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2 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
MAY 2017
contents
VOL 13 | NO 5
Departments
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta. Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Tony Mathews, 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
4
Around Town Local news and events
6
Simon Says Building relationships inside the chamber
8
Always an Adventure Planning a trip to Monster Lake
9
Moore on Life Lunch bunch
12
Medical Memo Slide into summer safety
14
Entertainment The early movie greats before the summer season
15
Automobile Alley 2017 Audi A4 Allroad sets the benchmark for luxury automotive wagons
16
Food Sweet Meets Spicy: Fresh ideas for a fun fiesta menu
18
Photo Op Run for the Wall
19
Community Calendar: May
7
Nonprofit Profile It’s Your Birthday, Inc. brings celebrations and happiness to children in homeless shelters
10
Making kings and queens in Wentzville Chess Club of Wentzville brings the classic brain game to a whole new generation
14
Advertiser Profile Old trails revisited
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 by Ray Rockwell
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
Blank Canvas Studios’ exhibit of ‘outsider art’ opens at the Renaud Spirit Center
www.myprovidencebank.com
An exhibit of paintings, drawings, collage and mixed media works by “outsider” artists with Blank Canvas Studios opened on April 14 at the O’Fallon Cultural Arts Gallery in the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. The exhibit will be on display through May 26. Blank Canvas is a nonprofit, multi-discipline studio and workshop that provides individuals who are labeled developmentally-disabled with the tools, materials and support needed to create, show and sell artwork. All
the exhibitors are working artists. For more information about the artists, “outsider art” and Blank Canvas Studios, visit www.blankcanvasstudios.org. Cultural Arts Gallery admission is free, and the exhibit is available for viewing during regular business hours at the indoor recreation complex: 5:15 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday -Thursday, 5:15 a.m.-9 p.m. on Fridays, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. For more location information, call 636-4742732 or visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com.
O’Fallon and Wentzville make Safest Cities in Missouri list
LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
The National Council of Home Safety and Security this week published its Safest Cities in Missouri report which includes O’Fallon as ninth safest of Missouri’s cities with populations of more than 5,000 and Wentzville as 15th safest in the same category. The average size of the cities the organization deemed safest is 26,562. With a population of 85,040, O’Fallon is the largest of the cities of the report’s top 10. You can read the report bit.ly/NCHSS-safestcities. To identify Missouri’s safest cities, the council reviewed FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics from 2016 along with the organization’s own population data and internal research. The cities’ rankings were then based on the number of reported violent crimes
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4 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
(aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) per 100,000 people. “Our entire city can be extremely proud of our steadfast recognition as a community of safe business areas, neighborhoods, parks and streets,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “The credit goes to citizens who look out for one another and our dedicated police officers who not only protect us, but who connect with the community through programs like the Citizens Police Academy, Community Emergency Response Team training, Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch and the popular Coffee with a Cop outreach.”
Ft. Zumwalt South cheerleader overcomes hearing impairment to compete at highest level
When on the stage and under the hot lights, in Mariah Green’s head there is constant counting. One-two-three-four-five-six-seven-eight. Over and over again. That cadence is the norm for most cheerleaders, but for Green, it is especially important. Green suffers from severe hearing loss since birth.
By Brett Auten
As her mother, Sheri Green, tells it she was exposed to a virus when pregnant that caused Mariah’s deafness. “She wouldn’t respond the buzzer, almost like an alarm clock, during the ultrasound so we first expected, then knew right away about her hearing loss. It was progressive and got worse pretty quickly. She’s had minimal hearing from birth.” Born in Las Vegas, as Mariah grew Sheri
Around Town became aware of cochlear implants and through diligent research found that St. Louis had one of the top physicians in the country to perform the implant. At the age of three, Mariah got her first implant. By the time she turned eight, Mariah was begging for the second implant which she soon received. “Once she got the second implant she was able to localize sounds better,” Sheri said. “She could determine where certain sounds were coming from. And in a noisy setting, it became easier for her to hear.” Cochlear implants are designed to treat severe to profound hearing loss for people who are not receiving enough benefit when using hearing aids. Cochlear implants are different from hearing aids. Where a hearing aid only amplifies sound, a cochlear implant is designed to make sounds more crisp and clear, especially in noisy environments. The Cochlear Nucleus System, the device Mariah has, consists of two components: the external sound processor and the internal implant that is surgically placed underneath the skin, behind the ear. The implant is attached to an electrode that is inserted into the cochlea to help her hear. The Nucleus Sound Processor has two synchronized microphones to help continuously capture sound. When sound is captured by the sound processor, which sits behind the ear, the sound is converted to digital information and is transmitted to the internal implant, which sends sound signals to the brain. “If I compare her progression with that of a normal hearing cheerleader, it didn’t hamper it at all,” Sheri said. “She progressed like a normal child without it.” Mariah, 18, is a junior at Ft. Zumwalt South. She had tried soccer, swimming, and dance but never not being shy from being the center of attention or about being under the lights of a stage, Green began competitive cheer at the age of eight. Currently, she does competitive cheerleading for Cheer Legendz in Chesterfield and for her high school during football and soccer season. Mariah’s gym understood that as long as her coach was facing her, Mariah could read lips and understand. “When we are working on a new routine we definitely count out loud when we’re learning it,” Cheer Legendz coach Katie Hazel said.
