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CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

JUNE 2015 contents

VOL 12 | NO 5

Departments

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

Around Town Local news and events

What’s The Word? First responders perpetually give back to the community

Always an Adventure Serving custody papers from the Canine Court

Moore on Life Summer Daze

Publisher Robert Huneke

Editor Mathew DeKinder

Automobile Alley 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrids offer power and fuel efficiency

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Business Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

Entertainment The Netflix original standouts

Food Great grapes

Photo Op O’Fallon Victorian Festival

Community Calendar June

Nonprofit Profile The Child Center, Inc.

Contributors Avalanche, Staci Budde, Robin Daniels, David Finkelstein, Tony Mathews, Cindy Moore, Laurie Nobe, Russ Patton Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten For advertising information, please contact us at:

features

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2015 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.

By Barbara Mills – Development Coordinator

From the fields to your table Farmers’ markets bring farm-fresh produce to the community By: Brett Auten

Advertiser Profiles Financial advice for graduates By Robin Daniels

On the Cover: Community News Archives

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

Around Town

Daughters of the American Revolution chapter receives Missouri State Veterans Award

Submitted photo Pictured are Dayna Bishoff on left, Marion Water, Chapter Veterans Chairman holding the award, Karen Wisner, Chapter Regent, right, surrounded by chapter members who attended the recent state convention.

Dayna Bishoff, DAR Missouri State Chairman of the DAR Service for Veterans committee recently presented Karen Wisner, Regent of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter with the state’s highest Service for Veterans Award. With over 100 DAR Chapters statewide, the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter provided more support and service to veterans in their community than any other DAR Chapter in the State. This past year the Chapter delivered Christmas presents to all 298 residents at the Missouri Veterans Home in north St. Louis. They are also making and providing patriotic shrouds to the home insuring the deceased veteran leaves the home with dignity. “Our members are committed to making a difference in the community in a multiple of ways”, says Wisner. “Working with the local veteran organizations is just one of the ways we honor those who have served our country”. DAR Chapter members now also assist veterans in their community veterans’ centers, veterans’ organizations, and long-term care facilities. In addition several members of the Chapter volunteer at the local USO in support of the active military, located at Lambert International Airport and its satellite facilities.

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

Timberland junior named winner of Congressional Art Competition

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Timberland junior Abigail Preckel has been chosen as the winner from the 3rd District in the Congressional Art Competition.

Timberland junior Abigail Preckel has been chosen as the winner from the 3rd District in the Congressional Art Competition. Abigail’s pastel painting on sandpaper titled “My Self” features a young girl’s portrait contrasted against a dark yellow background. Her work will be displayed along with other winners from congressional districts around the country in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol. Abigail, whose art teacher is Crystal Wing, will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this summer where all winning artwork from across the nation will be displayed. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. The winning entries were selected by Washington, Missouri artist Gary Lucy. Lucy is known for his paintings of nature and his commissioned piece done for the 175th anniversary of Washington, Missouri. “Seeing students’ artwork from around the country in the halls of the Capitol is very special to me,” said U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03). “Mr. Lucy’s choice was very difficult this year because of the number of exceptional entries. I am looking forward to displaying Abigail’s painting in the Capitol and featuring the runners-up paintings in my district offices.” More than 40 pieces of artwork were submitted from across the 3rd Congressional District.

Around Town

Top RV dealers work together to

ensure quality customer service By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Buying an RV can be a kind of investment, although the returns are mostly intangible; they include fun, family adventures, exploring and creating memories. To the first time buyer all RVs can look alike; but like quality and reputation, the challenge is to find the right balance. Successful dealers have been able to find this balance. The most popular and respected brands usually are represented by longtime established dealers. But there is no shortage of brand names to go around. When the RV business rebounds everybody wants to be an RV dealer. Successful RV dealers have also learned that “sales” are only one element to prosperity. Successful dealers invest in people and facilities to serve their customers after the sale. This builds repeat business. The top tier of

Advertiser Profile

dealers are involved in efforts that promote the entire industry, not just their own businesses. Most local dealers are members of the local, state and national associations, which promote education, regulations and events to assure customer satisfaction and a positive image. Priority RV Network® is nationwide group of the top RV dealers in the country. Priority RV is a network of over a hundred locations dedicated to offer priority service to its members’ customers while they are in the road. As a group they sell more RVs than any other collection of dealers, even

the ones that spend so much on advertising. Priority RV Network is the quiet one who doesn’t spend money on advertising, but just takes care of customers. The network is a corporation owned by independent dealers organized to serve as well as sell. Members are invited to join the network based upon performance and reputation. Usually only one dealer is selected in a major market area. Byerly RV, Eureka, Missouri is the Priority dealer in the St. Louis market. Byerly is a family and employee owned company which was founded in 1948. Consistently, the number one motorhome dealer and frequently one or two in towable sales, Byerly is truly the Center of the RV World. Check out at www.byerlyrv.com and www.priorityrvnetwork.com.

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JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

What's the Word?

