Issuu

y r a libr

SUMMER FUN AT THE

WWW.PBTC.NET

2 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

JULY 5

Around Town Local news and events

Nonprofit Profile Saint Louis Actors’ Studio – Off Broadway and The Central West End

2019

contents

Feature Story Summer fun at the library The St. Charles City-County Library District has lots to offer from summer reading programs to family themed events

Always an Adventure What was old is new again

Moore on Life Troubled waters

Automobile Alley 2019 Ford Ranger reintroduces itself to the midsize truck market

Food Simplify summer on the grill

Entertainment ‘Toy Story 4’ a welcome addition to the playroom

Advertiser Profile El Bicho – a ‘full-timer’s’ way of life

Community Calendar: July

On the Cover: Photo courtesy St. Charles City-County Library District

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 3

JULY

2019 writers

VOL 15 | NO 7

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

BY CINDY MOORE

Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13

Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Staff Writer Brett Auten Photographer Kate Edmonson

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.

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12

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

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 MATHEW DEKINDER

ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15

4 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

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.

Around Town

Volunteer drivers needed to help seniors ITNGateway needs volunteer drivers who live in St. Charles County to give a few hours each week to provide transportation for senior citizens and adults with vision impairments. We provide rides for any reason, whether medical appointments , exercise classes, grocery shopping, dining out, etc. Mileage reimbursement and volunteer credits are available. Call ITNGateway today at 636-329-0888.

Wentzville students bring creativity to Drinking Water Week

Family Owned.

Serving St. Charles County. 30 Years.

Photo courtesy city of Wentzville (From left) Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione stands with scholarship winners Stephanie Tauser (Holt), Public Works Director Susan Spiegel, Savannah Hayton (Timberland) and Courtney Harmon (Liberty).

In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, Wentzville senior art students participated in a contest to win scholarships from the city of Wentzville’s Water Division. Creatively implementing the designated “Dr. Seuss” theme, the students painted fire hydrants to be displayed throughout Historic Downtown Wentzville. As one of the only fine-arts related scholarships in the area, three students from Holt, Liberty and Timberland high schools were awarded $1,000 scholarships for their creative fire hydrant designs. This year’s first-place winners include seniors Stephanie Tauser (Holt), Savannah Hayton (Timberland) and Courtney Harmon (Liberty). These fire hydrants, representing the diligent and innovative work of Wentzville students, were on display near the bottom of the water tower on East Pearce Boulevard until the end of May. To honor the students’ creative efforts and to serve as a reminder of Wentzville’s dedication to providing residents with quality drinking water, the artistic fire hydrants will be displayed throughout downtown Wentzville between June and November. JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

St. Charles County bat tested, found positive for rabies The St. Charles County Department of Public Health confirms that a bat found in O’Fallon last month has tested positive for the rabies virus. Rabies is a dangerous virus that infects the nervous system and is found in the saliva of mammals. Most commonly spread by bats and skunks in Missouri, pets and humans can become exposed through bites or scratches by infected animals. In both pets and humans, common symptoms of rabies infection include fever, body ache and difficulty moving, neck stiffness, brain swelling, and paralysis. In animals, unusual or atypical behavior and foaming at the mouth also are common. If these symptoms develop, the result is rarely survivable for pets and other animals; human deaths in the United States due to rabies are rare because of effective treatment procedures. “Since bats and skunks have been found to carry the virus in Missouri, it is possible that your pets might encounter a creature infected with rabies,” says Sara Evers, Director for St. Charles County’s Division of Health Services. “Rabies illness requires mandatory preventative actions and extensive treatment, so it’s always best for people and pets to avoid contact with live or dead wild animals, unfamiliar dogs or cats, and any animals displaying unusual behaviors. The discovery

Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Tri-State Trolling Motor at 1799 Corporate Parkway is a familyaffair. 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

of this infected bat also serves as a reminder that annual vaccination is required for all pets regardless of whether they are located in unincorporated or incorporated areas of the county and is the best way to prevent rabies infection.” All St. Charles County veterinarians can provide rabies vaccination and the accompanying rabies registration for their clients. This registration comes with an annual rabies tag that must be displayed on the animal’s collar according to County Ordinance. Individuals needing financial assistance to obtain the vaccination and registration tag should contact the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center at 636949-7387. Reporting of animal incidents and stray or potentially rabid animals also will help to prevent the spread of the disease. If an individual or pet is bitten or scratched by an animal, wound should be cleansed immediately with soap and water, seek any necessary medical care and alert the Division of Humane Services or your local law enforcement agency. Residents concerned about the presence of stray or potentially rabid animals on their property should call St. Charles County Animal Control at 636-949-7347 for domesticated animals or the Missouri Department of Conservation’s St. Charles County regional office at 636-441-4554 for wild animals.

KEEPING WATCH Lake St. Louis Police Department joins growing trend of asking residents and businesses to register personal surveillance systems to help fight crime By Brett Auten

n an effort to help streamline investigations and help detour burglaries, the Lake St. Louis Police Department is calling on its citizens to lend a simple, helping hand. There is no question that the presence of a home or business outdoor video surveillance system is a warning to prowling crooks that they are being monitored and recorded. But, while video 6 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

Around Town surveillance may dissuade them from cracking your safe haven, it is also helpful in investigating crimes that may have happen in your neighborhood. The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is asking residents and businesses, across its jurisdiction, to assist in safeguarding their communities by registering their privately-owned video surveillance systems with its new Community Camera Program. By registering your video surveillance system with the department, investigators can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity. “This is not our invention,” Lake St. Louis Police Chief Chris DiGiuseppi said. “Most of the communities (in St. Charles County) have it and we needed to get on board with it also. To have a central database of cameras like this helps when an incident occurs. Normally, we would canvas the entire area to see who has a system in place. Now, we will be able to go to the database, ask if we can see a copy, and hopefully it will generate some leads and solve the crime.” Following registration, you would only be contacted by the Lake Saint Louis Police Department if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your home or business. Once registered, Lake St. Louis police personnel may request to view your surveillance system footage to assist in the investigation. Unlocked vehicles are, and always have been, the key target for criminals. You name it – guns, cash, computers, garage door openers – all have been left unattended in Lake St. Louis neighborhoods. While security cameras are all well and fine, the best deterrent is your most basic. “Since January, we’ve had 40 cars broken into,” Lake St. Louis Police Captain Chad Layton said. “Thirty-eight of those cars were unlocked. Take a moment and make sure you secure your property. This is a problem throughout the county.” Through criminal interviews, Layton said that suspects have stated: “We come out (Lake St. Louis) because people leave everything unlocked and we take it. ...That’s my job is to come out here and steal your stuff.” The program is in its early stages as only 25 had signed up as of last week. A wide array of companies have turned the home security system industry on its head by allowing homeowners to shun traditional professionally-installed security systems by creating smaller devices and shifting the task of securing houses from traditional companies and giving the option to take matters into the homeowners own hands. With remotely accessible features, high-definition video streams, motion detection, cloud recording and an intercom, the options are endless. Video doorbells are more commonplace and serve as the gateways to the do-it-yourself home security game, and have grown to become one of law enforcement’s most useful investigative tools. “The wireless camera has changed everything,” DiGiuseppi said. “A lot of people had home security systems when I started in the early 1990s so now having these cameras in a lot of our homes is not a surprise.” To enroll in the Community Camera Program is a simple process. Just go to lakesaintlouis.com/2370/Community-Camera-Program. JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 7