Photo by Ray Rockwell Mariah Green (center) stands with her mother Sheri Green and father Ben Green at the Cheer Legendz gym in Chesterfield.
“As she catches on she can do well on her. She is really pro-active and will come up right away and wants to know what it going on.” Mariah practices two-times-a-week and squeezes in private sessions to sharpen her tumbling skills, usually with coach Fernando Brown. “The one thing I learned that without her aides, she can’t hear really at all,” Brown said. “During her training, I make sure my gestures are all big and animated. Her mental strength to keep going and push through is amazing.” Cheer Legendz formed its first competitive cheerleading teams in April 2006 and soon became widely known at competitions, traveling to multiple states each season and collecting trophies in mass along the way. Anthony Best is the Cheer Legendz co-owner, head coach, and chief cheerleading choreographer. “It’s very impressive what Mariah does to keep up with everyone,” Best said. “The team doesn’t really acknowledge Mariah’s hearing deficit until they know they need to help out with the counting. They don’t give her special treatment.” The only time Mariah runs into concern is when the beat of the music is quicker than the norm. “It can be really hard in some parts especially if the music is really fast,” she said. “I’m trying to get on the right count and there other kids moving around you, it can be hectic.” Committed and driven, Mariah refuses to let a major setback keep her from doing what she loves at an extremely high level. “Nothing slows me down,” she said. “If you enjoy doing something – or actually love it – then don’t give up on that. Keep it going.”
www.dpc4u.org
www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 5
Simon Says
BUILDING It seems that lately our world consists of people with their head down and their face in their phone. We as a society have lost the interaction we once had with our fellow neighbors and friends, and I have seen a trend of less togetherness and talking and more selfindulgence and social media. I started to think about if times will ever get back to where they used to be when you knew there was a place you could go that would benefit both you and your business. Long gone are the days of business lunches, thank you cards and taking clients out for a round of golf. The most we can expect now
s
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
is a “shout out” on a company Facebook page after closing the deal. That’s why when I was attending the April luncheon for the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce (WSCC) that I realized right there, in that room, that we are keeping those old business matters and relationships alive. I sat there staring all around at people of all different skin colors, body height and build, political and religious preference, etc. and I was amazed. Here were a hundred (give or take some) people in a room all gathered for the same purpose…to better themselves and their business through both personal and work relationships within the WSCC. At that moment, nothing mattered about the person sitting next to you. Not their age, whether or not they are a competing business, how they eat (which can be an eye opener all in itself), what they eat or how they talk or conduct themselves. What mattered was that we all found ourselves belonging to the same civic group, attending the same meeting, for the same purpose. Sure there are plenty of networking opportunities, but let’s be honest, most times people end up talking amongst their chamber friends and making sure any new member and/or visitor feels welcome. It is when you are sitting at the table having lunch with people you may or may not know discussing both work and personal matters, that’s when you realize that the days of business-to-business and person-to-person are not long gone. A chamber of commerce is a great way to get out into the community and help build your business. When I first joined the WSCC, I was welcomed with warmth and generosity. I was treated like someone who had been a member for years. I opted to get involved, which within a chamber is the best way to conduct yourself and your business. I dove headfirst into committees and ribbon cuttings, monthly luncheons and events; and it has been one of the best things I have become involved with. I have not only grown my business relationships but I have also made great, lasting friendships. A chamber is more than just paying your dues and showing up. It is being involved, helping your fellow chamber member in times of need, lending a shoulder when work or personal life has gotten you down and helping your community strengthen ties between residents and businesses. The WSCC consists of Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis and Wentzville. If what you just read has sparked your interest, I suggest you give them a call to find out more (636-327-6914). Whether Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is the right fit for you or not, I suggest you give a chamber a try. You may just find yourself with a growing business and a few new friends if you do. BY LAURIE SIMON
Laurie Simon was just married and is settling into blissful newlywed life. She enjoys laying by the pool with friends, getting away to her family lake house on weekends, walking her four-legged baby Maggie and spending every second possible with her new husband.
