Issuu

Writing the book on autism

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

MARCh 2016

contents

VOL 13 | NO 3

Departments

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Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.

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Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Jenny Krestel, Lana Kruse, Tony Mathews, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton, Laurie Simon Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten

Food Put a twist on springtime celebrations

Photo Op Inside the Dula House Community Calendar: March

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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.

Nonprofit Profile First Step Back Home provides resources for homeless and working poor By Lana Kruse – Treasurer for First Step Back Home

www.mycnews.com

Business Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Entertainment J.J. Abrams’ ‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ proves mystery is still alive

19 features

Around Town Local news and events Simon Says The Dula House and tobacco factory – update Always an Adventure Cougar kill Moore on Life Special deliveries Automobile Alley 2016 Nissan Maxima raises the bar with world-class styling and quality

Writing the book on autism Lake Saint Louis boy with autism pens ‘The Autistic Turtle’ to help explain how he sees the world By Brett Auten

Advertiser Profiles A few tips for the beginning of home-buying season By Jenny Krestel

The good, the bad and the beautiful By Russ Patton

On the Cover: Submitted photo

FEBRUARY 2016 | CROSSROADS

Around Town

Resident Barbara Sheets named Wentzville’s 2015 Citizen of the Year At Wentzville’s Jan. 27 Board of Aldermen meeting, the city presented long-time Wentzville resident Barbara Sheets with the city’s 2015 Citizen of the Year award. The award recognizes outstanding residents and business owners whose actions and accomplishments make life better for others. Through her dedication to our community’s veterans, seniors and the mentally ill, Sheets has earned this year’s recognition. Sheets uses her knowledge of programs and funding offered to help these deserving community members, by working with the leaders in the community, as well as those at the county and state level. Sheets is a 51-year member of the Wentzville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 323, due to the service of her late husband and former Wentzville Mayor, Donald Sheets. She also served as Missouri President of the American Legion Auxiliary in 2013-14. Prior to receiving this year’s award, Sheets received other deserving recognitions, including the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award in 1986 and the Outstanding St. Charles County “Hero” for Mental Health and Senior Citizens award. Residents, Wentzville business owners and employees of Wentzville

Photo courtesy city of Wentzville At Wentzville’s Jan. 27 Board of Aldermen meeting, the city presented long-time Wentzville resident Barbara Sheets with the city’s 2015 Citizen of the Year award.

businesses were able to submit nominations for the Citizen of the Year Award to the Wentzville City Clerk’s Office last fall. The nominations were reviewed and the final selection was made by the Citizen of the Year Award Selection Committee.

St. Charles County and Wentzville officials explain cooperation is key to improving Route 61 For many years, St. Charles County Government has been addressing safety concerns on Route 61, notes County Executive Steve Ehlmann. When the County Council approved a subdivision along the route in 2006, it required, at the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) request, that the developer install an acceleration and deceleration lane onto the highway. The fatal accident on Route 61 north of Wentzville is the most recent on that stretch of road. After a similar tragedy near the intersection of Route 61 and Route P a few years ago, Ehlmann and Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione asked MoDOT, who has the sole responsibility for the road, to look at the corridor. Under severe budgetary restraints, MoDOT did not have the funds to address the problem. Therefore, St. Charles County and Wentzville applied to MoDOT’s cost-sharing committee for $5 million towards a $14 million funding partnership that included at-grade safety improvements from Wentzville to the Lincoln County line. The committee approved $4,331,337 in MoDOT funds towards a $12.5 million funding partnership to build an overpass at Routes 61 and P. Construction is slated to start in 2017. The design can be seen on MoDOT’s Route 61 project webpage - http://www.modot.org/stlouis/ major_projects/Route61SafetyProject.htm. The Route 61 and P project was one of the last cost-share projects funded before the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission voted to suspend the cost-share program because of declining revenue. Ehlmann explains that MoDOT’s financial crisis is the result of better gas mileage for vehicles. As our vehicles consume less gas,

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

citizens pay less to use roads. Meanwhile, the cost of building and maintaining roads and bridges goes up, while the per-gallon user fee has not been raised since 1995. With additional funds, MoDOT could set criteria, based on traffic counts, crash rates, and median widths for safety projects. Ehlmann points out that, while there have been seven accidents resulting in fatalities on Route 61 since 2011, there have been six such accidents on Route N. Nevertheless, in 2015 a transportation funding bill died on the Missouri Senate calendar and another bill did not even make it to the Missouri House floor for debate. “Our leaders in Jefferson City, and citizens statewide, need to recognize the importance of our transportation infrastructure, not only to economic development, but to public safety. We must work together to secure the future of both,” said Ehlmann. Ehlmann and Guccione suggest that, until funding is available for a long-term solution, things can be done in the short-term. Wentzville and St. Charles County Police Departments are stepping up traffic enforcement along Route 61. In addition, Ehlmann and Guccione suggest that MoDOT can lower the speed limit and that traffic lights can be installed at problem intersections. Mayor Guccione explains that speeding and following too closely contributes to the safety problem on Route 61. “My hope is that this extra enforcement gives drivers pause, so that all commuters can get home to their families safely,” said Guccione.