Nonprofit AdvertiserProfile Profile

Saint Louis Actors’ Studio OFF BROADWAY a n d THE CENTRAL WEST END

ow in its 13th season, St. Louis Actors’ Studio (STLAS), a performing arts 501(c)(3) corporation, has been growing by leaps and bounds year over year. With more than 60 productions under its belt both at its home in historic Gaslight Square and each January in midtown Manhattan, STLAS has become a leading arts organization with a strong national reputation. Founded by actor William Roth, STLAS resides in a turn of the center building, converted into a restaurant and the cozy 97-seat Gaslight Theater on Boyle Ave in the city’s Central West End. STLAS mixes modern drama with timeless classics and almost every production has been called out for praise by the critics and performing arts award organizations. Past seasons have seen “King Lear”, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, “American Buffalo”, “Doll’s House”, “The Sunshine Boys”,” Black Bird”, “August: Osage County”, and many more all on their intimate Gaslight Stage. Each July they team up with filmmaker and playwright Neil LaBute to produce the “LaBute New Theater Festival” a festival of one act plays chosen from the over 300 submissions from every corner of the world. The festival promotes playwriting in the professional and high schools ranks. As a community member STLAS received a commendation from the Board of Alderman and the “Renaissance Award” from the Central West End Association for its contribution to the cultural fabric of St. Louis. Since moving to its home on Boyle Avenue 13 years ago, development in the area has exploded. Season 13 kicks off in September with “50 Words” by Michael Weller followed by David Mamet’s “A life in the Theater” in December, “Annapurna” by Sharr White next February and concluding with “Comfort”, a world premiere by Neil LaBute, in April 2020. For more information or a list of programs please visit www.stlas.org PHOTOS COURTESY PATRICK HUBER 8 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

y r a r lib

SUMMER FUN AT THE

The St. Charles City-County Library District has lots to offer from summer reading programs to family themed events By Brett Auten

o the dog days of summer have you down and out? Is the crowd at the local community pool a little too boisterous for your liking? The St. Charles City-County Library District is here to solve any summertime ‘what-to-do’ conundrums, no matter what the age. “Summer is definitely our busy season,” Maggie Melson, Director of Children’s Services with the district, said. “If you were look at our attendance, circulation, door count, it is dramatically higher.” CONTINUED PAGE 10

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 9

And the main reason those numbers are up each and every year is because of the Summer Reading Program, which has been a staple for the district for many years. The program runs until Aug. 1 and the theme this year is, “A Universe of Stories.” Throughout the summer, programs, classes and activities tie in with the theme of the reading program. With the amount of visitors amplified, the amount of services and performances go up as well. “Everything is on a bigger scale in the summer,” Melson said. There are a plethora of options for the youngsters, starting as early as 9 a.m. or as late as 6 p.m., there is something on the calendar at any given branch each and every day. Among the Family Fun nights and Lego building afternoons, on July 15, Rockets with the St. Louis Science Center will take place at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch. Join the St. Louis Science Center for a demonstration all about rockets. Explore how rockets move using Newton’s third law of motion, learn about the chemistry needed for rocket combustion, and have a blast as you figure out the best way to get to outer space. This science demonstration does feature brief moments of fire as well as loud noises. Sara Nielsen is the Director of Adult Services with the district. From the adult perspective, Nielsen says the summer months is the ideal time to influence the younger members of your family. “It is really a great time for parents to model the importance of reading,” Nielsen said. “Whether it is reading to your child or getting them into the reading program, it is an opportunity to be a good example, and for the adults without children or for those whose children have grown, it is a great way to interact, find interests, and reconnect with reading.” One of the highlights of July is the Star Wars Party held on July 6 at the Spencer Road Branch. This drop-in event will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. as fans of all ages are invited to join in for all things Star Wars. The force will be strong with the crafts, games, and photo-ops as characters from the 501st Legion will be in costume and the St. Louis R2-D2 Builders Group will be there displaying their wares. 10 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