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Nonprofit Profile
It’s Your Birthday, Inc. brings celebrations and happiness to children in homeless shelters
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By Marla Stoker
olanda Finch was volunteering at a to every birthday child and clowns, face homeless shelter when she realized painters, magicians, balloon artists, dancers that nothing was being done to cel- and game time add to the overall celebraebrate the children’s birthdays. tion experience. Finch emphasizes that the “As someone that loves to celebrate my treats “come from mom, not me, so when birthday and remembers almost all of the the child sees mom at the end of the day, celebrations I had as a child, my thought he’s thanking her.” was – what kind of “The impact it has on memory would the the mom is tremenchildren in a shelter dous,” shares St. Marhave?” Finch recalls. tha’s Hall Children’s “I was especially conAdvocate Dallyda cerned with the chilTatchi-Bauda. “She dren that were hiding has already has a lot in domestic violence going on and for her shelters, where none of to have a child with a their friends and family birthday is stressful. were aware of their loWhen I tell her about cation. This made me It’s Your Birthday, Inc., sad and I knew I had to the weight is lifted.” Submitted photo create a better memo- It’s Your Birthday, Inc. founder Rolanda Finch. Social Worker Cynry for them.” thia Hendricks, from Realizing these facilities had a lack of re- the Holy Angels Shelter, describes the chilsources to allocate to anything other than dren as being “ecstatic to know they will the absolute essentials, the idea of It’s Your have a birthday of their own.” Birthday, Inc. was born and the celebrations In the three short years they’ve been active began in September 2014. in our communities, It’s Your Birthday, Inc. Three years later, this nonprofit has and Finch have already received six awards brought fun and memorable birthday cel- for the service they provide. ebrations to over 500 children that reside In addition to financial donations from in domestic violence and homeless shelters their community partners, they also acin St. Louis City and County and the Metro cept donations of party supplies to be used East. Finch has confidently set her sights on when celebrating a child’s special day. Dogrowing their coverage area. nations of cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, party “Our plan is to continue to grow in the St. decorations, $10 gift cards, and party favors, Louis and Metro East areas by offering more or small toys are gladly accepted in addition birthday-in-a-class options in more school to volunteering your time, expertise or endistricts and expand our birthday-in-box tertainment talents. If interested in learnoption to domestic shelters regionally, then ing more about how you can support this nationally.” charitable organization and to see a list of It’s Your Birthday, Inc. offers three different all of their generous donors, please visit parties to create birthday memories and their website: itsyourbirthdayinc.org or call discusses the options with the shelter and 314-623-8301. Finch states, “Because of parent(s) to find the best fit. Build-A-Bear your support, a child’s birthday celebration generously donates a happy birthday bear today is a smile for a lifetime.”
“Because of your support, a child’s birthday celebration today is a smile for a lifetime.”
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 7
Always An Adventure
PLANNING A TRIP TO MONSTER LAKE
D
uring a conversation with an old friend, the topic of Monster Lake came up. Bill and his friend Carl were tentatively planning on going up there this summer; did I feel up to joining them? Hmmmm…. “Monster” was the name bestowed on the lake by Carl many years ago, after he got a glimpse of monster-sized trout he had hooked, during a long battle before the fish broke the fishing line. No maps show an official name for the lake. Rarely visited, the lake is about 20 miles of difficult hiking away from a remote trailhead. It’s nearly a fullday’s drive to get to the trailhead, including several miles on a sort-of maintained dirt road. It’s not a place one decides to go on a spur-of -the-moment. A journey back there is a serious undertaking. And it can provide a healthy dose of increasingly hard-to-find solitude – and some huge fish. Staci and I had visited there some years back. We dug out some old photo albums and a flood of memories flowed out of the yellowing pictures. Glaringly obvious was that we carried way too much stuff in our backpacks in those days. And I had a lot more hair back then. A little more reminiscing and we determined that the photos were nearly 30 years old – “some” years back, indeed. One out-of-focus shot had me holding a big fat trout hauled from the crystal-clear waters of the lake’s outlet. The fillets could have provided breakfast, lunch and then some. Of course I ate it all in 8 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
