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Our Town Volume 11 | Number 1 JANUARY 2020 Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com
N THIS SSUE
Around Town
Delta Dental of Missouri launches online dental care resource guide to help Missourians in need and more.
Feature PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke PRODUCTION Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Charlotte Beard
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Reaching out to veterans The Creve-Coeur-based Kaufman Fund supports veterans and their families in times of need. By Charlotte Beard
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore does battle with an inflatable penguin while Avalanche begins a treacherous climb up an icy mountain.
Lifestyle 2020 Kia Soul appeals to a diverse customer base in Automobile Alley. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” will ignore 2016 reboot in Entertainment. Delicious seasonal dishes for a warm winter in For the Love of Food.
In Depth Special Spaces St. Louis creates dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer.
Events Calendar
Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted
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AroundTown
Dental care online Delta Dental of Missouri launches online dental care resource guide to help Missourians in need To help address unmet oral health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri, the state’s dental benefits leader and a non-profit organization, recently launched the first edition of its Dental Care Resource Guide. This new online directory, available at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1, aims to help Missourians, who are unF H able to afford dental care, easily A full service funeral home offering: access information about lowcost and free dental care options • Traditional & Nontraditional Services • Cremation Services available in their area. • Memorial Services The Dental Care Resource • Anatomical Donations Guide currently lists more than G • Prearranged Funeral Plans 100 provider locations offering low-cost dental care, as well N L B as nearly a dozen that provide S. A, M treatment completely free of colliers@colliersfuneralhome.com www.colliersfuneralhome.com charge to those who qualify. In the guide, provider locations are grouped in categories by geographical regions throughout the state. Services offered vary by provider location and can include dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, crowns, root canals, bridges, extractions, dentures and partial dentures. “Many of our neighbors in Missouri face tremendous challenges in getting vital dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “As a nonprofit, we’re committed to helping people in our communities live better lives through improved dental health. That’s why we created this guide to help those in need find low-cost or free We take care of your mind. care, to connect them with treatment Individual Counseling Family Counseling • Suicide Prevention options for dental issues.” Programming • Afterschool Services The low-cost and Federally QualiChanging lives and saving lives since 1860 • www.providentstl.org www.providentstl.org fied Health Center (FQHC) options
COLLIER’S
4 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
listed in the Dental Care Resource Guide provide dental services at a discounted rate or sliding fee scale for those with limited financial means. Free clinics and programs provide services at no cost and are made possible by volunteer dental care professionals. Residents utilizing the guide should always call the listed providers to ensure eligibility, availability of services and whether an appointment is required. Since transportation can be an access barrier, the Dental Care Resource Guide also provides a link to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website and its catalog of free or low-cost transportation services to assist Missourians with travel to and from medical appointments. To learn more about the Dental Care Resource Guide and access additional helpful oral health news and information, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com, or find the dental benefits leader on Facebook and Twitter @DeltaDentalMO.
AroundTown
Riding to fight cancer Pedal the Cause donates $4.74 million to St. Louis cancer research institutions The St. Louis community gathered last month for the Pedal the Cause Check Presentation Celebration at Ballpark Village as the organization unveiled their 2019 donation to fund critical cancer research - $4,743,422 to Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. 100 percent of this donation will fund the best and brightest ideas in adult and pediatric cancer research at our local research institutions. This record-breaking donation brings the total funds donated by Pedal the Cause over the last 10 years to $29,077,611. This money has funded 130 cancer research projects — including 98 adult and 32 pediatric projects. Funds donated by Pedal the Cause in 2019 will be distributed to the most promising research projects in 2020, as determined by each institution. This record-breaking $4.74 million donation was raised by 3,725 riders and spinners, 522 kids and over 1,107 volunteers who participated in the tenth annual Pedal the Cause – a cycling challenge and weekend community celebration with the goal of curing all cancers for everyone. Pedal the Cause 2019 took place on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. Participants continued to fundraise until Oct. 31. “On behalf of the entire Pedal the Cause community, we are honored to support best-in-class research at our world-class St. Louis beneficiaries, the Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital,” said Pedal the Cause Executive Director Jay Indovino. “These funds will stay in St. Louis and move the frontier forward in cancer research; supporting new treatments, cures and diagnostics for cancer patients here and around the world. We’ll keep riding our bikes and raising critical funds until we have a ‘world without cancer’.” “The support of the St. Louis community through Pedal the Cause has been vital to us as we advance discoveries and cures for the tens of thousands of patients at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids,” said BJC President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Liekweg. “This remarkable gift from Pedal the Cause will go to work immediately as we push towards a future without cancer and continue to lead the field as a top-tier research institution.” Currently, one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime. Even with major advances in treatment, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US. The generous support of sponsors, led by Edward Jones as the presenting sponsor, ensures that 100 percent of donations made to Pedal the Cause directly fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. With the support of more than 40,000 donors in 2019, Pedal the Cause is the region’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event.
