THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE
WWW.ASHFORDMOTORS.NET
WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET
www.dpc4u.org
WWW.LAWNAUTHORITY.COM
LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
READER SURVEY RESULTS of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days. WWW.PBTC.NET
For Advertising
636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com
2 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
AUGUST 2017
contents
VOL 13 | NO 8
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta. Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten
Departments
4
Around Town Local news and events
8
Always an Adventure Focus is required on a bike
9
Moore on Life Sand crabs
14
Entertainment ‘The Bad News Bears’: The kids and sports standard for movies
15
Automobile Alley Jaguar’s F-Pace brings high tech to mid-size luxury SUVs
16
Food Good eats with grapes: Make a heart-healthy menu
18
Medical Memo A drugless migraine treatment is an option
19
Community Calendar: August
features 10
12
Nonprofit Profile The Fit and Food Connection brings health and nutrition to hungry families
13
Advertiser Profile The ‘preclipse’ celebration
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
The Great American Eclipse St. Charles County sits in the path of this once-in-a-lifetime event to take place on Aug. 21
www.mycnews.com
Copyright 2015 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: Photo courtesy Bigstock
AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
READY FOR WILD RESCUES St. Charles County Ambulance District adds UTV to fleet to help access patients in off-road areas By Brett Auten
Nature is glorious and profound. But it can also be treacherous and life-threateningly dangerous. In those later cases, the St. Charles County Ambulance District is trained and ready to handle the situation. When emergencies, accidents or illnesses occur where there are no paved pathways or people within miles, SCCAD paramedics are now better equipped to respond thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The group recently awarded SCCAD a grant for a utility terrain vehicle (or UTV), which will be used to reach patients who suffer medical emergencies in areas difficult to access with traditional ambulances. “Since April alone, we’ve been sent out nine times to various calls,” Kyle Gaines, Director of Community Relations, said. “Over the years there has been quite a variety (of calls). There have been some rough bicycle wrecks because there are some spots on the Katy Trail that drop off pretty quick. Or it has been that someone gets stung by as wasp or a bee and don’t have their EpiPen. Or it could be heat exhaustion or stroke. Just a little bit of everything.” The new UTV is decked out to hold a stretcher and other lifesaving medical equipment used on emergency calls. The UTV will be the second in the fleet. Having the additional UTV will enable the district to position units at multiple stations along the trail network. Battalion Chief Brian Schnelle, who is not only stationed at the district’s south zone where most of the trail calls occur - was also involved in the planning and procurement of the UTV that is was donated. “This will help us get to the patients that we generally have a hard time getting to,” he said. “There are a lot of areas in the county that we can’t get a conventional vehicle to.” Schnelle has been front and center on many dire calls. 4 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
Photo by Ray Rockwell Presentation of the new UTV from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to St. Charles County Ambulance District took place at Firehouse Subs at 1365 Bass Pro Drive in St. Charles on July 13. Among those in attendance were (standing at the left of the vehicle) Michael Domico, Area Representative with Firehouse Subs and cutting the ribbon were (left) David A. Lewis Assistant Chief St Charles County Area Ambulance District and (right) Larry Webb Firehouse Subs franchise owner.
“Just last year we had a man fall off a steep embankment and broke his hip,” Schnelle said. “It took about an hour-and-a-half just to find him. And when you are in a situation like that you have to take a lot of equipment with you. You’re so far out you can’t just walk back to your truck to get something.” In total, the equipment is valued at nearly $25,000. The UTV was officially presented to the district last week at the Firehouse Subs restaurant in St. Charles. “Between the Katy Trail, Great Rivers Greenway and an expansive network of paths located within numerous St. Charles County Parks, there are many miles of off-road areas within our community where medical emergencies occur with some regularity,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer, SCCAD Chief, said. “These areas are being used with increasing frequency by runners, bicyclists and others, and the equipment donated by
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will undoubtedly result in reduced response times to medical emergencies.” In addition to emergency calls in hard-toaccess areas, UTVs are also utilized by Paramedics with large-scale events such as the County Fair and O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest. “It feels great to be able to give back to those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” said Larry Webb of the Firehouse Subs Franchisee. In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the nonprofit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $25 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puer-
Around Town
WILDERNESS CHECKLIST Kyle Gaines of the St. Charles County Ambulance District offers these tips when you are planning to head into the many miles of forest and wilderness that surrounds the county. • Plug it in. Take the extra time to make sure you have a fully-charged cell phone with an emergency battery charger just in case. • Drink it up. Make sure you have plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the more typical calls the district receives. Photo by Ray Rockwell The new UTV will help SCCAD paramedics respond when emergencies, accidents or illnesses occur where there are no paved pathways or people within miles.
to Rico and Canada, including more than $778,000 in Missouri. “Firehouse Subs has a long-standing com-
mitment to giving back to the community that it has stores are in,” Gaines said. “This was on our wish list.”