First responders perpetually give back to the community About a month ago, I had the honor and privilege to assist a drunk-driving awareness organization with their support of a sobriety checkpoint. This organization supplied sandwiches, chips, drinks and dessert to over 30 local police officers during a Saturday night checkpoint and stood with the officers showing their support. It was during this time that I really started thinking about our local first responders. How can they handle this all the time? How can they stay up until dawn, protecting our streets? How can they be awakened at 3 a.m. to jump on a truck and head to a raging fire? How can they deal with having to show up at someone’s front door to inform them a loved one has passed? How can they continually be yelled at, told they are not important and have derogatory comments thrown at them for hours on end, and still have the courage and energy to keep our community safe? It never ceases to amaze me that so many people always find flaws with our local first responders but never see the countless good deeds they do for our community. For instance, did you know that the Wentzville Fire District and the St. Charles County Ambulance District hand out stuffed animals to children at the scene of an emergency? Sometimes when a fire or tragedy occurs there is very little you can do to comfort a child. The fire and ambulance crews have the stuffed animals on their trucks and hand them out to children in need. When emergency-service personnel encounters a tragedy where everything has been lost, sometimes the only comfort a child can get is from a plush, stuffed animal to make them feel safe. In addition to the Wentzville Fire District collecting gently used stuffed animals to give to children in times of tragedy, in 2008 they also established a community outreach program. The Community Outreach program holds many events during the year to fundraise for the multitudes of programs they help fund. The Wentzville Fire Protection District has partnered with the Wentzville School District

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CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

Photo courtesy the Wentzville Fire Protection District

for the Coats for Kids program. The fire district holds an annual trivia night to help raise funds for buying and collecting new and gently used coats. The school counselor then decides which children in the district will receive those coats. Many children go cold through the long Missouri winters that we have and the fact that our local fire district has jumped on board to help make a difference, is something very outstanding to me. The Wentzville Fire Protection District held its first annual golf tournament and will be hosting the first ever Trick or Trot for community members this October. They partner with local events such as the Wentzville Blues and Classic Rock Festival, city of Wentzville Easter Extravaganza, Western St. Charles Kiwanis Club, Wentzville Rotary and are very involved with the Western St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. In January of 2015 the Wentzville Fire Protection District was awarded by the Western St. Charles Chamber of Commerce with the “Positively Impacting the Community” award. You see our first responders are real people. They are husbands, wives, sons and daughters and deserve the same respect that we give to each other. It is not an easy decision to become an emergency service worker. You are away from your family, you miss important holidays, you miss your child’s school play, but even through all of the hardships of preforming their daily duties they are still out there keeping us and our community safe from harm. So next time you see an ambulance worker, a fireman, a police officer or any other first responder, remember to thank them for their service and always remember that giving tickets and putting out house fires isn’t all that our emergency service personnel do for our community. They are out there helping keep those less fortunate warm in the winter, they are out there getting involved in community events and they are out there protecting what matters most to us. So from myself and everyone at Community News Publications, we say thank you to our first responders! by LAURIE NOBE

Laurie Nobe was born, raised and still resides in St. Charles County. She is rehabbing a house and planning a late summer wedding with her fiancé.

Nonprofit Profile

The Child Center, Inc.,

a child advocacy for children of abuse By Barbara Mills – Development Coordinator – The Child Center, Inc. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually or physically abused by the time they reach the age of 18. Just because you may never see it, just because you don’t talk about it, just because you find it hard to believe, doesn’t mean it’s not happening in your community. Sexual and physical abuse occurs with alarming frequency, in all kinds of families, to all kinds of kids. It crosses all boundaries; urban, rural, socio-economic, racial, religious, and ethnic. The Child Center, Inc. is a child advocacy center for children of physical or sexual abuse and who may have been a witness to violence. We provide services in 14 counties of Northeast Missouri including, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Marion, Monroe, Shelby, Lewis, Clark, Knox, Scotland and Schuyler counties. The Child Center, Inc. has been in existence for 15 years, with the main office in Wentzville, a second office in Hannibal and a satellite office in Memphis, Missouri. Services at The Child Center, Inc. include forensic interviews, advocacy, therapy, counseling, mandated reporter training, prevention education and parent programs. In 2014 we provided 425 forensic interviews and through prevention education reached nearly 20,000 children. In the 1980s the hidden reality of child abuse came to the forefront of the American consciousness. As public awareness grew, so did the number of reports of abuse. Child victims were passed from one agency to another, forced to re-tell and thus re-live their trauma time and time again. In 1985, the first child advocacy center (CAC) was born to meet the needs of abused children and their families in a warm, non-threatening environment. It was designed to help a child victim of abuse through the trauma and

to provide a safe and secure environment in which healing can begin. Child advocacy centers have a multidisciplinary team which consists of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, mental health and medical professionals that work together under one roof to respond in a coordinated way to a child of abuse. There are two components of The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. We have a services side which consists of our forensic interviewer, advocacy and therapy. Services begin by providing child victims a developmentally appropriate videorecorded forensic interview conducted by specially trained interviewers. The DVD becomes a permanent record and may be viewed as often as necessary by members of the investigative team. Advocacy and in house therapist provide the child and family the support they need. The second component of The Child Center, Inc. presents a comprehensive child sexual abuse/sexual assault prevention program for preschool, elementary and middle school students. Additionally, the Center offers sexual abuse prevention programs for parents and training workshops for school professionals and community-based mandated reporters on the handling of children’s disclosures and the legal and ethical responsibility of mandated reporting. The primary focus of the prevention program is to strengthen a child’s ability to recognize and resist assault, encourage victims to disclose abuse, and improve adults’ responses to these disclosures so that children can receive early interventions and protection to reduce the negative consequences of sexual exploitation. For more information please visit our website at www.thechildcenter.com or call our office at 636-332-0899.

