Shelter from the cold
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JANUARY 5
2020
contents
Around Town Local news and events
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Feature Story Shelter from the cold Tri-County Continuum of Care works to address homelessness in the community to provide warming centers with sleeping accommodations when temperatures are below freezing
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Always an Adventure The Climb: Part I
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Moore on Life Revived
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Automobile Alley 2020 Kia Soul appeals to a diverse customer base
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Entertainment ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ will ignore 2016 reboot
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Food A Grape Sensation : Delicious seasonal dishes for a warm winter
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Community Calendar: January
On the Cover: Phot courtest Bigstock Photo
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JANUARY
2020 writers
VOL 16 | NO 1
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
Meteorite hunting season begins By Kristen Dragotto
It is not unusual to find Missourians in the woods this time of year for deer season but this year you might find a new type of hunter – a meteorite hunter. The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum is offering a $25,000 dollar reward for the space rock that landed in Missouri on Nov. 11. The $25,000 dollar reward will go to the individual who finds the first piece of the meteorite that is one kilogram or a little over two pounds in weight. This museum seems like the perfect place to home the space rock, as they have a taste in all things extraterrestrial. This museum will be hosting their grand opening on Dec. 12, where they will be showcasing meteorites from Mars, the moon and the asteroid belt, making this meteorite a natural fit. Even though the meteor that entered Earth’s atmosphere was not just a small rock, it might be harder to find than you think. NASA Meteor Watch estimated that the rock was roughly 16 inches in diameter (about the size of a basketball) and weighed around 200 pounds when it entered Earth’s atmosphere but that was not its size when it hit the ground. For those interested in hunting, your best bet is to look in the Wellsville area, 90 miles northwest of St. Louis as scientists agree that’s is where it most likely landed. However, according to the University of New Mexico’s Meteorite Museum, there is a definitive characteristic you should look for in your search. Meteorites that have recently fallen have what is known as a fusion crust. This gives the meteorite a matte black crust with an eggshell texture. According to the Community News’ weather reporter, Nick Palisch,
“This meteorite which was classified as a fireball is a true rarity, giving residents in the area the experience of a lifetime. Not only did the fireball made it through Earth’s atmosphere and traveled faster than the speed of sound giving it the ability to produce a sonic boom.” If the meteorite was to be found it would make this historical event much more significant because remains are seldom found. For those who want to take part in this piece of history or maybe don’t participate in deer hunting but enjoy the outdoors, you might try your luck in searching for the meteorite and for those who do.
O’Fallon Baseball announces schedule, start times O’Fallon Baseball, proud members of the Prospect League, announced their inaugural schedule. The team opens their 2020 summer season at home on May 29. “We are excited to announce our schedule to the Greater St. Charles Community,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “Over the coming weeks, we will be announcing our promotions, entertainment and our team name with merchandise.” The 2020 schedule features ten weekend dates (five Fridays and five Saturdays) along with five Sundays, and fifteen games during the week. All games will start at 6:35 p.m. with Sunday games at 3:05 p.m. Promotional schedules, giveaways and other events will be announced at a later date. The team name, website and merchandise announcement is coming soon. For all ticket information and to stay up to date on all developments with O’Fallon Prospect League Baseball, visit the team’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ofallonprospectleaguebaseball. There, sign up for the team’s waitlist to be the first to choose seats for upcoming events. Some sections for games have already sold out. JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
A RUNNING S.T.A.R.T.
