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2 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
Our Town Volume 9 | Number 12 DECEMBER 2018
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
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
For advertising information, please contact us at:
info@mycnews.com or
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com
N THIS SSUE
Around Town
Creve Coeur City Administrator announces resignation and more.
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore does some online Christmas shopping while Avalanche considers the ups and downs of the housing market.
Feature A stocking-full of holiday events Celebrate the holiday season out and about in the St. Louis region throughout the month of December. By Charlotte Beard
NonProfit Profile The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program is helping veterans in need.
Lifestyle The Lexus RX350L stretches out in the luxury crossover SUV market in Automobile Alley. “Fantastic Beasts” sequel is more magic for Harry Potter fans in Entertainment. Simple sides for holiday entertaining in For the Love of Food.
In Depth The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in downtown St. Louis, reopens after a $30 million revitalization project.
Events Calendar
Copyright 2018 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
4 7 9
12 13 17 19
AroundTown
Moving on Creve Coeur City Administrator announces resignation Mark Perkins, City Administrator for the City of Creve Coeur, has announced his resignation to become Town Manager of Paradise Valley, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. “The decision to leave Creve Coeur is a difficult one, but Paradise Valley represents a new challenge for me in another great community,” said Perkins. “It will also allow me to be close to family who live in Arizona and California, and my daughter and son-in-law will also soon be moving west to Colorado.” Perkins added, “I have been truly blessed and honored to work with an outstanding staff, dedicated elected officials and engaged citizens for these many years in Creve Coeur. I have also been fortunate to work with so many outstanding city administrators and other regional leaders throughout the St. Louis area.”
Perkins will begin work in Paradise Valley in January, and will remain in his current role in Creve Coeur until then. The Creve Coeur City Council scheduled a special work session to discuss plans for filling the vacancy. “I would like to thank Mark Perkins for his 19 years of service to the city of Creve Coeur. His proactive management style has contributed, immeasurably, to the stability and betterment of our community,” said Mayor Barry Glantz. “Mr. Perkins’ expertise and guidance will be greatly missed – and finding an equally qualified candidate to fill this highly specialized position is a task to which the city council and I will devote our immediate time and attention. “
Chouteau Greenway Design competition complete Great Rivers Greenway and partners have completed the final phase of the Chouteau Greenway International Design Competition, a one-year public-private partnership to imagine a greenway focused on connectivity, economic opportunity, equity and sustainability in the city of St. Louis. A report published at www.ChouteauGreenway.org details additions and refinements to the original conceptual plan submitted by the Stoss Landscape Urbanism team in April. The next phase of planning includes multiple engagement
4 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
opportunities such as recruiting additional neighborhood representation, gathering input on the engagement plan itself and a community event in February. The report shares a new mission/vision statement, “Chouteau Greenway will transform St. Louis by connecting people and our city’s most treasured places, creating inspiring experiences and equitable opportunities for growth.” More than just a free, accessible trail where people can exercise, commute or explore, the project’s goals include offering an exceptional experience to residents and tourists alike. The greenway aims to create dynamic, active spaces and serve as a regional gathering place that encourages collaboration and boosts civic pride. Beyond the Community Advisory Committee formed last fall, Great Rivers Greenway now seeks six additional residents to ensure that each neighborhood in the areas to be studied is represented. Residents of Carr Square, Covenant Blu-Grand Center, Greater Ville, Jeff VanderLou, St. Louis Place and Tiffany neighborhoods are invited to sign up. Additionally, an Artists of Color Council was formed in July through an open call, which resulted in eight artists being hired to advise the local art and engagement components of the project. “Chouteau Greenway is all about bringing people together to think differently about St. Louis,” said Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “This process will have many voices working together to ultimately connect our city, creating opportunities for economic growth in an equitable way.” The Stoss team will be collaborating with local consultant Vector Communications for Great Rivers Greenway’s civic engagement on the project. Anyone who lives, works, plays, learns or visits the area of the future Chouteau Greenway is invited to engage with the project in multiple ways, including subscribing for email or text updates and attending a series of community events, the first of which is set for Feb. 5, 2019. Future events and opportunities to review the plans will follow throughout spring and summer of 2019. Details and sign-ups for all of those efforts, plus the end of the competition report, are available at www.ChouteauGreenway.org or by calling 314-436-7009.