Around Town

An Eagle Scout and his ‘spiders’ improve local fishing environment

www.myprovidencebank.com

Submitted photo Eagle Scout candidate Nicholas Matteoni works to deploy 22 spider block fish habitats into the newly created lake at Heartland Park in Wentzville.

Florissant Eagle Scout candidate Nicholas Matteoni, has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the city of Wentzville Parks Department to provide fish habitats in the newly created lake at Heartland Park. In early November, Nicholas, along with Denise Otto, a Fisheries Management Biologist from MDC, and others from his Boy Scout Troop, deployed 22 spider block fish habitats into the lake. These strange-looking structures were placed in clusters around the dock and are meant for small fish to use as a refuge from predators by providing a place to hide and by giving anglers a ‘fishy spot’ to increase their success. Heartland Park is the city of Wentzville’s newest park which recently opened last May. The area was farmland without any natural trees or bushes to be submerged when the lake was formed. With MDC’s plan to stock the new seven-acre lake with various species of fish, these ‘spider blocks’ will serve as a habitat for them. The habitats should promote fish growth and development and eventually improve recreational fishing in the lake. They provide a purpose similar to placing discarded Christmas trees in a lake, except these scout-made structures will not decompose like natural materials. In time, algae will grow on the surface of the spider blocks, providing a source of nutrients for some fish by attracting insects and converting fish waste into oxygen through photosynthesis. The PVC spider block habitats are

durable and anglers will like that the flexible piping won’t snag their hooks. The habitats are concrete blocks stuffed with fourteen seven-foot-long PVC pipes, making them look like spiders. The block is filled with concrete, keeping the pipes in place. Nicholas and several scouts made the structures in advance in his backyard. The units were transported to the lake in the troop trailer where Otto met them with a motorized boat. After a brief safety moment, they began deploying the structures and quickly discovered a design flaw. Nicholas used light-weight concrete blocks and the air in the piping made the structures too buoyant to sink. He solved the problem by ‘snipping’ a small hole in the pipes, allowing air to escape as the habitat sank. Nicholas built and deployed these spider block fish habitats as part of his Eagle Scout project. The Eagle Scout Project is the opportunity for a Boy Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project that he plans, organizes, leads and manages for the benefit of his community. This is the culmination of the candidate’s leadership training and requires a significant effort on his part. A Scout has until the age of 18 to earn the rank of Eagle. Only five percent of eligible Scouts achieve this rank. Nicholas is a Scout with Troop 713 chartered through St. Rose Philippine Duchesne of Florissant. Currently, the lake at Heartland Park is closed to fishing while the fish community develops.

www.ofallonfamilyeyecare.com

MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

Simon Says

The Dula House and tobacco factory – update

ack in July 2015 I wrote about the Dula House and tobacco factory located at 408 E. Main in Wentzville. After seeing the historic home up front and the crumbling state it was in, I made a call for action, a call to help save the Dula House. I had a huge response from citizens, city leaders and businesses wanting to help save this historic home from its demise. As of March 2016 I am happy to report that new life has sprung at the Dula House. On Jan. 25 a wonderful thing happened that will make sure the Dula House and tobacco factory is not only saved, but that it will become a staple in downtown Wentzville. The Wentzville Historical Society gathered together and decided it was best to transfer the deed to the Dula house over to the newly formed Main Street Association. The Wentzville Main Street Association is dedicated to the preservation and development of what was once the community’s central gathering place – Downtown Wentzville. Their goal is to promote development opportunities and events that allow the community to learn about Wentzville’s rich history, and once again gather to celebrate all things Wentzville. Over 160 years ago, it all started on Main Street, when the destination known as Wentzville was created. It was a place where businesses, residents, shops and the railroad came together to create a vibrant community center and thanks to the Wentzville Main Street Association that dream is slowly turning into a reality. I was fortunate to be invited to tour the Dula property, tobacco factory and all, and