St. Charles County Police Department’s new substance abuse prevention curriculum is turning heads and is spreading to other departments and school districts By Brett Auten
Today’s students come across difficult situations inside and outside of school. From cyberbullying to drugs and plenty in between, there are a cornucopia of decisions one must make. The St. Charles County Police Department is arming our students with the tools needed to make the correct choice and other law enforcement agencies are starting to take note. In 2017, the SCCPD launched the Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training program, or S.T.A.R.T., for fifth and sixth grade students. S.T.A.R.T. is a comprehensive and adaptable substance abuse prevention curriculum taught by the department’s Community Education and School Resource officers. Word about the quality and content of the program has spread and other police departments have requested to use the S.T.A.R.T. curriculum. The St. Charles County Council recently passed an ordinance to allow the SCCPD to share the program content with other law enforcement agencies. “Since its creation, there’s been great interest in S.T.A.R.T. from law enforcement agencies across the region,” Val Joyner, SCCPD Public Affairs Officer, said. “Agencies like that the curriculum can be adapted to fit the needs of their respective communities. The ordinance allows us to share the curriculum with others. We are able to tackle issues impacting local youth and offer muchneeded prevention education and teach leadership skills in the face of peer pressure.”
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Around Town Approximately 5,600 students across St. Charles County have graduated from S.T.A.R.T. Every SCCPD Community Education Officer and School Resource Officer is trained to teach S.T.A.R.T. and is certified through the National Association of School Resource Officers. The program meets the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements. “We hope S.T.A.R.T. becomes the chosen prevention curriculum in the region,” Joyner said. S.T.A.R.T. was developed not only by the SCCPD Bureau of Administrative Services Community Education Division but also with support from a local curriculum development experts including, the St. Charles County Department of Public Health, the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and other community partners. The program meets all Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements for health/physical education regarding methods used to access health, reduce risk factors, and avoid high-risk behaviors. Over several weeks, students at both public and private schools learn, discuss, and engage over an array of topics including selfawareness, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, pills, powders, inhalants, bullying and cyberbullying, peer pressure and citizenship. Each class is led by a SCCPD Bureau of Administrative Services Community Education Division officer, who are also certified instructors with multiple years of elementary school instructional experience. Each class session will introduce new content using various strategies such as interactive learning, lecture, writing prompts, group exercises, and peer-led discussion. Students were issued materials and
Photos provided by St. Charles County Police Department Community Education Officer Chad Thorpe helps students complete a lesson in their S.T.A.R.T. workbooks.
will have guest appearances throughout the program’s run. At the end of the academic year, students will demonstrate what they’ve gleaned from the program through personal narratives and essays, and an achievement ceremony will also be held. “S.T.A.R.T. is extremely focused on the issues officers see affecting youth in our county,” David Todd, St. Charles County Chief of Police, said. “Each year, officers review and edit the curriculum based on situations they responded to, as well as emerging trends.”
JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town
MDC and DNR asking outdoorspeople for help in recovering containers orphaned after flooding The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are asking Missouri hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, and others in the outdoors for help in the statewide effort to identify and recover orphaned storage containers dislodged by flooding. DNR cautions that the containers must be handled by experts because they can hold an array of potentially dangerous substances, including fuel and agricultural chemicals. Examples of flood-related orphaned containers include: • Pressurized cylinders and tanks, • Large propane and anhydrous ammonia
tanks, • High-capacity above-ground tanks (multi-thousand gallons),
storage
• Small consumer-sized containers (5-gallon buckets), • Steel or plastic drums and barrels, and • Agricultural transport and storage containers. According to MDC, outdoorspeople often hunt, fish, and enjoy other outdoor activities in more remote areas such as waterways and floodplains where orphaned containers have also been found. Outdoorspeople can help by reporting flood-related containers
they find. To report a flood-related orphaned container, call DNR’s Environmental Emergency Response Hotline at (573) 634-2436, or submit an online report to DNR at dnr.mo.gov/ container-form.htm. According to DNR, state-agency personnel and contractors have recovered more than 740 orphaned containers, many from public areas and flood-control levees in northwest Missouri. Approximately 21,500 gallons of liquid waste, including petroleum and agriculture chemicals, have been collected from orphaned containers and either recycled or safely disposed of, along with about 7,000 pounds of solid waste products.
