise, love, faith and joy to a new Habitat homeowner while supporting our mission to build affordable, stable housing with hard-working families in the area.” 6 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
Around Town
Mosaics Fine Art Festival sets return dates for 27th annual event Mosaics Fine Art Festival will host its 27th annual event on Sept. 16 from 4 to 9 p.m., Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, will be held along several blocks of North Main St. in Historic St. Charles, Mo. where more than 30 restaurants and over 75 shops are located. The three-day festival includes approximately 80 juried artists from more than 15 states who will exhibit artwork available for purchase. Media categories include clay, drawing, glass, leather, metal, pastel, oil/acrylic, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and wood. A total of $5,000 will be awarded to the top 10 artists. The Children’s Village area will feature hands-on art experiences for children to create their own make-and-take art masterpieces. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Mary Hediger Memorial Art Shop for Kids is a kids-only gallery where children ages 14 and younger can buy professional artwork. Designed to foster art appreciation at a young age, all pieces are donated by participating festival artists and can be purchased for a nominal fee. The H. Robert Pank Memorial Entertainment Pavilion will showcase a variety of performing artists throughout the weekend. The Artists for Adoption Pet Pavilion, located at the north end of the festival, will be open to families interested in adopting pets from local rescue organizations. The Joyce Rosen Founder’s Scholarship art display will include select high school students’ works of art. Scholarships will be presented in memory of Joyce Rosen, the original festival founder and a longtime supporter of St. Louis artists and events. The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. Artists can apply before the April 30 deadline at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=9849. For more information, call 314-
SUBMITTED PHOTO Mosaics Fine Art Festival will host its 27th annual event on Sept. 16 from 4 to 9 p.m., Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town
St. Charles County a step closer to eliminating emissions testing St. Charles County is a step closer to eliminating emissions testing for county automobile owners. The Missouri Air Conservation Commission (MACC) on March 31 voted to redesignate the St. Louis Metro area from a non-attainment to attainment area and approved the state’s maintenance plan for continued compliance. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann met with Missouri Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR) staff and provided testimony on behalf of this effort. The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCOG) Board of Directors, of which Ehlmann is a member, has expressed its strong support of the redesignation as well. Ehlmann is hopeful for EPA approval, but has not been given a definite timeframe when that might occur. “We’ve been waiting for this redesignation and are grateful to the MACC for its decision,” Ehlmann says. “Our clean air monitors are, and have been, in compliance with the 2015 ozone standard, and the MDNR has met all the EPA requirements in the federal Clean Air Act. Our residents need to be free of this unnecessary expense.”
Emissions testing resulted from a program established in 1984 by the state to meet EPA national air quality standards. In Missouri, residents living in nonattainment areas are required to get emissions testing to license their vehicles. The next step is for the EPA to approve both the attainment status and the maintenance plan in order for the state to move forward on eliminating the vehicle emissions testing requirement for residents in the St. Louis area. “This has been a long process and it’s not over yet,” Ehlmann says, “but we continue to bring it to the forefront of those who make the decisions.”
Oglesby Park near Wentzville to become St. Charles County’s newest park LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
READER SURVEY RESULTS of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days.
For Advertising
636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com
8 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
St. Charles County’s newest park near Wentzville will become Oglesby Park, named after one of the property’s early owners. The 199-acre plot of land is at 2949 West Meyer Road and is scheduled to open this summer. “I am pleased to offer this name for council consideration and approval,” says County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “The history behind landowner Benjamin Oglesby and his family is both remarkable and inspirational.” Benjamin Oglesby was born a slave in 1825 in Bedford, Virginia, and was brought to Missouri in 1837 at the age of 12 by his owner, Marshall Bird. He worked on a farm near present-day I-70 and Highway W in the Foristell/Wentzville area. In 1864, at the age of 39, Oglesby fled captivity of Bird and enlisted in the Union Army in St. Charles. His wife and children remained in captivity while he went through basic training in St. Louis to eventually fight for their freedom. Oglesby was assigned to the 56th United States Colored Infantry and was honorably discharged in 1865. After the Civil War, according to the 1870 census, Oglesby, his wife, Martha and their six children – Medora, Samuel, Oskar, Bell,
Albert, and Charlie – worked on a farm in Hickory Grove Township in Warren County. In 1871, he purchased 146 acres of land in Foristell. He financed the property through a $2,000 Deed of Trust and paid off the property six years later. Oglesby farmed the land at 2949 West Meyer Drive for 30 years. His wife died in 1900, and he died in 1901. He is buried in Smith Chapel Cemetery, a mile from his farm. The Oglesby children owned the property through the mid-1900s. “As St. Charles County continues to expand westward, this park is in an ideal location,” Ehlmann says. “The park will offer shelters, natural surface and paved trails, and a playground when it opens this summer. If the council approves, it will be a fitting tribute to the Oglesby family name and the history of St. Charles County.” Ehlmann says the property allows the parks department to maintain green space for the future. This will be the 18th county park to open since the parks system was founded 25 years ago. There are three other park properties in reserve for the future. For more information on St. Charles County Parks, visit stccparks.org.