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

Always An Adventure

Serving custody papers from the Canine Court Mr. and Mrs. Avalanche live in a small neighborhood of a few dozen homes, referred to as Backwoods Hideaway, five miles from the nearest town of 300. Their neighbor Donald, owner of the mutt named D’Artagnon, (profiled in the March, 2013 issue of “Crossroads”) had to move to a Big Town, pop. 6,000, due to family obligations. This dislocation resulted in the following “legal document” being served. Photo by Avalance D’Artagnon, the canine in question.

In the District of the Crystal Valley Canine Court Motion for Timeshare Canine Custody Plan May 5, 2015 Plaintiffs: Ken & Staci Avalanche, Pepper (Newfoundland) & Mona (Beagle) Respondent: Donald DiHardKnocks Canine: D’Artagnon, aka: DT Breed: Landseer Newfoundland Plaintiffs have filed a motion for part-time custody of said canine. The court finds that both Plaintiffs and Respondent are in agreement of the following facts: 1. D’Artagnon (Canine) is and has been considered to be a “timeshare Newf” for most of his life. He has managed, through his own manipulative behavior and the actions of others, to worm his way into the hearts and homes of even the most dog-averse neighbors. 2. The timeshare aspect is best described as follows: when Respondent is at home, Canine primarily resides with Respondent. When Respondent is away from home for work or other obligations, especially for long durations, Canine primarily resides with the Plaintiffs. 3. Canine has had freedom of movement for most of his life, including meandering around Backwoods Hideaway in order to obtain food and affection from his neighbors. This enabled the Newf to be regularly fed with treats and even full meals, including occasionally devouring Chinese food from an unknown resident(s). Said Chinese food would then be promptly yakked up in Plaintiffs’ yard. 4. Canine is a very social mutt, having been described by Respondent as an “affection slut.” 5. Canine is approximately 13 years old, which puts him very near the end of his natural life. Canine spends much time sleeping on porch or lawn, regardless of location.

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

6. Due to family obligations, Respondent has recently had to leave Backwoods Hideaway and move to The Big City, hereafter referred to as “Suburban Hell.” 7. Canine has adapted quite well to the new home and neighborhood, (Suburban Hell) meeting and greeting new faces (which are attached to petting and feeding hands,) so long as Respondent and Respondent’s son are at home. Plaintiffs now allege the following: 1. When Respondent is away at work for extended hours, Canine is confined to a postage-stamp-sized backyard. Especially during weeks when Respondent’s child is away from the home, Canine is very lonely, and due to nature of life in Suburban Hell, cannot roam freely, even to the minimal extent of his limited mobility, without fear of being subjected to Draconian animal-control enforcement measures. 2. Canine’s paws are inflamed to the point of bloodiness, likely due to eating too much junk food, such as ice cream, pasta and spicy sausages. Plaintiffs are avowed food-Nazis, who only feed Canine disgustingly healthy food. 3. When Plaintiffs stop by to visit Canine at new residence while Respondent is away, Canine cries, whines and rubs against Plaintiffs in a very needy fashion. 4. When Plaintiffs attempt to leave after visiting Canine’s new residence in Suburban Hell, Canine attempts to accompany Plaintiffs away from Suburban Hell in a most heartbreaking manner. 5. Both Plaintiffs and Canine have suffered serious separation anxiety which, for Plaintiffs, has manifested as loss of sleep, loss of hair, hang-nails, halitosis, heart palpitations and excessive grumpiness. Pepper and Mona have engaged in dogfights over food more frequently during DT’s absence. Canine’s symptoms are described in paragraphs 1 - 3 above. Therefore, the Court finds that Plaintiffs should have part-time custody of the timeshare Newf, in accordance with historical precedent. The Court trusts that Plaintiffs and Respondent can come up with a mutually agreeable plan, without involving scum-sucking attorneys, daytime-TV-type psychological-sham-experts, or other bankrupting parasites. Failure to agree to such a plan would necessitate activation of the Special Newfoundland Response Team, armed with battle rifles, body armor, night-vision goggles and uncured bacon, to enforce this order to allow Canine to continue to enjoy his part-time status in accordance with historical custom. So ordered the 5th day of May, 2015 by the Crystal Valley Canine Court 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.

