CrossRoads: January 2018

GROWTH SPURT

AT WENTZVILLE SCHOOLS’

CrossRoads 2017 MO Press 1st Place Winner

2 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018

contents

VOL 14 | NO 1

Departments

Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder

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Around Town Local news and events

7

Simon Says Celebrating the new year and celebrating sobriety

8

Always an Adventure The balance between too-much and not-enough stuff

9

Moore on Life Cyberchondriac

14

Entertainment The unique standouts of 2017

15

Automobile Alley The 2018 Volvo XC90 brings a high level of quality to the SUV market

Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton

16

Food Excellent Entertaining: Elegant ideas for a meal worth celebrating

Photographer Ray Rockwell

18

Medical Memo Seven tips for managing diabetes

19

Community Calendar: January

Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Staff Writer Brett Auten For advertising information, please contact us at:

features

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Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

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Bigger and bigger Wentzville School District’s record growth looks to continue well into the next decade

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Advertiser Profile Byerly RV awarded Top 50 RV Dealer in U.S.

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2018 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

Nonprofit Profile United Services for Children provides therapy and support for children of all abilities

On the Cover: Photo by Ray Rockwell

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

Facility aims to be a safe place for youth Jordan’s Place co-founder Kelli Clodfelter can vividly recall when the vision for the youth center first came together.

“This started on a notebook in Denny’s three years ago,” Clodfelter quipped.

Six months later, those pages of scribbles became a reality. Jordan’s Place has been welcoming area teens since July 2015. The youth center is located at 202 E. Main St. in Warrenton.

Jordan’s Place aims to provide a positive gathering space to visit and to raise awareness about drug abuse, bullying, teen pregnancy and other challenges youth face.

The facility is geared toward teens and provides numerous activities, including video games, pool, pingpong, snack bar and lounge area. It is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 - 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, all ages and families are invited to visit from 1 - 5 p.m.

There is no admission free and all activities are free of charge. In 2016, over 5,000 teens visited the center.

The center is named after Clodfelter’s son, Jordan Lunsford, who died in November 2014 from a drug overdose. Jordan was 17.

“It is crazy that we are standing here and it has come this far,” Clodfelter said. “We have a lot of kids who come to us and say this is their safe place. This is where they can come and nobody is going to bully them. They can get away from that here.”

While the facility closes in on its third anniversary, many challeng-

www.TaorminasFamilyRestaurant.com

4 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

Submitted photo A $1,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Jordan’s Place, a youth center located in Warrenton. Pictured above is co-founder Kelli Clodfelter.

es still exist to keep the doors open, particularly with funding and the lack of volunteers. Earlier this year, the city of Warrenton agreed to help pay the organization’s rent and utilities through June 2018.

Jordan’s Place also was the recipient of a recent $1,000 Operation Round Up grant awarded by the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust board. The funds will be used to help purchase new games and activities to entertain teens. Many of the current games in the facility were donated at the time the facility opened two-and-a-half years ago.

“Upgrading our equipment is a big deal,” Clodfelter said. “It is something we have to do if we’re going to keep the kids here. We have to have something that will entice them.”

Despite the many obstacles, the nonprofit organization has survived thanks to the commitment from its volunteer board and donations. Teens can search through racks of used clothes every day the center is open, while a community dinner is served the third Sunday of the month. There is no cost for the clothes or dinner.

Recently, a partnership has been formed with SunRise United Methodist Church, which has campuses in Wright City and O’Fallon, to open a food pantry at Jordan’s Place. Around 12 families are served monthly.

In addition, Jordan’s Place hosts the S.A.V.E. (Substance Abuse Victims’ Experiences) program on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The victim impact panel features presenters who address how incidents involving drugs or alcohol affected their lives.

“When I look around, it is crazy at what we have done and accomplished,” Clodfelter said.

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www. jordansplace-mo.org.

The goal of Operation Round Up is to help address needs in the areas of health, education, home weatherization, youth, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources.

More than $5 million have been awarded to applicants since the Operation Round Up program began in 1997. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.cuivre.com, call 800392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.

Around Town

Waterford Villas HOA gains Cuivre River tree grant Cuivre River Electric Cooperative and its power supplier, Central Electric Power Cooperative of Jefferson City, team up each year to offer Green Tree Partnership grants to help area communities and organizations plant trees. The latest grant of $1,000 was awarded to Waterford Villas Homeowners’ Association (HOA) in Lake Saint Louis to help acquire seven trees which have been planted on HOA grounds.

A qualified community organization can apply for up to $1,000 to help purchase trees for parks, school grounds, historic sites, roadside areas, public buildings and other public locations. A tree planting plan must be submitted with a Green Tree Partnership grant application.

“Be sure that planted trees are clear of utility lines,” says Gayle Stelzer, who coordinates Cuivre River’s portion of the program. “Include a map or drawing of planting locations, tree type and proximity to utility lines.”

