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SEPTEMBER

2020 writers

VOL 16 | NO 9

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

2 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

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.

SEPTEMBER 5

2020

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story A blue-ribbon park O’Fallon’s O’Day Park has garnered awards and accolades for preserving nature while providing a recreation space for the community

Always an Adventure Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

Moore on Life Can of worms

Automobile Alley 2020 Dodge Challenger is a head-turner for any budget

Entertainment Looking back at ‘Chariots of Fire’

For the Love of Food Powerful pairings: Make taste and nutrition a priority for family meals

Community Calendar: September

On the Cover: Photo courtesy city of O’Fallon

SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

GM donates masks to St. Charles County for Wentzville School District, first responders The General Motors (GM) Wentzville Assembly Plant has donated 105,000 disposable face masks to St. Charles County Government for distribution to the Wentzville School District, Wentzville Police Department, and Wentzville Fire Protection District to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “On behalf of St. Charles County Government, I would like to thank GM’s Wentzville Assembly Plant for this wonderful donation,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “We have continuously worked to educate the community about the importance of wearing masks and following other precautions to stay healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having one of the county’s largest employers supporting our efforts and promoting safety Photo courtesy St. Charles County in our community is invaluable.” St. Charles County Regional Emergency Management recently delivered masks donated by the GM Wentzville Assembly The mask donation is just a part of GM’s efforts to sup- Plant to first responders in Wentzville. (From left) Lieutenant Jennifer Bell, Support Services, Wentzville Police Department next to Corporal Tom vanDusen, Platoon 4 Supervisor, Wentzville Police Department; Jay Marsden, Emergency Manport the community during the pandemic. The GM Wen- stands agement Specialist, Wentzville Police Department and St. Charles County Regional Emergency Management; Chief John tzville Assembly Plant also provided a grant to the St. Louis Schneider, Wentzville Fire Protection District and Chief Paul West, Wentzville Police Department. Area Food Bank in April 2020. “During this challenging time, GM’s first priority is people – protect- ville Assembly and we are fortunate to be able to donate masks to St. ing and supporting our employees, their families and the communi- Charles County for distribution to schools and first responders.” ties where we all live and work,” says Lamar Rucker, Plant Executive The Wentzville School District and Wentzville first responders are Director. “We provide masks to our employees every day at Wentz- appreciative of the donation. At the start of an unprecedented school year, Chief Communications Officer Mary LaPak says the Wentzville School District is grateful for the additional personal protective equipment (PPE). “We remain committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe environment for all students and this generous donation will certainly assist us in those efforts,” she adds. Chief Paul West of the Wentzville Police Department says the masks will help the department continue to provide outstanding public service. “We appreciate GM stepping up again to partner with the community and are thankful for their support,” he adds. Wentzville Fire Protection District Chief John Schneider says the masks will help keep their staff healthy and safe. “Our mission is to be prepared and ready to respond to the needs of residents and businesses no matter the conditions or circumstances. The donation supports us in accomplishing this mission,” said Schneider. Including this donation, St. Charles County Government is providing 450,000 masks to area school districts. Additionally, St. Charles County Government has made more than 500,000 masks available in the community through churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, the St. Charles City-County Library District and Mask Up Pick-Up events, and provided more than 53,000 masks to city governments as well as PPE for first responders. Masks and PPE are funded WWW.DARDENNEPRAIRIE.ORG through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief and the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 4 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Around Town

Experience spectacular views in the evening sky in St. Charles County Parks If you love scenic walks in the park, then you’ll love St. Charles County Parks fall and winter Moonrise at Sunset Hikes. Join Park Ranger Steve Tiemann on a guided walk to enjoy the sunset and full moon rise above the horizon at different County parks during these free events: • 7 – 8 p.m., Sept. 1: Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30: Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defiance • 6 – 7 p.m., Oct. 30: Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 South, Augusta • 4 – 5 p.m., Nov. 29: Veterans Tribute Park, 1031 Kisker Rd., Weldon Spring

Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes. The two-mile walks are at a leisurely pace on paved trails at Quail Ridge and Veterans Tribute Park, and on natural trails at Broemmelsiek Park and Klondike Park. Along the way, the group will look for wildlife and identify the sounds in the parks during each season. Participants should meet Ranger Tiemann at the program sign posted in the park before the start of each hike. The Moonrise at Sunset Hikes will be held rain or shine, and all ages are welcome to

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participate. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, visit stccparks.org or call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535.