• Tell a friend. Riding and exploring with a buddy is always more fun, but if you choose to go at it alone, make sure you tell a friend or a loved one an estimated time on when you will return.
Exhibit of paintings by Neil Kruel open at O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery A colorful exhibit of abstract acrylic paintings by Neil Kruel opened July 21, at the O’Fallon Cultural Arts Gallery in the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery admission is free. The exhibit will be available for viewing through Sept. 1 during regular business hours at the indoor recreation complex: 5:15 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. For more location information, call 636-4742732 or visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com. Neil Kruel graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Creative Design. There, he began his artistic journey painting landscapes with majestic mountain scenes as his reference. Later he turned to creating with clay, studying under acclaimed ceramicist Herb Schumacher. Returning to Missouri, Kruel earned an MFA
from the University of Missouri at Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis. He taught art history, painting and ceramics as a faculty member at East Central College in Union, Missouri, from 1984-2004. Currently he lives in Union where for many years he’s had his own advertising and marketing business, and his art studio is adjacent to his rural home. His artwork has been shown in galleries and other venues, and his commissions, murals, paintings and sculptural forms are in public and private collections worldwide. Images of his artwork are posted at www.neilkruel.com/paintings.html. Of his current exhibit of paintings, Kruel said, “My work is an expression of energy and color, combining elements of linear balance and juxtapositioning. My approach is an honest use of material with a very direct execution. All this happens with delightful serendipity.”
www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
Community Community Living, Living, Inc. Inc. provides provides clients clients with with over over $14,000 $14,000 worth worth of of technology technology devices devices
Submitted photo John Ditch, Director of Information Systems for Community Living, hands Felicia Forrest a Strap Stylus and Tab Grabber. This item will allow Felicia the opportunity to have an interactive experience with a tablet without having to hold the item.
Twenty-four Community Living clients who participate in the organization’s direct support services programs received the gift of life-changing technology on June 30. During an event held at the Community Living offices in St. Peters, the clients were presented with over $14,000 worth of technology devices, including iPads and iPhones, laptops, desktop computers, tablets and Google Chromebooks. The items were purchased through Community Living’s Technology Fund, which was established in 2016 to provide assistive and adaptive technology devices to individuals with disabilities that are served by Community Living. In recent months, Community Living issued a call for applications, giving clients the chance to apply to receive the devices. “For our clients, these devices represent life-changing tools with the power to enhance life and job skills, make communication easier and provide an endless array of educational opportunities,” said Christine Rutherford, Director of Development. “We are truly thrilled to be able to use dollars contributed to our Technology Fund to provide this array of tech items to our clients 6 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
that need them most.” Funds raised for this initiative were generated in a variety of ways, including the receipt of a grant from the St. Charles Rotary Club and donations received from Give STL Day, a spring mail appeal and by donors attending Community Living’s 2016 Legacy Ball gala event. Last year, donations from the Technology Fund were used to purchase technology devices for a handful of clients, with a portion of funds being set aside for the recent call for applications. A total of 24 applications were received and Community Living was able to grant each of the requests. Among the clients receiving technology devices during today’s event was 13-year-old Elijah Rutherford, a participant in Community Living’s SOAR (Social Opportunities and Recreation) program, which provides yearround enrichment and social activities for teens with developmental disabilities. Elijah, who struggles with writing, received a Google Chromebook with a speech-totext feature designed to help him complete written school assignments more quickly, allowing him to keep up with his peers when computers aren’t accessible in the classroom.
Fellow SOAR participant 17-year-old Antwan Johnson was also the recipient of an electronic device at the event. Recently accepted into the Adult Life Preparation Program at St. Charles Community College, Antwan received a laptop that can be used in class and at home for school assignments. Also receiving a device at the event was Jana Uldrych. Jana is legally blind and utilizes Community Living’s Independent Living Assistance services. After her computer broke a couple of years ago, Jana was unable to afford to purchase another computer with vision software designed to help her read independently. Following today’s event, she is now the owner of a new laptop computer which features the vision software she needs. “So many of us view technology as simply a way to do our work or to stay connected to friends and family,” said Barb Griffith, President/CEO. “But, for the individuals that received devices today, technology is a critical part of life, and something that they truly rely on.” Community Living client Mike Wood is a recent technology device recipient whose life was changed after he received an iPad Air through Community Living’s Technology Fund last fall. When the fund was initially established, Mike was among the first clients to receive a tech device. Mike has severe autism and is also nonverbal, and he was getting frustrated with his inability to communicate. His speech therapist recommended the use of an iPad Air with Proloquo2Go symbol-supported communication to help him “speak.” The technology, which would have been tough for Mike to afford on his own, has opened up a new world of possibilities for communication. In less than a year, Mike has learned how to operate the iPad and has familiarized himself with symbols that help him communicate. He has progressed quickly, and is now able to differentiate between yes and no responses and can combine symbols to communicate his opinions, wants and needs. “Mike is all smiles when he’s using this technology to speak,” said Cindy Borgerding, Individual Program Coordinator for Community Living. “It’s awe-inspiring to watch how proud he is of himself and how far he’s come as he works to increase his communications skills.”
