CrossRoads: December 2018

Holidays in the park

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2 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

DECEMBER VOL 14 | NO 12

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

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Staff Writer Brett Auten

features

Always an Adventure Housing boom can lead to busts

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Moore on Life Here comes Santa-zon

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Automobile Alley The Lexus RX350L stretches out in the luxury crossover SUV market

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Food Simple sides for holiday entertaining

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Entertainment ‘Crimes of Grendelwald’ greatly expands the world of ‘Fantastic Beasts’

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Community Calendar: December

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Holidays in the park St. Charles County Parks has a cornucopia of festivities on tap with its Holiday Happenings and Events

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Nonprofit Profile The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program is helping veterans in need

Community News

www.mycnews.com

Advertiser Profile The RVer who came in from the cold

10 For advertising information, please contact us at:

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

Around Town Local news and events

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Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton

2018

contents

Copyright 2018 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

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

SAFETY ON THE MOVE The St. Charles County Ambulance District adds two major vehicles to their fleet to better respond to major incidents in the St. Louis region

By Brett Auten

The St. Charles County Paramedics have doubled down on disaster preparedness with two new valuable assets at their disposal.

A 22-passenger AmbuBus and a multi-functional Major Incident Response Unit have been added to the stockpile in the event of a large-scale incidents. Both vehicles are fully outfitted and ready to respond to incidents in the St. Louis region and beyond.

The Major Incident Response Unit utilizes a recreational vehicle platform with slide-out walls to provide four patient care areas, providing a high degree versatility.

Jeremey Hollrah is the St. Charles County Ambulance District Deputy Chief of Special Operations & Logistics. Hollrah, 36, is in his 14th year with SCCAD. The lifelong St. Charles resident said the RV has been used in two Hazmat incidents already. Not quite an emergency room on wheels, the Major Incident Response Unit acts as a safe haven for first responders who are on duty at a major incident.

“It will be a shelter,” Hollrah said. “It has several special features to it. At its most basic, we can check their vital signs and get a basic assessment.”

Hollrah said the unit can be used as a mobile clinic.

“The setup gives our team an area out of the elements to safely provide rehab and medical surveillance for our colleagues before placing them back into action,” he said. “It’s a resource for mass casualty incidents, and provide rehabilitation care for first responders on extended emergency scenes such as multiple-alarm fires and Hazmat situations.”

Used in situations where there are multiple patients requiring transport, the AmbuBus is stocked with trauma and airway supplies, and can be outfitted with additional equipment depending on the specific needs of the incident.

The bus is capable of carrying 12 patients on stretchers with an additional 10 seating positions. Examples of incidents where the unit may be utilized would be a serious collision involving a school bus, or evacuation of a hospital or long-term care facility follow4 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

Photos courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District

ing a serious weather event.

“The bus used for the project was lightly used by the United States Air Force, and was acquired by SCCAD late last year,” Jim Fingerhut, SCCAD Deputy Chief, said.

The AmbuBus conversion kit was purchased via a grant from the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS),” said Jim Fingerhut, SCCAD Deputy Chief and Co-Chair of the STARRS EMS Committee.

Though they will be housed in St. Charles County, the AmbuBus and Major Incident Unit are available for incidents that occur throughout the St. Louis region and beyond thanks to mutual aid agreements already in place. SCCAD is an active participant in regional disaster planning and has sent resources to numerous regional, state and federal disaster situations, including the Joplin tornado and Hurricane Harvey.

“It is good to be a team player in a time of need,” Hollrah said. “It also makes our national response stronger.”

Around Town

Kids can visit Santa at O’Fallon’s Santa’s Workshop and Pizza with Santa Parents and grandparents, here’s an opportunity to capture priceless photos of your kids visiting with Santa at O’Fallon Parks and Recreation programs coming up in early December, Pizza with Santa and Santa’s Workshop.

There’s no registration at the gate, so be sure to sign kids up in advance.

Santa’s Workshop – Santa will be setting up his workshop in O’Fallon and help kids create a special holiday craft on Dec. 15, at O’Fallon’s new Krekel Civic Center in Civic Park. And you never know, Mrs. Santa and Santa’s helpers may be there, too. Two sessions will be offered: 9 – 9:30 a.m. (course 310101-A) and 10:15 – 11 a.m. (310101-B).

Each session is limited to 12 participants. The cost is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents. Be sure to sign up by Dec. 4 for the session you prefer.

Pizza with Santa – Join Santa for pizza on

Saturday, December 15, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at O’Fallon’s new Krekel Civic Center in Civic Park. The event includes pizza and beverages, a chance to visit with Santa, games and crafts.

Family members including adults who would like to eat must register. The cost per person is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents.

Be sure to sign up by Dec. 4 for course 310102-A.

www.dpc4u.org

TO REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS: • Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec and select “Programs,” and then “Special Events.”

