2 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
Our Town Volume 08 | Number 9 September 2017
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 St. Louis National Charity Horse Show offers free family entertainment and more.
Nonprofit Profile PUBLISHER Robert Huneke EDITOR Mathew DeKinder PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Sara Hardin
St. Charles County Council of the Blind advocates for the visually impaired.
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore pities those raising kids in the digital age while Avalanche lives vicariously through some fellow adventurers.
Feature Planning your parks Olivette’s new Parks Master Plan seeks public input on improving the city’s 120 acres of park space
Caring Partners Understanding the serious nature of mini-strokes.
Lifestyle 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
Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Summer movies finish strong in Entertainment. Kia Niro brings affordability and style to the hybrid market in this month’s Automobile Alley. Spice up school days in For the Love of Food.
In Depth Man discovers family secrets and hidden history as he traces his family tree.
Events Calendar Staff Writer - Sara Hardin Cover Photo - Submitted
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AroundTown
Beauty is ageless
Discussion leaders announced for Fifth Annual Silver Screen Series
Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur resident takes third in Missouri Health Care Association pageant
Maturity and Its Muse, along with the city of Creve Coeur Arts Committee, will host a series of film viewings and discussions on Mondays in September. The series will focus on films that explore positive aging themes. Each film will conclude with an optional discussion between attendees and filmmakers, academics, and artists. All screenings will be held at AMC Creve Coeur 12 at 10465 Olive Blvd., from 1 - 4 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 11: “Lady in the Van” Based on a true story, a London playwright (Alex Jennings) develops an unlikely friendship with Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith), a homeless elderly woman. The post-viewing discussion will be led by Sun Smith- Forét, MSW, MFA, artist and practicing psychotherapist. Sept. 18: “I’ll See You in my Dreams” After realizing how routine her life had become, a long time widow (Blythe Danner) begins relationships with two very different men (Martin Starr, Sam Elliott) and discovers that life can begin anew at any age. The post-viewing discussion will be led by Susan Rava, Ph.D., retired senior lecturer in French language and literature at
4 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
Washington University and author of the critically acclaimed “Swimming Solo: A Daughter’s Memoir of her Parents, His Parents and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Sept. 25: “The Notebook” In a nursing home, resident Duke reads a romance story to a woman suffering from senile dementia with memory loss. The story revolves around a millworker (Ryan Gosling) and a rich girl (Rachel McAdams) who are torn apart by social differences and war. The postviewing discussion will be led by Susan Fadem, BA, veteran journalist, award-winning writer, author and host of her own movie salon group for 14 years. Thanks to the generosity of AMC Creve Coeur 12 and the city of Creve Coeur, the Silver Screen Series is offered free of charge. These events would not be possible without the support of community partners: VOYCE, OASIS, Cinema St. Louis, and The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at Washington University. For more information, please contact Lynn Hamilton at lynn@ maturityanditsmuse.org or 3140420-1444 or Bess McCoy at bmccoy@crevecoeurmo.gov or 314-442-2081.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Debbie “Deb” Walker was the typical middle child growing up with an older brother and younger sister. Little did her siblings know that Deb would be later named the third-place winner of the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) “Beauty Is Ageless” Pageant, District Three, held on Aug. 2. Walker, who has lived at Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur for six years, still continues her favorite hobby growing plants and flowers. At a very young age, Walker’s mother, taught her everything about horticulture. Today, she enjoys sharing her plants and teaching her friends at Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur how they too can possess a “green thumb.” “I love sharing the beauty of my plants and gifting them to friends. It is special to me when people ask me about their ‘sick’ plants and how to nurse them back to health,” Walker said. When she was fourteen, Walker attended St. Joseph’s Academy. It was a boarding school at the time where her aunt was mother superior. She can remember the family packing up the car and going to a private beach on a lake in St. Louis. Families would be charged by the carload not by person. She loved the beach and the water until one day she became overly excited jumped out of the car upon arriving and right into the water before the
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A movie and more
Debbie “Deb” Walker was named the thirdplace winner of the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) “Beauty Is Ageless” Pageant, District Three, held on Aug. 2.
car could be unloaded. Walker’s dad moved swiftly to rescue his daughter. This episode created a fear of water for her that would never be remedied. Later in life, Walker was blessed with three children and continued to work fulltime as a chemical engineer. The work was hard in this male-dominated industry at the time, but she loved it. In her free time, she would volunteer at the VFW. Her three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are very proud of her award. “I am so proud of my family. I often remind them of my motto to ‘keep smiling because it is contagious’,” concluded Walker.
AroundTown
A business handshake
Riding for a cause
First Bank’s Cynthia Donaldson (left) presents Kelly Mertens with the grand prize “check” with Barb Meeske of 101 ESPN.