Around Town
Our Lady of the Way shrine a labor of love for St. Peters mayor
By Mark McFarland
Our Lady of the Way shrine sits on Suemandy Dr. just off of Interstate 70 in St. Peters.
Mayor Len Pagano has always had one project on his mind since he took office in 1983, to make sure the Our Lady of the Way shrine just off Interstate 70 was maintained and in good condition. The shrine no longer sits in its original position, but was moved by Pagano and a team of volunteers to its new location on Suemandy Dr. beginning in 1988. The land was donated by the May Company for the sole purpose of the shrine and it took Pagano and his team three years to move the shrine. Pagano said this project was one of the first projects he ever worked on as mayor. He wanted to make sure he did everything he could for the project of moving the shrine. When the group was moving the shrine, they had to stop for a little bit because they hit solid ground. Pagano said they had no idea what they could’ve hit, but made sure they were allowed to keep digging. “What I though was cool when we were moving the shrine we struck something solid,” Pagano said. “Later we found out it was the old Gatty road which was before Interstate 70 came through.” Pagano said in order to figure out what road it was, they had to bust out the old record books for the city. The shrine was kept maintained by the local members of the All Saints church until about three or four years ago. Pagano said a lot of the original helpers are either too old to help or have since passed away. Since then the Knights of Columbus and other local clubs and groups have helped make sure the shrine stays in great condition. Pagano said the original shrine was built in 1959 to honor the death of a young boy. The shrine has become a landmark for the city of St. Peters and has been since after it was moved to its current location. Pagano said it is interesting because not a lot of people know it
Photo by Ray Rockwell
is here. “There aren’t a lot of roadside shrines in Missouri and I think it is interesting we have one and not a lot of people know it is even here.” Pagano encourages anyone who is interested to go visit the shrine.
AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 7
Always An Adventure
FOCUS IS REQUIRED ON A BIKE As I went over the handlebar, I realized I was going fast enough to guarantee a painful landing. The sharp pain in my ribs upon contact with the ground lasted for about six weeks, providing a frequent reminder of the complex requirements of balance, traction, road surface, speed and judgment to keep a motorcycle upright. At the time I was a new rider, with less than a year’s experience. I was also young, blessed with the quick recuperative capacity foolishly taken for granted by those without gray hair. The ribs healed with no lasting effects, and the painful lessons learned that day have instilled a certain degree of caution during my two-wheeled travel over the subsequent decades. Motorcycling is an incredibly rewarding experience, exposing and engaging the rider as an active participant, as opposed to a sensory-deprived driver safely ensconced in a two-ton cage. There are a few drawbacks to bikes, though, as they leak when it rains, and fall over when stopped. Basically, a bike is an open-aired gyroscope, 8 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
with two wheels and an engine crankshaft all spinning in the same plane. Rider input via leaning and turning the handlebar destabilizes the machine, causing it to turn – fall over – either left or right. Sitting upright and keeping the front wheel straight allows the machine to keep moving in a straight line. It’s supremely satisfying when everything goes right, but it requires constant attention and input. It can be quite painful – or worse – when one of the variables is out of place and the operator is not safely ensconced in the sensorydepriving two-ton cage. I’ve long held the belief that every driver should be required to commute on a motorcycle for at least a year or two. The focus and attention given to road safety would cross over – at least to a degree – to driving cars and trucks. Those drivers whose priorities lie in taking selfies, sending texts, jabbering endlessly on cell phones, applying makeup and reading newspapers would be quickly Darwin’ed out of the driving gene pool, making the roads safer for the rest of
us. Traveling on two wheels quickly teaches that a lack of focus and judgment incurs immediate consequences. My unplanned get-off mentioned above taught that more throttle is not always the right answer to a problem. The lack of traffic on that remote four-wheel-drive road gave me the opportunity to make that mistake without being in the middle of rush hour. Controlled environments can make some of that learning experience less threatening. Generally speaking, in a single-vehicle crash, the pilot-in-command is responsible, with moving wildlife, tornadoes and rockfall excepted. Riding is a very effective form of moving meditation – the mind cannot wander. 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
Sand crabs