• Or, call 636-474-2732 or 636-379-5606 to register with a credit card.

• Or, come to the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive, or the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle.

WWW.BYERLYRV.COM

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

St. Charles County launches SCCMO AlertMe mass notification system Keeping residents safe and informed is St. Charles County’s first priority. And now, with SCCMO AlertMe powered by Everbridge, residents can feel even more confident they are getting the information they need to stay safe. SCCMO AlertMe is a free mass notification system that delivers alerts by text, email or phone call. While registration for SCCMO AlertMe is free, cellular message and data rates may apply depending on provider and plan.

“St. Charles County is a safe community, but we are not immune from natural disasters or other concerns,” says County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “We are happy to offer another way for our Division of Emergency Management, Public Health, and Police and Highway departments to keep in touch with residents. I hope everyone who lives in St. Charles County registers for SCCMO AlertMe.”

are not available through SCCMO AlertMe. • Health Alerts from the St. Charles County Department of Public Health encompass mass outbreak/pandemic information, including illnesses and food poisoning, as well as county-wide animal control concerns.

Subscribers can register to receive notifications in one or all the following categories: • Emergency Management Alerts from the St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management cover natural disasters, including flood evacuations and related major/emergency road closures; public safety emergencies; and other county-wide safety concerns. Please note: The National Weather Service provides alerts for thunderstorms and tornadoes; these notifications

• Police Alerts from the St. Charles County Police Department include missing persons, manhunt information and countywide safety concerns.

• Road Construction and Closure Alerts from the St. Charles County Highway Department cover road construction and related road closures by the department.

SCCMO AlertMe sends messages to all contact preferences selected during online registration. For more information on SCCMO AlertMe and to register, visit sccmo. org/AlertMe.

Wentzville celebrities promote senior transportation Although ITNGateway has served St. Charles County for nearly nine years, ridership in Wentzville has seen a dramatic increase since the Wentzville Board of Aldermen passed a resolution on July 25, 2017 to reimburse seniors the $50 membership and account set up fee after they take just three rides with ITNGateway.

“The support of this program by the mayor and Alderman Brian Harr has been tremendous and has really helped boost our ridership in Wentzville as the good news continues to get out,” says Susan Kallash-Bailey, ITNGateway’s Executive Director. “It’s filling a gap for services and is so important for the health and well-being of this population” she said.

Since the partnership began, ridership has increased by 40 percent over the same time last year and while that’s great news, it also means the service needs more volunteer drivers to meet the growing demand. The unique business model, which is part of the national program ITNAmerica, is based on utilizing volunteer drivers.

“We have a growing base of volunteer drivers in the Wentzville area, but as the service 6 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

grows here, we run the risk of not having enough volunteers to meet the demand,” says Kallash-Bailey. “That is why we want to show everyone that even people as busy as the mayor and chief of police can find the time to provide a ride to help someone in their community.”

Unlike other services, ITNGateway offer customers dignified arm-through-arm, door-through-door service and passengers are transported anywhere they want to go 24/7. The service is more affordable than other means available and is not just limited to medical and grocery trips, with scheduling available just 24 hours in advance.

Thoroughly vetted volunteers use their own vehicle to take neighbors to work, shop, banking and beauty appointments and to visit friends and family.

ITNGateway passenger Betty Couture is a resident at Twin Oaks in Wentzville and utilizes the service to do her banking, attend medical appointments and shop. She was lucky enough to get a ride from celebrity drivers Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione and Wentzville Police Chief Kurt Frisz to shop at Kohl’s.

Submitted photo ITNGateway passenger Betty Couture receives a ride from celebrity driver Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione.

“I am so appreciative of this service and enjoy getting to meet all the drivers who treat me just like a friend,” says Betty. “It’s almost like having my own car again.”

Not only does this service make for safer roads for everyone, but it relieves the need for family and friends to be available, as they are often working or don’t live nearby. It is suggested that volunteers agree to commit to a minimum of three hours per month.

For more information on how you can volunteer to make a difference in the life of an older adult call 636-329-0888 or visit itngateway.org/volunteer.

Around Town

Wentzville School District seeks community input to help shape the next five-year strategic plan The Wentzville School District is seeking input from all stakeholders – students, parents, employees and community members – to help shape the district’s next five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).

The district has scheduled community engagement meetings called Guiding Principles for our Schools (GPS), to help inform stakeholders and provide a platform for feedback to set positive goals, define priorities and determine standards for the students and schools in the WSD. Because of its sustained growth, the Wentzville School District faces some unique challenges, but also has some unique opportunities. The goal of GPS is to bring together a diverse, thoughtful group of residents who will provide input that will be used to create the next CSIP, which is used to guide curriculum, professional development, financing priorities, staffing and the overall culture and strategic focus for the Wentzville School District. The WSD is inviting a broad-based coalition of citizens, staff, community members, and students to participate in the GPS process.