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

I must say I was in complete awe. The history of that home came alive as soon as I walked through the door. The beautiful, antique furniture that has been in the home for decades, opening a wardrobe and seeing a handmade quilt from ages ago, walking up the stairs to see newspapers lining the floor of a bedroom dating back to the 1920’s; this place had me mesmerized. But after I took one look in that room with newspapers lining the floors, I realized how bad of shape the structure was in. After speaking to Chris Gard, President of the Main Street Association, he informed me that when the house is restored, that room will most likely not be able to be saved. Years and years of damaged roofing caused water to enter the home on the second floor in that bedroom. It was not even stable enough for the group of us touring the home to even walk into that room. As I headed back downstairs I could smell the history, or what could be mothballs and dust, but it smelled glorious to me. I began to wonder what plans the Main Street Association had for the Dula House and tobacco factory now that they held the deed to the home. Chris Gard was generous enough to share the plans, hopes and dreams for the home with me. Laurie Simon: What plans does the Main Street Association have for the Dula House and tobacco factory? Chris Gard: The house will eventually become a community meeting space, while the tobacco barn will become the new Wentzville Historical Society museum. LS: Are there any pertinent people/businesses helping with the structural aspect of the home? CG: We are currently gathering resources and organizations to help. LS: Last year, I made a plea for help in cleaning up the Dula House and I received an enormous response from residents, leaders, etc. Would you want communityhelp to “clean up the Dula House?” Either outside or in?

CG: As we get closer to scheduling that, we’ll get our arms around the enormity of the task and determine how much help we’ll need to try to complete that in a day. I think we’ll probably need all the help we can get. LS: Anything else you want the community to know about with regards to the Dula house? CG: We’re very excited about the project as a whole, and really believe it will be a valuable addition to our Downtown area, as well as the community overall. A special thanks to Chris Gard for the update on the Dula house. If you take a look at the photo I have on this page, or turn to the Photo Op page in the back of this issue of “Crossroads,” you will see the true Dula Hosue and tobacco factory in all its glory. From the unstable roof to the outside elements growing through a window in the tobacco house, it’s a beautiful sight to see even when looking dilapidated and about to crumble. *Calling all contractors, builders, and structural engineer’s; now is your time to step up and help the Dula House! Contact the Wentzville Main Street Association, or me, if you would like to help restore the Dula House and Tobacco Factory at www. wentzvillemainstreet.com. For those of you who previously showed interest and contacted me, I still have your name and contact info and will be reaching out to you as soon as they are ready to begin work. Photo by Ken Hill, Berkshire Hathaway Alliance Larry Marshall with the Wentzville Historical Society (right) hands off the deed to the Dula House to Chris Gard President of the Wentville Main Street Association (left).

by LAURIE Simon

Laurie Simon was just married and is settling into blissful newlywed life. She enjoys laying by the pool with friends, getting away to her family lake house on weekends, walking her four-legged baby Maggie and spending every second possible with her new husband.

First Step Back Home

Nonprofit Profile

provides resources for homeless and working poor By Lana Kruse – Treasurer for First Step Back Home For the past 11 years one local ministry has been making a dent in The FSBH program utilizes local motels to lodge the homeless and the homeless problems of St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren Counties get them focused on starting job searches. After a good night’s rest, and has greatly increased the awareness of these ongoing problems clients are told to be focused on getting a job as soon as possible right in our own backyards. using local temporary services First Step Back Home, (FSBH), or finding work in some of was organized in March, 2005 the 1,000-plus worksites in the as an outcome of finding Wentzville area. homeless men living in the To support the clients in their woods behind the TA Travel stabilization efforts, FSBH coCenter at Foristell and realizing ordinates a motel-based, hot there were no local resources meals program, so nourishing for single, homeless men anyfood can be available every evewhere in the region, short of ning from volunteers who prodowntown St. Louis. vide “pot luck” type offerings in Paul and Lana Kruse of Lake the lobby daily. More than 25 St. Louis had been serving church and community groups truckers at the TA Travel Cenbring the meals, and offer felter with Sunday morning serlowship to the clients as they vices that began in 2001, and interact. found that homeless people Paul provides those needing often were stuck there; either cell phones with those essential Submitted photos dropped off at the St. Charles tools. How else could a client FSBH1 4th graders from John Weldon School collected over 300 pairs of socks and donated them to FSBH to be distributed to the homeless last fall. County line at Highway T or land a job, if he didn’t have a from hitchhiking I-70. At that phone connection? time neither of them knew anyFuel or insurance assistance thing about the local homeless is also provided when funds needs, but that changed fast. are available. Thanks to many Through activities with the St. churches that have collected Charles, Lincoln and Warren gift cards, there are funds to pay Continuum of Care through for food, clothing and fuel at lothe Community Council and cal department stores. contacts to other local social Seven Board Members overservice agencies, it became see the operations of the pubclear there were many gaps lic charity. The ministry has in services not only for single, one part-time bookkeeper and homeless men, but for many caseworker and Paul as emof the other homeless folks, ployees. People interested in women and children as well, donating to FSBH can do so as the growing, working-poor from the ministry website, via families still housed in apartPay Pal or by sending a check For FSBH’s Annual Christmas Wonderland for homeless and working poor 560 people came and 15 churches, nine community groups, and four businesses all contributed toys, gifts, food and treats for the 109 ments, with extended families to FSBH, PO Box 966, O’Fallon, families who came to be blessed by the event. and the like. MO 63366. For information The Kruses were led to form on ways to help or for services a public charity to be able to receive tax deductible donations and needed, call Paul Kruse at 636-466-1365 or email at paulwkruse@ now, 11 years later, they have served more than 7,000 homeless and centurytel.net. “Like” them on the First Step Back Home Facebook working poor; and have received more than one million dollars to do Page and follow activities throughout the year. the work they’ve been called to do here. MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