Dardenne Prairie adopts All-inclusive day of fun planned for ladies 12 and ordinance to use golf carts up at Broemmelsiek Park on city streets The city of Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen has adopted an ordinance that allows the use of golf carts on city streets where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Drivers must be ages 16 and up and have a valid driver’s license. Drivers may not exceed 20 mph. “When used responsibly, golf carts help neighbors connect and foster a sense of community,” said Mayor David C. Zucker. “The passage of this ordinance will allow our residents to do that in a safe manner.” Golf carts must have proper head and tail lights when being used between dusk and dawn. The ordinance also requires that carts have a bicycle safety flag that is at least seven feet from the ground. Golf carts are not allowed on sidewalks or park trails. Golf carts should not be used to transport more passengers than the cart is designed to carry. Operating a cart under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited. Golf cart operators are subject to ticketing. The new regulations are similar to those already in place in several neighboring communities, including Lake Saint Louis, St. Peters and Cottleville. Note that all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles are not authorized for use on city streets.

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Calling all ladies ages 12 and older! The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an exclusive “girls day out” event that you won’t want to miss! “Ladies in the Park” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 13, at Broemmelsiek Park at 1795 Highway DD in Defiance. Led by Ranger Abigail Chambers and Ranger Ashley Maue, this first-time event in the park is packed with a variety of outdoor activities, including: • archery • stand-up paddleboarding on the 13-acre lake • hiking along the 11 miles of natural and

paved trails • Dutch-oven cooking over a campfire • nature journaling In between all the action, participants will gather at Shelter #7 in the park to take a break for brunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks. This girls-only event is perfect for mothers and daughters, sisters, friends, individuals, Girl Scouts and other organizations. The cost is $15 per person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To make a reservation, call the Parks Department at 636949-7535 or visit https://bit.ly/LadiesInThePark. SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

More than 200 low-income students in the tri-county area were equipped with a brand-new backpack – fully-stocked with needed school supplies. “The families that come to the Care Service for assistance are struggling to keep the lights on and make sure their families are fed. Purchasing school supplies is an added expense that is beyond their budget,” said Pam Struckhoff, executive director at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. “We wanted to ease this burden, and provide children with the tools necessary for a strong start to the school year.” Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service holds an annual School Supply Drive each August to ensure children in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties have access to basic and necessary school supplies. According to the National Retail Federation, parents of students in elementary school through high school anticipate spending close to $800 on back-to-school supplies and clothing this year. “Our families have no extra money to purchase new clothes or supplies for their children. They often have to make tough decisions on how to pay both their rent and their electric bill. School supplies are simply a cost they cannot afford,” said Struckhoff. “Thank you

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Care Service provides 200 backpacks for students in tri-county area

to the many donors who dropped off school supplies or purchased items on Amazon to make this annual event successful.”

Timberland grad wins St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Audience Choice Award Timberland High School 2020 graduate Kyle Rehme competed in the finals of the 10th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition on Aug. 10 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, earning the Audience Choice Award. After the competition was over, viewers were able to choose their favorite performer to win a $1,000 cash prize, and Rehme was chosen as the winner. He also won tickets and a performance opportunity with the St. Louis Bach Society and earned The Musical Theatre Scholarship Award underwritten by the majority owner of the Fox, Mary Strauss. Rehme and the other finalists competed on the stage of the Fabulous Fox Theater on Aug. 10, which was shown live on Nine PBS. The show can be seen on the Nine Network of Public Media website. The finals were originally scheduled to be held in April in front of a live audience, but were postponed due to the pandemic. The Fox’s partnership with Nine PBS made possible the opportunity to air the competition live from the Fox Stage. Performers still had an audience to entertain, albeit virtually. The after party can also be seen on the Fabulous Fox website. 6 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Rehme’s Bach Society award affords him the opportunity to engage in a side-by-side chorus rehearsal, participation in a vocal masterclass, and/or the opportunity to perform in a Bach Society of St. Louis choral concert. Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Musical Theatre Scholarship Award underwritten by Mary Strauss comes with a prize of $1,500. “Kyle is a great kid with a heart of gold and I am extremely proud of the growth he made during his four years in Timberland Theatre,” said Timberland drama teacher Melissa Queen-Couch. “Kyle’s talent continues to shine, and his musical theatre career will continue to grow, first at Lindenwood, and then beyond. I can’t wait to see what he achieves!” Additionally, the band Rosemary, which includes Timberland graduates Jory Spiroff, Connor Pellegrini, Jackson Fenner, and Ashton Ranney, advanced to the semifinals by performing their original music. Also competing in the contest were Timberland dancers Emma and Sophia Giltner (duo), and Emily Low; as well as Holt High’s Isabella Burzio-Roca (Dance) and Liberty High’s Sarah Burke (Vocalist).

