CrossRoads: January 2023

Emergency expansion

BY AVALANCHE

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.

BY CINDY MOORE

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.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner. He's invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered "Car Talk Radio" over 35 years ago, as his new show "Automotive Insight" can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

BY STEVE BRYAN

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Around Town Local news and events

Community Calendar: January

Feature Story

EMERGENCY EXPANSION

St. Charles County Ambulance District debuted two new EMS stations last month in order to serve a growing population

Always an Adventure

The joys of being a luddite Moore on Life Eye candy

Automobile Alley

The 2022 Lincoln Corsair makes luxury affordable in the crossover SUV market

Entertainment Performers who changed their bodies for a role

For the Love of Food Bring the family together with breakfast for dinner

By Brett Auten

SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWELVE.

That is the number of contacts the Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service's StreetOutreach team made in the first nine months of 2022 with members of the community who do not have a home. The number of calls the Care Service, located on McClay Road in St. Charles received increased to 4,424 calls screened and connected to resources from January to September.

So the care service was as thrilled as anyone to learn of Ameren Missouri's launch of a pilot program to help unhoused customers return to permanent housing. The new program, New Start Energy Relief, pledges $1.5 million for past due energy bill relief. It is unique in that it is to help exclusively unhoused electric customers return to permanent housing. Through this program, the company plans to provide $500,000 annually to customers in need, for a total of $1.5 million over the next three years.

“It's a very common problem,” Donna Tobin, Development Manager for Sts. Joachin and Anne, said. “It has definitely become a barrier. Just recently, a 10-year-

old unpaid utility bill prevented a client from getting into new housing.

The New Start Energy Relief program will provide up to $1,000 for those eligible who are unhoused or have spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year, to reestablish service. Funds may be used to pay off past due energy balances, including late-pay charges, that are a barrier to a customer's permanent housing.

“We have been working with Ameren for a number of years to help those who are behind, but this is specifically for those who have experienced homelessness,” Tobin said. “These funds are for a very specific group of our clients. Applicants must have had previous electric service, have an outstanding bill and have been unhoused or spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year. We want to make sure there is not confusion about the funds that are available.”

Along with Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service, Ameren Missouri has partnered with agencies who serve the unhoused to offer this pilot program, including the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, DOORWAYS, Guardian

A pilot program from Ameren Missouri will provide past due energy bill relief to help homeless electric customers return to permanent housing

Boys & Girls Club participates in garden harvest

During the summer of 2022, club members at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County O’Fallon Unit learned about gardens. This was done under the tutelage of volunteers from the St. Charles County Master Gardeners.

The Master Gardeners are a program of the University of Missouri Extension.

One day in late spring the kids planted sweet potato slips in the club’s raised vegetable beds. After a summer of watering, weeding and watching the sweet potato vines fill the bed, the beds were ready for harvest. After harvest, the potatoes were properly “cured” for a period of time and were ready to be used.

Approximately 45 lbs. of sweet potatoes were harvested. Two were

used for creating four sweet-potato pies, which were enjoyed by the club members in the after-school program. Potatoes and recipes for the pies were made available for the kids to take home for Thanksgiving, and any extras were donated to a local food pantry.

Angel Settlement Association, Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis, Nurses for Newborns, St. Patrick Center, and United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“St. Patrick Center has always focused on solving homelessness in the St. Louis region, so we're excited to see the good that Ameren Missouri's New Start Energy Relief program can do for our community,” Anthony D’Agostino, CEO of St. Patrick Center, said. “Utility debt can now be one less barrier to housing for those who are unhoused and looking to rent or buy once again.”

To be eligible for the New Start Energy Relief program, applicants must have been an Ameren Missouri customer with previous electric service, have an outstanding bill and have been unhoused or spent time in a homeless shelter in the past year. To learn more about the New Start Energy Relief program, visit AmerenMissouri.com/NewStart.

Customers struggling to pay their energy bills should visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn about a variety of energy assistance options available, including flexible payment options,

Ameren Missouri customers can also support neighbors in need by donating to the Dollar More program. Program participants

can add $1 (or more) per month to their energy bill, which helps provide energy assistance funding to neighbors in need.

Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, talked about the commitment to offer a variety of energy assistance programs and services to help those in need.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: The Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service is located at 4116 McClay Road in St. Charles. After receiving assistance from the care service, 87% of its housing clients reported living in safe, stable housing 90 days later. For information, phone 636-441-1302 or email info@jacares.org.

"We know many who are unhoused have outstanding energy bills and trying to pay off past debt can be a barrier to establishing a new residence,” Birk said. “By removing the barrier of energy debt, families throughout our service territory will be better positioned to secure permanent housing.”

PHOTOS COURTESY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF ST. CHARLES COUNTY: Left: Garden beds after the soil was loosened and before the club members collected the harvest.

Right: Club members stand with pies and some of the potatoes that were donated.

Crossroads Elementary principal honored with Marine Corps Patriot Award

Wentzville School District’s Damian Fay, Ed.D., principal at Crossroads Elementary, was presented with the Marine Corps Patriot Award in front of students, staff, and loved ones this past Veterans Day, as schools district wide celebrated our community’s veterans.

The award was in recognition of Fay’s untiring devotion to the values held by the United States Marines throughout history. “Dr. Fay’s patriotic contributions to the youth of our nation, and his relentless pursuit of excellence as an elementary school principal are exceptional,” said Michael T. Force, Captain, USMC (ret). “His devotion to the veterans and youth of our nation are an inspiration to us all.”

In addition to Crossroads’ assembly, schools throughout the WSD opened their doors to host Veterans Day celebrations and salute the brave men and women who are currently serving or who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans joined students and staff for special activities scheduled in honor of the holiday. Veterans were treated to meals, student performances, and slideshows honoring past and present members of the military, along with special guest speakers.

These Veterans Day ceremonies and activities have become a proud tradition in the WSD and an important learning opportunity for the students.

Keep giving by recycling natural Christmas trees after the holiday

Recycling natural Christmas trees after the holiday celebration extends that tradition and gives a beneficial gift to the community. When recycled, natural trees can be used as fish habitat in area lakes, chipped wood paths along natural surface walking trails, mulch and more.

Please remove the tree stand, all decorations, lights and any packaging before bringing trees to any of the following locations for recycling:

St. Charles County Recycle Works

• Recycle Works Central, 60 Triad South in St. Charles.

• Recycle Works West, 2110 East Pitman Avenue in Wentzville.

Both locations are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 27 to Jan. 7 (closed Jan. 1 – 2)

Additional tree collection sites in St. Charles County

• St. Charles County’s Quail Ridge Park (Group Picnic Area), 560 Interstate Drive in Wentzville. Open 7 a.m. to sunset Dec. 27 – Jan. 12.

• Founders Park, #7 Freymuth Road in Lake Saint Louis. Open sunrise to sunset Dec.

26 – Jan. 15.

• Heartland Park, 100 William Dierberg Drive in Wentzville. Open during park hours Jan. 2 – 20.

• Progress Park, 968 Meyer Road in Wentzville. Open during park hours Jan. 2-20.

• Rotary Park, 2577 West Meyer Road in Wentzville. Open during park hours Jan. 7 – 14.

Additional items accepted at Recycle Works Recycle Works complements curbside recycling efforts and accepts many items at little to no cost to St. Charles County residents throughout the year. Residents may bring these materials to either facility during open hours:

• Holiday leftovers and unwanted decorations: Cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, light strands and plastic or metal decorations are accepted at no charge.

• Traditional recyclables: Aluminum, tin cans, most plastics, clean and useable clothing or other textiles, cardboard and dry paper goods, and more are collected at no charge.

• Electronic goods: Items accepted include large and small kitchen appliances, computers and accessories, televisions and monitors, cellular phones and accessories, and more. Some materials are recycled at no charge, while others require a per unit fee.

For a complete list of items accepted or for more information, visit sccmo.org/RecycleWorks or call 636-949-1800.

PHOTO COURTESY WENTZVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Gateway Fiber breaks ground in Lincoln County NTIA grant areas Elsberry license office opens

The Elsberry License Office, located at 312 Broadway, opened Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. For office hours and days of operation for the Elsberry License Office, please visit the License Office Location Map at dor.mo.gov/license-office-locator/ or call 573-312-4311.

The management contract for the Elsberry License Office was awarded to Dandelion Fields, LLC on Sept. 29. All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process. License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Gateway Fiber began building its 100% fiber-optic broadband internet network in northwest Lincoln County, one of the first Missouri areas benefitting from a $42 million National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) grant designed to expand broadband internet coverage in underserved communities. Gateway was awarded $10 million of the grant funding, the largest share among Missouri recipients.