“This will be a fun time for parents and kids to dress up in character, if they want, and just totally geek out over Star Wars,” Nielsen said. Those who fans of the mystery genre will want to circle July 19 and 20 on the calendar. On July 19, the Teen Mystery Dinner: Dark and Stormy Night will be held at the Spencer Road branch from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dine and help in solving a light-hearted romp of a mystery with a little bit of everything, featuring thespians from O’Fallon Theater Works. Pizza and refreshments provided. Then on July 20, it is the adults turn. From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. the same troupe will put on a performance. The adults can always find something to choose from at the Library of Things. The Library of Things describes non-traditional collections that are being loaned by libraries. These new types of collections vary widely, but go far beyond the books, journals, and media that have been the primary focus of library collections in the past. The Library of Things movement is a growing trend in the United States. Among the unconventional items for check out at the St. Charles CityCounty Library include cake pans (over 180 in variety), telescopes that are provided by the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, 18 different fitness kits available, and kitchen equipment including food dehydrator, air fryer, spiralizer, and instant pot.

“

This is a good way to experience something new, especially on those hot summer days”

A new twist to the Summer Reading program is the Galactic Tour, which encourages participants to travel to the different branches throughout the district to earn points, which will translate into a tasty prize. “This is a good way to experience something new, especially on those hot summer days,” Melson said. “It also helps you find out where all our branches are at, because in truth, they are all a little different and they all have their own unique feel and features.” Both Melson and Nielson wanted to stress that the Summer Reading Program is not just for kids. “It is for all ages, even babies,” Nielson said. “It is all part of building the vocabulary. It doesn’t matter how young.” For any further information, including a complete schedule and registration information on all things that are going on this month at the St. Charles City-County Library District, visit youranswerplace.org.

- Maggie Melson Photos courtesy St. Charles City-County Library District

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure BY AVALANCHE

What was old is new again WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY CLUTTERED SMALL CABIN ON THE BACK OF A MOUNTAIN, with the bikeseller holding a camping lantern up to illuminate the scene. Swaying back and forth from an evening of heavy imbibing, he pointed out the object(s) of my affliction: a frame, a motor and four milk-crates full of miscellaneous motorcycle parts in various states of disrepair. All put together, in the somewhatdistant past, they once were the makings of an old custom Harley Sportster. I could tell that most of a motorcycle was present. I began flashing hundred-dollar bills until the owner capitulated a bit short of his initial asking price. We shook hands, and loaded the makings of a big project into my vehicle and headed down the wickedly steep, washed-out four-wheeldrive road back to town. I was happy to have gotten a “good deal” on a basket-case project. The seller was happy to have cleared out some junk from his cluttered cabin. In the light of day, things appeared better – and worse - than my initial impression. Under a thick layer of old oil, dirt and grease, there were acres of beautiful chrome. What had appeared to be a dirty black swingarm, (the rear suspension fork which held the rear wheel to the frame), was actually a chrome-plated beauty all the way around. The protective layer of grease had prevented any rust from forming during its long period of ne12 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

glect and abuse. And the motor itself…wouldn’t turn over without the use of a big wrench, and then only with much resistance. The next few months were filled with tearing down, stripping, cleaning and going through an expensive list of parts and machine work required to put the bike back into running form. Many layers of paint were stripped away to get to bare metal. The motor required special tools and machine work that were beyond my not-quite-journeyman level mechanic skills. An expensive trip to a machine shop put the mill back into running shape. Eventually everything came together, and the vee-twin was ready to put into the freshly painted frame and chassis. Once completely assembled, in my exuberance to fire up the beast, I jumped up on the

kick starter lever and put lots of grunt into turning the crank, only to have the ratchet slip and the lever go through its stroke with no resistance - putting me on the ground holding my knee from the hyperextended miscalculation. It’s a well-known phenomenon with those old bikes, something you do only once. A few minutes later I was able to try again, and the bike was thumping along with that classic sound beloved by enthusiasts. The machine carried Staci and me around the mountains for a few years; it was our first street bike, and I was proud of my work. In fact, it got me hired at a mechanic shop. After my first interview, my soon-to-be boss and co-workers told me to check back later. After a few visits to the shop, they saw the bike started on the first kick every time, and didn’t leak – both

were rarities for those vintage machines. They figured that if I could keep such an old classic running without trouble, they should hire me. Too soon, the motor went south and I repaired it and rebuilt it, enough times that a new bike seemed like a good idea. Once on a newer, bigger machine, the old antique classic lost its magic. Time formerly spent working on the bike became time spent riding. The machine was sold to another gear-head with “the sickness” of loving to work on, and sometimes ride, old motorcycles. After a few more years, it went to a younger guy who couldn’t imagine having a cooler machine. I’m sure it’s still a pretty cool machine…even if it’s once again sitting in a pile of parts in some remote cabin, waiting for a young, enthusiastic buyer to put it back into running form.