one sitting, a welcome gluttonous feast after a week of eating freeze-dried backpacking “food.” I rummaged through some long-buried maps in the back of a storage closet and found the appropriate maps of the area. Looking at a topo map of the terrain and the hike in, my knees began to ache while merely pondering the trip – a result of too many years of “way too much stuff in backpack.” Much of the hiking goes above treeline, including several miles off any kind of established trail. It will take a minimum of two days to get in, and the same coming out; two or three more days at the lake totals up to a week. Then, there’s another two days of driving to and from; not a quick weekend getaway. With maps and photos covering up all the flat surfaces in the kitchen and dining room, I moved on to pulling out gear from the storage closet. Most of the old, heavy gear on display in my three-decades-old photos has mercifully made its way to the second hand store and trash dump, replaced by lighter, newer gear. A 1.5 pound tarp has replaced the old six-pound tent. A sixounce inline water filter has replaced the pump-style 1.5 pound water filter. Other necessities have been similarly lightened, a benefit of modern technology. However, the number of backpacking trips I’ve taken in the last few years can be counted on one hand, with fingers to spare. Other obligations and priorities have taken the
place of wilderness excursions for entirely too long. A week-long strenuous hiking trip sounds just right. Assuming that the trip materializes, our group will have an assortment of aches, pains and maladies that are the result of many years spent not sitting around. Bill is on the far side of his Medicare birthday, and has no more cartilage in his knees. He’s been considering their replacement for some time, waiting until he can’t put up with the factory issued ones any longer. I’m a decade younger, with a lower surgical count, but my medical adventures have typically been the result of high-velocity pursuits. Carl is somewhere in between Bill and me as far as age and decrepitude. We’ll be using hiking poles to reduce the weight on the old knees, and bringing lots of anti-inflammatories. The trip won’t happen until the recordsetting snowpack has melted enough to allow travel. That should give us plenty of time to get in shape; or maybe reconsider the whole thing. But we can’t put it off much longer, or the opportunity will be lost. 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
Lunch Bunch
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o some, lunch is an inconvenience and by some, I mean, men. To others, and by others I mean, we ladies, lunch is an event. We believe it’s meant to be savored and treated as a special occasion we giddily looked forward to. To men, it’s only a means of loading up their digestive tracts. The other day a friend and I decided to go to lunch. Great idea. We then decided to bring our husbands. Whose stupid idea was that? Oh ya, it was mine. Hey, I hadn’t gone to the bank and was short on cash. I thought it would be clever to bring my ATM along and make him pay. So we ladies decided on a classy little place across town that had just opened. Good idea. Did I mention we brought along men? Stupid idea. Any who, we piled in the car and were on our way. As we entered the establishment, we discovered a small boutique just inside where we could shop a bit before our table was ready. We girls squealed with delight and began to handle the bobbles and trinkets and smell the candles and try on the jewelry and comment on everything’s level of cuteness. It became apparent to the males in the party that it was not “guy friendly”. They apparently handed in their man card at the door and had been de-masculinized upon entering. My husband was the first to bellow, “Oh geez…this is one of those girly places. How’d we get roped into this? I could have stayed home and sprayed my crabgrass and ate a Hot Pocket!” His friend joined in, “Sheesh! There’s not another guy in sight. I’ll bet they don’t even change your oil here.” When seated, we suggested they try the feta salad. After ordering,
both men looked at their plates and the complaints intensified. My husband muttered, “What kind of portions are these? There’s a leaf on my plate with a kidney bean on top of it.” “It’s arugula,” I said. “What’s an arugula? Sounds like a disease. Hey Doc, what are these things growing on my leg? Sorry man, you’ve got a bad case of arugula.” Both men laughed hysterically until feta came out of their noses. His pal chimed in, “I knew we were in trouble when I saw flowers on the tables. Never expect decent helpings when the place spends its profits on plants! If I’d a known it was gonna be like this I would have packed along a box of donuts.” Soon the bill came and more grumbling. “Holy Guacamole! What are we doing, paying off their kids’ college tuition?!” “No, shelling out for their florist,” said his buddy. Needless to say, we stopped off afterwards at a drive-in and got a couple of cheeseburgers for their dessert. Next time they can stay home with their crabgrass and eat a bag of cold hotdogs.
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.