Around Town

WSD students earn Seal of Biliteracy Fifty-one Wentzville School District students earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy this spring and summer, a state recognition for students’ commitment to world language studies. Aligned with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) goal of preparing students for a lifetime of success, the seal recognizes an advanced level of proficiency in English and one or more other world languages prior to high school graduation. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes a part of the high school transcript for these students and serves to certify attainment of biliteracy for the community, employers and universities. All 51 students from Holt, Liberty, and Timberland high schools met the rigorous criteria, which includes multiple assessments and a project to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Timberland graduate Luis Gonzalez Torres earned the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish based on his scores, and Timberland graduate Julia Clements earned a Dual

Seal in French and German. Results were delayed this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and some assessments were administered virtually. “I would definitely use the word tenacity,” WSD Social Studies/World Language Content Leader Nichole Nolan said when asked about this year’s recipients. “They went so far above and beyond, having to switch gears and take the high-stakes STAMP4S test in their homes using specialized software. We are very proud of these students and their teachers who worked hard for four years to earn a level of world language proficiency that is recognized throughout the state.” Forty states and the District of Columbia have established a Seal of Biliteracy and additional states are in the process of doing so. Missouri approved the Seal of Biliteracy three years ago and the WSD introduced it for the first time last year. Ninety three WSD students have now earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy.

Six Boy Scouts from same troop earn Eagle Scout Award Six members of Boy Scout Troop 968 chartered by Morning Star Church have recently earned the Eagle Scout Award. The six young men are all 2020 graduates of Liberty High School and have been scouting together since they were first graders at Prairie View Elementary. To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must first earn the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life Scout. Earning these ranks requires the completion of certain scout skills as well as meeting leadership and service requirements. They must also earn a minimum of 21 merit badges; 13 of which are required for Eagle such as First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Cooking, Swimming, etc. The final step toward Eagle includes a service project. Scouts are encouraged to choose a project that is meaningful to them. The project must benefit the community in some way; the scout is responsible for the planning and implementation of the project. As a whole, the boys’ projects totaled more than 600 hours of service. This includes the Eagles individual hours of planning as well as the hours of all the scouts, leaders and friends who volunteered their time to complete each project. Each boy’s project is as follows:

Submitted photo (From left) Eagle scouts Ethan Zink, Adam Steiner, Dylan Nordmann, Justin Burski, Henry Roos and CJ Butler gather to celebrate the Eagle Court of Honor of Henry Roos.

• CJ Butler built a planter and planted an oak tree and butterfly bush for Diekroeger Park in Wright City. He earned his Eagle Scout Award on July 22, 2019.

• Dylan Nordmann designed and installed an outdoor book walk for the library at Prairie View Elementary in the Wentzville School District. Dylan earned his Eagle Scout Award on Nov. 18, 2019.

• Adam Steiner constructed a 12x16 pavilion for the Tree House Center of Greater St. Louis. He earned his Eagle Scout Award on Aug. 26, 2019

• Justin Burski built a Gaga pit for Discovery Ridge Elementary in the Wentzville School District. Justin earned his Eagle Scout Award on May 11.

• Henry Roos built and installed a trophy shelf for the Liberty Eagle Regiment at Liberty High School in the Wentzville School District. He earned his Eagle Scout Award on Oct. 14, 2019.

• Ethan Zink built and installed trail signage for the Tree House Center of Greater St. Louis. Ethan earned his Eagle Scout Award on May 21. SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 7

Advertiser Profile

Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight

WWW.LANGINSURANCE.COM

Eagle Eye USA is located at 851 Pic Parkway along the I-70 south outer road near the former Belz Mall. The business opened in 2013 and is owned by Tom Schlansker. The facility includes an indoor shooting range with twelve shooting lanes up to 25 yards; firearm sales; ammunition; and accessories. The business also offers various classes which are tailored to specific groups, such as a youth safety class. The business provides an opportunity to shoot indoors, learn about firearms, and obtain knowledge about the gun industry. The staff are primarily former military, police or fire personnel. We are encouraged by the overall growth of the Wentzville area and invite you to come by for a visit.