AroundTown
Cooking for a cause
Advertorial
275 guests brave the snow to support local food pantry
The RVer who came in from the cold
SUBMITTED PHOTO
BY RUSS PATTON
Despite freezing temperatures and five inches of snow, 275 community members flocked to the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac on Nov. 15 to watch the Top Pantry Chef live cook-off. The cook-off featured Chef Qui Tran of Nudo, Executive Chef Chip Bates of Café Napoli, and Chef Brad Hartman of Senior Services Plus who used ordinary ingredients from the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry to create extraordinary dishes for a panel of judges. At the end of the night, Chef Qui Tran of Nudo and Mai Lee was crowned Top Pantry Chef Champion! The competition was led by MCs John Carney of KTRS Radio and Carolyn Chivetta of Roth from 6 – 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry located in Creve Coeur. Each month, the pantry feeds approximately 6,500 low-income individuals living in the St. Louis region. Of these individuals served, over 40 percent are children. “A good food pantry isn’t just about food. It’s about dignity. It’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable, safe and appreciated. It’s about offering additional assistance such as health screenings, nutrition education, and referrals to community resources. It’s about supporting people in need to meet their challenges,” Judy Berkowitz, Director of the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
Most RVers in December are heading south or storing their RV, but not Adrienne. She is heading for Harmonie State Park in Indiana. Piddle here, piddle there, but finally at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 she’s off. Her first stop is at Quality Times RV Park in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. So far, so good except she couldn’t get hot water. She calls service in the morning. How many ways can you turn three bypass valves until you get hot water? She continues down Highway 64 from Mt. Vernon and turns south at Carmi following the banks of the Wabash River toward New Harmony. New Harmony is one of those places that was out of the way a hundred years ago and is still out of the way. But people find it and pay tribute to its charm and uniqueness. Harmonie State Park is still open. Hiking trails are the attraction for Adrienne. In the evening she listens to CDs until the batteries die in the second act of “Carmen!” She calls to report that the weather is OK, but a little cloudy and the house battery is dead. Sunday night the rain starts and continues for 14 hours. When she calls I comment “you are lucky it isn’t snow.” She replies: “I know. It’s cold here and the campground is almost flooded. I better get out of here before everything turns to ice.” But she did find the kill switch for the house battery. The weather gets worse. I can imagine the tenseness of driving through snow driven by 40 mph winds and a wind chill of zero degrees. She calls. “I’m 27 miles from St. Louis according to the last sign. I didn’t stop over in Mt. Vernon. The motorhome is warm inside, except when I switch from heat to defrost. Then my feet get cold. I am at a rest area. I should be home in about an hour.” I felt like the guy in the light house trying to coax a ship to shore during a storm, except I got no light! About 7:05 p.m. on the longest day, the Fourwinds creeps down our narrow Kirkwood street. Adrienne deftly backs into grandma’s level driveway and just sits in the driver’s seat letting the adrenaline bleed off. I approach the motorhome, “Have a nice trip?” She replies, “Yeah, let’s go in and see mom and I’ll tell you all about it.” “Mom” has traveled through 47 states since the 1950s in their 1954 Byerly trailer. The two veteran RVers talk about the adventure like it was just another trip. As for me, I was glad the ordeal was over, and I didn’t even go! RVs create memories, some more vivid than others. Create your own memories in an RV from Byerly in Eureka, Missouri. Follow us on Facebook and check us out at www.byerlyrv.com or call 636-938-2000.
e th th Wor ive Dr
Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
DECEMBER 2018 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
High honor Creve Coeur Director of Public Works Receives the 2018 Missouri American Public Works Association Public Works Leader of the Year Award Creve Coeur Director of Public Works, Jim Heines, was named the 2018 recipient of the Missouri American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Leader of the Year Award. The award was presented to Heines at the Missouri APWA Fall Conference on Nov. 5. The annual award recognizes outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, from both the public and private sectors, focusing on the individual’s career service rather than a single project. Heines began his career in public works with the city of Glendale Department of Public Works, working his way up from an entrylevel position to public works foreman. He joined the city of Creve Coeur in 1989 as a maintenance worker for the Department of Public Works and rose through the ranks as a foreman, stormwater designer, construction inspector, project manager, assistant director
and acting director before taking on his current role of Director of Public Works in 2009. During his time with the city of Creve Coeur, Heines has led the city’s roadway maintenance programs and a number of major construction projects, including enhancements to Olive Boulevard and the Olive/270 interchange. Heines is currently overseeing the planning, design and construction of the new Creve Coeur Police Station, to be completed during summer 2019. “Jim’s work ethic is unparalleled, and beyond that, he puts his heart into his work,” said Mark Perkins, City Administrator. “Creve Coeur is fortunate to have the benefit of Jim’s leadership in public works for so many years, and we are thrilled to see him recognized as an outstanding leader in his field by the American Public Works Association,” said Creve Coeur Mayor Barry Glantz.
