stars
REACH FOR THE
CrossRoads 2017 MO Press 1st Place Winner
Elder Law F REE Medicaid Informational Estate Planning WORKSHOPS Asset Protection 866-3-ELDERLAW | www.ElderCareLaw.com ElderCareLaw.com
www.snlpainting.com
Joseph Cordell, Principal Partner. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET
www.mycnews.com www.facebook.com/mycnews www.pinterest.com/mycnews https://twitter.com/mycnews
2 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
WWW.PBTC.NET
www.dpc4u.org
NOVEMBER 2017
contents
VOL 13 | NO 11
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.
Departments
4
Around Town Local news and events
8
Always an Adventure The simple pleasures of a cabin in the woods
9
Moore on Life Eat, drink and be wary
14
Entertainment ‘The Florida Project’ takes a hard look at the reality outside of the magic kingdom
15
Automobile Alley The 2017 Ford Focus RS is a high-performance attention getter
16
Food Holiday entertaining excellence: Savory appetizers, gifts and more
18
Medical Memo Seeing clearly: A closer look at vision health
19
Community Calendar: November
Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten
For advertising information, please contact us at:
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
features 10
Reach for the stars with your feet on the ground The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri brings star-gazing to the community at Broemmelsiek Park
12
Nonprofit Profile Artistic dreams start at the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation
13
Advertiser Profile The RVer who came in from the cold
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.
On the Cover: Photo courtesy Bigstockphoto.com
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
RED, WHITE AND SAFE ALL OVER St. Charles County Ambulance District debuts reflective wraps By Brett Auten
That shock of red, white and blue you have seen in and around St. Charles County is doing exactly what it’s intended to do. With a bold palette and a newly-redesigned, hard-to-miss exterior, the St. Charles County Ambulance District’s advanced life support units have an all-new look that is getting the attention of drivers. Motivated by a recent study on Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the new look made its debut in July on two ambulances and is being phased into the district’s fleet over the next few years. The FEMA study suggested that agencies consider increased use of reflective materials and contrasting colors on emergency vehicles. “It is going to be a slow roll getting all of them done,” Kyle Gaines, SCCAD Director of Community Relations said. “With a fleet of over 30, we will get to them all eventually.” The SCCAD ambulances are wrapped nearly fully in a reflective vinyl, with some spots left with a flat finish to provide recommended contrast. The St. Louis-based Cool Touch Graphics won the bid to put on the vinyl wraps. The result, which pleased SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer, gives heightened visibility, particularly in low-light conditions. “As we began the process of incorporating the FEMA recommendations into our design, we solicited feedback from several groups in our community,” Meyer said. “The project evolved significantly from initial concept to final product and citizen input was invaluable to the process.” Before the wraps, the advanced life support units came from the manufacturer with white paint, then stickered with some reflective striping, lettering and logo. 4 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
Photo by Ray Rockwell St. Charles County Ambulance District’s advanced life support units have a new safety covering that features increased use of reflective materials and contrasting colors.
All of this new flash and pizzazz does come at a cost. According to Meyer the cost to fully wrap one of SCCAD’s larger, modular ambulances is approximately $4,900, which is almost double that of the previous stickers. “Though there is an increased cost associated with the full-wrap technology, we felt it was an important safety upgrade to make,” Meyer said. “The change impacts not only our patients and paramedics, but our community at large.” It was an 18-month process to come up with the final design. SCCAD officials conducted several focus groups within the community, from the citizens advisory board, the chamber of commerce and others. “We pitched the concept to a wide array of people to get their feedback,” Gaines said. “For example, the color red wasn’t included in the original design, but all of the focus groups wanted red and said that it just didn’t
look right without it.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of EMS, vehicle crashes involving ambulances are not at all uncommon - an estimated 4,500 accidents occur each year in the United States, 34 percent of which result in injuries. “Even near misses can be dangerous,” Gaines added. “But everybody nearby these newlyredesigned ambulances see them coming. You’ll never miss them.” Gaines said that there is no substitute for safe, attentive driving. Maintaining a safe speed and avoiding distractions such as cell phones greatly reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents not just when emergency vehicles are concerned, but in every situation. “This is a valuable, safer upgrade but there is no substitution for distraction-free driving,” Gaines added.
Around Town
Community News Publications honored with Missouri Press Association awards From staff reports
Community News Publications’ staff received six awards as a part of the 2017 Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest, including first-place awards for Best Columnist and Best Magazine. Competing against other weekly newspapers with a similar circulation size in the state of Missouri, CrossRoads magazine was awarded first place in the Magazine/ Alternative Publication category, while Our Town magazine received third place in the same category. Community News Columnist Cindy Moore won first place in the Best Columnist – Humorous category. Cindy’s win was punctuated by this comment from the anonymous judge, “Cindy takes situations that we all can relate to and consistently makes them LOL funny. Some writers have to strain to write humorously. Cindy does
it naturally. I loved all of her columns.” Community News reporter Nicholas Elmes won second place in the Best Military Story category for his story titled “A trip of healing.” Bringing in third place in the Best Story About History category was Community News reporter Brett Auten for his story titled “History looking for a home.” Finally, Community News reporter Sara Hardin received honorable mention in the Best Story About Religion for her story titled “Moving Ferguson forward.” “It’s always an honor to be recognized by the Missouri Press Association,” said Community News editor Mathew DeKinder. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication, talent and professionalism of our entire staff.”
