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N THIS SSUE
Around Town
Artwork created on storefronts after Ferguson riots is being exhibited in galleries throughout the area and more.
Feature Oh deer! West county cities addressing urban deer populations By Nicholas Elmes
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore meets a new member of her family while Avalanche gives us a viusal glimpse of life in the mountains. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack proves to be an upscale crossover alternative in this month’s Automobile Alley
Lifestyle A closer look at the buzzworthy new movie “Arrival” in Entertainment Creating holiday menu magic in For the Love of Food
NonProfit Profile Veterans Return to Vietnam
Caring Partners Don’t let hip pain keep you down and out and more
Events Calendar Staff Writer - Nicholas Elmes, Cover Photo - Bigstock
CORRECTION
In the October edition of Our Town in the story titled “Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri quietly serves survivors of trauma” the address of the organization was incorrectly listed. The correct address of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri is 1220 N. Lindbergh Blvd. in Creve Coeur. Community News Publications regrets the error.
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AuthorBiographies
Our Town Volume 07 | Number 10 October 2016
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PUBLISHER Robert Huneke EDITOR Mathew DeKinder PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore PHOTOGRAPHER Erica Avellone STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Sara Hardin For advertising information, please contact us at:
info@mycnews.com or
Community News
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.
Avalanche
Nicholas Elmes is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience leading the newsrooms of small community newspapers in Virginia and North Carolina. A recent transplant to the St. Louis area, he is excited to get a chance to explore the diverse region while helping to share the stories of all of the good things happing in these communities.
Nicolas Elmes
David Finkelstein
David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufacturers, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.
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.
Cindy Moore
Brian Guerro
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.
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
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com Copyright 2016 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
AroundTown
Keeping Neighbors Warm
Award Winners Community News honored by Missouri Press Association
Vogt Lawn Care
Fifteen years after its inception and nearly 200,000 coats later, the Warner’s Warm-up Coat Drive has become a dependable resource for impoverished men, women and children in the bi-state area. The Creve Coeur Police Department is proud to team up with the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation and Operation Food Search for the 16th Annual Warners’ Warm-Up Coat Drive. From Nov. 1 through 14, please donate new and gentlyused winter coats to help keep our neighbors warm during the cold winter months. Donations can be dropped off 24 hours a day in the Creve Coeur Police Department lobby at 300 N. New Ballas Road. Operation Food Search will ensure the coats get to those who need them most. For more information, visit www.kurtwarner.org or contact Joan O’Brien, Support Services Assistant, at jobrien@ crevecoeurmo.gov or 314-274-2109.
Building Purchased Vogt Lawn Care, a family owned and operated company, recently purchased a 7,000-square-foot building at 10887 Indian Head for $270,000. The new building has ample office and warehouse space, as well as an outside storage yard, for the eight-person company. Hilliker Corporation, a St. Louis owned and managed commercial real estate company, recently assisted its client in selling a property near Page and Lindbergh to the longtime lawn care business. Founded in 2003, owner Scott Vogt and his son Zach provide lawn care and maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal. Fusion Support Services, a manufacturer and distributor of HDPE pipe fittings, was the prior owner and tenant. Hilliker Corporation’s Will Aschinger represented the seller, Fusion Support Services and McArthur & Associates’ Mike McArthur represented the buyer, PLFR Properties, which is Vogt Lawn Care.
Missouri Press Association
Winter Warm Up Coat Drive, Nov. 1 - 14
The Community News was the recipient of several awards presented by the Missouri Press Association at its annual awards banquet held in Branson, Missouri on Oct. 1. The awards recognized achievements in the 2015 calendar year as the Community News competed against other weekly newspapers across the state. Community News’ columnists were recognized as Joe Morice won first place in the Best Columnist-Humorous category. This was a posthumous award as Morice passed away in 2015. Cindy Moore received an honorable mention award in the same category. Also receiving a first place award was reporter Sara Hardin who won Best Story About Education for her story about the Jennings School District. Hardin also won honorable mention for Best Military Story for a story about a World War II veteran. Publisher Robert Huneke won third place for Best News or Feature Obituary for his remembrance of Morice. The Community News also received an award for its CrossRoads magazine which won second place overall in the Magazine/Alternative Publication category. “These awards are a reflection of all of the hard work and dedication that our staff puts into every edition of the Community News,” said Community News editor Mathew DeKinder. “I could not be prouder of their accomplishments.” NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
Painting For Peace Artwork created on storefronts after Ferguson riots is being exhibited in galleries throughout the area BY NICHOLAS ELMES through Nov. 19. “This is one of the few exhibits where you have so many venues participating at the same time,” said Lewis-Harris. Drawing together Lewis-Harris said Paint for Peace had helped to draw the community together, focusing people from all walks of life on improving a community damaged by unrest and decades of inequality. “It is a tangible piece of the community working together in a positive way,” she said, noting that the event had drawn people from all over St. Louis. “People from south St. Louis came all the way up to North County to work on these. There were some people who were afraid to come to Ferguson, and they found out it was not as scary as they thought it would be.” “Our whole city was hurting, and the whole world was looking at us,” said artist Andy Cross. “Sometimes, when you don’t know what else to do, creating something beautiful in the face of so much ugliness is the only thing you can do.” Artist Amina Terry, who worked on
