PRACTICING FOR
DISASTER
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2 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
JUNE 2018
contents
VOL 14 | NO 6
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 Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke
Departments
4
Around Town Local news and events
8
Always an Adventure Moving forward and leaving the past behind
9
Moore on Life Dentist the menace
14
Automobile Alley 2018 Ram Rebel 1500 is eye candy for truck enthusiasts
16
Food Eat well on-the-go: Perfectly portable watermelon dishes
18
Entertainment ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ is a fun-filled trip to a galaxy far, far away
19
Community Calendar: June
Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton 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
Practicing for disaster Over 500 first responders participate in annual mass casualty incident training organized by the St. Charles County Ambulance District
13
Advertiser Profile Diversify into your dreams
15
Nonprofit Profile Adoption and foster care ministry Divine Nest hatches in Moscow Mills
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: Photo by Ray Rockwell
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
STAYING SAFE BEHIND THE WHEEL
A group of Liberty High School students create an event to inform the community on the dangers of distracted driving By Brett Auten
A group of Liberty High School students quickly put together a community assembly where the focus was on the perils of distracted driving. The evening, tabbed “Take Action Eliminate Distraction” was the result of an assignment handed out in Molly Kleiber’s driver’s education course at Liberty High, located in Lake St. Louis. Marissa Pukala, a junior, was one of five members of the class to go above and beyond the class assignment of how you inform the community on the dangers of distracted driving. Pukala teamed with sophomore Nicole Krohn, senior Brianna Hill, junior Mallie Pattillo and sophomore Hallie Anderson to bring the event together. “We said we would put on an assembly not knowing how to exactly put one on,” Pukala said. “So we put 110-percent of our effort into this.” The team had a time crunch of two-and-ahalf weeks and an appetite larger than their financial stomach. “We wanted to have it outside, but that would have taken sponsors, and we had zero 4 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
budget,” Pukala said. “We thought we could do something small scale.” “At first, it was stressful,” Krohn said. “But we knew if we stayed calm and focused on keeping the project on the right track that we would be able to accomplish our goal.” In all, 96 students, not counting teachers and parents, made their way through the gymnasium last Thursday evening. “Take Action Eliminate Distraction” featured a guest speaker talking about her experience of being in an accident in that the culprit of her distraction came from an often not spoken about source. “She was eating in her car, went off the road and hit a tree,” Pukala said. “She was lucky to walk away from it.” Also at the event was an animated driving simulator, provided through the website teendrive365inschool.org, that gave those who participated a life-like version of what it’s like to drive while your attention is diverted. There were a handful of distraction-based games that gave all a reality check. Continued next page
GENERAL CELL PHONE STATISTICS • The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. • Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. • One out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. • Texting while driving is six-times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. • Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. Traveling at 55 mph, that's enough time to travel the length of a football field. • Texting while driving causes a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road. • Of all cell phone related tasks, texting is by far the most dangerous activity. • 94 percent of drivers support a ban on texting while driving. • 74 percent of drivers support a ban on hand-held cell phone use.
Around Town “You can’t do everything you think you need to do,” Pukala said. It was not all fun and games. A video presentation laid out an array of sobering statistics. According to an AAA Motor poll, 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35-percent admitted to doing it anyway. According to the National Safety Council 21-percent of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones. The numbers state that teen drivers are four times more likely than adults to get into car crashes or near-crashes when talking or texting on a cell phone. A teen driver with only one additional passenger doubles the risk of getting into a fatal car accident. With two or more passengers, they are five times as likely. “It was breathtaking to see those numbers,” Krohn said. “It is way more important to pay
Submitted photos
attention to the road. It is not worth the time to answer the phone or make that text. The results can be devastating.” The group believes it is only the beginning. “We brought it up to the principal, and he said if it goes well we can do it again next year,” Pukala said. “We are amazed at the turnout, and we accomplished our goal.”