Summer daze

Summertime is here and once again the schools are emptying out; and just in time for exhausted teachers to book their rooms at a nearby facility which deals in psychiatric meltdowns. Meanwhile, with school vacated and nowhere to warehouse their children, parents everywhere are taking drastic measures by locking them indoors away from the world’s life-threatening hazards such as: Fresh air and exercise, which may result in over-strained lungs and fatigue. Perilous outdoor activities, such as kickball, keep away, red rover, dodgeball and other ego-destroying games which lower self-confidence if kids aren’t included on a winning team with each participant receiving a trophy. Sunshine, resulting in irreparable freckling. Sprinklers, running through are a known cause of critical wetness. Playing on grass, which very well might create catastrophic laundry stains. Sidewalks, containing numerous cracks that science has confirmed when stepped upon cause severe spinal injury to mothers’ backs. Yes, kids are over-protected these days. And as a result, they’ve gotten softer than marshmallows in a microwave. I remember long ago when I was young, around the same time gigantic lizards roamed the earth, that parenting seemed much easier. Today when summer vacation begins parents give stern words of warning: “Don’t cross the street unless you’re being chauffeured in the back seat of the car. Stay away from strangers, peanuts and gluten. Don’t drink water unless it’s filtered, bottled and costs a month’s allowance. Call or text if you need anything, and for the sake of life and limb, stay away from the death rays of that poisonous sun ball!” Back in my day, when school had ended, our mothers pushed us into the great outdoors with this stern word of warning, “Don’t return until school starts again!”

Bikes were the only mode of transportation then, none of this taxied-downthe-street stuff for pre-scheduled playdates. We peddled our bikes from sunup till Sunday and only stopped to fix a flat. And we rode our bikes “in the raw” without a shred of that sissy combat gear like knee and elbow pads and padded helmets. Heck, a little brain concussion never hurt anyone and served as a great topic for show and tell when school started again. We traveled like the postman “in any kind of weather” over to our friend’s houses. They had already been kicked out and waited patiently on their front porch. We then took off for parts unknown. It never crossed our minds to let our parental units know where we’d be going or what we were doing. If one of us even thought of having the audacity to phone a mother and describe our shenanigans, it would have resulted in an immediate grounding—not for the shenanigans, but for having the nerve to call and interrupt a mom during a critical point in her soap opera watching. Of course, unlike today where babies are born with a cell phone plan, homes used to have only one telephone in the house connected to a wall. We barely knew how to use it. Every once in a while our Mom would hold the receiver to our ear and give specific instructions, “Say hello to Nana,” then quickly pull it away and order us to return outside or be threatened with dismemberment for disobeying. Periodically, after a day of playing outside, we would come back and darken the doorsteps of our house for a potty break or to grab a snack, and none of this new age, well-balanced, kale superfood lunacy either. We’d tiptoe in trying not to disturb soap opera time. Then, ever so slowly, crack open the fridge, reach in and grab an uncooked

Moore On Life

hotdog and a handful of toxic gluten and call it lunch. If we were thirsty, our beverage came from the all-you-can-drink garden hose, warm and delicious and completely unfiltered. Afterwards, we’d hop back on our bikes and head over to the railroad tracks to flatten nails and pennies on the rails then throw rocks at the train’s caboose as it roared by; all unprotected under the blazing lethal sun. At summer’s end, we’d return home crispy fried and brown as a barbequed chicken just in time to write a back-to-school essay on, “How I Almost Got Run Over by a Freight Train.” by Cindy Moore

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.

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

from the fields to your table

Farmers’ markets bring farm-fresh produce to the community

By Brett Auten

The slice of a tomato. Melted butter on sweet corn. A child’s smile after a bite of watermelon. The images of summer are intertwined with the arrival the year’s crop of fruits and vegetables. And more people are turning to the farmers’ market to grab these good. The perception of the freshness and quality teamed with the support for the local economy and environmental benefits attributes to the growth nationally in both the number of farmers’ markets and those perusing them. With the rise of the ultra-conscious consumer who is fascinated with everything from the family tree of a sweet potato to the genetic makeup of a cucumber, the local farmers’ market has become the hip place to be. Farmers’ markets have more than quadrupled in number since the U.S. Depart-

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

ment of Agriculture began keeping records in 1994. The National Farmers’ Market Directory lists more than 8,000 markets, an increase of 76 percent since 2008. Every weekend two local farmers’ markets do their best to keep up with the demand. What began with a handful of vendors at the TR Hughes Ballpark has grown in size in just a few short years. The Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market was established in 2009 by a group of St. Charles County volunteer citizens who wanted to bring fresh, local produce and hand-crafted goods to the people of the county. It was first known as the O’Fallon Farmers & Artists Market. In 2012, the market was renamed and relocated to The Meadows shopping center at Highway 40 and Lake Saint Louis Blvd. Now known as the Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market the market operates every Saturday at The

Meadows from April through October, rain or shine. Carl Saunders was one of those first growers set up in a minor league ball park. He has seen the operation grow to 70-75 vendors a weekend. “People are looking for alternatives rather than the marts,” Saunders said. “We have done a lot of advertising and promotion in our trading area to make people aware.” The Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market is the area’s only producer-only farmers market in St. Charles County. Whether it’s a bundle of asparagus or sack of beets, you know it came directly from the person across from you. “There is no buying produce and pretending to be a farmer,” Saunders said. In addition to operating the market, the organization also offers educational opportunities in local food, art, gardening, growing and health.