Miss Kelly’s Gym for Kids in Creve Coeur is the grand prize winner of the First Bank Small Business Handshake, a promotion that recognizes small business owners and entrepreneurs for their commitment to their business, employees and communities. As the grand prize winner, Kelly Mertens (owner/gym director) received a celebratory handshake from First Bank’s Cynthia Donaldson, lunch, $5,000 in advertising on the radio station of her choice (101 ESPN or WARH 106.5 The Arch) and another $5,000 in advertising for the charity of her choice – the Alzheimer’s Association of St. Louis. In addition, a video will be produced about Miss Kelly’s Gym for Kids. Michael Sturgeon, a patron of the gym who nominated Miss Kelly’s Gym for the Small Business Handshake, also received a $250 gift card from First Bank as part of the grand prize. Locally and family owned, Miss Kelly’s Gym is a gymnastics and fitness center for children that provides a variety of gymnastics, dance and sports-related classes. In partnership with 101.1 ESPN and WARH (106.5 The Arch), listeners were encouraged to nominate business owners or companies. First Bank firstbanks.com is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country with $5.93 billion in assets and 111 locations in Missouri, Illinois, and California.
Featuring an exciting $50,000 Grand Prix and several prestigious national championships, the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show takes place Sept. 13 through 17 and Sept. 27 through 30 at the National Equestrian Center at 6880 Lake Saint Louis Blvd., in Lake Saint Louis. Similar to some of the equestrian events at the Olympics, this show brings exciting equine action to spectators in St. Louis with exhibitors competing for multiple national titles. The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show takes place Sept. 13 through 17 and The family-friendly event Sept. 27 through 30 at the National Equestrian Center in Lake Saint Louis. is free of charge and refreshments are available The horse show supports Stray Rescue on site. of St. Louis and Therapeutic HorsemanAlways a crowd pleaser, the $50,000 ship, a program of TREEHouse of Greater Grand Prix takes place on Sept. 17 at 2 St. Louis. Since the late 1970s, charitable p.m. in the outdoor arena. For an up-close contributions from the show have exceedview of the jumping action, the Grand Prix ed $1 million. Dogs from Stray Rescue will offers ringside tailgate parking for $75 per be available for adoption at the show and car. Activities will begin at the outdoor ring riders from Therapeutic Horsemanship will at noon with face painting, live music and provide a riding demonstration. food trucks including Destination Desserts, In addition, spectators and exhibitors Kona Ice and Yo!Salsa. alike can shop at a variety of on-site bouThe Saddlebred show kicks off on Sept. tiques, featuring range of jewelry, clothing, 27 and runs through Sept. 30 with exciting high-end saddlery and tack, pottery, and performances beginning nightly at 7 p.m. home décor. in an indoor arena. The show features the American Saddlebred horse, which is known as the “peacock of the show ring.” This powerfully muscled horse features high-stepping, high-energy action. As the oldest and largest multi-breed horse show in the area, the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show attracts several hundred horses and riders from throughout the country. The show attracts competitors from more than 29 states, and attracts upwards of 1,000 horses from two different equine disciplines. The combined economic impact of our Show on St Charles and St. Louis Counties exceeds $4,200,000.
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St. Louis National Charity Horse Show offers free family entertainment
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
Craft on tap
Visit downtown Clayton for cold brews and live music The city of Clayton and Craft Beer Cellar announce the third annual Craft on Tap scheduled for Sept. 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. in downtown Clayton. Craft beer fans are invited to sample beers from craft brewers from across the nation. The event will also feature Whiskey Dixon as entertainment. General admission tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. These tickets include unlimited tastings and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets
are $50 and include early entry into the event at 12:30 p.m. along with exclusive craft beer offerings. Food will be available for purchase from local restaurants. Tickets can be purchased online at www. claytoncraftontap.com or in person at Craft Beer Cellar. This event is sponsored by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and Craft Beer Cellar. For more information and to see the list of participating vendors, please visit www.claytoncraftontap.com.
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Diversify into your dreams
BY RUSS PATTON, OWNER OF BYERLY RV We hear so much about quality time, but it’s the quantity of time that we really want. If we could only unplug, disengage and spend quality time together. Well, we can in an RV, folding campers close to nature or motorhomes as complete as a luxury condo. With the stock market reaching for the sky, why not diversify by turning some of those paper profits into something tangible like that RV you have been dreaming about? Or you can hedge your bets by playing the spread and converting just enough cast to make a healthy down payment and win either way. “Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road/Healthy, free, the world’s for me/The long brown path before me leading/Wherever I choose.” Thus spoke Walt Whitman over 100 years ago and that spirit still stirs Americans. Well, maybe not afoot, maybe not brown paths, but we can travel in comfort in an RV. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a folding tent trailer or a Luxury motorhome, Byerly has your second
e th th Wor ive Dr
home on wheels waiting for you. We are Byerly, the Center of the RV World. Check us out at ByerlyRV.com and visit us in Eureka, Missouri, just 15 minutes west of I-270 on I-44. You can also call at 636-938-2000.
Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
NonProfitProfile
St. Charles County Council of the Blind advocates for the visually impaired SUBMITTED PHOTO
Close your eyes for a moment. As you wait for that moment to pass, ask yourself this question: “Are you a different person with your eyes closed than when you had your eyes wide open?” The answer is...of course not. You remain essentially the same person, the same individual, someone’s friend, someone’s child, perhaps someone’s parent, an individual in your own right. And this is a concept that has been exemplified by the members of the St. Charles County Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (SCCCB) for some time now. Since this nonprofit organization was established in 1974, they have been providing understanding, information and fellowship to assist visually impaired individuals to adapt to life in a sighted society. Blind and partially-sighted people encounter many barriers in everyday life. Social, attitudinal and economic barriers can prevent them from participating fully in everyday activities. The loss of part of or all of your sight means that some new skills may be needed, and some other old skills relearned. The SCCCB has a philosophy that blindness doesn’t mean that you’re resigned to be dependent on others. With the right support, education and training, people with visual impairments can find themselves becoming more independent and they pursue new skills and interests as well as continuing their old skills with confidence. That’s where the SCCCB comes in. They offer a place to get questions answered and feelings addressed. It’s a self-help supportive group that typifies the ideal of “neighbors reaching out to help neighbors”, which goes along with the saying “I’m not a blind person, I am just a person who happens to be blind”. The SCCCB is dedicated to helping legally blind individuals in the St. Charles County area, and surrounding communities, maintain their sense of dignity and
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BY ALLAN NEWSHAM
Members of the St. Charles County Council of the Blind following their August meeting.
independence through various programs, resources, legal advocacy, education, recreation and social activities. This means being able to network with others when facing new challenges, obtaining information about education and resources, taking part in presentations about the constantly improving adaptive technology and having topical information about local, state and federal legislation. The social and recreational activities go on throughout the year. These include summertime camp experiences, holiday parties and get-togethers, picnics and attending concerts, sampling the fares at local restaurants and wineries, bowling and ball games, touring historical sites, hayrides and trivia games. Deny Huff, president of SCCCB, said, “Whether you are totally blind, have low vision or have perfect sight, you are cordially invited to join us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of all legally-blind residents of Missouri.We encourage all persons interested in assisting the blind and visually impaired in St. Charles County and the surrounding areas to become members of SCCCB.”
Member/business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Community Council building of the Spencer Branch Library at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. The September meeting is held on the second Monday of the month due to the Labor Day holiday. Unless otherwise specified, no meetings are held in June, July or December. Transportation may be available to meetings and activities. The SCCCB is an affiliate of the Missouri Council of the Blind (MCB) which is, in turn, a member of the national association, the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Members of the SCCCB have access to membership benefits from both the MCB and ACB, and offers the opportunity to attend the annual Missouri Council of the Blind convention (this year to be held in Kansas City Oct. 5 – 8), as well as other conferences and workshops. For more information about SCCCB, please contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947, or the Missouri Council of the Blind, 1-800342-5636.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 7
Hold the phone
BIGSTOCK
OurThoughts
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
I
t’s in the air. There’s that certain something you can almost feel…warm and tingly. Yes, it’s time for those three lovely words – I love you? Hardly, more like – back to school! For three long months moms everywhere have had to hear, “What’s there to do; I’m bored and how come you never let us do anything fun like the Baxters?” FYI: Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Mrs. Baxter, reaching a breaking point, purposely locked her children out of the house forcing them to drink from the garden hose and use the bathroom in the bushes. The neighborhood kids thought it was the most awesome adventure of a lifetime. Oh, I remember those days well. My little demons wailed and complained from the minute the school’s-out-for-summer bell rang right up until the school’s-started bell. Back then we didn’t have mechanical babysitters, i.e., the handheld devices which you could lock their noses onto for the entire summer ensuring no movement of any kind. We actually had to interact with our children by looking them in the eye and using verbal messages to communicate needs. Now, we need to text everything. Today’s mom yells, “Dilroy, come in from outside; time for lunch. Bring your sister.” She would hear her phone beep and find a message from him saying: “I’m on the couch in the living room. What is…outside? Who’s my sister?” “Funny, Mister. That’s her sitting right next to you!” Dilroy will not raise his head or submit to direct eye contact and sends Mom another message: “Send me her number and 8 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
I’ll text her.” Mom finally corrals the kids to the table. She has to explain in great detail that their phones are blocking their mouth holes and to more easily insert food into them, they must be moved away. “Now then. Isn’t this nice being together? Fritzie, would you say grace?” Fritzie grabs her phone and swipes through it and pushes a button. “Ahem, just what do you think you’re doing, young lady?” Mom asks. A blessing on the food emits from Fritzie’s phone. “Shh,” Fritzie scolds as she bows her head, “Prayer app.” The children are immediately removed from the table and ushered outside where they will enjoy drinking from the garden hose and going toi toi in the geraniums. On the positive side, they will have an adventurous essay to write in school entitled, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation.”
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.