May
Community Calendar
1
May Day
3
National Teacher Appreciation Day
5
Cinco de Mayo
8
Mother’s Day
9
Truman Day
15
Peace Officers Memorial Day
20
National Defense Transportation Day
21
Armed Forces Day
22
National Maritime Day
25
National Missing Children’s Day
30
Memorial Day
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 9
THE
fruits OF labor
O'Fallon's Holy Cross Lutheran Church is launching another season of its Community Garden Plots
By Brett Auten
A
re you looking for a fun, healthy challenge that is good for the body, mind, and soul? O'Fallon's Holy Cross Lutheran Church is launching another season of its Community Garden Plots. Growing your own food isn't rocket science and it has many health benefits. It helps you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and you get to decide what kinds of fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food. Gardening also lets you control when to harvest your food. Vegetables that ripen in a home garden have more nutrients than some store-bought vegetables that must be picked early. And it takes a little time, but things like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers are very forgiving.
10 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
Holy Cross is located at 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway, just across from Zumwalt Park. “From families showing their kids, to people who live in an apartment,” David Schlesselman, a member of Holy Cross Lutheran who started the campaign, said. “We pray that participants will be blessed through the physical exercise, the fellowship with other gardeners, and the fruits of your labor.” Available are 10-foot by 12-foot garden plots. The ground will have compost added and be ready for planting once the weather dries up. You may plant whatever you like and are responsible for weeding, watering and harvesting. All plots are marked with numbers and the surrounding grounds will be mowed regularly. Water will be provided by Holy Cross Lutheran Church, but you will be responsible for getting it to your individual
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Holy Cross Lutheran Church is garden plots available. You may plant whatever you like and are responsible for weeding, watering, and harvesting.
plot. The church does provide a water barrel from which you can fill sprinkling cans or buckets. They ask that you limit the use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers so as not to affect surrounding vegetation in neighboring plots. “You really get to understand and appreciate the freshness,” Schlesselman said. “It is so much different. Nothing beats that.” New this year is if you have grown more than you can use for
something, they will be making weekly donations to Hope Food Pantry in O’Fallon. I will provide containers by the barrel where you may place your extra produce. Holy Cross members are asked to pay a $20 annual fee per plot and community people are invited to participate as guests. Monies will be used for improvements to the garden area. “I was a teacher and I always enjoyed showing a student something and
you watch that light bulb go on,” Schlesselman said. “You see someone pull out a big squash or cucumber and there's the gleam like the student. They are like, 'I raised this.'” If you are interested in a plot, please contact Schlesselman at 636-578-1766 or by email at daschlesselman@gmail.com.
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 11
Always An Adventure
Changing BY AVALANCHE WITH MOST OF THE SNOW MELTED
and green things climbing up and out of the muddy soil, (at least at our elevation,) the tools and toys of winter are put away and thoughts and actions turn to the spring and summer. Plows and skis are retired until the snow flies again, and garden shovels, bicycles and motorcycles get pulled out of storage. A number of the neighbors are eager to get out on the river in their rafts and kayaks, as it looks like a good runoff will be had during the warm months. The construction season, which never seemed to wind down in the main valley, is ramping up even more now that it’s warm outside. This brings its own challenges, such as finding workers to build the new projects, and those work-
12 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
ers, in turn, must figure out just where the heck they’re going to live. A recent news article stated that in the local fire district, there are currently over one million square feet of buildings under construction, quite a bit for a valley that is 20 miles long and just a couple miles wide. The fire chief is trying to figure out how to manage the increase in calls for service, already at record levels. Approvals have already been granted for another million square feet of development to begin construction by September of this year, which will double the frantic pace of building. While some of that construction is residential in nature, the prices will be commensurate with one of the most expensive places to live in not only the nation, but in the world. The new expensive