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 9
kingsqueens & Making
Chess Club of Wentzville
brings the classic brain game
in
to a whole new generation
Wentzville
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By Brett Auten
imicking the famous, “If you build it, they will come,” line from the film “Field of Dreams,” the newly-formed Chess Club of Wentzville is gaining similar traction Launched in March as the brainchild of Christopher Ervin, the club is intended to help spread the educational value and cognitive benefits of the centuries-old game of chess. Ervin has lived in Wentzville since 2000. He was struck with the idea of forming the club after introducing his 15-year-old son to the game and was soon motivated to introduce the game to his son’s friends. “I wanted to teach chess to kids and not just throw a board and pieces out there,” Ervin said. The club supplies everything – chess board, and sets, pen and scoresheets – and meets regularly at 6 North Cafe on Mondays from 4 to 7:30 p.m. With some help and advice from its bigger brothers, the Chess Club of St. Louis and the Chess Club Institute, the club and donations continued to grow to the point where it has 30 chess boards and the club has had players of all various ages and skill sets come and play. “We have had people age six to 40,” Ervin said. “Some who don’t know how to move the pieces to real talented players who have competed in tournaments and stuff like that.” Ervin particularly finds joy in watching the younger players become entranced by the intricacies of the game. For the parent who belabors their child for being nose-down on a mobile device, the Chess Club of Wentzville is offering a proven alternative. “It is really fun to see their brains turning and it is not on a mobile device,” Ervin said. “It is amazing to see a child’s mind at work and stimulated for something other than a media device such as a tablet, phone or TV. You can actually see their minds working out the solutions to the next move.” Trent Bourland, a 20-year-old St. Charles Community College student, was a regular visitor to the St. Louis Chess Club and when he caught wind of a club being started in his own backyard, he jumped at the opportunity to not only attend but to help out when called upon. “The best experience so far has been teaching new people,” 10 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
Bourland said. “Especially the young ones. The first week you are showing them the basics and in a couple of weeks, they’re really improving. You teach them and they take and run with it. You can really see their interests peak.” In addition, the Chess Club of Wentzville offers two classes. With Ervin manning an overhead projection he is able to surf through and pinpoint, teaching all levels of skill. The Beginners Class is all about the basics; setting up the board, moving pieces, piece value and so on. In Chess School, the curriculum and discussion focus on tactics, strategy and opening/middle/end attacks. “There is also a lot of reviewing and puzzle tactics,” Bourland said. “We will review a grandmaster’s game and discuss positions.” Ervin was inspired by the reputable chess scene in St. Louis and most notably the St. Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center. Many consider St. Louis the National Chess Capital of the United States and a FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federatio) representative was quoted earlier this year saying that St. Louis is now the chess capital of the world. Last month St. Louis was the home of the 2017 U.S Chess Championship held at the Saint Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center and it doled out $194,000 to the U.S. champion. Learning the game is usually passed down through family members and Ervin’s introduction is no different. “When I was a kid my dad taught me and I have always had fond memories of it,” he said. “But even back then, there were no chess clubs around.” Ervin’s interest in the game always remained and wherever he bounced around to, a chess board and books were part of the package. The club would one day like to expand to multiple locations including school programs (chess is part of the education curriculum in many countries), Scout programs, and into assisted living facilities. “There is something special about chess,” Ervin said. “It’s for the like-minded or not like-minded. You can play it anywhere in the world. It’s cross-cultural. It doesn’t matter the race, creed, religion; and we need more of that today.”
Chess Club of Wentzville EVERY MONDAY AT 6 NORTH CAFE 10 CLIFF VIEW DR., WENTZVILLE, MO 63385
Open Play:
4 to 7:30 p.m. – From school-aged newbies to tournament vets, you can try your hand against a wide-range of skill levels. The board and pieces are there and waiting on you.
Chess School: 4:30-5:15 p.m. – Here is where you can go from learning how to play to learning how to win.
Beginners Class: 5:30-6:15 p.m. – You don’t know a rook from a bishop? Or how is chess like checkers? Then this the starting point for you.
Facebook: chessclubofwentzville Instagram: chessclubofwentzville
Photos by Ray Rockwell
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 11
Medical Memo
SLIDE INTO SUMMER SAFETY Tips for a fun, safe summer
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onger days mean more time outside and more physical activity, which translates to increased potential for injuries. Playground falls, lawnmower accidents, campfire and fire pit burns are some common childhood injuries that can happen during summer months. These tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children can help your family enjoy a fun, injury-free summer. GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY Outdoor play provides physical and mental health benefits, including opportunities for exercise, creative expression, stress reduction and access to a free and natural source of vitamin D – sunlight. Before sending kids out to play, make sure they are wearing shoes to protect their feet from cuts, scrapes and splinters, and wearing sunscreen to protect against sunburns and harmful ultraviolet rays. PLAYGROUND 101 Before your kids head to the playground, keep these precautions in mind: • Teach children that pushing and shoving on the playground can result in accidents and injuries. • Remind kids to go down the slide one at a time and to wait until the slide is completely clear before taking their turn. Teach them to always sit facing forward with their legs straight in front of them and to never slide down headfirst. • Remind children to swing sitting down. Encourage them to wait until the swing stops before getting off and to be careful when walking in front of moving swings. MAKE A SAFE SPLASH While playing poolside may be a blast, Safe Kids Worldwide reports that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children ages 1-4 and the third-leading cause of injury-related deaths among those under 19. 12 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Prevent accidents and injuries with these tips to ensure your family’s safety around water: • Instruct children to never swim alone or go near water without an adult present. • Give children your undivided attention when they are swimming or near any body of water. • Always jump in feet first to check the depth before diving into any body of water. • Never dive in the shallow end of the pool or into above-ground pools. FUN ON THE WATER Boating, tubing and other water sports can be great fun but can also be dangerous. Here is what you can do to enjoy the water safely: • Always have children wear a Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket while on a boat, around water or when participating in water sports. • Educate yourself. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 86 percent of boating accident deaths involve boaters who have not completed a safety course.