Optimist Club sponsors essay and speech contests By Cyndy Schwab
The O’Fallon Optimist Club #30-295 is sponsoring both an essay and oratorical contest with scholarships awarded to the students that win the competition at the East Missouri District level. Both contests are open to students under age 18 as of Oct. 1, 2017. Youth who attend public school, private school or who are homeschooled are eligible to participate in either or both contests. Students in neighboring communities without an Optimist Club are welcome to apply. The essay contest gives youth the opportunity for written expression. At the district level a $2,500 scholarship will be awarded. The essay must be at least 700 words and no more than 800 words on the topic “Can Society Function Without Respect?” The application for the essay contest must be accompanied by the essay and a copy of the contestant’s birth certificate or passport and must be received by Jan. 31, 2018. The winner will be advised by Feb. 28, 2018 and their
essay will be forwarded for district competition. The speech contest is designed to help youth gain experience in public speaking. Interested students should prepare a four to five minute speech on the topic “Where are My Roots of Optimism?” The application for the oratorical contest must be accompanied by the contestant’s birth certificate and must be received by Jan. 31, 2018. The club-level contest will be held Feb. 25, 2018. Two winners will advance to the next level March 18, 2018. Two winners from that level will then compete at the district level on April 28, 2018. There, the three top orators will be awarded scholarships of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000. For an application with rules go to www.optimist.org. A contestant must be sponsored by a local Optimist Club. Contact Cyndy Schwab at 636-544-0102 or cyndyschwab@ yahoo.com for further information.
WWW.ASHFORDMOTORS.NET
LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
READER SURVEY RESULTS of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days.
For Advertising
636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
O’Fallon named one of the Fort Zumwalt Park temporarily closed to traffic and country’s best small cities disc golf for Celebration of Lights setup to raise a family In preparation for the city of O’Fallon’s annual Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park
has closed to vehicles through Jan. 15, 2018, so that crews can safely install holiday lights and scenes for the city’s annual Celebration of Lights display. The park’s disc golf course, “The Fort,” also will be closed during this period. Pedestrians are welcome during daylight hours, but for safety’s sake are required to stay on the paved drive through the park, which has a designated lane for walkers and joggers. And everyone is invited to see the Celebration of Lights, which will be open the day after Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, closing only for Christmas, Dec. 25.
When it comes to raising a family, O’Fallon rates among the highest in the nation, coming in at third on a new list of the “Best Small Cities to Raise a Family.” The listing was compiled by financial lender smartasset.com, which based its determination of best small cities for raising a family on: median housing costs, income, annual childcare costs, high school graduation rates, crime ratings, family poverty rates and the percentage of residents age 20 and under. The number of childcare centers and unemployment rates also were considered. The state of Missouri stood out for having three cities listed, the only state in the nation to score more than one city of the top 10 listed. For Missouri, Lee’s Summit was rated second, O’Fallon third and St. Charles 10th. To find the best small cities to raise a family, smartasset.com compared 210 cities with populations ranging from 65,000 – 100,000, drawing on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the F.B.I.’s Universal Crime Reporting Database, the U.S. Bureau of Education, and Child Care Aware (for childcare costs). https://smartasset.com/mortgage/the-bestsmall-cities-to-raise-a-family “When it comes to family, nothing matters more,” said O’Fallon’s Mayor Bill Hennessy. “O’Fallon has received many and continuing recognitions as a best place to live, and this particular award shows that our city is on the best of all possible paths for our families with children and grandchildren. In this new study, O’Fallon also was recognized for having extremely affordable childcare available, low unemployment and a very low family poverty rate of 2.9 percent.” 6 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District
Discovery Ridge Elementary celebrates discovery days
Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary participated in “Discovery Days” during the week of Oct. 2-6. The event, conceived by faculty members in 2010 before construction of the new elementary school was even completed, focuses on discovery in the physical world. “Discovery Days is an exciting time of year during which our Discovery Ridge community celebrates flight, space and related STEM topics,” said Discovery Ridge Principal Laura Bates. “We have seen students highly interested in science throughout the year as a result of this engaging week of learning.” On Oct. 6, the week culminated with activities that included students climbing in the cockpit of an F4 Phantom jet built by McDonnell Douglas and an OH-58 Kiowa
Army helicopter. Other activities included Monsanto’s STEM Challenge, science demonstrations by Mad Science, and solar scope viewing with the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri. “Discovery Days is educational because you get to learn and have fun at the same time,” said third grader Cameron Davis. Additional events included a visit from the ARCH helicopter, presentations by the Wentzville Fire Department, Dino Odell’s science songs and the St. Louis Science Center Unisphere - a portable, inflatable miniplanetarium. The celebration concluded Friday night with Washington University’s MySci Investigation Station, food trucks and hands-on STEM stations.