homes, priced at seven-figures and up, will not likely house too many waiters, bartenders, teachers, mechanics, carpenters or nurses. Rather, most will be second, third, or even fifth homes for those who are fortunate enough to be in those rarified tax brackets. However, cracks are appearing in the foundation of this frenzy of development. As mentioned above, finding workers to do just about any kind of work is nearly impossible. A taxi ride from the airport just a couple short miles into the local resort town can take over 90 minutes because so few cabs are available. Some friends were at the airport and their flight and several others were cancelled due to weather, a common occurrence in the mountains. It will be six days before they can get seats on another flight to get out. There simply aren’t enough flights to accom-
modate the number of travelers, even in the off-season. Many people who do own second homes here have moved in on a permanent basis, refugees-turned-residents who relocated from the virus-plagued urban areas. Therefore, many homes that were previously occupied for a few weeks per year are now always full. Those new full-timers put extra demand on everything from water systems to highways, medical facilities, grocery stores, hair salons and pet groomers. The local infrastructure is getting taxed even without the throngs of vacationers who come to enjoy the winters and summers. Some, perhaps many, of these sudden full-timers have brought their expectations of city-levels of service here, and those expectations are frequently not met. Yes, your road will get plowed, in its order of priority from busiest roads to the least busy. Same with pothole repair and barking dog problems. Don’t take it personally; there just aren’t enough resources to go around. Given the ongoing trend of steep price increases, the whole business model of endless development just might come to a screeching halt. As more well-heeled travelers get stranded for a week due to an afternoon of bad weather, and fewer and fewer of the working class can call this place home, it is becoming less and less appealing to be here. Once gridlock in all systems becomes the norm, those second through fifth homes might go on the market at reduced rates, maybe allowing things to go back to some kind of equilibrium. Hey, we can always dream!
Moore On Life
Old habits BY CINDY MOORE
WHY IS IT THAT WHEN OUR ADULT CHILDREN COME TO VISIT we remember all too well why we
booted them out in the first place. Speaking of boot… On a recent extended visit they entered the house with the grandkids in tow. Immediately after the hugs and happy laughter were over, the juvenile habits settled back in quicker than I could say, “Who left the milk out?!” I knew their old ways had returned because I was immediately encircled by a shoe pile that reached up to my belly button. “Everyone…shoes!” I said. No answer. “Ahem, no shoes in the house. Rules haven’t changed. Leave them in the garage. Hello? Anyone?” I needed to pick my battles. It was too early to start a rampage, so I got a snow shovel and scooped up the nest of shoes and deposited them onto the garage floor. By then the throng had scampered off into the kitchen to ransack the pantry. They know I stock it up with all their favorite treats. They unloaded and left a trail of plates, glasses and utensils like Hansel and Gretel leaving crumbs to lead them back home. Later, the swarm followed their path and returned to raid the refrigerator like it was Sir Gorge-A-Lot’s allyou-can-eat-buffet. They believed it was their personal cafeteria opened all hours complete with a waitress on duty to clean up and magically restock the empty shelves just like when they were ten. Back then the laundry fairy mysteriously made their putrid under-
shorts wearable again and somehow restocked their sock drawer with fresh ones. They still have no idea how it happened. There were other telltale signs that the squatters had taken up residence. Someone forgot to close the toilet lid and the paper roll was empty. That left me wondering what kind of substitute wipes were used. I made a mental note to toss out the hand towels. I wasn’t taking any chances with these barbarians. I wandered into the den a.k.a., the toy war room. I suggested, “How about we pick up the kids’ playthings sometime this week?” One daughter paused the TV and stopped dipping into her bowl of popcorn to say, “Why? They’re just going to get them out and make a mess again. Mom, haven’t you learned anything from raising kids?” The big ones have been evicted, but I kept the little ones behind. Somebody’s got to teach them how to properly install a roll of toilet paper.
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
THE 2022
TOYOTA SIENNA
MAKES MINIVANS COOL AGAIN
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN WHILE A NUMBER OF OTHER CAR COMPANIES HAVE quencies that would be most annoying. The high-strength platform ELIMINATED MINIVANS IN THEIR PRODUCT MIX, Toyota resists noise intrusion and vibrations throughout the vehicle structure.