Always An Adventure There are more elk than people living within a five-mile radius around used the material to cover up the kill amazingly well. The elk carcass my house. Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, turkeys, bear, grouse and even a was only covered by a couple inches of the debris, but it looked like few recently-arrived moose – among other species – all make their part of the ground. (See the large mound of grass and brush, located homes here in these mountains. Large numbers of these wild neigh- behind the cougar in photo above.) bors are seen on a near-daily basis. With this incredible bounty of The carcass showed signs of having been chewed on, and the neck wild game, cougars – a.k.a. mountain lions – are also prolific, though looked to be broken. The elk had likely been killed the previous night. seldom seen. A tawny-colored blur moving through the brush or a I went home and got my game camera, and went back about four rustle in the leaves are generally hours later. I set up the camthe only advertisements that a era on a tree overlooking the big cat is in the area. On occakill, close enough to trigger the sion, a screeching that begins motion sensor, (all while keeplike a house cat’s wail and rises ing a close eye on the surroundinto a blood-curdling scream ing area for a rapidly-returning cuts through a quiet night and hungry cougar) and went back reminds one that there is a very home and impatiently waited serious predator in the neighfor an incredibly long three days. borhood. When I went back to the site, An adult cougar weighs about the elk was gone from underthe same as an average adult neath the brush, and after lookhuman female. While not paring for about an hour, I could ticularly large, the speed and not find any sign of where it had strength of these cats is unbebeen moved to. Not a drag mark lievable. They can outrun viranywhere, and no blood or tufts tually any big game for a short of hair, except where it had been Photo by Avalanche distance and their strength is The cougar in question in a photo taken by Avalanche’s Bushnell game camera. buried under the brush. Having simply mind-boggling, enabling hauled numerous, exhaustingly them to kill and carry prey much larger than themselves. heavy backpack-loads of elk meat (one quarter at a time) out of the One spring morning I went out looking for shed antlers, which the mountains during hunting seasons, I’m familiar with just what a feat elk drop in late winter. It was still a little early in the season, as I saw this was. This cat had simply picked up the entire carcass, (minus some younger elk in the area with their antlers still attached. I had what had been eaten) and carried it off to parts unknown, without looked around for a couple hours, and was about to start walking any signs of difficulty. Wow. back home about noon, when I heard movement in some oak brush My camera got numerous photos of the cougar feeding on the carabout 50 yards away. I saw a shiny object near where the sound origi- cass, with one of the best shots leading this article. In one photo nated. Unable to determine what the object was, even with binocu- taken at night, there are two sets of eyes very close to the camera. A lars, I walked over and discovered it was a shiny, still-damp jawbone neighbor who is quite knowledgeable about cougars said it was probof a yearling elk, protruding from a pile of grass and debris. Said jaw- ably a mother with a kit feeding on the carcass, as adults aren’t known bone was attached to the rest of the elk, which had been expertly to willingly share lunch. In one of the last photos, the brush pile had covered up, perfectly camouflaged with the surroundings. I couldn’t been disturbed a bit. In the next photo, the carcass was gone, and a figure out what it was until I was only a few feet away. There were fox was feeding on scraps left behind. fresh mountain lion tracks around the kill. The cat had carefully Looking at that field where the elk had been killed, there was a line scraped the surrounding area of some grass, leaves and branches, and of old lumps of grass and brush that looked remarkably similar to the pile discussed here, remnants of past kills. It seems that this field is a very productive hunting ground for happy cats. It’s a stark reminder of the struggle between life and death, just a short hike away from home.

Cougar kill

By Avalanche

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.

