HUNTING FOR
HUNGER
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FEBRUARY 5
2020
contents
Around Town Local news and events
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Feature Story Hunting for hunger 12-year-old starts program to allow hunters to help stock local food pantries with venisonbelow freezing
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Always an Adventure The Climb: Part II
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Moore on Life Chocoholics unanimous
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Automobile Alley The 2020 Volvo S60 is full of options as it blends style with safety
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Entertainment Oscar contender ‘1917’ is stark, violent and engaging
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Food Better balance for every day: Resolve to make nutritious eating a priority
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Community Calendar: February
On the Cover: Submitted photo
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FEBRUARY
2020 writers
VOL 16 | NO 2
BY AVALANCHE
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12
BY CINDY MOORE
MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13
Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore Staff Writer Brett Auten
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
For advertising information, please contact us at:
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14
BY STEVE BRYAN
ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15
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Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
Around Town
Progress West Hospital welcomes first baby of 2020
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Progress West Hospital Submitted photo welcomed its first baby of 2020 early on New Year’s Day. Chad Garland and Raven Jones are the proud parents of their son Caidyn, who was born at 6:52 a.m. and weighed four pounds, thirteen ounces. Caidyn was also welcomed by siblings Lexi, 3, Jordan, 2 and Liam, 1. The Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Hospital Auxiliary presented the family with a gift basket in recognition of being the hospital’s first baby of 2020.
Timberland High School musician selected for Missouri All-State Band Lily Fisher, a senior at Timberland High School, has been selected as tenth in the state on clarinet in the Missouri All-State Band. On Dec. 7, over 1,400 students from across Missouri met at Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, to audition for the honor of participating in the top honor band in the state. Only 108 students are accepted into the All-State Band. Fischer has been preparing for this Photo courtesy Wentzville School District moment since her freshman year of high school. “Though I wanted to make it every year, this year was different because it is my senior year. It really makes me take a step back and realize that all of my hard work actually led to something,” shared Fischer. “I feel so honored to be able to perform in this ensemble and make new friends with other musicians.” She plans to study political science and international relations at Truman State University following graduation. The All-State Band will meet, rehearse, and perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference on Jan. 25 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri. The conductor and clinician for the 2019-2020 Missouri All-State Band is Dr. Kevin Sedatole, Director of Bands, Professor of Music, and Chair of the Conducting Area at the Michigan State University College of Music. FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 5
a BASEBALL l i fe Around Town
A St. Louis native and longtime Wentzville resident reflects on a record-setting, 13-year career in Major League Baseball By Brett Auten
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bout a mile south of bustling Interstate 70 resides a throwback. Ron Hunt, a St. Louis native and longtime Wentzville resident, played 13 seasons of Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1974. Hunt’s story begins when he met his future wife, Jackie, at Ritenour High School and the pair have been married since 1961. Hunt spent two years in the Texas League playing Double A baseball before he made his major league debut. Though the Mets were seven deep at second base at the time, Hunt made his way into the lineup and never relinquished it. Hunt was runner-up to Pete Rose for rookie of the year in 1963 when he batted .272 with 10 home runs, which would be his career-high, and 42 runs batted in, which he would tie in 1964. “I should have been rookie of the year,” Hunt said. “I had better stats than Rose but he had a better team.” The next year, he became the first New York Mets all-star, starting for the National League All-Stars in 1964. After a shoulder injury derailed his 1965 campaign, he came back a year later and played in the ‘66 All-Star Game in his hometown of St. Louis. In November 1966 Hunt was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a move that stunned Hunt, who had thought he would have been a Met for his entire career, and it opened his eyes to the business-first aspect of professional sports. “After you get traded for the first time you stop caring (about the organization),” Hunt said. “You play for the money and you play for the fans.” After batting .263 during the 1967 season, 6 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
he was traded again, this time to the San Francisco Giants. In his first season with the Giants 1968, he batted .250 with two home runs. After two more seasons in San Francisco, Hunt
Ron Hunt with New York Mets manager Casey Stengel.
