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Our Town Volume 08 | Number 10 October 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 Ritenour High School’s Hall of Fame inducts nationally renowned U.S. Army veteran and more.
Nonprofit Profile LINC Community Care Center celebrates 25 years. PUBLISHER Robert Huneke
Our Thoughts
EDITOR Mathew DeKinder
Moore on Life author Cindy Moore discovers only the brave can open a can of buisicuts while Avalanche enjoys a little solitude.
PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann
Feature
CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Sara Hardin
Shelter from the storm St. Louis County is among the most recent recipients of an American Kennel Club Pet Disaster Relief trailer. By Sara Hardin
Caring Partners Three ways pups can improve your health.
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.
“It” rewrites the book for horror movies in Entertainment. Hyundai Ioniq marks another step forward in hybrid technology in this month’s Automobile Alley. Power up with peanuts in For the Love of Food.
In Depth Great Rivers Greenway’s next project will aim to connect Forest Park to the Arch.
Events Calendar Staff Writer - Sara Hardin Cover Photo - BIGSTOCK
5 7 8
10 13 14 18 20
AroundTown
Honoring a local hero
A very special inductee to Ritenour High School’s Hall of Fame was honored with a ceremony at the school on Friday, Sept. 15. Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg, who graduated from the school in 2001, was chosen to join the collection of portraits in light of his achievements as a U.S. Army Ranger and his remarkable recovery from critical injuries sustained during his 11th deployment in Afghanistan in October 2009. “[Cory] suffered a traumatic brain injury, and he could have very well given up, but he kept right on,” said Jerry Nolen, Activities Director at Ritenour High School. “He has been working hard, and he has been out fundraising for the organizations that helped him. He exemplifies everything that we try to instill in our students here. His dedication to serve our country, his responsibility there, the excellence that he showed as a ranger, his attitude and his perseverance in healing and getting better. Instead of folding, which he very well could have done, he said ‘I’m going to make it and I’m going to come back.’” Former teachers who knew Remsburg as a high school student remember him as having a penchant for typical teenage hijinks; but also as a spirited, fun-loving young man. “He had a grin like he had just gotten away with something,” laughed Hadley Haux, Ritenour High School band director. “He was a good kid. He could get into a little bit of 4 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
ordinary teenage boy mischief now and then, but he had a really good heart and you could never stay mad at him for very long.” Remsburg now stands as a decorated war hero, having been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. His road to recovery caught the attention of the national media and President Obama, who invited Remsburg to be his guest at the 2014 State of the Union Address. Remsburg received the longest standing ovation of the evening. “I think what’s made Cory unique is what he’s done since his injury, and that is his hard road to rehabilitation and how he didn’t let it keep him from living life,” said Haux. “His perseverance through this has been incredible, working through his rehab to gain back as much control over his life as he could. He’s traveled around the country and has been an example to other wounded vets. What makes him a hero is what he’s done since his injury.” Even now, having relocated close to his family in Arizona and after national recognition, Remsburg hasn’t forgotten his roots. He has returned numerous times to St. Louis and to Ritenour High School to visit with former teachers, the school band members and friends in the area. In 2013, he was invited to be the grand marshal of the Ritenour High School Homecoming Parade. Now his portrait is hung as
Cory Remsburg’s portrait for the Ritenour High School Hall of Fame.
RITENOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
BY SARA HARDIN
PROPHET ROCK STUDIO
Ritenour High School’s Hall of Fame inducts nationally renowned U.S. Army veteran
Cory Remsburg served as the grand marshal of the Ritenour High School Homecoming Parade in 2013.
a permanent addition to the school’s Hall of Fame, a gesture that friends of Remsburg say still couldn’t keep him from remaining so humble. “It’s very exciting to see a young man of this caliber who I call a hero,” said Nolen. “He tells me, ‘No, the heroes didn’t make it back. I made it back.’
I know that’s how a lot of soldiers feel, but that’s just the way Cory is. He doesn’t like a lot of fuss being made over him. I’m sure that [the ceremony] kind of embarrassed him a bit because that’s how he is. He’s a good guy. He really is.”