Grants may also be used to match funds for other programs, such as the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance program and the Department of Highway and Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement pro-

Submitted photo Waterford Villas HOA representatives Dave Fred (left) and Gary Smith (right) accept a $1,000 Green Tree Partnership grant from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Gayle Stelzer. Waterford Villas used the grant to purchase and plant seven new trees.

gram.

To obtain a Green Tree Partnership grant application, contact Cuivre River’s Gayle Stelzer at 800-392-3709, ext. 4714, or print an application at www.cuivre.com under the Member Services tab.

WWW.ELDERCARELAW.COM JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town ADVERTISER PROFILE

Bank Of Old Monroe Tributes Banks Time Tested Success to Team www.dpc4u.org

WWW.ASHFORDMOTORS.NET

www.mycnews.com www.facebook.com/mycnews www.pinterest.com/ https://twitter.com/mycnews

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Consistency breeds trust, trust builds relationships and relationships drive thriving community banks across Missouri. Practicing these principles for over 111 years has led the Bank of Old Monroe, their team of employees and customers to premier Dale McDonald, EVP/CFO; Dave Molitor, Chairman of the Board; Darrell Harke, President and CEO performance as most recently noted in the Missouri Bank Performance Report.

“Strong relationships are the cornerstone of success in community banking, at the Bank of Old Monroe, our desire is to be a community bank that meets our customers’ needs at whatever stage they are at in their lives,” said, Darrell Harke, President and CEO. The Bank of Old Monroe’s most recent accolade is being ranked #1 in overall performance in the third quarter on the Missouri Bank Performance Report. “While this is a milestone and an honor, we contribute our overall success to our board, outstanding team members and the communities that support our banks,” said Dale McDonald, EVP/CFO. One hundred and eleven years ago, a few farmers and local businessmen with a vision for agricultural growth and development started the Bank of Old Monroe. Today, the bank has five locations serving Lincoln and St. Charles counties and total assets of over $340 million.

A powerful tool for community bank customers is the fact that employees are empowered to be decision makers. Answers to questions in all facets of banking are found in a quick call or walk down the hallway at any of the Bank of Old Monroe locations.

Community banks like the Bank of Old Monroe are a critical source of lending for farms and small businesses, but the bank also offers a wide range of banking services and products designed to meet the needs of consumers and businesses who want to bank anytime, anywhere with electronic banking. Strong boards are the backbone of high performing community banks and as such are generally made up of local citizens who want to advance the interests of the communities they serve.

“I am proud to have served on the board of the Bank of Old Monroe for more than thirty-five years. Our board is intricately involved in the decision making process and we are committed to growing the communities we serve and in which we reside,” said Dave Molitor, Chairman of the Board.”

Old Monroe • Moscow Mills • O’Fallon • Wentzville • Troy www.bankofoldmonroe.com • 636-665-5601

Simon Says

Celebrating the new year and celebrating sobriety

H

appy New Year! My apologies for how long it has been since we last met. I hope you missed me as much as I missed all of you!

So, most of you know that typically I share with you the things to do and what’s going on in Western St. Charles County and beyond, but I also have found that with writing this column I get to use my voice for the common good or to share a personal story.

So that’s what this month is all about…me.

I have decided that it’s time I share something with the readers of Crossroads magazine. What is it that I would like to share?

That I’m an addict. Recovering, but still an addict. We have all heard so much lately of the addiction epidemic that has not only hit our nation, but our local community as well. For me it wasn’t heroin or meth, it was all-powerful alcohol – the 100 percent legal, mind-altering substance that has been tearing families apart, killing trust and causing more fatalities per year than cancer. I guess I get to call myself one of the lucky ones because on Dec. 28, 2017 I celebrated five years of being free of my addiction.

It all started in high school when I thought that at the age of fifteen it would be wise to drink at a party. Half a bottle of Jack Daniels later and my head was submerged in a toilet.

I still remember that next morning thinking I was going to die but also thinking, that was fun! I look back now and realize that was a huge sign of what I was to come. I had my life all planned out – go to Southeast Missouri State and get a degree in special education.

A semester-and-a-half into college I came home. Lonely, homesick and not knowing what I was to be doing or who I was anymore.

I kept on chugging the drinks back and finally turned the big 21. I now had the power to get behind the wheel and drive to the bar or to the liquor store and let me tell you that’s exactly what I did, for the next eight years.

I was a binge drinker in every sense of the

word. By the time I turned 25 I was missing work due to being hungover, I was spending every dime I had at the bar and I had put myself into a very unhealthy relationship that was based on drinking. I had gained over 65 lbs. and had become a shell of a human being. Then that first fateful night came on Dec. 19, 2009.