was traded to the Montreal Expos. In nearly four seasons in Montreal, he batted .277, including a career-high .309 in 1973. Late in the 1974 season, he was waived to his hometown St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he closed out his career after playing 12 games. In his 12year career, Hunt batted .273 with 39 home
Photos courtesy the Hunt family archive
runs and 370 RBIs in 1,483 games played. He was the consummate leadoff hitter and one of the most difficult batters to strike out, fanning 382 times in 5,235 at-bats, or once in every 13.70 at-bats. In 1973, he set an Expos CONTINUED PAGE 7
Around Town record by only striking out 19 times in 401 at-bats, the fewest ever in franchise history by a player who had at least 400 at-bats on the season. Hunt had a .273 lifetime average in 12 years, but he was famous for something else. He set a seemingly unbreakable mark when he was hit by pitches 50 times in one year. During that year, he was hit three times during a doubleheader. In 1969, Hunt tied a Major League record with three HBPs in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. At the time, he was only the fifth player to be hit by a pitch three times in one game. He led the National League in getting hit by pitches in each of his final seven Major League seasons, and the Major Leagues in all but his final season. He retired after 243 hit by pitches that included some even to the head, including a good one by Tom Seaver. “My job was to get on base and I didn’t give a (expletive) how I did it,” Hunt said. Hunt was quoted once for saying, “A lot of people give their body to science. I gave mine to baseball,” and unfortunately that looks to be true. These days, instead of opposing pitchers, Hunt’s biggest challenge is Parkin-
son’s. He could have gotten the neurodegenerative disorder regardless of his rough and tumble play but a doctor told the Hunts that it could’ve resulted from injuries during his playing days. “I got six concussions in baseball and four in high school (playing football),” Hunt said. At 79-years-old, Hunt has had his stumbles. Along with tremors and at times, he can be difficult to understand. Days are spent with Jackie on the 110-acre ranch they bought early on in his playing days, therapy sessions, and visits from his son and daughter. “He wouldn’t have changed anything about the way he played,” Jackie Hunt said. “Every team he played for he was the lead-off batter. His on-base percentage was over .400. They don’t even know what that is today.” Hunt ran and hosted the Ron Hunt Eagles Baseball Association camp in which kids from around North America, including Montreal and New York, would fly in for multiple weeks of instruction and games. Hunt ran the camp for 18 years. “Most neighbors had a swimming pool but we had an infield,” Hunt said.
Ron Hunt with Mickey Mantle.
Photo courtesy the Hunt family archive
Photo by Brett Auten Wentzville resident Ron Hunt (right) is pictured inside his farmhouse with his wife Jackie. Hunt, a St. Louis native, played 13 seasons of Major League Baseball with the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, the Montreal Expos and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Wentzville School District Board of Education approves new school boundaries The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved new boundaries for all elementary, middle and high schools in the district to accommodate continued growth and a new elementary school and new high school under construction. The new schools were part of Proposition E, a $125 million notax-increase bond issue passed by voters in April 2018. The new elementary boundaries will go into effect for the 2020-2021 school year when the new elementary school being built on Interstate Drive in Wentzville is scheduled to open. The new middle school and high school boundaries will go into effect beginning in the 2021-2022 school year when the new high school being built near West Meyer Road and North Point Prairie Road in Wentzville is scheduled to open.
The new boundaries were proposed by a boundary committee comprised of parents, community members, staff members and a board member who met five times from May through November to develop the new attendance areas. The process also included an online survey and three community forums where the public was invited to provide feedback. the boundary committee considered current and projected enrollment numbers, birth data, free and reduced meal populations, transportation and existing feeder patterns when formulating the new attendance areas. “Everyone involved in this process appreciates how very personal and significant this change is for some students and families,” said Chief Communications Officer Mary LaPak.