There will be initial GPS meetings and the public is invited and encouraged to attend. These will be structured, “results focused” sessions where attendees will work together to reach a consensus on the topics and questions presented. The meeting schedule and topics are as follows: • Jan. 15 – Finances, Facilities, and Staffing • Feb. 12 – Community and Culture “I’m so proud of where we’ve been and what our students and staff have accomplished over the last five years,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “The time has come to realign our focus and our priorities and this strategic process will only be effective if our stakeholders take the time to weigh in. Our growth certainly presents challenges, but it also presents opportunities. I’m confident that together we can develop a plan that will continue to move this great district forward, providing world-class learning opportunities that will prepare our students for success.”

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

The recommendations from the GPS meetings will be incorporated into the district’s CSIP which will then be presented to the Board of Education for consideration. All GPS meetings will start at 7 p.m. and will be held in the commons at Timberland High School at 559 E. Highway N in Wentzville. For those who are unable to make it to the meetings in person, there will be an opportunity to follow and weigh in on social media. Details will be posted on the district website prior to the meetings.

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Choral Arts Singers host holiday concerts

READER SURVEY RESULTS Choral Arts Singers present “Peace and Joy,” a concert featuring songs of peace and joy for the holidays. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Concerts will be performed on: Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at United Church of ChristZion at 725 Main St. in Troy, after Night of 1,000 Stars downtown; Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Assumption Parish Chapel at 403 N Main Street

in O’Fallon and Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 S Outer Rd 364 in Dardenne Prairie. The Dardenne Presbyterian Church Choir will join the Choral Arts Singers for this last concert to benefit a local charity and the Choral Arts Singers. For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

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DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

Two Wentzville teachers named SHAPE America Central District Physical Education Teachers of the Year Two Wentzville School District physical education teachers have been named Central District Physical Education Teachers of the Year at the elementary and high school levels by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America.

Sally Schulte from Heritage Primary has been named the Central District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Melanie Zerr from Timberland High School has been named the Central District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Both teachers qualified for the award after being named Missouri Physical Education Teachers of the Year in the elementary and high school categories by the Missouri Association for Health, Physi-

cal Education, Recreation and Dance (MOAHPERD), which was announced in August.

Schulte and Zerr were both selected among state teachers of the year to represent the Central District which includes nine states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“It is unprecedented to have two Central District recipients from the same school district,” said Executive Director of MOAHPERD Dr. Thomas Loughrey. “It is also an indication of the quality teachers the WSD employs, the support the district provides for their continued professional development, and the opportunity the WSD provides through their excellent curriculum

and school culture.”

Schulte has worked for the WSD since 2010 and currently serves as the lead PE teacher for the district.

Zerr, who qualified this year to compete in the World Horseshoe Championship, has worked for the WSD since 2005.

Schulte and Zerr will receive their awards at the SHAPE America National Convention in Tampa, Florida April 9-13, 2019. They are both now eligible for the National PE Teacher of the Year award in their respective categories through SHAPE America, which will make those announcements at the national convention. The application process includes an online interview, photos and a video submission.

Wentzville schools honor veterans Schools in the Wentzville School District held Veterans Day celebrations earlier this month to salute the brave men and women who are currently serving or who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

Boone Trail, Crossroads, Discovery Ridge, Duello, Green Tree, Heritage, Lakeview, Prairie View, Peine Ridge, Stone Creek and Wabash elementary schools, as well as Holt and Timberland high schools, all invited veterans to their special activities scheduled in honor of the holiday. Veterans were treated to meals, student performances and slide shows honoring past and present members of the military, along with special guest speakers.

At Stone Creek Elementary, two 94-year-old WWII veterans were recognized as part of the ceremony: Richard Baron served in the Army and he is the grandfather of Abbey Rosenblum, who teaches third grade at the school.

Philip Wahler also served in the Army and his daughter, Cathy Sommerhof, is a fourth grade teacher at the school.

At both Timberland and Holt, veterans were visibly emotional as they entered the gymnasium to a standing ovation by over 1,700 teenage students at each school. Three WWII veterans have been attending Timberland’s celebration for years: brothers Edgar 8 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

and Dan Kratli, who both served in the Navy and Vince Boemer, who received the Purple Heart for his service in the Army, were on hand for this year’s event as well.

Liberty High School invited veterans over the course of a week to stop by the school for a photo shoot by student photographers that resulted in a moving portfolio of veterans connected to the school, either as a relative or friend of a student or staff member, or an employee of the school, which includes

Liberty’s principal, school resource officer, a bus driver and a custodian.

In addition to the celebrations, schools held service projects that included making cards for current service members deployed overseas and collecting items for care packages and the local USO. Schools also coordinated fundraisers for organizations that serve veterans like the Wounded Warrior Project, GI GO Fund, Salvation Army Harbor Lights, and Central Missouri Honor Flight.