Nicholas Elmes
Shortly after the shooting of Michael Brown and the ensuing unrest in the Ferguson community, a group of artists and community members stepped up to paint a different picture of the St. Louis community. Armed with paintbrushes, buckets of paint and hope for the future, professional artists from throughout the region joined community members in helping to board up and then paint storefronts damaged in the “Ferguson October” protests. “None of this was pre-planned as we know it,” said University of Missouri St. Louis Associate Professor Dr. Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris who has helped curate an exhibit of the resulting artwork now on display throughout St. Louis. Outside/ In Paint for Peace collects some of the approximately 250 works created at over 100 businesses throughout the Ferguson area in 2014, currently presenting them for display at five locations throughout the St. Louis Region. Paint for Peace works can be found at galleries around the St. Louis region including The Sheldon Art Galleries
Visitors explore the Outside/In exhibit at the Ferguson Youth Initiative. 6 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
one of the pieces with her eight-monthold daughter and 83-year-old mother agreed. “It felt great to be a part of something positive and beautiful that would let people know we haven’t given up on the neighborhood,” she said. “I hope we can come together to find a new normal.” Mike Brandon said that he met people from both sides of the protest while painting. “There were more good experiences than bad experiences,” he said. “An artist would stop by, or people would come and join together. I met one young lady who was a protester at one time. She drove by and said ‘If I were you I would change the eyelashes.’ I said I was not the artist but if she wanted to help she was welcome to. She ended up helping for 30 or 40 hours and made it a masterpiece.” Art on a grand scale Lewis-Harris said the nature of the artwork, being painted on giant pieces of plywood, meant storing and exhibiting the work had presented some challenges. “When you look at these pieces of art, because they truly are works of art, I hope you can take away and keep a sense of the love and hope for healing that went into each of these boards,” said Carol Swartout Klein, who led the effort to salvage the work when the panels started to be taken off of recovering businesses. “My hope is that everyone understands the scale of both these massive works of art but also the scale of the community effort. It’s important to keep this topic of hope, healing, peace and of community in front of everyone. It shouldn’t get buried.”
AroundTown Lewis-Harris said she was still overwhelmed by the support and participation involved in the Paint for Peace project. “Thousands of buckets of paint were donated and people volunteered to drive the paint around the area,” she said. “At a time when things were so negative in the press, people were working together to make a statement of unity. We even have stories of some of the police and National Guard participating in the painting.” Lewis-Harris said many businesses throughout the area had expressed gratitude for the artwork, giving the example of the owners of one area Mexican restaurant who had requested that the artwork painted on the boards on their storefront be returned after the exhibit. “They said that it was like a blessing from the community,” she said. “It is beautiful piece and the family says they want it back.” Sharing the stories “There are a lot of good stories behind this,” Lewis-Harris said, adding that organizers of the exhibits are in the process of applying for a grant that would help create a more indepth catalogue of the work. “We interviewed a lot of people who were involved. That way we would also have a people story about how they responded to the demonstrations and how they wanted to make their community more beautiful. It has really had a lasting effect on the community. We are still feeling pretty positive about what happened and are eager to do something else with that same kind of spirit.” Lewis-Harris said there had even been inquiries about creating a traveling exhibit of the work. “People are finding a way to make room for the pieces,” she said. Paintings in the exhibit are composed of a variety of images, with some focusing more on symbolic, colorful imagery with flowers, hearts, and symbols of hope and strength. Other panels in the exhibit are more text-driven with quotes from civil rights leaders, the Bible and encouraging slogans like “One Love” or “Come Together.” For more information on the exhibits, visit www.cocastl. org/coca-presents/millstone-gallery/outsidein or www. paintingforpeacebook.com.
The giant “One Love” work is on display outside of the Gallery 210 on the University of Missouri- St. Louis campus.
NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 7
AroundTown
Picking New Plates All Missourians are encouraged to help select the design of a new automobile license plate, which will be out in time for the Show-Me State’s bicentennial in 2021. Online voting will be open through Dec. 1 at missouri2021.org. Missouri became the nation’s twenty-fourth state on Aug. 10, 1821. Planning for statewide commemorations began in 2013, after the 97th General Assembly selected the State Historical Society of Missouri to spearhead the efforts. “It was essential that the process start when it did,” said Gary Kremer, SHSMO executive director. “The bicentennial license plate is the first step of many to help ensure that all Missourians are a part of the state’s celebration.” State Representative Glen Kolkmeyer of Missouri’s 53rd District sponsored the legislation, and Dave Schatz, Senator from the 26th District, helped ensure the effort progressed
on the Senate floor. On July 1, 2016, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill 2380, authorizing the bicentennial plate. SHSMO trustee Doug Crews has also been an instrumental figure in the project. “A lot of people helped bring the idea of a bicentennial license plate this far. We are thankful to the governor, Representative Kolkmeyer, and Senator Schatz for their support,” Crews said. The public meetings were organized by the Bicentennial License Plate Advisory Committee, created by HB 2380. Members include leaders from the State Historical Society, Department of Revenue, State Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections, and Department of Transportation, as well as the chairpersons of the transportation committees in both houses of Missouri’s General Assembly.