“The NTIA grant funds allow us to offer dramatic broadband upgrades to underserved communities in Lincoln and St. Charles Counties,” Heath Sellenriek, CEO of Gateway Fiber, said. “The interest in the area has been remarkable, and this is just the beginning.”

Gateway began accepting orders in the area for its future-proof fiber optic network in May, and demand has exceeded expectations. The company’s network allows residents to access the internet with reliable and hyper-fast symmetrical speeds up to one Gigabit per second (Gbps), the same speeds available in major metropolitan areas and only possible with fiber internet.

“Currently, the grant area communities do not have a reliable broadband internet option,” Julie Rodgers, executive director of Lincoln County Economic Development, said. “This is a major upgrade to our utility infrastructure and one that is much needed. In today’s world, economic competitiveness, telemedicine, education, and many other aspects of everyday life require fast and reliable internet connections. The beginning of Gateway Fiber’s network in the area is a milestone in closing the digital divide for our communities.”

Gateway plans to install service to its first customers in the area by early 2023 and complete the NTIA grant network by year’s end, including areas surrounding Argentville, Josephville, Moscow Mills, Old Monroe, St. Paul and Winfield, serving nearly 5,000 homes and businesses.

“This is truly a demonstration of Gateway’s commitment as a local company to the areas we serve right in our own backyard,” Sellenriek added.

Area residents interested in learning more about Gateway Fiber and the benefits of fiber internet can visit GatewayFiber.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Optimist Club and Holt Cross Country Team host annual Turkey Trot race

The Wentzville-Lake Saint Louis Optimist Club and Holt Cross Country Team hosted the annual Turkey Trot cross-country race on Oct. 19. The clear, cool afternoon was perfect weather as over 290 third-through-sixth graders participated in this year’s race.

The winner in each bracket received a first-place medal and a frozen turkey.

“The kids are so excited to race and the winners beam with pride when they receive their prize turkey,” said Dianne Ohlms, club president.

Each year the race is held for third, fourth, and fifth graders of the Wentzville School District. This year’s race included a new combined sixth and seventh grade bracket.

“Running is a lifelong sport that can change a person’s life,” said Ed Jurotich, event coordinator and former cross-country coach for Holt High School. “It is hoped that many of these youngsters will develop an interest in running and live a healthier lifestyle as a result.”

Jurotich is a charter member of the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club and also the current Lieutenant Governor for Zone 6 of the Eastern Missouri Optimist District. The sponsors for this year’s race were: Wentzville Family Dentistry, Shelter Insurance (Mitch Allen, agent), Ehll's Western Auto, Misfits for Jesus, Picture Perfect Painting, Wentzville UPS Store #4757, ESSE Health Dr. Zeshan Gohar, Carstar Auto-Body, Grace Hauling, Stark Brothers Nursery, Harris Automotive, Poage Chevrolet, State Farm Insurance (Randy Stegmann, agent), Steinlage Insurance Agency, Missouri Bank, Compare Automotive, and Dierbergs Markets who donated the turkey’s for this year’s event.

The Wentzville - Lake St. Louis Optimist Club has been serving the community since 1986. Reformed in 2017, their mission is “Helping kid’s dreams come true.” Working in partnership with both the Wentzville and Lake St. Louis Police Departments, the club supports community outreach programs such as: Wentzville Junior Police Academy, Health and Fitness Fair, and Holiday Trim a Tree, as well as the Lake St. Louis Police Department Open House and Polar Plunge events.

The club also supports two lending libraries within the community as well as collecting baby supplies for crisis nursery and students who are finishing their high school education as young parents. Learn more about the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Club at #wlsloc. To learn more about Optimist International, please call 314-371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www. optimist.org.

Emergency expansion

By Brett Auten

The old saying about real estate, “location, location, location” also holds true for an ambulance district in an ever-growing county.

With call volume increasing by nearly 50% this last decade, the St. Charles County Ambulance District is needing keenly-placed, additional stations in order to serve a growing population.

This year, SCCAD will respond to an estimated 50,000 calls for service. And to help answer those calls, the district debuted two new EMS stations last month.