A dime goes a long way at Love Serving God Ministries With his mother already homeless, one man journeyed across the state of Missouri between trips in and out of jail looking for a home. Nearby, a woman had been homeless for the past four years, never knowing when she might sleep somewhere with a roof over her. With the help of Love Serving God Ministries, they now have a stable place to live. They have hope. They have a future. “God finds a way to make this happen,” Founder Darlene Morgan said. Twenty years ago, Morgan didn’t realize the extent of homelessness in the area. She was working at a Wentzville hotel when she kept seeing the same family every weekend. Finally she asked them about their situation and learned the one room at the hotel was their home. With that family and many others in mind, she founded Love Serving God Ministries. The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization helps persons experiencing homelessness by providing housing, clothing, food, transportation and other services. In the past year, Love Serving God Ministries has assisted 1,233 people in Lincoln, Warren, St. Charles and Pike counties. The organization’s primary location is in Troy at 201 E. Wood St., though it also has a resale 8 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2020
shop on Pearce Boulevard in Wentzville. Earlier this year, Love Serving God Ministries was awarded a $3,000 Operation Round Up grant. The funds were used to help families that were displaced by flooding, including locating new housing and providing household items that may have been lost. “A dime goes a long way here,” Morgan Submitted photo said. A $3,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Love Serving God Ministries to help those Like many nonprof- affected by flooding in the area. The organization has locations in Troy and Wentzville. Pictured (from are Jeff Lodes, volunteer; Darlene Morgan, founder; Lauren Foland, volunteer; Jacob Lauck, volunteer its, Love Serving God left) and Terry Ford, volunteer. faces a budget crunch. Due to the rainy summer, many of its barbe- Church in Troy. A food pantry and clothes cue and fish fry fundraisers were cancelled. closet is located in the basement of the Morgan noted the Operation Round Up church, located at 510 S. Lincoln Dr., and is grant came at a good time to alleviate a tight open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. budget situation. The organization operates For more information about Love Serving primarily on donations and profit from its God Ministries, call 636-358-4226 or 314small resale shops in Troy and Wentzville. 766-2199 or email lsgministries@outlook. Love Serving God Ministries recently part- com. Monetary donations can also be mailed nered with Christian Community Center to 201 E. Wood Street, Troy, MO 63379.
Shelter from the cold By Brett Auten
Tri-County Continuum of Care works to address homelessness in the community to provide warming centers with sleeping accommodations when temperatures are below freezing THIS TIME OF YEAR, A WARM PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT IS EVERYTHING.
Having a warm and safe place to rest your head during the winter can be a struggle for those who are homeless or face massive financial challenges. Fortunately, there is help from St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren County Continuum of Care (also known as Tri-County Continuum of Care). Led by the Community Council of St. Charles County, Continuum of Care is a coalition of several local organizations and agencies, including St. Charles County Government, that
work together to address homelessness in the community. From Nov. 16 through March 13, Continuum of Care activates an Emergency Weather Response program to provide warming centers with sleeping accommodations when temperatures are predicted to be 20-degreesor-below overnight. This is the fifth year for the program and it is helping save lives. In the 20182019 season, Emergency Weather Response was activated 18 nights and served 122 guests, including men, women, families and pets. The nine centers (that are at non-disclosed locations) operate from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and CONTINUED PAGE 10
JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 9
each is equipped to serve 20 guests. Accommodations are determined on the day of predicted low temperatures and typically are at select churches in St. Charles and Wentzville. To locate the nearest warming center, citizens can call 636-395-0492. The Emergency Weather Response program is always looking for additional church hosting sites to serve as warming centers, as well as volunteers. Those who are interested can contact Kathy Thompson of LINC at 636-332-5127, ext. 222. “I call this a death prevention program,” Thompson said. “We will always have fragile families so we will always be in the need for volunteers. Our (volunteer) numbers will have to improve in order for the program to be a success.” Thompson said Lincoln County, in particular, is in need of volunteers the most. Coalition members work closely together to make efficient use of existing resources as well as to develop new homeless resources for the community. Participation in the Continuum of Care process allows agencies to apply for competitive federal funding to provide homeless services in St. Charles County. Its model of homeless services includes: • Outreach/Intake & Assessment • Emergency Shelter • Transitional Housing and Supportive Services • Permanent Supportive Housing and Permanent Housing
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• Rapid Rehousing of homeless families as appropriate
The Community Council of St. Charles brings together individuals and organizations from all sectors including nonprofit, government, business, education, healthcare and the faith-based community to address issues such as homelessness, hunger and affordable housing. It also supports the human service community by providing opportunities for networking, resource sharing, training and communication. Its mission is to be the catalyst that brings together people, organizations and resources to build a stronger, healthier, more compassionate community.