Liberty High School senior selected as semifinalist for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Liberty senior Alexis Guffey has been selected as a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Career and Technical Education. The program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas; academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community, and represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. Alexis is one of only 11 semifinalists chosen in Missouri and the only Career and Technical Semifinalist in the state. Guffey earned an ACT Composite score of 33, currently has a 4.34 GPA, and is ranked sixth in her class. She serves as the Missouri HOSA Historian and Vice President of Liberty HOSA and earned second place in the Healthy Lifestyle competition at the HOSA International Leadership Conference held last August. She is also a member of Key Club and National Honor Society, where she
www.dpc4u.org
LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Alexis Guffey stands with Wentzville School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain.
serves as the historian. Guffey is a four-year varsity cross country, track and field and swim athlete. She is enrolled in six Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and plans to major in public health or biology and hopes to attend Washington University or Truman State University. “Missouri is fortunate to have some of the top students in the nation, and we are proud of all 11 scholars and semifinalists who were selected this year,” said interim Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Roger Dorson. “These students have exciting futures ahead, and we look forward to following their success.”
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JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
Longtime Community News photographer passes away Longtime Community News photographer Ray Rockwell, of O’Fallon, passed away on May 5 at the age of 75. Rockwell began working for the Community News in 1999. “Ray Rockwell was a longtime employee and friend. We will miss him,” said Robert Huneke, publisher-emeritus of the Community News. Rockwell proudly served his country with honor in the United States Army. He retired from the Ford Motor Company after a 35-year career and was then able to open his own photography business, Ray Rockwell Photography. Not long after he came to work for the Community News. “In my 19-years writing sports for the paper, Ray was always eager to snap some shots of the scenes that I would broadcast, interview or write,” said Gary Baute, Community News sports reporter. “His final
grand photo shoot, to my knowledge, was in the Bahamas in January. He called me and said, ‘Gary B, I have some great pictures and story on my dream trip.’ He received the gift last year on Father’s Day from his family of six kids (Rob, Missy, Debby, Denny, Tim and Stacie). They said, ‘We want you to live out your dream and go to the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) in the Bahamas.’ Rockwell was husband of the late Donna Rockwell, the love of his life to whom he was married for 48 years. “You would be hard-pressed to find a friendlier or kinder person than Ray,” said Mathew DeKinder, publisher of the Community News. “He never met a stranger and was always willing to share a smile and a story. We have lost a true friend.” Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s honor to Assumption Catholic Church.
St. Dominic High School Girl Scout earns Girl Scout Gold Award Brianna Dale, a junior at St. Dominic High School in Wentzville, recently earned the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. By earning the award, Dale exemplifies a leader who has transformed an idea or vision for change into an actionable plan with a measurable and sustainable impact. Dale will be recognized
6 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
with other Gold Award Girl Scouts during a ceremony at Lindenwood University in St. Charles on June 10. Dale started learning Spanish in elementary school and said she grew to appreciate the skill of speaking another language. Wanting to promote students’ curiosity about the language, Dale revisited her middle school, St. Patrick’s, and organized their first Spanish club. The Spanish Club participants took Spanish class during school hours but Dale wanted to provide a broader exploration of the language and culture. Dale said she developed lessons, activities and games featuring an expanded exploration of Hispanic countries for the monthly club. For one lesson, Dale baked several recipes from South America, the Caribbean and Mexico to show the variation between cultures. Dale’s planned activities, like baking several recipes, required her to adapt and think on her feet. She said not every lesson went off without a hitch. Dale said for her, being a leader is taking initiative and ensuring your plans come to fruition. “I feel like the St. Patrick School students now have a stronger appreciation for a culture different than their own,” Dale said. “I taught them how to respond to something different.” At the end of the 2017 school year, the Spanish Club participants elected a president, vice-president and treasurer to guarantee the club remains open and available to students. Dale said she’s going to continue helping as a mentor while the students grow into their leadership roles. This past February, Gold Award Girl Scout Dale was recognized for her leadership and service at Dessert First, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s annual fundraiser. During the special event, Dale was awarded a $5,000 scholarship for higher education. The Gold Award represents the culmination of more than 80 hours of work on a project that is important to each girl. Approximately one million Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award or its equivalent since 1916.