Advertiser Profile

Submitted photo

The RVer who came in from the cold

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Most RVers in December are heading south or storing their RV, but not Adrienne. She is heading for Harmonie State Park in Indiana. Piddle here, piddle there, but finally at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 she’s off. Her first stop is at Quality Times RV Park in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. So far, so good except she couldn’t get hot water.

She calls service in the morning. How many ways can you turn three bypass valves until

you get hot water?

She continues down Highway 64 from Mt. Vernon and turns south at Carmi following the banks of the Wabash River toward New Harmony. New Harmony is one of those places that was out of the way a hundred years ago and is still out of the way. But people find it and pay tribute to its charm and uniqueness.

Harmonie State Park is still open. Hiking trails are the at-

traction for Adrienne. In the evening she listens to CDs until the batteries die in the second act of “Carmen!”

She calls to report that the weather is OK, but a little cloudy and the house battery is dead. Sunday night the rain starts and continues for 14 hours. When she calls I comment “you are lucky it isn’t snow.” She replies: “I know.

It’s cold here and the campground is almost flooded. I better get out of here before everything turns to ice.” But she did find the kill switch for the house battery.

The weather gets worse. I can imagine the tenseness of driving through snow driven by 40 mph winds and a wind chill of zero degrees. She calls. “I’m 27 miles from St. Louis according to the last sign. I didn’t stop over in Mt. Vernon. The motorhome is warm inside, except when I switch from heat to defrost.

Then my feet get cold. I am at a rest area. I should be home in about an hour.” I felt

like the guy in the light house trying to coax a ship to shore during a storm, except I got no light!

About 7:05 p.m. on the longest day, the Fourwinds creeps down our narrow Kirkwood street. Adrienne deftly backs into grandma’s level driveway and just sits in the driver’s seat letting the adrenaline bleed off. I approach the motorhome, “Have a nice trip?” She replies, “Yeah, let’s go in and see mom and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Mom” has traveled through 47 states since the 1950s in their 1954 Byerly trailer. The two veteran RVers talk about the adventure like it was just another trip. As for me, I was glad the ordeal was over, and I didn’t even go!

RVs create memories, some more vivid than others. Create your own memories in an RV from Byerly in Eureka, Missouri. Follow us on Facebook and check us out at www. byerlyrv.com or call 636-9382000.

Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Overstock Outlet is located at 712 W. Pearce Blvd. in Historic Downtown Wentzville.

Owned by Rich and Lori West, the business provides name brand items, such as hand tools, women’s clothing, home décor and niche items. They even feature a Man Cave with a wide variety of goods. The business opened in 2014. All of the items are inspected to make sure they meet the quality standards our customers deserve. The products are unique in the area. The owners are local and encourage you to come by the store or participate in their online auction at overstock outletauctions.com.

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9

Holidays in the park

By Brett Auten

St. Charles County Parks has a cornucopia of festivities on tap with its Holiday Happenings and Events 10 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CLOSE AND FREE WAY TO BASK IN SOME HOLIDAY GLOW? The St. Charles County Parks has you covered with its Holiday Happenings and Events. From a mini Polar Express, to a candlelight walk and a Santa Search, there are options aplenty.

The Holiday Toy Train Display opens on Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 31 at the Heritage Museum, located at 1630 Heritage Landing.

Young and old appreciate the museum’s Holiday Toy Train Display that runs through January. This year’s display features extended tracks, a new train and scenes that highlight landmark buildings in St. Charles County along with the Polar Express and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.

“It is a magical thing to come out and view,” Nancy Gomer, Marketing Coordinator and Public Information Officer with the St. Charles County Parks Department, said. “It is in its fourth year and has really become popular.”

Free hot chocolate and a cookie decorating reception kicks things off on Dec. 1. The museum will also serve as a donation site for the Toys for Tots, a program created by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, which collects new unwrapped toys and distributes those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. If you’d like to spread some holiday cheer by donating, bring new unwrapped toys to the museum from Dec. 1 to Dec. 21.

The museum is free and open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and noon –5 p.m., Sunday and will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Call 636-255-6000 for more information.

“The atmosphere is very soothing,” Gomer said. “Both kids and adults are almost mesmerized.”

The Christmas Candlelight Walks will be held at The Historic Daniel Boone Home, located at 1868 Highway F.

You can experience a night of warmth and beauty this season on Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. when you step back in time to observe Christmas traditions of the past, while strolling through the enchanting village illuminated with thousands of candles. Along the way, visit with a Daniel Boone reenactor as he reminisces about winters past, and enjoy holiday cookies, apple cider and traditional carols. This year’s musical performances will be held inside the Old Peace Chapel and include selections by Duchesne High School Royal Impressions, Timberland High School Choir, Holt High School Choir, the Greenleaf Singers, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Choir, Winfield High School Choir, the Nicole Jonas group and soloist Bethany Coad. Tickets get gobbled up fast and admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the park.