The Continuum of Care homeless coalition collects information about the extent of homelessness in the community including inventory shelter and other homeless resources and identify gaps in services for the homeless. Some of its finding from January 2018 to September 2019.
Community Council of St. Charles County JANUARY SCHEDULE January Network Luncheon
Thursday, Jan.9 (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Hosted by Community Council at Community Commons
Rock ‘n Roll Bingo
Thursday, Jan. 9 (5 – 10 p.m. ) Hosted by Gifted Support Network
F.A.C.T. Annual Trivia Night
Saturday, Jan. 11 (6:30 – 10 p.m. ) Hosted by Family Advocacy & Community Training (FACT)
Identifying Resources to Healthy Living
Number of Homeless: Troy 455
Tuesday, Jan. 14 (6 – 7 p.m. ) Hosted by Community Living, Inc.
Hawk Pointe 30
Our Lady’s Inn Trivia Night
Foley 65
Saturday, Jan. 18 (6 – 10 p.m. ) Hosted by Our Lady’s Inn
Point In Time Count Training
Jan. 22 (2 - 3:30 p.m. ) Hosted by St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren Continuum of Care
Point In Time Count Training
Friday, Jan. 24 (10 - 11:30 a.m. ) Hosted by St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren Continuum of Care
Point In Time Homeless Count
Wednesday, Jan, 29 (8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) Hosted by St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren Continuum of Care
IDD Help Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, Jan. 29 (12 - 12:45 p.m.) Hosted by Community Living, Inc.
Moscow Mills 104 Winfield 125 Wright City 235 Warrenton 299 Wentzville 612 Foristell 45 O'Fallon 922
The age-ranges for the homeless include: 70-years-old-to-90plus: 69 60-69: 268 50-59: 581 40-49: 764 30-39: 1,053 20-29: 814 10-19: 1,087 0-9: 1,280
St. Peters 497 St. Charles 1,694 Submitted photos Through March 13, Continuum of Care activates an Emergency Weather Response program to provide warming centers with sleeping accommodations when temperatures are predicted to be 20-degrees-or-below overnight. To locate the nearest warming center, citizens can call 636-395-0492.
JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 11
Always An Adventure
The Climb: I AWAKEN AT 2:30 A.M., crawl out of the sleeping bag and stumble my way out from under the tarp into the silent mountain basin. The harsh landscape is starkly illuminated by the moon, now a couple days past full. The ever-present wind is just a light breeze. I ponder my 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 that this is my one and only opportunity to make it up my objective, I brew up a cup of coffee while gathering my climbing gear. I’m on the trail in less than an hour, and hike slowly, making my way around numerous small streams and all manner of scattered boulders - many larger than houses reminders of the forces that carved this sublime landscape. The first mile gains elevation gradually, then the way becomes steep, the footing more unstable. A bit over an hour after leaving camp, I drop my pack and begin gearing up for the climb. On goes the gear: helmet with headlamp, climbing harness, crampons, gloves (on leashes) and ice tools. Food goes in pockets; the drinking tube is easy to access. I fidget with the gear on my harness, and once satisfied, make sure the rope is positioned in my pack for easy access. Pack is leashed onto the harness, and it’s time to go. I send a satellite text message to Staci which simply states, “Climbing.” I see some fresh avalanche debris toward the bottom of the couloir I’m ascending, and consider aborting this mission. I’ve made it further than I have in many years; at one point my health was so poor that I needed assistance to simply drive to the trailhead. The fact that I’ve hiked in this far and managed to stay functional should be enough of an accomplishment. Maybe a little further up, then I’ll turn around. I climb a couple hundred feet up the grade; the snow is about one ice tool-length deep. I’m at the avalanche debris, and can see it was not a big slide, merely some snow that sloughed off some nearby rocks. My goal now is to make it up to the 12 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY JANUARY2020 2020
BY AVALANCHE
bottom of a steep, icy gully that branches off from this main chute, and then turn around. I’m in a rhythm now, step - step, then plant – plant the ice tools. Mostly I’m still grasping the heads of the tools, and sinking the shaft vertically into the knee-deep snow. Everything is going well as I make my way gradually up the pitch. I arrive at the gully intersection, and choose the steeper terrain, and climb up a little further. The snow isn’t very deep here, and the grade is considerable steeper. In some places the snow is windswept off the ice, while just feet away it is knee-deep. Progress slows, and I’m now swinging the tools, sinking the tool picks into the ice below the shallow snow. Rhythm switches to plant – step, plant – step. I’m a couple hundred feet up the steep section, and it’s now all ice climbing, with little snow for cushion. Half-way up the icy part, there’s a small rock outcropping that makes a nice seated rest, the only one for the whole length of this climb. I gladly traverse my way over to it, sit down, catch my breath, and suddenly realize how far up I’ve come. I grab some snacks out of my pockets and look around. I can see some of the surrounding peaks, though my view is limited deep in the gully. I notice that the approach to the pass across the basin has melted out since the last time I was here. A small glacier to the west, never large, is nearly gone now. The spot where I am has almost as much ice and snow as it did twenty years ago, as this gully gets almost no direct sun at any time of the year. Moonlight is turning to daylight. I turn my headlamp off and take stock of my situation. I’m tired, my forearms are burning from grasping the tools, and I’m beginning to get chilled. The climb continues to get steeper and icier up above. Before long, the sun will hit the rocks and ice above this gully, bringing high-velocity debris down this chute, with nowhere to hide. Only one-third of the climb remains – the hardest part. I make sure my gear is sorted out, take a few deep breaths, grab the tools, and resume climbing.
Photo by Avalanche
PART I
Moore On Life
Revived
JANUARY IS THE TIME TO REVIEW, RESTART AND RENEW…as in renewing friendships. Hmmm, that must have been on our next door neighbor’s minds too. The Pilkinson’s invited us over for their annual neighborhood night of New Year’s games and snacks. Things had been kind of edgy between us since my husband insulted their Christmas decorations. Last year, they left their lights up a bit too long for his liking – June to be exact. His observation didn’t go over well. As Mr. Pilkinson was putting them up again this year my husband made the comment, “Hey, didn’t you just take those down? Should have waited a few more days and saved yourself the trouble.” He got an icy glare and we didn’t receive the annual fruitcake they usually send over….so not a total loss. Things were tense enough, but the clincher happened one windy night. Their giant blow up Christmas penguin became detached and drifted over into our yard. My husband saw it tangled in one of our bushes and dug it out with a steel rake. “What are you doing?!” I cried. “That’s going to ruin the poor thing.” He stared at me with a glazed maniacal look and said, “Whoever puts penguins up for Christmas? It’s sacrilege!” “That’s just mean. What’s the Christian thing to do?”