JANUARY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
Artists for a Cause invites St. Louis to end hunger and support local dance One in every six individuals lives in poverty and struggles with hunger in the greater St. Louis region, including more than 172,000 children. Artists for a Cause (A4AC), a nonprofit that supports artists who serve community needs, is doing its part to help fight hunger in a unique way. After nine years of success with the Dance for Food program in Florida, A4AC will be hosting Dance for Food Jan. 22 and 26, 2020 at the Grandel Theatre. Dance for Food is a program designed to unite the dance community, rallying audiences to collect food for the hungry. Artistically directed by Linda Green, the Dance for Food program has hired many of Missouri’s finest dancers to showcase their talents to an audience whose only admission fee is a bag of unexpired, nonperishable goods. Each “food raiser” performance will include a range of choreography from five participating companies. In an effort to raise more food, there will be a competition between dance companies to see who can bring in more donations. Artists for a Cause is proud to partner with Operation Food Source and Food Outreach, two great organizations that will be the recipients of the food collected. New this year, Artist for a Cause is partnering with MADCO (Modern American Dance Company) as the fiscal sponsor for both Dance for Food events. Thanks to Dance for Food partners and support from the Bayer Foundation, these events will continue to feed the hungry in the St. Louis area. “Artists for a Cause is so proud to be partnering with MADCO this season, the fourth consecutive Dance for Food series in St Louis. Each year we strive to serve more community members who can see some of the best dance companies in the metro area, literally for beans! MADCO was an obvious choice as a partner because they are a clear leader in artistic excellence and also have a mission that is aligned with the work of Artists for a Cause.” Terry Barber, Artist for a Cause Executive Director and Founder. In a past triumph, Dance for Food raised more than 6,000 meals for families in a single performance, while offering an accessible cultural opportunity. The 2016 Florida series collected more than 5,000 pounds of food, which was distributed to those in need through charity food bank partners. To date, Dance for Food has raised more than 30,000 pounds of food. Dance for Food will be held at the Grandel Theatre on Jan. 22 and 26, 2020. On Jan. 22, a pre-show vocal performance will start at 7 p.m. with a 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. dance performance to follow. On Jan. 26, a pre-show vocal performance will start at 3 p.m. with a 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. dance performance. Companies involved include: MADCO 2, Ashleyliane Dance Company, WUDance Collective, Tour Dance of Turning Point Academy of Dance, Midwest Ballet Theatre, Beyond Measure Dance Theater, Convergence, Pazazz Performers of St. Louis Academy of Dance, and Grand Center Arts Academy. 6 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
Coats for vets Helping veterans in need with winter clothing
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Dancing for a good cause
Veterans receive coats at the Winter Coat Program, a collaboration between The Kaufman Fund and St. Patrick Center.
Veterans Day, Nov. 11, was cold and snowy this year. But inside St. Patrick Center, The Kaufman Fund honored our nation’s veterans with warm winter clothing. In partnership with St. Patrick Center and St. Louis Rotary Club 11 they distributed winter coats, hats and gloves to 100 needy veterans. The Kaufman Fund is a local nonprofit that supports veterans and children, in our community, who are “at risk for basic needs.” This 100 percent volunteer organization, with no paid employees, helps veterans with dental, legal and mental health programs plus Trees for Vets, which provides 300 Christmas trees each year to deserving veteran families to brighten their holidays. These programs are a way of saying “thank you” to those that have served our country in peacetime and war. The Kaufman Fund also supports over 20 local nonprofits that help us fulfill this mission. The Winter Coat Program, in its third year, is a great collaboration between The Kaufman Fund and St. Patrick Center, with individual case managers from St. Patrick Center identifying and working with the veterans to ensure they receive the clothing. St. Patrick Center has been a valuable partner of The Kaufman Fund for several years with both organizations doing other events and programs during the year to benefit veterans’ welfare. The Kaufman Fund was founded in 1990 and in the past 30 years has raised and help distribute over $1.5 million. It is through the many volunteers and donors that support us, that we are able to make a difference in veterans’ lives, touching over 600 veterans each year. If you would like to volunteer, please visit www.TheKaufmanFund.org to learn more about us and how you can help. If you know a veteran who is in need of help, please contact 314-753-8355.