Around Town
Grant to help maintain LCCOA’s vehicle fleet The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board has awarded a $1,000 Operation Round Up grant to help make sure nutritious lunches reach Lincoln County senior citizens. The funds will be used to offset expenses related to maintaining the organization’s vehicle fleet for its “Wheels for Meals” program. LCCOA has been providing meals and services to senior citizens since 1978. A meal is prepared and served each weekday, 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. at the agency’s headquarters in Troy and other facilities in Silex, Elsberry and Winfield. For homebound seniors, meals are delivered by volunteers. Approximately 300 lunches are served daily. “This winter has been horrific for our vehicles,” said Jan Bray, LCCOA executive director. “In fact we had to go out and buy a new vehicle.” Besides lunches, LCCOA holds a variety of daily and weekly activities for seniors, including exercise classes, bingo, card games and day trips. Veterans Coffee Talk also meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Troy center, located at 1380 Boone St. LCCOA is always looking for volunteers to help deliver meals or to help at its facilities. To learn more or to make a donation, call 636528-7000 or visit www.lincolncountycoa.com. The organization also needs support for one of its biggest annual fundraisers. The Color Run will start at 8 a.m. on June 2 at Clonts Field in Troy. Registration opens at 7 a.m.
Submitted photo A $1,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Lincoln County Council on Aging. The funds will be used to offset expenses for maintaining the organization’s vehicle fleet. Pictured are LCCOA staff, volunteers and seniors.
“The need is always there,” Bray said. Operation Round Up was created to address needs in the areas of health, education, home weatherization, youth, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources. All contributions are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of the funds allocated to Operation Round Up are used for grants. These funds are available to individuals and organizations within the CREC service area encompassing Lincoln, Pike, Warren and St. Charles counties. For more information or to receive an application form, call 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.
WWW.BYERLYRV.COM
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town Always An Adventure
MOVI N G F O RWAR D AN D LE AVI N G T H E PA ST B EH I N D
M
y eyes stopped on the name on the neighborhood phone list and suddenly I was taking a 20year trip down memory lane. I had met my neighbor “John” during the prior year, though I didn’t know his last name. I could see some physical resemblance to the kid I knew two decades previously, but this John living nearby was so polite and respectful of his neighbors, it couldn’t possibly be the same guy who went to prison all those years ago. As it turns out, it was. John and I had played cops-and-robbers for real back in the late 90s. He was one of a bunch of local kids who had progressed far beyond the somewhat common juvenile delinquency of youth, and graduated into a string of armed robberies, burglaries, and other assorted mayhem. I had typed John’s name in various police reports, and we weren’t exactly friends. He had gone to prison for more than a decade. To see that name attached to one of the homes here in Backwoods Hideaway was surprising. To see John’s name recently appear on an email addressed to me, volunteering his help during a neighborhood work day, was…more than a little unexpected. 8 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
The work day arrived, and I went to meet with John, uncertain as to how this day would go. As I made my way toward his house, he came bounding down the driveway, a big smile on his face, and hand extended in greeting. He said, “It’s great we can meet and talk like this without me running around being a (problem).” We both had a good laugh, shook hands, and with the ice broken, got on with the day. He first introduced me to his wife and their assortment of dogs (an obligatory condition of residence here) and pointed out some improvements he had done to the place. The home had been sitting vacant for years after a foreclosure, and had not been in great shape. John put a lot of work into his home, and was justifiably proud. We spent the next few hours cutting brush, fixing irrigation lines, and digging mud. John spoke frankly of his time away; unlike many who’ve been incarcerated, he took full ownership of what got him there. He’s now been out of prison for several years, and hasn’t been in trouble since. He wants to own a farm someday, and be self-sufficient, a good neighbor, and not make any waves – and has made good progress on all fronts. The most surreal moment of the day happened in my yard, while I went to go
grab some extra tools from the garage. When I came out, there was John sitting in the grass, laughing and happily playing with my Newfy puppies. I thought back to 20 years ago, and how impossible that scenario would have seemed – to either one of us at that point in time. So perhaps hell can freeze over, and pigs really can fly. A recent local news story stated that John had been arrested after drinking and driving. A minor scuffle with the police ensued. The news article indicated that he was representing himself in court, an endeavor fraught with peril. I encouraged him to keep moving forward, as it would be a shame for someone who has come so far to start going backward. Besides, good help is tough to find out here.