WWW.FOREVERCLEANGUTTER.COM

8 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

A blue-ribbon park

O’Fallon’s O’Day Park has garnered awards and accolades for preserving nature while providing a recreation space for the community

By Brett Auten

he plan all along was to make O’Day Park into something unlike any other in the O’Fallon’s parks and recreation system. Consider that strategy a success. O’Fallon was honored last month by the Missouri Municipal League (MML) with the 2020 MML Innovation Award for the design, construction and execution of O’Day Park. The award honors outstanding projects happening in communities across Missouri that enhance the quality of life for Missouri cities. O’Fallon received the honor in the Extra Large City category, which recognizes cities with a population of more than 30,000. The MML noted O’Fallon’s use of an innovative, multifaceted strategy to address environmental concerns, maintain the natural character of the land, protect the habitats and ecosystems native to the area, and conserve and reuse water for irrigation throughout the park. According to the MML, the new park satisfied a need for additional

recreation space within the community and expanded the footprint and unique offerings of O’Fallon’s park system. “To have our peers within the state look at us as innovative means a lot to us,” Tom Drabelle, O’Fallon’s Director of Communications, said. “It is a little bit of wilderness in south O’Fallon.” O’Day Park, located at 1000 O’Day Park Drive in O’Fallon, is nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acres offers the area’s first adventure playground, a truly unique play experience for kids of all ages. The Adventure Playground has equipment that invites those to climb the rope course, gang together on group swings and giggle on the wooden log climbers and slides. There are also miles of paved and natural paths and group camping for Scout and youth groups also is available. For those special occasions, educational or corporate events, O’Day Lodge is at the southwest tip of the park offers all the amenities including state-of-the-art technology CONTINUED PAGE 10

SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 9

and class or meeting space, and an outdoor amphitheater for gatherings. Depending on the arrangement of the table layout, between 250 and 320 can be seated in the hall. Information and costs for renting the facility can be found online. You can watch the kids engaged in water play in the O’Day Creek Experience Area, take a lunch break at a picnic table, or let your teens meet for some social time in the Teen Overlook. At the amphitheater, gather on the hillside below O’Day Lodge to listen to free concerts, watch educational and theater performances, and experience other new and interesting outdoor events. Funding for O’Day Park was approved by O’Fallon voters in 2016 through the passage of a bond issue. The O’Day Park project team consisted of Mayor Bill Hennessy, the O’Fallon City Council, the Parks and Recreation and Engineering Departments, SWT Design, and Navigate Building Solutions. O’Day Park opened to the public on April 27, 2019. “This could not have happened without support,” Drabelle said. “Our community was behind us and we felt a real responsibility to create something that

10 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

they can be proud of.” O’Fallon has stuck with its plan to provide O’Day Park, named after a small creek that flows through the property, with natural meadows and wildflowers. The park has stayed away from the human footprint as much as possible. The park has passed on lighted, irrigated athletic fields and instead opted for a focus on maintaining the sustainable character of the landscape of wooded areas, a flowing natural creek, and prairie areas. “Most do not know what a true prairie looks like,” O’Fallon Park’s Bob Deardeuff told the Community News in 2018. “We want to attract people who are interested in getting in touch with nature and wouldn’t mind if a frog or two jumped out across from them while on a walking path.” And you can consider that another O’Day mission complete.

Photos courtesy city of O’Fallon

SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

WHERE THERE’S THERE’S

fire

THE CAR’S TRIP COMPUTER TOLD me I had spent 38 hours and 25 minutes driving during the previous five-day period across the Rocky Mountain States to the Pacific Northwest, and back home. Of those hours, roughly three were spent under cloud cover. The other 35-plus hours were spent travelling under a relentless sun that has baked the western United States brown. Virtually all the vegetation was brown unless well-irrigated. The leaves on trees were shriveling and turning brown. Grasses and bushes were of a similar parched, dusty earth-tone. Even the sky was brown from blowing dust and smoke from wildfires, sparked by lightning, electrical problems and human carelessness. Overheated vehicles were regular fixtures parked on the roadside with the hoods up, and frustrated owners on phones summoning help. Seeing a tow truck broken down on the shoulder in a similar state made me feel grateful that my car ran without a hiccup. Arriving home after my long journey, the heat and lack of moisture here in the mountains is “outside of 1979-2019 climatology,” in the appropriately dry words of a recent NOAA forecast discussion. Formerly lush landscapes are shriveled and parched, despite regular watering. 95 degrees with 13 percent humidity is not conducive to better lawn and gardens. It is however, horribly efficient for driving wildfires. There were three wildfires generating lots 12 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