AroundTown
Improving infrastructure St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2020 Priority Projects list focuses on I-270 in St. Louis County The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCOG) Board of Directors last month unanimously endorsed the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2020 Multimodal Transportation Priority Projects List, a valuable tool used by the St. Louis Regional Freightway to advocate for support and funding for infrastructure improvements. The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), generated 384 million tons of freight in 2016, ranking it first among Midwest peer cities along the Mississippi River Basin and highlighting the importance of investment to modernize the region’s freight infrastructure. Representing the infrastructure needs of the manufacturing and logistics industries, the updated list for 2020 reveals that eight of the 20 projects on the list have advanced to various stages of construction. Collectively, those eight projects represent an investment of more than $830 million in the region’s freight network, with an emphasis on enhancing key bridges and interstates utilized by the trucking industry, which moves more than 200 million tons of freight through the region annually. “Each of the priority projects identified on the 2020 list is important at the individual level, but collectively, they are essential to the continued growth of the St. Louis region as a global freight hub,” said Jim Wild, Executive Director of East-West Gateway Council of Governments. “I salute our board of directors for their bi-state leadership in recognizing the benefits of having a priority list like this and uniting in support of it.” “The Freightway’s ability to continue to build consensus around the top transportation infrastructure priorities remains a key accomplishment of the organization as it works to grow the $6 billion in goods traveling through the St. Louis area by road, rail, river and runway,” said Mike McCarthy, president of Terminal Railroad Association (TRRA) of St. Louis and Chairman of the Freight Development Committee, which compiles the priority projects list annually. “With more than 50 percent of all freight volume generated in the St. Louis region moving by truck, and 25 percent of it moving internally putting additional stress on our region’s roads and bridges, it’s clear the priority projects on this list truly reflect the real needs of the bi-state area.” Among the priority projects funded and under construction are the Interstate 270 corridor improvements in north St. Louis County and Madison County, Illinois; where nearly $500 million is being invested. A combination of state and federal funding is supporting these and various other projects on the list. Meanwhile, work is also underway on the $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge, thanks to funding from Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, which owns the structure. The Freight Development Committee is a nationally recognized model of partnership and productive collaboration between the
Among the priority projects funded and under construction are the Interstate 270 corridor improvements in north St. Louis County.
public and private sector across the eight-county area the St. Louis Regional Freightway serves, and it has driven the success in regional project prioritization. Business and industry leaders work directly with local and state officials and DOT’s to set infrastructure priorities by helping them to understand how infrastructure and efficiency impacts on-time delivery and costs. The updated list groups the projects into three categories, based on where they are in the planning, funding and construction cycle. Following is a summary of the 2020 priority projects, with the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s highest priorities underlined. More details on each of these projects and the various parties involved in compiling the 2020 Priority Projects list can be found at www.thefreightway.com/about/plans/.
JANUARY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 7
Reaching out to veterans SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The Creve-Coeur-based Kaufman Fund supports veterans and their families in times of need BY CHARLOTTE BEARD The city of Creve Coeur is home to a nonprofit that has been supporting veterans and their families for 30 years now. The Kaufman Fund (TKF) was founded by Wayne Kaufman in honor of his late brother, Ralph Kaufman who served in the Air Force for four years. During his veteran years, Ralph was known for volunteering and presiding over many charitable organizations. Wayne Kaufman, a Vietnam veteran, has found a way to memorialize his brother’s giving spirit through the efforts of TKF. The fund has raised and distributed over a million dollars for veteran causes. The Kaufman Fund, which consists of four executive board members and an advisory board, does not receive pay from any funds they raise. With the help of many volunteers for its events, the fund has supported over 100 local veterans and children’s charities in a host of ways. A few of the charities they have funded are: Visions for Vets, UMSL Veteran Programs, FOCUS Marines Foundation, and Fisher House at the Jefferson Barracks Campus of the St. Louis VA Medical Center. The organization funds organizations that support veterans in the way of housing, clothing, PTSD support, as well as the furtherance of their programs to provide dental help, legal re8 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
sources and mental health treatment. TKF states that unless a veteran is 100 percent disabled, they are not entitled to dental care from the Veterans Administration. To remedy this problem the fund partners with a group of St. Louis dentists and the Dental Life Network to provide pro bono dental services. Alan Epstein, a TKF associate stated, “Through our dental program, now in its third year, we have helped approximately 50 veterans annually through our own volunteer dentists. So that’s about 150 cases in the three years.” TKF further states, “Across the entirety of the statewide program, volunteers donated $9.16 in care for every dollar spent supporting contributed services during their fiscal year that ended on June 30. While the volunteer dentists and many of the dental laboratories donate their services, we must raise funds to support their efforts. Expenses include the cost of the coordinator, lab reimbursements when we cannot find labs to donate, office supplies, etc.” Another beneficial program is the fund’s Legal Referral Program which provides free or low cost legal assistance for veterans in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County for non-violent crimes. “We have about 40 volunteer attorneys now in the pro-