• Always check water conditions and forecasts. FIRE SAFETY SIMPLIFIED According to the CDC, more than 300 children ages 19 and under are treated in emergency rooms for fire- and burn-related injuries each day. Use these tips to help keep children safe around fires, fireworks, grills and other heat sources: • Teach kids to never play with matches, gasoline, lighter fluid or lighters. Make a habit of placing these items out of the reach of young children. • Do not leave children unattended near grills, campfires, fire pits or bonfires. Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby. • Take your child to a doctor or hospital immediately if he or she is injured in a fire or by fireworks. • Leave fireworks to the professionals. To see more tips, find activity pages and learn how to become a “Superhero of Summer Safety,” visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ safesummer.
Advertiser Profile
Old trails revisited
By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV The old 1954 Byerly trailer had been a good nanny to the Warren children and one would think it deserved retirement. But another generation arrived and one could almost hear the trailer anxiously whisper, “I have more stories to tell, things to show you, and miles to go before I sleep.” This time the old Byerly would be escorted by a 1951 Studebaker. A three week adventure in which the intrepid travelers, Russ and Adrienne Patton, would encounter the heat of the southwestern desert and the cold blizzard of the northern plateau. The Studebaker performed admirably. She huffed and puffed up the mountains, blowing off steam occasionally like a whale gasping for air. The old trailer compensated her efforts by helping to push her down the other side of the mountains. The old Byerly is really built, but it’s heavy. Overheating was a problem. We drove through the desert with the windows open and the heater on! A Studebaker heater is like a small radiator located under the front seat. Adrienne sought relief in the slightly cooler back seat. The brakes were another story. I’m sure the trailer brakes saved us a
couple of times. We headed into a blizzard in Wyoming and Kansas. The mountain passes were closed behind us so we decided to drive on through the storm. The trailer breaks kept us on the road when many cars were sliding off. But between the two extremes our journey was pleasant adventure. But the old trailer, built by Mr. Byerly, did finally retire and can be seen at Byerly RVs location in Eureka, Missouri. To read more about the history of the trailer and the numerous adventures of the Warren family pick up a copy of the whole story at Byerly. Byerly RV, just 15 minutes west of I-270 on I-44 in Eureka. Byerly RV, the Center of the RV World. Visit us at www.byerlyrv.com and on Facebook. 636-938-2000.
Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Business Owner, Adrienne Mennemeyer opened Olive Tree Market Place in February 2016. Located at 513 W. Pearce Blvd. the business features everything from primitive, antique, vintage items to brand new home décor, Dixie Belle Chalk Paint, Sammysoap, packaged coffee and teas. This new business offers a unique retail shopping experience. The owner loves the people who shop in her store. Adrienne also shares the retail space with other vendors by offering space for rent to sell their own goods and services. The business would like to expand and offer additional space for more vendors and offer a larger variety of classes. Make this one of your destination stops in Wentzville!