Motors is raising the bar for the 2022 model year by offering yet another trim level to the Sienna line-up. Besides manufacturing this minivan in the LE entry edition, it's also offered in a sporty XLE trim and the newest version is the Woodland model. From there, the product mix increases to the XSE, Limited and their top end Platinum editions for '22. Now in its fourth generation, Sienna is built here stateside as well as designed in conjunction with their facilities in Southern California as well as in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This new body design yields notable aerodynamic performance coupled with a contemporary footprint. The LE grade adds more amenities while the higher grades have additional new technologies. The XSE model heightens its sporty aspect with bolder looking front and rear bumpers and a sport tuned suspension that is quite unique. This van also offers many premium features across the model line, of course it depends on the trim level. For instance, hands free/foot operated sliding side doors and rear hatch are offered as well as fourzone climate control. Additionally, welcome amenities include heated second-row adjustable captain's chairs, power tilt and telescoping steering column with heated steering wheel, 10-in. color head's-up drivers display system and 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio is something to consider. The fully-loaded Limited and Platinum grades offer two factory options: digital rearview mirror and an HD entertainment center screen with a 11.6-in. display. This also includes HDMI input, remote control and two wireless headphones. All 2022 Sienna models come standard with second-generation Toyota Safety Sense technology. It's a comprehensive active safety system that includes: Pre-collision sensors with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, cyclist detection system and road sign recognition plus 10-airbags. Exclusively, this Toyota offers seamless hybrid power and benefits from Toyota’s 20-plus years of global hybrid leadership. It delivers 245 total system horsepower and has an EPA-estimated 36 combined city/ highway MPG fuel economy with its front-wheel drive chassis. In conjunction with the factory’s gasoline engine and its 18-gallon fuel tank, this vehicle gets more than 600 miles of driving range. Overall, driving stability and comfort is certainly more evident than ever. The quiet cabin design was focused on reducing noises in the fre14 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
The shifter and other vital controls are all within easy reach, along with cup holders, available wireless charger and ample storage for smaller items. Depending on the layout, it's offered with either seven or eight seating positions. There is a list of connectivity and entertainment enhancements offerings as well. The standard backup camera features a projected path, while higher grade models have a wideangle monitor to show even more of what's behind the vehicle. The available Bird’s Eye View Camera provides a live, 360-degree view to help the driver see potential obstacles. Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty applies to all components, other than normal wear and maintenance items. Pricing starts out at $34,560 with FWD and the top end Platinum model with AWD has an MSRP of $50,760 excluding the shipping charges of $1,215.
Entertainment
TOM CRUISE’S CAPTAIN PETER MITCHELL
RETURNS IN ‘MAVERICK’
D
BY STEVE BRYAN
During the pandemic, the airline industry was amongst the hardest hit as people who would normally have traveled for fun opted to stay safe at home. In 1903, however, Orville and Wilbur Wright were the original pilots on the aircraft they created. Orville made the first trip on their invention, but other would-be aviators questioned the brothers’ status of making the first manned flight. Still, the duo opened the door for a new era in travel. The “Age of Aviation” brought with it engineers, pilots as well as films about their exploits. “Wings,” a 1927 film that won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, contained state-of-the-art special effects at that time. Actress Clara Bow, Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen led a cast that, according to Wikipedia, contained 300 pilots. Director William Wellman shot impressive aerial footage that still looks amazing in the 21st century. In the 1960’s, Rogers and Arlen even made a cameo appearance on “Petticoat Junction” playing themselves at the muchdelayed Hooterville premiere of “Wings.” 1957’s “The Spirit of Saint Louis” examined the flying prowess of Charles Lindbergh. Jimmy Stewart played Lindbergh and showed his quest to win the $25,000 award offered by Raymond Orteig for the first successful nonstop transatlantic flight between New York City and Paris. Lindbergh’s plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis” was a single-engine, single-seat monoplane but, because of the large gas tank in front of the cockpit, Lindbergh had to look out his side windows for guidance.
2009’s “Up in the Air” followed a man whose job was firing people. George Clooney played Ryan Bingham, a smooth-talking, seasoned traveler hired to make reductions in a workforce tolerable. Bingham also loved air travel and his expressed goal was racking up 10 million frequent flyer miles. During his trips, Ryan met Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), another seasoned traveler that seemed like the perfect woman for him. On Jan. 15, 2009, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles flew through a flock of Canadian geese that damaged both engines. The pilots kept their cool and Sullenberger relied on experience to ditch the plane in the Hudson River. Although there were some injuries and cases of hypothermia, all the passengers survived. Clint Eastwood’s 2016 film “Sully” told the story of the now-famous captain and what he endured after the flight. In 2022, Tom Cruise’s iconic Pete Mitchell character will return flying aircraft that the Wright brothers could only imagine. “Top Gun: Maverick” has been slated for a Memorial Day Weekend release and will contain more intriguing special effects. Thirty-five years after the first movie, Maverick has been called back to train select “Top Gun” graduates for a special assignment. One graduate is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s deceased best friend, Goose (played in the first film by Anthony Edwards).