I was attending my work Christmas party and we were all drinking and doing shots and carrying on, with no attention being paid to how anyone of us would get home.

I left the bar and put the keys in my ignition and that’s the last thing I remember until I was sitting at the O’Fallon police station under arrest for DWI. My BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.22 – almost three-times the legal limit. I got my car out of impound and carried out what the judge ordered of me and vowed to never drink and drive again, and also promised myself I would cut back on the drinking in general. But you see that’s the problem with addiction, you can bargain with yourself all you want but eventually I made the choice to continue drinking after a brief hiatus.

On June 11, 2011, I decided to get hammered at a reunion and drive home. That was my second fateful night. I was again pulled over for suspicion of a DWI and refused to take the breathalyzer test. I spent another night in jail, lost my driver’s license for one year and had a long court process ahead of me. I was devastated, but I was also an addict. I continued to drink up until my sentencing which included a four-month stint in out-patient rehab.

On Dec. 28, 2012 while still in out-patient rehab, the third and final fateful night occurred. I attended the wedding of a family friend and thought to myself that I could surely have one glass of wine to celebrate.

Right? Numerous glasses of wine and a few beers later I was unconscious. I was driven to my parents’ home so that I wouldn’t be alone at my own home and thank God because it was my parents who saved my life. I had alcohol poisoning. I was losing control of everything in me and everything that I was,

right in front of them. I don’t know how they did it but they stayed with me and got me through the night and kept me alive. Dec. 28, 2012 was the last time I have had a drink or taken a sip of alcohol. (I even select the grape juice at communion.)

So why tell you all of this? Why put myself out there? To hopefully help someone. Even if it’s just one person I can get through to, I’ve done my job. I never considered myself an alcoholic. I didn’t start drinking when I woke up and I wasn’t homeless; I was a twentysomething, middle-class girl from the suburbs who just liked to drink. Right? Wrong.

I was a twenty-something, middle-class girl from the suburbs who had a severe addiction to alcohol that almost cost me my life. I was broken. I was defeated. But I decided to rise up against my addiction to make sure my family had me around for another Christmas, to make sure that I would live the life I was intended to live, and to finally be truly happy with just being me.

It happened to me and it all started at the young age of fifteen, which is why I have spoken at local high schools, colleges, civic groups, court-ordered panels and to anyone who is willing to have me to share my story.

Alcohol is a powerful drug that will grab you by the horns and never let go, I know that now. Talk to your kids, your spouse, family members and anyone who is willing to listen about addiction. You never know what someone is going through and maybe, just maybe, your words will be just what they need to get their sobriety jump started. To anyone out there struggling, know that you are not alone. But also know there is help out there and that with the power you have deep inside you to get clean, you too could be celebrating five years sober, just like me.

BY LAURIE SIMON

Laurie Simon lives in St. Peters with her husband and toddler son. When not rehabbing her home she enjoys weekends at the lake and spending time with family, friends and her two fur babies.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7

Always An Adventure Around Town

The balance between too-much and not-enough stuff

I spent my last motorcycle trip over the mountains weaving my way around various pickup trucks with out-of-state license plates hauling various assortments of outdoor gear.

One of the more heavily-laden rigs trundling up the highway pass was a large motorhome pulling a large trailer. On the trailer was an older pickup truck with a tall lifted suspension, and oversized mud tires. Riding in the pickup bed was an ATV decked out with all manner of accessories.

Surrounding the truck on the trailer were mountainous piles of other gear, including a generator, freezer, and undoubtedly, a kitchen sink buried somewhere within all the comforts of home.

How much stuff does one need to travel, go into the mountains and camp, and perhaps pursue elk? The answer is always a balance between mobility and comfort and security.

No matter how much gear one brings - or doesn’t bring - it’s always too much stuff, and not quite enough, depending upon circumstance.

A couple weeks later, I had the opportunity to backpack into the mountains to hunt elk.

Minimizing weight was a priority, as other obligations had limited my available time to be in the woods, and the inexorable march of time limited my carrying capacity at higher altitude. Temperatures were forecast to be mild, so the tipi and small woodstove stayed at home, and were substituted by a tarp 8 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

for shelter, and small canister stove to heat drinks and meals. My normal sleeping bag was left behind, in favor of a light blanket.

Hiking up the trail to camp, my pack still seemed way too heavy, though it probably weighed 20 pounds less than it did 20 years ago on similar trips.

After setting up camp and a doing bit of hiking, I discovered that several large hunting parties on horseback had recently been in the area, which had pushed the elk out of their normal range. I settled in for a night’s sleep, and went to bed toasty. Alas, the official forecast did not apply to my selected campsite, at the bottom of a mountain amphitheater. I was at the lowest point in a natural sink, with the only outlet for cold air being a small notch where a creek flowed out of the bowl. I awakened in the middle of the night not quite shivering, but simply locked into a rigid state, tensed against the cold. I stayed that way for the remainder of the night, trying to sleep, but failing, except for a few bouts of restless slumber. My gear did not provide sufficient protection from the temperature in the low teens.