“If he puts an inflatable Jesus up, I might let it stay.” When Pilkinson asked him if he’d seen a penguin lately, he suggested he try the North Pole. Not good. The day arrived for the neighborhood party. I reminded my husband over his bowl of cereal. Who knew Cheerios could spew out of nose holes? He began violently coughing and said, “I’m not feeling well. You’ll have to go without me.” “It’s probably because you’ve got cereal remnants jammed into your sinuses. Go lie down and let them drain.” Soon the time came when we needed to go. He said, “You know how bad I want to go, but I think there’s a Cheerio wedged under my epiglottis.” I could have sworn his nose grew three inches more. “Okay, but you’re going to miss out on fruitcake and charades.” “My complete loss, send my regards.” After a rousing game of charades the snacks were served. I gave my husband a call to check on him. “How’s it going?” He tried to fake a cough, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the cheering crowd in the background, “Touchdown!” “Wedged epiglottis my eye,” I said. “Just for that I’m bringing you home the leftover fruitcake!” JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
2 0 2 0
KIA SOUL
appeals to a diverse customer base NOW IN ITS THIRD GENERATION, the urban runabout 2020 Kia Soul, four-door sub compact crossover still appears to be attracting buyers of all ages. Its modern design theme is certainly geared towards a more diverse customer base. The vehicle’s iconic shape and footprint further helps to support that there honestly isn’t any other five passenger vehicle that has the signature and silhouette as does the distinctive Soul. Furthermore, it appears that much of its design element really hasn’t been altered that radically, since the car’s original conception back in 2009. On the other hand, the newest version does have an upgraded body design from end-to-end. This includes a revised contemporary style front end assembly with unique slim design lighting and pronounced grill housing. Additionally, new side body stamping’s for the doors include attractive crease lines and are coupled with a “Soul badging garnish” which is now promptly positioned on the side ”C” pillar’s towards the rear. The back tailgate area has been revised as well. It has larger and more distinctive three-dimensional wraparound boomerang-shaped taillights. When open, the rear cargo hatch is large enough to help in loading your personal gear or groceries with ease. Cargo carrying capabilities aren’t overwhelming; however, for this 14 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2020
size vehicle, it’s certainly satisfactory. When it comes to reliability and craftsmanship within this crossover’s attractive price-point ($18,485/base model), Soul tends to be at the top of its category. Also worth mentioning, owner brand loyalty is quite high, based on the overall ownership experience and a positive take away from previous owners. Offered with a fairly large trim selection to choose from, the factory makes available their normally aspirated four cylinder models, plus they’re optional turbocharged versions. With six trim levels in their line-up, this includes their entry level LX version, their S model, X-Line, GT-Line, EX premium model plus the all-new Soul EV (plug-in electric). Kia Motors has raised the bar with new and advanced rolling technologies as well as enhanced safety features with the ‘20 version. For instance, now available is a 10.25-inch wide display information screen as well as they’re optional Head’s-Up digital windshield display, engineered to assist the driver with various driving input while still keeping your eyes focused on the road ahead. The base engine is their 2.0-liter four cylinder. It has fairly decent power and is rated at 147-horsepower. For the driver wanting more acceleration, Kia builds their GT-Line with a 1.6-liter turbo that produces 201-horsepower and also comes with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Combined (city/
highway) fuel economy numbers range from 27-MPG, to 30-MPG, depending on engine, trim and transmission selected. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is offered as well as their six-speed manual, as it depends on the model. The car’s technologically advanced cockpit is designed and engineered to provide a pleasant and roomy driving experience however, in spite of the fact it’s classified to be suited for five, more realistically, four adults will find it more alluring. With an emotional visualization, Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience. At roadtest, the 2020 Soul X-line I drove had an MSRP of $22,615. That included the factory’s $995 freight charges. The base warranty is for five years/60,000 miles. Soul is frequently cross shopped with the Nissan Kicks, Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona.