OurThoughts
Consolation prize
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
M
y new boots and orthotics were broken in, and the three lb. sleeping bag was replaced by a new, 20 oz. lightweight blanket. Training runs, both with and without pack, along with tough sessions under the barbell, followed by soaks in the hot tub and lots of food for recovery, all paid off in increased fitness for mountain travel. E-mails exchanged between the participants became more detailed and frequent, reflecting the excitement of the upcoming journey into the remote mountain range. Monster Lake is situated several miles beyond the end of a little-used trail; traveling and living for nine days in a (mostly) self-supported fashion required a significant commitment to preparation. Help could be days away, under the best-case scenario. The day came for departure. Everyone made the day-long drive, then met and transferred their gear to the horse-packer – except for me. My gear and I were not there; scheduling conflicts, family and home obligations, and a flare-up of some old personal “collision damage” conspired to keep me from participating in the long-anticipated trip. Chris, a younger and undamaged hiker, was able to take my place for the first few days of the trip. Not all was lost; I was able to vicariously follow the party’s journey thanks to the modern technology of an emergency satellite beacon. Bill sent out an “OK” message a couple times per day, which was sent along with a GPS coordinate, plotted on a map. The message and map were then delivered to my e-mail, which I checked more frequently than normal. It was a double-edged sword, as I was excited to see their progress, and frustrated that I was not there. Their hike closely followed our original travel plans. The first day with no load went quickly. After the first overnight, the next
day’s trip over a steep pass carrying big packs went slowly. Stream crossings were extremely difficult and hazardous due to high water, and added a day on the trail. Bill said it was the toughest trip he’d taken into those mountains; much of that difficulty was due to accumulated age and mileage. They spent the second night at an unnamed lake before Monster. The third day Chris hiked out alone, and the others arrived at their target destination, where they stayed the next three nights before taking three days to hike out. Back at home, I kept up with my training, got the new inflatable boat out onto a local lake and hiked around with my newly-lightened backpack. Though not in official “wilderness,” Staci and I sleep outside under the stars on our deck; fresh air is part of our lives here. While my friends’ trip was underway, I saw two bears, two deer and one fawn – all in our yard. A few shorter trips closer to home will have to suffice for me this summer. Plans are already being made for next year’s adventure, maybe a little shorter journey to a more obscure area. The mountains will always be there for you, the trick is getting out there to enjoy them. Fortunately, living where I do is a pretty good consolation prize for being stuck at home.
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.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 9
Planning your parks Walking paths are popular features in Olivette parks.
Olivette’s new Parks Master Plan seeks public input on improving the city’s 120 acres of park space BY SARA HARDIN It’s noon on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon and you decide to take your lunch to enjoy in the nearby neighborhood park. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and yet you still can’t help but notice how lovely it would be to have a walking path through that tree-shaded area. Or perhaps how perfect a bench would be in that quiet corner of the field. Maybe a tennis court would be nice, too? With its new Parks Master Plan, the city of Olivette is giving its residents and park users the chance to share their recommendations for change in the city’s parks, right down to the small details. Every step of the way until the plan has been developed in February 2018, the input of those who love Olivette parks will be considered the most crucial aspect of the process. “Having a comprehensive plan for your parks system is a huge tool. It helps to make sure that we’re able to really engage our residents and our 10 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
park users in these plans.” said Beverly Tucker Knight, Olivette Parks and Recreation Director. “The city of Olivette is here to serve the residents, and the parks are for the residents. If we don’t get input from our residents on how we’re spending the money, then it really isn’t going to meet their needs. We have a nice parks system and we want to make it better, but without public input we really can’t make quality judgements on what the priorities are for our residents.” “There are so many things the city could do and so many options,” said Olivette City Manager Barbara Sondag. “We need the public’s input just to narrow it down to the things they’re interested in and the things that they want to see. We could totally miss the mark without their input.” To encourage public participation, an online parks survey is available on olivetteparksandrec. com through Sept. 15. An open house and ice cream social was hosted at the Olivette City Cen-
ter on Aug. 24 as an opportunity landscape architects. for residents to share their ideas for “We’re trying to collect as much change they want to see incorporated data as possible and really learn as in the plan. Because not all Olivette much as possible about these parks, park users necessarily live in the city, about their strengths, about their the parks department is pulling out all weaknesses and what the grand vithe stops to make sure they collect as sion is for these parks,” said John Ifmany valued opinions as possible. frig, Landscape Architect for the Law“We have a lot of businesses in rence Group. “We want to create a Olivette. Olivette’s population swells realistic plan to get the most out of the dramatically during the day. Those are parks they have there now. Olivette also park users,” explained Knight. has more parks than most cities of its “We are including businesses in our size. It’s going to be a really imporoutreach and we’re also sending an tant plan, and I think people are goemail blast to anyone in our database. ing to be paying a lot of attention to If we have a way to the upgraded amereach them, we are nities that they will going to send them “The city of Olivette is here to have. It’s a matter a notice about it. serve the residents, and the of figuring out what Having that large of pieces of the plan parks are for the residents. fit into which parks a daytime population increase is an and how they all fit If we don’t get input from important aspect under a our residents on how we’re together of Olivette’s vitality. financially responspending the money, then We’re also going sible plan that they out into the parks it really isn’t going to meet can use as the temwith clipboard surplate for the next their needs.” veys. There are a lot 15-20 years.” of people who walk A concept plan, ~Beverly Tucker Knight, in the parks and developed after the Olivette Parks & Recreation Director use the areas durcollection of all of ing lunchtime, and the data and public we want to make sure that they can input, will be presented to the public contribute information as well.” at a second open house on Oct. 25. Once completed, the plan will serve This will allow park users to offer their as the ultimate guide for the city’s feedback, after which the city can reparks for the next ten years. To en- fine, revise and finally come up with a sure sustainability for park users far completed plan to be implemented. into the future, data about the parks “This will be the first time the public and their current conditions are be- will be able to see what we’ve taken ing carefully gathered by the project’s from their input, and we’re going to
PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF OLIVETTE
(Top right) Summer Adventure Camp in Olivette makes use of the park system. (Middle right) A volunteer plants milkweed starts in the Stacy Prairie. (Bottom) Participants celebrate the opening day of Olivette Youth Baseball.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 11
get their input back on those,” explained Iffrig. “After that second public meeting in October, we’re going to gather all of the information that we have gathered from June until the end of February. We hope that a lot of people come out to give their input.” A notable feature of the Olivette parks system is the sheer number of parks that the city has available to park-goers. Because of the amount of space dedicated to these public use areas, one hope is that the implementation of the Parks Master Plan will expose more residents to what the city’s parks system has to offer. “Olivette has 120 acres of parks and open space for a population of 7,800. That is a tremendous asset,” said Knight. “Assuring that residents know where their parks are and making sure that they feel like part of the process is really important. Going through this process is great because it really exposes people to more of what we have. We talk a lot about connectivity, and we’d like to make sure that everyone has a park within walking distance. That’s something we’d like to have happen in the future.” “We don’t have one park that’s 90 acres, we have five parks in different areas,” said Sondag. “We have the ability for them to be these neighborhood parks with their own uniqueness about them. The sheer number of parks allows a larger percentage of our population to take ownership of the space. We’re really going to see results from this, and I think that’s exciting.” To learn more about the Olivette Parks Master Plan and to take the online Parks Survey, visit olivetteparksandrec.com.