smoke,

of smoke along my way home. Two are continuing to burn and grow two weeks later. Another has erupted along the interstate highway just 20 miles away. It raced up canyon walls and jumped to both sides of the river within hours of starting along the highway shoulder. It has grown to over 27,000 acres, with no containment. The temps are forecast to get even hotter over the next few days, with some dry thunderstorms in the mix for added excitement. Some days the smoke blows our way and our valley gets blanketed by clouds of the dense, acrid smelling fog, with visibility not much more than one mile. “Unsafe for sensitive groups” is the official jargon describing the air condition right now, which fluctuates from completely socked-in, to just very hazy. The current fire is not likely to spread here; our main concern is that the slightest spark could start another blaze closer to home. Listening to police and fire scanner traffic highlights spectacular examples of stupidity. Despite the obvious smoke in the air, the closed interstate highway and the region-wide well-publicized fire ban, illegal campfires and negligent cigarette disposal remain ubiquitous. The same folks that came here to escape the urban jungle seem determined to make this area just as uninhabitable as the places from where they came. On the plus side of the ledger, most people are reasonably intelligent and behave accordingly. And so far no one has been hurt, and no structures have been damaged.

BY AVALANCHE

Here in the neighborhood, we’re doing what we can to get through it. A big treeremoval campaign earlier in the year was very effective at creating fire breaks along our formerly-overgrown roads. Our irrigation water is still flowing despite the exceptional drought, and everyone keeps fire extinguishers on hand. A new fire siren was installed on a utility pole which, with luck, will never need to be activated. None of these measures had been taken two years ago when a large wildfire erupted in a different area nearby. Now that we’ve seen first-hand what that possibility looks like, tree-cutting and the efficient use of water are high on everyone’s list of priorities. Lots of residents are loading up trailers and campers should the need to evacuate come to pass. This brings up the inevitable debate about what is important to keep and what we could live without. Unpleasant discussions are held, and difficult judgments are made, with the hope that our efforts will not be necessary. We’re fortunate to have that luxury; some of our friends lost a home two years ago to a rapidly moving wildfire, escaping with only the clothes on their backs. Much of this is old-hat to those who’ve lived with high fire danger for years. It’s only recently that our area has acquired the moniker ‘California East.’ At some point, cooler and wetter weather will arrive, and give us more time to prepare for and prevent the next round of smoke and flames.

Moore On Life

Can of

worms WELL IT’S SEPTEMBER AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? 2020 isn’t over yet? Exactly! Three more months and counting. I don’t think the world can wait for this year to end. We haven’t had this much anticipation for something since our local grocery store said they were getting a new shipment of double-ply toilet paper. But fear not Debbie-downers and lovers of all things Twilight Zone-ish. 2020 hasn’t disappointed. It continues. Like a bad penny, it seems like 2020 just keeps coming back. And speaking of pennies, have you heard? There’s a change shortage. Even bad pennies are hard to come by now. What’s that all about? It seems like since everything’s been shut down there’s a crimp in the coin circulation. Plus the mint that stamps out the money has cut back on production and has let half of its staff stay at home due to the virus. All together there’s less ching ching. You know what that means? All us hoarders with pickle jars filled with spare change need to do our patriotic duty and turn it loose back into circulation. And all those pennies lying around which people once stuck their noses up at and passed by, now have a new appreciation. Hmm? Just maybe that’s why there are so many clashes in the streets nowadays. Random citizen: “Hey! There’s a penny on the sidewalk.” Second random citizen: “Back off! I saw it first!” Third random citizen: “That’s not a penny. That’s a NICKEL!” Cue full on street riot to begin. So not only has this year affected the metals being produced at the mint, but now there’s an aluminum shortage. Does that mean there’s less aluminum foil? No biggie. I can always get away with using baggies or plastic wrap. Besides, isn’t that what Tupperware is for? Not a huge problem… What’s that? Aluminum cans are in short supply too. Therefore cans of my favorite soda may be in short supply, therefore people will start stock piling them like a repeat of the great toilet paper shortage of 2020! Excuse me…I have to get down to my local grocery store. Something tells me there’s a lineup already! SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2020 DODGE CHALLENGER IS A HEAD-TURNER FOR ANY BUDGET

