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GROWINGte u b i r t

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2 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER

2019

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Nonprofit Profile Jewish Book Festival brings over 40 years of excellence and new authors to St. Louis

Feature Story A growing tribute St. Charles Countyâ€™s new Veterans Memorial Garden at Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring will open to the public on Veterans Day

Always an Adventure The Hike

Moore on Life Thank goodness

Automobile Alley 2020 Hyundai Palisade is an SUV that prioritizes safety and luxury

Food Peanut-powered protein: Nutritious ideas for flavor-filled family meals

Entertainment Disney ups the ante in the streaming wars

Advertiser Profile The RVer who came in from the cold

Community Calendar: November

On the Cover: Submitted photo

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 3

NOVEMBER

2019 writers

VOL 15 | NO 11

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, Russ Patton 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

Community News winner of Missouri Press Association awards The Community News was the recipient of five awards in the Missouri Press Association 2019 Better Newspaper Contest. The Community News won first and second place in the Magazine/Alternative Publication category for CrossRoads and Our Town magazines respectively. Community News columnist Cindy Moore received second place in the Best Columnist-Humorous category. Staff writer Brett Auten was the recipient of a third place award for Best Sports Feature Story and a third place award for Best Story About the Outdoors. “It is always an honor to be recognized by the Missouri Press Association,” said Community News Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder. “Our staff works very hard to provide the high quality of coverage our readers have come to expect. These awards are a reflection of that hard work and dedication.”

We take care of your mind. Individual Counseling Family Counseling • Suicide Prevention Programming • Afterschool Services Changing lives and saving lives since 1860 • www.providentstl.org WWW.PROVIDENTSTL.ORG

Timberland students draw attention to International Day of Peace with pinwheels Members of the Timberland High School Art Club planted almost 2,000 pinwheels around the exterior of their school in recognition of International Day of Peace. Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The pinwheels were created by Timberland students, staff and families in conjunction with “Pinwheels for Peace,” a project that was initiated in 2005 by two art teachers in Florida as a way for students to express how they felt about what was going on in the world around them. Timberland art students have participated in the project for the past 12 years. Timberland Art Club students work under the instruction of Fine Arts Department Chair Crystal Wing. “Art Club is overwhelmed by the school support in this project,” shared Wing. “Classes have made amazing pinwheels representing peace, and they’ve shared them with siblings and community groups. This project brings everyone together for a message so important to us all.” Last year, Pinwheels for Peace organizers estimated over 4.5 million pinwheels were displayed worldwide on the same day in multiple countries. “In today’s world, peace needs to be more than just a word,” is the motto shared on the project website, www. pinwheelsforpeace.com.

WWW..STLUKES-STL.COM/URGENT-CARE

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

A VISION OF HOPE St. Charles County Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired launches Adaptive Technology Grants Program to help enrich the lives of residents in need By Brett Auten

As Denny Huff tells it, being blind isn’t cheap. It was 46-years ago when in a split second, Huff lost his eyesight due to a work accident. Now 70, Huff is the President of the St Charles County Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The SCCCB is an organization that provides support and assistance to help guide those with visual impairments through the maze of questions that will arise as one builds a new lifestyle without sight. This year, with the help of a few local angels, SCCCB initiated a new Adaptive Technology Grants Program to fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of legally blind St. Charles County residents. Adaptive technology can be very expensive, so SCCCB understands why many legally blind in our community are not able to benefit from its use. “We are trying to reach as many people as we can,” Huff said. “We hope the applications come in and we can really start helping.” The grant came through the assistance of 100+ Women Who Care STC, a group of women who care deeply about the community of St. Charles County. The group gathers four times a year for a one-hour meeting, and each member (or team of women) writes a $100 check to a charity that the group selects at that meeting. “We have had a couple of meet and greets with them to let them know our appreciation and how much they mean to us,” Huff said. “They have helped so many different organizations.” Through its matching funds’ grant program, 6 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

Submitted photo Kim Reese, a member of the St. Charles County Council of the Blind, was able to get adaptive technology equipment utilizing the SCCCB adaptive technology grant program. Reese is using an OCR (optical character recognition) program for her computer, which will scan printed text and read it back to her.