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

Moore On Life

Special deliveries This past year I am happy to say our family set a record. Each of our three married kids delivered babies within the space of seven months – three bouncing baby boys. Each birth had its own degree of intensity and afterwards we mothers discussed the gory details in length. For some reason, there will always be a certain morbid need for moms who have made it through childbirth to wear it as a badge of honor and boast, blab and brag about their experience to anyone with functioning eardrums. Men do not have membership in this exclusive club. Until they have carried around a kidney stone the size of a hubbard squash and passed it out in the back seat of a Buick that’s run out of gas on the tracks of an oncoming freight train in the middle of an F-5 tornado, then we’ll chat. Until then, they may amuse themselves with their riveting little fish stories while we women discuss staring death in its ugly face and laughing at its nasty nose hairs. After each of my daughters and daughterin-law related her baby story, it was time for the old, experienced birther (me) to come up to bat and enlighten these young ladies about what “real” pain is. The time to impart an account of one of my particularly harrowing deliveries had come, and I owned six listening ears. Now it may have been many decades ago that this happened and the details may have become a bit sketchy from the fog of all those epidurals and heavy meds, but similar to a politician’s theory about campaign promises: facts and truth are annoying little irritations that get in the way of a compelling story. And so I began. “There I was lying in bed…immobile…seven weeks overdue and big as a buffalo, with a

baby estimated to weigh twice as much as a baby buffalo. My daughters gave an audible gasp. Their eyes widened. My audience was captured. I continued. “Suddenly…in the dead of night…with a torrential rainstorm beating against the windows like a herd of wild apes trying to break into a banana store, my water

hour, call search and rescue to come haul me out!’ After fifty-nine minutes and 48 seconds, he pulled out your brother slicker than a greased jelly fish. And I suffered through the entire excruciating episode without so much as an aspirin, a Band-Aid or even a bedpan.” A silent reverence fell upon the room. One by one, my daughters stood and began clapping and wiping at their tear-streaked faces. I received their hugs and praise unashamedly. My husband came in near the end and butted in. “You guys talking about babies? I remember that one clearly. We were in the hospital on the exact due date. Your mom demanded enough anesthesia to choke a bull moose then only after three minutes of labor she sneezed and out popped a perfect baby. Of course, there was that major complication. The hospital didn’t release her in enough time to make her tanning session at the mall. Man, I’ll never hear the end of that one.” Suddenly the wise words of that old Scottish poem came back to remind me: “Oh the tangled web we weave, when first we practice to conceive…”

broke. Your dad woke up in a panic soaked to the skin thinking a tsunami had busted through the walls. The weather made it too dangerous to venture out to the hospital. By then, the contractions were coming so hard and fast that I bent the metal bar of the headboard in half. There was nothing to alleviate the pain so your dad handed me a towel to chew on. I bit through three before I realized something wasn’t right. by Cindy Moore The baby was sitting crosswise in the chute Cindy Moore is the mother of and refusing to budge. There was no time three superlative kids, servant and little choice. Someone was going to have of two self-indulgent felines and to turn it around. Like a good Boy Scout, wife to one nifty husband. Her your dad wrapped himself in an old raincoat, ficticious occupation? Archeoslipped on a shower cap and some rubber logical Humorist: someone who dishwashing gloves then covered his eyes unearths absurdity and hilarity with his woodshop goggles, grabbed a flash- in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, light and a bottle of vegetable oil and said, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she ‘Babe, I’m going in. If I’m not back within an excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

“Thinking about something wasn't hard for Henry. He would think about something all the time until he couldn't think of

Lake Saint Louis boy with autism pens

‘The Autistic Turtle’

anything else.

to help explain how he sees the world

Sometimes, turtles

By Brett Auten

with autism have only one thing in their head, and there is not room to think about any other things. When he thought about something, he wanted to talk about it all the time.” -excerpt from The Autistic Turtle by Thomas Morrow

Writing the book on autism

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

Thomas Morrow wanted to share, better yet explain, to his friends and classmates. The nine-year-old Morrow, who lives in Lake Saint Louis, was diagnosed with autism and with that comes certain behaviors and mannerisms that for those who are unaware might find them pretty uncommon or unconventional. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life. An estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Autism affects over three million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years. Beginning in January of last year, Thomas began an after-school project that turned into a full-fledged book titled “The Autistic Turtle.” For five months, Thomas would collaborate with his grandmother, Patty Boxdorfer, a couple times a week. “Thomas is notorious for non-stop moving,” Tiffany Morrow, his mother, said. “His

grandmother would sit in the middle of the floor with her laptop and meanwhile Thomas would narrate the story while bouncing around, standing on his head, running in circles; just whatever.” Thomas first thought about writing a journal or a notebook on what it is like to have autism but then the idea switched to something more tangible, a book. “The Autistic Turtle” follows the adventures of Henry the turtle and his quest to let his friends know what it is like living with autism that includes an aversion to loud noises among many other things. Choosing a turtle as a main character comes as no surprise to those who know Thomas. “I really love turtles. I have 35 at home,” Thomas said. “Everything is turtle-centered,” Tiffany said. “We have a big turtle habitat at home. As a parent of a child with autism you soon learn that they have one or two things that they usually think about exclusively and you either get on board with what they are into are you are going to get drug behind.” The book not only sheds a light on some autistic characteristics but also gives examples of how common things like holidays and parties can be somewhat of a challenge.