“We respect that, and we are confident that our caring staff will ensure a smooth transition for affected students and their families.” The WSD continues to be the fastest growing school district in the state. The district has added, on average, nearly 600 students each year since 2001. This past year, enrollment increased from 16,789 students to 17,335 – an increase of 546 students. “Each WSD school is exceptional,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “At the end of the day, all WSD students will be in a school where the bar is set high and where our phenomenal educators will ensure every child has the tools they need to be successful.” Visit the WSD website to view the new school attendance areas. FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town
O’Fallon eatery donates meals to thousands When Scott Ellinger first decided to serve free meals on Thanksgiving six years ago, the idea started small for The Brass Rail restaurant owner. “I said I’m just going to feed people who can’t be with their families,” he recalled. It snowballed from there. The number of meals increased to 1,000 and then jumped to 7,000. This past Thanksgiving, Ellinger and his team comprised of staff and thousands of volunteers served over 10,000 meals to individuals and families. A winter hat and a pair of gloves was also included with every meal. In November, The Brass Rail was awarded a $3,200 Operation Round Up grant to help cover the expenses of the meals which are offset by donations. The restaurant is located at 4601 Highway K in O’Fallon. The meals are delivered within a 60-mile radius of the restaurant. “It feels awesome to help out,” Ellinger said. “The notes that come back. That part is awesome. We sit and decompress and read it all. That is the best part.”
Submitted photo The Brass Rail received a $3,200 Operation Round Up grant in support of the restaurant’s effort to provide over 10,000 meals on Thanksgiving. Pictured (from left) are Doug Steinmeyer, Cuivre River Electric Community Trust member; Scott Ellinger, restaurant owner; Frank Klaas and Lisa Dunham, Cuivre River Electric Community Trust members.
This year, Ellinger said the plan is to feed 15,000 people. To volunteer in the future, contact the restaurant at 636-329-1349 or follow their Facebook page or website.
St. Charles County Parks staff tops in rodeo competition When it comes to backpack blowers, zero-turn mowers, skid loaders, truck and trailer driving, and irrigation assembly, the maintenance crew of the St. Charles County Parks Department is number one. No, really! In the first-ever Park Maintenance Rodeo, held Dec. 18 at the St. Charles County Family Arena and sponsored by Region 4 of the Missouri Park & Recreation Association (MPRA), the county’s crew took home an overall first-place trophy. What does that mean for St. Charles County residents? Your parks are carefully and expertly maintained! Eight teams from across Region 4 competed in the event along with St. Charles County: St. Charles City, St. Louis County, Washington, Des Peres, Webster Groves and two teams from Sunset Hills. The crews were put to the test with timed events that had them maneuvering through mazes of orange cones topped with tennis balls. The St. Charles County team of Roger Jonas, Dustin Ferrell, Bob Branstetter, Jimmy Clemonds and Alan Emge brought equipment know-how to the rodeo with their over 40 years of combined experience working for the county. “We were surprised to learn we won first place,” says team member Dustin Ferrell. “Despite not finishing first in any one event, we scored high enough in all events to give us the overall win.” There was a close call for first place, though. Emge lost a first-place win in the zero-turn mower obstacle course by a mere six seconds. Parks department crew member Jonas just might have had the most difficult task of maneuvering a tennis ball through a course with a backpack blower, but when it came to steady turns and expert braking, the most impressive showing might have been from Ferrell. Driving a truck and trailer, not only did he have to maneuver 8 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
Photo courtesy St. Charles County The St. Charles County Parks winning team (from left) were Alan Emge, Bob Branstetter, Dustin Ferrell, Jimmy Clemonds and Roger Jonas.
the cones and tennis balls, but he had to drive smoothly enough not to knock a tennis ball off a cone placed inside the truck. Extra points were given to the teams who could back up the truck and trailer to within six inches of a cone without hitting it. Ferrell stopped his within an inch. “Everyone definitely had fun,” Ferrell says, “but once we won, it became more exciting.” The team received t-shirts, lunch and a firstplace trophy, and will be presented with the award at the MPRA conference at Lake of the Ozarks in February. And then, there’s next year. “We’ll be back next year to defend our title,” Ferrell says. “And, we hear there may be a state championship as well!”