Moore On Life

SUMMER’S IN FULL SWING. What to do, what to do? I know, how about heading over to the local community pool for a nice relaxing soak? Or better yet, how about climb into your local community dumpster and roll around in it for a few hours. Guaranteed, the results will be the same. A recent study (darn those recent studies always ruining everyone’s fun!) found that pools, despite the chlorine, are teaming cesspools of bacteria. Fun fact: The early city cesspool owners found ticket sales drastically increased once they dropped “cess” to reword them as just pools. Unfortunately, the germs drastically increased as well. Back to that annoying study; chlorine doesn’t kill bacteria as fast as people would think. In fact, one type of microorganism can survive for almost 10 days in a chlorine treated pool. Ugh! A big problem is that swimmers consider the pool to be one giant urinal. And it’s not just those annoying leaky children. Even the grownups are guilty. Our handy study showed that one in five adults admitted to peeing in the pool. The other four were found to be psychopathic liars. And consider this, even if chlorine neutralizes the pee pee, it still doesn’t change the fact that you’re swimming in a vat of chlorine treated urine. Nice. But let’s be problem solvers instead of fun suckers. If you get stung by a swarm of stinging jellyfish, scientists say the best treatment is human urine. So maybe the pool owners need to toss in a net full of man-owars and solve the whole potty-going-in-the-pool issue. Win win. But there are other matters. Many people don’t shower before swimming. This adds lotions, perfumes, deodorants, sweat, dirt, dead skin and unwashed nether regions to the stew. So for the love of all that’s disease-ridden, don’t drink the water. And if some kid should perform a cannon ball right by your head and splash you in the face, it is very likely that a goodly amount will land on your mouth. Do not make the knee-jerk decision to lick your lips. Rather, find the jerk and kick him in the knee. Then immediately douse yourself with bleach. Swimmers tip: Always carry a jug of bleach in your swim bag right next to the fruit snacks. So the choice is yours. Me? I choose the community dumpster = same results plus save the price of admission.

Troubled

waters BY CINDY MOORE

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2019

FORD RANGER

reintroduces itself to the midsize truck market

or a number of years, I too was one of the millions who owned one of the Ford Ranger midsize pickup trucks. It was always reliable and meet all of my expectations when it came to being a “rock solid” means of transportation. Now, to fast forward, Ford earlier this year reintroduced this popular vehicle, starting at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit. With General Motors having a successful run selling their midsize Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, the redone 2019 Ranger was a perfect fit for this popular and growing segment. Of course, the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline would also be positioned in the classification as well. Manufactured at Ford’s Wayne, Michigan Assembly Plant, (not far from Detroit), Ranger brings American truck lovers an allnew choice in this growing truck category. As a matter of fact, U.S. sales are up 83 percent since 2014 with midsize truck buyers who tend to seek more maneuverable and fuel-efficient pickups. The ‘19 Ford Ranger answers the call with all-new/welcomed features starting with a contemporary exterior design mounted on a high-strength steel frame coupled with a chassis and powertrain developed specifically for North American truck customers. The truck’s muscular body features a high beltline that emphasizes firmness. A raked front grille and windshield provide an athletic appearance, as it was engineered to assist in 14 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