Around Town By Brett Auten
A gift of the past Community News donates archives to State Historical Society of Missouri
Photos by Mathew DeKinder Peter McCarthy (left) and Dean Hargett (right) of the State Historical Society of Missouri stand with Community News publisher Bob Huneke Jr. McCarthy and Hargett removed the Community News archives from storage to the State Historical Society of Missouri’s headquarters in Columbia, Missouri.
Archived editions of the Community News sit in storage before being removed to the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Consider it a gift that is a window into the past. This month, the Community News donated a treasure trove of history – nearly 40 years’ worth of past issues – to the State Historical Society of Missouri. The bound books have every issue of the paper from 1931 to 1967. The large books contain the actual broadsheet newspapers and each year has its own designated book with each issue being anywhere from 16 to 24 pages. “We are thrilled to have these to help fill in the archives on St. Louis,” Mary Ellen Lohmann, Senior Strategic Communications Associate with The State Historical Society of Missouri, said. “For generations to come they will be able to gather information from these books.” Those interested in Missouri history, biography and genealogy will find an avalanche of news in the State Historical Society of Missouri’s Research Centers’ collections. The reference collection of books, pamphlets and official state publications total more than 165,000 items. The State Historical Society of Missouri also holds more than 9,000 manuscript collections, more than 8,000 maps, and over 56,000 rolls of newspapers on microfilm. “The donation that the Community News made will help fill in the details of daily life of the area,” Lohmann said. “There is a wealth of information about the St. Louis community. If it weren’t for the journalists who were capturing the climate of the day, all would be gone.” The Community News began in 1918 as a bi-monthly newspaper that focused on news in the North St. Louis County area. After 1967, the decision was made to keep the past issues archived digitally. According to current owner and publisher, Bob Huneke Jr., who is a third-
generation owner, the accumulating files were just too much to keep up, and space was beginning to be an issue at a previous Community News office in Jennings. When the Community News transferred in 2000 to O’Fallon, the books were placed into a storage facility. “It was a challenge to find a solution,” Huneke said. “But the State Historical Society was excited to receive the donation. Now, historians can look back at these papers and get a real grasp of the times.” Huneke said he used to take the books to various business fairs over the years and the old issues were always a hit. “People get a kick out of the old stories and the prices in the advertisements, like a diamond engagement ring for $59,” Huneke said. “There is a lot of interest in the front cover stories, and there is a fair amount of advertisement from local merchants.” In the late 1990s, the Community News began sprouting up in newsstands at all of the major local grocery chains in Bridgeton, Hazelwood and on Main Street in St. Charles. This was when O’Fallon was starting to bubble with its population growth. City leaders approached Huneke about including the area in the paper’s coverage and soon a satellite office was established. The two-times a month O’Fallon paper soon grew into a weekly and in 2008 Huneke split the coverage into regions with a St. Louis County and St. Charles County editions and invested into the newsstand-only method of distribution. Henke can now rest easy that the archives of the paper are in secure hands and will be placed in front of new sets of eyes. “I feel better that the State Historical Society of Missouri will be watching over them and now someone else can see them besides us,” Huneke said.
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 7
Always An Adventure
THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF A CABIN IN THE WOODS We walked up the muddy road, marveling at the fall colors and cool, wet weather; a welcome relief after a hot, parched summer season. Snow had fallen on the higher peaks and more was forecast to fall over the next few days...and in fact, much did fall. Staci and I were headed up a closed road at the invitation of the owners of a cabin on a piece of private land surrounded by public forest land. The road was a remnant from a formerly active mine, closed for a few decades now. I had been on the public portion of this road many times, mostly during training runs, and I would always turn around at the private gate at the end of the road. We had met the owners of the private property a week before, while walking the public road. They had graciously invited us to join them up at their place, and we were happy to accept. The gate to the private property had been left open, as promised by our hosts. We made our way up toward the sound of a motor running, and found the owners and their family gathered around a running wood splitter, getting ready for the fastapproaching winter. Greetings and introductions were made, and a tour of the cabin ensued. “Cabin” was technically accurate, as it was not a huge place, but 8 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
probably a bit too humble of a term for the beautifully constructed abode, situated in a place that would rival any wilderness campsite. While parts of the home had been built with commercially available materials, many of the logs had been sourced on the property. A huge picture window, salvaged from a distant construction job due to a small imperfection, faced a mountainous amphitheater. Remnants of some of the old mines were visible, but were inconspicuous in the grand, sweeping vistas. Tour completed, we joined in the woodsplitting and stacking activity until the dry, seasoned wood had been processed, with another stack of green wood left to be split next year. We made it inside just as a storm began to rage, with wind and rain pounding the exterior of the cabin. Hot drinks and snacks led to relaxed conversation. Tony, the owner, explained that the property had been homesteaded in the late 1800s, and a very small hunting cabin had been built in the early 1900s. He had purchased it nearly 30 years ago, shortly after it had gone on the market. It was a fortunate move, as prices soon skyrocketed, and he would not have been able to afford it only two years later. The house was built by family and friends. The defunct mine nearby had power lines running to it, so it was a simple matter to
connect to the existing lines, a welcome rarity this far back in the woods. While the place provided much peaceful solitude, frequent consultations with attorneys to sort out taxation and regulatory red tape were an expensive part of living here. Trespassers could also be a nuisance, with some “helpful” folks in town instructing eager hikers to walk up the road, and “just go around” the gate clearly marked with multiple “No Trespassing” signs. The property’s remote location kept such intrusions to a minimum. We enjoyed a bit more conversation about camping, hiking, hunting, and life in the mountains, while the storm outside abated, with the sun’s warmth displacing the cold, lashing rain. Staci and I took that opportunity to say our goodbyes to our new friends, and hike down the road back to the truck a couple miles distant. An invitation was extended for us to come back soon, which we will once again gladly accept. 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.
