Parks keep
growing
FEBRUARY
2022 writers
VOL 18 | NO 2
BY AVALANCHE
Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.
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.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12
BY CINDY MOORE
MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13
Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore Staff Writer Brett Auten
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
For advertising information, please contact us at:
Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632
www.mycnews.com
Copyright 2022 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.
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
ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15
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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.
FEBRUARY 4
2022
contents
Around Town Local news and events
11
Feature Story PARKS KEEP GROWING St. Charles County has purchased 199 acres of land near Wentzville for a new park that will open in 2022
12
Always an Adventure Atmospheric river
13
Moore on Life Last meal?
14
Automobile Alley The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II is the perfect ‘high end’ SUV
15
Entertainment Honoring the inimitable Betty White
16
For the Love of Food Fresh, healthy family meals: Recipes to help boost iron levels, aid plasma donation recovery
19
Community Calendar: February
On the Cover: Submitted photo
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
St. Charles County housing, commercial construction permits keep pace with population growth GOOD NEWS ON THE HOUSING FRONT continues to come out of St. Charles County. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the county reports year-end totals for housing and commercial construction permits for 2021 remain ahead of the pre-pandemic numbers of 2019 and rival those of 2020. “The year 2021 continued to show St. Charles County as a growth leader in the region and state,” says Director of Community Development Mike Hurlbert. “Total residential permits remained strong: a 17.6 % increase over the pre-COVID 2019 numbers and nearly 47% higher than just 10 years ago. Single-family construction has been fairly consistent and strong over the last decade in St. Charles County, but new records were set in the growth of multifamily in both 2020 and 2021, providing a wide variety of housing options to our residents.” New housing construction was estimated at more than $658 million, nearly equal to that of 2020 and slightly over 2019. New commercial construction costs in 2021 surpassed 2020 by 22.8 percent, or approximately $30 million. “The growth in housing and commercial construction coincides with the county’s continuing inLET YOUR BUSINESS crease in populaMEET OUR READERS tion,” says County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “The U.S. Census showed an increase of 12.4% over the past 10 years which put St. Charles County’s population at 405,262 in 2020. As people keep moving to our county, my administration’s focus continues to be on increased housREADER SURVEY RESULTS ing, the attraction of new businessof our readers purchased from es, building and our advertisers in the past 90 days. improving infraFor Advertising structure, and the health and safety of our residents.”
636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com
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IMAGES COURTESY ST. CHARLES COUNTY
Around Town
25th year brings new logo, new tagline for St. Charles County Parks The St. Charles County Parks Department is starting off its 25th Anniversary by unveiling a new logo and tagline that better illustrates the energy and growth of the parks system. The county has acquired 21 parks – 17 which are open and four in reserve – since the system began in 1997 with voter approval of a local use tax on out-of-state purchases used exclusively for parks. The new logo reflects the transformation St. Charles County Parks have made over the years. The graphics, typography and colors bring a fresh new look and feel as more and more people are visiting St. Charles County parks. “In only four years, our parks attendance has grown by almost three million,” says Parks Director Ryan Graham. “We want to celebrate the success of our parks with a new image that reflects not only who we are, but what we provide to county residents.” Graham says attendance for 2018 was approximately 1.5 million and topped 4.4 million in 2021. The logo uses vibrant orange, teal, and green colors to represent adventure, water, and natural area – all of which are abundant in St. Charles County Parks. These colors match the county’s new Kinetic Park logo, a rebranding that occurred with the renaming of
the Youth Activity Park in May 2021. The new tagline “built by nature. rooted in history. made for play.”embodies the rich landscapes and natural beauty, the historic sites and scenery, and the activities and amenities of St. Charles County Parks. These three phrases epitomize the department’s unique parks, diverse facilities and broad range of programs and special events for all ages to enjoy, in addition to features that enhance the region’s historical and natural environmental heritage. To learn more about St. Charles County Parks amenities, activities, and programs, visit stccparks.org. IMAGE COURTESY ST. CHARLES COUNTY
Wentzville awards 2021 Citizen of the Year Award At the Jan. 12 Board of Aldermen meeting, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen presented community leader and Wentzville resident, Bill Brunner, with the 2021 Citizen of the Year award. This award recognizes outstanding community members whose actions and accomplishments make life better for others. “It's always exciting to present the Citizen of the Year award. It's humbling to know there are so many amazing people, like Bill, who love and support the Wentzville community," says Mayor Nick Guccione. Brunner selflessly volunteers his time and efforts to whoever is in need and is an active leader for many organizations. He is the founder and co-president of the Wentzville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds to children who are sleeping on the floor. Brunner also serves on the Board of Wentzville’s Senior Citizens Corporation, where he recruits volunteers to build wheelchair ramps, porches and sidewalks. In his spare time, Brunner organizes quarterly blood drives and participates in Operation Backpack to ensure children have meals when they are not attending school. Brunner is a youth leader, activity organizer and an Eagle Scout. He has truly made an outstanding impact on anyone he meets and strives to help kids reach high levels of achievement. With tears in his eyes during the board meeting, Brunner thanked everyone for the honor, “Thank you very much! I give all the glory to God.” The city of Wentzville recognizes Brunner’s incredible efforts and acknowledges his great contribution to the city. The Citizen Recognition Program was created by the Citizen Recog-
PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WENTZVILLE Bill Brunner (left) receives the 2021 Citizen of the Year award from Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione (right).