Entertainment
‘GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE’ WILL IGNORE 2016 REBOOT
Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures
BY STEVE BRYAN
T
hirty-five years ago, “Ghostbusters” arrived in theaters and became a permanent part of the pop culture landscape. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the script, which focused on three scientists investigating the paranormal. They channeled their scientific talents into capturing and containing New York City’s ghosts for profit. A sequel, “Ghostbusters II” arrived five years later, but it lacked some of the spirit of the original. In 2020, the franchise will return with “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” a reboot that pays homage to the late Harold Ramis and his character, Egon Spengler. A trailer for the film dropped recently that shows Egon’s family learning the truth about his past. They use his technology, including the proton packs, to fight off a new batch of spirits in a small town. Paul Rudd, star of Marvel’s “Ant-Man” franchise, appears in the trailer as a teacher. A prolific writer, Dan Aykroyd conceived the original 1980’s comedy as a vehicle for John Belushi and himself. After Belushi’s untimely death in 1982, Bill Murray, Ramis and Aykroyd slipped on the jumpsuits and proton packs to battle those “pesky poltergeists.” Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver rounded out the cast and Annie Potts was memorable as Janine Melnitz, the acerbic receptionist for the Ghostbusters. Arguably, “Afterlife” could be the sequel that fans of the franchise have been waiting to see. Unfortunately, news of the
reboot isn’t sitting well with some people. Jason and Ivan Reitman announced earlier this year that they would ignore 2016’s female-centric “Ghostbusters” and instead build on the storylines and characters from the 1980’s films. Most of the original cast will be back for this one as well. Leslie Jones, who played Ghostbuster Patty Tolan in director Paul Feig’s version, voiced her displeasure on Twitter calling the snub an insult to the work that she, Feig, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon did in 2016. I saw that version while it was in theaters and was disappointed that Feig wasted the opportunity he had with four talented comedic stars. Bad writing and direction caused that one to fail critically and financially. Feig also forgot some of the lessons from the 1984 original. When you cast Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as a vapid pretty boy receptionist, it’s a waste of talent. Annie Potts’ banter with Billy Murray in the original “Ghostbusters” was wildly funny, so why not utilize Mr. Hemsworth in the same way? “Avengers: Endgame” showed how truly funny Hemsworth can be on screen. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” could become one of the major hits of the 2020 summer movie season. The trailer gives off a “Stranger Things” vibe and speaks to fans of all ages. Here’s hoping it is as good as it looks.
JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
a
GRAPESensation Delicious seasonal dishes for a warm winter
SEARED SALMON WITH SPINACH AND GRAPES Servings: 4
B
y incorporating versatile ingredients into your cooking, you can make a vast array of tasty seasonal goodies.
For example, California grapes are abundant throughout the winter season and add taste and visual appeal to dishes of all kinds, such as Seared Salmon with Spinach and Grapes, Grape Caprese Salad Hors d’ Oeuvres, Grapes in Rosé Wine Sauce and Wild Rice Stuffing with Grapes and Hazelnuts. Plus, they’re an easy, fresh, healthy snack to keep on-hand for hungry guests waiting for the meal. With their natural beauty, grapes can also be used to create tablescapes and centerpieces for festive settings. Find more recipe inspiration at grapesfromcalifornia.com. 16 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2020
Ingredients:
Directions:
1 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 325 F.
1 teaspoon dry mustard
In small bowl, combine salt, mustard, thyme and pepper. Drizzle salmon fillets with honey and sprinkle with seasoning. Reserve any remaining seasoning.
1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4 salmon steaks or fillets (6 ounces each) 2 teaspoons honey 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided 1 large bunch spinach, washed and stemmed 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups red California seedless grapes, halved 1/2 cup dry red wine
In nonstick skillet or saute pan, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil. Brown both sides of salmon fillets over mediumhigh heat, about 4 minutes per side. In baking dish, toss spinach and garlic with remaining olive oil. Place browned salmon on bed of spinach, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through. In skillet used to brown salmon, over medium-high heat saute grapes 1 minute. Add wine, bring to boil and reduce quantity by half. Season sauce to taste with remaining herb mixture. Serve salmon on wilted spinach topped with grape and wine sauce. Nutritional information per serving: 449 calories; 36 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 23 g fat; 45% calories from fat; 4.3 g saturated fat; 9% calories from saturated fat; 100 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 1,120 mg potassium; 1.6 g fiber.