Moore On Life
Eat, drink and be wary Since this is the month of all things food, here’s a tasty tale of trepidation: Recently my husband and I went on a little jaunt up into the great forest of Yellowstone. Things have changed since I’d been there back when they let the bears roam freely. When I was itty bitty, (think wa-a-ay back when phones were cemented into the wall. When it rang, you needed to uproot yourself from the couch and walk a mile uphill in a deadly blizzard…barefoot, to answer it. I hated it when we got a wrong number!) Anyway…back to long ago when my dad took the family to Yellowstone. Upon entering the park, I distinctly remember cars parked along the roadway. Of course to the savvy vacationer, a string of cars meant, wildlife ahead! We pulled off as well and sure enough there were the star attractions…bears! And not just a glimpse of a straggler off in the far distance, but a family of them taking a leisurely stroll alongside the road even as Goldilocks ransacked their cave and devoured their porridge. But not to worry, those furry beasties would not arrive home hungry because we sightseers had come equipped. Stuffed in our little
knapsacks were cartons of graham crackers, bags of chips and enough marshmallows to stuff a turkey…or in this case…a bear. The lumbering omnivores would approach the vehicles and place their giant puffy paws up against the car windows. Then we’d roll them down just enough for a big pink tongue to dangle in and grab a graham or munch a mallow. Yes, those were the days. Alas, somewhere in between then and now, the bear must have developed a taste for tourist, because nowadays when you go into the park, you are met with warnings and signage, yea even threats not to entice the animals with any grocery item. Nay, not so much as a morsel for the buffalo or birds because this introduction of carcinogenic-processed poison will seriously disrupt the balance of the fragile ecosystem and result in irreparable natural disasters of ecological cataclysmic consequences bordering on animal Armageddon! So, much to our dismay the exciting wildlife was sparse. But we restrained ourselves and honored the deep respect the rangers had for nature and the creatures. After all, they were looking out for their best inter-
ests; they were troubled at the thoughtlessness of visitors on their habitat; they were concerned about endangering the feathered and furry ones very lives. We then halted our quest for the elusive brawny beasts temporarily and stopped at a local restaurant. The waitress handed us our menus. The selections included: braised duck, stuffed venison, buffalo burgers, elk steaks and freshly caught trout. I ate a salad then bought a pack of peanuts to entice the four-footed fur balls. Heck, I figured I was doing the park a service by fattening them up for the kitchen. 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. NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 9
stars ground REACH FOR THE
WITH YOUR FEET ON THE
By Brett Auten
The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri brings star-gazing to the community at Broemmelsiek Park They want to show you the universe. The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri was designed to put energy and passion into astronomy. Based in St. Charles County the ASEM and its members’ ages vary the spectrum from the grade-school newbie to the retiree rekindling an interest that there is suddenly time for.
10 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
Along with love for astronomy, the group likes nothing more than educating and sharing the view through its many public outreach and education programs, meetings and special interest groups. Jim Twellman is the executive director of the 90-member group that has been around for little over a decade. The August eclipse brought the club plenty of attention and camps – like the
October excursion with Lewis & Clark Elementary to Cuivre River State Park – which continues to pump in fresh blood and brings interest to ASEM. “We had kids there who have never seen the Milky Way before,” Twellman said. “And then there were a few who asked deep questions about black holes. It was amazing what they know.” The ideal time to see what the club is all about is at their weekly public telescope
viewing. Every clear Friday evening, including the cold-weather months, ASEM members volunteer their time and telescopes at the Broemmelsiek Park Astronomy Viewing Area. Observing starts at sunset and lasts for two hours. The public telescope viewing occurs year round. That is also an excellent time to find out information and get feedback on telescopes. Whether you are looking to buy one or you have one from years past that you are curious about, an ASEM member will be there to give an experienced opinion. “It is important to test drive and to look through other scopes,” Twellman said. O’Fallon’s Carl Turek is a longtime member who has been working with and building telescopes for 50 years. Eleven years ago he moved to St. Charles County and not long after his son was out of the house. His interest in astronomy never went away, and before he knew it, he found himself at a public telescope viewing. Turek’s specialty, you could call it,
are the telescopes themselves. He loves to jump on a good deal on a used telescope, refurbish it and hold onto it until he comes across a family interested in the stars. “There is a lot of junk out there on websites,” he said. “I like to steer them through it and help them get a quality scope at a good cost.” Turek credited the St. Charles Parks Department for building the Broemmelsiek Park Astronomy Viewing Area. “It’s unique and a great benefit to the young and the old,” Turek said. “You have a guy in his 70s who has
never seen the rings of Saturn or the moons of Jupiter. To experience their reaction is very enjoyable and rewarding. Astronomy is such a great hobby in that it allows you to pull from many facets to see the beauty of the night sky,” Beginner meetings are on the first Thursday of the month, starting at 7 p.m., location varies so make sure to check www.asemonline.org for any and all future information. Photos submitted and by Ray Rockwell. The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri meets at Broemmelsiek Park.
