CrossRoads: April 2018 by Community News

Art

A ‘ ir’

is in the

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APRIL 2018

contents

VOL 14 | NO 4

Departments

Around Town Local news and events

Always an Adventure On motorcycles, mountaineers and mutts

Moore on Life Disco inferno

Automobile Alley 2018 Kia Rio is a fun and sporty sub-compact vehicle

Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke

Food Shake up your dinner routine

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Entertainment ‘Ready Player One’ is a pop culture extravaganza

Community Calendar: April

Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder

Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten

features

Art is in the ‘Air’ 16th Annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival brings artists and art-lovers to the great outdoors in Missouri Wine Country

Advertiser Profile Get in gear, spring is here!

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

Nonprofit Profile Boone Center, Inc. provides employment, training and advocacy for adults with disabilities

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2018 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: Submitted photo

APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

Bringing the prairie to O’Fallon

Submitted image

New O’Day Park will focus on natural environments in partnership between the city of O’Fallon and the Missouri Department of Conservation By Brett Auten

A city just shy of 100,000 residents will have an exclusive destination to immerse yourself in nature. The city of O’Fallon has secured the funding and have begun the development of a new 55-acre park addition to its park system. Located on the north side of Highway DD just one mile west of Interstate 64, the new park Photos courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation will be called O’Day Park O’Day Park in O’Fallon will feature a prairie reconstruction project that will be keeping the namesake of seeded with native wildflowers like these. O’Day Creek, a small creek that flows through the property. correctly, and we will get it done O’Fallon’s plan to provide O’Day Park – right on the first attempt.” which is slated to open in 2019 - with natu- The grant calls for the city to ral meadows and wildflower areas received control invasive species in the a significant boost recently from the Mis- project area; seed at least eight souri Department of Conservation, which acres in O’Day Park with nanotified the city that it would receive a tive grasses and plants, develop Community Conservation Grant Program and implement a 15-year, and matching grant of $30,000 for the O’Day long-term management plan to Park Prairie Reconstruction project. maintain habitat improvements. “It is going to take a lot of work to make For its part, O’Fallon will provide $27,000 it look natural,” Bob Deardeuff, O’Fallon’s in matching funds or in-kind assistance to Landscape Division Manager said. “A lot acquire or rent specialized equipment, pay of the credit goes to the MDC grant. Its salaries and provide other expenses to supsupport is the reason we will get it done port the project. 4 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2018

According to MDC Community Forester Danny Moncheski, the au naturel park model have proven to work in St. Charles County with educational setups at Broemmelsiek and Quail Ridge. “It is becoming more of a realization that

Around Town urban areas can be for conservation,” Mocheski said. “We can create it in our backyards.” Both Deardeuff and Mocheski heaped praise upon Erin Shank, an MDC Community Conservation Grant Coordinator, for her involvement in making the grant a reality. The plan is in place to turn O’Day Park into something unlike any other in the O’Fallon’s parks and recreation system. O’Day Park will stay away from the human footprint as much as possible. The park will pass on lighted, irrigated athletic fields and instead opt for an intense on focus on maintaining the sustainable character of the O’Day landscape of wooded areas, a flowing natural creek, and prairie areas. The master plan has incorporated some features that officials are banking on will draw park users again and again to the property. “Most do not know what a true prairie looks like,” Deardeuff said. “We want to attract people who are interested in getting in touch with nature and wouldn’t mind if a frog or two jumped out across from them while on a walking path.” Among the features included will be walking and hiking trails through prairie and wooded areas, overnight camping for small groups such as scout troops or class field trips and a large indoor activity center to host groups of up to 300 guests, all in conjunction with an outdoor amphitheater. It’s not as if O’Day Park will turn its back on playground equipment, just don’t expect to see the more conventional types. An outdoor adventure play with flowing water and play structures that include a spider web climber inside a “cave”, stump jumpers, log and rope climbing challenges, and of course swings and slides since their everyone’s favorites. Natural biodiversity is lacking in the area wrought with pear trees, honeysuckle, and blackberry thickets. The O’Day project will employ measures to create and enhance terrestrial habitats offering to nest and escape cover, flowers for pollinators, and a stable source of food for wildlife in a native ecosystem, with the result of improving the diversity the plant and animal population. “It’s kind of like trying to get rid of all of the poodles but not the German Shepards and leading them over with a leash,”

Photos courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation O’Day Park in O’Fallon will feature a prairie reconstruction project that will be seeded with native wildflowers like these coneflowers at the Busch Conservation Area.

Deardeuff said. For more information, including maps and renderings, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec.