Call or visit stccparks.org to pre-register.

The hunt is on at Santa’s Search Party. This onetime event is slated for Dec. 15 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Indian Camp Creek Park, located at 2679 Dietrich Road. The object of this game is to find as many elves, presents and other characters hidden along the trails as you can.

“We started the search last year and it has grown to where we already have 150 signed up and we are anticipating more,” Gomer said. “The weather in December typically fluctuates and this is a good time to get the kids bundled up and get outside.”

A park map will be provided with clues, but you will need your cell phone or camera to take a picture of each character when found. Cost is $1 per person.

Pre-registration is required. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about St. Charles County Parks holiday happenings, call 636-949-7535 or visit stccparks.org.

Submitted photos

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

HOUSING

BOOM CAN LEAD TO

BUSTS THE HOME ACROSS THE STREET FROM OURS RECENTLY SOLD FOR $10,000 MORE THAN ASKING PRICE. Since the deal closed, there has been a small army of construction workers conducting an extensive remodel of the place, certainly worth many multiples of that extra $10k.

New ceilings, light fixtures, new deck, hot tub and a new sliding door to access the warm bubbly water were all installed.

New paint and numerous other upgrades abound. The new owners finally moved in a couple months after closing, after the swarm of workers subsided a bit. We still haven’t met them, but have exchanged a few e-mail messages of a friendly nature; they seem like decent folks.

We’ve seen this before. Having lived here for nearly four decades, we’ve witnessed the real estate market’s propensity for major booms, and moderate busts. The booms reflect a sudden influx of out-of-state buyers, some with more money than good sense.

Once the bidding wars are in full swing and have been raging for a while, there is a period of minimal market activity. For savvy investors and brokers, this is a time to use caution. This could be a period of low momentum and stable prices - a lull in the action - or the beginning of a perfect storm of falling prices and desperate owners trying 12 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

to figure out how to pay for that upcoming balloon payment.

We saw the latter scenario play out between 2006 and 2008. A friend in the real estate business called me one day in late 2006 and expressed great concern about the coming perfect storm of bad financial juju. He babbled on about all the recent buyers who had purchased homes above their ability to pay by engaging in financial gymnastics with adjustable rate mortgages, especially with balloon payments. He predicted many of these people would get hurt badly by a downturn, which he thought was just beginning. He then went on to say the problem would grow to be nationwide, with all the soon-to-be nonperforming loans bundled into mortgage backed securities losing their value, and wiping out investment portfolios.

Since we were at the peak of the real estate market frenzy, I only half-listened to his rant, smiling at my friend’s frenzied anxiety, as he was well known for rambling, manic tirades.

He was also a very successful broker, having gone from growing up in a home with no running water, to pulling in nearly seven figures a year selling real estate as an adult.

His rants were worth listening to. There was no half-listening or smiling a year or so later, as home and investment values plunged dramatically, sure enough, nationwide.

Despite some rather dramatic downturns,

the real estate market here has always come back, as there is no more mountain property being produced, and there is always some demand. I’d guess our local population has at least quadrupled, if not more, since the 80’s. It’s reflected in the home prices, traffic jams, dirty campsites and declining wildlife herds. There’s been a lot of money made in the local real estate market, but it has come at an ugly price.

Right now, real estate sales have suddenly slowed, according to local brokers.

If history is any guide, we could be looking at a big downturn, as bidding wars at the market peak seem to be the harbinger of doom. Unfortunately my realtor friend passed away a few years ago; I’d like to hear his take on current events.

In any case, we could use a break from the rat race that’s been going on. Having people use their home to live in instead of piggy banks isn’t all bad. Of course if the boom continues, it might be time to sell, pocket the money and move on, before the population doubles again.

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

Here comes Santa-zon YIKES! CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

I yell to my husband, “Get dressed! We need to go!”

“What for?” He moans.

“Because I need to get a chunk out of my Christmas shopping. Move it!”

We have to make it to the mall before all the early bird shopper items are gone and the good parking spots. This year, I have my eye on yogurt-makers, two for one. Everyone on my list is getting one.

I rush by the den. There he is. Still in his pajamas; the raggedy ones covered in wide mouth bass; the ones with a hole in the seat.

Note to self; news jammies for Christmas.

“What?!” I bellow. “Why aren’t you dressed?

Chip chop! We’ve got to go. There are only three more weekends left. What are you doing?”

He twirls his pointer finger in the air and then jabs it down on the keyboard, “Badabing, bada-bang.”

Then he crosses his arms behind his head and tilts back with a smirky smirk on his

Grinchy face.

“Finished my shopping, that’s what I’m doing. And all from the comfort of my warm, toasty den in my warm, cozy jammies. Well, except for this here,” he says jabbing a finger through the hole. “It’s letting a breeze in.