gram,” stated Epstein. “We are in a big need for more attorneys. Since the program’s inception in November 2017, 168 veterans have sought legal services through The Kaufman Fund.” Last year, TKF added another program to its list of service support. Its Mental Health Collaborative is a partnership between The Kaufman Fund, the Veterans Administration (VA) and five mental health service organizations. The program was created to improve access to clinical services and mental health needs for veterans and their families. The five agencies that are part of the collaboration providing services and expand mental health access are: Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, Missouri Veterans Endeavor, Provident Behavioral Health, and St. Louis Counseling (formerly Catholic Family Services). Epstein shared, “The program is only six months old and we are still working on better coordination with the VA and the five social services organizations. This is a pilot program with the VA here in St Louis and they are trying to change the procedures somewhat so that we can coordinate our services better with them. We have registered about a dozen veterans through our emergency services provided by Missouri Veterans Endeavor.” One special holiday that TKF has used to make a yearly impact is Christmas. Since December 2014 the Fund has distributed over 2,000 to trees to families as part of their campaign called Trees for Vets. This past Christmas they worked with St Patrick Center, UMSL, USO, Catholic Charities, several reserve units and others to obtain the names of veterans to receive trees. “We gave away 330 trees to veterans in need,” stated Epstein, “and those we wanted to just thank for their service to help them have a better Christmas with their families. Part of the money that we raise from sponsors is used for giving coats to the St. Patrick Center and the veterans there who need warm (coats) for the winter.” Epstein shared that TKF gave away 100 coats, 100 hats, and 100 pairs of gloves to St. Patrick Center. In addition to monetary donations TKF receives, the funds are primarily attained by way of fundraisers. This year will be the sixth year that the CP Charities Poker Tournament/Casino Night will kick off their fundraising efforts. The casino night is hosted by Casino Patron (CP) Charities. CP Charities is a 501c3 organization that collects donations from within the casino industry to help support local charities. The event normally takes place in May; more details can be found on TKF’s website. The next fundraiser, The Ralph Kaufman Memorial Golf Tournament, is held annually in late summer. The fundraiser has been TKF’s main fundraiser for over 20 years and Whitmoor Country Club has hosted the tournament for the past five years. The event has consisted of lunch followed by golf and a conclusion of wine tasting, an open bar and dinner auction. “Our biggest fundraiser of the year is the golf tournament,” stated Epstein. “We had phenomenal success from sponsorships, the 132 golfers, and the auction items. We raised more money than we have any other year to give to deserving charities.” To donate, volunteer, receive assistance or learn more about the upcoming fundraisers, visit www.thekaufmanfund.org. You may also call 314-753-8355. To see a complete list of the charities TKF supports visit https://www.thekaufmanfund.org/get-help. The Kaufmann Fund supports various events like Christmas tree distribution and winter coat hand out.
JANUARY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 9
OurThoughts
Revived MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
January is the time to review, restart and renew…as in renewing friendships. Hmmm, that must have been on our next door neighbor’s minds too. The Pilkinson’s invited us over for their annual neighborhood night of New Year’s games and snacks. Things had been kind of edgy between us since my husband insulted their Christmas decorations. Last year, they left their lights up a bit too long for his liking – June to be exact. His observation didn’t go over well. As Mr. Pilkinson was putting them up again this year my husband made the comment, “Hey, didn’t you just take those down? Should have waited a few more days and saved yourself the trouble.” He got an icy glare and we didn’t receive the annual fruitcake they usually send over….so not a total loss. Things were
tense enough, but the clincher happened one windy night. Their giant blow up Christmas penguin became detached and drifted over into our yard. My husband saw it tangled in one of our bushes and dug it out with a steel rake. “What are you doing?!” I cried. “That’s going to ruin the poor thing.” He stared at me with a glazed maniacal look and said, “Whoever puts penguins up for Christmas? It’s sacrilege!” “That’s just mean. What’s the Christian thing to do?” “If he puts an inflatable Jesus up, I might let it stay.” When Pilkinson asked him if he’d seen a penguin lately, he suggested he try the North Pole. Not good. The day arrived for the neighborhood party. I reminded my husband over his bowl of cereal. Who knew Cheerios could spew out of nose holes? He began violently coughing and said, “I’m not feeling well. You’ll have to go without me.” “It’s probably because you’ve got cereal remnants jammed into your sinuses. Go lie down and let them drain.” Soon the time came when we needed to go. He said, “You know how bad I want to go, but I think there’s a Cheerio wedged under my epiglottis.” I could have sworn his nose grew three inches more. “Okay, but you’re going to miss out on fruitcake and charades.” “My complete loss, send my regards.” After a rousing game of charades the snacks were served. I gave my husband a call to check on him. “How’s it going?” He tried to fake a cough, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the cheering crowd in the background, “Touchdown!” “Wedged epiglottis my eye,” I said. “Just for that I’m bringing you home the leftover fruitcake!”