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 Nonprofit Profile
DENTIST the MENACE I LOVE GOING TO THE DENTIST…said no one ever! No matter how amusing they try and make it; it’s just not going be more fun than ramming my shin into the edge of a sharp coffee table. My dentist tried to convince me that things had changed between us by installing a TV monitor on the ceiling. “Our relationship is going to be much better now,” he insisted. “See, you get headphones. Now you can listen to your favorite show and we can turn the volume way up so you’ll hardly even know we’re jackhammering your jawbone with a 10-inch drill bit.” “Wow, this will be great,” I thought. But I guess they didn’t factor in that their arms and hands and equipment would be totally covering my viewing range. And it’s no help that he’s always trying to talk to me at the most inconvenient moments; right about the time my mouth hole is fully packed with wads of gauze. “How’s the volume on your show Mrs.
Moore?” he asks. “Turn it up please,” I clearly say. But it comes out, “Too id ub plee,” which the dentist takes to mean, “Fine thanks,” then nods and begins to jab my jaw with Novocain. He tries to be encouraging before the needle plunges into my flesh by cheerily saying, “Now you’re going to feel a little pinch.” By little pinch, he means the Jaws of Life are about to pulverize the soft tissue around my gum line. Oooh, it almost tickles. So I sat back and tried to watch “Flip or Flop” during my procedure in between moving heads and dodging elbows and the bright light glaring in my face. Just as the big reveal was about to happen, it went to mute and the screen blacked out. I was left forever not knowing if the house had flipped or flopped. That’s information that will keep me awake for nights to come. He then ushered me to the billing clerk. “What’s the extra fifty on my bill?” I ask. Clerk: “You did watch our new TV didn’t you?”
“But I didn’t even get to watch the ending of ‘Flip or Flop.’” “No problem. I watched it out here while you were being worked on. It was amazing.” “You did? Was the house a flip or flop? I must know. I won’t be able to sleep!” “Oh honey…a total flop.” She then grabbed my bill and added another detail. “What’s this?” I say staring at a new $10 service fee. “That’s for the information…err…sleep sedative. See you next time.” BY CINDY MOORE
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9
PRACTICING FOR
DISASTER
Xxxx By Brett Auten
Over 500 first responders participate in annual mass casualty incident training organized by the St. Charles County Ambulance District
P
ractice makes perfect, and for over 500 first responders in St. Charles County, that was the mantra for the month of May. Every year the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) organizes and puts on a scenario that provides a backdrop for a mass casualty incident MCI training for paramedics and firefighters in the county. This year, with support from Fire Protection Districts throughout the county, the combination MCI/hazardous material (hazmat) training took place on the grounds of St. Charles Community College’s School of Nursing and Allied Health in O’Fallon. SCCAD Training Officer Rick Lane, who heads the MCI exercise each year, helped stage a significant chlorine release. Most think of chlorine as nothing more than stinging your eyes after a day at the pool, and while reactions to highly-diluted chlorine are 10 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
mild and subside within hours, higher concentrations of chlorine exposure can be harmful, even fatal. Though it was planned well ahead of time, the selection of chlorine as the chemical agent involved became quite timely following the April 7 chemical attack in Douma, Syria. Chlorine and nerve agent sarin are believed to have been used in the attack that left more than 40 dead. Exposure to concentrated levels of chlorine gas can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. Symptoms of exposure include wheezing, labored breathing, sore throat and chest tightness, among others. First responders were forced to put their clinical and critical thinking skills to the test while removing victims from the unsafe environment, decontaminating them and relocating those impacted to safe locations. In addition to ambulances and fire