SCCCB assists legally blind St. Charles County residents to obtain adaptive technology by matching each applicant dollar for dollar toward the purchase of the needed equipment. Adaptive technology is considered hardware, software, electronics, equipment, that is a stand-alone or works in conjunction with a computer that makes it possible for those without sight to do things that sighted people can already do without adaptive technology. Other items that qualify in this grant program include magnifiers, talking clocks, pen friends, and talking calculators. This grant program does not cover cell phones or computers. Only new adaptive technology is covered, including upgrades to newer versions. Used or previously owned adaptive technology is not covered. The SCCCB Adaptive Technology Grants Program guidelines are as follows: • Grants will be awarded to legally blind St. Charles County residents. • Each grant will be matched dollar for dollar by the grant applicant. • Any purchase made before the grant application will not be eligible for a grant. • No person will be eligible for more than a

total of $500 of matching funds within a three year period. • The minimum grant award shall be $25. Those who are residents of St. Charles County, and legally blind, but not active members of SCCCB would receive 50-percent of the benefits noted above. An active member is considered to be a member that attends at least seven (seven) meetings per year. To request an application form for consideration of the Adaptive Technology Grant, please email: bkaskadden@centurytel.net. SCCCB member/business meetings are normally held on the first Monday of each month at Spencer Library. The start time for the meetings is 6:45 p.m. If you would like more information about attending a future meeting and possibly joining our organization, please email bkaskadden@centurytel. net. SCCCB is an affiliate of the Missouri Council of the Blind. If you join SCCCB, you automatically become a member of MCB. MCB also has programs to assist in obtaining adaptive technology. “We try to help through services, both locally and throughout the state,” Huff said. “We want to educate our members on how to live more independent. If you don’t know where to turn, we have all been there.”

Around Town

Volunteers needed to carve out St. Charles County Park trails The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers of all ages to assist with fall and winter Trail Work Days at four county parks in November and December. This is a great opportunity for those needing to fulfill community service hours; all volunteers are welcome. Park staff and members of Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) will lead the projects and show volunteers how to build and maintain sustainable natural-surfaced trails as they assist in extending the county’s 55-mile trail system. Participants should bring a pair of gloves, sturdy boots and safety glasses. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays in these parks: • Nov. 9 at Matson Hill Park, 670 Matson Hill Road in Defiance. • Nov. 16 at Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road in Foristell. • Dec. 7 at Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 S. in Augusta. Organizations, individuals, and groups interested in helping with Trail Work Days should pre-register on the parks website at http://bit.ly/2019SCCMOParksRegistration and click on the event of choice or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535. Lunch will be provided to all who lend a helping hand.

WWW.PROACTIVEPRINTSERVICES.COM NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 7

Nonprofit Profile

Jewish Book Festival

brings over 40 years of excellence and new authors to St. Louis

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

he St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of premier authors, books and ideas during the first two weeks of November, with additional bookend events year-round. The range of author topics is vast: fiction, history, music, politics, cooking, family, religion, sports, and more. Isaac Mizrahi will be the Keynote Speaker for Opening Night of the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur. Mizrahi will speak about his new book, “I.M.: A Memoir,” in which the fashion industry leader offers a poignant, candid and touching look back on his life so far. From growing up gay in a sheltered Syrian Jewish Orthodox family to the partnership with Target that brought his high-end collection to the masses and revolutionized fashion retail, Mizrahi will share not only the 8 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

glamour of his years, but the grit beneath the glitz. Following Q&A, books will be for sale for him to autograph. Now in its 41st year, the Jewish Book Festival is nationally recognized for both its excellence and its size – it is one of the largest in the country, with more than 10,000 audience members annually. People from all backgrounds and faiths come to Festival events to hear premier authors on topics such as history, music, politics, cooking, family, religion, sports and more. During the 2019 Festival, more than 35 additional authors will present their latest titles, including two New York Times best-selling authors: novelist Pam Jenoff with her book “The Lost Girls of Paris” on Nov. 4, and Dr. Michael Roizen with “What To Eat When” on Nov. 11. Festival-goers can take advantage of the Premier Pass, which allows entry to open-

ing night and all Jewish Book Festival events through June 2020 for $110. Passes are on sale now and can be ordered by calling 314442-3299 or visiting stljewishbookfestival.org. Student tickets to any author event are free with a valid student ID at the door. Nearly all Jewish Book Festival Events take place at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex at 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. The Festival, which runs Nov. 3-15, is a program of the Jewish Community Center. More information can be found at stljewishbookfestival.org