Advertorial
What to expect at your yearly visit to your OBGYN In the ever-changing landscape of health care, it’s hard to understand or know what is recommended for your best health. One thing that has not changed however, is that women should see a gynecologist once a year for a well-woman visit. A well-woman visit includes a pelvic exam, Pap test and breast examination. As you get older, or as your health changes, your well-woman visits will include other tests and referrals for things like mammograms. The routine of a well-woman exam has changed in recent years. For example, starting at the age of 21 women should receive their first Pap smear. However, if the test is normal, you won’t receive another test for three years. New recommendations state that women, with low-risk factors and who are between the ages of 21 and 29 years of age, only need the test once every three years. Women ages 30 and over may be able to get screened even less frequently, every five years. “Risk factors that lead to more frequent Pap smears include women with a history of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells, those with weakened immune systems or a history of smoking should all receive more frequent testing,” says Kinsey Dinnel, MD, OBGYN with SSM Health Medical Group. It is still important to visit your gynecologist every year. “It’s all about preventative health,” says Dr. Dinnel. “You can’t just go to the doctor only when you’re sick. As you age, your body
changes and will experience new challenges. A well-woman visit is there for you to understand your own personal health risks and how to readily avoid them,” he says. Physicians say it’s important for you to ask questions, talk about your stress levels, your nutrition, your mood, your medications, your sex life and your family’s health history. “Nothing is off the table,” says Dr. Dinnel. “Asking questions and raising concerns helps your health care provider know what’s important to you and what he or she should screen you for,” he says. Your yearly, well-woman visit is covered at no-cost under most insurance plans. Many SSM Health physicians have next day appointments available too. To find a physician close to you visit www.ssmhealth.com/access. Kinsey Dinnel, MD has an office located at 7840 Natural Bridge Road. To schedule an appointment you can find him online at www.ssmhealth. com or give his office a call at 314833-3546.
12303 DePaul Hospital St. Louis, MO 63044 314-344-6000 | www.ssmhealth.com/locations/depaul-hospital-st-louis
6 | OUR TOWN |DECEMBER 2018
OurThoughts
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
BIGSTOCK
Here comes Santa-zon Yikes! Christmas is coming. I yell to my husband, “Get dressed! We need to go!” “What for?” He moans. “Because I need to get a chunk out of my Christmas shopping. Move it!” We have to make it to the mall before all the early bird shopper items are gone and the good parking spots. This year, I have my eye on yogurt-makers, two for one. Everyone on my list is getting one. I rush by the den. There he is. Still in his pajamas; the raggedy ones covered in wide mouth bass; the ones with a hole in the seat. Note to self; news jammies for Christmas. “What?!” I bellow. “Why aren’t you dressed? Chip chop! We’ve got to go. There are only three more weekends left. What are you doing?” He twirls his pointer finger in the air and then jabs it down on the keyboard, “Bada-bing, bada-bang.” Then he crosses his arms behind his head and tilts back with a smirky smirk on his Grinchy face. “Finished my shopping, that’s what I’m doing. And all from the comfort of my warm, toasty den in my warm, cozy jammies. Well, except for this here,” he says jabbing a finger through the hole. “It’s letting a breeze in. But I’m sure Amazon will fix that. Or should I say, Santa-zon.” He winks. “What kind of bah humbuggery is this?” I nag. “You’re sucking all the fun out of the holidays!” “Oh, contraire. I’m making the holly-days jolly-days again. Look at it this way; no parking lot crazies to deal with bending 7 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
up my fenders; no knife fights over trying to get the last shopping cart and no lunatic bargain hunters trampling me while racing towards the last waffle-making CD player!” “I don’t think they make CD players anymore.” “Exactly why they’re on sale. And no hauling everything home just to pay double to wrap it up and mail it only to get destroyed or lost. Two words…free shipping!” “Keep going. I’m listening.” “Remember last year when you sent that box to your uncle with his Hillary Clinton Chia Pet. The cat accidentally jumped in and was sent special delivery along with his gift. The cat survived; sadly Hillary did not--shattered into pieces.” “Hmmm,” I say. “Do you think they have yogurt-makers on this Amazon thing?” “Yes, but no need. I checked the milk in the fridge. It expired a month ago. You’ve already made a batch. Problem solved.” Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent 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.
OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
Housing
BOOM can lead to
BUSTS
The home across the street from ours recently sold for $10,000 more than asking price. Since the deal closed, there has been a small army of construction workers conducting an extensive remodel of the place, certainly worth many multiples of that extra $10k. New ceilings, light fixtures, new deck, hot tub and a new sliding door to access the warm bubbly water were all installed. New paint and numerous other upgrades abound. The new owners finally moved in a couple months after closing, after the swarm of workers subsided a bit. We still haven’t met them, but have exchanged a few e-mail messages of a friendly nature; they seem like decent folks. We’ve seen this before. Having lived here for nearly four decades, we’ve witnessed the real estate market’s propensity for major booms, and moderate busts. The booms reflect a sudden influx of out-ofstate buyers, some with more money than good sense. Once the bidding wars are in full swing and have been raging for a while, there is a period of minimal market activity. For savvy investors and brokers, this is a time to use caution. This could be a period of low momentum and stable prices - a lull in the action - or the beginning of a perfect storm of falling prices and desperate owners trying to figure out how to pay for that upcoming balloon payment.