How much financial boost the increase in crowds has actually made in the growers lives all depends. “It allows for small-scale agriculture to either make a living or supplement a living,” Saunders said. “There is a just whole variety of growers from those using it to market products to those with specialty vegetables.” Cuivre River Farmers Market is a member-run-and-driven group of producers, farmers, artists, artisan crafters, Cordon Blu-trained chefs to old school bakers and canners. Connie Winkelman is the Market Director for Cuivre River with Carl Bowen serving as head Steward and Greg Arrigo as assistant Steward Up and at it from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at Tractor Supply, 170 Market St. in Troy and every second and fourth Sunday at Cuivre River State Park at the Welcome Station from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m, Cuivre River Farmers Market was a launching pad for other markets to follow “We were the test market for Tractor Supply in January, 2011,” Winkelman said. “We are the reason there are farmers markets at Tractor Supplies all over America. We are the first market, ever, to be invited to set up at a state park in Missouri and we owe it all to our presence in the community.” The Cuivre River community is a lovable rag-tag bunch. “We see ourselves as a family unit,” Winkelman said. “Sometimes dysfunctional but if you come early on Saturdays or Sundays, you will see everyone helping get tents up and a weirdly connected family unit.” For more information, on Lake Saint Louis Farmers and Artists Market call 314495-2531 or email or visit lakestlouisfarmersmarket.com For more information on Cuivre River Farmers Market visit www.cuivreriverfarmersmarket.org/ Photos by Ray Rockwell Vendors of all stripes come to sell their goods at the Cuivre River Farmers Market.

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrids offer power and fuel efficiency

With a rolling bed of onboard new and advanced technologies from bumperto-bumper, Hyundai Motors first took the wraps off of the all-new 2016 Sonata hybrid and its sister product, the Sonata Plug-in hybrid earlier this year. The 2016 version represents the seventh generation of this award-winning and attractive four-door, five-passenger automobile. To briefly recap, the 2015 Sonata “gasoline version” was basically a completely redone model, with a prospective from both “inside and out”; however, the exception was their fuel-stingy hybrid version. The ‘15 hybrid was a carryover product but this all changes when the 2016 arrives at dealer showrooms later this year. So how do we differentiate the regular gasoline model of their posh Sonata versus the hybrid? To start, both hybrids for 2016 will have unique wheels, exclusive exterior paint colors as well as the car’s front and rear outer body air management fascia’s are engineered to allow for the vehicle to have improved aerodynamics. No question, this design accomplishment is quite transparent. Wind tunnel tests further validate this achievement. Using Hyundai’s global-engineering resources, these duel technologies (hybrid and plug-in hybrid) offered in Sonata thus will allow the car to be powered by either a compelling gasoline engine and/or an electric motor (powered by batteries) or the combination of both working in concert with each other. The unparalleled system switches seamlessly between a gasoline engine and an electric motor to deliver efficient power to the front drive wheels. The gasoline engine hands off the primary charging energy for the lithium polymer batteries, while the regenerative braking system captures the energy created during braking and converts it into

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

electricity. Of course, this helps recharge the hybrid’s batteries. The end game for consumers is a very contemporary automobile that gets around 10-percent improvements in fuel mileage when compared to the regular gasoline version of the same car. More precisely, the hybrid is expected to achieve around 44-mpg with highway usage. Both models us a 2.0-liter high pressure gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine which is rated at 154-horsepower. When combining the horsepower from the engine with the power output of the electric motors, the performance output on the hybrid rises to a net 193-horsepower. On the plug-in model, the horsepower elevates slightly to just over 200-HP. The flat battery pack is stored under the trunk floor therefore cargo carrying capabilities weren’t greatly impacted. After a full electric charge, it gets an average driving range of approximately 24 miles without the use of the gas engine ever turning on. Pricing is parallel to the 2015 model. It’s also believed that the plug-in hybrid will be sold in select markets. 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

Financial advice for graduates

Graduating from high school or college is an honor. You will be off on a new journey in your life and nothing is holding you back. One problem with this scenario: have you considered how much money you have saved for life’s next adventure? Today, Peoples Bank & Trust is bringing you financial advice for graduates so your transition to the next chapter can be a little easier. Financial Advice for

College Graduates

Always pay your student loans on time. No matter what your circumstance, it is likely that your student loan payments will kick in six months after graduation. When you pay on time, you will save on paying interest down the road because you will be paying off your loans sooner. Some loan companies may provide incentives later on for consistently paying on time. Bad habits can eat up your savings. Maybe you just moved to a bigger city or got your first job right here in Missouri. Regardless, be careful of eating out too much, going out on the town with your credit card or shopping too much. Your first job is exciting, but don’t let the pay increase get to your head. Financial Advice for

High School Graduates

Stick to a budget while in college. If you are off to college in the fall, don’t let the excitement of a new school overwhelm your budget. It may seem great to go out with

friends every night, but it’s not what’s best for your budget. It may seem like a bad idea to be frugal in college, but your future self will thank you. Learn to live within your means. Nice new shoes or the best apartment on campus seem like a good idea, but that doesn’t mean you can afford it. Learn to live within your means right out of high school so you don’t have a rude awakening later on in life. Setting the right financial habits now can help you throughout the rest of your life. By Robin Daniels

Robin Daniels is Asst VP/ Secondary Market Manager for Peoples Bank & Trust Co. NMLS #408454 (636) 290-7272 www.pbtc.net

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Business

Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Chamber hosts ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosted ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies for Lindell Bank, Pezzimenti’s Café, Catala Facial Retreat & Boutique, Providence Bank and Suntrup Hyundai Wentzville.