Autistic turtles get so excited, nervous and anxious about holidays and parties that it makes these times very hard to get through. Remember, autistic turtles see and hear things that regular turtles do not … Henry worried about a lot of stuff around the holidays. They were kind of a stressful time for him … At all the parties there was lots of noise and lights and sometimes people he didn’t know. He didn’t like people he didn’t know. Autistic turtles don’t like people they don’t know because the people are new.

Thomas attends an area private school and most of his classmates he has known for a long time. But some were still a bit curious to why, for example, Thomas is allowed to keep toys at his desk or why he has a service dog that provides an anchor for him. So when the shipment of books arrived, Thomas was beaming with pride when he was able to hand copies to his classmates and friends. “They really liked it,” Thomas said. “At first, they didn’t believe that I was actually working on a book.” “The Autistic Turtle,” is currently only available on Amazon.com. “We have gotten fan letters telling us how much they love the book and how they share it,” Tiffany said. “One letter was from a 40-year-old who has been struggling with autism for so long and said that Thomas was able to describe the things that she’s been going through.” For Thomas, the book has been an expressive tool to share his story and the fact that it is helping others explain theirs is icing on the cake. “I really wanted my classmates to understand why I have toys that are really fidgets on my desk and lots of other things about autism,” Thomas said. “I wanted to help other people who might have autism but might not know it. My classmates are the best. We help each other learn, and they are always there to help me. And I’m there to help them too.” Submitted photos (opposite) Thomas Morrow with his grandmother Patty Boxdorfer. Illustrations from “The Autistic Turtle” by Martha Evans

MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

2016 Nissan Maxima

raises the bar with world-class styling and quality Now manufactured in its eighth generation, the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima is positioned as a four door sports sedan. It competes in the class of the Toyota Avalon, Acura TLX and the BMW 335i. Maxima raises the bar as never before with world-class, cutting-edge styling, underlining quick acceleration and being an innovative leader in craftsmanship and build quality. This flagship vehicle seats five in comfort as it’s assembled on an all new architecture to this segment. The dual panel overhead panoramic moon roof with power operated sunshade is a must recommendation. The car’s attractive lighting features boomerang-style headlights and taillights plus LED daytime running lights. Maxima’s side profile has sweeping lines and to add to this contemporary theme. Large dual exhaust tailpipe extensions further help bring the car’s rear more into focus as a totally new and fresh design. The totally redesigned interior was developed to be a well-thought-out driver’s command cockpit. I will add, the”D” shaped wheel itself really helps to enhance your overall driving experience and handling if twisty roads are part of your commute. Interior quietness is enhanced by an electronically controlled “active noise cancellation” system A paired/redundant smaller seven-inch advanced drive assist display is situated within the center gauge instrument cluster housing. This gives the driver vehicle-and-heading information at a glance, helping to prevent you from being distracted and taking your eyes off the road. Nissan Motors also offers an impressive list of safety, security and driving aids; including predictive-forward-collision-warning and intelligent cruise control. Also offered is automatic forward emergency braking and blind

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

spot warning. Powering the ‘16 Maxima is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It’s been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts. This allaluminum engine produces 300-horsepower with an approximately 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy. Highway MPG numbers are 30, while it gets some 22 MPG in city driving. The factory recommends premium grade high octane fuel. The engine is matched with their performance-oriented Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. The new Maxima’s enhanced handling and ride comfort starts with a redesigned underside platform that features increased use of high strength steel and a revised, highly reworked four-wheel independent suspension system. Versions of the 2016 Maxima are offered in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, SR and their high end Platinum edition. Pricing starts out at $32,510 for the S Model and tops out at $39,960 for the Platinum Model. This doesn’t include dealer shipping and factory destination charges of $825. All build combinations are manufactured in Tennessee. This mid-size sedan is only offered in a front-wheel-drive powertrain. By DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufactures, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.

Advertiser Profiles

The good, the bad and the beautiful By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV

What beautiful weather for mid-winter! We can’t help but conjure up beautiful dreams of coming spring. Maybe we will even buy an RV or trade up into a new one. Then comes the ugly part: A sales rep resorts to selling “fear” rather than “fun.” “That other brand leaks; tap on the counter, ours are more durable; look underneath, their frames are weak; that company has bad service; their prices are too high; etc.” Sad to be so bad. We hear it all. Frequently competitive brands are manufactured by the same parent company. Sure, there are differences, but they are all pretty good. Maybe it’s the dealer/seller one should be grading. How many certified RV technicians do they have? How large is their parts department? Are they reinvesting in their business, or just their sales force? Consistently being number one or number two in RV sales in our market area confirms that our buying and selling model works. If a competitive sales rep seems to know more about our brands than the ones he sells we feel complimented.

Photo courtesy Byerly RV

Meanwhile check out our website at www.byerlyrv.com or visit us on Facebook to learn about the next monthly RV school or details on our spring campout. We are Byerly, The Center of the RV World.