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.
10 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
The Climb: Part I
I awaken at 2:30 a.m., crawl out of the sleeping bag and stumble my way out from under the tarp into the silent mountain basin. The harsh landscape is starkly illuminated by the moon, now a couple days past full. The ever-present wind is just a light breeze. I ponder my next action; a storm is approaching soon. If I am going to climb, this is the day. The warm sleeping bag beckons, as the previous days’ hiking to this spot left me tired and sore - a rest day is quite appealing. Knowing that this is my one and only opportunity to make it up my objective, I brew up a cup of coffee while gathering my climbing gear. I’m on the trail in less than an hour, and hike slowly, making my way around numerous small streams and all manner of scattered boulders - many larger than houses reminders of the forces that carved this sublime landscape. The first mile gains elevation gradually, then the way becomes steep, the footing more unstable. A bit over an hour after leaving camp, I drop my pack and begin gearing up for the climb. On goes the gear: helmet with headlamp, climbing harness, crampons, gloves (on leashes) and ice tools. Food goes in pockets; the drinking tube is easy to access. I fidget with the gear on my harness, and once satisfied, make sure the rope is positioned in my pack for easy access. Pack is leashed onto the harness, and it’s time to go. I send a satellite text message to Staci which simply states, “Climbing.” I see some fresh avalanche debris to-
ward the bottom of the couloir I’m ascending, and consider aborting this mission. I’ve made it further than I have in many years; at one point my health was so poor that I needed assistance to simply drive to the trailhead. The fact that I’ve hiked in this far and managed to stay functional should be enough of an accomplishment. Maybe a little further up, then I’ll turn around. I climb a couple hundred feet up the grade; the snow is about one ice toollength deep. I’m at the avalanche debris, and can see it was not a big slide, merely some snow that sloughed off some nearby rocks. My goal now is to make it up to the bottom of a steep, icy gully that branches off from this main chute, and then turn around. I’m in a rhythm now, step - step, then plant – plant the ice tools. Mostly I’m still grasping the heads of the tools, and sinking the shaft vertically into the knee-deep snow. Everything is going well as I make my way gradually up the pitch. I arrive at the gully intersection, and choose the steeper terrain, and climb up a little further. The snow isn’t very deep here, and the grade is considerable steeper. In some places the snow is windswept off the ice, while just feet away it is knee-deep. Progress slows, and I’m now swinging the tools, sinking the tool picks into the ice below the shallow snow. Rhythm switches to plant – step, plant – step. I’m a couple hundred feet up the steep section, and it’s now all ice climbing, with little snow for cushion. Half-way up the icy part, there’s a small
rock outcropping that makes a nice seated rest, the only one for the whole length of this climb. I gladly traverse my way over to it, sit down, catch my breath, and suddenly realize how far up I’ve come. I grab some snacks out of my pockets and look around. I can see some of the surrounding peaks, though my view is limited deep in the gully. I notice that the approach to the pass across the basin has melted out since the last time I was here. A small glacier to the west, never large, is nearly gone now. The spot where I am has almost as much ice and snow as it did twenty years ago, as this gully gets almost no direct sun at any time of the year. Moonlight is turning to daylight. I turn my headlamp off and take stock of my situation. I’m tired, my forearms are burning from grasping the tools, and I’m beginning to get chilled. The climb continues to get steeper and icier up above. Before long, the sun will hit the rocks and ice above this gully, bringing high-velocity debris down this chute, with nowhere to hide. Only one-third of the climb remains – the hardest part. I make sure my gear is sorted out, take a few deep breaths, grab the tools, and resume climbing.
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.