aerodynamics and help to reduce wind noise. Short overhangs are functional when motoring off-road. A rugged steel bumper with an available integrated trailer hitch receiver helps make towing items such as campers, ATVs or watercraft less of a challenge. In the cabin, you’ll notice a blend of comfort and functionality with room for up to five people, including necessary gear. Powering Ranger under the truck’s “twin domed” engine hood bonnet is their proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It was designed for fuel efficiency and capability, and generates 270-horsepower. EPA estimated numbers show 21-mpg city/26-highway, depending on the chassis and body set-up. Ranger fourwheel-drive versions feature 2-high, 4-high and 4-low settings. According to Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing, “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on weekends.” Ranger comes in their entry-level XL models as well as their mid-level XLT and highlevel Lariat trim series. It’s also available with a Chrome and Sport appearance and FX OffRoad package as well as offered in a SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configuration. A suite of innovative safety enhancements includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking to help avoid collisions, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

System and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage which is standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels. With full-size Ford F-150 DNA clearly visible within the all new midsize Ranger, the Base XL Models start out at $24,300.

Entertainment

‘TOY STORY 4’

a welcome addition to the playroom

BY MATHEW DEKINDER

t’s easy to forget that when “Toy Story” came out in 1995 that it was the first feature-length computer animated film to hit theaters. In spite of this technical landmark, the movie stands out to this day not because of how it was made, but because of the power of the story it told. Through two high-quality sequels we have followed the exploits of a room full of toys led by cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) and spaceman Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) who navigate the world when humans’ backs are turned. Through it all, they’ve remained loyal to each other as they strive to fulfill their ultimate purpose of making children happy. When we last left the group in “Toy Story 3” they were adjusting to life with their new owner Bonnie, an exuberant five year old with a big imagination. With “Toy Story 4,” which maintains the franchise’s ridiculously high standards of quality and emotion, our favorite toys face new challenges, like kindergarten, a road trip and, biggest of all, Forky. Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) is nothing more than a spork Bonnie glues googly eyes onto at kindergarten orientation. With a pipe cleaner for arms and popsicle sticks for feet, Forky has no interest in the title of Bonnie’s new favorite toy and after coming to life wants nothing more than to return to the trashcan where he feels most at home. When a family vacation takes the whole gang on a road trip, Woody, whose status in the toy box is starting to slip, makes it his personal mission

to keep Forky safe even though the new toy is hell bent on getting lost. Along the way our beloved toys meet some old friends, like Woody’s old flame Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and some welcome additions like antique doll Gabby Gabby (Christian Hendricks) and her creepy army of ventriloquist dummies, motorcycle stuntman Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) and scene stealers Ducky and Bunny (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele) a couple of hilarious stuffed animals with a bit of a dark side While all of the “Toy Story” movies have dealt with themes of friendship and finding your place in the world “Toy Story 4” drives home the fact that the toys are emotional avatars for all of the parents in the audience. When raising a child is your life’s purpose, what happens once you’ve done your job and that child doesn’t need you anymore to function in the world? The result is simultaneously satisfying and heartbreaking, and “Toy Story 4” explores this weighty subject nimbly and beautifully. In the end we know that life is full of change and that all good things must come to an end, but the lesson our plush and plastic friends want us to take away is that no matter what, we should enjoy all of the playtime we can get. “Toy Story 4” is rated G.

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

SIMPLIFY

summer ON THE GRILL

BARBECUE MACARONI AND CHEESE BURGER Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 pound ground beef

In large mixing bowl, blend ground beef and sausage; divide into eight patties.