BIGSTOCK
We saw the latter scenario play out between 2006 and 2008. A friend in the real estate business called me one day in late 2006 and expressed great concern about the coming perfect storm of bad financial juju. He babbled on about all the recent buyers who had purchased homes above their ability to pay by engaging in financial gymnastics with adjustable rate mortgages, especially with balloon payments. He predicted many of these people would get hurt badly by a downturn, which he thought was just beginning. He then went on to say the problem would grow to be nationwide, with all the soon-to-be non-performing loans bundled into mortgage backed securities losing their value, and wiping out investment portfolios. Since we were at the peak of the real estate market frenzy, I only half-listened to his rant, smiling at my friend’s frenzied anxiety, as he was well known for rambling, manic tirades. He was also a very successful broker, having gone from growing up in a home with no running water, to pulling in nearly seven figures a year selling real estate as an adult. His rants were worth listening to. There was no half-listening or smiling a year or so later, as home and investment values plunged dramatically, sure enough, nationwide. Despite some rather dramatic downturns, the real estate market here has always
come back, as there is no more mountain property being produced, and there is always some demand. I’d guess our local population has at least quadrupled, if not more, since the 80’s. It’s reflected in the home prices, traffic jams, dirty campsites and declining wildlife herds. There’s been a lot of money made in the local real estate market, but it has come at an ugly price. Right now, real estate sales have suddenly slowed, according to local brokers. If history is any guide, we could be looking at a big downturn, as bidding wars at the market peak seem to be the harbinger of doom. Unfortunately my realtor friend passed away a few years ago; I’d like to hear his take on current events. In any case, we could use a break from the rat race that’s been going on. Having people use their home to live in instead of piggy banks isn’t all bad. Of course if the boom continues, it might be time to sell, pocket the money and move on, before the population doubles again.
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.
DECEMBER 2018
| OUR TOWN | 8
A stocking-full of holiday events
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Presented by Circus Flora; produced by Fox Concerts This show for the family will take place Dec. 4 at the Fox Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The show will be a combination of illusions and cirque artists performing to holiday music. Single tickets range from $39.50 $125. For more information visit: www.fabulousfox. com/events/detail/cirque-christmas
Celebrate the holiday season out and about in the St. Louis region throughout the month of December BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
St. Louis has something for everyone this holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah/Hanukkah or Kwanza, there is a way to join others around town for festivities. Below are highlights for many ways to enjoy the season.
Light Up the Loop The event aims to highlight the history and traditional observances of Hanukkah, which begins this year on Dec. 2, at sundown. Dec. 6 Chabad on Campus will present this Seventh Annual Public Menorah event at The Market in the Loop located at 6655 Delmar Blvd. This free event, co-sponsored by Market on the Loop, starts at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a central public Menorah lighting, and celebration with live music, Chasidic dancing, latkes (potato pancakes), and chocolate Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) for children. Local dignitaries are also stated to bring greetings at the event. The event is co-sponsored by Market on the Loop. For more information visit chabadwashu.org.
9 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage The on-stage version of the classic animated Charlie Brown Christmas story will take place Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at the Stifel Theatre located at 1400 Market Street. This production will include musical scoring from Vince Guaraldi. Single tickets range from $20 to $55. For more information and other pricing visit: www.stifeltheatre.com/events/detail/a-charlie-brownchristmas-live-on-stage
A Christmas Carol An on-stage musical version of the classic Charles Dickens’ tale will take place Dec. 6 – 9 at Fox Theatre. Times vary depending on the day. This production features performers for all characters from the 1843 novel and an array of carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away in a Manger” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing.” It is stated that the colorful scenery and elaborate costumes will faithfully recreate the Victorian period. Single tickets range from $20 to $49. For more information and additional pricing visit: www.fabulousfox.com/events/detail/christmas-carol
On Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will bring its concert tour to the Enterprise Center located at 1401 Clark Avenue. This show is a new multimedia production for the orchestra celebrating 20 years on the road this winter. It is stated that millions of fans have made this their “rock” holiday tradition. Single tickets range from $37 to $76.50. For more information and additional pricing visit: http:// www.enterprisecenter.com/events/detail/trans-siberian-orchestra-3
DECEMBERR 2018 | OUR TOWN | 10
Home for Christmas Scott Kennebeck, Emily Truckenbrod & John Powel Walsh
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical This musical will take the stage of the Stifel Theatre, located at 1400 Market Street, Dec. 13 – 16. Times vary depending on the day. The costumes are stated to be inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations. The production aims to transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville. Single tickets range from $32 to $82. For more information and additional pricing visit: www.stifeltheatre.com/events/detail/drseuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-the-musical