trucks, non-traditional response apparatus such as utility terrain vehicles were utilized. Kyle Gaines, Director of Community Relations for SCCAD, said this year’s hazmat component, in which the chlorine exposure occurs at a festival-type situation, gives the trainees an opportunity to deal with an array of problems. “You have victims who have symptoms related to exposure to the chlorine,” Gaines said. “Also, there is the panic and hysteria of victims who are hurt in a rush to get out of the area.” For Lane, who is in his 39th year as a paramedic, coming up with scenarios year after year is a rewarding challenge. In years past, there have been scenarios involving an active shooter, a school bus accident, storm response and more. “It’s a great challenge,” Lane said. “You always want to make next year better than the last. This year’s focus on hazmat is something we’ve wanted to incorporate for some time, as it gives us a lot of variables to test our teams’ ability to strategically manage the scenario. For
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11
Photos courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District
instance, we must pay close attention to environmental conditions – a shift in wind direction can rapidly change the scope of the situation.” Jeremey Hollrah, Deputy Chief of Special Operations and a 14-year veteran, says that the yearly mass casualty incident training gives the firefighters, paramedics and others involved a different flavor when it comes to prepping for the worst. “This year, the hazmat component adds a different layer,” Hollrah said. “There are several steps involved when dealing with this type of scenario. There is an aspect of stepping back and evaluating and recognizing what needs to be done to protect yourself. It is a situation where you do not want to become a victim of your surroundings.” The yearly training is also a prime opportunity for the varying first responders to learn together. “When you can get all of the resources together and all of the players involved, whether it is law enforcement or emergency dispatchers together, it makes it as real as we can,” Hollrah added. In the end, it is all about getting in the reps to make responding to an actual disaster not a harried situation. “The training makes you a little more comfortable and trusting to the person next to you because you practiced together,” Lane said. “We train hard today for the real thing tomorrow.” 12 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
Simon Says
Diversify into your dreams By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV We hear so much about quality time, but it’s the quantity of time that we really want. If we could only unplug, disengage and spend quality time together. Well, we can in an RV, folding campers close to nature or motorhomes as complete as a luxury condo. With the stock market reaching for the sky, why not diversify by turning some of those paper profits into something tangible like that RV you have been dreaming about? Or you can hedge your bets by playing the spread and converting just enough cost to make a healthy down payment and win either way. “Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road/Healthy, free, the world’s for me/The long brown path before me leading/Wherever I choose.” Thus spoke Walt Whitman over 100 years ago and that spirit still stirs Americans. Well, maybe not afoot, maybe not brown paths, but we can travel in comfort in an RV. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a folding tent trailer or a luxury motorhome, Byerly has your second home on wheels waiting for you. We are Byerly, the Center of the RV World. Check us out at www.ByerlyRV.com and visit us in Eureka, Missouri, just 15 minutes west of I-270 on I-44. You can also call 636-938-2000.
e th th Wor ive Dr
Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 www.byerlyrv.com
Wentzville Business Spotlight The Lava Hookah Lounge & Bar at 107 S. Linn in Historic Downtown Wentzville is the place to have good responsible fun. Owned by brothers Issa and Haider (Max) Dugum, the business is the only hookah lounge in the area. We feature a full bar, a simple fresh food menu, and our service is fantastic! The Lava Hookah Lounge & Bar opened in 2016. We love the hometown feel of downtown Wentzville. We think you will love this new concept. We have skilled bartenders and one of the best weekend DJ’s around Only those 21 and older are allowed in the establishment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Lastly, don’t let the road improvements on Linn keep you away. We remain open to serve you.