HUNTING FOR
HUNGER By Brett Auten
12-year-old starts program to allow hunters to help stock local food pantries with venison
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Submitted photo David Neier stands with a load of venison for his Hunt for Hunger program that helps stock local food pantries with meat.
hile most boys his age are focused on Fortnite or racking up points on the scoreboard, David Neier has more important things on his plate. Like making sure those in need have quality protein on theirs. For the third season in a row, Neier’s Hunt for Hunger has helped stock local food pantries with venison. The program is made possible by working in cooperation with Share the Harvest and Operation Food Search, who pay for all the processing fees. Neier, a 12-year-old student at Francis Howell
Middle School, delivered 1,500 pounds in his first season, 6,300 pounds in his second, and over 7,000-pounds this past season. “It makes me feel happy to do something good for the community,” Neier said. “I would love to continue this for several more years.” Statistics from the Million Meals Campaign show that one-in-four children in the St. Louis region do not know where their next meal is coming from. Neier was inspired to launch the program after a service at Morningstar Church in O’Fallon, Neier was having a snack with his grandparents when a discussion CONTINUED PAGE 10
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Submitted photos David Neier (in red) and his friend Caleb Bridges deliver venison to Harvester Christian Church food pantry.
sprung up about the church’s Backpack Impact Program. In that program, bags of food are delivered to a local school and then dispersed to over 50 students. That got the wheels turning. And soon he put two and two together. What if he donated his deer to help prevent hunger? And maybe others in the area would be willing to do the same. From that spark, Hunt for
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Hunger was launched. The then nine-yearold Neier went door to door to spread awareness and to seek assistance. He went all around town and put multiple fliers up, a grassroots campaign he continues today. Josephville Meat Market has been part of the Hunt for Hunger campaign for multiple years. Wright City Meat & Sausage Company jumped aboard this season.
“You have to take your hat off to the young man,” Gary Kreuger, owner of Wright City Meat & Sausage, said. “He is totally involved and is dedicated to it. All of this (deer) meat comes in at the same time and we rely on someone to get out and get it distributed and David stepped in and has taken care of it.” After processing, the venison is distributed to several local food pantries in the region. Several of the pantries had never received venison before and were grateful to be able to share it with the families in the community that are struggling. Michelle Smith is with the O’Fallon Salvation Army. Smith said that there have been times when the meat was scarce and Neier arrived just in time. “Having venison is like an extra treat,” Smith said. “Many of them wish there was more. It is a great program and there are so many people who can benefit from it.” Neier is a first baseman for the New Melle Blues and swims year-round with the Parkway Swim Club. But his greatest
Submitted photo
passion is the outdoors. He is an avid hunter, both bow, and gun and if possible during the summer he would spend every free minute fishing. His goal is to one day be a Missouri Conservationist. “Fishing is a blast,” he said. “And we hunt mostly squirrel, deer, and turkey. We live deep in the country. (Hunting) is pretty much what we do.” Karen Gladieux is a community volunteer with Share the Harvest/ Operation Food Search. “David is very passionate about getting food to those in need,” Gladieux said. “Meat is one of those things this is not often donated. It is a huge savings to the pantries. He has taken this on and has delivered 100-percent of it. He’s an impressive young man.” Cathy Neier, David’s grandmother, has been instrumental in making sure David has all the support that he needs. “David is so good at the pantries and just enjoys what he does,” she said. “It is overwhelming how many people these local pantries service.”