1 pound roll sausage 1 package (20 ounces) macaroni and cheese 8 hamburger buns 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce 1/2 cup French fried onion straws 16 | CROSSROADS | JULY 2019

On grill over medium heat, cook burgers on each side until no longer pink in center and internal temperature reaches 160 F, about 15 minutes. Heat macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. Place patties on buns and top each with 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese, 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce and fried onion straws.

ummer is typically a busy time for families, making those moments you spend together all the more precious. The hustle and bustle of the season doesnâ€™t have to mean sacrificing wholesome meals, however. Take advantage of the warm weather and step outside the kitchen to focus on enjoying the outdoors with family around grilled favorites, such as burgers. You can even make meals on the grill your own by putting twists on a classic, such as Barbecue Macaroni and Cheese Burgers or Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese Burgers. Another time-saving tip: Consider refrigerated side dish options like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese from Bob Evans Farms, which are ready in just six minutes and provide homemade taste. In addition to topping burgers, these sides can be used as an ingredient in appetizers like Crunchy Jalapeno Potato Poppers and Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders, which are perfect for snacking on while catching up on the events of the day. Find more recipes and time-saving ideas to make the most of grilling season at BobEvansGrocery.com.

For the Love of Food

CRUNCHY JALAPENO POTATO POPPERS Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 48 Ingredients:

Directions:

1 package (24 ounces) mashed potatoes

Stir together cold mashed potatoes with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses and diced jalapenos.

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Scoop 48 tablespoonfuls of potato mixture and place on parchment- or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 15-20 minutes.

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 4 ounces diced jalapeno peppers, drained 8 ounces taco flavored tortilla chips 2 large eggs 6-8 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/3 cup all-purpose flour sour cream (optional)

In bowl of food processor, pulse tortilla chips to fine crumbs or place chips in large, zip-top bag and smash using rolling pin. Pour crumbs into shallow bowl. Beat eggs and pour into separate shallow bowl. Set aside. In fryer or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350 F. Remove mashed potato scoops from refrigÂerator and roll into balls. Roll each mashed potato ball in flour, tapping off excess. Once potato balls are coated in flour, dip each into egg, allowing excess to drip off, then into tortilla chip crumbs, making sure to coat evenly. Set on clean baking sheet. Discard excess flour, egg and tortilla chip crumbs.

PULLED PORK MAC AND CHEESE SLIDERS Recipe courtesy of Karly Campbell of Buns in My Oven Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

In hot oil, fry small batches of mashed potato poppers until golden brown, 30-40 seconds. Remove from fryer and place on paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat until all poppers are cooked. Serve hot with sour cream, if desired. Note: To reheat poppers, bake 6-8 minutes at 350 F.

BUFFALO MACARONI AND CHEESE BURGER Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 1 pound pre-packaged, fully cooked pulled pork in sauce 12 slider rolls 1 package (20 ounces) macaroni and cheese

2-3 tablespoons barbecue sauce 6 slices cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon barbecue dry rub 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In microwave, warm pulled pork according to package instructions. Ingredients:

Directions:

1 pound ground beef

In large mixing bowl, blend ground beef and sausage; divide into eight patties.

1 pound roll sausage 1 package (20 ounces) macaroni and cheese 8 hamburger buns 1 package crumbled blue cheese (optional) 4 teaspoons Buffalo sauce

Slice rolls in half. Place bottom halves of slider rolls in 9-by13-inch baking dish and top each with pulled pork. Microwave macaroni and cheese according to package directions and spoon evenly over pork on each sandwich roll. Drizzle barbecue sauce over sandwiches. Lay cheese in two rows of three over sliders. Top with top halves of slider rolls. Stir dry rub into butter. Spoon evenly over tops of sandwiches. Sprinkle with parsley. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes. JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 17