Need for the new stations come down to rapid residential and commercial development, coupled with an aging population. The district recently debuted a reconfiguration of emergency assets that are projected to positively impact response times in one of the county’s busiest areas.

expansive area was served by a single ambulance operating from a station along Old Hwy. 94.

“There is so much traffic with the businesses and residential communities, with our ambulances, some of them being further tucked away down Friedens Road, and now on Towers and Caulks Hill, this unit (St. Peters) will be there a little bit quicker,” Battalion Chief Scott Mueller said. “It's in a nice, safer area of the county that has access to anything and everything that the crews need. It is also going to provide some relief to other ambulance crews and give a little breathing room.”

The move brings SCCAD’s total number of stations staffed around the clock to 17.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: One of two new stations in the St. Charles County Ambulance District is located at 3801 Towers Rd. in Harvester.

Advanced life support ambulances are now positioned at new stations located at 1755 Woodstone Dr. in St. Peters and 3801 Towers Rd. in Harvester. Previously, this

“When performing our community needs analysis, this area was and continues to be a high priority,” SCCAD Chief Kelly Cope said. “The Woodstone and Towers stations, coupled with support from existing facilities, will enable us to enhance coverage and provide better response times to 911 emergencies.”

St. Charles County Ambulance District debuted two new EMS stations last month in order to serve a growing population

The unit housed at the Woodstone station will primarily serve the Rt. 364 corridor between Heritage Parkway and Mid Rivers Mall Drive, while the Towers station will respond to calls in the densely populated residential areas of Harvester. The total project cost on the two facilities was approximately $5.85 million. Originally slated to open earlier this fall, supply chain issues related to several critical pieces of equipment necessitated a slight shift in the stations’ opening. The new stations were included in SCCAD’s 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which was published in 2018. General obligation bonds authorized by voters in August of that year provided financing for the facilities. Also included in the CIP was the district’s unified headquarters facility which opened in 2021, replacement of ambulances and lifesaving equipment, and several forthcoming EMS stations.

“I think of them as a package deal,” Kyle Gaines, SCCAD Director of Community Relations, said. “Before, everything South of 94/364, that densely populated residential area, was covered by one unit that ran out of a station on Sycamore. That truck ran its wheels off. Having one a little bit north of the highway and one further south, was a high priority to improve those response times.

“Our public seems to get very, 'this is my SCCAD station,' It's always going to be the closest ambulance and there is always going to be a couple of units out on calls, so it's kind of a moving target on who you are going to get. But everybody can rest assured that you are always going to get the closest unit.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED: Tparamedic Nick Kuehner prepares to answer a call out of Station 23.

Battalion Chief Scott Mueller gives an ambulance an early morning clean at the new St. Charles County Ambulance District station located in St. Peters. The new stations were included in SCCAD’s 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which was published in 2018.

A new SCCAD station, located at 1755 Woodstone Dr. in St. Peters.

THE JOYS OF BEING A LUDDITE

– BY AVALANCHE –

"A PERSON

WAYS OF WORKING,” reads the definition. It’s not so much opposition on my part, as much as simply not caring about the newest, latest wireless device. My choice of residential location has, in large part, determined my lack of being up to date on electronic communication gadgets. Dialup internet was still in use here long after it had gone the way of the dodo bird in most areas of the country. Even then, the “high-speed” internet that replaced it was of slow speed and dismal reliability – only recently has it improved. Cell phone coverage is still non-existent for about six miles in one direction, or 60 miles the other way up the highway. Why would I want to spend upwards of four-figures on a “smart” phone that I can’t use when close to home?

When giving my contact info to people, they tend to give me a confused, skeptical look, as I begin with my landline number (yes, of the old copper-wire sort,) then give them the number to my decidedly-not-smart flip phone, and explain that this number is only good when I’m traveling, or if I remember to bring it with me to town to check messages, which means that any message could go several weeks before being heard. For texts, I give them Staci’s smart phone number, which is tied to my tablet. Generally, we get the same tests, provided our settings aren’t changed by any manufacturer’s surreptitious updates; or having one or both devices turned off; or a particularly bad cycle of space weather. Usually, the recipient of all my various numbers just asks which is the best number to use, as their expression of confused skepticism turns to one of frustrated dismissal. Unsurprisingly, not too many new acquaintances bother to stay in touch.