Sunrise and its warmth came several hours after first light, as the high peaks surrounding my location blocked direct sun until mid-morning. My small stove provided welcome hot drinks, but seemed to be a meager source of warmth compared with my normal cold-weather woodstove. I

didn’t get out hunting much that day, and instead spent several hours recovering from the unexpected cold conditions. The next day I spotted a few elk, which had moved a couple miles to the south. By that time, I was out of supplies and too tired to move camp and continue my pursuit; my hunt was over.

One additional pound of insulation would have made my night much more comfortable. With an additional five-toseven pounds of gear, I would have been luxuriously warm, comfortable and well-fed, and able to hunt for another day or two.

During the hike out, I recalled the mechanized convoys on the interstate and felt decidedly less smug and superior than I had upon my initial encounter with them.

While I don’t see a need for a kitchen sink, a little more gear would have made a lot of difference. So, next year’s goal is to find that elusive happy medium between traveling light and freezing at night, versus trundling up the mountainside, belching smoke and hauling several tons of gear.

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.

Moore On Life Nonprofit Profile

Cyberchondriac | Cyberchondriac: a person who compulsively searches the Internet for information on real or imagined symptoms of illness.

Happy New Year and here’s to your health.

Although a word of caution; if you do happen to be in poor health. Say you’re suffering from some peculiar ailment, perhaps an odd rash of unknown origins or a strange twinge in the abdominals, maybe a recurring ache in the scapula; then for heaven sakes do the smart thing.

“Make an appointment to see your doctor as quickly as possible,” you say?

Heck no! That’ll cost an arm and a leg and lots of money too!

Do what I and kajillions of savvy Americans do nowadays, get on the Internet and Google the symptoms first. That way, you’ll be fully educated on the disease and better able to help guide your doctor through the proper treatment.

I’ll never understand in this modern time why medical people go to those expensive universities and through years of unnecessary book learning along with tedious lec-

tures and months of wearisome training when the cutting-edge solution to today’s maladies is just a mouse click away. All that time-consuming education is so prehistoric.

For instance, the other day I had a major ache in the base of my neck that wouldn’t go away even after a couple of extra-strength pain pills. Time for the Google Gods to determine what the problem was. After thoroughly researching “head discomfort,” I soon found out that I had an inoperable brain tumor, but not to worry since I also Googled treatment for such a condition.

I discovered that I would need to stand on my head for 45 minutes every two hours for the next five weeks. This would cause the blood to rush to the affected area. The pressure on it would eventually melt the growth into a jelly goo-like substance that my body would quickly absorb. Then to keep it away permanently, I would have to add powdered shark cartilage to my cereal each morning

and boom! Clean bill of health.

So I went to the doctor to share my findings and let him in on my treatment. He grunted and rolled his eyes (as expected).

He then examined the base of my neck and untwined a hair scrunchie from my ponytail that was too tight. I immediately felt the pressure release and pain leave my head.

I wasn’t totally impressed. I’m sure he found that remedy on Google.

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.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9

BIGGER AND

By Brett Auten

BIGGER T

he question isn’t right now, it’s two or three years from now.

When you’re the fastest growing school district in Missouri that is the mentality.

The Wentzville School District has increased student enrollment by more than 10,000 students since 2001, averaging well over 500 new students every year. The district has built 11 new schools in the past 17 years, including two new elementary schools that opened this year, both of which are the largest elementary schools in the district’s history with a 900-student capacity.

The district currently has 16,382 students, K-12 with 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.

And by the looks of things, more is on the way.

An April 3, 2018 ballot item will propose a $125 million no-tax increase bond issue for a new high school, a new elementary school and classroom additions at Barfield Early Childhood, Pearce Hall (which is home to five different Wentzville School District programs; the High School Alternative Program, Missouri Options Program, Anabranch Program, Wentzville Middle School Intervention Program and Substance Abuse Prevention Program), Peine Ridge Elementary, and new gymnasium at Holt High. It is the largest bond issue ever sought by the 10 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

Wentzville School District’s record growth looks to continue well into the next decade district, and it bought 109 acres for $3.9 million this year at the northeast corner of West Meyer Road and North Point Prairie in Wentzville for new schools. Money of which came from a 2015 tax increase and district reserves.

For Wentzville superintendent, Dr. Curtis Cain, the board of education and the entire Wentzville education team, growth is on their radar, and they always anticipate it.

“We are always going to be proactive,” Cain said. “We are constantly trying to anticipate and strategize our approach when it comes to growth.

We embrace the challenge. It is part of our thread.”

Part of the increase in students is tracked to census numbers. In 2017 U.S. census numbers, Wentzville grew by more than 1,800 people and has added more than 1,000 people in five of the past six years.