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Around Town

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Life Outside Festival set for June 9 Great Rivers Greenway and Terrain Magazine invite people from across the region to the Third Annual Life Outside Festival on June 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park in Maryland Heights. The goal of the Life Outside Festival is to let people of all ages see, try and learn about outdoor activities in a free, fun and supportive environment. Activities include tree climbing, kayaking lessons, birdwatching, rock climbing, standup paddle boarding, nature crafts, walks, bicycle rides and much more. “This is a chance for people to try new activities and discover how they might be able to live life outside more often. There’s some-

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thing for everyone at Life Outside that they can take back to their own yard, local park or out on the greenways.” said Elizabeth Simons, community program manager for Great Rivers Greenway. “It’s important to us that everyone who comes to Life Outside has a chance to try these activities for free, whether mountain biking, gardening or yoga. What equipment do you need? Where do you go? Do you need to join a club? When is a good time to get started? We answer those questions and break down barriers to spending more time outside.” Launched in 2016, the Life Outside Festival has grown to include more than 50 partners and 4,000 attendees. Each partner provides dynamic outdoor recreation content throughout the day (classes, demos, try-it activities or competitions), all of which are free to attendees. Based on partner interest and community feedback, Great Rivers Greenway and Terrain Magazine expect the 2018 Festival to be the largest one yet attracting

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close to 70 partners and an estimated 5,000 people from across the region. Nearly a dozen food trucks will be at the festival with food and beverages available for purchase and composting and recycling available on site. Drinking water in reusable bottles and sunscreen will be available for free. The all-day festival features a full lineup of local music talent. New this year, the Life Outside Festival will be offering shuttles to and from North Hanley MetroLink Station, Civic Center MetroLink Station, and Shrewsbury MetroLink Station in an effort to give residents of the St. Louis region even greater access to the event. Other new features will include expanded on-site activities and a printed Life Outside Guide given to each registered attendee that will contain informative articles and resources to inspire exploration and enjoyment of outdoor activities all year long. Festival attendees can skip the day-of registration line by pre-registering at www.LiveLifeOutside.org and picking up their festival packet, including the Life Outside Guide, at the Great Rivers Greenway Visitor Center (6178 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112) in the weeks leading up to the festival. Businesses and organizations interested in providing an outdoor activity at the event can contact Zac Metcalf at Terrain Magazine at 314-561-4701 or zac@terrain-mag.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More information on the Life Outside Festival can be found at www.LiveLifeOutside. org. Festival video available at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=_rT2kSx8VrU.

Around Town

Boone Duden receives DAR Preservation Award March 10, the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), awarded the Boone Duden Historical Society with the DAR Preservation Award and a check for $500. Ruth Busdiecker, President Boone-Duden Historical Society accepted the award. On hand were Linda Dunbar State Chairman of National Historic Preservation Committee, and Boone Duden members Bob and Debbie Brail and Carl and Ida Gerdiman. The DAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award recognizes and honors an individual or group that has done recent remarkable volunteer work at the community level. The award recognizes achievements in all areas of historic preservation: buildings, landmarks, monuments, cemeteries, historic districts, statues, museum collections, manuscripts, documents and archival materials. It also includes writing or compiling and publishing books on historic preservation projects, historical properties, genealogical and court house records, and photography collections; as well as compiling oral histories; and serving as historical guides, interpreters or docents. “Recognizing the importance of preservation in our local communities has long been the vanguard of the DAR,” say Chapter Regent, Helene Reece. “We are pleased to be in the position to not only honor the Boone Duden Society but to also contribute to the important work they have taken on for the history of this area.”

Submitted photo Pictured are (from left) Jean Lorenz, Co-chair Chapter Historic Preservation Committee; Linda Dunbar State Chairman of National Historic Preservation Committee; Ruth Busdiecker, award recipient; Penny Pitman, Co-chair Chapter Historic Preservation Committee and Helene Reece, regent.

The Boone Duden Society occupies a restored house, built of native brick in 1871 by John F. Kamphoefner. It is one of the oldest houses in New Melle and is where the Kamphoefner’s 12 children were born. The house was sold several times and finally was purchased by Fred Weber, Inc. They did a complete restoration of the building making it available for the historical society. The chapter donation will be used to provide archival material and purchase fire proof filing cabinets for the Societies collections. The society maintains an archives and museum in the Kamphoefner House on Highway F/Mill Street in New Melle. It is open Sundays (except holidays) 12:30 - 4 p.m. You can find out more about the society’s at its website boone-duden.com.