The local wireless internet service provider recently upgraded their transmitter on the mountain top across the highway, which was quite the spectacle to witness. Accomplished by helicopter, a new building and two new antenna towers were installed, at times during high winds, which earned the pilot and crew an enormous amount of respect from those of us watch-

ing the process. Now, our internet service has the necessary capacity to support video and voice communications. Staci’s smart phone can be used reliably at home on our wi-fi. She also uses the infernal contraption at work, so it makes sense for her to own one. I’m still quite content to use my primitive flip phone on my infrequent travels outside the area, though those days are numbered.

It seems that the simple flip-phone is about to be phased out, and it won’t be compatible with upcoming nationwide cellular provider upgrades. In order for me to communicate by phone, I’ll have to finally move into the 21st century, kicking and screaming, and get a so-called smart phone.

My perfectly usable tablet is of such vintage that software upgrades are no longer available. It is becoming difficult to access rather basic websites such as news and weather, as they “no longer support this version of software” - and the device is not capable of being updated to the next version. Talk about planned obsolescence!

At this point, I’ll soon have to get a new phone and a new tablet. A new phone will allow me to carry on a voice conversation, but my eyes and vision are of such vintage that browsing the web on a phone requires reading glasses. I’m still a long way from surgically upgrading my eyeballs, so a tablet works best for portable net surfing – I can expand the font size to my liking.

A new phone will also eliminate the confusion of people texting me and getting a reply from Staci. Conversely, I get texts sent to her by friends and family that I really don’t need to read, especially the alcohol-fueled spleen-venting sent at 0-dark-thirty from a girlfriend about her no-good #%^&*#$% significant other. Some things are best left unshared.

So, even here in the backwoods, “progress” is insisting that I catch up with it, or be left behind. Such is life. It’s a sign of the times, much like a brand-new vehicle that didn’t even come with a CD player - but I’ll save that luddite-styled rant for another time.

OPPOSED TO NEW TECHNOLOGY OR

Eye candy Eye candy

– BY CINDY MOORE –

HERE IT IS AGAIN, the time that comes around every four years which produces winners and losers and whiners and liars. The presidential election is here already? Naw, the World Cup is upon us.

My husband embedded himself in the couch to watch what bajillions of others were watching, so I thought I better sit down to find out what the hubbub was all about.

The action was slow and the commercials were yawners. Soon my eyes glazed over. The next thing I knew the cat pounced on my face and woke me up. I must have dozed off for only a minute because the score was still zero to zero.

“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked.

“Thirty minutes,” said my husband.

“What? And still no one’s scored? How do they judge the winner of these things?”

Then the camera zoomed in on the teams. I realized that each player was incredibly fit and attractive. So that’s how they judged the winning team – by who was the best looking.

I asked, “Why is each of these players so freakishly handsome?”

“What are you talking about? Look, there’s some really ugly people right there,” he said pointing.

“Umm, those are the fans in the bleachers all dressed up like drag

queens.”

“You know, I could be on that soccer field if I really wanted to.”

“Yes, I’m sure you would be great at handing out bottles of Gatorade,” I said.

He didn’t hear me because some action had finally taken place on the field. A blatant foul had been committed. A player was writhing on the ground. His teeth were gnashing in utter agony. He clenched his knee and moaned in torment.

“Oh, that poor boy,” I said. “Someone is going to be kicked out of the game for inflicting that kind of injury.”

“Naw. He’s faking it.”

“Faking it?! How can you be so thoughtless? The poor man is having a seizure.”

“Just wait,” he said.

Soon the referee called the play fair and the wailing man got up as if nothing had happened. He then grabbed the front of his shirt with his teeth and gnawed on it for comfort.

The game eventually ended 1 to 0.

I have quickly become a soccer fan. After all, watching unbelievably good-looking men for 90 minutes is definitely my kind of sport.

LINCOLN CORSAIR

MAKES LUXURY AFFORDABLE IN THE CROSSOVER SUV MARKET

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

The Lincoln Corsair received a number of factory upgrades for the 2022 model year. It's positioned in the compact luxury crossover SUV segment with the likes of the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX and the Cadillac XT4.

To help eliminate any puzzlement with the nameplate, the label "Corsair" has previously been used on several other Ford Motor Company products in past years. This includes the Ford Edsel Corsair and the British Ford Corsair sold in Europe. This Lincoln rendition was first introduced in the spring of 2019 at the New York Auto Show. Additionally, it tends to basically share the same underside platform or underpinnings with the Ford Escape.