Missouri 200.org
Missourians invited to help select bicentennial license plate
On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation, 2016 HBA President Kim Hibbs of Hibbs Homes (left) presented a $10,000 donation to Kari Davidson, director of major gifts for Ranken Technical College. The donation will be used to support Ranken Technical College’s neighborhood revitalization and home building program, RCDC (Ranken Community Development Corporation). The RCDC was founded in 1994 to revitalize North City and give Ranken students 8 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
real-world experience in building permanent homes. Carpentry, HVAC/ refrigeration, plumbing, architectural technology, electrical and industrial technology students spend a portion of their second year building the homes and gaining valuable experience. Program participants are currently completing their 61st home. Ranken homes are sold as single-family, affordable housing and receive a tenyear real estate tax abatement from the city of St. Louis. The HBA is a local trade association
Submitted photo
Home Builders Association Donates $10,000 to Ranken Technical College
of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.
AroundTown
Slaying Dragons on Stage Slaying Dragons Theatre Company seeks young actors and volunteers for stage productions The Slaying Dragons Theatre Company seeks young actors, actresses and volunteers to participate in local stage productions that reflect the mental and emotional concerns of young people in our communities. The theater company is looking for people between the ages of 16 to 23, regardless of experience, and asks those interested to contact Helene Meyer, Slaying Dragons’ Artistic Director, for information. Please call 314-596-1219 or email meyerhel1962@charter.net. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to gain meaningful theatrical experience in live stage productions,” said Meyer, who founded Slaying Dragons in 2013, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to
“slaying” stigmas associated with mental illness. “We are bringing public awareness of mental health issues, depression and other disorders, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), through theatrical performances, workshops and lectures,” said Meyer. Slaying Dragons works independently and with community partners to present a wide range of theatrical productions for private and public audiences. “We provide positive reinforcement, creative theatrical experience and support for our troupe and inspiration for our audiences,” Meyer said. More information is available at the website http://www.slayingdragons. org/.
Helping Women Live Their Dreams Group to offer cash grant to women seeking financial assistance for educational or training expenses Group to offer cash grant to women seeking financial assistance for educational or training expenses Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Applications are available online at http://www.soroptimist.org/ awards/apply.html. The application deadline is Nov. 15. Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis will provide a $750 cash grant to its award recipient, who will then advance to the Soroptimist South Central Region level, where recipients could receive up to an additional $5,000. The program culminates with
three finalist $10,000 awards. Recipients can use the Live Your Dream Award to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. This includes tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other education related expense. The Live Your Dream Award provides more than $1.6 million in cash grants to head-of-household women in need each year. Since the program’s inception in 1972, approximately $30 million has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Helping women in this way has the demonstrated effect of leading to stronger communities, nations and the world. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 9
AroundTown
Lending a Helping Hand
City Seeking Director of Finance
Submitted Photo
Donors contributed more than 1,300 home health items to St. Louis HELP equipment drive
St. Louis HELP, the not-for-profit Health Equipment Lending Program that freely loans home medical equipment to any person who needs it, collected a total of 1,310 home health equipment items from 300 donors during its equipment donation drive on Oct. 8. “We collected 14.97 tons of used home medical equipment that we will clean and revitalize for free loans to any person or caregiver for as long as they need the equipment,” said Executive Director Laura Cannon Singer, who founded the nonprofit organization in 2008. “This means we are diverting almost 15 tons from the solid waste stream by cleaning, reconditioning, recycling and loaning all of this donated equipment,” she said. “We express our deepest gratitude and thanks to all donors and our amazing volunteers for making this event such a big success – including 60 volunteers, board members and staff members who participated in this semi-annual event. Now we are 10 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
busy cleaning and reconditioning the equipment at our warehouse in Olivette. “We estimate that the cumulative value of the items we collected on Oct. 8 to be $344,311. We turn that used equipment into an asset for the needy people we serve by revitalizing it and loaning it to them unconditionally.” Donors dropped off used home health equipment to St. Louis HELP at 14 Walgreen’s parking lots in four metro area counties in St. Louis and southwestern Illinois. Items donated included manual and power wheelchairs, electric hospital beds, shower chairs, canes, crutches, walkers, grab bars, elevated toilet seats, portable commodes, lift chairs, seating cushions, back supports, folding ramps and other devices, Singer said. “Nothing goes to waste. Good parts of broken equipment that we collect are used to repair other equipment.” For more information about St. Louis HELP call 314-567-4700 or visit http:// www.stlhelp.org.