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Around Town

WSD high school students excel at regional science and engineering fair Students from the Wentzville School District competed in the high school portion of Missouri’s Tri-County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at Holt High School on Feb. 24. Timberland senior Nikolos Antonio received overall First Place in the Honors Division for his project “Using a Neural Network to Detect Threats Inside of TSA Images” and will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 13-19. Nikolos was also awarded the Yale Science and Engineering Award, the Naval Research Award, the Mu Alpha Theta Award, and the Intel Excellence in Computing Award. Holt junior Charles Stone won Second Place for his project “Comparing Developmental Defects of Isolated Electronic Nicotine Delivery System’s Liquid Components and E-liquid on Drosophila” and will attend the ISEF as an official observer. Charles also earned the Naval Research Award and the Society for InVitro Biology Award. Timberland senior Mason Misener won Third Place for her project “Bacterial Susceptibility to Silver Nitrate.” There was a four-way tie for Fourth Place between Holt senior Abigail Hunt for her project “Investigation of Glycine max Matu-

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

rity Group Impact upon Circadian Water Regulation,” Holt senior Taylor Storms for her project “Comparing Genetic Stress Response Between Male and Female Alzheimer’s Mouse Models,” Timberland junior Andrew Vehige for his project “ Image Analysis-Based Seed Phenomics in Model Grass Setaria viridis,” and Holt senior Sydney Wieberg for her project “The Correlation of foot Posture with Gender and Running Biomechanics.” Timberland junior Ashton Estill was awarded the American Psychological Association Award.

Experience Farming Ways of the Frontier at the Historic Daniel Boone Home April 21 The frontier comes to life at The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance. Join the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., April 21, to experience Farming Ways of

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the Frontier as you browse through produce, plants and crafts from local farmers and artisans who rely on many of the same methods the pioneers once did. Bring the family out to this engaging and fun event in Missouri Wine Country. Visit with living history interpreters and members of The Ox Bow Tavern Living History Group in various historic buildings in the village; watch fire starting and black powder demonstrations with long rifles; and try your hand at various heritage activities such as candle dipping, butter making, fire starting, or paper marbling. In addition to the hands-on activities, participants get an up-closeand-personal look at local vintage farm equipment from both sides of the river. Local exhibitors will discuss pollination, beekeeping and medicinal plants. Join Mary Ann Fink, Missouri Master Naturalist, Confluence Chapter, for talks about the importance of pollinators: butterflies, bees and other natural causes of pollination. Local honey farmer Victor Imgarton talks about the bee hives he manages on the property. And Food Historian Ann Chandonnet demonstrates how frontiersmen turned wild plants and common garden herbs into medicine. Vendors participating in this year’s festival-like event include, AJ’s Sausage Kitchen, Bob’s Honey, Milo and Anna Boyce, Gigi’s Aprons, Jean Hollingsworth, Pottery Creations by LRM, Memorable Creations, MO Kettle Corn, Nancy McKinley Gourd Pottery, Raspberry Meadow Farm, Sunflower Hill Far, Tallow Hill Trading, Wicked Soap Works, Works of Nature, and musicians Janis and Spike Huff. Admission is $5 per person; children 4 and under are free. Pre-registration is available at http://bit.ly/2u7W5JK or call the parks department at 636-949-7535.

Nonprofit Profile

BOONE CENTER, INC. provides employment, training and advocacy for adults with disabilities

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” And at Boone Center, Inc. (BCI), those words speak to the heart of their mission. Boone Center was founded in 1959 by Jane Crider and Margaret Holmes. The two women came together as advocates to provide opportunities for every person to use their abilities and skills to lead a productive life. The simple, mission-minded organization

started as a candle-making business with just one employee. Today, BCI provides jobs to almost 400 men and women and is a national advocate for employment and training for adults with disabilities. “We’re always looking for ways to grow people to their fullest potential, and I think that’s what families do,” said Carolyn Balfany, Vice President of BCI’s Board of Directors. “I’ve seen BCI raise people up and give them dignity and hope and purpose. It’s just an incredible place.” BCI offers Organizational Em-

ployment at its contract packaging facilities in St. Peters and Moscow Mills. The employees assemble mouse traps, package and repackage all sorts of products from dental tools to dog treats, and build and fill product displays for club stores. “I’ve probably been in a couple hundred plants over the years and I’ve just never seen anything quite like this,” said Jim Lang, Board President. “The thing I like about it the most is that every employee is truly, fully engaged.”