(Top right) Kids dance at Olivette’s Party in the Park held in June. (Middle right) Weed Warriors volunteers celebrate another successful honeysuckle removal in Warson Park. (Bottom right) New pathway mile markers are installed at the Dielman Rd. trailhead. (Bottom left) Bee Balm blooms in Stacy Park Prairie. (Top left) Runners approach the finish line at Olivette’s annual Turkey Trot held every Thanksgiving. 12 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
UNDERSTANDING THE SERIOUS NATURE OF MINI-STROKES
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
CaringPartners
Knowing the warning signs of a mini-stroke could help save a life. A survey conducted by the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association shows one-third of United States adults have had symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, but only three percent called 911 for help. “Ignoring any stroke signs could be a deadly mistake,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., chair of the American Stroke Association Advisory Committee. “Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether you’re having a TIA or a stroke.” The survey showed 35 percent of respondents experienced at least one sign of a TIA or mini-stroke, such as sudden trouble speaking or a severe headache with no known cause. According to the online survey, those who suffered symptoms were more likely to wait it out, rest or take medicine rather than call 911. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the United States and among the top five causes of death. However, with proper, timely medical attention, stroke is largely treatable. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome. The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people remember the most com-
mon stroke warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency: F – Face drooping A – Arm weakness S – Speech difficulty T – Time to call 911 While the symptoms are the same, the difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the blockage is temporary, lasting between a few minutes and 24 hours. People who suffer a TIA, sometimes called a warning stroke, are more likely to have a stroke within 90 days, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Elkind said anyone who experiences a stroke warning sign that appears suddenly, whether it goes away or not, should call 911 immediately. This could improve the chances of an accurate diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Stroke symptoms come on suddenly with no known cause and may include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or a severe headache. To learn more about stroke warning signs and treatment, visit StrokeAssociation.org. SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 13
“BABY DRIVER” PHOTO COURTESY SONY PICTURES
OurLifestyle
SUMMER MOVIES
EXPLOSIVE SECOND HALF The month of May got off to a very good start at the summer box office. Then it felt as if an endless amount of big films were slapped with bad reviews and low box office results. This continued throughout June with one strong exception, “Wonder Woman.” Beginning on June 28, a new batch of movies began to turn the summer towards greatness. “Baby Driver” (June 28) RT: 95 percent Certified Fresh
Writer/Director Edgar Wright gave us a refreshingly original car chase / heist flick that really clicked with almost anyone fortunate enough to see it. Ansel Elgort, as Baby, will steal your heart from minute one. Even the music selection in the soundtrack plays a vital part in film’s flow - and story. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (July 7) RT: 92 percent Certified Fresh PHOTO COURTESY COLUMBIA PICTURES
“The Big Sick” (July 14) RT: 98 percent Certified Fresh
It’s a true story about Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (as himself) falling in love with Emily Gordon (Zoe Kazan), right before she battles a mysterious illness. With Kumail’s cross-cultural references and winning chemistry with Kazan’s Emily (and also a perfect comic match opposite Ray Romano), it’s dry/sarcastic comedy at its satisfying best. “War for the Planet of the Apes” (July 14) RT: 93 percent Certified Fresh
“Dunkirk” (July 21) RT: 93 percent Certified Fresh
PHOTO COURTESY WARNER BROTHERS
It’s been said, by many that Oscar season began early thanks to director Christopher Nolan’s new WWII epic. He just drops you right in the middle of the conflict from first frame (and the last). May he finally receive that (overdue) Oscar nomination for Best Director. “Detroit” (Aug. 4) RT: 85 percent Certified Fresh
PHOTO COURTESY CHERNIN ENTERTAINMENT
Writer/director Matt Reeves’s last three films, “Cloverfield,” “Let Me In” and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” were all magnificent. Now, he seems to be unstoppable with the crowd - and critical - pleasing of “War for the Planet of the Apes.”