The city of Creve Coeur seeks a director of finance to oversee all financial operations including budget, audit, investments and risk management. Reporting to the city administrator, the finance director oversees dayto-day operations of the finance department and advises staff, city council, finance committee, and employee pension board of trustees on financial policies and issues. Submit a cover letter of interest, resume, salary history, and contact information including email addresses for four work-related references to hr@crevecoeurmo.gov or: Sharon Stott Assistant to the City Administrator City of Creve Coeur 300 North New Ballas Road Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Initial review of applications will begin Dec. 1. Start date of successful applicant is estimated on or before March 1, 2017.
Have good news to share? Get your event or good news published in:
email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.
AroundTown
New Art on Display
City of Creve Coeur
Creve Coeur unveils first installation in rotating sculpture display The city of Creve Coeur Arts Committee along with Thalden Boyd and Emery Architects unveiled the sculpture, “Streamlines,” in front of the Shoppes at Westgate at Olive Boulevard and Tempo Drive on Oct. 19. The installation is the first in a series of a new art initiative in Creve Coeur to bring temporary art to public spaces. Created by Ali Baudoin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Streamlines will be on display for a period of one to three years after which it will be replaced by a new sculpture. The rotating art program was originally outlined in the Creve Coeur Arts Committee’s Master Plan. In consideration of a site plan development proposal, the property owner offered to work with the arts committee to provide a location for the display. “Art has the ability to transform a space,” said Arts Committee vice chair Dan Tierney. “The temporary display will provide artists with a new venue to show off their artwork while also giving visitors an ever-changing encounter with the arts.” The sculpture “Streamlines” will be on display in front of the Shoppes at Westgate at Olive Boulevard and Tempo Drive for a period of one to three years after which it will be replaced by a new sculpture.
Moving In
Athletico Physical Therapy
Physical therapy company opens its largest facility in St. Louis
Athletico Physical Therapy leased more than 9,000 square feet in a 50,000-square-foot retail center at Olive and McKnight. The 8622 Olive location will focus on endurance athletes, those with traditional therapy needs, and workers compensation services. According to the company, the Olivette location is larger than a typical clinic to accommodate therapy that involves treatment of endurance athletes, specialized injured workers care, and traditional rehabilitation. Hilliker Corporation, a St. Louis owned and managed
commercial real estate company, recently assisted its client in a transaction with the physical therapy company Athletico Physical Therapy provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers and athletes in over 350 locations throughout nine states and with more than 4,000 employees. Hilliker Corporation’s Will Aschinger represented the landlord, Tsai Investments, Inc. and Swearingen Realty Group’s Luke Paterson represented the tenant, Athletico Management, LLC. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 11
Oh Deer! West County Cities Addressing Urban Deer Populations
BY NICHOLAS ELMES They may be cute and adorable, but ask anyone who has had a harrowing encounter with deer racing on the side of the road toward their car and they will tell you that large deer populations in a populated area can be a real problem. And, while deer vehicle collisions represent the largest danger to human life and property, Missouri Department of Conservation Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank said larger urban deer populations can also cause damage to a variety of landscaping as well as concerns over tick-borne diseases. Thankfully, most municipalities in the western part of St. Louis County have enacted programs like urban archery to help manage deer populations. Most recently, the Creve Coeur City Council approved a change to their 12 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
existing urban archery ordinance to now allow crossbow hunting of deer. Creve Coeur Police Lt. Jeffrey Hartman said local officials hoped the change in the ordinance would increase participation in the urban hunting program. “The deer population in Creve Coeur has created a danger to motorists through collisions and residents have complained about the amount of deer in the city,” said Hartman. “In addition to police calls for service, residents in our community have complained of deer causing havoc to residential landscaping. In the past five years the city has had 80 deer related crashes and has responded to 459 deer related calls. During the same time period Creve Coeur officers have euthanized 73 deer. The decision to add crossbow hunting to the ordinance, which went into effect
on Aug. 22, came after several months of discussion by the Creve Coeur City Council. City Administrator Mark Perkins first brought the issue before the council at its July 11 meeting, telling councilmembers that the city had continued to hear concerns form city residents about deer issues, even after starting its urban archery program in 2011. Under the new ordinance, hunters are required to have a minimum of $2 million per occurrence insurance, and hunting must take place in an elevated position of at least 10 feet facing the interior of the property. “Crossbows are efficient, use a smaller arrow and have a shorter range than traditional compound bows,” said Captain Jon Romas. “Our hope is that by allowing crossbows, more residents will participate in the program, helping to reduce the city’s
“In the past five years the city has had 80 deer related crashes and has responded to 459 deer related calls. “ deer population.” In Missouri, bow hunting season runs from Sept. 15 through Jan. 15. Residents interested in allowing hunting on their property or on combined properties are encouraged to contract an experienced and licensed archery hunter aged eighteen or older. Prior to hunting activity, the person seeking permission to bow hunt must complete the “Notification of Intent to Hunt Form” available on the Creve Coeur website and notify all contiguous neighbors. Residents are also encouraged to help reduce the deer population by refraining from feeding deer and by planting deer-resistant plants. More information is available at www. creve-coeur.org/deer or by contacting