BCI also offers Community Employment for those who want more competitive, independent work. Under this program, participants receive career counseling, employee and job development, placement and training as they work out in area businesses. The vocational success and growth of the people they serve is always the goal. BCI works under what they call the Employment Continuum. Through continual evaluation and skills development, adults with disabilities can move into any number of employment opportunities and gain

access to the job of their choice and ability. To provide even more opportunities, in August BCI will launch a first of its kind vocational training facility for adults with disabilities. The Skills Center will help meet the needs of our community, our schools and the growing demand for skilled workers. “Adults with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to productive business organizations, and I think BCI has really become a model in the community for that,” said Balfany. For more information on BCI’s programs and services or to come for a tour, visit www.boonecenter. com or call 636-978-4300.

BCI’s next event is the 20th Annual Wing Ding on June 21 at the Family Arena at 2002 Arena Parkway in St. Charles. The fundraiser features all you can eat chicken wings from 20 area restaurants, live music from Trixie Delight, ice-cold beverages, games, prizes and more. Tickets range from $25-50 and can be purchased online at www.boonecenter.com.

APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9

Art

A ‘ ir’

is in the

Submitted photos

16th Annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival brings artists and art-lovers to the great outdoors in Missouri Wine Country By Brett Auten

or artists and art lovers alike, the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce hosts the 16th Annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival from April 18 through April 29. Over 120 artists from 13 different states are anticipated to attend the event. Spread throughout the towns of Defiance, New Melle and Augusta will be artists trying their best to capture all that is scenic and inspiring; the rolling hills of wine country riding alongside the Missouri River, the bountiful farmland, saddled next to the Katy Trail and giving their interpretations of historic structures on their canvas. For the art lovers, the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival is especially unique in that the public is invited to observe art being created right before their eyes each day at events hosted by local businesses and neighboring communities. “What a better way to start the spring,” Kathryn Kessler, Chairman Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, said. “You get outdoors and have a leisurely day appreciating culture. (The festival) is a unique opportunity to step behind the canvas and watch an artist’s eye in the moment and see something that maybe you see every day 10 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2018

- or take for granted - evolve and unfold into a work of art.” Plein Air, meaning “in the open air,” is a form of art created outdoors. According to Kessler, Plein Air goes back to 19th century Europe and it’s when an artist listens to their senses, paying particular attention to the light. Focusing on the scenery around them, they listen to the sounds, take in the atmosphere, and feel the climate, which inspires them to express their vision on canvas. For the artists, the festival is open to all levels. The Augusta Plein Air Art Festival provides them with the opportunity to expand their markets, to enhance their skills with on-site workshops, and to receive recognition for their art, all while experiencing Missouri Wine Country in the company of other artists, several of whom are nationally recognized. St. Charles County artist Rhonda Pepmiller has participated all 16 years in the festival and has won awards in acrylic and pastel over the years. Pepmiller enjoys both the challenges and the rewards that come from participating in a Plein Air Art Festival. “I believe that (a plein air artist) is motivated to feel

the environment and that they put more feeling in an open-air environment as opposed to looking at a picture,” Pepmiller said. “Those feelings come across in the paintings and that is why it is so special.” Creating art in front of an audience offers its brand of obstacles.

“You are outside so it can be raining or windy and your painting blows off and ends up upside down in the gravel,” Pepmiller said. “You do have to be willing to answer a few questions and be able to do a couple of things at once, but most of the time, people don’t stand there the whole time. They will hang around for 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next.” Pepmiller has witnessed first-hand the growth of the festival from 20-to-30 artists the first year to now well over one hundred.

“The reason for its success is that it has been community focused, and it has a dedicated committee behind it with an army of volunteers,” Pepmiller said. “Also, for a local artist to be able to go paint next to a nationally-known artist and watch them work, it is invaluable. When I win a second or third (at Augusta), it’s a huge deal.” Unique events will be featured each day during the festival at a variety of locations from local wineries to historic sites, with specific days in surrounding towns. Along with special events, there will be a Pop-Up Art Gallery at the Harmonie-Verein/American Legion Hall for viewing art and purchases daily until 10 p.m. “You know what your eye likes,” Kessler said. “We have price

points that fit everyone.”

Art completed during the Annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival will be on display and available for sale each day of the festival at the Harmonie-Verein/American Legion Hall in Augusta as well as on location at each event. Judging and awards and the Final Sale will take place at Mount Pleasant Estates on April 29. “We have had artists sell their first-ever paintings at our festival,” Kessler said. “It’s a great time to have fun and paint and be inspired by a circle of artists.”