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Photo by Avalanche
Always An Adventure
The Climb: PART II BY AVALANCHE
COMMITTED TO ASCENDING THE FULL LENGTH OF THE ICE GULLY, the climbing becomes an exercise in moving meditation. Each tool placement and every step with the crampons needs to be precise and solid; the ice is bare; little to no snow covers it. No rope, no belayer, just me on the mountain, with two ice tools and a pair of crampons to provide a tenuous grip on the frozen medium. The ice is a bit less solid than I remember from a previous trip here, now flakier and more easily broken. The grade increases to about 60 degrees, slightly less steep than a properly deployed extension ladder. But most extension ladders aren’t made of ice, with a 1,500 foot elevation gain. A mistake here would be final. Intrusive thoughts about the grade, fatigue, and any possible errors get firmly pushed aside. As mountaineers know, once you start thinking about “down,” that’s where you’re going to go, willingly or otherwise. I push on, upward, keeping a rhythm between steps and tool placement. Each placement occupies my full attention. Ice climbing unexpectedly gives way to wallowing in snow, with rock underneath the snow. The top of the gully is only about 20 feet away. I carefully tread my way through the deep powder; there used to be ice here. Suddenly, I’m at the top of the notch, between a tower to my right, and the way to the main summit on the left. Very intense emotions arise, feelings that I don’t have time to process. The wind is slapping me around, the sun is rising, and I still need to get down 12 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
before the wind peels me off the ice, or melting ice begins to send rocks and debris down the gully. Now the hardest part begins. An anchor consisting of a single hex (an asymmetrical six-sided hollow tube) wedged under a rock, with a hardware store chain link is the lone existing rappel point. I add my own hex and locking carabiner, clip the rope through it and into my belay device, and test it with body weight. It’s all good. I snap a few quick photos, and send a satellite check-in message, but the increasing wind buffeting puts an end to my reverie; it’s time to move. After rappelling one rope length down, I begin to set up an anchor in the ice, attempting to build a V-thread anchor, a mildly complicated procedure consisting of boring two holes in the ice and looping a sling through the holes. Tired, scared, fumbling with gear, and beginning to get pelted with wind-driven small rocks, I decide to run in a screw and rappel from it, skipping the V-thread construction, leaving the $50 piece of hardware in place. After a second rope-length rappel down, I put the rope back in my pack and begin down-climbing. I again rest on the small rock outcropping where I stopped on the way up. The toughest part of the route behind me, with the adrenaline beginning to ebb, I eat a couple spoonful’s of coffee grounds, and wash them down with some water. Gritty, but chemical assistance is welcome at this point. Down climbing is less physically demanding than ascending, but mental fatigue is the biggest
threat now. Continuing down, the intensive moving meditation practice continues. Knowing that safety – and rest - is approaching, it would be easy to start to hurry and cut corners. This is still a “no mistake zone”; stepplant, step-plant, each movement mindful and deliberate. Once out of the steep gully and back into the main couloir, the deeper snow provides a margin of safety and comfort. It’s still several hundred vertical feet down, and each movement continues to be deliberate; step-plant, step-plant. Eventually, I’m back where I first geared up, and I drop my pack and sit down. I made it. After shedding gear and clothing, I make my way back down the basin to camp. A few surviving wildflowers colorfully cling to life despite the early-winter conditions. The rising wind and high clouds promise more winter weather, soon. I stumble in to camp, completely spent. The muscle aches and fatigue are no longer masked by adrenaline and the sense of accomplishment. It hurts to walk from camp to get water. It hurts to lie on the sleeping bag. I try to eat, but can’t. This sensation is noticeably worse than the fatigue that follows running a marathon; and it is absolutely worth it. next action; a storm is approaching soon. If I am going to climb, this is the day. The warm sleeping bag beckons, as the previous days’ hiking to this spot left me tired and sore - a rest day is quite appealing. Knowing t
Moore On Life
Chocoholics unanimous I READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE. No surprise here. We ladies have always known the value. It’s a little chunk of sweetness that brings on immediate happiness even in a bad situation. For instance, like when my husband forgot to take the trash out after being reminded and reminded while he sat in his man cave for hours watching the latest football game. He yelled back up that he would do it after his game was over. Then I discovered that the garbage had not been taken to the curb. It would pile up and reek for another full week all while his game continued on for the next two months. Now, I could be justified and do what any normal woman would do in that situation. But, instead of taking a sharp, pointy weapon and flinging it towards his big screen, I took a breath then sheltered myself behind the doors of my soundproof pantry. I let out a piercing scream of frustration then reached for the top shelf and rooted around behind the waffle maker and dug deeper until I found the crockpot. I reached into my stash of sanity meds—bars of rich chocolate. I pulled out the first one. White chocolate? Ew – a stick of butter mixed in with a bottle of White Out. How’d that get in there and how did it even manage to get the word chocolate in its name? It’s like eating a clump of Spam while trying to convince yourself it’s a juicy ribeye. I grabbed another bar and looked at the cocoa percentage…35 percent. Nah! Not the wimpy lite stuff. I tossed it back. This man and his madness call for the hard stuff today. I fumbled around deep into my stash and pulled out a bittersweet bar. Yes—60 proof with sea salt sprinkles! That would do it. I curled down into a ball and clipped off a hunk. It slowly melted into my taste buds and happiness spread throughout calming my nervous system. Instant nirvana. The battle of the bull-headed was a thing of the past. So he’s off the hook this time. But, if he forgets again next week, I’ll have to resort once more to chocolate – a five pound brick of 75 percent dark right through the middle of his big screen.