JANUARY 2020
| OUR TOWN | 11
OurLifestyle
2020 KIA SOUL
appeals to a diverse customer base Now in its third generation, the urban runabout 2020 Kia Soul, four-door sub compact crossover still appears to be attracting buyers of all ages. Its modern design theme is certainly geared towards a more diverse customer base. The vehicle’s iconic shape and footprint further helps to support that there honestly isn’t any other five passenger vehicle that has the signature and silhouette as does the distinctive Soul. Furthermore, it appears that much of its design element really hasn’t been altered that radically, since the car’s original conception back in 2009. On the other hand, the newest version does have an upgraded body design from end-to-end. This includes a revised contemporary style front end assembly with unique slim design lighting and pronounced grill housing. Additionally, new side body stamping’s for the doors include attractive crease lines and are coupled with a “Soul badging garnish” which is now promptly positioned on the side ”C” pillar’s towards the rear. The back tailgate area has been revised as well. It has larger and more distinctive threedimensional wraparound boomerangshaped taillights. When open, the rear cargo hatch is large enough to help in loading your personal gear or groceries with ease. Cargo carrying capabilities aren’t overwhelming; however, for this size vehicle, it’s certainly satisfactory. When it comes to reliability and craftsmanship within this crossover’s attractive price-point ($18,485/base model), Soul tends to be at the top of its category. Also 12 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
worth mentioning, owner brand loyalty is quite high, based on the overall ownership experience and a positive take away from previous owners. Offered with a fairly large trim selection to choose from, the factory makes available their normally aspirated four cylinder models, plus they’re optional turbocharged versions. With six trim levels in their line-up, this includes their entry level LX version, their S model, X-Line, GT-Line, EX premium model plus the all-new Soul EV (plug-in electric). Kia Motors has raised the bar with new and advanced rolling technologies as well as enhanced safety features with the ‘20 version. For instance, now available is a 10.25-inch wide display information screen as well as they’re optional Head’s-Up digital windshield display, engineered to assist the driver with various driving input while still keeping your eyes focused on the road ahead. The base engine is their 2.0-liter four cylinder. It has fairly decent power and is rated at 147-horsepower. For the driver wanting more acceleration, Kia builds their GT-Line with a 1.6-liter turbo that produces 201-horsepower and also comes with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Combined (city/highway) fuel economy numbers range from 27-MPG, to 30-MPG, depending on engine, trim and transmission selected. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is offered as well as their six-speed manual, as it depends on the model. The car’s technologically advanced cock-
pit is designed and engineered to provide a pleasant and roomy driving experience however, in spite of the fact it’s classified to be suited for five, more realistically, four adults will find it more alluring. With an emotional visualization, Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience. At roadtest, the 2020 Soul X-line I drove had an MSRP of $22,615. That included the factory’s $995 freight charges. The base warranty is for five years/60,000 miles. Soul is frequently cross shopped with the Nissan Kicks, Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona.
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.
OurLifestyle
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ will ignore 2016 reboot
Thirty-five years ago, “Ghostbusters” arrived in theaters and became a permanent part of the pop culture landscape. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the script, which focused on three scientists investigating the paranormal. They channeled their scientific talents into capturing and containing New York City’s ghosts for profit. A sequel, “Ghostbusters II” arrived five years later, but it lacked some of the spirit of the original. In 2020, the franchise will return with “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” a reboot that pays homage to the late Harold Ramis and his character, Egon Spengler. A trailer for the film dropped recently that shows Egon’s family learning the truth about his past. They use his technology, including the proton packs, to fight off a new batch of spirits in a small town. Paul Rudd, star of Marvel’s “Ant-Man” franchise, appears in the trailer as a teacher. A prolific writer, Dan Aykroyd conceived the original 1980’s comedy as a vehicle for John Belushi and himself. After Belushi’s untimely death in 1982, Bill Murray, Ramis and Aykroyd slipped on the jumpsuits and proton packs to battle those “pesky poltergeists.” Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver rounded out the cast and Annie Potts was memorable as Janine Melnitz, the acerbic receptionist for the Ghostbusters. Arguably, “Afterlife” could be the sequel that fans of the franchise have been waiting to see. Unfortunately, news of the reboot isn’t sitting well with some people. Jason and Ivan Reitman announced earlier this year that they would ignore 2016’s female-centric “Ghostbusters” and instead build on the storylines and characters from the 1980’s films. Most of the original cast will be back for this one as well.
Leslie Jones, who played Ghostbuster Patty Tolan in director Paul Feig’s version, voiced her displeasure on Twitter calling the snub an insult to the work that she, Feig, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon did in 2016. I saw that version while it was in theaters and was disappointed that Feig wasted the opportunity he had with four talented comedic stars. Bad writing and direction caused that one to fail critically and financially. Feig also forgot some of the lessons from the 1984 original. When you cast Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as a vapid pretty boy receptionist, it’s a waste of talent. Annie Potts’ banter with Billy Murray in the original “Ghostbusters” was wildly funny, so why not utilize Mr. Hemsworth in the same way? “Avengers: Endgame” showed how truly funny Hemsworth can be on screen. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” could become one of the major hits of the 2020 summer movie season. The trailer gives off a “Stranger Things” vibe and speaks to fans of all ages. Here’s hoping it is as good as it looks.