Manufactured at Ford's Louisville Kentucky Assembly facility, the five-door Corsair has proven to be one of the bestselling Lincoln badged vehicles in quite some time. It's the smallest and least costly Lincoln in their product mix, with a base model starting out at $37,770 which includes shipping charges. Furthermore, the price point is more attractive than other luxury SUV crossovers in its grouping.

Corsair is available in three trim levels. This includes their Standard Model, Reserve and Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid. The first two models are manufactured with two available four-cylinder gas engines, while the Grand Touring model comes exclusively with a refined plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The exterior design certainly has a modern

element about it. The Lincoln DNA presents itself with the vehicle’s front grille assembly. The body lines are pleasing to look at and further convey a level of luxury. Paint quality as well as fit and finish are close to perfection.

Powering this Lincoln in the Standard Model is their 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which generates 250-horsepower. With allwheel drive, it achieves some 24-combined (City/Highway) MPG. The mid-grade Reserve model comes with a 2.3-liter turbo gas powerplant and produces close to 300-horsepower. With AWD, it shows 21 MPG City/28-MPG Highway. Both engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Grand Touring Hybrid edition comes with a Continuously Variable Automatic. EPA numbers reflect as high as 78-MPG/combined numbers with the gas/electric hybrid system.

When it comes to high-tech accommodations, Corsair tends to meet the appetite of a sophisticated client base. This includes three USB-A charging ports, one USB-C input port plus a wireless charge pad. Voice recognition software is also included. The vehicle’s 14-speaker audio system helps make long drives a bit more enjoyable. Seating upfront is comfortable and inviting. However, I would have liked to have seen more of the enticing interior aluminum trim sections and additional soft touch surfaces. Due to this Lincoln’s slopped roof line, being seated in back

could prove to be a bit of a minor inconvenience and awkward if you're tall in stature.

During the road test, unwanted road, wind and tire noise is kept at bay, likely due to the increased amounts of sound deadening materials strategically positioned throughout the body. The enhanced/optional adaptive suspension system helps keep body roll at a minimum while commuting on an array of different road surfaces. As with a number of similar competitive chassis/driveline set-ups, customized momentum drive modes aren't currently offered from Lincoln.

Driver and passenger ergonomics overall are acceptable for the size of this vehicle. The adequately-sized door storage compartments, as well as the cargo bin positioned between the two front bucket seats are appropriate. With the second-row seat backs folded forward, there is sizable rear storage capacity for your belongings. Overall, the caliber of space is on par with other models in its grouping.

This five-passenger vehicle also receives a five-star safety crash test rating, based on the government's latest evaluation measurements. The driveline warranty reflects sixyears/70,000 miles powertrain coverage. At road test, the Reserve AWD model I spent time with, had an MSRP of $58,505 after options, coupled with the added $1,195 delivery and destination charges.

Performers who changed their bodies for a role

BY STEVE BRYAN

IIn 1997’s “George of the Jungle,” Brendan Fraser played George, a human resident of the jungle who was friends with a talking ape. As reported by CNN at the time, to maintain the physique of a man who swung on vines, Fraser put himself on an “extreme diet.”

A quarter-century later, the actor received raves and standing ovations for portraying Charlie, a 600-pound schoolteacher, in “The Whale.” During a recent appearance at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina, Fraser explained that his character was created using a combination of “CGI and makeup.” Fraser also pointed out that it took six hours to put on his 300-pound fat suit and, while taking it off, he experienced vertigo.

Instead of prosthetics, other actors transformed themselves by changing their bodies. According to “Weight & Skin,” for the 2000 film “Castaway,” Tom Hanks lost 55 pounds to play Chuck Noland, a system engineer for FedEx. Chuck survived a plane crash and washed up on a deserted island. Hanks’ character appeared a little overweight in the first half of the film, but after fast-forwarding the action by four years, Chuck’s body now appeared almost emaciated. Prior to “Castaway,” Hanks won a Best Actor Oscar for “Philadelphia” for portraying Andrew Beckett, a senior associate at a law firm who didn’t reveal his AIDS diagnosis. Hanks reportedly lost 35 pounds for this role.