Summer’s here and what’s more fun than taking five little grandbabies to the beach for the day? Oh, I can think of a couple of things, like drinking a cactus smoothie made with the needles still attached or watching all of Miley Cyrus’ music videos back to back while sitting on that cactus smoothie with the needles still attached. Yes, some things start out sounding fun, but then quickly turn out to be… not so much. First the loading. We needed to rent Two Men and a Truck twice, which came out to be Four Men and a Semi. One truck would hold just the diapers and wipes and sunscreen. Do you know how many buckets of sun screen are needed to coat that many little nippers to prevent those ghastly UV rays from scalding their tender skins? We hauled a 50-gallon drum out and applied it with a paint brush roller until they had been thoroughly covered with a thick layer of white goo. They looked like a batch of vanilla frosted cupcakes with eyeballs. Then there were the snacks. Apparently kids can’t go anywhere these days without an abundant supply of food lest they have a reaction to fresh air, which only a handful of ninja-shaped fruit snacks can remedy. So we
loaded up semi number two with all types of sippy cup drinks and every edible imaginable, just in case a rouge tsunami washed ashore and we became marooned on the only sandbar left standing. Shoved in alongside were the swim essentials: the mermaid raft; the ducky and dinosaur swimmy tubes, goggles, water wings, buckets, shovels, scoopers and sifters and sandcastle makers and then the towels, blankets, umbrellas, chairs, coolers, swimsuits and cover-ups, changes of clothes and so many, many flip-flops. At last we found a spot, dumped our load and settled. Then the real tsunami came: “I got sand on my cheese stick! Screech!” “The wind blew my inflatable dino out to sea! Screech!” Just use the ducky or mermaid. “NO! Those are for girls! Screech!” Put that stinging jelly fish down! “Screech!” “There’s salt in my eyes. Screech!” Ya think? That big swimming pool is 99 percent saline! The wind kicked up and blew the umbrella inside-out leaving us with no shade. Good thing we sunscreened the little crabby crabs. Nope; it was either licked off or washed away in the water. The baby did a doodie. Oops, we left the
diapers in truck number one parked in the next county. Our survival instincts kicked in. We swathed her in a towel then poked two leg holes in a bread bag and cinched it up around the baby’s waist. Exhausted, we corralled the babies into a nice play area which had been roped off and furnished by the beach police. How thoughtful. We soon discovered it was an area barricaded to preserve a clutch of sea turtle eggs. The wildlife authorities gave us a lengthy lecture about disturbing the fine balance of nature along with a stern threat of a hefty fine if future issues occurred. I suggested we pack up ASAP and make a hasty retreat. I suddenly had an uneasy feeling about the dozen large white marbles the kids had adorned their sandcastles with. 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. AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 9
ECLIPSE TIPS Prepare for the traffic
THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE
St. Charles County sits in the path of this once-in-a-lifetime event to take place on Aug. 21 By Brett Auten The phrase, “once in a lifetime,” gets thrown around quite a bit. But this month, a real-deal, one-of-a-kind wonder will happen and our area parks departments are making sure you will have a front-row seat. On Monday, Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the United States and it will be the first in a century to travel coast to coast. For those of us in Missouri – and more specifically St. Charles County – the moon shadow will be right in our living rooms. Just before the crack of noon (and depending on where you are), the moon will begin passing between the earth and the sun. Approximately one hour later, periods of totality – or complete darkness – will occur across the state. The exact time depends on where you’re located. Officials in our area are expecting the partial eclipse will begin about 11:45 a.m. and the totality to occur at about 1:16 p.m. Dr. Carl Bassi is the Director of Research at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry. He says our interest and fascina10 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
tion with eclipses can likely be attributed to our ancestral-long relationship with the sun. “The sun is such a central thing in our whole existence,” Bassi said. “And it comes with such predictability. But this is uncommon. This is unique.” The Friends of the Wentzville Parks is sponsoring two events during the solar eclipse. Wentzville is in the path of totality so officials are encouraging those to grab a picnic basket or a chair and join in at Peruque Valley Park. Cost at Peruque is $5 and it includes a parking pass and four pairs of viewing glasses. Or if the a typical August weather sounds more like air-conditioned weather for you then head on over to Progress Park where there will be an option of air-conditioned seating during non-viewing times along with a light lunch and viewing glasses at a cost of $8. Space is limited at both areas so go to www. fotwp.org or call 636-639-2169 to reserve. “If you’re not in the path, you’re not going to get the whole nine yards,” Jan Bunker, Friends
If you're planning on taking a small road trip the day of the event give yourself plenty of time to get to the path of totality. Folks will be coming to St. Charles County from many neighboring states so be advised. You do not want to be stuck in the car on Interstate 70 watching a partial eclipse.
Watch the weather
Clouds are not your friend. Don't let the weather turn your eclipse excursion into a snoozer. Check the weather forecast regularly leading up and if, on the morning of, clouds are destined to be in your way you may want to consider a Plan B. But if you do encounter clouds don't lose all hope as a total solar eclipse can part obstructing clouds.