However, you slice it, it’s an opportunity to escape to Missouri Wine Country where not only will you watch art being created but also have the chance to purchase the art straight from the easel. Whether you are a serious buyer or someone who just appreciates a swath of colors or a naturalistic scene, it’s unique in that you get to know the artists all while enjoying small town hospitality and soaking in the beauty of spring in Missouri. For more information, visit www.augustapleinair.com.

APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

MOTORCYCLES,

MOUNTAINEERS

o far this winter season, we’ve been able to ride motorcycles throughout each month, only missing a couple of weeks due to icy conditions, unusual here in the mountains. My coldest trip so far was a 50-mile round-trip to the dentist and back, in temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Resembling an obese astronaut, I was quite comfortable on the journey, having mostly solved the frozen fingers dilemma with electric gloves and heated grips, on a newer bike that can handle such an electrical load. While comfy on the bike, getting suited up for the ride, and then shedding the necessary layers to interact with society, takes some time. Fifteen minutes, specifically, is the time required to put on all the insulating paraphernalia to keep hypothermia and frostbite at bay. For an outand-back trip, that’s 15 minutes getting ready, “only” 10 minutes getting undressed at the destination, as some layers are left on; 10 more minutes getting geared up again after sitting in the dentist’s chair, and 15 more at home peeling off the collection of pricey gear and putting it back in the closet until next time. Nearly an hour’s worth of preparation time for an hourlong ride, about one minute of mobilization and demobilization per mile. Yes, commuting in the cold is possible, but now that I’ve figured out the system, the time requirements still discourage such silliness on a regular basis. 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.

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ne of the few storms that shut down two-wheeled locomotion around here was forecast to deposit less than one inch of snow. After the first inch fell, another eleven fell at my house during the day and into the night. In the midst of this meteorological miscalculation, our friend Calvin was up at his yurt, situated at about 9,000 feet. He had driven up the mountain and parked nearby. Recognizing that he might not get his truck out until spring, he drove down the mountain and parked where there was some reasonable facsimile of road maintenance. He hiked back up the mountain toward his yurt, and the storm intensified. With darkness falling, and the snow increasing, he became unable to continue. He wasn’t lost, as he had a general idea of where he was, but visibility was no more than a couple of feet. He was stuck. He was able to start a fire with some toilet paper for kindling, and spent a miserable evening in the woods, just a few hundred yards away from his warm, dry home-away-from-home. As Calvin is an accomplished mountaineer and guide, it was quite a storm to cause someone like that to get caught out. More than two feet of snow fell at that elevation. (As an aside, he’s a long-time smoker. He maintains that the protective layer of tar in a smoker’s lungs prevents high-altitude pulmonary edema, a killer of many a climber. While that may or may not be true, he’s climbed higher and further than most who would criticize him. And I’m sure the only reason he had a life-saving lighter that night was to fire up a cigarette. Go figure.)

AND

MUTTS

he population in our small neighborhood has recently increased by a dozen…puppies, that is. Two different litters were whelped at a couple of nearby homes. And our own two mutts have doubled in size during the month we’ve had them. We’ve gone through about 50 lbs. of dog food, with a resulting increase of about 40 lbs. worth of dog flesh, an impressive return on investment. Also, just down the street, two human babies (twins) are expected to arrive any day as of this writing. Alas, a couple of our neighbors are preparing to move away, as the inexorable march of years is forcing them to move to a less-strenuous environment, where assistance is available on-site. The added cheer of the puppies and babies is welcome, and helps to offset the disappointing transition of our older friends.

Moore On Life Advertiser Profile

Disco inferno Nothing is more tortuous to my husband than shaking his groove thing out on the dance floor, even modeling a tiny speedo in front of the neighborhood is more preferable. He has not danced since that one dreadful night in 1980. We were dating and I convinced him to take me to a disco. He was young and naïve and obediently in love. We entered the dance hall with the disco lights flashing; the mirrored ball spinning; the music blaring and bodies gyrating in a manner typical of people experiencing a full-blown seizure. He thought he had entered Dante’s Inferno of hell, but begrudgingly kicked and stomped his feet then clapped his hands a time or two (an embarrassing out-of-rhythm dad-dance move even before becoming an embarrassing dad.) Back then I could get him to bow to my will like a puppy on a string, that puppy on a string is now a pit bull on a couch refusing to ever shake his booty again. So when our church hosted a big date night, I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to socialize with people other than our cats. The event cost nothing. I would have to emphasize the word free multiple times for him to be on board; free jazz band; free fancy finger foods and lots of free desserts.