For the Love of Food
GRAPE CAPRESE SALAD HORS D’ OEUVRES
WILD RICE STUFFING WITH GRAPES AND HAZELNUTS Servings: 12
Servings: 24 Ingredients:
Ingredients:
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 cans (28 fluid ounces total) lowsodium chicken broth
igh-quality, aged balsamic h vinegar freshly ground black pepper
1 cup wild rice
24 decorative bamboo skewers
4 slices bacon, diced 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
24 red seedless California grapes
1 large onion, diced
24 fresh basil leaves
2 stalks celery, diced
24 small, fresh mozzarella balls
1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, sliced
sea salt Directions: On serving plate or platter, drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as desired. Sprinkle with pepper. To assemble skewers: On each skewer, add one red grape, one small basil leaf and one ball fresh mozzarella. Lay skewers on serving platter and sprinkle with dash of sea salt. Nutritional information per serving: 44 calories; 2.5 g protein; 1 g carbohydrates; 3 g fat; 64% calories from fat; 11 mg cholesterol; 20 mg sodium; .07 g fiber.
GRAPES IN ROSÉ WINE SAUCE Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rosé wine 1/2 c up sugar
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 2 cups California seedless grapes, picked from stem and rinsed
Directions: In heavy saucepan, bring chicken broth to boil. Add wild rice and stir. Cover pan and reduce heat to low. Let simmer 1 hour until rice is tender and has popped open. In frying pan over medium heat, cook bacon until almost crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Add butter to bacon pan then add onions, celery, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and fold in parsley, hazelnuts and grapes. Add rice with any remaining liquid to frying pan and toss well to combine. Nutritional information per serving: 166 calories; 5.4 g protein; 21 g carbohydrates; 8 g fat; 40% calories from fat; 1.4 g saturated fat; 8% calories from saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 126 mg sodium; 2.6 g fiber.
1/2 v anilla bean, split 1 pinch salt 3 cups halved red, green or black California grapes Directions: In large skillet, bring wine, sugar, vanilla bean and salt to boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Stir in grapes and let cool. Serving suggestion: Pour warm grapes over creme fraiche or vanilla ice cream. Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 0 g protein; 49 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
5 TIPS FOR HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS With filling meals and tempting desserts at every corner, it can be difficult to keep nutrition in mind during the holidays. However, these simple tricks can help keep you stay on track, while still enjoying the best that the season has to offer. • Eat a healthy snack, like grapes with hummus and crackers, before parties to avoid arriving hungry.
• Bring fresh fruit to potlucks and holiday parties for a crowdpleasing, healthy offering. • Alternate high-calorie beverages with water. • Create a party platter that assembles an array of healthy nibbles, such as fresh grapes, nuts, sliced veggies with a healthy dip, seasoned popcorn and olives. • Practice portion control to avoid overindulging despite the bounty of homemade dishes from loved ones.
JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 17
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Wentzville Business Spotlight
Thieman’s Carpet Company is located at 201 E. Pearce Blvd. in Historic Downtown Wentzville. The business started in 1975 and is owned by Tony and Sandy Thieman. The business sells and installs all types of flooring products including wood flooring, carpet, vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl planking. The Thieman’s pride themselves on providing personal service and attention to detail. Having grown-up in Wentzville, they are proud to be in a wellrun City with a lot of community spirit. They have many repeat customers from their 40 years of sales and service. They encourage you to come by for a visit where you will be treated like a friend.
(636) 327-8813
Wentzville Business Spotlight
Imagination Pottery Studio is located at 1463 Wentzville Parkway, just down the street from Wentzville City Hall. The business is owned by Megan Kumbera and was purchased in May 2015. Our business offers walk-in pottery painting, classes, birthday parties, and even camps. We love that Wentzville is a hub of activity and remains a people-friendly community. We are excited about the new recreational facility coming to Wentzville. We have been voted as the Best DIY Studio for the third year in a row by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Come by to relax, have some fun, and create new memories.
(636) 327-4699 18 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2020
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JANUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 19
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