Things kick-started into high gear a few years ago.

In April 2015, voters in the district passed a 25-cent tax increase which provided $50 million to fund a new elementary school, classrooms, auditorium and auxiliary gym at Liberty High School, classroom additions at Duello, Discovery Ridge and Lakeview elementary schools and classroom updates at Wentzville Middle School.

Then, the Wentzville Board of Education voted that fall to use some existing funds, and borrow some funds to build another elementary school simultaneously with the one passed by voters and move all sixth graders from the three middle schools to the 12 elementary schools beginning this school year (2017-18).

According to Mary LaPak, the Chief Communications Officer with the district, the K-6 Plan for Growth

provided much needed space at middle schools without requesting an additional tax increase from voters and provided the district time to pay down debt, increasing borrowing capacity so the next ballot issue for additional schools and classrooms could be financed with a no-tax-increase bond issue.

Even with all of the brick and mortar talk, it is still about the classroom.

LaPak said that the district has not only managed the growth, but its students have consistently performed in the top 10 in the state when it comes to test scoring and have a solid base in STEM and other programs.

“So, we have not only just increased the number of classrooms but have also maintained the high-quality education that people have come to expect from Wentzville,” she said.

According to projections in a demographic study released earlier this year by Business Information Services, the district could add more than 6,700 new students over the next decade. The report’s findings include calculations that indicate Holt and Timberland high schools could be over capacity by 2019 and Liberty could be over capacity by 2021.

The report also shows the district will need an additional elementary school by 2023.

“There are a constant flow and stream of questions,” Cain said.

“There is a myriad of issues we examine and revisit. The key for us is to keep communication open. Our walk is unique in the state of Missouri, but it is our walk.”

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District Page 10: Top left: The Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District purchased these 108.9 acres located at the northeast corner of W. Meyer Road and N. Point Prairie in Wentzville in November for the site of a future school building.

Bottom Left: Construction continues at Liberty High School.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11

Nonprofit Profile

provides therapy and support for children of all abilities

By Raymond Castile

U

nited Services for Children is a nonprofit organization that provides pediatric therapy and early intervention services to children of all abilities, and offers support services for their families. We focus on children ages birth through eight years old. Our center, located at 4140 Old Mill Parkway in St. Peters, serves approximately 150 children annually.

In 1975, a team of dedicated parents and professionals searched for a way to ensure children with disabilities would receive services in St. Charles County. They used United Way grants to form a nonprofit organization, incorporating in 1977. This agency grew into what is now United Services for Children, providing therapeutic and educational services that have changed the lives of tens of thousands of children.

We offer outpatient therapy through our Uncommon Grace Pediatric Therapy program. Professional therapists deliver physical, occupational and speech/language therapy in group and individual settings for children ages birth through eight years old. Uncommon Grace Pediatric Therapy accepts Medicaid and most major insurance carriers.

Our Early Intervention services focus on young learners, children from 18 – 36 months, who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability or delay. Children enrolled in this program get the support they need to develop and grow in social, language, motor and adaptive skills.

Our Family Support program ensures that new families feel welcome and at home at United Services for Children, and provides opportunities for family education and training. Small and large group classes for parents, grandparents and caregivers are offered throughout the year. Support groups for siblings of children with disabilities run through12 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

Submitted photo Reese Sommers, a three-year-old diagnosed with autism, receives instruction from Melissa Vesser, a teacher and behavior analyst at United Services for Children.

out the school year, meeting monthly in the early evening. Our licensed social worker is available to meet the needs of our families on an ongoing basis.

We invite the public to our sixth annual Exploring the Spectrum autism information fair March 24 at Spencer Road Library Community Commons in St. Peters. There will be guest speakers, workshops and information tables. This is a great event for families of children with autism. Admission is free.

On May 18, we will host our 24th annual Fore the Children golf tournament at Bear

Creek Golf Club in Wentzville. It will be a four-person scramble, open to men’s teams, mixed teams and ladies’ teams. Then join us Aug. 25 for our annual gala at Ameristar Casino-St. Charles. There will be silent and oral auctions, dinner and entertainment. This is our main fundraising event, and it is always a fun and rewarding evening. Sponsorship opportunities are available for all of these events.

To inquire about therapy, early intervention or our events, please call us at 636-926-2700, or visit www.unitedservicesforchildren.org.

Advertiser Profile

BYERLY RV AWARDED TOP 50 RV DEALER IN U.S.

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV The record number of sales of new RVs in 2017 nationwide exceeded everyone’s expectations. In Missouri through September combined sales of motorized and trailers grew 15.5 percent. Through November Byerly RV’s sales of the same mix grew more than 28 percent! Record sales are good, but can be disruptive. Access, delivery and service have been a challenge. The Byerly group has met the sales challenge while still maintaining good performance in other areas such as rentals, parts and service. Service will continue to be a problem if sales continue at this pace. Byerly, through RVDA, is proposing an initiative to create a new entity totally dedicated to after-market needs.