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 13
Entertainment
The early movie greats before the summer season As usual, it takes a Marvel movie to officially open the summer season of movies. This year’s lucky flick turns out to be another (highly worthy) sequel, “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2.” That’s just the beginning. When the rest of the films roll out we’ll also be treated with “Wonder Woman,” an R-rated-comedic-motion picture version of “Baywatch,” Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus”follow-up called “Alien: Covenant,” “Rough Night,” “Girls Trip,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “War For The Planet Of The Apes,” Christopher Nolan’s WWII epic “Dunkirk” and the list goes on. What was unexpected for 2017 is that for the first time (since anytime?) a year’s first quarter of movie releases (particularly during February and March) have been highly successful blockbusters – and with glowing reviews from critics. This is normally the “slow-season” for movies in almost any year. Knowing that the summer of 2017 will certainly out-perform the winter/spring season, there’s definitely a lot to live up to this time around. Here is the list of this year’s previously-released blockbusters giving the “hot” 2017 season some serious competition. “Beauty and the Beast” (March 17) It’s not a complete surprise to know the live-action version of this animated classic would make a killing at the box office, thanks to the loyal fan base of the original hit and Emma Watson playing the famous role of Belle. It’s difficult not to be impressed that the new version wheeled in over $400 million 14 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
in the U.S. alone – and still counting. The reviews, although generally not as high as the original, are generally good – that appears to be good enough for its well-deserved success. “The LEGO Batman Movie” (Feb. 10) The $170 million U.S. box office hit was destined to succeed – with laughter – following the surprise success of “The LEGO Movie” – also a February opener – three years prior. The predecessor’s stand-out character was LEGO Batman, who nearly stole the show. Complete with Will Arnett’s brilliantly crude voice as the superhero we tend to love – and get tired of – it was only appropriate that THIS batman got his due to go solo in full, spoofing, force. “John Wick: Chapter 2” (Feb. 10) Opening the same day as “LEGO Batman,” we kind of expected that the Keanu Reeves sequel would not make as much money against the silly superhero’s stash. Also, a Keanu Reeves movie that’s a critic’s darling is, respectfully, a rare thing to witness. “Chapter 2” was a $40 million feature that brought in over $90 million with a 90 percent rating - tying it up with “LEGO Batman.” This action dazzler proved to be even better than it’s surprisingly successful predecessor finding Keanu Reeves at a new prime in his career. “Get Out” (Feb. 24) Jordan Peele is the first African-American director to have a feature debut that grossed over $100 million. This new horror classic received a near-impossible feat of a 99 percent
Rotten Tomato rating from critics. The story is about a young interracial couple in which the boyfriend (Daniel Kaluuya) reaches the stage in visiting the parents of his girlfriend (Allison Williams). Everyone at the parents’ estate seems to be acting unusually “off.” As the suspense – and certain “types” of tensions – build all the way to the crowd-pleasing finale, the answers are so uniquely disturbing to the point that they could’ve only come from someone’s personal nightmares. “Logan” (March 3) It’s 2029 and Logan, aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), is in hiding across the Mexican border while caring for the ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart). While trying to spend the rest of their days out of sight, a young mutant who’s being followed by dark forces will interrupt their plans of peaceful isolation. Jackman and Stewart are given the privilege to go “unplugged” in character as this is the first XMen related flick strictly not for kids. Logan is forced to go super-bloody in this ultimate final battle for survival. It also gets alarmingly emotional to the point where you may need a tissue. What a superb send off for Jackman and Stewart. 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.
Automobile Alley
2017 AUDI A4 ALLROAD
For the 2017 model year, Audi Automotive is earmarking their A4 Allroad, as it’s quite the refined and worldly automobile. From the newly redesigned underside elaborate adaptive five-link suspension system to their all-new standard quattro all-wheel-drive with ultra technology, the 2017 Allroad sets a new elevated benchmark for the luxury automotive wagon segment. This reworked suspension allows for excellent precision steering, improved handing and overall driving comfort. Furthermore, the car’s exterior has been redesigned to spotlight Allroad’s adventurous spirit with design cues that reflect back to the A4 family. Vertical chrome slats on the Singleframe grille emphasize the vehicle’s increased ground clearance while more pronounced wheel arches add to its off-road distinctive design character. The interior accentuates a horizontally-oriented architecture to create a greater feeling of spaciousness. The prominent infotainment features include a large dash display and available Audi virtual cockpit which help creates a modern driver-centric space. All of this generates a level of technology that’s hard to compete with industry-wide. This automobile also features a redesigned powerplant in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo engine and, for the first time, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This seven-speed tranny helps to maintain fuel efficiency plus still sets the stage for a sports car feel while planted behind the wheel. EPA numbers show 23-mpg city/28mpg highway while premium grade fuel is
SETS THE BENCHMARK FOR LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE WAGONS
recommended. The new quattro all-wheel drive system utilizes an electronic multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential. This system allows for intelligent, proactive control of the all-wheel-drive system to predictively modify the torque application as demands and/or road conditions require. As with every vehicle, the car’s footprint begins with the overall exterior design. For the 2017 model year, the A4 Allroad is engineered with a modern design element that clearly emulates the Audi branding DNA. The exceptional paint finish has a remarkable luster to it plus the overall fit and finish of the body panels and seams are unparalleled. The front end has an “in your face” presentation with smooth aerodynamic lines that transition to the car’s side silhouette for an upscale look of refinement. The new interior design includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver-focused advancements. The uniquely designed acoustic windshield helps keep cabin-noise to exceptionally low levels. Improved interior space includes added shoulder and rear legroom with seating for up to five. The rear cargo area will easily accommodate most of your personal gear for outdoors activities. The 2017 Audi Allroad is offered in three trim levels to customers with excellent taste who relishe what they drive. Their Premium version has a starting price of $44,000. Their middle grade Premium Plus model shows an MSRP of $47,000 and their flagship Prestige edition has a pricing structure of $51,400.