the Police Department Support Services Assistant at 314-872-0946. Hartman said this month that the number of deer killed though the urban archery program had decreased form 19 in 2011 to only 4 in 2015. Police Chief Glenn Eidman said at the July meeting that the council could choose one of three options to help address the issue: reducing the liability insurance required for urban archery, allowing crossbow hunting or reducing the size of the land required to hunt on to less than an acre. He said the state department of conservation strongly discouraged reducing the required acreage, but had positive things to say about adding a crossbow hunting program. He noted that holding an official
hunting contest in city parks would require the closure of those parks to the public during the hunt, adding that the in the past two years the development of a subdivision on Ladue Rd. had decreased possible hunting areas. Eidman also said the city had considered other options for dealing with the deer populations, noting that neighboring municipalities, like Town and Country, had tried a variety of ways of dealing with deer populations including hiring companies to euthanize and neuter deer. He said those efforts had cost the city close around a half a million dollars in recent years. “Most municipalities around St. Louis allow archery hunting with some restrictions,” Shank said in October. “Town and Country and Ellisville NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 13
have used bait-and-sharpshooting to manage deer. Both these methods have costs and benefits. Archery hunting is inexpensive and can be done on small properties. She said another benefit of archery hunting is that it moves the issue out of city hall and into the hands of the homeowners, who can then decide whether or not to utilize this tool for deer management on their property. “Bait-and-sharpshooting can be expensive because either an experienced contractor or trained police officers do the shooting,” said Shank. “Those cities coordinate and pay for sharpshooting activities. If done correctly, sharpshooting can be an incredibly efficient way of lowering a deer population. Archery hunting, on the other hand, requires a high level of participation by homeowners to result in enough “Our hope is that by allowing crossbows, deer harvest to more residents will participate in the program, stabilize or lower the population.” helping to reduce the city’s deer population.” H a r t m a n - Creve Coeur Police Captain Jon Romas said there would always be some residents who expressed safety concerns over urban archery programs, but noted that four other local jurisdictions had included the use of crossbows in their ordinances this year. He added that he city could consider other options if the new program was not successful in increasing hunter participation. “There are always other methods to try and control the population; however, each has its own variables that would require further research before we could recommend them,” he said. Shank said homeowners could also take additional steps to keep deer off of their property. “Several things homeowners can do that does not involve hunting to address deer concerns include scare tactics, using repellents and fencing to protect gardens and eliminating supplemental feeding,” she said. Photos courtesy of Bigstock
14 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
OurThoughts
In due course MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
H
ouston…we have lift off! Or lift out, whichever way you want to look at it. Previously, I alerted everyone that my daughter was overdue one week plus with her second child. I am happy to say that the baby has arrived and mom and the little pellet are doing just fine. Here’s how the morning of delivery went: Me to husband: “Well, it looks like this baby is going to take up permanent residency inside our daughter. I’m blaming your side of the family for this?” Him: “Mine, why?” “I distinctly recall that your brother didn’t budge out of your parent’s house until he was thirty-something.” “Negative! Your idea of forcing her to watch the presidential debate was totally to blame for this.” “Whatever do you mean?” “I mean, after the poor little bean heard what kind of chaos she would enter into, it convinced her not to emerge and caused the escape hatch to pucker up tighter than the drawstring on an old pair of sweatpants.” He had a point. We’ve tried everything from pineapple to push-ups to bring on labor and convince the little wombdweller that it was time to cut loose the umbilical cord and come out. Someone suggested making elaborate plans for the day—a surefire way to induce labor. Since my daughter and her family live in Florida, my husband and I proceeded to plan a full day of activities while there. First we would have a leisurely breakfast at some swanky outdoor restaurant where they would accept our two-for-one coupons and offer free refills; then we’d
lounge at the beach and perhaps take a stroll on the sand and enjoy the surf. Since we weren’t typical beachgoers, our chubby bodies were going to appear a tad pasty. Full disclosure: we look as if Dracula drained our blood then injected White-Out into our veins. We would have to stay far from the tanned natives and make sure we mingled in with all other mid-westerners whose bodies resembled albino manatees with goiters. No sooner were we about to step out for our day of adventure when the texts came. Baby’s coming. Get here fast! We hopped into the car and sped down the road on two wheels dodging slow-moving fire trucks and ambulances, then swerved to avoid annoying pedestrians on the sidewalk and sent cyclists clambering up telephone poles with their bicycles on their backs. More texts. This kid ain’t waiting! Panicking, I Googled “emergency childbirth delivery”. I texted ahead to reassure my daughter that I had just certified myself in home-delivery. I said I would need oven mitts, tongs and a large container of boiling water. Are you serious? I texted back, “Absolutely, and don’t worry, if the baby’s born before we get there I can always use those supplies to whip up a batch of tortellini. Believe me, you’ll be famished afterwards!” Thankfully, my newly acquired skills were not needed. The little sugarplum came soon after they arrived at the hospital. The baby is adorable and the tortellini was superb! NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurThoughts
A picture is worth a 1000 words
After wrestling with the consequences of gravity, water and mud, it’s easy to forget why we choose to live here. The view from the house serves as a good reminder.