f you happen to do a quick online search of the word “widebody,” all sorts of varied aviation images instantly pop up. With that thought, Dodge has also adopted this same terminology with their five-passenger Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody acclaimed performance vehicle for 2020. It’s defined by Challenger’s overall side dimensions being expanded by some threeand-a-half inches wider at the flared fender openings. Adding to the coupe’s brawny appearance, the widebody design helps accommodate the car’s “steam roller” oversized wide 305/35ZR20 Pirelli racing tires mounted on robust 20-inch X 11-inch forged aluminum wheels. When comparing the all-inclusive WB version to the standard body Challenger, it’s fairly easy to pinpoint the differences. Its burly footprint stands out with its distinctive appearance and its muscular zooming presence. While test driving the 2020 model, it had amazing, head-turning curb appeal, with a modest hint of the initial design from the early 70s. When complete strangers take photos of this vehicle, it obviously translates to elevated styling and a remarkable achievement for Fiat/Chrysler’s Dodge Division. Naturally, Challenger is manufactured in a large array of trim levels, eye-candy lively colors, various exclusive exterior graphics, tire and wheel options plus engine and transmission combinations, in order to reach a vast array of buyers. My seat time with the R/T Scat Pack Widebody version had a sticker price of $56,450; but for that amount, you’re getting an awe-inspiring vehicle that’s quite suitable for driving the tots to get ice cream or take it out on the track if you have that temptation 14 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

as well. I can’t help but reflect years ago when I was involved in dragstrip racing in which I overheard a newbie in the pit area ask a team owner “How much does it cost to build a race car?” The team owner responded by saying, “How fast do you want to go?” Honestly, this same logic tends to still carry forward! With Challenger, we’re starting with a base price of $28,095. From there, we begin checking the option boxes for fun extras and upgrades. The performance goodies include a 392 V-8 engine that’s rated at close to 500 assertive horsepower. This Hemi powerplant is linked with their highly-developed, eightspeed, computer-governed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. When you press the keyless ignition/push starter button, the rumble of the exhaust note is quite telling! And in the tradition of racing, this car is set up on a rear-wheel-drive chassis, AWD is yet another option. Additionally included is their high-performance competition style/ customizable suspension as well as with an all-speed electronic traction control system, driver piloted electronic launch control, highend Brembo track ready brakes and a unique front lower fascia. A large 8.4-inch center dash color display touch screen is included with voice command controls and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a tilt/telescope steering column, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The factory’s safety enhancements also proves to be a lengthy list that helps with piece of mind driving. When it comes to handling, the nicely-tuned Bilstein adaptive underside allows the Challenger WB to steer with precision and predictable certainty.

With passing power being a hallmark, the factory specs reflect 0-60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds. EPA fuel consumption numbers show 15-MPG city and 24-MPG highway. Premium high octane fuel is recommended. Dodge is all about ordering the right Challenger, to match your customizing preference. The factory powertrain warranty is for five-years/60,000 miles, along with its bumper-to-bumper blanket coverage for three-years/36,000 miles. Challenger tends to compete with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Entertainment

Looking back at ‘CHARIOTS OF FIRE’

BY STEVE BRYAN At the 54th Academy Awards ceremony in 1982, the Best Picture nominees included “Atlantic City,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the heart-tugging “On Golden Pond” and Warren Beatty’s ambitious “Reds.” However, after that final envelope was opened, “Chariots of Fire” beat out the other nominees. This film also won Oscars for Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Music Score and Best Costume Design. The main theme composed by Greek musician Vangelis later became an iconic piece of music. “Chariots of Fire” came to mind after I read about the death of actor Ben Cross at age 72. Cross, along with actor Ian Charleson, took the lead roles in that award-winning film. It tells a simple, yet profound story of strength, courage and belief set against an extremely competitive backdrop. Even though they didn’t win individual Oscars for their acting, I like to credit these two actors for helping make this

an award-winning film. Cross played Harold Abrahams, the son of a Jewish immigrant. As portrayed onscreen, Harold Abrahams was an extremely ambitious young man who had served as a lieutenant in the British Army. An accomplished athlete, he also earned spots on Britain’s 1920 and 1924 Olympic teams. Despite his achievements, he faced prejudice because of his faith and heritage. After the Olympics, Abrahams went on to become a successful author and sports journalist. Charleson, who passed away in 1990, played Eric Liddell, a Scottish runner, rugby player and missionary. Before he joined Abrahams at the Olympics, the two men were athletic rivals of sorts. The on-screen Abrahams believed he could breeze by “The Flying Scotsman” in one race, but Liddell beat him to the finish line. A bit shaken by that loss, Abrahams was later success-