I am proud of the Byerly team’s response. They deserve credit for Byerly’s recognition of being one of the Top 50 RV Dealers in the country for 2017. The award is not based on sales alone. Dealers are nominated and selected based upon the decisions of a peer group consisting of manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders. The award was presented at the recent RVDA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The recognition is sponsored by RV Business, one of the oldest and most respected publications in the RV industry.

Our employees enthusiastically interact with our customers throughout the year on a voluntary basis. We closed out the season with our caravan of motorhomes filled with customers through Santa’s Magical Kingdom, a light show at Jellystone Campground. Watch for our monthly RV School in which employees “show and tell” topics related to service and operations of RVs. The Spring Campout will be here before we know it.

The next big event is the annual RV Show at St Louis Convention Center, Feb. 1-4.

We are proud to announce, after 70 years in business, that Winnebago will become a part of the Byerly Family. More announcements to come! 2018 is here. Byerly is ready. Happy New Year! Check us out at www.byerlyrv.com and Facebook.

Wentzville Business Spotlight

Dr. Amy Fridley of Fridley Chiropractic has served Wentzville area residents since 2000. The location at 1 W. Koenig has been in operation since October 2016 when a brand-new facility was constructed to better serve our growing patient base. The building was the first new building constructed in Historic Downtown in several years.

We provide chiropractic services and offer good health to our patients and the community. We love the hometown feel and growth occurring in the downtown area. We take many forms of insurance .Stop by for a visit, call for an appointment at (636) 332-1769 or look us up on our website at www.drfridley.com.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13

Entertainment

THE UNIQUE STANDOUTS OF 2017 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

GET OUT

SCOTT RUDIN PRODUCTIONS

LADY BIRD

BLUEPRINT PICTURES

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

BULLPRODUCTIONS PRODUCTIONS BULL

THE SHAPE OF WATER

14 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018

I

t’s been quite difficult to determine what films were truly the best of 2017. Yet, we’ve seen a group of them manage to outshine others in their own unique ways, never mind the size of their budget or the money they bring in. These are some of the year’s standouts: “GET OUT” This horror thriller is very mindful (also in the literal sense) as one of the year’s two films that feature a first-time director (this one written and helmed by comedic actor Jordan Peele) that made the history books over its record-breaking success. To tell you anything further than a story about an African-American man (Daniel Kaluuya) who’s about to meet the parents of his white girlfriend (Amanda Williams) for the weekend will ruin the unimaginable nightmare that can only come from Peele. “Get Out” could be that rare horror film to receive Oscar nominations in major categories.

“LADY BIRD” This is the other honorable feature debut, this time, from actor turned writer/director Greta Gerwig in what is now arguably one of the highest rated films in history of combined reviews alone. This recordbreaking independent, coming-of-age feature feels like this year’s “The Edge Of Seventeen” (drastically overlooked) except this film is getting the recognition it deserves. This is a milestone for Saoirse Ronan as the film’s lead, Laurie Metcalf as our antagonist’s mother and the expanding career of Greta Gerwig.

Expect fierce Oscar attention for this winning picture.

“THE SHAPE OF WATER” Director Guillermo del Toro puts the capital “U” in unique with “The Shape Of Water,” a film that easily looks like a $100 million project that actually cost a little over $19 million – which is incredible to believe. Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is a mute cleaning lady, in a classified science facility, that connects with an amphibian creature (Doug Jones) through signing and eventually attempts to free him from a grim fate. In true del Toro fashion, the weirder the film gets the more glorious it becomes.

“JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2” It cost 20 million to make the first “John Wick” which grossed over 43 million in the U.S. alone with glowing reviews. “Chapter 2” cost 40 million and grossed over 92 million – also with stellar reviews, if not higher. These numbers alone explain why there will be a “Chapter 3” in the works to conclude the story on a high note.

Keanu Reeves is at his physical best making him one of the greatest actors of action (performing all his own stunts) of all time.

“THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI” Frances McDormand is made for roles like Mildred. In fact, the entire cast, along with Woody Harrelson and – especially – Sam Rockwell, are all on point. Do not be surprised if McDormand, Rockwell and, writer/director, Martin McDonagh get Oscar attention for this movie.

Other honorable mentions go to the following: “WIND RIVER” as the sleeper hit of the late summer with a serious message written and (another first time) directed by Taylor Sheridan as this year’s “Hell or High Water” type of hit (also written by Sheridan).

“IT” as the multi-record breaking horror film that smashed the box-office back to life - after a miserable month of August – setting a moneymaking standard for how to make bigger-budgeted horror flicks.