Providence Bank celebrated a ground breaking for their new bank building in Lake St. Louis. The new bank building will be located at 464 Hawk Ridge Trial in Lake St. Louis. You can contact them at 636-561-7125 or visit them online at www.myprovidencebank.com.

Lindell Bank is located at 5500 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. You can contact them at 636-4411600 or visit them at www.lindellbank.com.

Suntrup Hyundai - Wentzville is located at 971 Wilmer Rd. in Wentzville. You can contact them at 636-887-8711 or visit them online at www.suntruphyundai.com.

Pezzimenti’s Café is located at 1798 Mall Parkway in Wentzville. You can contact them at 636-887-2739 or visit them online at www. pezzimenticafe.com.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serves Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comCatala Facial Retreat & Boutique is located prised of over 660 members. If you are interestat 30 West Hwy. D in New Melle. You can con- ed in having a ribbon cutting at your place of tact them at 636-398-2101 or visit them online business please contact the chamber. To view at www.catalafacialretreat.com. pictures & video of these recent ribbon cuttings You’re Right At Home When You Bank With Us! please visit our Chamber Facebook Page.

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

www.bankofoldmonroe.com www.bankofoldmonroe.com 14

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

For more information please call the chamber office at 636-327-6914 or visit the chamber online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber. com. Submitted photos

Business

Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie

Western St. Charles County Chamber selects four scholarship recipients The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce selected four local students to receive scholarships this year. The four students selected were: Katherine Balfany from Holt High School, Kari Leigh Brinkley from Holt High School, Hayden Waid from Timberland High School, and Taylor Banze from Timberland High School. “The Western St. Charles County Chamber’s 660 members are very supportive of helping our local students succeed in their career goals,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the Western St. Charles County of Commerce. “Our chamber is very proud to award our scholarships to four deserving students.” The chamber awards four $750 scholarships each May. For more information please call the chamber office at 636-327-6914 or visit their website http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

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.

Chamber Back to School Family Fair on Aug. 1 The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 3rd Annual Back to School Family Fair on Aug. 1, 2015 from 8 a.m. – noon at Morning Star Church. Morning Star is located at 1600 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. Free school supplies will be given out to children at the event. Each booth will feature a fun activity for children to participate in. You will have the opportunity to learn about great businesses in the area and discover how those businesses can serve your needs. The following will be featured at the event: free school supplies, meet princesses and superheroes, 1,500 free drawstring backpacks for kids, free breakfast pastries and hot dogs, Wentzville Fire Protection District fire trucks, St. Charles County Ambulance District ambulances, activities for children - face painting and more, giveaways and prizes. If you are a local business and would like a booth at the fair please contact the chamber at 636-327-6914 or visit them online at http:// westernstcharlescountychamber.com. Booths start at only $75. The fair saw over 4,000 people last year, so it is a great way to market your business or organization. This year’s focus is on our local families. “We are very excited to see our local residents receive free school supplies, gather information from local business, and have a great time!” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the chamber. “The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce strives to help our community and help our local businesses connect with consumers.” This will be a fun-filled day for families to gather information, coupons and giveaways from local businesses and groups as they prepare to return to school. For more information please call the Chamber Office or visit http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

www.byerlyrv.com JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

Entertainment

The Netflix original standouts With the third season of “Orange Is the New Black” set for release on June 12, this seems like a good time to show a bit of love for the best of Netflix. Thanks to an ever increasing variety, we’re in a new golden era for television. Instead of watching an episode a week, Netflix releases a show by season, which is why you could become the happiest of couch potatoes – streaming an entire season of your favorite show in single a day. Here are some of the best of Netflix originals.

“Orange Is the New Black”

but must serve 15 months in prison for a money transferring crime she committed about a decade before. She never knew how privileged she really was until she begins to serve her time. That’s where the show really begins to pop. I’ve never witnessed such a huge variety of unlimited female characters in my life - and not one is underdeveloped. You’ll meet those who they call “Taystee” (Danielle Brooks), Poussey (Samira Wiley), “Crazy Eyes” (Uzo Aduba), Nicky (Natasha Lyonne), “Pennsatucky” (Taryn Manning), “Big Boo” (Lea DeLaria), Alex (Laura Prepon), Sophia (Laverne Cox), Daya (Dascha Polanco), the veteran inmate “Red” (Kate Mulgrew) and many others. The show uses similar storyline techniques, like “Lost,” where we’re given flashbacks of our characters that describe how each them ended up where they are. Watch this show if you really want to be entertained!