Just one small problem, there would also be free dancing. That would kill the deal. I would have to present the night in a sneaky sort of way in which he would not be able to detect even the slightest hint of dancing, but first to butter him up. I made him a gigantic man-sandwich loaded with extra meat and not the cheap stuff that you can see through when you hold it up, but the expensive kind that guys wearing white coats behind the butcher counter hack off freshly from the bone of a bovine. Yea it was gonna cost, but I had no choice; I was going all in. I served it up with a side pickle and an extra handful of chips then presented it to him right during his favorite TV episode of “Funniest Videos.” That way I knew he’d be in a good mood and giggling like he always does. “What’s this?” he asked. “Oh nothing, just a little something I thought you’d like while watching your show.” He suspiciously took a mouthful while giving me the ol’ stink eye. “Go on eat….eat. I’ll just be over here making your favorite chocolate milkshake for dessert.” His choked on his first bite.

Oh snap! The gig was up. I knew I should have stopped at the sandwich. He turned red and then blue then proceeded to cough like he might be ejecting an important organ. He gagged down the chunk and said in a raspy voice, “I am not going dancing…choke, choke…and you and your fancy meat sandwich can’t make me!” He stood up and kicked and stomped and clapped his hands like he was having a fullblown seizure. I joined him in kicking and stomping and clapping then twirled and pointed at him, “Nice dance moves. Tomorrow night, you and me on the dance floor!”

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. APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2018

KIA RIO

is a fun and sporty sub-compact vehicle

With an objective to reach out to potential sub-compact car buyers, Kia Motors is offering their entry level runabout Rio “city car.” In spite of the underlining fact that Rio is positioned as an economy vehicle, the factory offers it with a number of near-upscale convenience technologies which also includes a seven-inch center dash mounted multi-function touch screen. The 2018 Rio is manufactured in both a four-door sedan alongside a five-door hatchback. The vehicles are designed with an interesting European flair with its overall presence. “Value has generally been a core conviction for the Kia brand, as the new Rio sedan and five-door continue to underscore our commitment to buyers looking for an entry-level vehicle but desire more than what the subcompact segment offers,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. “This fourth-generation Rio makes significant improvements over its predecessor in design, technology and passenger comfort, resulting in an even better value proposition, while raising the bar in the small-car segment.” The Rio is designed to be fuel efficient, include advanced safety features, have fairly innovative characteristics and to be fun to drive. Rio’s exterior is defined by crisp/ sculptured body lines and smooth surfaces. This tends to result in a sophisticated and sporty appearance. The front end grille assembly is all new, showing off Kia’s tigernose DNA design element. The car’s integrated headlights gravitate with a swept back design for a more aggressive appearance. With Rio’s side profile, visual cues help showcase the car’s taut appearance plus the lower belt line allows for the design 14 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2018

of the windows to help provide the driver and passengers with a better all-around unclouded view. Both the sedan and the five door models are slightly longer when compared to the 2017 version. Similar to the front-end design, the car’s rear is wider, helping to advance a sense of stability. Rio rides on 15-inch wheels with all season tires. With the somewhat larger overall dimensions, its cabin is among the roomiest in its class. Of course, with the rear seat backs folded forward, cargo space increases, thus allowing additional space to accommodate your weekend gear. The modern and reworked interior comes with an improved instrument panel, additional sound proofing, more ergonomic layout and upgraded interior materials. This cabin redesign also helps to accommodate a new range of technologies. The center console has a bi-level storage tray to better accommodate portable electronics. The front seats have also been redesigned to enhance comfort with the addition of added seat cushion material Their top end EX version has four wheel disc brakes while their other trim levels have disc brakes in front, conventional drum brakes in the rear. For the first time, Rio is also offered with available Autonomous Emergency Braking. Rio receives high

marks with its crash test ratings as set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Available in three trims: LX, S and EX – the all-new 2018 Rio is powered by their 1.6-liter gas direct injected four-cylinder engine. It’s rated at 130-horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. This front-wheeldrive automobile comes standard with a six speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic. Fuel economy numbers show 28 city/37 highway/32 MPG combined with the automatic, with either the sedan or the five-door model. When equipped with the manual transmission, the MPG numbers change just slightly. MSRP ranges from $13,900 for the LX Sedan to $18,700 for the five-door EX trim level. 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.

Advertiser Profile

GET IN GEAR, SPRING IS HERE!