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Automobile Alley
THE 2020
VOLVO S60 is full of options as it blends style with safety THE 2020 VOLVO S60 SEDANS ARE DESIGNED TO SEAT FIVE PASSENGERS QUITE COMFORTABLY. Base pricing starts out around the mid $30s; however, if you tend to gravitate towards all of the factory options, you’ll quickly reach the mid $60,000 plateau. It’s also offered in their fuel sipping plug-in hybrid model. Competing in the category with other luxury four-door models, S60 is frequently crossshopped with the: Audi A4, BMW-3 Series and the Genesis G70 sedan, as S60 certainly helps to round out Volvo’s brand identity in order to reach a broad customer base. Being that the product mix is somewhat lengthy regarding the S60s, let me to try and help define this complexing assortment a bit further. This sedan is offered with the following factory monikers: their Premium S60 Momentum version has a base starting price of $36,050. The Sporty R-Design retails for $43,545 as does their Luxury Inscription model for the same price point. From there, they offer their Performance Polestar Engineered model with an MSRP of $65,445. Their highly refined Plug-in Hybrid has a sticker price of $$56,045 and is sold in two versions. S60 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive is optional. Depending on the precise engine and/or hybrid arrangement with the S60 line-up, horsepower ranges from 250 to a commanding 415 out14 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
put rating. When it comes to fuel mileage, of course it too depends on the engine and other variables. The broad spectrum ranges from 21-mpg/city on the low end, to 34-mpg/ highway, when equipped with the gasoline turbo engines. Keep in mind that these turbo models are recommended to operate on premium grade fuel from the factory. The plug-in electric hybrid has a driving range of some 22-miles on just battery power plus all S60s share Volvo’s unique global product based architecture. As expected, safety technology was high on the list of engineering and development within this platform. The vehicle’s infotainment system is cutting edge however, getting accustomed to the large center dash tablet-style screen requires a learning curve for the driver. Its intuitive touch screen interface control combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps, as any tech savvy motorist would welcome this artful gizmo. This premium mid-size car design also sets the stage for their wagon version as well. City Safety technology with the Autobrake feature assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions. It’s the only system on the market today that recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals that you might encounter on the road. City Safety is seamless to the driver and again, engages auto braking to help mitigate oncoming collisions. The car’s optional Pilot Assist system tends to
function as an automatic co-pilot of sorts. Its blueprint is to support the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked road surfaces. Pilot Assist is intended to operate for speeds up to 80-mph with the touch of a single button. S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering assistance safety systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert system further raised the bar when it comes to automotive safety. Overall handling, road dynamics and breaking is certainly more than adequate. S60’s outer design character has a conservative appearance with suggestive supple modern layout cues. Sound deadening peripherals constitute a totally silent interior with comfortable seating and high end interior materials, all of which are flanked with plenty of telltale luxury appointments throughout. Sales of Volvos in general have been gaining traction globally - that in itself of course is in the plus column! All listed pricing excludes the factories $995 shipping and destination charges. In the near future, fully electric/ battery powered Volvo’s are planned in the product mix.