A few tips for the beginning of home-buying season The change from winter to spring usually indicates the beginning of home-buying season. This can be both an exciting and daunting time for first-time and experienced home buyers alike. To help make the process as pain-free as possible, here are a few things to consider as you begin the home purchasing process: Can you afford to buy? This is the single most important question before you start the home-buying journey. How much money do you have set aside to buy a home? What is your price range for buying a home in the neighborhood you desire? If you’re not sure you can afford to buy, talk with an experienced mortgage lender to see what type of financing you qualify for. What kind of home do you want? Before starting the home-buying process, you will need to consider what kind of home will be best for your family or your lifestyle. Do you prefer ranch style or two-story? New construction or are you ready to take on an older home? There are all questions you need to ask yourself before home shopping. How do I close the deal? So you’ve found the home of your dreams, congratulations! Now,

starts the process of closing and making an offer on the house. In a perfect world, you will make your ideal offer and the seller will accept it. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You may need to write a letter and negotiate the seller down to the price you can afford. Did you get the home you want to buy inspected? Some people suggest skipping out on an inspection because they can be expensive. You are better off getting the house inspected before you buy. You don’t want to run into any problems later on that could have been prevented by an inspection. An inspection is worth the upfront cost because it can lead to a potentially lower price on the house. By Jenny Krestel

Jenny Krestel is Asst. VP/Loan Officer for Peoples Bank & Trust Co. NMLS # 1411385 1310 N. Main Street O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 980-1777 | www.pbtc.net

MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

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CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

Business

Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie

Chamber bestows annual awards The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce bestowed its annual awards at their Celebration Ball held on Jan. 30 at The Carpenter’s Hall in Wentzville. This year’s theme was “Inspiring Others.” This year the chamber selected the following businesses, organizations, and individuals as award winners: Above and Beyond Award for Exceptional Customer Service: Harris Automotive and Tire; You Made it Happen Award for Positively Impacting the Community: The Expert Realty Company; Chamber Business of the Year Award: Serco; Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award: Melinda Jarvis; Tony Award: Chamber Mystery Dinner Theater Cast and Allen & Chris Rone. The chamber also awarded Chamber Superlative Awards that evening that consisted of: Most Likely to Make Your Day Better – Kathy Swanegan; Most Chamber Spirit – Laurie Simon; Best Chamber Friend – Tim Ritzel; Most Likely to be there When You Need Them

– Amanda Werremeyer; Best Business Mentor – Hank Wylie; Most Community Spirit – Little Black Book.

By tony mathews

Tony Mathews is the President and CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce For more on any of this information or the chamber in general, please call the chamber office at 636.327.6914 or visit the website www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com. Located at 207 South Linn Avenue in Wentzville.

www.pbtc.net MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

Entertainment

J.J. Abrams’ ‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ proves mystery is still alive

By Brian GuerRero

Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

He just became the filmmaker responsible for the highest grossing film of alltime (not adjusted for inflation). We’re talking about “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” of course - the new addition of the beloved franchise that put director J.J. Abrams at a new career high. All eyes have been on Abrams since 2013 from the second he accepted the position as the director for the most anticipated film in cinema history. You see the brilliance of Abrams is his healthy obsession to share with viewers his mysteries, puzzles and plot twists. In order to achieve this, one must have a knack for keeping big secrets hidden away from the public. With a film as enormously popular as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” he achieved the impossible task of keeping that film’s entire plot and history of its characters completely behind the curtain from the masses – and he happily succeeded. He enjoys this. After the blockbuster’s global success, one could not have guessed he saved the best unsuspecting twist for last. In fact, this twist hardly has anything to do with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but the blockbuster seems to have been used as the perfect tool of distraction from this other project that he was producing in complete secrecy. That would be “10 Cloverfield Lane” the - yes you guessed it – sequel, (or ‘blood relative’ according to J.J’s own words) to the 2008 film “Cloverfield.” Abrams got his start in the business as a writer for films such as “Regarding Henry,” “Forever Young,” “Armageddon,” and “Joy Ride” to name a few. Then he turned to television creating a drama called “Felicity” (one of the shows that put - what was - the WB network on the map) followed by the popular, thrilling drama “Alias” - the show that marked the beginning of his gift of sharing mysteries.