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV “Spring is bursting out all over” along with a few frozen water heaters and toilets, etc. In addition, bugs, bird nests, rodents and roof leaks can be an unwelcome surprise. Dreams can turn into nightmares if you wait too long to prep your RV before your first trip. Now is the time to call and schedule a basic de-winterizing and prep service. Our direct line to service is 636-938-2020. Now that you are a veteran RVer you may see the value of having a service agreement which will protect your vehicle after your warranty expires. The service agreement can provide peace of mind as you travel far from home. You an ask about the details from our service writers or call our finance office at 636-938-2003 and Eric or Michelle will be glad to send you a brochure. Spring events are posted on or website. Look for our next April RV School class on April 10 in which we will discuss Spring Prep for your RV. Also, in April we will hold our annual “Customer Campout.” Register soon because the spots will be filled quickly. Our vehicle inventory covers a broad spectrum. From entry level trailers for first-time buyers to luxury motorhomes for retirees, Byerly can be your dealer throughout your RV life. We have ordered much in advance to assure that you will get your RV in time to enjoy it. Record sales have created shortages which delayed orders for up to two months last year. Also, we have locked in prices before the substantial price increases. Buy out of our inventory and save big. Visit us at www.byerlyrv.com, Facebook, and especially at 295 E Fifth Street in Eureka just one exit east of the Six Flags exit on I-44.

Wentzville Business Spotlight

Rickerly’s Place located at 403 Luetkenhaus Blvd. is owned by Ric and Kimberly Mount. The restaurant opened in January 2017. We feature fresh homestyle cooking. Everything has a recipe! Rickerly’s Place is noted for their desserts, which are all made in-house. Specials can be found every week on Facebook. We are a family-owned and oriented American-style restaurant with a dining room influence. Grandma Viola Boland had a strong influence on a decision to locate in Historic Downtown Wentzville. Come by for a visit and a great meal.

APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Shake up your dinner routine I

f you find yourself stuck in a rut with the same recipes, remember a little change can add a lot of flavor. By simply using fresh pork in dishes that usually consist of chicken or beef, there are countless ways to switch up your dinner routine. Whether grilled, roasted, slow-cooked or sautĂŠed,

Smithfield Fresh Pork is available in a wide variety of cuts as well as pre-marinated flavors, making it versatile and convenient for any night of the week. Try out these recipes for Smoked Bacon Pork Alfredo and Grilled Pork Loin Fajitas to shake up your next meal. Find more recipe ideas at Smithfield.com/ShakeItUp.

Smoked Bacon Pork Alfredo Prep time: 8 minutes | Cook time: 22 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 1 fresh pork loin filet 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound penne pasta 1 package (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms salt, to taste 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce pepper, to taste 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion (optional) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: Cut pork loin into 1/2-inch thick slices then into 1/4-inch wide strips. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Stir-fry half the pork loin 7-8 minutes until well browned. Set aside on separate plate and repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining pork. Cook pasta according to package directions. In skillet over medium-high heat,

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heat remaining oil; add mushrooms and sprinkle with salt, to taste. Cook 3 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta and return to pot; stir in pork, mushrooms and Alfredo sauce. Stir over medium heat about 4 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with green onions Parmesan cheese, if desired.

and

For the Love of Food

Grilled Pork Loin Fajitas Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinade time | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 Ingredients: 1 boneless fresh pork loin, cut into 1-inch thick steaks 1 1/2 cups water, divided 1 cup soy sauce 1 can (6 ounces) pineapple juice 6 cloves garlic 1/4 cup white wine 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips 1 tablespoon corn oil salt, to taste pepper, to taste 12 tortillas guacamole (optional) sour cream (optional) pico de gallo (optional) shredded cheese (optional)

Directions: Using meat mallet, pound pork steaks until 1/2-inch thick; place in 1-gallon re-sealable plastic bag. Pour 1 cup water, soy sauce and pineapple juice over pork; seal bag and lay flat in refrigerator 30 minutes, turning occasionally. In blender, pulse garlic, white wine and salt until thoroughly blended. Whisk butter and slowly incorporate garlic and wine mixture. Reserve at room temperature. In large skillet over high heat, saute onions in corn oil 2 minutes until they turn deep brown. Add remaining water to skillet and lower heat to medium-low. Cook and stir, scraping bits from bottom of pan, 15 minutes until water has evaporated and onions are caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat grill to 300 F for indirect cooking. Lightly grease grates. Remove pork from marinade and place on grill over indirect heat 4-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Remove pork and brush garlic butter on both sides. Let stand 5 minutes; slice into 3-inch long, thin strips. While grill is hot, grill tortillas individually. Wrap four tortillas at a time in aluminum foil with a little garlic butter. In skillet, reheat caramelized onions and serve with fajitas. Top with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and shredded cheese, if desired.