L
ast month’s column regaled readers with the unparalleled excitement of a mudslide running entirely too close to home. We’ve been working hard every day to clean up the mess, in addition to trying to complete fall chores, such as gathering firewood for the winter, and painting
Photos by Avalanche
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
the house - a long-overdue task. I haven’t been feeling verbose enough to write a column, and besides, many of my utterances over the last few weeks weren’t fit for print. Words didn’t adequately convey the scale of this muddy mess, so here is a pictorial account of the last month.
The area formerly known as the “Front Yard.” A friend inquired if I had to use a boat to cut the lawn.
A walk along the river in the evening is a good remedy for a long day’s toil. 16 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
(From top) After a couple hours of digging with heavy equipment, I was able to remove rocks from under the truck by winching them out with the ATV. ; This is the road after the slide, and before heavy equipment arrived; The new and improved, protected and elevated parking platform. All rocks were sourced from the pile on the road.
OurThoughts The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack an upscale crossover alternative BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN Competing with the likes of the Subaru Outback, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack for 2017 is a close derivative of the Golf SportWagen. Alltrack tends to jointly solidify the vehicle’s overall practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the capabilities offered with their standard 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The ‘17 Golf Alltrack tends to be an upscale alternative to existing all-wheel-drive wagons and small crossovers that are currently on the market. Being a direct descendent of the Golf SportWagen body design, Alltrack’s differences are immediately evident; however, there is absolutely no mistaking the two. Despite the overall length and width remaining roughly the same, the cars all-embracing height has been increased somewhat. This proportional change helps to make for a bolder, more capable appearance without compromising the rock-solid foundation of Volkswagen’s design DNA. Starting with Alltrack’s front design, it telegraphs a robust character with a redesigned bumper and showcases a lower silver crossbar that incorporates standard fog lights and LED daytime running lights on all trim levels If we transition towards the sports wagon’s rear, the vehicle has darkred taillights, a new bumper as well as chrome exhaust tailpipe outlets on both sides plus special and distinctive body badging. Alltrack’s spacious interior offers up just under 95 cubic feet of passenger volume as well as 30.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Driver operating controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between
the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver. This feature is frequently seen with premium luxury or performance vehicles. This car comes equipped with a long list of modern comfort, convenience and entertainment features. The Alltrack S entry model is equipped with an eight-speaker audio system. Available security related features offered include Automatic Crash Notification, which can seamlessly notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of a collision. The new Alltrack shares its proven 1.8-liter TSI Turbo gasoline directinjected engine with other members of the Golf lineup. Output is rated at 170 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 199 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg city. Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques, there is both “high” and “ultra-high” strength steels used throughout. Alltrack’s chassis manages to remain lightweight, despite its upscale features and enhanced crash structure. The design provides an intelligent combination of both passive and active safety systems. Alltrack achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. It will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL and comes with Volkswagen’s standard fiveyear/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty. The base pricing is $25,850 excluding destination and shipping charges of $820. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 17
OurLifestyle
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s we’re reaching near the end of the year (or smack in the middle of awards season) there is a film in the science-fiction genre set for release on Nov. 11. It’s the kind of film that is sweeping in with early positive-buzz as an intelligent thriller that will demand your attention. This ever-promising film has been receiving reviews – at least – a couple months before it opens and there’s a reason… they’re all positive. It’s not part of a franchise, nor does it have a prior fan base. This original film clearly wants to be heard, let alone, seen. The film’s early word-of-mouth is quite extraordinary with words like “masterpiece” already being publicly shared. One of the biggest key players here is the film’s director, Denis Villeneuve. He’s already become one of the most sought-after directors in the business today. The big deal about him is that he’s on a hot-streak of well-received films - and “Arrival” is about to become his third in a row, let alone another possible Oscar contender. His films just keep getting better and his latest could become his greatest yet.
“Prisoners”
The streak began with this film back in 2013, featuring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano among others. On the production side, his frequent collaborators are cinematographer Roger Deakins and music composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. As terrific as the reviews were for this film, it wasn’t the strongest in this competitive year of excellent movies. It did snag an Academy Award 18 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
Nomination for Deakins – which was his 11th at the time. Under Villeneuve’s direction, this carefully paced film is steadily photographed with occasional tracking shots that are slow, but with a tight visual grip. It’s a natural way to build up suspense, a kind of visual style that’s similarly used in a film by Clint Eastwood or even Sam Mendes. “Prisoners” is a story about a Keller Dover (Jackman), a father looking for his young daughter and her friend who’d been randomly kidnapped right in front of his family home during a Thanksgiving gathering. It’s the kind of film where you find out how far Keller is willing to go to find his daughter and friend even though the cops, headed by Det. Loki (Gyllenhaal) are on hot leads of their own in finding the two girls.