Come out and join the fun!
Photos courtesy United Services for Children
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 11
Nonprofit Profile
AT THE ARTISTIC START Fox Performing Arts DREAMS Charitable Foundation
Submitted photo
I
n June 1981, Fox Associates, LLC purchased The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis. Under the direction of Mary Strauss, the theatre was restored to its original grandeur. After the Fox Theatre became one of the most successful venues in the country, and in a desire to give back to the community, the owners created the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FoxPACF) in 2002. FoxPACF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission of fostering, promoting and encouraging young people in our region to discover and participate in the joy and wonder of live performances. Fifteen years later, the foundation oversees five separate youth-focused performing arts programs which include: the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, Kids’ Night at the Fabulous Fox, Broadway Master Classes, Educational Encores, and is a producing partner of the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards. FoxPACF Board President Mary Strauss says “Our initial aspirations for the foundation have truly blossomed over time. I’m thrilled to see how the foundation has embraced its mission. Our programs vary in appeal from very young children to teenagers. I think we could easily say we’ve had a direct effect on more than 10,000 students’ lives…and we’re just beginning.” The annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition is an adjudicated competition showcasing talented teens of our region. Students compete for college scholarships, cash awards and prizes. Online registration for the eighth annual competition is open now through Dec. 1. There are no fees to participate and is open to any bi-state metro area high school student. The competition culminates in
a free professionally produced event at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, April 28, 2018. Introducing more youths to musical theater and helping families experience a show together at The Fabulous Fox, Kids Night at The Fabulous Fox (KNAFF) provides a free child’s ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket to a select touring Broadway show. These evenings also include pre-show activities in the Fox Theatre lobby. The 15th KNAFF will be Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music,” Feb. 2, 2018. Broadway Master Classes give students in our region direct access to the Fabulous Fox touring performers through a variety of artistic training sessions. Classes are held at locations throughout the community by the host partners. Educational Encores offer the opportunity for young people to interact with touring Broadway cast and crew members to enhance their live theatre experiences. These “talkback” sessions are held immediately following select Broadway performances at The Fabulous Fox. Reservations are made through the Student Group Sales at The Fox Box Office. St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards, which is produced as a collaboration between FoxPACF, The Muny and The Fabulous Fox, celebrates outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. Participating schools have their productions reviewed and evaluated by a panel of theatre professionals. The year-long judging process culminates in an awards ceremony modeled on the Tony awards on June 10, 2018.
To learn more about the unique opportunities that FoxPACF provides, please visit www.foxpacf.org 12 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
Advertiser Profile
Submitted photo
The RVer who came in from the cold
By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Most RVers in December are heading south or storing their RV, but not Adrienne. She is heading for Harmonie State Park in Indiana. Piddle here, piddle there, but finally at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 she’s off. Her first stop is at Quality Times RV Park in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. So far, so good except she couldn’t get hot water. She calls service in the morning. How many ways can you turn three bypass valves until
you get hot water? She continues down Highway 64 from Mt. Vernon and turns south at Carmi following the banks of the Wabash River toward New Harmony. New Harmony is one of those places that was out of the way a hundred years ago and is still out of the way. But people find it and pay tribute to its charm and uniqueness. Harmonie State Park is still open. Hiking trails are the at-
traction for Adrienne. In the evening she listens to CDs until the batteries die in the second act of “Carmen!” She calls to report that the weather is OK, but a little cloudy and the house battery is dead. Sunday night the rain starts and continues for 14 hours. When she calls I comment “you are lucky it isn’t snow.” She replies: “I know. It’s cold here and the campground is almost flooded. I better get out of here before everything turns to ice.” But she did find the kill switch for the house battery. The weather gets worse. I can imagine the tenseness of driving through snow driven by 40 mph winds and a wind chill of zero degrees. She calls. “I’m 27 miles from St. Louis according to the last sign. I didn’t stop over in Mt. Vernon. The motorhome is warm inside, except when I switch from heat to defrost. Then my feet get cold. I am at a rest area. I should be home in about an hour.” I felt
like the guy in the light house trying to coax a ship to shore during a storm, except I got no light! About 7:05 p.m. on the longest day, the Fourwinds creeps down our narrow Kirkwood street. Adrienne deftly backs into grandma’s level driveway and just sits in the driver’s seat letting the adrenaline bleed off. I approach the motorhome, “Have a nice trip?” She replies, “Yeah, let’s go in and see mom and I’ll tell you all about it.” “Mom” has traveled through 47 states since the 1950s in their 1954 Byerly trailer. The two veteran RVers talk about the adventure like it was just another trip. As for me, I was glad the ordeal was over, and I didn’t even go! RVs create memories, some more vivid than others. Create your own memories in an RV from Byerly in Eureka, Missouri. Follow us on Facebook and check us out at www. byerlyrv.com or call 636-9382000.