We’re given an urgent film that shows us the Detroit rebellion in 1967. What began as a general outlook to what started the riots turns into a personal examination of the horrifying event at the Algiers Motel. This is the other summer film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, generating early Oscar buzz.
“Girls Trip” (July 21) RT: 88 percent Certified Fresh
It’s an honest - and funny - comingof-age story led by a fantastic performance by the rightfully cast Tom Holland. This is the new Spider-Man movie we’ve been waiting for. 14 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
Within the first minutes you’re invested in these likable, lifelong friends (Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah and lookout for Tiffany Haddish); making this outrageous comedic experience all the better.
Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.
OurThoughts
KIA NIRO BRINGS AFFORDABILITY AND STYLE TO THE HYBRID MARKET
W
e're now coming off of a three year pattern in which hybrid vehicle sales have been declining here in the U.S. This could be for various reasons including gas prices; however, for 2017, hybrid sales are now beginning to surge once again. That said, Kia Motors America (KMA) is currently showcasing their all new 2017 front-wheel-drive Niro Hybrid five passenger crossover. It has a base MSRP price point of $22,890, excluding the necessary $895 shipping and destination charges. Niro is offered in five trim levels; FE, LX, EX, Touring Launch and their Touring editions. “We’re excited about the Niro,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “It’s fantastic – exceptional fuel economy, great looks, the usefulness and security of a compact utility and it’s fun to drive. The Niro really does set a new standard in the market.” The vehicle achieves about 50-mpg combined city/highway driving when focused on Niro's EPA numbers. As expected, fuel usage will tend to fluctuate-depending on the trim levels and one's driving habits. Of course, the hybrid (gas/electric propulsion system) is also engineered for emitting very low levels of tailpipe emissions as well. The new powertrain starts with an advanced, state-of-the-art 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection four-cylinder engine. Producing some 104 horsepower, this new powerplant combines a number of technologies in order achieve its fuel efficiency. With its smaller size (when compared to most other hybrid vehicles), it allows for increased cargo carrying capacity. Consumers will applaud the car's acclaimed spacious cabin and easy to operate command and control systems. The dash gauges are fairly easy to interpret, very colorful and for
the most part, are unobstructed. Noise and vibration countermeasures were employed to minimize unwanted road clamor, resulting in a quiet ride overall. Braking feels firm and confident. Kia offers a full array of welcomed driver assistance safety features. Standard is their UVO infotainment telematics and convenience feature with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a seven-inch center dash mounted touchscreen With Niro's leading-edge and innovative looks, it has an athletic and sculpted presence. The profile is quite engaging with its distinguished strong forward design and well defined wheel arches. The Niro tends to add a comfortable interior environment coupled with providing enjoyable driving dynamics. According to the factory, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected be added to the car’s lineup, later in its life-cycle. Niro is jointly engineered with the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid as well. The 2017 Niro Touring I drove had a sticker price of $32,575, after freight and options were included. Roadside assistance coupled with their basic warranty coverage is for five-years/60,000 miles. David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufacturers, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurLifestyle
Spice up school days B
usy school days demand meals that can match the pace of life. A Mexican-themed meal is a sure way to keep things festive and lively around the family dinner table. Not only does a meal centered on Mexican-style foods let you spice up your menu, it also allows for plenty of personalization so even the pickiest of palates can be satisfied. Put a fresh twist on your next school-night fiesta with these ideas: • An ethnically-inspired meal is a great opportunity to encourage kids to try out new flavors and experiment with foods they wouldn’t normally eat. Sample variations of classic salsas, incorporate seasonal ingredients like jicama and diced sweet peppers to freshen up your dishes or put a spicy spin on a classic Italian favorite by creating Mexican-inspired stuffed shells. • Get creative with proteins. Chicken and beef are common options, but heart-healthy fish and shrimp are also great candidates for a Mexicanstyle meal. Pork is another good choice for many Mexican dishes, and beans provide an excellent source of added protein. • Mex-up your taco night. Try an alternative to the traditional corn shell with an option like Ortega Good Grains Taco Shells, crafted with artisanal blends of real corn, unique grains and ingredients baked into each shell. • Keep things kid-friendly and fun by focusing on finger foods. A large taco can be difficult for little hands to handle, but a street taco portion, a chimichanga or even nachos are more hands-on. • Look for fun toppings that add an extra crunch. For example, new Ortega Crispy Taco Toppers, lightly breaded slices of real jalapeno or onion, provide a bold kick and are the perfect finishing touch. • Don’t forget dessert. No meal is complete without a sweet treat, such as a churro, flan, empanada or sopapilla. Find more mealtime inspiration like these recipes, perfect for the busy back-to-school season, at ortega. com.