City fishing MDC introduces Fish StL Cup competition for St. Louis area high school age youths In 2019, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will celebrate the 50th year of the St. Louis Urban Fishing Program (UFP). The program has provided close-tohome fishing for St. Louis City and County anglers for five decades. As part of the celebration, MDC is developing the FISH STL Cup event series for anglers from St. Louis City and County public and private high schools and other high school-aged groups. These groups of teen anglers will form teams to engage in a series of competitive fishing events in 2018 at St. Louis City and County park lakes to qualify for the 10-team tournament held during the UFP’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Competitive fishing events will be held at various UFP lakes from February through May. This series of catch-and-release fishing events involves competitions for bass, catfish, panfish and trout. Points will be awarded for each fish landed, and the team amassing the most total points will be awarded the cup. Before fishing competition begins, MDC is seeking teams to participate in the com-
petitions and help in creating the fishing events. Fishing teams and their adult sponsors are welcome to help MDC develop competition rules, scoring structure, event schedules, and participate in practice fishing events during 2017. MDC invites high school teachers, coaches, mentors and youths to start forming teams now. Qualifying rounds for the FISH STL Cup will begin in 2018 with various fishing competitions. Practice fishing events will occur during fall 2017. Teams wishing to get involved in development of the FISH STL Cup or enroll in the qualifying round of fishing should contact MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Kevin Meneau at 636-441-4554, or Kevin.Meneau@mdc. mo.gov. The UFP is the oldest and one of the largest urban fishing programs in the U.S. In 1969, the UFP began as a pilot cooperative project between MDC and the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife (USBSFW), and the city of St. Louis at five St. Louis City lakes. The goal was to provide close-tohome fishing opportunities for St. Louis area anglers. In 1972, MDC assumed full management of the program in cooperation with St. Louis City. To help improve the UFP, MDC has developed management agreements with St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ballwin and Fer-
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
AroundTown
guson to provide capital improvements to park lakes, including lake deepening, habitat installation, construction of ADA-accessible facilities, aeration, and construction of stocking accesses. Since signing these agreements in 1993, MDC has completed over $2 million worth of improvements at 11 lakes.
A byte out of crime Creve Coeur partners with Nextdoor for crime prevention and alerts The Creve Coeur Police Department wishes to announce a partnership with Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), the free and private social network for neighborhoods. With Nextdoor, the Creve Coeur Police Department will be able to send out important crime alerts, details regarding public safety events, timely crime prevention tips and updates on activity affecting our neighborhoods. Residents and law enforcement officials will be able to work together to increase safety and strengthen their sense of community. “Having the ability to easily communicate with residents is extremely vital to not only maintaining, but also increasing safety and reducing crime within our city,” said Lt. Henry Francis, commander of the Commu-
nity Oriented Police and Problem Solving Division. “With Nextdoor, we can help empower neighbors to keep their communities safe and connected and give them the ability to collaborate on virtual neighborhood watch efforts.” For questions about our Nextdoor partnership, contact the Creve Coeur Police Department Crime Prevention officer at crimeprevention@crevecoeurmo.gov or 314-442-2075.
www.snlpainting.com
www.treesbywoody.net
OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
Regulating runoff Creve Coeur Stormwater Committee proposes new regulations The city of Creve Coeur’s Stormwater Committee and city staff have proposed revisions to the city’s stormwater regulations (Chapter 425 of the Code of Ordinances) intended to protect residents from the potential negative effects of stormwater runoff resulting from development on adjacent properties. The proposed regulations would apply to large-scale residential developments that disturb less than one acre of land. The proposed revisions would require that large-scale residential developments be designed and constructed such that no new stormwater impacts affect neighboring properties. Projects that would be subject to the revisions include new homes, teardowns and rebuild homes, land disturbance permits, new swimming pools, and garage additions. The city’s current stormwater regulations, which were largely developed by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), apply only to projects that disturb one acre or more of land such as most commercial and residential subdivision development. These regulations do not apply to most developments on single residential lots, however, such development is often large enough to generate additional stormwater runoff onto adjacent properties. This runoff can cause erosion, ponding, or even basement flooding for the affected neighbors. “The city encourages property improvements, but these improvements should be responsible so that they do not create a stormwater-related issue for neighbors,” said Matt Wohlberg, city engineer. “Our goal with these proposed regulations is to protect neighboring properties while implementing fair requirements for developers.” First reading for the ordinance is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 9. Residents are encouraged to submit their public comments to Debbie Ryan, City Clerk, at dryan@crevecoeurmo.gov. 6 | OUR TOWN |OCTOBER 2017
Continuing education Adult education courses beginning soon Hazelwood School District is dedicated to fostering lifelong learners, productive citizens and responsible leaders for an ever-evolving society. In partnership with Parkway School District, this fall they are hosting free adult education courses. Adults interested in improving math, reading and writing skills are encouraged to sign up for classes. Prepare for the High School Equivalency (HSE) tests, upgrade
workplace skills, and prepare for post-secondary education. Start at your own level, work at your own pace. HSE classes are offered morning, afternoon, and evening at several locations throughout St. Louis County. For more information, or to register for a class, call the Parkway Area Adult Education Office at 314-415-4940.