Entertainment
Oscar contender
‘1917’ is is stark, violent and engaging BY STEVE BRYAN
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ith films like “American Beauty,” “Road to Perdition” and “Skyfall,” Sam Mendes proved himself to be an able storyteller. As director, co-writer and producer of “1917,” Mendes worked overtime on a tale of two soldiers tasked with a seemingly impossible mission during World War I. It’s a harsh and gritty story about the horrors of war as well as the shining bits of humanity that emerge under the worst of circumstances. British Lance Corporals Tom Blake (Dean Charles-Chapman from “Game of Thrones”) and Will Schofield (George MacKay from “Captain Fantastic”) are stationed in France when they receive orders to hand deliver a message to the Devonshire Regiment. Although it appears that the German army has retreated, reconnaissance planes discover that the Germans moved to a more strategic position in order to attack the regiment. Blake and Schofield must deliver this information on foot and
hopefully save hundreds of lives. On the surface, “1917” is a very simple story about two young men doing their duty. At first, Corporal Blake isn’t aware that their task means crossing dangerous ground. He picks Schofield to come with him because he thinks they are simply going to get supplies for the troops. Their path takes them across battlefields littered with the dead and through an abandoned German bunker. Blake is especially motivated to keep moving because his brother is part of the Devonshire Regiment. Director Mendes filmed this epic to make it look like one continuous shot. In that way, the audience is walking along with Tom and Will as they navigate some decidedly hostile territory. Mendes starts the action in the British trenches, showing warweary soldiers claiming little bits of space to escape from the war for a few precious moments. When the two soldiers get into what’s called “No Man’s Land,” they must crawl
over the bodies of men and horses in order to move forward. Mendes’ continuous shooting style puts the focus on Charles-Chapman and MacKay. Surprisingly, even with their fine, tireless acting, neither man was nominated for an Oscar. Mackay is exceptional as a soldier who has a lot to lose by taking on an apparent suicide mission. Charles-Chapman’s Tom Blake is highly motivated to succeed because his brother might perish if they fail. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences overlooked two fine very performances here. “1917” is, however, up for a Best Picture Oscar, facing films like “Ford v Ferrari, “Joker” and “Little Women” that earned acting nods. Even without those nominations, Dean Charles-Chapman and George MacKay shine in this film and help make it an Oscar contender. “1917,” rated R for violence, disturbing images and language, currently is playing in theaters. FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
BETTER BALANCE FOR EVERY DAY – Resolve to make nutritious eating a priority – Discovering a better version of yourself is all about striking balance. That’s especially true when it comes to making smarter food choices that you can maintain over time. A sustainable, long-term healthy eating approach, such as the Atkins low-carb lifestyle, emphasizes variety and balance. Start planning a low-carb menu filled with high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats with these tips from Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition and education for Atkins. Fill up with fiber-rich foods. Foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-glycemic fruit (like berries) and whole unrefined grains are considered carbohydrates, but they don’t raise your blood sugar the way processed carbs do. Fiber slows the entry of glucose into your bloodstream so you don’t experience insulin spikes that encourage your body to produce and store body fat. Try to eat between 25-35 grams of fiber a day. Reduce inflammation. A low-carb approach eliminates refined and processed foods and sugars that can cause inflammation. Focus on foods that decrease inflammation, such as colorful low-glycemic vegetables, low-sugar fruits, protein and healthy fats such as olive oil. The ground turmeric in this Golden Milk recipe offers an easy way to fight inflammation without sacrificing flavor. Find more recipes like these for Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan or Spicy Crispy Chickpeas and ideas for a balanced, lowcarb approach to eating well at Atkins.com.
16 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 | Net carbs: 4.41 Ingredients:
Directions:
1 bunch thin spear asparagus
Heat oven to 425 F.
1 tablespoon, plus 1/4 teaspoon, extravirgin olive oil
1 pinch black pepper
Wash asparagus and remove woody ends. Place on rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pinch of salt. Arrange in single layer, leaving space for salmon. Place salmon skin-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and season with remaining salt and pepper. Place in oven and bake 12 minutes.
3 tablespoons olive oil-based mayonnaise
In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic.
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Remove sheet pan from oven, sprinkle asparagus spears with cheese and cook 3 minutes, or until fish reaches 145 F and asparagus spears are tender and beginning to brown on tips.