Slow Cooked “Pulled” Chicken Tacos Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 2 hours | Servings: 5
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 bottle (8 ounces) taco sauce 1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 1/2 1
teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper package (10 shells) taco shells, warmed taco toppings
Directions: In medium pan, combine chicken, taco sauce, chicken stock, salt and pepper, and cook on low, covered, approximately 2 hours, or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 F. Remove chicken from pan and shred using two forks. Turn heat to medium-high and reduce cooking liquid into thick sauce, cooking 3-5 minutes and stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and combine sauce with shredded chicken. Serve in taco shells with desired taco toppings.
16 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
OurLifestyle
Baja Chicken Pizza Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 5 Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound 1 bottle (8 ounces) green taco sauce 1 can refried beans 3/4 cup salsa 1 prepared pizza crust 1 red bell pepper, diced
Directions: In large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine chicken breasts with green taco sauce. Stir or shake to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake chicken 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Let chicken cool 10 minutes then cut into small cubes. In medium bowl, combine re-
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles 1 bag (8 ounces) Mexican- style shredded cheese 1 bottle (8 ounces) taco sauce 1 bag Ortega Crispy Onion Taco Toppers
fried beans and salsa. Transfer prepared pizza crust to baking sheet. Spread bean mixture over dough, leaving 1/4 inch at edges for crust. Top with peppers, green chiles, chicken and cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with taco sauce and crispy onion toppers then serve.
Mexican Style “Totchos� Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 5 Ingredients: 1 package (32 ounces) tater tots 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 packet taco seasoning 1 cup water 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
2
Directions: Prepare tater tots according to package directions.
evaporates and sauce is thickened.
Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef 4-5 minutes until browned, using wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Add taco seasoning and water. Cook until water
Top hot tater tots with cooked ground beef and cheese, and broil in oven 5 minutes.
1 1
medium tomatoes, diced container (16 ounces) sour cream bag Ortega Crispy Jalapeno Taco Toppers
Top with tomatoes, sour cream and crispy jalapeno toppers, and serve immediately. SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 17
PHOTO COURTESY DORRIS KEEVEN-FRANKE
InDepth
Wentzville resident, 88 year-old George Abington stands in front of a house where his ancestors once lived on the Abbington Plantation in Foristell, Missouri.
Uncovering roots
Man discovers family secrets and hidden history as he traces his family tree BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
E
ighty-eight-year-old George Abington, born and raised in Wentzville, began a quest five years ago to find his paternal grandfather’s birth certificate after younger family members had questions about their roots. “My father really never talked about his childhood…his father,” George shared. “I knew his mother because we visited her. But he never mentioned his father and just never talked about his childhood. I had a couple nephews who wanted to know how this person [was] related…how that person [was] related. I said, ‘you know what let’s see if I can find out something’…I wanted to find out what my father’s name was, too. [I was asked] how are you going to do it? I said I am going to go to St. Charles…I’m going to see if I can find his birth certificate. So, I went to the court house and searched all the records.” George was told they didn’t have the record he sought. He was referred to the St. Charles Historical Society. “I went over there… [the woman who assisted me] asked, ‘Can I help you?’ I said ‘yes I’d like to see if you can help me find my father’s birth certificate?’ So, she called Dorris.” Currently, Dorris Keeven-Franke, a public historian, is the Executive Director at the Missouri Germans Consortium, but she 18 | OUR TOWN | SEPTEMBER 2017
was working with the Historical Society when she and George connected on his quest five years ago. “I had been a professional genealogist for 30…40 years but it was like my second week [at the Historical Society] and I don’t know what made me but without thinking I said, ‘sure we can find your dad.’” Both she and George burst into laughter. Dorris had been gone from the Historical Society for three years before returning. “We worked on it [George’s search] over two years before we discovered it,” referring to the birth certificate. Dorris stated every volunteer at the Historical Society helped with the search. It is important to note that in finding George’s paternal grandfather’s certificate, the only information he knew was his parent’s name and his paternal grandmother’s name. Dorris explained, “Over [a period] we dug every record…. After about a year or two of that we were finally getting it all narrowed down.” Dorris reviewed how much information they’d gathered about Sarah, George’s grandmother, in 1860 and that there were 25 slave possibilities that could be linked to her as George’s grandfather minus a name.