“House Of Cards” Does Hollywood still lack in terms of equality and quality of characters mostly in the form of women? Then, “Orange Is the New Black” is the perfect punch in the face it deserves as the wake up call we’ve been waiting for. We’re talking about a comedy with sharp wit, some real drama, grounded emotion and - above all - brutal honesty. There’s no other show (or movie for that matter) like it. Based on an autobiographical book of a real woman’s experience, “Orange Is the New Black” is about a privileged white woman named Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) who’s engaged to her fiancé (Jason Biggs),

www.viperrocks.com

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

It’s a political drama about a twenty-twoyear veteran congressman, Francis Underwood - the House Majority Whip - eyeing his desired position to become the next Secretary of State. He’s bagged the right people - including a President he doesn’t even like - to help run the country that will also help him get what he wants in return. When some – including members of his own cabinet – decide to nominate another for the job, Francis takes it as a betrayal. With tough-loving support from his wife Claire (Robin Wright in a dynamic role) - whom he loves “more than sharks love blood” – he plans to plot his revenge on all who’ve wronged him. Kevin Spacey is Francis, the kind of actor who’s the greatest boss we love to fear. He even gives the drama a dose of

satire by hinting at the viewer his plans of conniving action – having everyone placed exactly where he wants them… even us.

“Bloodline”

The Rayburn siblings – John (Kyle Chandler), Meg (Linda Cardellini) and Kevin (Norbert Leo Butz) must deal with the scarring secrets of their family past when the outcast (and eldest) of the group, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn – who’ll have you cringing in every scene he’s in!), returns home on the night of their parent’s (Sam Shepard and Sissy Spacek) celebration of the family business - running a successful inn on the Florida Keys. It’s also the place where they grew up, so we get glimpses of key moments of their past at this beautiful location. John is the central character here – who works for the County Sheriff. It’s typical for Chandler to play an authority figure, but the main focus is the family chemistry (the real reason why Chandler’s performance is a career-best here) setting John’s business as a sub-plot. The show never develops into “cop show.” The Emmy worthy performances between the two leads, Chandler and Mendelsohn is the highlight, but it’s the complexity of Mendelsohn that gives him the slight edge here. He’ll have you feeling countless emotions towards Danny, ranging from deep sympathy to fearing his menacing tendencies once the secrets unravel. Photos courtesy of Netflix

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.

For the Love of Food

Great grapes Delicious recipes deliver sweet healthy goodness Widely recognized as portable and tasty, grapes are an easy way to enjoy an extra serving of fruit. But not only are grapes a super snack, they’re a terrific fresh ingredient to enhance any meal. Yes, with a burst of juicy flavor, fresh grapes can make good-foryou foods taste even better. Vibrant color, crunch and a light touch of sweetness make them an unexpected but appealing addition to countless dishes. These recipes show how grapes balance the distinct flavor of Brussels sprouts; complement smoky mozzarella; provide a palate-pleasing texture to tofu kabobs and complement the global flavors of a Thai salad. In addition to great taste and versatility, grapes are also healthy. They are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols, which contribute to a healthy heart. Sweet Summery Snack Frozen grapes are the perfect cool down when the weather gets hot. Just rinse, pat dry and place in the freezer for about 2 hours. A Handful of Health • One serving of grapes is 3/4 cup and has just 90 calories, no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium. • Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols, which help make grapes a heart-healthy food. • They are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is critical for healthy blood clotting, and may play a role in bone health. • Grapes contribute to heart health by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels to help maintain healthy blood flow and function.

Servings: 4 Ingredients: 3 cups shredded savoy cabbage 2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed 1 1/2 cups green California grapes, halved 1 large cucumber 1/4 cup lime juice 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons minced shallots 1 tablespoon safflower oil 1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cups cooked medium shrimp 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro 3 tablespoons Thai basil, torn

Servings: 4 Ingredients: 2–3 tablespoons minced jalapeno 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 pound firm tofu, cut into 12 chunks 2 cups green California grapes 2 cups steamed brown rice 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Directions: Heat grill to high.

Directions: Combine cabbage, bean sprouts and grapes in large bowl. With vegetable peeler, peel cucumber into long thin strips and put on top. In small bowl, combine lime juice, vinegar, sugar, shallots, oil and chili. Pour over vegetables and mix well. Divide among 4 serving plates, top with shrimp and sprinkle with cilantro and basil. Nutrition information per serving: 186 calories; 3.5 g fat (.2 g saturated fat); 16% calories from fat; 14 g protein; 28 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 146 mg sodium.

Shrimp Thai Salad

sugar and ginger, and toss. Add tofu and mix. Thread tofu and grapes onto 4 skewers. Grill 2–4 minutes or until heated through. Divide rice among 4 bowls, top with skewers and sprinkle with cilantro. Nutrition information per serving: 271 calories; 6 g fat (.8 g saturated fat); 20% calories from fat; 14 g protein; 42 g carbohydrate; 3.5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 207 mg sodium.

In small bowl, mix jalapeno, soy sauce,

Servings: 4 Ingredients: 2 large wholegrain flatbreads or naan (about 8 ounces) 1 1/4 cups grated smoked mozzarella 3 cups arugula 1 cup sliced red, green and black California grapes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small clove garlic, minced Salt Freshly ground black pepper Directions: Heat broiler to high.

Servings: 4 (1/2 cup each) Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup halved red California grapes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Directions: Cut off woody stem on each Brussels sprout and remove any tough or bruised outer leaves. Slice sprouts very thinly to

Place flatbreads on baking sheet and broil until crisp and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Turn and cover with mozzarella. Broil until melted, about 2–3 minutes. While mozzarella is melting, toss together arugula, grapes, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Place on top of flatbreads and cut into wedges.