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight UnKorked Wine Garden is located at 205 E. Allen St. in Historic Downtown Wentzville next to the Wentzville Post Office. It Wine Garden is a location which offers a good 636-887-4141 variety of wines and food in a comfortable atmosphere. Our outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy the fall weather. Indoor seating is also available. UnKorked is owned by Ron and Sheila Stewart and opened for business in 2010. We started the business to provide an outside venue with good food, wine and entertainment. We make the best reuben sandwich in town! The main building was constructed in 1908 and has a history of being the first telephone switchboard in the community. Come join us in a clean, friendly and convenient space to spend time with family and friends.
nKorked
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 13
Entertainment
Florida Project
The
TAKES A HARD LOOK AT THE REALITY OUTSIDE OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM
“The Florida Project” is not the official title of this film because it’s set in Florida. I say this upfront because the film’s title can easily be misunderstood as a form of laziness in creativity. However, if you have a chance to dig into the different meanings of “The Florida Project” you’ll quickly realize it’s one of this year’s most cleverly titled films. Historically, it was the in-house term for Disney World during the development stages of the theme park (about a half-hour drive south of downtown Orlando). That’s one meaning. The second meaning focuses more on the rundown hotels - just outside of the Disney parks - that have been unofficially degraded to “projects” for the near poor. The Magic Castle is the (Disney knockoff) name of one of the real-life hotels that houses the unfortunate (in this film) - originally meant to house Disney tourists who cannot afford to stay in the hotels within “the
parks.” A supporting character named Ashley (Mela Murder) is a single mother with a full-time job at a diner and, yet, can only afford to live in this hotel with her son Scooty (Christopher Rivera). As a person born and raised in the suburbs of Orlando, it truthfully examines the irony and frustration to observe that this actually does take place just outside the parks of Disney World. The story is centered on a little girl named Moonee (Brooklynne Prince – such a joy to watch), a mischievous six-year-old always on the search for adventure. We follow her throughout the majority of the film as she wanders in excitement making the best out of everything - nearly oblivious to the unforgiving reality she’s in. You’ll remember a catchy funny moment when Moonee takes her new best friend Jancy (Valeria Cotto) to a nearby farm with roaming cows. “See, I took you on a safari,” she joked. That perfectly sums up the positive spirit
within Moonee. While not a documentary, it’s a fictional story scripted by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch under the direction of Sean Baker (“Tangerine”). He and cinematographer, Alexis Zabe, take full advantage of the beauty - and tackiness - of this particular Florida environment– especially the constantly changing colors of the sky. The shot of the hotel manager Bobby (Willem Dafoe – in a moving role that’s making him a front runner for an Oscar) walking across the parking lot with the sunset clouds over his head is a visual iconic moment. Bobby is likely a new landmark role for Dafoe, the anchor of the film that has really become the true guardian of Moonee, her young troubled mother (Bria Vinaite), and the rest of the hotel’s residents, but never leaves the manager side of him behind – which can be a bit of a heartbreaker. As difficult as it is to watch at times, it’s also a warm and funny film that will also make you thankful you saw it, despite its tearjerking end. “The Florida Project” photos courtesy of A24.
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.