Dec. 15, at 11 a.m., Scott Kennebeck and Emily Truckenbrod, along with accompanist John Powel Walsh, will perform sacred Christmas and secular songs at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Everyone is invited to join them at 3648 Washington Blvd. Reserved adult tickets are $12 and reserved child tickets are $5. For more information visit: www. thesheldon.org/concert-detail.php?id=657
Kwanzaa Holiday Expo 2018
The Nutcracker presented by
Saint Louis Ballet Dec.14 -23, this classic production will take place at the A-B Performance Hall of the Touhill Performing Arts Center located at One University Blvd. Times vary depending on the day. There will be special guest performers and talented students of the Saint Louis Ballet School will fill children’s roles. Single tickets range from $35 to $72. For more information visit: https://www.touhill.org/events/ detail/the-nutcracker-1
For 34 years Better Family Life (BFL) has been hosting its BFL Kwanzaa Holiday Expo. This event will take place Dec. 15 and 16, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Better Family Life Cultural Educational & Business Center located at 5415 Page Blvd. The organization is inviting attendees to enjoy live performances from dance troops, singers, poets, rappers, musicians, and more. Children will enjoy a variety of games and activities and can become more familiar with the seven principals of Kwanzaa. In addition, attendees may purchase hand crafted, artisan, and hand selected goods; local and national vendors participate at the expo. Caribbean, African and healthy food vendors will also be at the expo. Expo tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information visit: www.betterfamilylife.org/kwanzaa-holiday-expo. html or www.eventbrite.com/e/kwanzaa-holidayexpo-tickets-51417228314
A Christmas Sheryl: A Tribute to the Music of Sheryl Crow On Dec. 21 at 8 p.m., I Went to a Show.com will be presenting this Christmas tribute at Off Broadway located at 3509 Lemp Avenue. This show sponsored by Foeder Crafters of America and Logboat Brewing Company, will feature performances by Beth Bombara, Stacey Winter, AV & The Dirty Details, and Jenny Roques & Friends. Tickets are $10 each. For more information visit: www.offbroadwaystl. com/event/a-christmas-sheryl-a-tribute-to-the-music-of-sheryl-crow/
DECEMBERR 2018 | OUR TOWN | 11
NonProfitProfile
DENTAL REFERRAL PROGRAM IS HELPING VETERANS IN NEED Veterans Day is a Finally, after a time to remember long and somewhat those who served, unending road of fought and sacrificed constant problems, for our country. A he found “his place” lot of America’s in civilian life through veterans, however, a program helping face daily challenges homeless veterans. He associated with mental has now devoted his and physical issues life to helping other directly associated veterans “find their with their time way” to a better life. serving our country. Unfortunately, during Many then discover his journey, neglecting that the Veterans his dental health led to Administration will the loss of many teeth not provide assistance and severe pain. Being SUBMITTED PHOTO in dealing with in social settings was their problems. The A veteran receives dental treatment from a volunteer dentist with The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program. often stressful and his Kaufman Fund, a local self-esteem was at a nonprofit, has stepped low point. up to find solutions for these veterans in the areas of dental health, In 2015, he entered the Kaufman Fund Dental Program and mental health and legal assistance. over the course of many months and many treatments, one of the Veterans with dental health needs have to be 100 percent wonderful volunteer dentists started to correct all the old problems, disabled to get dental care through the VA unless their dental give him new confidence and finally, a reason to smile. He now health problem is specifically related to service in conflict. This takes care of his teeth and regularly visits his volunteer dentist. leaves many veterans to either find their own solution or go without The cost of his treatment was over $5,000. But his cost was zero. necessary dental care. To help fill that void, The Kaufman Fund Without The Kaufman Fund he would not have been able to get launched The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program in 2015 his life back to normal and continue to help his fellow veterans find by partnering with local dentists who volunteer their services and “their place” in life. In addition to The Kaufman Fund Dental Referral Program, they enlisting other organization to provide dental supplies. Over 50 veterans received treatment through the program in 2017, with have launched The Kaufman Fund Legal Referral Program to assist area veterans with legal issues and will be launching a program many of them receiving life-affecting solutions to their problems One of the cases was that of a 63-year-old veteran of the Vietnam to assist veterans with mental health in the near future. And, every War. He had enlisted in the Navy and served two tours, back to back, December, The Kaufman Funds provides over 350 Christmas trees as a riverboat gunner. The stress of his military service eventually and stands to deserving area veterans and their families through led to personal challenges with drugs and alcohol. He was not their “Trees For Vets” program. You can support area veterans by supporting The Kaufman Fund. unlike many veterans of that era who struggled transitioning back into civilian life. Over the next two decades, he became homeless, If you are a veteran in need of their services or would like to receive went through several marriages and neglected to take care of his a Christmas Tree, reach out to The Kaufman Fund by calling 314753-8355 or visiting their website at www.TheKaufmanFund.org. health. Especially his dental needs. 12 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
OurLifestyle
2019