GROWINGte u b i r t

St. Charles Countyâ€™s new Veterans Memorial Garden at Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring will open to the public on Veterans Day By Brett Auten

he crowning touches to a scenic and thoughtful tribute were completed at just the right time. Veterans Memorial Garden will be ready for its unveiling at a special Veterans Day Ceremony held at Weldon Springâ€™s Veterans Tribute Park,

On Veterans Days, Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Tribute Park, located at 1031 Kisker Road, the St. Charles County Government, the St. Charles County Veterans Committee and the St. Charles City Veterans Commission will host a special Veterans Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. CONTINUED PAGE 10

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 9

Submitted photos Final touches are being made to St. Charles County’s new Veterans Memorial Garden at Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring. The garden will be open to the public for the first time on Veterans Day.

The event will be held at the park’s Veterans Memorial Garden, which will be open to the public for the first time on that day. “We wanted it to be different than other memorials that are in the area,” Ryan Graham as director of the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, said. “This will be a peaceful place to go relax, and learn. It gives a tribute to all generations and I really think it captures everything.” Overlooking the park’s two lakes, the garden will feature a Veterans Memorial Plaza with the names of St. Charles County soldiers who died in service to our nation engraved on stone panels. A Tribute Walk leading up to the memorial will showcase interpretive panels covering conflicts from the time

10 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

St. Charles County was organized in 1812 to present day, along with plantings that will bloom or have vibrant color at the end of each war. Over 5,000 perennials and shrubs will make up the area. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be followed by activities for children and families under the adjacent Sammelman Pavilion in the park. Patriotic crafts and activities will be presented by the St. Charles County Parks Department, St. Charles City-County Library District, and St. Charles County Veterans Museum. The County Parks Foundation will sell commemorative bricks for the garden’s Memorial Plaza, and the St. Charles County Government Veterans Best Practices Working Group is hosting a “Support Our Troops Care Package Drive” for soldiers overseas.

The public is welcome to attend; refreshments will be served. For more information about the event or care package item requests, visit stccparks. org. Speakers for the event will be County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Lt. Col. Samuel W. Kline, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood. District 3 County Councilman Mike Elam, who served in the United States Navy, will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and District 4 County Councilman Dave Hammond, a U.S. Army veteran, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayors Dan Borgmeyer, St. Charles; Len Pagano, St. Peters; and Nick Guccione, Wentzville, all veterans, will read the names of St. Charles County soldiers who died while

“

We wanted it to be different than other memorials that are in the area. This will be a peaceful place to go relax, and learn. It gives a tribute to all generations and I really think it captures everything.” - Ryan Graham, director of the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department

serving our country. Other guests participating in the ceremony include the St. Charles Municipal Band; the St. Charles County Police Department Honor Guard; accomplished singer/songwriter Rev. Dr. Randy Mayfield; and Monsignor Michael Butler, pastor of Saint Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Des Peres and a retired U.S. Air Force and Missouri National Guard chaplain. The Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 6 will lay a wreath at the memorial, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 will perform a 21-gun salute, and local businessman/musician Mike Boschert will end the program with “Taps.” The garden is the finishing touches on Veterans Memorial Park, which has quickly become the most visited park in the county. “This addition really rounds out the park,” Graham said. “Trails, a dog park, playgrounds for the kids. There is something for everyone.”

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

THE HIKE BY AVALANCHE

DRIVING UP TO THE TRAILHEAD IN THE MOUNTAINS, there was more baggage on board than simply my overloaded backpack. Staci and I had spent much time in this mountain range, enough that we had once owned a small home here, our very own basecamp a few miles away from the mountains, out on the high desert. Life had different plans for us than what we had expected, and we had to sell the place about fifteen years ago; I hadn’t been back since. Despite the range’s desolate grandeur, I’d spent the next decade-and-a-half deliberately staying away, with only one planned return excursion that got canceled. There had been much disappointment and no opportunity to put it to rest – until now. Along the seven-hour drive, I could see that the traffic volume had at least doubled. Granted, doubling a small number still yields a relatively small number, but we used to be able to drive for miles and not see another car. Now, there were always vehicles ahead and behind, going both ways. Arriving at the small ranch town that I had frequented from the early 80’s until about 2005, I was only somewhat surprised that there were now two traffic lights on the main street. Granted, they were only pedestrian lights, manually activated, but the town (and county) used to boast of the lack of such annoyances with well-justified pride. Getting over my culture shock wasn’t too difficult, as I had reserved a room at a lake re12 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2019 2019