“Sicario”
Denis Villeneuve outdoes himself here with this realistic action thriller about an FBI agent (Emily Blunt – terrific) enlisted by a government task force who are set out to take down
those responsible for the ongoing drug war at the U.S. and Mexican border. Villeneuve’s strengths in “Prisoners” is also here, but in the addition of his strong ability to execute some actions scenes when it’s called – and he turns out to be a pro. The occasional shootout scenes are so sharp that they would even make action masters like Michael Mann (“Heat” and “Collateral”) proud. However, like in his previous film, it’s the actors that are driving force in the film and Villeneuve makes sure of it. “Sicario” was nominated for three Oscars including one for each of Villeneuve’s frequent collaborators, Roger Deakins (his 13 nomination for Best Cinematography) and Jóhann Jóhannsson (for Best Original Score). Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro (both perfectly cast) also star in the film.
“Arrival”
The film is lead by Amy Adams as Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist sent to one of the dozen landing sites of hovering crafts to help communicate with extra-terrestrials inside. It’s also about coping with emotional loss as Banks is going through the stages of mourning the death of her daughter. As this is happening the world will be at stake as Banks could be the only key in figuring out the language, let alone the reasoning, for the aliens’ visit. The world is at stake as certain other countries could take action on their own that could cost the existence of the human race. Rumor has it that Adams’ performance is off the charts and I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s Oscar talk for her, let alone the movie itself. Forest Whitaker and Jeremy Renner also star.
OurLifestyle
HOLIDAY
Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots & Mint Sauce Servings: 4
menu magic Planning ahead for family meals around the holidays can be a headache-inducing practice, but putting to work recipes that everyone can enjoy makes it a much more enjoyable process. Find more holiday recipes at culinary.net.
Culinary Education Center House Fondue Servings: 6 | Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients: 3/4 pound Grand Cru Original, shredded 3/4 pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded 1/2 pound Roth Fontina, shredded 16 ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine 1 loaf crusty artisan bread fresh apples, grapes and pears black and white pepper (optional) nutmeg (optional) Directions: In ceramic fondue pot, combine cheeses and wine; stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes. Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner. Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper, plus additional, to taste 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided 1/4 cup shallots
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teaspoon crushed red pepper cup chicken broth cup fresh grapefruit juice tablespoon minced mint, divided teaspoons all-purpose flour mint leaves
Directions: Salt and pepper chicken. In large skillet, heat half the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until both sides are browned well, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to plate and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to pan. Add shallots and crushed red pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. In small bowl, whisk together broth, grapefruit juice, half the minced mint and flour. Add to skillet. Cook, whisking until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Return chicken to skillet with juices; reduce heat to low. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Serve chicken with sauce spooned over. Use remaining minced mint and mint leaves to garnish. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 19
CaringPartners
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT 101 Know your options and get free help
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s autumn progresses, it’s important to keep your health in mind. Medicare’s fall open enrollment period will allow you to review your plan options. Maybe you have a new prescription that is not covered by your current drug plan or you have a new health condition. To ensure you get the most from Medicare in 2017, you should research your Medicare plan options during Medicare open enrollment.
During open enrollment, you can: • Adjust Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage. • Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa). • Switch between Medicare Advantage plans. • Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. • Switch existing drug plans or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you’re unsure where to start, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. SHIPs offer free one-on-one assistance year-round to Medicareeligible beneficiaries, their families 20 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
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Open enrollment begins Oct. 15 and closes Dec. 7. Changes made during this time will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
and caregivers. Trained counselors in your area can help with understanding Medicare benefits and the enrollment process. Assistance is personalized, so SHIP counselors can help you find available options that fit your unique situation. The program – funded by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – provides services in every state as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at ACL.gov. Don’t wait until the last minute. Take care of your health now and find your SHIP at shiptacenter.org, or contact Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicare.gov.