Protect your eyes
Before and after the eclipse, when the moon is not completely blocking the sun, it's essential to have some sort of protective eyewear to avoid damage to your eyes. Anyone watching the eclipse in its partial form will need to wear the glasses the entire time. You should absolutely take off your eclipse glasses during totality if you want to see it in all its splendor.
of the Wentzville Parks Board Member, said. “This is a big deal with a lot of people interested in it. The parks and the eclipse seemed like a natural fit and Wentzville is a close alternative to many neighboring communities who are not in the path.” The St. Charles County Parks Department and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri are teaming up to host three Total Eclipse in the Park celebrations. One at Klondike Park in Augusta is already sold out. Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance and Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville are the other two locations. These events will be limited to 1,000 guests per park and each guest will receive a pair of commemorative eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Officials expect Klondike Park will see two minutes, 14 seconds of totality, Broemmelsiek Park one minute, 35 seconds of totality, and Quail Ridge Park one minute, one second of totality. Tickets for these events, which will include food trucks, have been flying out the door.
Having the Astronomical Society on board separates SCCPD from the pack. “We have been planning for about a year-and-a-half,” Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator of the St. Charles County Parks, said. “We are going to have experts right in our pockets. We are one of the few that will have experts and an astrology club at our event. So make a day of it. Bring your walking shoes, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the park. It’s going to be spectacular.” A maximum of five tickets may be reserved per household. To make a reservation online, visit the SCCPD online registration website and click on the Total Eclipse in the Park program you wish to attend. You may also make a reservation by calling the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or by stopping by the St. Charles County Parks
office at 201 N. Second St., Suite 510, St. Charles. The Parks Department is currently seeking volunteers, food and drink vendors, and sponsors, call 636-949-7535 if interested. No matter where you end up, Bassi encourages all to enjoy and take in the moment. Converse with those around you to pick up tips and most of all, soak in the experience. “Once the moon reaches total phase, it’s an exciting thing,” he said. “This is something that, obviously, doesn’t happen very often.” Submitted photos Sydney Wieberg (left) and Madison Wieberg of Wentzville wear the commemorative glasses that make eclipse viewing safe that will be given out at Total Eclipse in the Park.
AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 11
Nonprofit Profile
THE FIT AND FOOD CONNECTION BRINGS HEALTH AND NUTRITION TO HUNGRY FAMILIES The Fit and Food Connection is a non-profit organization that empowers those in need in the St. Louis area to be healthy through free healthy living resources. What is their passion? Their passion is providing healthy means for individuals that want to get healthier but can’t afford to do it on their own. Founded in 2014 by co-directors Gabrielle Cole and Joy Millner, The Fit and Food Connection’s five programs are run solely by volunteers from all over the world that wake up each day to change the lives of lower income individuals in St. Louis. The five programs include Food Assistance Program, which is a healthy food delivery, Organic Community Garden, GroupFit which provides group fitness classes, Group Nutrition which gives seminars on a variety of wellness topics and One-On-One, which provides individual nutrition consultations, exercise sessions, grocery shopping education, and food preparation sessions. The Fit and Food Connection (FAFC) focuses on the concept of food justice by implementing the findings from cutting-edge national and academic research, transforming at-risk communities in the St. Louis area into strong groups of empowered individuals. FAFC is a comprehensive service, education, and training program for families experiencing food insecurity or living in designated “food deserts.” All goods and services are offered at no charge to individuals and families who need them, enabling program participants to focus on developing healthy self-reliance, selfcare and self-esteem. Many FAFC program participants contribute back by recruiting, motivating and mentoring new participants, 12 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
supporting their commitment to securing healthy new lifestyles. “We are not sure if we get our greatest pleasures from watching the successes of our clients, or from seeing our volunteer stories and watching the contributions that they make to changing lives,” said Millner. “For example, we have a young girl in college who is responsible for putting together our quarterly newsletter and is battling cancer. We have a young man in Uganda who has never left his village, but wakes up each day to make St. Louis a better place through our social media and website communication.” The Fit and Food Connection sees a world of positivity, a world of giving, and a world of empowerment and change. In spite of all their Submitted photo efforts, motivation, willingness, love and enjoyment for their deeds, FAFC faces sustainability challenges. FAFC is in need of a permanent space for the organization and in need of donations to buy food, fitness equipment and supplies so that they can impact more low income individuals in the food dessert areas that FAFC serves. FAFC is growing and has many long-term goals, but the most important one is to endure so that they can reach and help more people. Several events are scheduled for the upcoming months such as tennis clinic (every Sunday at St. Vincent’s Community Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m.), garden hours and food drives (companies donate healthy non-perishables for the Food Assistance Program). The complete schedule can be found on their website www.fitandfoodconnection.org. Everyone is welcome to join the Fit and Food Connection in its effort to make a change.
Advertiser Profile
THE
‘PRECLIPSE’ CELEBRATION
By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Join us to celebrate a “preclipse” to the eclipse with our friends Bob Barkwill and Rod Cathcart as “Deputy Boots” and “Sheriff Britches,” on Aug. 18 and 19. Rod and Bob travel with their “Dreamcamper,” a 1923 Ford motorhome. Enjoy the music and listen to their humorous stories, such as Bob’s ascent of the Empire State building with his horse! You can continue to enjoy their unique musical presentation by buying one or more of their CDs.