sort right at the base of the mountains. Sleep came easy listening to the wind-whipped waves right outside my room. A decent amount of snow had fallen in the mountains during my drive up, and arriving at the trailhead the following morning was like meeting an old friend. Most of the fairweather hikers and campers had retreated to more comfortable accommodations. Just one other hiker and I were making our way into the mountains as the day began. Like me, he’d been coming to these mountains for many years, and while bemoaning the increasingly crowded conditions in and near town, he assured me that after about 10 miles in, things were just as wild as they used to be. My pack was weighed down with a little over 20 lbs. of ice climbing gear, a similar amount of food, and enough warm and fuzzy goodness that I could stay comfortable and dry during what would prove to be early winter conditions. As it turned out, I used – and needed – pretty much everything I brought, which would justify the painfully large lump on my back. I had worked hard over the summer lifting weights, hiking with a heavy pack, and doing a lot of pushups and pullups for hiking and climbing endurance. It certainly paid off, but there’s just no substitute for the robust health and strength of youth. A couple of extra decades, a career-ending injury, and a small handful of surgeries made my pack seem much heavier than a similar weight

would have in years gone by. As the day went on, an assortment of hikers passed me going in. Most were day hikers, unburdened by a week’s worth of food and gear. Many of them seemed to have not left the city behind, as they were moving fast, looking at and talking on phones, and generally behaving as if they were still on the highway. Despite not having been here in years, the trail was still familiar; several miles through fairly dense woods, some occasional eyepopping vistas, then seemingly interminable up and down segments of rocky pathway which crossed several fault lines. A lake eight miles from the trailhead had always been a popular location to stop and camp, and it was very, very popular when I arrived, with people camping and fishing just about everywhere one could see. I continued on for a couple more miles, leaving the main trail and going up a little-used side trail for some privacy. Even with this effort, I stumbled upon a camp and two campers where I had hoped to drop my now burdensome and disliked pack, so I kept walking for another half-mile, where I found a nicely secluded spot to camp for the night. Once my camp was set up and dinner was finished, I spent the rest of the daylight hours settling into and appreciating the mountains where I would spend the next week. (Next month: High camp)

Moore On Life

Thank s s e n d o o G

BY CINDY MOORE

ince this is the season when food is in fashion, I need to make a critical observation: I think we are seriously running out of menu ideas. Back in the prehistoric days - B.C. (before cellphones), there were limited choices on most things, even dinner. One had to make do with a leftover cream-of-something casserole for supper. Now the options are limitless, but everything is so high tech and fast-paced, who has time to cook? Society today demands more instant gratification, more fast food, more drive-through windows…err, wait! Forget the drive-through windows (so last century). Now fast food must be even faster. DoorDash and Grubhub must deliver it to our doorstep licketysplit and piping hot. And we no longer need to go inside the market to shop for our food. Using our phones, we can order groceries online and pick them up curbside. Or if it’s one of those, I-don’t-want-to-get-dressed-and-interact-with-humans days, you can lounge around in your undies and phone in your groceries to be brought to your house, (but for the love of all that cannot be unseen, please put your pants on before answering the door). But alas, it seems the citizens are once again bored. They have tried every combination imaginable and have grown wearisome. Even Tacos ‘R’ Us can’t appease their customer’s short attention span and are running out of ideas. The fast foodie marketers had to invent new enticing names and concoctions to lure the public; things like the Triple Jalapeno Butt Buster Burrito slathered in gravy and topped with spicy diablo gummy bears. Then it came…the health craze. “No!” said the public, “We want healthy. It sounds fun!” The Butt Buster was garnished with kale and tofu sprinkles to satisfy the demand. And the hamburger patties were made from alfalfa. But alas, that too has run its course. There is no more room for originality. But still the public petitions for change. Okay public, you insisted, you got it. Here are just a few actual bizarre foods that have come about: Hot dog flavored ice cream, cucumber Sprite, cotton candy flavored cheese balls, coffee flavored potato chips, cereal flavored beer, pizza and spaghetti-flavored slushies, Thanksgiving flavored gumballs and of course, to ring in the season properly, pumpkin spice flavored SPAM. This is also the season to be thankful. Umm, bored public, thanks for nothin’.