Tofu Grape Kabobs Grape and Smoked Mozzarella Flatbread

Nutrition information per serving: 323 calories; 14.5 g fat (6 g saturated fat); 38% calories from fat; 16 g protein; 37 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 19 mg cholesterol; 626 mg sodium. make mound of feathery ribbons. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sprouts, grapes, salt and pepper to skillet and saute 3–4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, ginger, mustard, honey and vinegar to pan. Continue to saute approximately 1–2 minutes, until sprouts are tender and bright green in color.

Sweet and Savory Garlic Ginger Brussels Sprouts and Grapes

Turn off heat and add walnuts to pan. Gently mix to combine. Nutrition information per serving: 210 calories; 12 g fat (1.3 g saturated fat); 48% calories from fat; 6 g protein; 23 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 236 mg sodium.

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

Photo Op

O’Fallon Victorian Festival

Photographer Ray Rockwell took a trip back in time at the O’Fallon Victorian Festival at Fort Zumwalt Park on April 25. The festival included a Victorian hat contest, a mustache contest, kids’ crafts and a presentation honoring the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death. Photos By Ray Rockwell

CROSSROADS | JUNE 2015

Community Calendar

June: 5: Art of Wine Taste some of Cottleville Wine Seller’s best wine, beer and appetizers and purchase art created by Willows Way Clients. 100 percent of art proceeds go back to the artist. Cost is $40 per person or consider one of our Sponsorship Packages to help Willows Way in funding great programs for adults with disabilities. 6: National Trails Day celebration Celebrate National Trails Day at Indian Camp Creek Park near Wentzville by participating in the Sunset Sizzler, a 15- or 30-mile mountain bike race that starts just before sunset and continues into the night. Children of all ages will kick the event off at 6 p.m. with a fun ride through park trails before the adults take the course. All riders must wear a helmet and adults must have a light 200 lumen or greater to participate. Awards will be given to top finishers in each category. Competitors may register individually, or as two-person co-ed, male or female teams in the Sunset Sizzler race. Register online at www.stccparks.org or contact the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535. 6: Color 5k The Lincoln County Council on Aging is hosting its 6th annual 5k at Clont’s Field and Main Street Elementary at 51 Main St. in Troy. LCCOA Miles for Meals – Color 5K participants register at 7 a.m. and walk begins at 8 a.m. Vendor Fair Participants Register at 7 a.m. and walk begins at 8 a.m. Car Show participants register at 8 a.m. and walk begins at 9 a.m. This all-day event will have fun for the whole family. For more information and to sign-up, contact Lindsey at 636-528-7000 or LKelley@LCCOAging.net

8: Golf tournament Optimist Club of St. Charles 27th Annual Golf Tournament will be held at Bear Creek Golf Club at 158 Bear Creek Dr. in Wentzville. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., lunch is at 11 a.m., shotgun start at noon and dinner will be held after golf. Four person scramble ($400 per team); individuals cost $100 which includes: green fees, cart, barbeque lunch, dinner and refreshments. Proceeds to benefit the youth of St. Charles. Contact Fred McGinley for more information at 314 393-0706 or visit http:// scoptimists.weebly.com. 10: Blood drive Morning Star Church will be hosting a community-wide blood drive from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at 1600 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. The Mississippi Regional Blood Center will be collecting the donations. Please contact MorningStar Church at 636-561-5680 or visit www. mscwired.org/blooddrive today to schedule an appointment. A reservation is very much appreciated in order to schedule the time needed for everyone wishing to donate. Donors will be treated to refreshments and light snacks. 12: Movie in the park Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to Boulevard Park Amphitheater in Lake Saint Louis to enjoy Movies in the Park. “Free Birds” (rated PG) begins at dusk. Approximately 8:30 p.m. 13: Concert in the park Come enjoy a night of great music and dancing with Mirage from 7 – 10 p.m. at Wind Jammer Point in Lake Saint Louis. Feel free to bring your chairs, food and beverages. Glass is prohibited.

14: Flag Day 15-19: Vacation bible school Morning Star Church is offering Vacation Bible School (VBS) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting June 15 through June 18 for children pottytrained preschool age through fifth grade. Then, June 19 is a Family Night starting at 6 p.m. Morning Star Church is also offering an After Trek program from the hours of 12 - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Kids will need to bring a sack lunch for After Trek. Cost is just an additional $50 per child, and open to the first 50 elementary children who sign up. VBS is open to all members of the community. Cost of VBS during early registration (through May 17) is $15 per child and includes t-shirt. Cost after May 17 through June 1 is $25 per child. To register or for more information, visit www. mscwired.org or call 636-561-5680. 19: Juneteenth 21: Father’s Day 27: Concert in the park Come enjoy a night of great music and dancing with Rough Riders from 7 – 10 p.m. at Wind Jammer Point in Lake Saint Louis. Feel free to bring your chairs, food and beverages. Glass is prohibited. 28: Trap shoot The Trent Huber/Jillian Young Memorial Trap Shoot is in Silex, Missouri at Lolar Branch Outdoor Sports. For more information call 573384-6237.

JUNE 2015 | CROSSROADS

2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., Oâ€™Fallon, MO 63366