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Generations Marketplace is a unique Wentzville business located at 1844 W. Pearce Blvd. near 7 Acres Apartments. The business is owned by Pete Kolich and Kevin Derby. Started in 2013 the business builds custom rustic home furnishings and farm-style tables. The business is small enough to provide you with personalized service, yet large enough to complete your order in a timely manner. The pricing is very competitive because we use a local sawmill and make our own paint. There are very few custom table makers. Come see for yourself what we have to offer. We are confident that you will not be disappointed.
Mac Nation winds up a nation-wide tour in a Byerly RV. Dr. Mark Tierno, the new president of MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, completes his mission to visit alums during a two month coast-to-coast journey. MacMurray is a 170-year-old, liberalarts-based college whose successful alums came from – and returned to – all parts of the United States. Mark traveled in a compact diesel powered Gemini motorhome supplied by Byerly and built by Thor industries. Byerly RV breaks all sales records in their 69 year history. Byerly RV began as a manufacturer of mobile and camping trailers in 1948. It has since become one of the largest RV dealers in the country. We know the real pleasure of RVing comes after the shopping is over, but we also try to make your shopping experience enjoyable. There is no need to feel pressure to buy. RVs can be a sizable investment, take your time. Byerly’s success comes from referrals and years of experience. We are a local, employee-owned company. Recent customer ratings on Google contrast Byerly’s 4.5 points to a 2.8 rating for the big national chains’ local store. Why? Come visit Byerly and find out. For sales and events visit us at www.byerlyrv.com and Facebook. Byerly is just one exit east of Six Flags on I-44 in Eureka, Missouri. Call us at 636-938-2000. AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 13
Entertainment
The Bad News
I
I’ve been thinking about one my favorite “kids and sports” films, “The Sandlot.” It’s partly because Independence Day has come and gone, reminding me of that fireworks display – one of the film’s finest moments. Then, naturally, I remember the talented young actors playing baseball and getting into unfortunate - yet hilarious - “pickled” situations. Ultimately, I can’t help but think about the other film that began the craze for kids and sports. Forty-one years later it still holds up as the standard. This is the 1976 fan – and critical – favorite “The Bad News Bears.” The main star is Walter Matthau – in a brilliantly restrained performance – who plays the grumpy, beer-drinking, down-on-his-luck Coach Morris Buttermaker. In need of money, the loner Buttermaker decides to take on coaching little leaguers – and getting paid by the father of one of the boys cut from the league. In fact, the entire gang is quite the group of misfit ballplayers with under-developed talent (but fully-developed character). Much credit must go to Jane Feinberg and Mike Fenton for their impeccable choices in casting these kids - and the veteran (adult) actors. Rounding up some of the young actors is Engelberg (Gary Lee Cavagnaro) as the chocolate eating catcher, Timmy Lupus (Quinn Smith) as the shy “booger-eating” outfielder, Ahmad Abdul Rahim (Erin Blunt) will play any position Hank Aaron played, Tanner Boyle (Chris Barnes – a natural) is the short-tempered shortstop who’s not afraid to pick on someone twice his size (including the entire seventh grade) and the bookworm of the bunch is Ogilvie (Alfred W. Lutter) who makes an accurate response to Coach Buttermaker’s silver lining thought following a crushing loss… Coach Buttermaker: “Come on, fellas. Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Ogilvie: “Yeah, it took several hundred years.” To help out his team of underdogs Buttermaker attempts to enlist Kelly Leak (a young Jackie Earle Haley) the town’s delinquent and natural athlete and his 12-year-old daughter, Amanda Whurlitzer (Tatum O’Neal – perfect), whom he taught how to be an ace pitcher. The mildly estranged daughter of his is quite the pistol and sharp as a whip when it comes to quick verbal comebacks. Understandably, the scenes between Matthau and O’Neal are one of the film’s highlights (Both were already Oscar winners at this point in their careers too, mind you). Director Michael Ritchie refuses to aim the film high and keeps the occasional sentimental scenes in check. This cynical approach to the story isn’t pretty (neither is comedy) and the film –and the kids in it – are all the better for it. Shot more like a documentary, the film leaves plenty of room for unforced laughter (and drama). All of Ritchie’s actors are dead serious without trying to be funny… they just are! Photo courtesy Paramount Pictures “The Bears” is also a cautionary tale about the obsession of winning and how if affects both kids and adults. There’s an unsettling confronBY BRIAN GUERRERO tation between the Yankees coach (Vic Morrow – perfectly cast) and Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of his pitching son (Brandon Cruz – well done) on the Bears’ archrival team. In the face of what can be disturbing, it’s the comedy that pulls and behind the camera for film and television. through in the end solidifying the film’s unconventional ending. “The Bad News Bears” was not aimed to be a family-friendly film, but it’s definitely a movie a family should watch together – particularly the adults.