But I’m sure Amazon will fix that. Or should I say, Santa-zon.” He winks.

“What kind of bah humbuggery is this?” I nag. “You’re sucking all the fun out of the holidays!”

“Oh, contraire. I’m making the holly-days jolly-days again. Look at it this way; no parking lot crazies to deal with bending up my fenders; no knife fights over trying to get the last shopping cart and no lunatic bargain hunters trampling me while racing towards the last waffle-making CD player!”

“I don’t think they make CD players anymore.”

“Exactly why they’re on sale. And no hauling everything home just to pay double to wrap it up and mail it only to get destroyed or lost. Two words…free shipping!”

“Keep going. I’m listening.”

“Remember last year when you sent that box to your uncle with his Hillary Clinton Chia Pet. The cat accidentally jumped in and was sent special delivery along with his gift. The cat survived; sadly Hillary did not-shattered into pieces.”

“Hmmm,” I say. “Do you think they have yogurt-makers on this Amazon thing?”

“Yes, but no need. I checked the milk in the fridge. It expired a month ago. You’ve already made a batch. Problem solved.”

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.

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

THE LEXUS RX350L

EFFECTIVELY BLURS THE LINE BETWEEN MINIVAN AND CROSSOVER

T

raditionally, the Lexus RX350 luxury crossover SUV has always been a tworow, five-passenger vehicle. Designed from the blueprint of this very successful vehicle, the factory is now offering a stretch version badged as their RX350L. It’s engineered to help meet the needs of premium buyers seeking a bit more interior room.

The somewhat longer model now has threerow seating; however, the additional third row doesn’t have much room for adults. On the other hand, for small kids, it’s well suited.

Rear cargo capabilities are somewhat impacted as well with the added seating capacity. Basically, there is an impressive amount of standard equipment, but it’s recommended to compare the trim levels available in order to nail down the precise features you desire.

As expected, the longer version has a whisper-quiet passenger cabin, high-end quality materials throughout as well as world-class fit and finish. The exterior paint luster is on par with other premium models in this segment. Lots of rolling technologies such as an infotainment interface are also included, helping this model to appeal to the tech savvy motorist.

Doing some number crunching, the RX350L is about 4.4-inches longer than the standard model. No “fuzzy math” here as the additional length was focused towards the rear assembly, suggesting that the vehicle’s dimensions are almost the same from the “B” pillar forward. Worth noting as well, and to save with development costs, the wheelbase 14 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

(the distance between the front and rear drive axles) has remained the same for both body configurations. With the factory now working with the less than five inches of additional body mass, they needed to perform some tricks in order to package the additional seating capacity.

Some of the necessary space came from reduced leg room in both the first and second rows. It still tends to drive and handle as well as the standard wheelbase RX350, which translates to a well-balanced nimble ride for its size. Breaking is positive and pedal feel is tight and firm, helping to raise the bar with your driving confidence.

This three-row crossover SUV is manufactured in their Base and Luxury versions.

Regardless of the trim level, the second-row bench seat can be swapped out for their optional captain’s chairs. As a result, this will tend to reduce the seating capacity to six passengers.

All models come with their 3.5-liter V6 engine. It generates 290 horsepower thereBY DAVID FINKELSTEIN fore, passing performance is quite suitable.

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service TechIt’s matched with an eight-speed automatic nician and a shop owner. He’s transmission and front-wheel drive. Allalso invented garage service wheel-drive is optional. At road-test, and tools for mechanics and has with the AWD chassis, the vehicle achieved served on both National and 18-mpg city/25-mpg highway. And for Hylocal Automotive Trade Industry brid buyers, the factory also makes available Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk their RX 450hL. MSRP pricing ranges from Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted 47,670 - $54,085. It’s manufacturing at their “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David facility in Japan. tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

Nonprofit Profile

Dental Referral Program is helping veterans in need Submitted photo A veteran receives dental treatment from a volunteer dentist with The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program.

V

eterans Day is a time to remember those who served, fought and sacrificed for our country. A lot of America’s veterans, however, face daily challenges associated with mental and physical issues directly associated with their time serving our country. Many then discover that the Veterans Administration will not provide assistance in dealing with their problems. The Kaufman Fund, a local nonprofit, has stepped up to find solutions for these veterans in the areas of dental health, mental health and legal assistance.

Veterans with dental health needs have to be 100 percent disabled to get dental care through the VA unless their dental health problem is specifically related to service in conflict.

This leaves many veterans to either find their own solution or go without necessary dental care. To help fill that void, The Kaufman Fund launched The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program in 2015 by partnering with local dentists who volunteer their services and enlisting other organization to provide dental supplies. Over 50 veterans received treatment through the program in 2017, with many of them receiving lifeaffecting solutions to their problems One of the cases was that of a 63-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War. He had enlisted in the Navy and served two tours, back to back, as a riverboat gunner. The stress of his military service eventually led to personal challenges with drugs and alcohol. He was not unlike many veterans of that era who struggled transitioning back into civilian life. Over the next two decades, he became homeless, went through several marriages and neglected to take care of his health. Especially his dental needs.