Advertiser Profile

El Bicho – a ‘full-timer’s’ way of life By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV In North America a full-timer in the RV world usually refers to someone who drives to a series of vacation destinations in the comfort of a luxurious recreation vehicle. In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I met a different kind of “full-timer.” “Shanti,” Chantal Catherine Roberte Gorloo, was born in Belgium, but moved and worked in Argentina until, in her own words, “One day I worked out the math on a 24 hour day. I didn’t have time to enjoy life. That same day I sold my car, furniture and everything. One month after I found El Bicho, the motorhome that would become a home.” Fifteen years later she arrived in Puerto Vallarta. Along the way she added a companion, Matu, a daughter, Zaina, and a dog Yaiza. The details of their adventure are too much to include in this limited space. I will quote a few of her own words from a photo journal which they have compiled. If I refer to their home on wheels as a “recreation” vehicle it is a stretch. For instance, no RV manufacturer would brand their product “El Bicho.” But the translation validates the moniker- “the thing,” or “bug.” The Mercedes Benz bus served for 18 years as an urban bus in Buenos Aires. It gets about 4-5 kilometers per litre of diesel and can reach about 60 KMH, although there were few roads that permitted that pace. The interior is a rustic, but comfortable abode with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen but no electronic diversions. Solar panels help support a small refrigerator. The simplicity is true to their philosophy that true luxuries are experiential, not material. Financially, they worked their way through most of South and Central America. “We printed post-cards, sold food, calendars, purses, handicrafts, and sometimes worked as photographers. The secret isn’t gaining the most money, but wasting the least.” A message on the back of their bus helped: “We come from Patagonia and want to get to Mexico. Could you please help us with 5 litres of diesel or a meal?” While in Venezuela they decided to create a book. Matu’s experience as a graphic reporter helped capture a masterpiece of visual experiences.

Worth El Bicho’s exterior was constantly evolving. Shanti’s complaint that its the original appearance “seemed fancier Drive than it really was. And every time the police saw my European passport they asked for money. So, I bought two cans of paint and painted red and green patches on it. It inspired pity.” Challenges of driving? “Mountain roads…so narrow when buses took turns the wheels are left in the air and the driver shouts to passengers which side to move to balance the bus.” Mechanical problems? “Always people to give us a hand. There is a solution for every situation except for death.” (Editorial comment: though experiencing some lengthy delays in third world environments, they usually solved problems locally and relatively quickly compared to the weeks of waiting for factory support from US RV manufacturers). Advice for travelers. “Do not read too many tour guides. It’s best not to imagine what things would be like, because they will always be different.” Security. As Shanti writes: “Let’s say Latin America isn’t the safest place on earth, but we know that good are more than the bad.” The Future? El Bicho arrived at their original goal, Mexico. Now What? Alaska. They plan to go up the west coast to avoid the mountains. I informed Shanti that unless they zig-zag across the United States they will miss a lot, but they won’t have to plan for another 15 year journey. They could be in Alaska in 30 days! Things move a little faster here…perhaps a little too fast. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a folding tent trailer or a luxury motorhome, Byerly has your second home on wheels waiting for you. We are Byerly, the center of the RV World. Check us out at www.ByerlyRV.com and visit us in Eureka, Missouri, just 15 minutes west of I-270 on I-44.

Community Calendar

JuLY 4 – Independence Day 13 – Christmas in July Craft fair, petting zoo, and crafts for children- come and enjoy the “holidays” during the warmest time of the year. Refreshments available for purchase and fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Gianna Parish at 450 E Highway N in Wentzville. 14 – Bastille Day 14-15 – Theater auditions Wentzville Christian Church announces auditions for “A Christmas Carol: Live Radio Play” July 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. and July 15 from 6 – 9 p.m. Those auditioning should come prepared with a monologue 30 seconds to one minute in length. You may also be asked to read from the script. Rehearsals will be July 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. and July 22 -24 from 6 – 9 p.m.. Rehearsals will then resume in October on Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. Production dates are December 5, 6 and 7th. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy at 636-2193238 or go to wentzvillecc.org. 25 – Job fair The Fort Zumwalt School District is currently taking applications for the following support staff positions: paraprofessional, secretary, clerk, bus driver, custodian and student nutrition. On-the-spot interviews will be conducted from 4 - 7 p.m. at Hope High School at 307 West Pitman in O’Fallon. Qualified applicants can complete an application at www.fz.k12.mo.us under the “Work For FZSD” tab. All full-time positions include medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as pension contributions. 27 – National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day 28 – Parents’ Day

JULY 2019 | CROSSROADS | 19

WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET

WWW.PROACTIVEPRINTSERVICES.COM

FREE Online Subscription at www. MYCNEWS