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
2018
RAM REBEL 1500 is eye candy for truck enthusiasts
I was thrilled when I got a call from my friends at Ram Truck as they said “I should expect delivery soon of a 2018 Ram Rebel 1500 Truck in order to evaluate.” Then, I got to thinking to myself, I’m not that familiar with the Rebel trim level. Once I hung up the phone, I began to research it a bit further. I quickly came to the conclusion that this truck sounds totally amazing! To “fast forward,” once I got to finally drive it, my expectations were rapidly met. The Rebel starts with the basic model Ram 1500, but from there, it builds on numerous segment-exclusive features in areas most important to truck buyers. Of course, regardless of the version, the newer Ram trucks tend to retain their notable rugged and bold appearance coupled with award-winning car-like interiors and other creature comforts. Additionally, Ram’s bold exterior design helps to showcase the vehicle’s segmentleading technology, further helping to thrust this pickup to be sought after by consumers wanting to use it as a daily driver, a work/utility vehicle or for weekend getaways. Every Ram truck certainly benefits from content specifically designed to match each model’s unique style and trim. Numerous welcomed features are then added, in order to generate a class-exclusive Ram Rebel 1500. All things considered, the well-received Rebel X Concept Truck that made the auto show circuit was the precursor for the production version of this specialty vehicle. The 14 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
2018 Rebel exterior raises the bar with a new and welcomed level of brawniness with an extraordinary appearance that further sets it apart from the conventional Ram. The brightly illuminated LED headlamps also stand out, helping to set this delightful and refined truck apart from the competition. The vehicle with its very muscular stance is nothing less than eye candy for any truck enthusiast. The “lockable” rear tailgate has a large trademark Ram logo with the Rebel badging located on the rear panel. The husky, chrome-tipped exhaust tail pipe tips also help support the robust V-8 engine powering the Rebel. The truck’s interior includes very comfortable seating for up to six. There is plenty of storage space which also includes rear - under floor hidden storage bins for keeping your valuables out of sight. The Ram Rebel I drove was powered by their reliable 5.7-liter Hemi engine. This V-8 includes variable-valve timing of which provides some 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s eight speed automatic transmission shifts flawlessly. The truck’s four wheel drive system is activated with the simple turn
of a dash mounted rotary knob. EPA numbers reflected 15-mpg city/21-highway. The truck’s standard four-corner air ride/auto level suspension is designed to help raise or lower the vehicles body as necessary, as well as smooth out its ride to a point that Rebel drives similar to a luxury automobile. Unwanted road noises are kept out of the passenger cabin with advanced engineering in sound proofing. Base pricing for the ‘18 Ram Rebel Crew Cab 4X4 is $47,395. Shipping and destination charges are excluded, they’re listed at $1,395. Since Ram’s marketing relaunch as a “stand-alone division” in 2009, this truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with trucks that are proven to last with embraced capabilities and are now sold in 10 other models in its lineup besides Rebel. Over the past 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road.
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.
Nonprofit Profile
Adoption and foster care ministry
hatches in Moscow Mills
LAST YEAR A NEW ORGANIZATION WAS “HATCHED.” Through the hearts of Mike and Heather Picker and NorthRoad Church in Moscow Mills, an adoption and foster care ministry emerged. It was something Mike and Heather had been drawn to since the day they brought their adopted child from Russia home 11 years ago. The reality of the number of children without a mom and dad haunted the couple. As the years went on, they learned about trauma and the effects that it had on early childhood development through their own child. They found that as they became educated on trauma, they developed a different parenting strategy. This new parenting paradigm paired with hope, and a lot of prayer was greatly reversing the impact of trauma on their family. A huge part of Divine Nest is helping children in these broken situations both domestically and internationally, and equipping and educating their caregivers to be trauma-informed and supportive. Divine Nest serves Lincoln, Pike and St. Charles counties with a “First Night Bag” campaign. They supply everything a child would need coming into foster care for that first night tucked in a nice backpack that will be theirs to keep. The items in the bag are gender and age specific and include items like: clothes and pjs, a
blanket, toothbrush, diapers, etc. In addition to this “First Night Bag” campaign, Divine Nest also teaches free parenting workshops, hosts respite parent night outs and a Christmas dinner and gift drive to alleviate the financial burdens on foster parents around the holidays. This is all made possible by dedicated volunteers, committee members, and community support and donations. In addition to providing the authentic tangible needs to foster parents, Divine Nest also works hard to prepare and recruit families to adopt; provides training, support and scholarships. With periodic family bonfires, fishing derbies and weekly support groups, a sense community and connection is beginning to evolve. Events like these are built around family time, they Submitted photos promote connection within the family unit as well as between adoptees, siblings and foster and adoptive parents. If you would like to help support or learn more about what Divine Nest is doing in your community, you can attend, the upcoming Second Annual Divine Nest Open and Dinner Gala, held at Old Hickory Golf Club on Sept.30 and Oct. 1. Registration forms are on the Divine Nest website at divinenest.com.