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/ CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufactures, both import as well as with domestic nameplates. MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
Sweet Meets Spicy Fresh ideas for a fun fiesta menu
Blended Watermelon Margarita Makes: 2 margaritas
Fire and Ice Salsa Makes: 3 cups
Ingredients: 3 cups seeded and finely chopped watermelon 1/2 cup finely diced green peppers 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion 1-2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno peppers Directions: Combine ingredients; mix well and cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. 16 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
Ingredients: 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and frozen 1/2 cup water 3 ounces silver tequila 1 1/2 ounces lime juice 1 ounce elderflower liqueur pinch of salt lime slices, for garnish Directions: In blender, combine watermelon, water, tequila, lime juice, elderflower liqueur and salt. Blend until smooth. Pour into two chilled margarita glasses and garnish with lime slices.
For the Love of Food
Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks Makes: 2 margaritas
Nachos with Watermelon Avocado Salsa Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped 2 teaspoons lime juice 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 minced garlic clove 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained 2 tablespoons diced red onion 1 1/2 cups diced watermelon 16 ounces fat-free refried beans 11 ounces corn tortilla chips 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.
To make salsa: In medium bowl, combine avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chilies and red onion; toss to thoroughly mix. Add watermelon and toss gently. Set aside.
Watermelon Simple Syrup: 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 1 cup sugar Watermelon Juice: 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 1/2 cup water Margarita: lime wedges coarse salt ice 4 ounces silver tequila 4 ounces watermelon juice 2 ounces lime juice 1 ounce watermelon simple syrup Directions: To make watermelon simple syrup: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine watermelon and sugar. Use potato masher to mash watermelon and sugar together, pushing out liquid and dissolving sugar. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour mixture through fine mesh sieve set over bowl or jar, pressing watermelon to extract all liquid. Set aside to cool completely.
Over medium heat, heat beans until hot. Mash if preferred.
To make watermelon juice: In blender, combine watermelon and water. Blend until smooth then pour through fine mesh sieve set over bowl or jar.
Place chips on flat, oven-proof plate or cookie sheet and top with beans and cheese. Repeat layers as desired. Heat in oven 10 minutes, or until cheese has melted and chips are hot.
To assemble margaritas: use lime wedge to line rims of two glasses with juice. Dip glasses in coarse salt and carefully fill glasses with ice.
Top with salsa mixture and sour cream. Tip: Reserve some salsa to place in bowl for dipping.
Combine tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice and simple syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds, and pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with lime wedges. MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 17
Photo Op Run for the
WALL
The annual Run for the Wall, a cross-country motorcycle rally for veterans that ends at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., stops in Wentzville every year with a visit to the Wentzville Vietnam Memorial. Photographer Ray Rockwell has been there for the past few years to document the event. This year’s Run will stop in Wentzville on May 22-23. PHOTOS BY RAY ROCKWELL
18 | CROSSROADS | MAY 2017
Community Calendar
MAY 4 – National Day of Prayer 5 – Cinco de Mayo 6 – National Nurses Day 6 – Baby Kid Expo The 11th Annual Baby Kid Expo will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission. The Baby Kid Expo is the largest annual event held in the metro St. Louis area that’s specially designed to provide parents with a fun trade show atmosphere, while their kids enjoy an awesome day of fun and entertainment! The Baby Kid Expo is a place for parents to learn about things available in the community that they might not be familiar with otherwise. Over one hundred businesses will have information on recreation, education, health, camps, finance, home improvement and many unique products will be available for purchase. For more information about the Baby Kid Expo, please visit www.babykidexpo.com or call 1-866-654-EXPO (3976).
6 – Pancake breakfast Wentzville Rainbow Assembly #114 for Girls is sponsoring an allyou-can-eat pancake fundraiser breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at Troy Masonic Lodge at 611 Main St. in Troy. Advance tickets are $5 or $7 at the door. Children under three are free. Contact angie.dodson96@gmail.com for tickets or takeout orders. 6 – Market on Main opening day Market on Main opening day will take place at 210 E. Main Street in Winfield (at the intersection of Elm and Hwy 79/Main Street) from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Farmers and artisans market vendors include Penrod’s Meat, Argentville Dairy, J&L Farms, Brushy Creek Farms, Forever & Always Sweets and Treats and much more. If interested in being a vendor or sponsor, please email winfieldmarketonmain@gmail.com or call 636-668-8100. The market will operate on Saturday through October 28. 8 – Truman Day 14 – Mother’s Day 20 – Armed Forces Day 20 – Outdoor summer concert and movie Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band The Davis Twins and the movie “Sing,” the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. 25 – National Missing Children’s Day 29 – Memorial Day
MAY 2017 | CROSSROADS | 19
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