Advertorial
RVs: hot now, but cool even then… BY RUSS PATTON, OWNER OF BYERLY RV It’s fun owning a company with so much history. We still hear from people about the trailers Walter Byerly built in the 40s and 50s. We found a 1958 model in great shape; and after a little refurbishing, it’s ready to hit the road again. Another man sent me a picture with a caption: “All I remember is that my grandpa lived in it and grandma would bring him dinner every night from the front house.” I bet there’s more to that story. We hear so much about quality time. But it’s more quantity of time that we really want. Every family member gets enlisted in so many activities. As quality usurps quantity, there is so little time to enjoy the freedoms and places that make America the envy of the world. If we could only unplug, disengage and spend more time together. Well, in an RV we can. Escape into a whole new world in an RV from Byerly RV in Eu-
e th th Wor ive Dr
reka. From folding campers close to nature to motorhomes as complete as a luxury condo, wherever you go, you are always at home in a Byerly RV. Back in the midfifties the Warren family purchased a 1954 trailer built by Mr. Byerly. Thus began a 20 year odyssey covering 47 states. Every summer the Warrens hit the road. Hardly a national park or monument was bypassed. Their journeys were documented with hundreds of slides and detailed expense records, such as: six dollars and six cents for groceries and three dollars and sixty-nine cents for thirteen gallons of gas. You can see the Warrens trailer on display at Byerly and compare how much things have changed in 60 years. Imagine the stories you could create in an RV from Byerly in Eureka, Missouri. Visit us in Eureka or on the web at www.byerlyrv.com. For more information call 636-938-2000.
Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
NonProfitProfile
Linc Community Care Center celebrates
25 years BY REVA MAYS Pastor Dan Hite founded LINC St. Charles County in 1992. LINC is an acronym meaning Love In the Name of Christ. A few years later LINC purchased 11 acres of an old farm located between Highway A and Mexico Road in Wentzville, and adjacent to Hidden Valley Estates. Building on the property proved a challenge due to large rocks scattered throughout the property until local builder/developer John Kelly stepped in and helped the volunteers clear the land and erect LINC’s building. LINC’s offices and its many programs and services operate from its Community Care Center. It is usually a hub of activity with Kathy Thompson, Executive Director, at the helm along with a small staff. Many volunteers, mentors and donors help make LINC’s mission and its programs and services successful. LINC’s mission is helping disadvantaged families/individuals achieve greater
self-sufficiency, with focus on ending generational poverty cycles. LINC provides a broad array of services, including an Emergency Assistance Center, the Hope Learning Center daycare, educational opportunities and workforce development with public use of computers. Mentoring and professional and biblical counseling services are available. First Baptist Wentzville sponsors the Hope Food Pantry which operates two days a week. And the Seeds of Love Community Garden is only a few steps outside the Community Care Center. Recreational programs encourage self-
esteem and healthy bodies, lifestyles and relationships. LINC’s Love Park occupies several acres and has baseball, football, basketball and soccer fields and volleyball, and tennis. LINC’s summer programs are popular, and the children especially enjoyed the festivities that occurred each day at the Summer Lunch Program, and the Bike Club meetings. The upcoming months will be exciting as LINC prepares for our special holiday community events. In November a Thanksgiving dinner will be served to families. LINC
partners with many wonderful churches, the Knights of Columbus, schools and other agencies for the No Hunger Holiday, and provides frozen turkeys and groceries to low-income families. And Christmas will be LINC’s 14th annual Wrap-Up Your Love Christmas gifting event. Through the generosity of our donors, low-income parents select gifts for their children from large age-specific gift collections. As we look to the New Year, LINC will continue its existing programs and services and new ones will be launched as needs and opportunities emerge. Current plans include a new after-school program for elementary and middle school children; expansion of the daycare to accommodate more children (50 children are currently on a waiting list); and the Community Garden will be enhanced and new gardening classes and activities will begin in spring. LINC is blessed with its network of organizations, churches, businesses, and volunteers who put hands and feet, love and action to work in building a successful community. In 2017 LINC was honored to receive a Community Builder Award from the St. Charles County Community Council, and was thrilled when selected as the nonprofit recipient of Lowes Community Heroes Award. We are continually thankful for all who partner with LINC, and together we make a difference for those we serve. Please visit our website at https://lincscc. wordpress.com/ for additional information about LINC and volunteer opportunities or to make donations. LINC is a Missouri non-profit and has IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. If your family is in emergency crisis, please call the Community Care Center at 636-332-5127. LINC is located at 9 Love Park Lane in Wentzville, Missouri. OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 7
OurThoughts
Canned terror
Shhh.