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Eat well on-the-go Perfectly porta ble watermelon dishes
Watermelon and Bulgur Wheat Salad Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 2 cups cooked bulgur wheat 2 cups arugula 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup chopped mint shaved pecorino romano cheese, to taste Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon honey salt black pepper
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Directions: In large serving bowl, combine watermelon, bulgur wheat, arugula, grape tomatoes and chopped mint. To make dressing: In liquid measuring cup, whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt and pepper until well combined. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with shaved pecorino and season, to taste. Serve immediately.
For the Love of Food
A
packed schedule often leads to less meals around the table. Between balancing family, friends, work and activities, it can be easy to reach for a pre-packaged snack on-the-go that lacks important vitamins and nutrients. Instead, when looking for portable, grab-and- go foods, think about a multi-purpose treat like watermelon. Not only can watermelon be diced, sliced, balled or blended, it also provides numerous health benefits. Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable and is a source of vitamins A and C, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium.
Thinking beyond traditional slices, chunks or balls, there are many ways to incorporate watermelon into some of your favorite to-go meals, whether as a side dish or a key ingredient in beverages, salads or wraps. For example, these recipes for Watermelon and Bulgur Wheat Salad and Watermelon Collagen Creamsicle from the National Watermelon Promotion Board can help satisfy your sweet tooth and provide necessary nutrients while tackling the next task on your to-do list. Find more watermelon recipes perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle at watermelon.org.
Wrap It Up... Wraps are a perfect on-the-go snack and are easily customizable. Start with a spread to help the fillings stick together. Place toppings in the center of a tortilla and a watermelon spear on top. Roll the tortilla over the watermelon spear to tuck in all ingredients. Fasten with a toothpick, if needed.
Watermelon Collagen Creamsicle Servings: 1 Ingredients: 2 cups cubed watermelon 2 rounded tablespoons collagen 2 tablespoons heavy cream Directions: In blender, combine watermelon, collagen and heavy cream; blend. Pour into glass to serve.
Watermelon Sandwich Wraps Ingredients: 1 wheat, flour, corn, spinach or sun-dried tomato tortilla 2-4 teaspoons chive cream cheese, hummus, guacamole or Greek yogurt 5-8 slices turkey, ham, chicken breast, roast beef or pepperoni 1 watermelon spear, about 1/2inch thick, 1-inch wide 2-4 teaspoons barbecue sauce, ranch, pesto, Thai peanut sauce, teriyaki, salsa or sweet chili and ginger 2-4 slices feta, pepper jack, swiss or mozzarella cheese
Wraps Ideas:
Toppings: watercress olives scallions cilantro romaine lettuce Bibb lettuce jalapenos fresh mint basil shredded carrots Brussels sprouts cucumber slices bacon pine nuts
Southwest Chicken Wrap: Corn or flour tortilla, guacamole, chicken, watermelon, salsa, bacon ranch dressing, pepper jack cheese, romaine lettuce
English Tea Sandwich Wrap: Flour tortilla, chive cream cheese, ham, watermelon, watercress Greek Wrap: Tortilla, plain Greek yogurt, feta cheese, watermelon, black olives Latin Watermelon Wrap: Flour tortilla, guacamole, ham, watermelon, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, scallions, jalapenos
Watermelon Caprese Wrap: Flour tortilla, pepperoni, watermelon, pesto, mozzarella cheese, basil
Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap: Corn tortilla, chicken, watermelon, Thai peanut sauce, Bibb lettuce, carrots, cilantro Southwest Veggie Wrap: Spinach tortilla, guacamole, watermelon, barbecue ranch dressing, swiss cheese, cucumber, cilantro Mid-Eastern Veggie Wrap: Corn tortilla, Hummus with pine nuts, watermelon, mint, cucumber slices Ginger Chicken Wrap: Wheat wrap, chicken, watermelon, teriyaki ginger sauce, sweet chili and ginger sauce, Bibb lettuce, Brussels sprouts Hawaiian Wrap: Spinach wrap, pineapple cream cheese, ham, watermelon, sweet chili and ginger sauce, cilantro
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17
Entertainment
‘Solo:
A Star Wars Story’is a fun-filled trip to a galaxy far, far away