In 1980’s biographical “Raging Bull,” actor Robert DeNiro starred as Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta, a boxer who had been described as “self-destructive.” In later years, La Motta, who passed away on Sept. 19, 2017, owned a bar and became an

actor/comedian. DeNiro played the character during his boxing career and then later in life as a nightclub owner. La Motta was known for severely beating his opponents in the ring, but he also could take punishing blows. To play the boxer in his declining years, DeNiro gained a reported 60 pounds by eating lots of pasta. Many film lovers believe “Raging Bull” was one of the greatest films ever made.

In 2013, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto starred in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Set in the 1980’s McConaughey played real-life AIDS patient Ron Woodroof, who was given just 30 days to live by his doctor. While in the hospital, Woodroof met Rayon, a HIV-positive trans woman played by Leto. After learning that the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (AZT) could potentially prolong the lives of AIDS patients, Woodroof brought drugs and supplements across the Mexican border, sometimes disguised as a priest. McConaughey lost a reported 50 pounds to play Woodroof while Leto lost 30 pounds. In “The Wolf of Wall Street,” an emaciated McConaughey appeared as real-life stockbroker Mark Hanna and had a conversation with Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio).

As described here, extreme weight gain and loss for a role required dedication, discipline and, at times, a doctor’s supervision. While on a supervised diet, Tom Hanks said he missed French fries while DeNiro ate lots of pasta to portray the aging LaMotta. McConaughey and Leto each lost significant weight while Fraser struggled putting on and taking off a fat suit. It’s safe to say all five men suffered for their craft.

Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical wellbeing. Gathering your family, friends, coworkers or neighbors at least once a week to spend time together over a meal provides opportunities to decompress and socialize.

If you’re looking for a little delicious inspiration, the American Heart Association recommends scheduling one night per week to create a recurring tradition and enjoy favorites such as breakfast for dinner. Recipes like Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos; Huevos Rancheros; and Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best, are perfectly suited for sharing while making time to destress at the dinner table.

In fact, according to a study by “Canadian Family Physician,” regular meals at home with loved ones can reduce stress, boost

self-esteem and make everyone feel connected with mealtime conversations that allow a chance to unplug and unwind.

Meals don’t have to be elaborate for a successful evening together. Despite the perceived effort involved with preparing a meal, research published in “Preventive Medicine” shows those who have frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, may improve social and emotional well-being.

In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of meals with loved ones, eating together can also encourage healthier choices when better-for-you recipes are on the menu. Dining as a group can provide inspiration to try heart-healthy recipes that include the wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke.

To find recipe ideas, conversation starters and more tips for mealtime, visit heart.org/together.

Huevos R ancheros

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Salsa:

1 teaspoon canola oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/2 cup diced poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded

1 small fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) nosalt-added crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon salt

Huevos Rancheros:

1 teaspoon canola oil

4 large eggs

4 corn tortillas (6 inches), warm

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend

1 small avocado, quartered and sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 medium lime, cut into four wedges (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

To make salsa: In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 2 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook poblano and jalapeno peppers 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, water and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.

To make huevos rancheros: In medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook eggs 3-4 minutes, or until whites are set and edges are fully cooked.

Place one tortilla on each plate. Top each tortilla with beans and one egg, being careful not to break yolk. Gently top each egg with warm salsa, cheese and avocado slices.

Sprinkle each serving with cilantro and serve with lime wedge, if desired.

Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/3 cups liquid egg whites

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

4 whole-wheat tortillas (6 inches, lowest sodium available)

2 medium avocados, sliced

1/4 cup hot sauce or salsa (lowest sodium available, optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat.

In skillet, stir egg whites constantly with rubber spatula to scramble. Cook until eggs are almost set. Add beans, stirring until combined and heated through.

Microwave tortillas on high 45 seconds. Transfer to work surface. Spread egg mixture in center of each tortilla. Top with the avocado and hot sauce, if desired.

For each burrito, fold two sides of tortilla toward center. Starting from closest unfolded side, roll burrito toward remaining unfolded side to enclose filling. Transfer with seam side down to plates.

Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)

1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed

1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) nonstick cooking spray

4 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper red hot-pepper sauce, to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat. Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.

Lightly spray large skillet over medium-high heat with nonstick cooking spray. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg sunny side up into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, if desired.