FIAT/CHRYSLER PACIFICA THE LEXUS RX350L STRETCHES OUT IN THE LUXURY CROSSOVER SUV MARKET Traditionally, the Lexus RX350 luxury crossover SUV has always been a two-row, five-passenger vehicle. Designed from the blueprint of this very successful vehicle, the factory is now offering a stretch version badged as their RX350L. It’s engineered to help meet the needs of premium buyers seeking a bit more interior room. The somewhat longer model now has three-row seating; however, the additional third row doesn’t have much room for adults. On the other hand, for small kids, it’s well suited. Rear cargo capabilities are somewhat impacted as well with the added seating capacity. Basically, there is an impressive amount of standard equipment, but it’s recommended to compare the trim levels available in order to nail down the precise features you desire. As expected, the longer version has a whisper-quiet passenger cabin, high-end quality materials throughout as well as world-class fit and finish. The exterior paint luster is on par with other premium models in this segment. Lots of rolling technologies such as an infotainment interface are also included, helping this model to appeal to the tech savvy motorist. Doing some number crunching, the RX350L is about 4.4-inches longer than the standard model. No “fuzzy math” here as the additional length was focused towards the rear assembly, suggesting that the vehicle’s dimensions are almost the 13 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
same from the “B” pillar forward. Worth noting as well, and to save with development costs, the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear drive axles) has remained the same for both body configurations. With the factory now working with the less than five inches of additional body mass, they needed to perform some tricks in order to package the additional seating capacity. Some of the necessary space came from reduced leg room in both the first and second rows. It still tends to drive and handle as well as the standard wheelbase RX350, which translates to a well-balanced nimble ride for its size. Breaking is positive and pedal feel is tight and firm, helping to raise the bar with your driving confidence. This three-row crossover SUV is manufactured in their Base and Luxury versions. Regardless of the trim level, the secondrow bench seat can be swapped out for their optional captain’s chairs. As a result, this will tend to reduce the seating capacity to six passengers. All models come with their 3.5-liter V6 engine. It generates 290 horsepower therefore, passing performance is quite suitable. It’s matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is optional. At roadtest, and with the AWD chassis, the vehicle achieved 18-mpg city/25-mpg highway. And for Hybrid buyers, the factory also
makes available their RX 450hL. MSRP pricing ranges from 47,670 - $54,085. It’s manufacturing at their facility in Japan. 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
greatly expands the world of ‘Fantastic Beasts’
J.K. Rowling could have easily just taken her hundreds of millions of dollars from her creation of the “Harry Potter” universe and happily spent the rest of her life without dreaming up any more magic spells or silly wizard names. Instead she switched from novels to screenplays, penning a wholly original script set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and taking the setting from our modern era to the 1920s. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” came out in 2016 and introduced the world to Newt Scamander (the great Eddie Redmayne), an unassuming wizard who moves about the world as a lover and protector of magical creatures. Think of him as the Marlin Perkins for hippogriffs and unicorns. “Fantastic Beasts” was enjoyable enough as Newt visited New York City, befriended witchy sisters Tina (Katherine Waterson) and Queenie (Alison Sudol) and affable muggle Jacob (Dan Fogler) and tried to separate a troubled boy named Credence (Ezra Miller) from a particularly dangerous magical force. What “Fantastic Beasts” lacked was that magical spark as even though there were a lot of familiar elements, it felt very separate from the world of Harry Potter that so many came to love. That’s what makes the sequel “Fantas-
tic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” a marked improvement as in addition to the appearance of some beloved characters, Rowling is back in her wheelhouse of massive power struggles, heartbreaking betrayals and deep, dark familial secrets. “The Crimes of Grindelwald” is even a little more nuanced than the best of the “Harry Potter” films and that is thanks primarily to the titular villain. Grindelwald is played by Johnny Depp in a refreshingly restrained performance, which is surprising at first given his character’s wild appearance with bleach-blonde hair and different colored eyes. In Harry Potter’s world, Voldemort was just plain evil as were (pretty much) all of his associates. And sure, Grindelwald has a megalomaniacal streak and is unquestionably ruthless in his desire to have wizards and witches step out of the shadows and rule the human world. But he’s not entirely wrong as humanity sits on a course of devastation between World Wars and he makes some compelling arguments in support of his ultimate power grab. He seems overwhelmingly formidable, which means it’s a good thing a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) is on the case and pulling the strings for the good guys, as he sends Newt to Paris where he reunites with his old friends and attempts
to stop Grindelwald from tracking down Credence. There’s a whole lot of plot here as Rowling moves from setting the stage to diving right in by throwing a ton of characters and back story in our direction. Fortunately director David Yates is a steady hand as he has been at the helm of the Harry Potter world since “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” over a decade ago and he knows how to guide us through the dense family trees and plot twists. There are three more “Fantastic Beasts” films to follow this one which means “The Crimes of Grindelwald” is going to leave you with more questions than answers, but for Rowling’s fans this movie is a treat and proves that she is still very much on top of her game. “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is rated PG-13 for some sequences of fantasy action. BY MATHEW DEKINDER
Mathew DeKinder is a film critic and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and also serves as the publisher of the Community News.