BY STEVE BRYAN
Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters. JANUARY 2020
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OurLifestyle
s A Grape Sensation
Delicious seasonal dishes for a warm winter
B
y incorporating versatile ingredients into your cooking, you can make a vast array of tasty seasonal goodies. For example, California grapes are abundant throughout the winter season and add taste and visual appeal to dishes of all kinds, such as Seared Salmon with Spinach and Grapes, Grape Caprese Salad Hors d’ Oeuvres, Grapes in Rosé Wine Sauce and Wild Rice Stuffing with Grapes and Hazelnuts. Plus, they’re an easy, fresh, healthy snack to keep on-hand for hungry guests waiting for the meal. With their natural beauty, grapes can also be used to create tablescapes and centerpieces for festive settings. Find more recipe inspiration at grapesfromcalifornia.com. 14 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
Seared Salmon with Spinach and Grapes Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 salmon steaks or fillets (6 ounces each) 2 teaspoons honey 3 teaspoons olive oil 1 large bunch spinach,
Servings: 4 washed and stemmed 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups red California seedless grapes, halved 1/2 cup dry red wine
Directions: Heat oven to 325 F.
and bake 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through.
In small bowl, combine salt, mustard, thyme and pepper. Drizzle salmon fillets with honey and sprinkle with seasoning. Reserve any remaining seasoning.
In skillet used to brown salmon, over mediumhigh heat saute grapes 1 minute. Add wine, bring to boil and reduce quantity by half. Season sauce to taste with remaining herb mixture.
In nonstick skillet or saute pan, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil. Brown both sides of salmon fillets over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes per side.
Serve salmon on wilted spinach topped with grape and wine sauce.
In baking dish, toss spinach and garlic with remaining olive oil. Place browned salmon on bed of spinach, cover loosely with aluminum foil
Nutritional information per serving: 449 calories; 36 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 23 g fat; 45% calories from fat; 4.3 g saturated fat; 9% calories from saturated fat; 100 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 1,120 mg potassium; 1.6 g fiber.
OurLifestyle
Grape Caprese Salad Hors d’ Oeuvres Servings: 24
Ingredients: 24 decorative bamboo skewers 24 red seedless California grapes 24 fresh basil leaves
24 small, fresh mozzarella balls Extra-virgin olive oil
high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar freshly ground black pepper sea salt
Directions: On serving plate or platter, drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as desired. Sprinkle with pepper. To assemble skewers: On each skewer, add one red grape, one small basil leaf and one ball fresh mozzarella. Lay skewers on serving platter and sprinkle with dash of sea salt. Nutritional information per serving: 44 calories; 2.5 g protein; 1 g carbohydrates; 3 g fat; 64% calories from fat; 11 mg cholesterol; 20 mg sodium; .07 g fiber.
Wild Rice Stuffing with Grapes and Hazelnuts Servings: 12
Ingredients: 2 cans (28 fluid ounces total) lowsodium chicken broth 1 cup wild rice 4 slices bacon, diced 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted 1 large onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 2 cups California seedless grapes, picked from stem and rinsed
Directions: In heavy saucepan, bring chicken broth to boil. Add wild rice and stir. Cover pan and reduce heat to low. Let simmer 1 hour until rice is tender and has popped open.
Remove from heat and fold in parsley, hazelnuts and grapes.
In frying pan over medium heat, cook bacon until almost crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
Nutritional information per serving: 166 calories; 5.4 g protein; 21 g carbohydrates; 8 g fat; 40% calories from fat; 1.4 g saturated fat; 8% calories from saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 126 mg sodium; 2.6 g fiber.
Add butter to bacon pan then add onions, celery, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add rice with any remaining liquid to frying pan and toss well to combine.
Grapes in RosĂŠ Wine Sauce Servings: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rosĂŠ wine 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 vanilla bean, split 1 pinch salt 3 cups halved red, green or black California grapes Directions: In large skillet, bring wine, sugar, vanilla bean and salt to boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Stir in grapes and let cool. Serving suggestion: Pour warm grapes over creme fraiche or vanilla ice cream. Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 0 g protein; 49 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 1 g fiber. JANUARY 2020
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InDepth
Making special spaces Special Spaces St. Louis client Harper Corley gets to see her bedroom makeover.