I was born into this world in 1977 and have never known a life without Star Wars. The original trilogy loomed like a monolith over my formative years and brought sciencefiction into the mainstream. And the coolest guy to be a part of all this was Han Solo. The role took Harrison Ford from a virtual unknown to one of the most iconic actors of his generation. It’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone else as Han Solo, or why anybody would even want to try to take a stab at it. But since it was purchased by the Walt Disney Corporation, the Star Wars universe has begun expanding rapidly in all directions and it was decided that Han Solo’s origin story needed to be told. Fortunately, the result is actually worthy of the loveable rouge’s legacy and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” delivers a fun-filled heist flick that is a blast to watch. Accepting the thankless task of playing a young Han Solo is Alden Ehrenreich, who certainly has the smile and the swagger to carry Ford’s blaster holster while finding a way to put his own spin on the character. Han is an orphan, bouncing around the galaxy on the fringes of the law and polite 18 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2018
society. He falls in with Beckett (Woody Harrelson, who seems just as surprised as anybody that he’s in a Star Wars movie), a mid-level criminal in the employ of crime boss Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany, who happily chews every bit of scenery that’s not on a green screen). Since we’re following the basic structure of a heist movie (which I have to admit, I’m a total sucker for) we’re going to see a crew of crooks pulling a job. Joining Han and Beckett are some familiar friends, like Han’s bosom mate Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and frenemy Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover, channeling Billy Dee Williams’ suave, cape-wearing charm). New faces include Han’s childhood sweetheart Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) and robot L3-37 (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), a droid-rights champion who would make C3PO blush. Venerable director Ron Howard took over “Solo” midstream after Disney parted ways with the film’s initial directors. This usually spells disaster for a movie, but Howard is a pro and he delivers his most dynamic film in years with an assist from a lively and slick screenplay (penned by Star Wars vet
Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan). There are plenty of Easter eggs to thrill Star Wars fans (and a Clint Howard sighting to thrill Ron Howard fans), but “Solo” doesn’t wallow in nostalgia and manages to live and breathe as its own movie that can be enjoyed even if you can’t tell a lightsaber from an Ewok. It’s kind of nice to see the Star Wars universe let its hair down, free from the destiny-laden Skywalker family drama or the suicidemission grimness of “Rouge One.” It turns out there’s room for some swashbuckling in a galaxy far, far away as “Solo” shoots first and sweats the details later. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence. 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
June 6 – D-DAY
8-9 – THEATER PERFORMANCE The Kids’ Summer Drama Camp of Wentzville Christian Church proudly presents “Peter Pan Jr.” on June 8 at 7 p.m. and on June 9 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend. Doors open a half hour before each performance begins. The church is located at 1507 Hwy. Z in Wentzville. For more information, please call 636-3276622 or visit wentzvillecc.org. 14 – FLAG DAY 17 – FATHER’S DAY 18 – GOLF FUNDRAISER If you would like to help the Liberty High School Golf team as well as other teams, and programs at Liberty High School, you are invited to participate in the fifth Annual Liberty High School Golf Classic. The tournament takes places at Winghaven Country Club, Liberty’s home course. The format is a
four person scramble with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Registration is from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. with lunch provided before starting. The evening will finish with an awards dinner and auction. There will be flight winners, skins competition, pink ball raffle and closest to the pin on the front and back nine. To register your team or sponsor a hole please contact Keli Stone at 636-293-8301, or email libertyhsboosterclub.com.
19 – JUNETEENTH 19 – HISTORIC PRESERVATION The Wentzville Community Historical Society (WCHS) would like to invite the entire community to its quarterly meeting. Learn about the WWII Honor Roll that once stood at the corner of Elm and Pearce, and the WCHS’s work to recreate the monument and place it in Bicentennial Park. The meeting will be held at the Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 South Linn in Wentzville. There is a meal before the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Cost of the meal is $10. RSVP for the meal by calling Bill at 636-272-5506 or Peggy at 636-327-8823. The program begins about 7 p.m. and is free to the public. 20 – AMERICAN EAGLE DAY 21 – FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
JUNE 2018 | CROSSROADS | 19
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