Did you just hear that? An undeniable scream coming from the kitchen. What could it be? A serial murderer who got hold of the long knives? Perhaps the dreaded Mixmaster Murderer is on the loose again. Or maybe the Wicked Whisker has broken out of death row and is on the move. He’s the cruel villain who takes out his frustrations on victims with a wire whisk as he whips them into submission – truly sick. No…it’s something far more dangerous and perilous. It’s me attempting and failing to open a can of biscuits. Agree with me, these things are death in a cylinder! Does anyone else feel like they’re playing Russian roulette with these culinary explosives? I’m convinced about every third can is loaded with gun powder and if aimed incorrectly, a person could either lose the lower lobe of an ear or the upper lobe of their brain. Seriously, they should be clearly marked 8 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
with a warning: Danger! Wear protective welding helmet when opening! I have avoided death and dismemberment on several occasions while sacrificing body parts as I try to provide a tasty side dish of bread to my family. As I approach the mortar bomb, I close my eyes and hesitantly unpeel the protective outer layer while stretching out my arms to their maximum length. At this point I can hear my heart thumping wildly with each rip. Inside I am telling myself, “Is this the one that will explode in my face and take out my left eyeball?” It feels as if I am winding a maniacal jack-in-the-box and any turn might be the one in which the hideous clown jumps out armed with a sharp machete and lunges at me! When unpeeled, I breathe a sigh of relief. One step down, one to go. Like the bomb squad eyeing each wire and trying to decide which one to clip, I must also make a quick decision and find the perforated cardboard lining and smack it on the edge of the counter before…careful… careful…BOOM!
BIGSTOCK
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
Too late, the biscuits have detonated. My arm is ripped out of its socket from jumping; my neck has sustained severe whiplash from jerking away from flying dough – at least my left eyeball is safe but the back of my head hit the cabinets and concussed. Later, when I am wrapped head to foot in gauze and bandages and propped up in my wheelchair, concerned folks will ask what happened. I cannot divulge that I have been attacked by a mere flour and yeast product. Instead I will shout, “The Mixmaster Murderer! Run…save yourselves!” 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
AVALANCHE
The view from camp
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
M
y chosen route into the mountains was selected primarily for an increasingly difficult to find commodity – solitude. The only vehicle parked at the trailhead was mine – a good sign. After a couple miles hiking up a moderately used trail, a left turn led to a barely visible trail, which led in turn to an infrequently used outfitter’s camp. From there, an overgrown, unmaintained sheep herder’s trail, dating from the middle of the last century, led up to a high camp two more miles up, and into dense forest with only game trails. After eight miles and four thousand vertical feet from the truck, I dropped my backpack where my camp would be for the night. Perched on the edge of a five-mile-long cliff, more than 3,000 vertical feet from the valley floor, the views from my temporary abode were as good as such things get, as the photo above shows. It was a dry camp, with the nearest water source located nearly a mile below. I had filled up four gallons worth of water bladders at the highest spring, doubling the weight of my pack for the final grunt up to the ridge top. No lights, noises, smoke or other indicators of civilization were to be found. Some of the four gallons of water schlepped up the hill found use as an ab-
breviated warm shower. Scanning with binoculars at dusk revealed bear and deer following a game trail down on the valley floor. Nightfall brought very mild conditions. My spiffy new, ultralight camping gear, originally purchased for a trip I had to cancel, proved its worth with less fatigue and more comfortable sleeping. Life was good. Coffee brewed up at the first glow of daylight tasted better than any drunk at home. A leisurely breakfast added to the enjoyment of the morning vistas. Camp was quickly broken down and packed up for the hike out. The journey back home was over very rough, remote ground. The route looked feasible on a map, but promised to be challenging. According to the GPS, it was just over five miles to my house. The plan was to walk home and pick up the truck another time. The first miles went easily along the ridgeline, until the north end, which, at least on the map, seemed to provide a path down. A little closer examination of the ground revealed a game trail that wound its way down through the cliffs. If the elk can do it… A very cautious, deliberate effort got me to the bottom of the cliffs without adding my name to the list of recently rescued or recovered. Several hours later, I made my
way down to a developed campground and the road home. Only three more miles… Fortunately, Staci had a good idea of when I would be coming out, and was patiently waiting for me with the ATV at the end of the forest road, saving me another three miles of trudging out, tired, sweating, bleeding and sore. The “five miles” to home as shown by GPS was actually ten miles on the ground. The first day in the mountains was one of the best I’ve had; the second, one of the worst. Afterward, I felt as lousy as after running a marathon. During a discussion with family, the question came up as to why people risk it all for climbing in the mountains. For me, it’s because the pain of not doing it is much worse than the pain of doing it. And solitude is like darkness; you have to work hard to find it.
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.
OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 9
SHELTER FROM THE STORM BY SARA HARDIN
BIGSTOCK
St. Louis County is among the most recent recipients of an American Kennel Club Pet Disaster Relief trailer
10 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
I
n the midst of rebuilding from the destruction left behind by this year’s hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the importance of disaster preparedness echoes more clearly than ever throughout the affected areas. Among the groups assisting in the aftermath is the team with American Kennel Club’s AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program devoted to the protection of pets and pet owners after natural or civil disasters. The program provides equipment essential in sheltering and caring for animals within special Pet Disaster Relief trailers, which are donated by AKC to areas that can benefit from their use. The need for these mobile trailers was realized after Hurricane Katrina hit the southern U.S. in 2005, a catastrophe that left thousands without homes and in many cases separated from their pets. “What we have learned over the years, especially starting back with Katrina, is that after a disaster hits is not the right time to figure out what you’re going to do to help pets. It’s better to do that before the disaster hits,” explained Tom Sharp, CEO of AKC Reunite. “The trailers are very well thought out by the people who care for pets during disasters. They have all the equipment that you need to do an emergency shelter for pets. We donate the trailers to the emergency management first responders so that they have them in place before the disaster strikes. They have crates, a generator, cleaning supplies and identification supplies like microchips and a scanner. It’s all loaded up on the trailer ready to go.” St. Louis County is among the most recent recipients of one of the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers. The trailer will be deployed by emergency responders to assist in sheltering pets in the event of flooding or any other disaster in the county’s surrounding areas. If a human shelter ever needs setting up in the region, the trailer can be made available in the same location to avoid separating pets from their owners. “It is important to have an AKC trailer in St. Louis County because the area has experienced disasters such as flooding and tornadoes. In these situations residents often need to evacuate from their homes quickly, and it is not always possible to provide for their beloved pets,” said Colette Weishaar, President and ShowChair of Three Rivers Kennel Club. “Before the AKC trailers, displaced pets could end up at the Humane Society, a shelter, the pound or on the streets.” Over $22,000 in donations and grants for the trailer were raised locally by the Labrador Retriever Club, the North Arkansas Kennel Club, the Three Rivers Kennel Club, the Edwardsville Illinois Kennel Club and AKC Reunite. The trailer was then donated by AKC to the St. Louis County emergency responders, who are now equipped with everything needed to ensure the safety and comfort of animals recovered from disaster scenes. In a situation when evacuating to a shelter becomes necessary, the trailer becomes hugely imporPHOTOS COURTESTY AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 11
tant in making pets and their owners more comfortable while separated from their homes. “This trailer was 100 percent donated, and it is a regional asset,” said Michele Ryan, Logistics Specialist for St. Louis County Police Department’s Office of Emergency Management. “Before the trailer, pets were being very well cared for down at the Humane Society or the APA [Animal Protective Association]. However, you lose that connection with the owner. It’s stressful for the dog, and the person who is now in a shelter. They have no idea what kind of environment their pet is in, who’s taking care of it, if they’re feeding it the right food, that kind of thing. For a lot of people, their pets are their children. [The trailer] relieves some of the strain of the volunteers who are caring for those pets, because their owner is right down the hall. The owner worries less about how the pet is being cared for, and the pet’s stress is reduced because Mom and Dad are right there.” Since the program’s inception in 2013, 62 AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers have been donated to various locations across the county. St. Louis County’s addition brings Missouri’s total trailers to two, the second being located in Columbia. Each trailer has the capacity to help shelter up to 65 pets, and will be dispatched to any surrounding county in need of its equipment. “Mostly on the coasts right now, the trend is co-locating these shelters, people and pets. That’s exactly what we’re trying to do,” said Ryan. “We’re really excited to have [the trailer] and to be able to do that here in St. Louis now.” Learn more about AKC Pet Disaster Relief and how to get involved at akcreunite.org/relief.
12 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
“What we have learned over the years, especially starting back with Katrina, is that after a disaster hits is not the right time to figure out what you’re going to do to help pets. It’s better to do that before the disaster hits,” ~Tom Sharp, CEO of AKC Reunite.
CaringPartners
Ways pups can
SHUTTERSTOCK
improve your health
F
urry friends can play a significant role in pet owners’ lives. The old saying goes, “dogs are man’s best friend,” and research shows they may be more than that. In fact, they just might be the key to keeping seniors active. According to a study conducted by the University of Lincoln and Glasgow Caledonian University in collaboration with Mars Petcare Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, dog owners 65 and older were found to walk over 20 minutes more a day than seniors who did not have canine companions at home. The study documented three key conclusions: • Dog owners walked further and for longer than non-dog owners. • Dog owners were more likely to reach recommended activity levels. • Dog owners had fewer periods of sitting down.