The kids and sports standard for movies
14 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
Automobile Alley
JAGUAR’S F-PACE brings high tech to mid-size luxury SUVs
With the introduction of Jaguar’s F-Pace, mid-size luxury SUV, we’re witnessing rolling technology from bumper-to-bumper. Quite the vehicle in its right, F-Pace is based off of a remarkable lightweight architecture. With the extensive use of aluminum alloy, some 1/3 of the vehicle is comprised of this weightsaving material. Other lightweight components used are composites and magnesium. F-Pace drives with an elevated level of balanced agility, quick responsive acceleration plus with a high-degree of refined craftsmanship throughout. It’s an exceptional SUV, demonstrating versatility and a stylish modern design. Engineered to seat five, this imported Jaguar from the United Kingdom tends to have an exclusive muscular stance. The attractive front grille assembly carries forward Jaguar’s branding DNA plus it’s designed to be aerodynamic, thus helping with fuel efficiency. The signature protruding hood bonnet has a “power bulge” about it, representing and supporting this SUV’s performance capabilities. The sleek roofline, as well as its short front and rear overhangs, reflect its contemporary silhouette. Optional is their full-panoramic sky roof. The outer body design has taut surfaces and clean lines to help form the vehicle’s exceptional looks. The tasteful and glittering look of the headlamps are also offered with full adaptive LED technology. Basically, F-Pace is positioned on a high-
strength steel underside footing with the use of more than 2,600 rivets, over 560 spot welds and with the extensive use of structural bonding adhesive. This results in an extraordinary safe and stiff body foundation. Years of laborintensive work went into the overall suspension, part of which is so noted as this underside chassis is one of the most sophisticated ever used in any Jaguar to date. Powering F-Pace is one of a variety of engines offered. This includes four-cylinder power, a diesel engine and, for the motorist seeking spirited acceleration and notable performance, their 3.0-liter supercharged engine generates 380-horsepower. This remarkable V-6 will launch F-Pace from 0-60 mph in just over five seconds. F-Pace also features a forward-facing stereo camera safety system helping to assist in automatic vehicle breaking and self-regulating pedestrian detection. Traffic sign recognition and intelligent automatic speed limiter technologies are also electronically facilitated with the stereo camera. The laser-managed “heads up drivers display unit” can easily put important information within the driver’s view, such as; vehicle speed, navigation data and speed limits, with sharp color images, that seem to float out past the windshield’s field of view. The array of extras also includes semi-automatic parking assist. Another new technology is their Activity Key System. It’s a waterproof, shockproof wearable wristband with an integrated tran-
sponder that allows the driver to lock their keys in the car while swimming or out on the hiking trail. Once you’re back at the vehicle, the doors will automatically unlock as the onboard system will detect the high-tech wristband. Pricing begins at $42,065, excluding $995 in shipping charges. Sold in a number of trim levels, the 2017 F-Pace I drove was their premium “S” model that had an MSRP (after options and destination charges) of $72,585. Equipped with their Supercharged V-6, it showed 18-mpg city/23-mpg highway. Their standard warranty coverage is for fiveyears/60,000 miles. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
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. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/ CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufactures, both import as well as with domestic nameplates. AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Good eats with
GRAPES
Savory Yogurt with Grape and Cucumber Salad Servings: 4
Sparkling Hibiscus Tea with Grapes and Mint Servings: 8 Ingredients: 6 cups water, divided 1 tablespoon honey 6 hibiscus tea bags 2 cups green grapes, divided 10 mint leaves 1 navel orange, sliced ice 16 ounces sparkling water Directions: Using tea kettle or saucepan, bring 3 cups water and honey to boil. Add tea bags, turn off heat and steep 6-8 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow remaining liquid to cool 15 minutes. In martini shaker or bowl, muddle 1 cup grapes with mint leaves.
Add muddled grape and mint mixture to 48-60 ounce pitcher along with remaining water and orange slices. Stir in hibiscus tea mixture. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Strain before serving. To serve, add ice to 8-ounce glass. Top with 3-4 grapes, 2 ounces sparkling water and hibiscus tea mixture. Diet showed beneficial changes in regional brain metabolism that correlated to improvements in cognition and working memory performance, according to a report published by Experimental Gerontology.
16 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
Ingredients: Dukkah: 1/3 cup raw cashews 1/3 cup hazelnuts 1/4 cup sesame seeds 2 tbsp cumin seeds 2 tbsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp salt Yogurt: 3 cups plain, nonfat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup green grapes, halved 1/2 cup red grapes, halved 1 cup English cucumber, diced 1 tbsp minced shallot 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar salt, to taste pepper, to taste 4 tbsp dukkah 1 tsp lemon zest
Directions: To make dukkah: Heat oven to 350 F. Spread cashews and hazelnuts on baking sheet and toast 6-8 minutes. Transfer to food processor and set aside. In skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds, cumin seeds and coriander seeds until fragrant, 1-2 minutes, then transfer to food processor. Add dried thyme and salt. Pulse mixture until coarsely ground. Makes about 1 cup that can be stored in an airtight container. Divide yogurt into four 3/4-cup portions. In small bowl, combine grapes, cucumber, shallots, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Top each bowl of yogurt with 1/2 cup grape mixture, 1 tablespoon dukkah and sprinkle of lemon zest.