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2020

HYUNDAI PALISADE SUV is an

that prioritizes safety and luxury

mported from Korea, the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade mid-size SUV recently received a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This achievement is defined by a vehicle that attains notable ratings in the driver and front passenger-side area plus roof strength and head-restraint testing. It must also earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and be equipped with exceptionally rated headlights. Additionally, the standard front crash prevention system on Palisade earned a superior rating with its “auto-brake system” that successfully avoided collisions in both the 12 and 25-mph IIHS track tests. “Hyundai’s commitment to building safe vehicles is at the forefront of every product plan,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. Of course, many consumers strongly consider crash test results with their new vehicle shopping. That’s coupled with the likelihood of more attractive insurance rates on a vehicle that has notable test results as well. After having recently driven the Palisade, it’s one very impressive family oriented SUV. 14 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

From end to end, it hints on being in the “near luxury category” with essentially countless creature comforts and factory amenities. The vehicle is quite contemporary with its head-turning body lines and well-thoughtout styling. It combines prestige with respectability within an unmistakable theme that showcases a clear characterization worthy of a flagship product that’s engineered to reach a vast customer base. Palisade’s lighting signature creates a strong distinctive setting with available LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED turn-signal mirrors. The reverenced and extended hood profile creates an impressive demeanor, while bold side C-pillars and a large greenhouse glass area emphasizes its generous third-row spaciousness. Muscular detailing with the SUV’s side and rear design emphasizes a stable posture. Their optional, sizable 20-inch alloy wheels further help fill out the Palisade’s flagship presence. The “Loft” inspired interior combines a sense of relaxation and coziness creating a serene environment with eightpassenger seating. Palisade offers abundant technology including the latest navigation

system plus wireless charging pad for compatible devices. Power is generated from an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V-6, direct-injected engine. It offers up gutsy power as well as fuel efficiency and produces close to 300 horsepower. Engine output is thus telegraphed to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. Special engineering efforts were made to reduce unwanted road noise with uncommon sound-deadening materials throughout. With superior suspension and brake tuning, coupled with a very lengthy list of safety enhancements, I’m certain that once you compare this SUV against the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and the Ford Explorer, you too will be very impressed. It’s offered in three trim levels (SE, SEL, Limited) with pricing ranging from $31,550 - $46,400. Shipping charges come out to be $1,095 and the EPA numbers show 19mpg city/26-mpg highway with front-wheeldrive models. The Limited model I drove had an MSRP of $47.605 and included a fiveyear/60,000 mile base warranty.

Entertainment

Disney UPS THE ANTE

IN THE

streaming wars

BY STEVE BRYAN

wenty years ago, Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings founded Netflix, a startup company that redefined home entertainment. At the time, VHS (Video Home System) tapes were still being rented and sold, but DVD’s were becoming more and more popular thanks to their compact size and quality. Randolph and Hastings created a business model where rented movies were received and returned by mail, eliminating the need to rush to the video store to avoid a late fee. Netflix also became a pioneer in streaming movies online and creating content for their platform, in particular shows based on Marvel Comics characters. “Stranger Things,” an original Netflix offering, has a tremendous following and the series creators reportedly signed a deal to create more shows. The company has built up billions in debt to build a library of content, however, but their stock price currently hovers around $270 per share.

Netflix has been the king of streaming, but the landscape has shifted. The Walt Disney Company will soon offer Disney+, a streaming service with competitive pricing and decades of family entertainment. Over the last 15 years, Disney also became the guardian of the Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universes as well as assets from Fox. Subscribers will be able to watch classic content and stream new releases after they leave theaters. Disney recently upped the ante by offering Verizon customers 12 months of Disney+ free of charge. Those who have been happy with Netflix get to try out what the House of Mouse has to offer, and Disney hopes they continue after the free trial is over. It’s a brilliant move, especially with planned spin-off shows based on popular characters from the MCU. The Walt Disney Company is not the only one taking aim at Netflix. AT&T acquired Time Warner assets and announced its plans for its own streaming service. In what seems

like a crowded market, some analysts still aren’t sure how the telecommunications giant will fare. Still, the overwhelming success of “Joker” in theaters shows that AT&T has power and leverage in the streaming wars. Other powerhouses are establishing footholds as well. Apple TV+, an enhanced streaming service, will offer content from various sources as well as Apple’s original content. YouTube, which offers a seemingly unlimited amount of content, has popular shows like “Cobra Kai” to attract viewers. Over at Amazon, their Prime members get access to the company’s streaming services as part of their subscription. So, what does this mean for Netflix? It has some of the best content creators under contract and a library of movies to draw upon plus brand loyalty. Still, when names like Apple, Disney and Amazon flex their muscles, the king of streaming media just might get dethroned.