ful at the Olympics, winning gold and silver medals. A man of deep faith, the real-life Liddell is credited with some amazing quotes, some of which show up in “Chariots of Fire.” When talking about running in one event, he said “The secret of my success in the 400m is that I run the first 200m as fast as I can. Then, for the second 200m, with God’s help I run faster.” Liddell also compares faith to running in a race, saying “it’s hard, requires concentration of will and energy of soul.” He even defends his dual passions of athletics and missionary work in one scene by saying “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” “Chariots of Fire” remains one of my alltime favorite films. Even though Ben Cross and Ian Charleson are no longer with us, this movie serves as reminder of their talents as well as the contributions of the men they portrayed on screen. SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Make taste and nutrition a priority for family meals According to the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” studies have proven that eating meals together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and life’s more difficult moments. Great-tasting foods like pork and pulses can be combined to bring families together with quality nutrition, which helps bodies survive and thrive. Pulses are the nutritionally dense, edible seeds of legumes including dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides critical nutrients to support weight management and immune function, along with plenty of protein – providing all nine essential amino acids – fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folate. As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, these recipes for Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers, Cuban Black Beans and Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy encourage a nutritious way to enjoy fresh taste. Find more information, resources and recipes at powerfulpairings.com.

Cuban Black Beans Recipe courtesy of Carolina Molea on behalf of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses Serving: 6 Ingredients: 1 quart water

2 slices bacon, diced

1 green bell pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced, divided

1/2 Spanish onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced

4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions: Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour. In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining green pepper and onion; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepper. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon. 16 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

For the Love of Food

Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses | Servings: 4

Directions: In large bowl, mix ground pork, onion, garlic and chili powders. Add black-eyed peas and salt; mix well. Form into four loosely packed balls and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Ingredients: Burger Patties:

Charred Green Chili Mayo:

1 pound ground pork

1 can (3 ounces) diced green chilies

4 tablespoons red onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely minced

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder

1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 green onions, gently rubbed under cold running water and finely sliced

1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained

1/4 cup cilantro, gently rubbed under cold running water and chopped

1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste

4 hamburger buns

4 slices Jack cheese

1 avocado, peeled and sliced

Caramelized Onions:

1/2 head lettuce, gently rubbed under cold running water

2 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and sliced thin 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon salt

To make Caramelized Onions: In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm butter. Add onions, water and salt; cook, stirring, until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. To make Charred Green Chili Mayo: Place green chilies in hot cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, turning, until chilies begin to soften and turn black. Remove from heat and place in small bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic and lime juice; whisk to blend. Add green onions and cilantro; stir well and refrigerate. To make burgers: Warm cast iron or nonstick griddle pan over medium-high heat. Place pork balls on hot skillet; flatten with heavy metal spatula. Season with salt, to taste. Cook approximately 3 minutes; flip and cook 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Lightly toast buns. Place each burger on toasted bun with slice of cheese, Caramelized Onions, Charred Green Chili Mayo, avocado and lettuce. SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food

Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses | Servings: 4

Ingredients: 2 cups yellow split peas, cooked and drained 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, softened butter, divided

Directions: pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, gently rubbed under cold running water and diced

1/4 cup cream

1 can black-eyed peas with juice

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste

1/8 cup flour

4 pork chops

1 cup milk

18 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020

In medium bowl, use fork or potato masher to mash peas. Stir in 1/4 cup butter, cream and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Season pork chops with additional salt and pepper, to taste. In large skillet, warm oil over medium heat. Add pork chops to pan and cook approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they reach internal temperature of 145 F. Remove pork chops from pan; keep warm. In same pan, add remaining butter, onion and black-eyed peas. Cook 2-3 minutes until warm throughout, scraping pan. Add flour and season with salt and pepper, to taste. While stirring, slowly add milk. Serve mashed peas topped with pork chops and black-eyed pea gravy.

Community Calendar

September 7

Labor Day

Patriot Day

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day

National Grandparents Day

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Air Force Birthday

Rosh Hashana

First Day of Autumn

Gold Star Motherâ€™s Day

Yom Kippur SEPTEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 19

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