Special Spaces St. Louis creates dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
Most would agree that people are most charitable during the holiday season. However, there are members of the community that make being charitable a year-round mission. GreatNonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofits, reported Special Spaces, a national nonprofit headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, as one of the top rated nonprofits in 2013 and it has had a presence in St. Louis since 2016 under the leadership of Co-Directors, Teresa Vannoy Hutton and Keelyn Schwegel. Special Spaces St. Louis creates dream bedroom makeovers for dependent children ages two-through-19 with cancer who are within one
16 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2020
year of treatment. The chapter has completed 50 makeovers. In cases where there is a question of the child’s stage of treatments, the organization works with parents. Hutton stated that initially the chapter was providing bedroom makeovers for children with any life-threatening illness. Starting in January 2020 their focus will solely be on children with cancer. She stated that 99 percent of the referrals they have received have been cancer patients. The official Missouri chapter, currently referred to as the St. Louis chapter, has been functioning for nine years, originally under leadership in Troy, Missouri. Hutton, a St. Louis resident,
InDepth started volunteering with the organization eight years ago and shares that she has been involved in every bedroom makeover since that time. Hutton and Keelyn Schwegel, who also started as a volunteer with Hutton, took over the chapter in October 2016 when the previous director had to give it up due to other commitments. The Special Spaces St. Louis team also includes two designers, two contractors, one on-site bedroom assistant, and Hutton’s 18-year-old son, whom she shared has volunteered for every project since he was 13. “We are all volunteers – none of us are paid,” stated Hutton. “The money that we earn and the donations that we get stay with our (St. Louis) chapter. National is (available) to help us with any legal issues and advice but not financially.” Often a challenge for nonprofits, Hutton reports that she is pleased the chapter has money in its savings account. In addition to funds from donors, Special Spaces conducts an annual fundraiser, Rolling for Rooms – a casino night. According to Hutton, the annual fundraiser is their largest source of income. In the past, the chapter solely depended on corporate donations to determine the frequency of their bedroom makeovers. The fundraisers help Special Spaces to accomplish more. “The Association of Legal Administrators (is) how we got started,” stated Hutton. “They sponsored a room. A company pays for the room and they bring volunteers on board to help us the day of the makeover.” Hutton says this coming year they hope to increase attendance of Rolling for Rooms to 250. The event takes place yearly in April and is currently in the planning phase for April 4, 2020. Special Spaces St. Louis, along with the other 12 chapters in the United States, focuses on two primary concerns when completing at-home bedroom makeovers to aid in the recovery of the children they serve – color and environment. The national nonprofit researched psychological studies on how certain colors affect the production of some hormones, which in turn affects various physiological processes. These changes are reported to have a direct correlation to a person’s thoughts, moods and behavior. Special Spaces believes in using the colors that make the benefactors of the bedrooms happy. For as their environment, the organization believes that when children return home from the hospital the one thing that can be changed is their bedroom. Because it is the primary place the child will spend their time before assimilating back into normal activities, the child can help create their “dream bedroom” or “special space” by sharing their imagination for what they envision. Officially the chapter serves St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles, select areas of Washington, Franklin, Warren, Lincoln, Monroe (Illinois), and Saint Clair (Illinois). However, how far the nonprofit travels in Missouri for projects is done on a case by case basis. Hutton shared that they have travelled as far as Rolla. In the words of one of the chapter’s designers, “Cancer doesn’t have an address.” Hutton stated that she works with child life specialists at Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon who provide referrals to Special Spaces St. Louis. They also receive referrals via social media and other direct referrals, such as fellow parents of chil-
dren with cancer. The application process for determining the qualifications for a bedroom makeover is available on the Special Spaces website. Parents can inquire about a makeover for their child at https://specialspaces.org/missouri-chapters. All requests are reviewed by the Child Sourcing Committee. The applications are subject to a family interview, a medical verification and volunteer/sponsorship availability. The approval process can take six to eight weeks. After Special Spaces St. Louis receives final approval from the headquarters in Tennessee, the designers visit the child and family for an interview to assess favorable colors, optional themes, get bedroom measurements, and other applicable needs. The next step is to shop for the makeover needs not limited to furniture, any wall décor, accessories and paint. “Typically, we do floor to ceiling,” stated Hutton. “If the family wants new (bedroom) flooring, we’ll get them new flooring. If the family rents (their home) we (must) get the landlord’s approval to do the room.” Hutton also shared that some projects have involved ceiling repairs. All bedroom projects and bedroom reveals are completed in one day after a date has been determined to complete the project. The Special Spaces team and outside volunteers typically arrive at the site at 8 a.m. Hutton stated that the earliest they have ever done a reveal was 5 p.m. On occasion the required work has delayed a reveal until 7 p.m. “It makes for a great day, especially when companies come and work together all day and they are a team,” stated Hutton. When asked why she continues to champion the cause of Special Spaces, Hutton stated, “Once you go to a room it is sort of addicting just to see the smile on the child’s face and the smiles of the family.” For more information about Special Spaces St. Louis or to donate visit https://specialspaces.org/missouri-chapters. The chapter can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialspacesstl. To contact Teresa Vannoy Hutton directly, email Teresa@specialspaces.org.
JANUARY 2020
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2020
BIGSTOCK