DECMEBER 2018
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OurLifestyle
Simple sides for holiday entertaining
Perfect Holiday Potatoes Mashed potatoes are a staple on many holiday menus, but all that peeling and mashing can take hours. This year, save time by using refrigerated, ready-to-eat mashed potatoes, such as Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes, which taste just like homemade. • Add your family’s special ingredient, like sage butter, and no one will know they aren’t homemade. • Microwave the mashed potatoes just before dinner or throw them in a crockpot on low and pitch the packaging so no one knows you didn’t make them ahead of time. • Buy a couple extra and store them in the fridge in case you have unexpected holiday guests.
Save those precious minutes to enjoy the holidays by using refrigerated, never-frozen options like mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, baked apples and even macaroni and cheese that can be heated in the microwave and ready to serve in minutes. Like many hosts, you are likely searching for perfection in your holiday get-togethers. With an ever-expanding
Fancy Mac Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4 Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 package macaroni and cheese 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained 1 1/4 cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
1 package bacon, cooked and broken into pieces 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Spray four ramekins with cooking spray. Heat macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Once cooked, stir in spinach, 1 cup cheese, bacon, salt and pepper. Let mixture stand 10-15 minutes to cool. Add eggs. Spoon evenly into ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 20 minutes, or until centers are set.
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guest list, each year may seem more and more difficult to pull off the perfect gathering. Make things easier and still delicious by serving ready-to-eat options like refrigerated macaroni and cheese made with real milk and cheese. Find more ideas to make your holiday sides simply delicious at bobevansgrocery.com.
OurLifestyle Ingredients:
2 packages bacon, slices cut in half 1 package white cheddar mashed potatoes 1 package garlic herb cheese spread
20 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded with membranes removed 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cay- enne pepper
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Set bacon out to thaw to room temperature so it is pliable. In mixing bowl, use rubber spatula to combine mashed potatoes and garlic herb cheese. Stir until incorporated. Spread 1 teaspoon mashed potato mixture in each jalapeno half; level each with butter knife or spatula. Wrap each jalapeno with bacon; use three half slices for large jalapenos or two halves
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Serves: 40 for smaller sizes. Be sure bacon is wrapped sealing in mashed potato mixture tightly. In small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Generously sprinkle over bacon and pat gently to make it stick.
Sweet Potato Cookies Prep time: 28-33 minutes | Cook time: 10-12 minutes |Serves: 36
Line cookie sheet with piece of parchment paper so sugar does not burn to pan. Bake until bacon reaches desired crispiness, around 25-35 minutes. Let peppers cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable shortening 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup butter, unsalted 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon maple extract chopped honey roasted pecans (optional) mini marshmal lows (option- al)
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, using hand mixer or paddle attachment, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg and sweet potatoes; mix until combined. In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. With mixer on low speed, slowly add flour mixture to egg mixture until well mixed. Using small cookie scoop, drop rounds onto greased baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before frosting. In separate bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar and maple extract until frosting is light and fluffy. Frost each cooled cookie with maple butter cream frosting. Sprinkle with pecans and mini marshmallows, if desired. Carefully toast marshmallows with culinary torch, if desired, while avoiding melting frosting. DECMEBER 2018
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InDepth BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
This year has been the year of major re-openings for museums. The St. Louis Arch Park with its renovations and debut of the Gateway Arch museum on July 3 has been followed by the reopening of a building that was first dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt on Oct. 4, 1936. The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum located at 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis, reopened on Nov. 3. The opening day was followed by daily special events that are running now through Nov. 12. The Soldiers Memorial which officially opened on Memorial Day in 1938, was temporarily closed in 2016 until now for a $30 million revitalization project. Mark Sundlov, Soldiers Memorial Director shared that the funds came from a donor who wished to remain anonymous until after the re-opening. “I believe the donor really wanted to make sure that the emphasis was put on the veterans and on the memorial aspect of Soldiers Memorial,” stated Sundlov. “The (donor) didn’t feel the need to have the spotlight.” Along with revitalization to the memorial, there were also some adjustments made to the property ownership and administrative aspects. Sundlov shared, “In 2015 the Missouri Historical Society met with the city and the donor. They came to an agreement where the city still owns the land, the building and historical collections, but the Missouri Historical Society is now responsible for all aspects of the operation of the building and management of collections.” This agreement is also inclusive of all utilities and the wages of two employees who are dedicated to the functioning of the Soldiers Memorial for which the city of St. Louis is responsible. Donor funds cover the responsibilities of the Missouri Historical Society. No tax dollars are being used. The revitalization project included some major face-lifts for the building. “The lower level previously was city 17 | OUR TOWN | DECEMBER 2018