“THE FLORIDA PROJECT” as the hard-towatch, but incredibly sweet, indie film that needs no introduction. Brooklynn Prince will steal your heart and make you cry at the film’s end while it’s looking more and more certain that Willem Dafoe may win that Oscar for his anchoring performance that is nothing short of masterful.

BY BRIAN GUERRERO

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.

Automobile Alley

THE 2018 VOLVO XC90

BRINGS A HIGH LEVEL OF QUALITY TO THE SUV MARKET To meet the needs of the full-size luxury SUV buyer, Volvo Motors is showcasing their popular XC90 for 2018. This contemporary, three-row vehicle can seat up to seven adults comfortably.

With a background of a strong European heritage alongside the latest in automotive design, this sport utility vehicle has an emphasis of spirited road dynamics, including a high level of the newest technologies. It’s the perfect vehicle for an active-lifestyle family as it represents the next step in Volvo’s future product planning transformation.

The overall exterior design element tends to have somewhat of an athletic sculptured, yet timeless, modern and aerodynamic look about it. The outside body design looks muscular and robust as it has a solid and somewhat dominating overshadowing footprint to its silhouette. The body fit and finish along with the paint quality is suburb. The doors opening and closing feel rock solid.

Like its siblings within the Volvo product mix, S90 and V90, the XC90 carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language. Key features include the iconic identifiable hallmark designed front grille assembly and the expressive Volvo emblem trademark badge. XC90’s rear lift gate hatch area is framed by the vehicles signature sweeping lines, prominent tail lamps and the large projecting exhaust tail pipe outlets.

The XC90 is the first vehicle to be built on their new global underside architecture. The factory has indicated that this advanced modular chassis platform will further help launch other future products from this highly-developed, multi-use cradle.

To help maintain a world-class drive experience, XC90 can seamlessly adjust steering feel, throttle control, transmission response and ride height with the assistance of countless sensors and breakthrough electronics.

This of course helps to provide drivers with a relaxed confidence while driving familiarity across a variety of conditions and road surfaces.

The interior is designed to deliver a luxurious user experience from the second you enter the passenger cabin. There is undeniable evidence of a well-balanced interior environment. The cutting edge seat designs are quite comfortable with plenty of engineering focused towards safety as well. The $3,200 premium audio upgrade was one of the finest car audio systems I’ve ever experienced in any vehicle.

In the Volvo tradition, safety was paramount and certainly was confirmed with this model.

Their City Safety Technology is standard as it combines automatic breaking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios.

Powering the ‘18 version I drove was their 2.0-liter super-charged/turbo-charged, directed injected, 316 horsepower engine. It was equipped with their fuel savings stop/ start technology. Engine performance was thus channeled by way of their eight-speed highly developed automatic transmission and mechanically linked to their all-wheeldrive underside chassis. The EPA numbers reflect 20-MPG city/27-MPG highway, as

premium fuel is suggested. The base warranty for this Gothenburg, Sweden import is for 48/months/50,000 miles. The model I drove had an MSRP pricing of $74,090 after additional factory luxury options and shipping charges. As XC90 tends to overshadow this specialty segment, it’s generally crossshopped with competitive products such as the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes Benz GLS, Cadillac Escalade and the Lexus LX570.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician, and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15

E

For the Love of Food

xcellent entertaining

ELEGANT IDEAS FOR A MEAL WORTH CELEBRATING

Delighting guests in unexpected ways is the hallmark of exceptional entertaining. With a little creative flair, you can elevate your menu to impress guests with every course.

A savory appetizer is set off beautifully by fresh, sweet grapes in this Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini. Festive, bright and refreshing, grapes are a versatile ingredient that take dishes to the next level, making them ideal for special occasions.

Not only are grapes a smart choice to keep on hand for healthy snacking and everyday eating, the vibrant colors and flavors bring extra life to a basic protein. For a

unique twist on a main dish, try dressing up chicken with an elegant addition like fresh grapes, as in these Seared Chicken Breasts with Grapes and Artichokes.

The secret to a winning dessert is presentation, and the vibrant colors of red, green or black grapes lend just the right look to these tasty Mini Pavlovas with Lemon Cream and Grapes. What’s more, the juicy sweetness offsets the tartness of the lemon for an explosion of flavor perfection.

Plan your next special occasion with the host of recipes at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

A Fresh Approach to Décor Not only do fresh grapes’ lively flavors make for exceptional dishes, their vibrant colors can also enhance your table in other ways. Lend natural beauty to your decor while providing your loved ones with a healthy snack option with these creative ideas: •

Arrange grapes in bowls, on platters or draped from a cake plate for attractive and edible centerpieces.

•

Dress snacking grapes up for the occasion by dipping clusters in liquid gelatin. Roll them in sugar, spices and finely chopped nuts to make a “frosted” finger food with a hint of crunch.