Finally, after a long and somewhat unending road of constant problems, he found “his place” in civilian life through a program helping homeless veterans. He has now devoted his life to helping other veterans “find their way” to a better life.

Unfortunately, during his journey, neglecting his dental health led to the loss of many teeth and severe pain. Being in social settings was often stressful and his self-esteem was at a low point.

In 2015, he entered the Kaufman Fund Dental Program and over the course of many months and many treatments, one of the wonderful volunteer dentists started to correct all the old problems, give him new confidence and finally, a reason to smile. He now takes care of his teeth and regularly visits his volunteer dentist. The cost of his treatment was over $5,000.

But his cost was zero. Without The Kaufman Fund he would not have been able to get his life back to normal and continue to help his fellow veterans find “their place” in life.

In addition to The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program, they have launched The Kaufman Fund Legal Referral Program to assist area veterans with legal issues and will be launching a program to assist veterans with mental health in the near future. And, every December, The Kaufman Funds provides over 350 Christmas trees and stands to deserving area veterans and their families through their “Trees For Vets” program.

You can support area veterans by supporting The Kaufman Fund. If you are a veteran in need of their services or would like to receive a Christmas Tree, reach out to The Kaufman Fund by calling 314-753-8355 or visiting their website at www.TheKaufmanFund.org.

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Simple sides for holiday entertaining P

reparing side dishes can be time consuming. Save those precious minutes to enjoy the holidays by using refrigerated, never-frozen options like mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, baked apples and even macaroni and cheese that can be heated in the microwave and ready to serve in minutes.

Like many hosts, you are likely searching for perfection in your holiday get-togethers. With an ever-expanding guest list, each year may seem more and more difficult to pull off the perfect gathering. Make things easier and still delicious by serving ready-toeat options like refrigerated macaroni and cheese made with real milk and cheese.

Find more ideas to make your holiday sides simply delicious at bobevansgrocery.com.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 package macaroni and cheese

Fancy Mac Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 1/4 cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided 1 package bacon, cooked and broken into pieces 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 eggs, lightly beaten Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Spray four ramekins with cooking spray.

Heat macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Once cooked, stir in spinach, 1 cup cheese, bacon, salt and pepper.

Let mixture stand 10-15 minutes to cool. Add eggs.

Spoon evenly into ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 20 minutes, or until centers are set.

Min i Hash Brown Casseroles

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Serves: 24

Ingredients:

16 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

Directions: In skillet, cook sausage according to package directions.

1 pound roll sausage

3 tablespoons butter, melted

4 large eggs

1 cup ham, cubed

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 package (20 ounces) shredded hash browns

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add hash browns, butter, ham, black pepper and cheese; mix thoroughly. Fill muffin tins twothirds full. Bake 27-30 minutes, or until toothpick or knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Substitution: For healthier alternative, substitute 1 cup AllWhites liquid egg whites instead of eggs.

For the Love of Food Ingredients:

Directions:

2 packages bacon, slices cut in half

Heat oven to 400 F. Set bacon out to thaw to room temperature so it is pliable.

1 package white cheddar mashed potatoes

In mixing bowl, use rubber spatula to combine mashed potatoes and garlic herb cheese. Stir until incorporated. Spread 1 teaspoon mashed potato mixture in each jalapeno half; level each with butter knife or spatula.

1 package garlic herb cheese spread 20 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded with membranes removed

Wrap each jalapeno with bacon; use three half slices for large jalapenos or two halves for smaller sizes. Be sure bacon is wrapped sealing in mashed potato mixture tightly.

1/4 cup brown sugar

In small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Generously sprinkle over bacon and pat gently to make it stick.

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Line cookie sheet with piece of parchment paper so sugar does not burn to pan. Bake until bacon reaches desired crispiness, around 25-35 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Let peppers cool slightly before serving, about 5 minutes.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Serves: 40

Directions:

Sweet Potato Cookies

Ingredients:

Heat oven to 350 F.

3/4 cup vegetable shortening

Prep time: 28-33 minutes | Cook time: 10-12 minutes | Serves: 36

3/4 cup brown sugar

In large bowl, using hand mixer or paddle attachment, cream shortening and brown sugar.

Add egg and sweet potatoes; mix until combined.

1 large egg 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup butter, unsalted 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon maple extract c hopped honey roasted pecans (optional) mini marshmallows (optional)

In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. With mixer on low speed, slowly add flour mixture to egg mixture until well mixed.

Using small cookie scoop, drop rounds onto greased baking sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before frosting.

In separate bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar and maple extract until frosting is light and fluffy. Frost each cooled cookie with maple butter cream frosting.