For the Love of Food Zahtar Shrimp and Grape Kabob Servings: 6 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons zahtar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1/8 teaspoon sea salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 36-40 large shrimp (about 2 pounds), shelled and deveined 1 cup whole green grapes 1 cup whole red grapes
Directions: In medium bowl, combine zahtar, garlic, thyme, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil. Whisk to combine. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Grill skewers, turning once, until shrimp are lightly charred and cooked through and grapes are caramelized but firm, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Thread shrimp and grapes onto skewers. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 17
Medical Memo
A DRUGL E SS M IGR A I N E T R E AT M E N T I S A N OPT ION
I
f you experience migraines, chances are that the symptoms and signs you experience may be different from say the neighbor down the street. The most common symptom is of course the pain. Migraine attacks usually last from four to 72 hours and most people will be free from symptoms between these attacks. But when a migraine occurs, it can have an enormous impact on your work, family and social life. A migraine is also three times more common in women than in men. Some people can tell when they are about to have a migraine because they see flashing lights or zigzag lines or they temporarily lose their vision. Many things can trigger a migraine: • Anxiety • Stress • Lack of food or sleep • Exposure to light • Hormonal changes (in women) Of course the most common treatment is the medical treatment approach with drugs. However, studies have demonstrated that even the most effective drugs only work about 50 percent of the time. Rather than mask the symptoms, the neurofeedback approach targets the cause of the migraine. The hyper excitable brain means that the brain is producing too many fast brainwaves. In this hyper and excitable state the brain is prone to migraines. Any trigger such as stress, hunger, and certain foods can push the brain over the edge 18 | CROSSROADS | AUGUST 2017
into a cascade of events that culminates as a migraine. Most people suffering with migraines can predict when a migraine is approaching. They can sense the brain being pushed into that cascade. In fact one of the more effective preventative measures is to identify and eliminate the environmental triggers. The trouble with that approach is that sometimes triggers are hard to identify and even when they can be identified, they are sometimes hard to avoid. SO HOW CAN NEUROTHERAPY HELP? Through the natural migraine relief of neurofeedback, the patient learns how to calm the brain down. The patient is taught how to produce the slower, less excitable brain waves at will. So the next time a patient feels a migraine coming on, the brain can engage this new ability and prevent the cascade of events that result in the migraine. In fact, most patients that have been treated report that they sometimes can feel a migraine coming on but then it never happens. Up to 90 percent of the patients treated with this therapy have reported a 50 percent or greater reduction in migraine frequency and a 75 percent reduction of migraine severity. Contact us today and you could experience results like Jim! “For over twenty years I have had to live with migraine headaches at least three or four times a month. After experiencing neurofeedback, my migraines are gone. Why didn’t I do this sooner?” ~Jim B. For more info visit STLNeurotherapy.com or call 314-983-9355.
August 4 – Coast Guard Birthday
19 – National Aviation Day
5 – Golf tournament
19 – Outdoor summer concert and movie
St. Charles Friends of Birthright will be hosting the Twenty-fourth Annual Golf Tournament at the Links at Dardenne in O’Fallon. This year it will be a family friendly tournament so gather your friends and their families to enjoy a day filled with golf fun. Capable players of all ages are encouraged to participate. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. followed by lunch in the clubhouse. To register, sponsor, donate or volunteer visit http://www. events.org/friendsgolfscramble.
Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band Borderline, the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.
7 – Purple Heart Day
21 – Eclipse Day
12 – Parent education program
26 – Women’s Equality Day
First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law. The goal of First Impact is to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities, injuries and crashes among teen drivers. First Impact will help parents understand teen driving risks, enforcement and monitoring of GDL law and serving as a positive role model. A First Impact parent presentation will be held from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Wentzville Law Enforcement Center at 1019 Schroeder Creek Blvd. in Wentzville. Your new driver is welcome to attend with you. Register at https:// firstimpact.missouri.edu/events/ parent-program-at-wentzville-police-department/
Community Calendar
26 – Grandparents seminar Grandparenting Matters Seminar takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church Wentzville at 653 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. Come expecting to find inspiration, ideas and tools to help you realize your potential to grandparent in a meaningful way by leaving a legacy of faith. Guest speaker will be Larry Fowler. Advance tickets are $29 (includes lunch and snacks) and are available at www. fbcwentzville.com.
AUGUST 2017 | CROSSROADS | 19
WWW.MISSOURIPULL.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MISSOURIPULL
WWW.TROYCVB.COM
FREE Online Subscription at www. MYCNEWS
www.byerlyrv.com