1/8 teaspoon salt, divided 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), no more than 3/4-inch thick
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Plate one fillet and half the asparagus, drizzle each plate with about 2 tablespoons mayonnaise sauce and serve
For the Love of Food
Chocolate Banana Protein Overnight Oats Prep time: 5 minutes | Chill time: 3 hours | Servings: 2 | Net carbs: 6.84 Ingredients:
Directions:
1 Atkins Chocolate Banana Shake
In jar with tight-fitting lid, combine shake, rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, coconut and almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
2 tablespoons rolled oats 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 tablespoons hemp hearts 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut shreds
Top with fruit, if desired.
2 tablespoons sliced almonds fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries (optional)
Spicy Crispy Chickpeas Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8 | Net carbs: 8.3 Directions:
Ingredients: 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) chickpeas 1 tablespoon ghee (or clarified butter), melted 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Heat air fryer to 390 F 3 minutes. Using fine mesh sieve, drain and rinse chickpeas. Use towel to gently pat chickpeas dry, removing skins. In small bowl, toss chickpeas with ghee and salt. Cook in single layer in air fryer 6 minutes. Pause and shake bowl; cook 6 minutes. Pause and shake bowl; cook 3 minutes. In separate small bowl, sprinkle chickpeas with spices and toss to evenly coat. Chickpeas can be stored in open container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Golden Milk Prep time: 8 minutes | Cook time: 7 minutes Servings: 3 | Net carbs: Ingredients: 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk 1 cup water 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 10 drops liquid stevia extract Directions: In small pan, whisk coconut milk, almond milk, water, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. Warm over medium heat until hot but not simmering, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in sweetener and serve.
FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 17
Advertiser Profile
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight
Tri-State Trolling Motor at 1799 Corporate Parkway is a family-affair. The owners Robert and Janice Douthit, and their son Rob, will do their very best to provide personal customer service. The business provides marine electronics such as GPS and fish locators; sales, service and installation of trolling motors; specialty kayaks for both fishing and recreation; and numerous boating accessories. However, the business does not work on gasoline motors. The business started in 1991 in Hazelwood and opened in Wentzville in February 2017. The building has good visibility and access from Interstate 70. We will begin offering the new Garmin and Lowrance trolling motors which will debut this fall. We are the number one service center for both MotorGuide and Minn Kota. When you’re dealing with us if something isn’t right, we’ll make sure to make it right. Come by for a visit. Phone is: (636) 856-8623
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Indoor Comfort Specialists
Heating and Air Conditioning
636-887-0971
Elite Heating and Cooling is located at 13 W. Allen St., Suite B in Historic Downtown Wentzville near West Allen Grill, but will be relocating to 108 Hamilton Industrial Ct. to better serve our customers. The business is owned by Tim Schellert and provides heating, cooling, and water heater service to residential. The business also provides gas inspections, restaurant kitchen inspections and Old Hickory Smokers service for its commercial customers. The business likes to give-back to the community through its participation in a variety of charitable causes such as Little Black Book and Habitat for Humanity. As a Lennox dealer they are also involved in the Lennox Feel the Love program which provides a new heating and air conditioning unit to a deserving family free-of-charge. Elite has been in business since 2003. We invite you to give us a call to respond to all of your heating and cooling needs. Phone is: (636) 887-0971
18 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
Community Calendar
y r a u br Fe
1 – National Freedom Day 2 – Groundhog Day 4 – Rosa Parks Day 9 – Piano concert
The Wentzville United Methodist 2020 Concert Series will welcome Jim Hendricks as the featured pianist during the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services, and perform in concert that afternoon at 4 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Wentzville United Methodist Church is located at 725 Wall Street in Wentzville. For more information visit www.livelovegrow.org.
of Christ are sponsoring an upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drive at Faith United Church of Christ at Pearce Blvd. and Kent Drive from 3 - 7 p.m. Register at redcrossblood.org
14 – Valentine’s Day 17 – President’s Day 22 – Trivia night
The city of O’Fallon’s Senior Resident Advisory Committee will host a trivia night at the Krekel Civic Center at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Meals on Wheels. To register, please visit http://tiny.cc/0nmaiz.
12 – Lincoln’s Birthday
25 – Fat Tuesday
13 – Blood drive
26 – Ash Wednesday
Wentzville United Methodist and Faith United Church
Laissez les bons temps rouler! FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 19
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