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

PEANUT-POWERED PROTEIN Nutritious ideas for flavor-filled family meals

Sitting down for a homemade meal may feel harder to come by these days, but recipes that are both nutritious and flavorful can help bring your loved ones together at the family table. From morning to night, these breakfast, dinner, side and dessert recipes from the Georgia Peanut Commission provide power-packed solutions loaded with protein to help your family take on a full schedule while coming together for memorable meals and moments. Find more recipe ideas for meals throughout the day at gapeanuts.com.

THAI CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS WITH PEANUT SAUCE Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace of Parkerâ€™s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 1/2 lime, juice only 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed or grated 2 tablespoons fresh ginger 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk 4 tablespoons warm water, plus additional, if necessary 16 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2019

Lettuce Wraps: 2 heads Boston or butter lettuce 1 pound cooked chicken 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 4 green onion, sliced 3 carrots, shredded and grated 1/2 cucumber, sliced into matchsticks 1 bunch fresh basil 1 bunch fresh mint 1/4 cup crushed peanuts sliced limes, for garnish

Directions: To make Peanut Sauce: In small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, milk and water. Add more water for thinner sauce, if desired. To make Lettuce Wraps: Fill lettuce leaves with chicken and Peanut Sauce; top with bell pepper, onion, carrots, cucumber, basil and mint. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and garnish with lime slices.

For the Love of Food

PEANUT BUTTER BREAKFAST BREAD PUDDING WITH MAPLE PEANUT SAUCE

PEANUT POWER BOWL Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace of Parkerâ€™s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients: Peanut Dressing: 1 cup creamy peanut butter 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, plus additional, if desired lime juice Bowl: 1 cup cooked farro or quinoa 1/2 cup chopped cabbage 1 cup shredded carrots 1 avocado, sliced 1 cup spiralized zucchini or butternut squash 1/2 cup pomegranate arils 1 cup mandarin pieces 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: Butter 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, divided 2 eggs 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup milk 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups cubed brioche or challah bread, cut into 3/4inch cubes 2/3 cup pure maple syrup 1/3 cup crushed peanuts powdered sugar, for garnish

c hopped cilantro, for garnish green onions, for garnish Directions: To make Peanut Dressing: In bowl, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk and lime juice until smooth. Add coconut milk, if necessary, to achieve desired consistency. To make bowl: Layer farro or quinoa then top with cabbage, carrots, avocado, zucchini or squash, pomegranate arils, mandarin pieces, peanuts and Peanut Dressing. Garnish with cilantro and green onions.

In bowl, mix 1/3 cup peanut butter, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and salt. Toss bread cubes in mixture until thoroughly coated. Divide evenly among prepared dishes. Bake until custard is set in middle and tops are golden, about 3540 minutes. If tops of bread brown too quickly, cover ramekins loosely with aluminum foil. In small saucepan over low heat, combine remaining peanut butter and maple syrup until thoroughly warmed.

Substitution: Whole wheat rolls may be used in place of brioche or challah bread.

Recipe courtesy of Southern Peanut Growers | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Yield: 24 squares Directions:

Remove from oven.

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 13-by-9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In 4-quart saucepan over low heat, heat corn syrup, butter, vanilla and peanut butter chips, stirring constantly until chips are melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

In large bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water and egg until soft dough forms. Press dough into prepared pan.

Heat oven to 350 F. Butter four 4-ounce ramekins.

To serve, drizzle ramekins with maplepeanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and powdered sugar.

PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (17 1/2 ounces) peanut butter cookie mix 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon water 1 egg 3 cups miniature marshmallows 2/3 c up light corn syrup 2 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips 2 cups crispy rice cereal 2 cups salted roasted peanuts

Directions:

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until set.

Stir in cereal and peanuts; spoon mixture evenly over marshmallow layer.

Sprinkle marshmallows over crust. Bake 1-2 minutes until marshmallows begin to puff.

Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm. Cut into bars and serve. NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 17

Advertiser Profile

The RVer who came in from the cold Submitted photo

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV

Most RVers in December are heading south or storing their RV, but not Adrienne. She is heading for Harmonie State Park in Indiana. Piddle here, piddle there, but finally at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 she’s off. Her first stop is at Quality Times RV Park in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. So far, so good except she couldn’t get hot water. She calls service in the morning. How many ways can you turn three bypass valves until you get hot water? She continues down Highway 64 from Mt. Vernon and turns south at Carmi following the banks of the Wabash River toward New Harmony. New Harmony is one of those places that was out of the way a hundred years ago and is still out of the way. But people find it and pay tribute to its charm and uniqueness. Harmonie State Park is still open. Hiking trails are the attracWorth the tion for Adrienne. In the evening she listens to CDs until the batteries die in the second act of “Carmen!” Drive She calls to report that the weather is OK, but a little cloudy and the house battery is dead. Sunday night the rain starts and continues for 14 hours. When she calls I comment “you are lucky it isn’t snow.” She replies: “I know. It’s cold here and the campground is almost flooded. I better Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight get out of here before everything turns to ice.” But she did find the kill switch for the house battery.The weather Stacey’s Gymnastics is located at 916 gets worse. I can imagine the tenseness of driving through Main Plaza Drive next to the Wentzville Ice Arena (formerly Lindenwood snow driven by 40 mph winds and a wind chill of zero deIce Arena). The business began in grees. She calls. “I’m 27 miles from St. Louis according to 1994 and is owned and operated the last sign. I didn’t stop over in Mt. Vernon. The moby Stacey and Ed Moore. The busitorhome is warm inside, except when I switch from heat ness provides gymnastics training to students from 15 months through to defrost. Then my feet get cold. I am at a rest area. I national competitive activity. The should be home in about an hour.” I felt like the guy in the competitive training is coached by a light house trying to coax a ship to shore during a storm, former National Champion. The gymnastics program has produced 65 except I got no light! State Champions since its inception and hopes to one day have its own About 7:05 p.m. on the longest day, the Fourwinds creeps National Champion. The business has expanded four times and looks forward to a bright future. The owners are excited about the new indoor down our narrow Kirkwood street. Adrienne deftly backs recreation center coming to Wentzville within the next few years. Come into grandma’s level driveway and just sits in the driver’s by to have some fun and participate in one of our excellent training proseat letting the adrenaline bleed off. I approach the mograms. Phone is (636) 327-5867. torhome, “Have a nice trip?” She replies, “Yeah, let’s go in and see mom and I’ll tell you all about it.” “Mom” has traveled through 47 states since the 1950s in their 1954 Byerly trailer. The two veteran RVers talk about the adventure like it was just another trip. As for me, I was glad the ordeal was over, and I didn’t even go! RVs create memories, some more vivid than others. Create your own memories in an RV from Byerly in Eureka, Missouri. Follow us on Facebook and check us out at www.byerlyrv.com or call 636-938-2000.

Community Calendar

NOVEMBER

2 – Holly Berry Fair

Holly Berry Fair takes place at St. John’s UCC-Weldon Spring at 945 Wolfrum Rd. in Weldon Spring from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the entire family to this annual holiday bazaar and silent auction. Fun for the kids from 10 a.m. to noon includes visit with Santa Claus, a photo booth and face painting. There will also be a café, cookie shop, cake walk, specialty gift shops, raffles and more! Learn more at https://stjohnsweldonspring.org/ event/holly-berry-fair-2/. Call 636-926-8995 or email office@ stjohnsweldonspring.org for more information.

3 – Daylight Savings Time Ends 8 – Trivia night

SunRise “Stranger Things” trivia night supporting youth missions takes place at7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a raffle and silent auctions. Cost is $25/person or $200/table of eight. Signup at www.sunrisefamily.org/trivia.

10 – Marine Corps Birthday 11 – Veterans Day

23 – Electronics recycling and personal document shredding event

Wentzville’s next Electronics Recycling and Personal Document Shredding event is a free drive-thru and drop-off event that will run from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Wentzville’s Holt High School at 600 Campus Dr. The event is open to individuals and families; no businesses, please. Almost anything with a plug is accepted free for this electronics recycling event. To view a list of accepted (and not accepted) items, please visit bit.ly/ERE2019.

28 – Thanksgiving Day 29 – Black Friday

NOVEMBER 2019 | CROSSROADS | 19

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