14 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
THE 2017 FORD FOCUS RS IS A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATTENTION GETTER The 2017 Ford Focus RS is a celebrated, highperformance version of their popular fivedoor lift-back family vehicle, but with a whole host of factory included performance extras. No question, Ford engineers developed an interesting vehicle from the ground floor up. The end game results in a five-passenger automobile that is an attention grabber where ever it travels. The car’s imprint is further emphasized with its throaty-sounding exhaust. From its bold outer body design with its unique front-end styling and upper trapezoidal grille, this Focus also includes aggressive lower ground effects and vertically mounted fog lamps. The car’s wide, muscular stance is showcased by the vehicle’s brake cooling air inlet ducts thus, executing an overall side profile that really stands out. Focus RS is further defined by the oversized and distinctive rear wing wind spoiler and the standard 235/35 R19 Michelin performance tires fitted on 20-spoke, cast alloy wheels. Perhaps some auto manufactures might add what looks like “performance extras” to a vehicle for solely appearance reasons however, that’s not the case with the ‘17 RS. Let’s take a second and address the car’s nerve center under the hood. It’s equipped with a very unique 2.3-liter EcoBoost four
cylinder engine producing an astounding 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine’s output power curve ratio versus the cars overall curb weight helps thrust the Focus RS with head-snapping acceleration. Power is channeled to a German manufactured six-speed manual transmission. An automatic isn’t on the option list. To help raise the bar when it comes to the next level of road dynamics and vehicle handling capability, an all-wheel-drive underside chassis is part of the performance receipt. It’s designed with their torque vectoring system for helping to push the limits in regards to the law of physics. Incorporated with precision tuned electronic power steering couple with extraordinary suspension componentry, this lift-back automobile has superior cornering stability, handling and chassis responsiveness. The high-performance build character of the Focus RS is further composed on the interior cabin with robust side bolstered RECARO sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel which includes a soft-feel leather-covering, metal pedals and unique instrument graphics. RS also includes a center dash mounted exclusive gauge cluster that gives the driver information in respect to turbo boost pressure, engine oil pressure and oil temperature.
Also included is Ford’s Sync audio/navigation system with an eight-inch touch screen, all linked with 10 Sony high-end audio speakers. While in the driver’s seat, you have the option to select the “Drive Mode” settings best for your needs. You’ll have the option to choose from normal driving, sport, track or drift mode. Safety is brought to light with the vehicles numerous air bags and other related devices. With fuel economy numbers on the minds of many new car buyers, the EPA figures reflect 19-mpg city/25-mpg highway. The engines auto stop/start enhancement helps with the city fuel economy numbers as well. The base bumper-to-bumper warranty is for three-years/36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is for 5-years/60,000 miles. After a few options, the MSRP showed $42,245. This included shipping charges of $875. The Ford Focus RS is generally cross shopped with the Subaru WRX. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician, and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers. NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Holiday entertaining excellence savory appetizers, gifts and more
F
rom savory appetizers to delicious holiday gifts, cheese is a must-have holiday ingredient. These recipes from Chef George Duran, host of TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off” and Food Network’s “Ham on the Street,” make it easy to elevate your cheeseboard, serve up delightfully delicate puffed pastries or make glass canning jar gifts to give away to guests. Each dish features Jarlsberg Cheese, which was created in 1956 and remains based on the original Norwegian recipe, offering a slightly nutty, mild and delicious taste that helps every dish live up to festive occasions. Best known for its classic wedge, Jarlsberg is also available sliced and in snacks and crisps for simple appetizers, savory sides and even take-home treats your guests will love. Find more ideas to elevate this holiday season at jarlsberg.com.
French-Style Marinated Cheese Servings: 1 jar Ingredients: 6o unces Jarlsberg Original, Lite or Hickory Smoked Cheese 2o unces black or green olives 1 s mall leek, bulb only (or small shallot) 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or tarragon (or equivalent dried) 1 teaspoon green or black peppercorns 2 s prigs fresh thyme (or equivalent dried) 1 c love garlic 2 t ablespoons white wine vinegar 4 t ablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 glass canning jar Directions: Cube cheese and thinly slice olives and leek. Finely chop oregano and peppercorns, and finely mince thyme and garlic. To make marinade: Whisk vinegar with oil, oregano, peppercorns, thyme and garlic. Layer cheese, olives and leeks inside jar. Cover with marinade and seal tightly. Place jar in refrigerator to marinate 1 day. For best results, use within 3 days.
Tomatoes Gratin Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 tomatoes 2o unces balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 4 ounces, divided 4 g arlic cloves, sliced thin 4 s prigs fresh thyme (or equivalent dried) salt, to taste pepper, to taste 2o unces pine (pignoli) nuts 8o unces shredded Jarlsberg Cheese Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.
16 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
Cut tomatoes in half. In bowl, whisk together vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; gently mix in tomatoes. Transfer to ovenproof dish. Place tomatoes cut-side up and bake 15 minutes. In pan, toast pine nuts with remaining olive oil until golden then set aside. When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, remove skins and return to baking dish. Sprinkle tomatoes with shredded cheese. Return to oven and broil about 5 minutes, or until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Top with toasted pine nuts.
For the Love of Food Cranberry and Walnut Phyllo Triangles Servings: 4 Ingredients: Filling: 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup raisins 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice Triangles: 10 sheets fresh or frozen phyllo dough 1/3 cup melted butter 2 1/2 cups Jarlsberg Chunk Cheese, cut into 25 cubes 2 cups chopped walnuts Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. In saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, raisins, honey, orange peel and orange juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature.