Sprinkle with pecans and mini marshmallows, if desired. Carefully toast marshmallows with culinary torch, if desired, while avoiding melting frosting.

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17

Entertainment

GREATLY EXPANDS THE WORLD OF ‘FANTASTIC BEASTS’

J.K. Rowling could have easily just taken her hundreds of millions of dollars from her creation of the “Harry Potter” universe and happily spent the rest of her life without dreaming up any more magic spells or silly wizard names.

Instead she switched from novels to screenplays, penning a wholly original script set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and taking the setting from our modern era to the 1920s.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” came out in 2016 and introduced the world to Newt Scamander (the great Eddie Redmayne), an unassuming wizard who moves about the world as a lover and protector of magical creatures. Think of him as the Marlin Perkins for hippogriffs and unicorns.

“Fantastic Beasts” was enjoyable enough as Newt visited New York City, befriended witchy sisters Tina (Katherine Waterson) and Queenie (Alison Sudol) and affable muggle Jacob (Dan Fogler) and tried to separate a troubled boy named Credence (Ezra Miller) from a particularly dangerous magical force.

What “Fantastic Beasts” lacked was that magical spark as even though there were a lot of familiar elements, it felt very separate from the world of Harry Potter that so many 18 | CROSSROADS | DECEMBER 2018

came to love.

That’s what makes the sequel “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” a marked improvement as in addition to the appearance of some beloved characters, Rowling is back in her wheelhouse of massive power struggles, heartbreaking betrayals and deep, dark familial secrets.

“The Crimes of Grindelwald” is even a little more nuanced than the best of the “Harry Potter” films and that is thanks primarily to the titular villain. Grindelwald is played

by Johnny Depp in a refreshingly restrained performance, which is surprising at first given his character’s wild appearance with bleachblonde hair and different colored eyes.

In Harry Potter’s world, Voldemort was just plain evil as were (pretty much) all of his associates. And sure, Grindelwald has a megalomaniacal streak and is unquestionably ruthless in his desire to have wizards and witches step out of the shadows and rule the human world. But he’s not entirely wrong as humanity sits on a course of devastation between World Wars and he makes some compelling arguments in support of his ultimate power grab.

He seems overwhelmingly formidable, which means it’s a good thing a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) is on the case and

pulling the strings for the good guys, as he sends Newt to Paris where he reunites with his old friends and attempts to stop Grindelwald from tracking down Credence.

There’s a whole lot of plot here as Rowling moves from setting the stage to diving right in by throwing a ton of characters and back story in our direction. Fortunately director David Yates is a steady hand as he has been at the helm of the Harry Potter world since “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” over a decade ago and he knows how to guide us through the dense family trees and plot twists.

There are three more “Fantastic Beasts” films to follow this one which means “The Crimes of Grindelwald” is going to leave you with more questions than answers, but for Rowling’s fans this movie is a treat and proves that she is still very much on top of her game.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” photo courtesy Warner Bros

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

December 1-2 – Charity cookie sale

A charity cookie sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at St. Joseph Church in Cottleville in the cafeteria. Homemade cookies baked by William Pezold #7198 Ladies Auxiliary. Proceeds of the cookie sale benefit local charities. While there, visit the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe for holiday items sponsored by St. Joseph PSR. Proceeds from the Christmas Shoppe benefit St. Vincent De Paul. Contact Mary at 636-240-6078 for more information.

3 – Hanukkah (First Day) 6 – St. Nicholas Day 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 7 – Pearl Harbor Day ceremony

On Dec. 7, 1941, more than 2,000 service men and women lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during World War II. Join the St.

Peters Veterans Memorial Commission in commemorating our heroes, their families and friends at the annual Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at City Hall. The guest speaker will be Major General Cassie Strom, U.S. Air Force (Ret.). The Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony is free to the public and refreshments will be provided. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. For more information visit www.stpetersmo.net.

11 – Informational open house

The St. Charles County Highway Department will hold an informational open house from 4 - 6 p.m. regarding improvements planned for David Hoekel Parkway #1B/South Point Prairie Road. The meeting will be held at the Wentzville R-IV School District Office, 280 Interstate Drive in Wentzville. Improvements to the road will be from near Cedar Branch Lane to just north of the intersection at Route N and will include realignment of the existing roadway to improve safety of curves; new paved shoulders and sight

distance improvements; and updates to drainage facilities. A preliminary plan by the consulting firm of Horner & Shifrin will be shared at the meeting and residents are encouraged to view the plan and provide comments. For more information or questions concerning this project or the open house, contact Kristen Rhodes, St. Charles County Highway Projects Engineer, at 636-949-7305, or Jarrett Jasper, Project Manager with Horner & Shifrin, at 314-335-8656.

13 – National Guard Birthday 17 – Wright Brothers Day 21 – First Day of Winter 24 – Christmas Eve 25 – Christmas 31 – New Year’s Eve

DECEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 19

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