“Older adult dog owners are more active than those without dogs and are also more likely to meet government recommendations for daily physical activity,” said Nancy Gee, human animal interaction researcher at Waltham. “We are learning more every day about the important roles pets play in our lives, so it’s no surprise that pets are now in more than 84 million households. It’s great to recognize how pets can help improve seniors’ lives.” Walking with your pup can help both the pet and owner get in shape. Pets can keep older adults active and even help them meet the recommended public health guidelines for weekly physical activity. According to the study, on average, dog owners more often participated in 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity and achieved 2,760 additional steps. However, the benefits of pet ownership go beyond physical activity. It’s no secret that pets provide companionship. From reducing rates of stress, depression and
feelings of social isolation, pets can play a significant role in improving people’s lives, which ultimately can make pet owners happier and healthier. Not only do pets serve as companions in their own right, studies have shown that dog owners can get to know their neighbors through their pets. Pets can even help facilitate the initial meeting and conversation, which may come as no surprise for many dog owners who have chatted with others while walking their dogs. For older adults who live alone or in a group facility, having a pet is also a great way to build relationships with others. As senior citizens are celebrated on upcoming days that acknowledge older adults, it turns out living with a pet can be a healthy choice for seniors in more ways than one. For more information on the benefits of pet ownership, visit bettercitiesforpets. com. OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 13
OurLifestyle Is ‘It’ the boosting signal for big studio horror?
SUMMER MOVIES
“IT” CHERNIN ENTERTAINMENT
SECOND HALF
Is ‘It’ the boosting signal for big studio horror? 1986 was the year for the release of one of the most popular – and terrifying – novels by none other than Stephen King, “It.” Four years later, we got an adaption in the form of a television miniseries featuring Tim Curry as the title character named Pennywise the (murderous) dancing clown. The first movie adaptation of “It” is finally here thanks to Warner Bros and New Line, some of the bravest studios in taking chances on big-budget (R-rated) horror. It has been said horror films usually work better with smaller budgets. Films like “The Blair Witch Project,” “Saw,” “Paranormal Activity,” and especially “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” have all made their point. When a major studio horror project figures out a way to scare mass audiences while impressing the critics with films like “Poltergeist” and “The Conjuring,” it is a rare treat. “It” has become the next big screen horror phenomenon, possibly for the ages with a record-shattering $123 million opening weekend. According to Box Office Mojo, “the film has claimed the largest September opening, the largest fall opening, the largest opening for an R-rat14 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
ed horror film, not to mention the largest opening weekend for a horror film of any MPAA rating.” How, and why, did this happen? Most of the best adaptations of Stephen King have been classic dramas, like “Stand By Me,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” or the psychological thriller, “Misery.” The Oscar nominated “Carrie” is a rare exception as a super-natural horror flick that terrified the masses. King’s multi-character development in “It” is highly detailed and delightfully (and sometime disturbingly) relatable. You instantly like these kids when you meet them, memorably called ‘The Losers Club,’ a diverse group of decent human beings forced to face their worst fears in order to take on the being that amplifies those fears. The entire young cast is fantastic, naturally funny, and perfectly in tune with their individual characters. Director Andy Muschiette (whose last film was the Guillermo del Toro produced “Mama”) has created a finished product that is both visually and audibly rich in detail that you don’t experience in most hor-
ror films – let alone the ones with a studio budget. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score is surprisingly lush with as much terror as there is heartfelt emotion at its core. It’s the kind of soundtrack that could make Spielberg blush. Actor Bill Skarsgård gleefully finds his own Pennywise while following in the footsteps of Curry, much like Heath Ledger did as the joker after Jack Nicholson. Skarsgård’s version of the clown has a childlike presence with unpredictability that makes Pennywise all the more frightening. Despite the fact that the movie (wisely) covers only the first half of the thousandpage-plus novel (an adaption of the second half is in the works), “It” is the way a big budget horror flicks should be.