Holiday Deviled Eggs Servings: 12 Ingredients: 6 eggs 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon mustard 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 cup shredded Jarlsberg Cheese
lengthwise. Separate egg yolks into another bowl. Reserve egg white halves. Combine egg yolks with salt, pepper, vinegar and mustard. Add shredded cheese and mayonnaise; mix until smooth. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of yolk mixture into
Carefully lay one phyllo sheet on cutting board and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with melted butter. Cover remaining sheets with damp towel to prevent drying out. Position brushed pastry horizontally and cut into five strips. Place 1/2 teaspoon cranberry filling, one cube of cheese and 1/2 teaspoon chopped nuts in lower corner of each strip. Fold dough over filling to form triangle. Fold triangle up then over, forming another triangle. Continue folding to end of strip. Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining strips of dough and remaining sheets of phyllo. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack before serving. Note: If using frozen phyllo dough, thaw in refrigerator overnight.
each egg white half. Add toppings, as desired. For classic deviled eggs, sprinkle paprika and chopped parsley over eggs. For a savory alternative, cook four strips of bacon and chop. Top eggs with chopped bacon and shredded cheese. For a unique variation, try topping eggs with cooked crab meat and chopped scallions.
Topping options: Paprika Parsley Bacon Shredded Jarlsberg Cheese Cooked crab meat Scallions Directions: Boil large pot of water. Carefully add eggs and boil on high 2 minutes then simmer 13 minutes. While eggs cook, chop parsley and scallions, if desired. Once eggs are cooked, transfer to bowl of ice water; cool 8-10 minutes. Peel eggs and cut in half NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 17
Medical Memo
Seeing clearly
A closer look at vision health
An estimated 4.3 billion people suffer from the same health problem regardless of gender, age or ethnicity: vision impairment. Whether moderate or severe, vision impairment can have far-reaching social and economic impacts. As the number of Americans with visual impairment is expected to double by 2050, vision health has an obvious role in the national health conversation. Uncorrected vision is highly noticeable among certain groups, like the elderly and workers who rely on vision for safe and effective job completion. According to the Vision Impact Institute, two other groups significantly impacted by poor vision are drivers and children. Drivers: A study from the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that one of the major causes of visual impairment is uncorrected refractive error (URE), and that preventable URE causes nearly 80 percent of the global burden. The number of people impacted by URE is especially troubling when taking into account day-to-day activities such as driving. A report from the American Academy of Optometry revealed that even moderate visual field loss causes drivers to have significantly poorer capabilities in completing tasks such as matching speed when changing lanes and maintaining lane position. When you consider how changing technology and business models like ride-sharing companies and delivery services are adding drivers to the road, this impact becomes all the more crucial. If eye exams were 18 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2017
part of the standard for renewing driver’s licenses then these issues could be called out by an eye care provider in advance of potential accidents on the road. Children: Today, vision impairments and eye disorders are the thirdleading chronic conditions among children in the United States, with costs for direct medical care, vision aids, devices and caregivers amounting to $10 billion per year. In the U.S. alone, the total economic burden of eye disorders and vision loss was $139 billion in 2013. Uncorrected vision problems in children can have serious negative impacts on their educations and future employment opportunities. In 2014, researchers studied the impact on academic performance after providing a vision screening and free eyeglasses to low-income and minority elementary school children in the U.S. The study found that among fifth-grade students both the screening and eyeglasses significantly improved student achievement in math and reading. As 80 percent of all learning occurs through vision, a simple pair of eyeglasses could correct poor vision and drastically change the course of a child’s life. There are many correlations between vision health and the financial, educational and safety implications it can have on society. To learn more about vision standards and giving vision a voice in the national healthcare dialogue, visit visionimpactinstitute.org. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Community Calendar 4 – Craft and vendor fair A craft and vendor fair takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wentzville Christian Church at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville. There will be 80-plus vendors, food trucks and free admission with gift bags to the first 250 guests. For more information visit wentzvillecc.org or call 636-3276622.
NOVEMBER
5 – Daylight Savings Time Ends 8-11 – Theater performance The Francis Howell High School’s award-winning Limelight Theatre proudly presents their Fall Production of the 2009 play “Kill Me, Deadly,” by Bill Robens. Performances will take place Nov. 8, Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 beginning at 7 p.m. nightly in the Auditorium of Francis Howell High School at 7001 Highway 94 South in St. Charles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person for all shows and are available at the door. 10 – Marine Corps Birthday 11 – Veterans Day 11 – Pancake breakfast Boy Scout Troop 968 will be hosting a Veteran’s Day pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. The event will be held in the Venue at Morning Star Church at 1600 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. Veterans eat free, ages 10 and under are $5, ages 11 and up are $7. 17 – Holiday bazaar and bake sale Immanuel Lutheran Women in Mission is hosting their holiday bazaar and bake sale at 623 E. Hwy N in Wentzville from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be homemade crafts and baked goods. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring roast beef, chili, hot dogs, German potato salad, slaw and homemade pies. A handmade quilt will be raffled. For more information call 636-327-4416. 23 – Thanksgiving 24 – Black Friday 27 – Cyber Monday
NOVEMBER 2017 | CROSSROADS | 19
WWW.LAWNAUTHORITY.COM
FREE Online Subscription at www. MYCNEWS
WWW.BAUE.COM/EVENTS
www.byerlyrv.com