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Entertainment

REMEMBER THE 80S? Steven Spielberg does. In fact, you could even argue that Spielberg created the 80s. At first glance, Spielberg’s new movie “Ready Player One” isn’t much more than an excuse to wallow in the pop culture of the decade of excess. But once this sucker gets rolling it becomes a visual thrill ride that is simultaneously a celebration and condemnation of the entertainment industrial complex. Based on the best-selling novel by Ernest Cline (who also helped write the screenplay with Zak Penn) “Ready Player One” is set in the year 2045 where the real world is a place of poverty and apathy. This is why everyone escapes to the OASIS, a virtual reality universe that is bound only by the limits of human imagination. The OASIS is the brainchild of oddball genius James Halliday (Mark Rylance) who envisioned this open-source playground to be a pure meritocracy where anyone from anywhere can log on and be anything they wish. When Halliday dies, he devises a contest where anyone who can discover and complete three challenges within the OASIS will be given complete ownership of the virtual world. Our hero is Wade (Tye Sheridan) a Hallidayobsessed teenager who in the OASIS goes by the name Parzival. He is joined by his online friends Art3mis (Olivia Cooke), Aech (Lena Waithe), Sho (Philip Zhao) and Daito (Win 18 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2018

Morisaki) in a quest to best Halliday’s challenges before evil corporate interests, led primarily by IOI president Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn), get to the prize and attempt

to monetize the holy heck out of the OASIS. Since Halliday harbored a deep love for the movies, music and video games of his youth, the OASIS has become a digital love letter to the 80s and that love has passed on to his devotees. It would be easy to accuse “Ready Player One” of being nothing more than nostalgia porn, and in the hands of a lesser filmmaker that would probably be the case. Spielberg actually is pretty sly as he is actively subverting all that he is celebrating (which is probably why none of his films make an appearance here) as the ultimate argument made by this movie is that while pop culture

is a lot of fun, it is still a distraction from the lives we are living. And even though this movie would be entertaining and engaging without all of the 80s window dressing, I do have to admit this movie nerd’s heart went pitter-patter recognizing some old favorites, like when the multi-blade boomerang from the cheesy sci-fi/fantasy “Krull” shows up as a weapon in an OASIS battle. In many ways “Ready Player One” is about how a creation can become more beloved and revered than its creator ever intended. This has pretty much been Spielberg’s experience for the past 40 years. Now he gets to pay back his fellow creators while giving the rest of us a thrilling roller-coaster of a trip down memory lane. “Ready Player One” is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action violence, bloody images, some suggestive material, partial nudity and language. For up to the minute reviews, columns and all things entertainment go to www.matsentertainment.com BY MATHEW DEKINDER

Mathew DeKinder is a film critic and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and also serves as the publisher of the Community News.

Community Calendar

1 – Easter Sunday

April

4-6 – Theater performance Holt High School Theater will present Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” on April 4, 5, and 6. This musical will be performed by an all-school cast and crew each evening beginning at 7 p.m. The performances will be held at the C.H. Jones Auditorium, and admission is $5. 6 – National Tartan Day 7 – Historic cooking program Learn how to cook the old-fashioned way with interpreters at The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance. Join Terry and Nancy Sorchy with The Ox Bow Tavern Living History Group from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Hands-On Heritage: Hearth Cooking program. You’ll blend fresh ingredients with traditional hearth cooking techniques to prepare your own 19th centuryinspired meal. Each participant enrolled in the program will get a unique, hands-on cooking experience using the hearths in our historic Engeldew House on site. After the food is prepped and your meal has finished cooking in the hearth, you’ll sit down to savor the historic dish you prepared. This cooking program is intended for ages 10 and up and is $20 per person. Limited spots are available. To make a reservation for HandsOn Heritage: Hearth Cooking, call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535.

10 – National Library Workers Day 13 – Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

15 – Mountain bike race Get geared up for one of the most competitive mountain bike races in St. Charles County—the Broemmelsiek Challenge at Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance. Presented by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, Momentum Cycles and United Federation of Dirt (UFD), this annual event is from 9 – 11 a.m. and offers competitions for men, women and youth. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a free race for the kids. Children ages 2–9 compete on a separate short loop with a few challenges. Then the adult competitions begin. Each adult race starts up a paved climb and flows on to a loop of fast hard packed single track that winds through woodlands, fields and creek crossings. The top three winners of each race receive awards. Race categories include Kids, Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3, Pro, Marathon and Junior. The cost of each race is from $15–$30, depending on category, and is open to ages two and up. Registration is requested. For more information, visit www.unitedindirt.com. 17 – Tax Day 25 – Administrative Professionals Day 26 – Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day APRIL 2018 | CROSSROADS | 19

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