When “Lost” debuted on the ABC network in the fall of 2004, J.J. Abrams’ obsession of mystery and science fiction were fully realized and television has never been the same since. He helped to create a mysterious science fiction drama series (and he won an Emmy for directing the two-hour pilot) about the survivors of a plane crash on an unknown tropical island. One of the major groundbreaking trends used by this show was its use of background stories (or flashbacks if you will) that are used in every episode to explain the history – or mystery – of a certain character in relation to their current situation on the island. More shows in recent years, especially like “Orange Is the New Black,” wisely adapted this method of storytelling that led to their popular success. For those like me who occasionally long for a good mystery, we couldn’t be happier for what’s in store just a few days from now. When the trailer for “10 Cloverfield Lane” was released in January – without any warning – only then did we know this movie was being made and it opens just two months later on March 11. We can’t forget about the mysterious stunt the first teaser trailer for the original film revealed… a release date – with no movie title. “10 Cloverfield Lane” (featuring the directorial debut of Dan Trachtenberg) is right up there with that kind of mysterious craziness, and it makes you feel like you have to find out what this film will turn out to be (we now know it’s not ‘found footage’ this time). It’s a miracle these days that a movie by a major studio (thank you Paramount) can pull off the making of a film in complete secrecy until the can of worms are opened just two months prior to opening day. This is going to cause – and add a lot more – madness on top of March Madness! Photos courtesy of Bigstock and Paramount Pictures

For the Love of Food

A leg up Put a twist on springtime celebrations Spring celebrations wouldn’t be the same without one classic centerpiece: leg of lamb. Whether roasted or grilled, a leg of lamb is a tried and true addition to the Easter or Passover table. As elegant as it is, it’s also quite simple to prepare. For a new take on tradition, swap conventional mint jelly with a vibrant salsa verde or mint-pistachio pesto for a fresh, but familiar, flavor that complements the rich taste of American lamb. Find more springtime celebration-worthy American lamb recipe ideas at americanlamb.com. Boneless Leg of American Lamb Follow these easy guidelines for preparing the perfect roast: • For generous portions, figure on one half pound of American lamb per serving. • Use a good meat thermometer to determine

doneness. Medium Rare: 145 F; Medium: 160 F. • Remove the roast from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 10 degrees less than your desired temperature; it will reach desired doneness while it rests, allowing the meat’s juices to settle. • Carve the roast across the grain so the meat will be tender.

Grilled Butterflied American Lamb Leg with Mint-Pistachio Pesto Serves: 6-8

Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless leg of American lamb, butterflied salt and pepper (to taste) Mint-Pistachio Pesto 1 cup shelled pistachios 1 cup fresh mint (leaves only) 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to taste) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste) freshly ground black pepper (to taste) pinch red chili pepper flakes

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Lay lamb leg open on a cutting board. Trim off visible fat. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper; allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to grilling. Toast pistachios by placing in single layer in shallow dish or pan and baking 8 to 10 minutes.

Heat grill to medium-high. Grill lamb leg to medium-rare (remove from heat when thermometer reads between 130 F and 135 F), or to desired doneness. Rest meat, lightly covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving. Slice meat across grain into thin slices. Serve lamb with pesto, grilled vegetables and salad.

In food processor, add pistachios, mint, parsley, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and chili flakes; blend until somewhat chunky.

MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

Photo Op

Inside the Dula House

CROSSROADS | MARCH 2016

Photographer Ray Rockwell got to take a peek inside Wentzvilleâ€™s historic Dula House and adjoining tobacco factory. The Wentzville Main Street Association toured the home as a part of ongoing restoration preparations. Photos By Ray Rockwell

Community Calendar

March: 1 – St. David’s Day 2 – Read Across America Day 4 – Employee Appreciation Day 5 – Trivia night Annual Hibernians Trivia Night will take place at a new location at the Elks Lodge at 1163 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost is $25 per person or $200 per table of eight. Included in the price will be a corned beef and cabbage dinner prepared by Chef Wilson and members at 5:30 p.m. The games start at 7 p.m. Soda and Beer included with this great night of entertainment. To reserve your table please call John at 314-922-0248.

13 – Daylight Savings Time Begins 13 – Quilt social Sacred Heart Church St. Ann’s Sodality of Troy is hosting their annual quilt social at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Hwy J in Troy. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided for purchase. There will be quilt games, money games, door prizes, pull tabs, Pot of Gold, raffles and plenty of fun. Due to state law no one under the age of 16 can be in the building.

17 – St. Patrick’s Day 19 – Easter egg hunt The Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department, The Meadows Shopping Center, and The Lake Saint Louis Mother’s Club have teamed up to sponsor an Easter egg hunt from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at The Meadows Shopping Center. It includes bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, a balloon artist, games, activities and much more! Children ages 10 and under can participate in the always popular Easter egg hunts. Don’t forget to bring your cans for the Mother’s Club canned food donation box.

20 – First Day of Spring 25 – Good Friday 27 – Easter

MARCH 2016 | CROSSROADS

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We’re your easy button for a business or commercial loan!

You’re Right At Home When You Bank With Us! 4 Convenient LoCations to serve You! Old Monroe Moscow Mills O’Fallon Wentzville 636-655-5601 636-356-4000 636-980-3585 636-332-4906