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Soldiers Memorial reborn The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in downtown St. Louis, reopens after a $30 million revitalization project offices and city storage space,” stated Sundlov. “It served a dual purpose. Besides a lot of preservation and restoration aspects, for as remodeling, the lower level was the most significant in the building. We turned that lower level space, about 4,000 sq. ft, into a special exhibit gallery. So, a part of making this a vibrant part of downtown is rotating out that exhibit space on a regular basis, every two-to-three years. When we open on Nov. 3 it’s going to open with the exhibit – World War I: St. Louis and the Great War. That exhibit will focus exclusively on St. Louis and its role, the men and women from St. Louis who contributed to World War I, and some events (that occurred) immediately after World War I.” Sundlov also shared that during the two-to-three-year period of the exhibit, the memorial will be working on devel-
oping a new temporary exhibit for that space. “Operationally, the ability to develop new exhibits on a rotating basis like this changes the whole spirit of the building in that there will always be something new and fresh as far as exhibits happening here. Coupled with that will be a robust slate of programs, whether it’s educational programs with students or evening events probably more for adults, that programming will be a key aspect of what is happening at Soldiers and how we’re trying to be a vibrant part of downtown.” In addition to making Soldiers Memorial a vibrant part of downtown, the project went to great lengths to ensure the building became accessible and an enjoyable experience for anyone who desires to visit. “There’s a few different major aspects
InDepth of the renovations, but one of them was definitely the ADA accessibility,” stated Sundlov. “There was a wheel chair ramp added to the east side of the building which now enables individuals to get into the building through what we mostly consider the front access. There will be handouts for folks who have some vision trouble (enabling them) to have very large print in their hands of the object labels so they read everything that they want to read and not be limited by the size of the font or other things.” Another great aspect of the completed project Sundlov shared is that the Memorial qualified for and is close to receiving LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). “This is a remarkable achievement to get it up to that level, considering the building was built and finished in 1938. A lot of work was done on the heating and ventilation systems and just (various) aspects. We are trying to achieve something that no other museum has been able to do – a Zero Waste Program which makes sure that any materials we use are either being recycled or disposed of in other ways that ensures the absolute minimum amount of trash is leaving this building and going to the landfill. We’re proud to (attempt) taking this on and seeing if we can pull it off. It will be quite an accomplishment. It would be the first museum in the nation to be able to do this. So, we’re excited for that challenge.” The Court of Honor was another focal point of change during the project. Sundlov stated, “We narrowed Chestnut Street to a single lane and put in some visual cues, strips of granite, that tie the Court of Honor more tightly to the Soldiers Memorial building itself so, it’s more obvious that it’s all one entity. We relocated the Vietnam and the Korean Memorials. Each of those
lists the names of individuals from St. Louis who lost their lives in those conflicts. In addition to those two memorials there is the World War II memorial which lists all the names of individuals who gave their lives in (that war) from St. Louis. On the west side of the Court of Honor we’ve added additional memorials and we will be adding the names of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to those memorials. That will be commemorated Memorial Day 2019. We’re proud to recognize those individuals since Vietnam who have made that sacrifice for all of us.” Sundlov went on to share that names will continue to be added to the newer memorials as needed each Memorial Day. “We’re very proud and we’re excited to open this—it’s such an incredible place. The exhibits tell the story of St. Louis and these conflicts – The Revolutionary War all the way up through today from a very individual aspect. It’s the individual story, the individual voices that we really put a lot of effort into making sure build the narrative in the exhibits. I am confident that visitors will be able to see themselves in the exhibit and see their communities and the neighborhoods. This (applies to) all communities and all neighborhoods in St. Louis. They will be able to come and draw a very tight connection and get a better grasp of what it means when we go to war, when we’re involved in these conflicts, and how it influences and effects all of us on a day-to-day basis. We’re excited for that.” For more details on the changes resulting from the revitalization project visit: www.mohistory.org/memorial/ about-the-revitalization-project. Admission to Soldiers Memorial is free and open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The Soldiers Memorial which officially opened on Memorial Day in 1938, was temporarily closed in 2016 until now for a $30 million revitalization project. DECEMBER 2018
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December
1 Holiday ice show Come experience a winter wonderland with local figure skaters and a Learn to Skate Program performing to your favorite holiday classics from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Dielmann Recreation Complex at 11400 Olde Cabin Road in Creve Coeur. Free admission with donation of new, unwrapped toy.
4 Hanukkah (First Day) 6 St. Nicholas Day 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dinner with Santa Santa is stopping by for a night of pizza, crafts and stories from 6 – 8 p.m. at Maryland Heights Community Center at 2300 McKelvey Road in Maryland Heights. Parents are welcome to bring their own camera to capture these festive moments. Cost is $4 - $6 (depending on residency and membership). The event is for ages 2-10.
13 National Guard Birthday
15 Holly Jolly Holiday Maryland Heights needs help decorating the city’s tree. Come create an ornament, meet Santa, snack on some cookies and milk and help us fill the ambulance with donations to Toys for Tots from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Government Center at 11911 Dorsett Road in Maryland Heights. Free with donated toy to the Toys for Tots Drive. Event is for all ages.
17 Wright Brothers Day 21 First Day of Winter 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas 31 New Year’s Eve