InDepth Dorris went on to express the excitement by the Society over the anticipation of her having information. It was found that George’s great uncle had enlisted. Dorris confirmed the monument was erected about four years ago. “It was a beautiful day…” stated Dorris. “They gave George the folded flag, the proclamation from the President, just as if it was his wife or father that had just died. They gave all the same This historical photo is of William Abbington, long-lost military honors to grandfather of George Abington. George that day.” The monument identifies the names of the [56th US Colored Infantry]. His great uncle also got his own stone in another part of the cemetery. Dorris was very forthcoming in sharing the challenge she has found with assisting Americans of African descent in the search of their family tree. “The biggest hurdle [in helping George or anyone of African descent] is the fact that they don’t have the same kinds of records that white people do, to where they can just go to a census and pull up a census in 1850 and there [it is] …all their ancestors. They don’t have that advantage. The biggest advantage that I can say to help people work on it is that they need to try to work on being probate of the estate of the different families that could possibly be the owners. I’ve had some people [say] ‘well they just took the name of their owners because they liked them.’ No, they took the names of their owners because they were property.” Dorris explained how helpful searching court cases can be. She explained that the Abbington children were always fighting over who would become the new owners of slaves that remained when previous Abbington slave owners died. They started taking each other to court before they moved from Virginia to Missouri. As result of further genealogical research, George Abington connected with another relative, Florissant resident Phyllis Hayden, at a program of the O’Fallon Historical Society at the VFW on July 16, The program was a presentation featuring George Abington’s story. For information about an introduction to searching your genealogy call 636-443-4043 and register over the phone for Basic Geneaology or visit the Adult and Community Education offices at 2400 Zumbehl Road in St. Charles to register in person. Classes begin Sept. 5or a fast-paced one-day class is available Aug. 26. PHOTO COURTESY DESCENDANTS OF HENRY ABBINGTON
The research included looking at white slave owners and their property. One slave owner that was researched, Henry Abbington, had a will that included slaves. (Note: the family used two bb’s in the spelling) A notable house-slave of his, Sally, was inherited by Henry’s 75-year-old wife. There were details in the will about the maintenance and care for Sally, who was 14 years old. When Henry Abbington died, in the household lived his widow, the house slave Sally and his son, Henry, Jr., who had been deemed mentally incompetent. Also, in the probate for the Abbingtons was found a receipt for a midwife for the birth of a son born to 55-year-old Henry, Jr and 14-year-old house slave, Sally. In addition to all the pieces that matched up with ages, time-period, and records, Dorris and her team had a picture that was retrieved from the slave owner’s records. “They [the descendants] had given us this picture and all it said was ‘William is the son of Henry and the house slave Sally.’” This William was found to be the husband of Sarah. Dorris proclaimed, “William is George’s grandfather.” According to Dorris, during the Civil War William was made to serve in the Confederate Army as an assistant. When William Abbington returned home it was found that he took the name Levi to differentiate himself from all the other Williams’. Dorris also shared that this William was found to be the father of Anthony—George’s father, revealing more of how the research was pieced together. Dorris provided further evidence for William’s identity in mentioning an incident where he got into a fight at a saloon in Wentzville. William “Levi” was shot and killed in 1885. This piece of evidence pointed to the reason for Sarah, George’s grandmother, remarrying. Dorris shared how the team at the Historical Society unveiled their findings for George. “What was really neat is that we did this program and we didn’t tell George who his grandpa was. He had to sit there and wait for me…I kept it top secret. All the volunteers knew I had it narrowed down to about three different possibilities. We sat him down, gave him a notebook and we had the slides. We shared all the documents and the information as we discovered it. It was a really different story…a very interesting story.” Since George Abington’s quest to find his paternal grandfather’s name and birth certificate five years ago, not only has he found the short generation gap of slavery, but he has also found that his maternal grandparents were slaves as well. George’s quest to find the identify of William Abbington, his paternal grandfather, also led to him finding that his great uncle George, Sarah’s brother, was a former slave turned veteran. “I was visiting a friend at the African American Genealogy and History Society,” stated Dorris. “They were [discussing] a situation at Jefferson Barracks. There is a US Colored Troop, which is called the 56th [Infantry]. When they came home at the end of the Civil War, as they came up the Mississippi River, they contracted cholera. [Approximately] 75 of them died. They were put on Quarantine Island and buried. In the 1920s [it was reported] they dug up those graves and buried them over at Jefferson Barracks. When they reburied, them they did not give them [any] names. They gave them no stone. The St. Louis African American Genealogy and History Society was trying to get a monument for this US Colored Troop. I said, ‘If I knew somebody who was a descendant of one of those members of that troop would that help you?’”
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 19
September 4
Labor Day
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Craft fair: Tri-County Advisory Board to Probation
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Air Force Birthday
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Free concert: Music lovers everywhere, bring your
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and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction will hold their Fifth Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed. For more information please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net, or 636441-0329 or 314-477-5096.
National Grandparents Day Patriot Day National POW/MIA Recognition Day Fall festival: St. Patrick 2017 Fall Festival will take
place Sept. 15 from 5-10 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 2 – 10 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish in Wentzville. There will be rides, food, a stuffed animal booth, a cake walk and raffle tickets. The Knights of Columbus will be frying up their world famous chicken dinner on Saturday evening from 4 – 7 p.m. Bring the family for the Lucky Bucket of Cheer – Beer/Rootbeer Run Friday evening with a 5K race and one mile fun run. Pre-sale bracelets will be available for both days, or individual tickets can be purchased at the gate. Pre-Sale ride bracelets will be available the week prior to the festival.
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
family out for free fun this fall during the new Concerts in the Park series at the Youth Activity Park at 7801 Hwy N. in Dardenne Prairie from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Scott Laytham and Karl Holmes Duo will perform. Picnic baskets are welcome; however, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed into the park. A concession stand is open during the concerts. The 25-acre “extreme” sports park and all its amenities is open for use during the concerts. Those wishing to use the skate park and rock wall must have a season pass or pay the daily entry fee of $5 for children and $8 for adults. Helmets are required and a waiver must be completed by a parent or guardian. Registration for the concerts is not required. For more information, call the park at 636-561-4963 or visit stccparks.org.
Rosh Hashana
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First Day of Autumn
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Gold Star Mother’s Day
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Yom Kippur