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Whip up a
BOUNTIFUL WEEKEND BRUNCH F
resh air, warm sun and delicious foods make brunch a favorite weekend event. Set the stage (and the table) for an inviting experience with recipes that cover all the bases from snacks and desserts to a mouthwatering main course. Tide the appetite of your guests with Spiced Grass-Fed Lamb Over Hummus served with toasted flatbread or tortilla chips before
dishing out Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole for a simple centerpiece. Just as those delectable dishes are vanishing, pull Brown Sugar Pound Cake out of the oven and pair with sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit for a sweet finishing touch. Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to broaden your brunch menu.
Overnight Apple Cinnamon Overnight Cinnamon French Apple Toast Casserole French Toast Casserole WAKE UP TO A WONDERFUL BRUNCH Perfect for any brunch occasion is a delicious dish that can be made a day in advance, simplifying your morning prep before guests arrive with growling stomachs. Prepared the day before and chilled overnight, this Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is ready to bake to perfection in the morning with a gooey interior and crisp exterior filled with mouthwatering flavor. Drizzle with glaze then dish out to loved ones for a delicious way to make brunch easy. Find more breakfast and brunch recipes at Culinary.net.
16 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
SERVINGS: 12
INGREDIENTS: Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (20 ounces) French bread, cubed, divided 1 can (20 ounces) apple pie filling 9 eggs 1 cup half-and-half 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) 2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)
DIRECTIONS: Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In baking dish, add 10 ounces cubed French bread in bottom of dish. Pour apple filling over bread. Top with remaining cubed French bread. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Cover with aluminum foil and chill overnight. Heat oven to 325 F. Remove foil and bake 50-60 minutes. Let cool 10-15 minutes. In small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk. Add additional, if needed, until pourable glaze is reached. Drizzle over casserole before serving.
For the Love of Food
SATISFY CAKE CRAVINGS WITH A BRUNCH -WORTHY DESSERT Whether your brunch feast consists of bacon and eggs, pancakes and waffles or a combination of favorites, you can cap it off with a sweet treat for the perfect ending. After all, no celebration is complete without dessert. Once the table is cleared of the main courses, dish out decadent bites of this Brown Sugar Pound Cake baked with high-quality ingredients like C&H Sugars to end the meal on a sweet note. Top with whipped cream and your crowd’s favorite fruits like strawberries and blueberries or serve the toppings separately for a customizable treat. Visit chsugar.com for more brunch recipe ideas.
Brown Sugar Pound Cake PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR | SERVINGS: 8
INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for coating pan, divided 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt sweetened whipped cream, for topping (optional) fresh fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries, for topping (optional)
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan. In large bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. In separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture. Pour batter into pan. Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan and turn out on rack to cool completely. Top with sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired. CONTINUED PAGE 18
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 17
For the Love of Food
A FRESH, FLAVORFUL BRUNCH BITE Brunch is a perfect opportunity to entertain friends and family with delicious recipes that will delight their taste buds. For example, this smooth hummus is paired with tender New Zealand grass-fed lamb loin chops and fresh toppings for flavor in every bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Spiced Grass-Fed Lamb Over Hummus recipe is made using Atkins Ranch lamb, which is available at your local Whole Foods Market and hails from New Zealand where the animals are grass-fed 365 days a year and allowed to roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures. The result is a lean, finely textured, flavorful meat that tastes just as nature intended. Visit beefandlambnz.com for more recipes, cooking tips and information.
18 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2022
For the Love of Food
Spiced Grass -Fed Lamb Over Hummus PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 4-6
INGREDIENTS: Lamb: 4 lamb loin chops 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Hummus: 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas
For serving: 1 Persian cucumber, small diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup tahini 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small tomato, diced 2 tablespoons roasted pine nuts (or 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds) parsley, chopped lemon wedges toasted flatbread or tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS: To make lamb: Remove lamb from bone, dice meat into small cubes and transfer to medium bowl. Add cumin powder and salt. Toss to coat. Marinate while preparing hummus. To make hummus: Drain chickpeas, reserving 1 tablespoon liquid. Rinse chickpeas under running water then drain. In bowl of food processor, pulse chickpeas, chickpea liquid and garlic until chickpeas and garlic are chopped. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, cumin, paprika and olive oil. Mix until smooth paste forms. Taste and adjust by adding
more salt, lemon juice or olive oil, as desired. Transfer hummus to large platter and spread it out. In large skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil over high heat until hot. Add lamb and cook 30 seconds without moving. Turn lamb over and cook 30-60 seconds, repeating until all sides are browned. Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes. To serve, place cucumbers and tomatoes in well of hummus then top with lamb, pine nuts and parsley. Top with squeeze of lemon juice and serve with flatbread or tortilla chips.
MAY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 19
WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET
WWW.PROACTIVEPRINTSERVICES.COM
FREE Online Subscription at www. MYCNEWS