CaringPartners
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Don’t Let Hip Pain Keep You Down & Out
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hen you stop doing your favorite activities because you feel unbalanced or the pain and stiffness in your hips or legs doesn’t go away, it may be time to see to an orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic specialist will help you determine if the problem is caused by an injury, muscle weakness, a back problem or damage to the hip joint, and whether it can be alleviated with rest, an injection, medication, therapy or a surgical procedure. “The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that normally has extensive range of motion and can bear a tremendous amount of weight. When an injury occurs to the bone, the cartilage, or any of the muscles or soft tissues around the hip, an abnormal wear pattern can cause pain and stiffness in the joint,” said Frank Tull, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with SSM Health DePaul Hospital. According to Tull, orthopedic surgeons start with conservative treatment, and often therapy or medication can alleviate pain or other symptoms for a while. Physical therapy may be suggested to strengthen muscles in the
back and legs to correct imbalance. Medication or an injection may be recommended if you had a minor injury or strain that causes temporary discomfort. Sometimes arthroscopy may be ordered to surgically repair any damaged cartilage and to determine the extent of the injury. If an x ray indicates that degenerative arthritis has eroded cartilage and bone in the joint and the pain has progressed to the point that non-surgical treatments no longer are effective, joint replacement may be recommended. “Although it is a major surgery and the last option for treating arthritis pain, the high success rate has made it a routine procedure for millions of Americans, and one of the most successful types of elective surgery performed in the world today,” said Tull. Approximately 300,000 people in the United States benefit from hip replacement surgery each year. The surgical procedure itself also has been improved, which has allowed a smaller incision length, less muscle trauma, shorter operation time, better pain
control and shorter hospital stay. “At one time these operations were reserved for older adults, but improvements in implant materials and technology have extended its advantages to younger, more active people with a painful hip,” said Tull. Most patients are able to be out of bed and walking with assistance from a therapist the day after surgery. By one month after hip replacement, most people are walking without assistance, and can return to driving and to regular activities as they regain strength and endurance. Dr. Frank Tull is an orthopedic surgeon with SSM Health Orthopedics. He sees patients at the SSM Health Orthopedic Center located at 12349 DePaul Drive, Suite 100 in Bridgeton and with SSM Health Medical Group located at 1601 Wentzville Parkway, Suite 117 in Wentzville.. To make an appointment at either location, please call 314-291-7900. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 21
CaringPartners
Overcome limitations for better dental health
What causes “dental deserts”? These shortage areas or “dental deserts” exist for two reasons: supply of dentists and location preferences. Research from the Health Resources and Services Administration indicates the number of dentists in every state does not meet the demand for care – a problem that is projected to increase over the next 10 years. By 2025, the dentist deficit is projected to double despite new dental schools opening and dentists joining the workforce. Other barriers to dental care Cost is another barrier that prevents Americans from getting the preventative care they need. The Affordable Care Act does not require health plans to cover dental services for adults, and without that insurance coverage, many decide to delay dental care. A recent survey commissioned by Aspen Dental found that nearly two out 22 | OUR TOWN | NOVEMBER 2016
of five American adults (39 percent) have limited access or will delay dental care due to their financial situation – a number that has increased by nearly 8 percent in the past two years. Even so, 80 percent were aware that postponing or delaying routine visits could cost them more money in the long run. Find the care you need Consumers are demanding more choices and better access to quality health care, seeking convenience and affordability. “Patients are llooking for dental practices that have their schedules in mind,” said Dr. Melissa Thompson, Aspen Dental practice owner. “They want convenient hours like evenings and even weekends. They want dental plans that are easy to understand and afford, and they want a dental office that is located nearby.”
What can you do? Whether you live in a dental desert or not, oral health is something that can impact your overall health and wellness. Follow these oral health tips to avoid more serious dental issues later in life: • Schedule regular preventative dental appointments at least twice a year. • Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristled brush. • Choose a toothpaste with fluoride in it. • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if you’ve been sick or the bristles are frayed. • Floss once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth that can eventually harden into tartar.
Learn more about managing your dental health at AspenDental.com.
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hat do 155 million American adults have in common? They did not go to the dentist last year. Cleaning and check-up appointments are essential to both your oral health and overall health. However, many barriers often stand in the way of getting the care you need. Maybe you lack dental insurance or don’t have enough time to take off of work. Perhaps you simply cannot afford it. For many, there may not be a dental practice nearby – if so, you may live in a “dental desert.” Finding care is not always easy for the more than 47 million people living in dental shortage areas that lack primary dental care providers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
November 1
All Saints’ Day
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Fashion show Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased
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to announce its 41st Annual Fashion Show at Orlando’s. Tickets are $30 per person. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and a buffet lunch will be served. In addition to the fashion show there will be basket raffles, silent auctions and pot of gold. Orlando’s is located at 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza in Maryland Heights. Proceeds benefit St. Louis area women’s and children’s charities. Visit their website www.soroptimiststlouis.com for more information on the fashion show.
Daylight Saving Time Ends Election Day Marine Corps Birthday Veterans Day Trivia night Creve Coeur-Olivette Chamber of Commerce is hosting a trivia night event at the Olivette Community Center at 9723 Grandview Drive. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., game begins at 7 p.m.
Fall Volunteer Day Make a difference in your community by vol-
unteering to assist elderly and disabled residents with leaf cleanup and related yard work. Tasks will be primarily raking and bagging leaves and may include some weeding and minor shrub trimming. Leaf bags will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a rake and work gloves. Volunteers will meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Maryland Heights Government Center at 11911 Dorsett Rd. for a light breakfast, to sign up and get t shirts and an orientation. Groups will then be disbursed to various addresses around Maryland Heights. All work will be finished at noon. For more information and to register, please visit www.marylandheights. com/serviceday.
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Thanksgiving Olivette Turkey Trot The Olivette Turkey Trot begins at 8 a.m. The
5k loop course, starting and ending at Stacy Park at 9750 Old Bonhomme in Olivette, takes runners down Old Bonhomme Road and then on to an asphalt trail. The run benefits the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. To register go to www.fleetfeetstlouis.com
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Alzheimer’s benefit A happy hour/networking and shopping ex-
travaganza to benefit Alzheimer’s takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at American Legion Hall Creve Coeur on Olive behind Bristol’s Restaurant. Cost is free to attend and donations accepted. There will also be a cash bar. For additional information contact Kathryn Hubbard 314-378-6129. NOVEMBER 2016 | OUR TOWN | 23