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
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re American car buyers ready to sign off on yet another all new hybrid sedan? After all, hybrid technology has been around for quite some time from various domestic and import-branded auto manufactures. That said, Hyundai Motors is betting that consumers will find their new Ioniq four-door sedan to be the hybrid car of choice by focusing on an advanced rolling technology. “Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said St. Louis native Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly-efficient, enjoyable-to-drive, lowemissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.” Worth noting, many hybrids I’ve driven in recent years tend to have a “herky-jerky” tendency during the transition phase of the gasoline engine automatically engaging, thus making the thought of a hybrid powertrain less than ideal. On the other hand, this Hyundai system is fairly seamless during the automatic “on/off” gasoline engine phasing when the hybrid cycles. Ioniq will be offered in three versions; their standard hybrid system, a plug-in version and an all-electric configuration. The Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an EPA-estimated 58 MPG combined rating. It’s the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. The plug-in hybrid version provides an all-electric driving range of more than 27 miles. The Ioniq Electric version offers pure electric mobility with an estimated driving range of 124 miles. All Ioniq Electric models are equipped with fast-charging capability. For instance, up to 80 percent charge only takes approximately 23 minutes, with the proper charging equipment. An integrated control box also allows drivers to charge
their Ioniq using a standard household electric outlet. Ride and handling, as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels, are tuned towards superior ride quality. The sophisticated multi-link suspension system results in agile handling. Hyundai designers gave the exterior appearance a futuristic presence. The fluid exterior shape emphasizes
HYUNDAI IONIQ MARKS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
aerodynamic body trace lines and surfaces. The interior concept reflects elegance and a clutter-free ambiance. The overall logical approach to the layout of controls is intuitive. Materials for the interior were chosen with an ecologically-sensitive focus and are used to create a simple and clean look throughout. Ioniq also features an electronic parking brake, allowing additional cabin room for cargo storage Ioniq also offers the very latest in advanced safety including: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, for high levels of both active and passive vehicle safety. The pricing layout starts at $22,220, excluding freight charges of $835. Ioniq will frequently be crossed shopped with the Toyota Prius. David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.
OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurLifestyle Baked Salmon with Peanut Butter Glaze Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 pound salmon 1 teaspoon olive oil freshly ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 1/4 cup 100 percent orange juice
baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper, to taste. Bake salmon 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place salmon on
To serve, pour peanut butter glaze over salmon.
In small saucepot over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, chili garlic sauce and orange juice, and cook until warm.
Power up with peanuts Chicken Pad Thai Servings: 4 I ngredients: 1 pound chicken breast freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1/4 cup water 1 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 1 cup) 2 medium carrots, spiralized (about 1 cup) 1 cup cooked pad thai stir-fry noodles 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage 1 lime, quartered 16 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, crushed 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Directions: Season chicken with pepper, to taste. In large, nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until fully cooked and juices are clear. Remove chicken from pan and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. To make sauce: In small bowl, whisk together honey, chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter and water. Add zucchini, carrots, rice noodles and chicken to pan; pour sauce over and toss to coat. Toss in bean sprouts and cabbage. Serve with lime wedge, crushed peanuts and cilantro.
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hen it comes to getting energy from the food you eat, it’s no secret that protein packs a powerful punch. However, research shows certain plant-based proteins, like peanuts, may carry additional benefits. According to a Harvard School of Public Health study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, substituting plant-based proteins like peanuts for animal proteins
and low-quality carbohydrates can result in lowering diabetes risk by 7-21 percent. Because peanuts are known as a low glycemic index food due to their slow digestion that causes sugar to gradually be released into the bloodstream, they can have positive effects on blood sugar control. Find more nutritional information and ways to include peanuts in your diet at gapeanuts.com.
Vegetarian Nourish Bowl Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 cup large, diced butternut squash 16 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved 1 medium red onion, large diced 1/2 can (8 ounces) reduced-sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 head garlic (about 10 cloves), peeled 1 tablespoon olive oil freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce 1/4 cup peanut butter 1 cup cooked quinoa 1 tablespoon finely chopped peanuts
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F and line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. On prepared baking sheet, arrange butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, onion, garbanzo beans and garlic; toss vegetables in olive oil and season with pepper, to taste. Roast 30-40 minutes until slightly golden in color. Halfway through baking, shake vegetables or turn over to ensure even browning. To make dressing: Mix together lemon juice, water, Sriracha sauce and peanut butter. To serve, top quinoa with roasted veggies, crushed peanuts and drizzle of lemon-peanut butter sauce.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Servings: 2 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 2 teaspoons ground chia seeds 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup small banana, sliced 1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Directions: In medium bowl, stir together powdered peanut butter, oats, chia seeds, coconut milk and vanilla extract. Divide evenly into mason jars or storage containers and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, add banana slices, chopped peanuts and peanut butter to each.
OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 17
InDepth
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Growing
BY SARA HARDIN St. Louis is on its way to becoming more navigable than ever with Great Rivers Greenway’s next project, which will aim to connect the Forest Park and Washington University areas to downtown St. Louis and the Arch. The results of an international design competition will decide the ultimate look of the new Chouteau Greenway, the first segment of which includes a MetroLink station currently under construction at the Cortex Innovation District. In the meantime, Great Rivers Greenway is working to build a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) of 40 members to help guide them through the process of envisioning and selecting a design that will most effectively benefit the greenway’s future users and surrounding community. “The work that we do is for the community and about the community,” said Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “Without knowing what people want or what’s important to them in a project, we don’t have good information and we can’t make an informed decision. When you’re building a greenway or a trail, you’re literally working in people’s backyards and in their neighborhoods and you have to respect that. To do it well, you 18 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2017
need to know what’s important to them.” Prospective CAC members can apply via the Great Rivers Greenway website through Sept. 8. To ensure that the committee represents as many perspectives as possible, the goal during recruiting is to ultimately build a team of people who will work well together and will end up using the greenway in different ways. “What’s interesting is that there’s not an ideal candidate because our goal is to have it be balanced and representative of the area and of the region as a whole,” explained Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications and Outreach with Great Rivers Greenway. “I think the ‘ideal’ candidate is someone who is willing to share their experience and have an open mind to listen to others so that they can collaborate on forming a vision that will benefit the community. It’s really about a mix of different people who live, work, play or learn in that area and they use it very differently, which is what we hope to end up with.” Various resources will be made available by Great Rivers Greenway to the CAC so that each member can attend every meeting, regardless of circumstances that may otherwise prevent them from participating. “We want to make sure that anyone can par-
Trailways
InDepth
Great Rivers Greenway’s next project will aim to connect Forest Park to the Arch will ultimately result in a network of trails and community space that will connect St. Louis and its different neighborhoods like never before. “There are seven partners, from major institutions to business developers and other parks agencies,” said Trautman. “Seven partners have come together collectively with one vision, are willing to work hard to make that happen, believe so powerfully that connecting Forest Park to the Arch will transform St. Louis, and are willing to put their own money into it to make it happen. That’s a big statement. We’re really proud that we’re trusted and they believe that the district can help guide that. It’s a great tes-
timony to what can be done in St. Louis if people work together. Collaboration is an amazing tool when you harness it and you get people to come together around a great idea.” “We really want the Chouteau Greenway to be an amazing, transformational connection where people can not only get from Point A to Point B, but also a really neat place to be in and of itself, something that’s more than just a basic trail,” said Klues. To learn more about the Chouteau Greenway project, or to apply to be a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee, visit GreatRiversGreenway.org/Chouteau.
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ticipate on the Citizen Advisory Committee and there aren’t barriers to participation,” said Klues. “We’re wanting to make sure that we’re being as inclusive as possible to really recognize these volunteers for their time and effort. This is an important part of our process, so we want to be sure that we provide these resources to anyone who needs them, whether that be transportation to get to a meeting or childcare during the meetings, and we also provide food at the meetings.” The vision of the Chouteau Greenway is made possible by a public-private partnership. The efforts of Great Rivers Greenway and the project’s seven partners
This map shows the project area for the Chouteau Greenway, the Great Rivers Greenway’s next project, which will aim to connect the Forest Park and Washington University areas to downtown St. Louis and the Arch. SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2017 | OUR TOWN | 19
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Child Health Day
Coffee with a cop The Creve Coeur Police Department invites you to join them at St. Louis Bread Company for a cup of coffee from 8 - 10 a.m. at St. Louis Bread Company at 447 N. New Ballas Rd. This is your opportunity to speak one-onone with local officers. All coffee will be purchased by the Creve Coeur Police Department. For questions, please contact officer Doug Manninger at, dmanninger@crevecoeurmo.gov or 314442-2075. Columbus Day Navy Birthday Document shredding event The Creve Coeur Police De-
partment, in collaboration with the Creve Coeur Joint Crime Prevention Partnership, will be offering an opportunity for residents to safely destroy documents containing personal information from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Creve Coeur Farmer’s Market in the parking lot of the Westgate Shopping Center located at Olive Boulevard and Tempo Drive. Service will be on a first come, first served basis and limited to the capacity of the commercialsized shredding truck. Items no larger than staples and paper clips may be attached to the papers. Each vehicle will be allowed three banker style boxes of documents to be shredded. This event is only for personal documents and is not for business documents. For more tips on how to protect your identity, visit www.crevecoeur.orgIdentityTheft. To find out more about the free document shredding event, contact Crime Prevention Officer Doug Manninger at dmanninger@crevecoeurmo.gov or 314-442-2075.
White Cane Safety Day Boss’s Day Trunk or treat Second Annual Ross Elementary Trunk or Treat takes place from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Ross Elementary parking lot. All are invited to enjoy the trunk or treat. There will be food, a pumpkin carving contest, a spooky fun photo booth and a contest for best decorated trunk. Come hungry and in a costume. Prescription drug drop-off Now is time to safely dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications. The Creve Coeur Police Department is joining forces again with other area agencies to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Police officers will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Creve Coeur Police Department parking lot (rear parking lot). Residents can drop off their prescription drugs from their vehicle with no questions asked. In addition to prescription or over-the-counter medications, the police department will also be accepting veterinary drugs, inhalers, medication containers and pre-loaded syringes as long as the needles are removed. Needles of any kind will not be accepted. It is not necessary to remove labels from containers and vials. Halloween