•

Colorful grapes lend a pretty pop when used as a garnish to decorate serving plates.

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Mini Pavlovas with Lemon Cream and Grapes Serves: 6 Ingredients: 4 large egg whites pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup lemon curd 1 1/2 cups halved grapes chopped smoked or tamari almonds (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. With electric mixer on medium speed, in large bowl, beat egg whites and salt until firm peaks form. On low speed, add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until meringue forms stiff peaks. Whisk in cornstarch and

vanilla.

Divide meringue into six 4-inch circles on baking sheet. With large spoon, make indentations in middle of each. Place baking sheet in oven and lower temperature to 300 F. Bake 30 minutes then turn off oven and leave baking sheet inside another 30 minutes. To serve, whip cream to soft peaks and stir in lemon curd.

Dollop onto meringues and top with grapes. Garnish with almonds, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 4 g protein; 58 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (31 percent calories from fat); 8 g saturated fat (20 percent calories from saturated fat); 55 mg cholesterol; 90 mg sodium.

For the Love of Food Seared Chicken Breasts with Grapes and Artichokes Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each), butterflied lengthwise into 4 cutlets salt, to taste pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 leek, white part only, halved and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano 1 1/2 cups quartered artichoke hearts, frozen, canned or jarred 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 2 teaspoons butter

3/4 cup green grapes 3/4 cup red grapes 2 tablespoons chopped flatleaf parsley Directions: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, to taste. In saute pan

over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken breasts and sear 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add remaining olive oil to pan, along with garlic, leek and pinch of salt; cook on medium heat 2-3 minutes to soften leek. Stir in oregano, artichokes, wine, chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest and butter. Simmer 2-3 minutes then add chicken back to pan, basting each

breast with sauce. Add grapes and simmer 3-5 minutes, or until grapes are just soft and chicken is cooked through.

Stir in fresh parsley and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 26 g protein; 23 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (34 percent calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8 percent calories from saturated fat); 70 mg cholesterol; 390 mg sodium; 5 g fiber.

Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini Serves: 8 Ingredients: 2 cups quartered green, black or red grapes (or a mixture) 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 16 baguette slices, thinly cut on diagonal 8 ounces fresh goat cheese

Directions: In medium bowl, combine grapes, lemon juice, honey, thyme, salt, pepper and olive oil. Spread each baguette with goat cheese and top with grape mixture.

Nutritional information per serving: 200 calories; 9 g protein; 23 g carbohydrates; 8 g fat (36 percent calories from fat); 4.5 g saturated fat (20 percent calories from saturated fat); 15 mg cholesterol; 340 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17

Medical Memo

7

TIPS FOR MANAGING DIABETES

Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially for those living with diabetes. Everyone can have conflicts finding the right balance of partaking in healthy habits, such as exercise, eating well and even keeping your teeth and gums clean. From stress to self-care, life can be up and down when you’re living with diabetes.

These seven tips from Dr. Natalie Strand, the winner of season 17 of “The Amazing Race” who lives with diabetes herself, can help you stay healthy and lead a balanced life while managing your diabetes.

Communicate with your care team. Make sure you connect with your nurse educator, endocrinologist and dietician.

Reach out to them with your questions as they can often help you implement subtle changes to avoid completely overhauling your lifestyle and routine because of diabetes.

Get involved. Get a local group together to fundraise, vent or

just understand each other. Groups such as Diabetes Sisters, JDRF, TuDiabetes and BeyondType1 offer ways to connect with others living with diabetes in person or on social media. Connecting with the diabetes community can be a powerful way to help ease the burden of living with diabetes.

Keep doing what you love. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up doing what you love. Make efforts to continue sports, travel and other hobbies, even if there is a learning curve to adapting with diabetes at first.

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Maintain good oral health. People living with diabetes

are two times more likely to develop gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDAapproved to help reverse and prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Get into a routine. Find a routine that works and stick with it. This way you don’t have to make new decisions each day. Anything that can ease the mental burden of diabetes can help. For example, pick a time each year for your annual visits: eye doctor, endocrinologist, renew prescriptions, etc. Picking the same time of year every year can help ensure you don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Make self-care a priority. It can be hard to keep diabetes care in the forefront. It can be boring, exhausting and also fade into the background. Remind yourself that one of the best things you can do for yourself, and for your loved ones, is stay healthy. Use your family as motivation to exercise daily, eat better-for-you foods and maintain a healthy weight.

Manage stress. Diabetes can be a big stressor. Add jobs, kids, relationships and it can become overwhelming. Find an easy and effective tool for stress relief and do it often. Even 5-10 minutes of guided meditation daily can have a big impact on stress management.

For more information and ways to lead a balanced life with diabetes, visit OralHealthandDiabetes.com.

Community Calendar

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 19

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