nition Award Committee of Wentzville to acknowledge outstanding individuals and groups that make a significant contribution, a positive impact or improve the quality of life for citizens in the community. In 2021, residents, Wentzville business owners and employees of Wentzville businesses were invited to submit nominations for the Citizen of the Year award. The nominations were reviewed, and the final selection was made by the Citizen Recognition Award Committee. Applications are accepted year-round. Don’t wait to nominate your favorite Wentzville resident or business owner for the 2022 Citizen of the Year award. Applications are available online at www.wentzvillemo.gov/coty. FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
CCRB grants $19.2 million for youth mental health services In December 2021, the Community & Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) granted $19.2 million for youth mental health and substance use treatment services in St. Charles County for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. This is the largest amount of money granted in the CCRB history, which comes at a time when mental health concerns are rising among youth. Beginning in 2022, current agency partners will receive a two-year grant contract for services. New partners will receive a one-year contract with the option for renewal in 2023. Providers and local educators report an increasing number of students who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Demands for counseling, prevention services, and psychological assessments has been steadily increasing over the years, leading to longer wait times for youth seeking help. With the increased funding, providers can support more than 70,000 youth annually with direct and prevention-based services. The CCRB added four new programs and one new service partner, Resolutions for People/Good Days Journey Mental Health Service.
New programs include a transitional living program for teens, selfdefense, a video project to prevent human trafficking, and additional counseling, psychological assessments, and psychiatry services. In total, the CCRB will provide funding for 33 nonprofit partners with 54 programs geared to improving mental health stability, abuse prevention, and mental health awareness in our community. Services are available to youth age 18 and under, along with their families, and professionals who serve youth in the community. A local 1/8 cent sales tax is the source for the Children’s Services Fund. The CCRB funds ten youth mental health service categories: counseling, crisis intervention, home and community-based services, outpatient psychiatric, outpatient substance use treatment, respite, school-based prevention, teen parents, temporary shelter for runaway youth, and transitional living services. Programs are generally free of cost to residents, regardless of income or insurance status. For a complete list of funded services and a printable brochure, visit www.stcharlescountykids.org
Adults can earn a high school diploma through the library For approximately 16,000 adults in St. Charles County without a high school diploma, a library card just became much more valu-
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able. The St. Charles City-County Library is now accepting adult applicants to complete high school through a tuition-free accredited online program. Excel Adult High School is offered by the library, with support from the state of Missouri and the St. Charles City-County Library Foundation. Library cardholders age 18 and older can earn a high school diploma - not a GED - while also receiving college or career planning assistance. Every Excel student will have access to a personal coaching team and unlimited live tutoring, provided through the program at no cost. Translation tools are built into each online class so English language learners can read content in both English and their native language. In addition, the Library Foundation will provide each Excel student with a Chromebook computer for the duration of the program. St. Charles County residents who are interested may now apply for limited spaces. Those who are accepted are given 24 months to finish 21.5 credits, requiring approximately 8-10 hours per week of self-paced online study time. If participants have high school credits, or have completed portions of the GED, HiSET, or TASC, those credits can be transferred to help satisfy graduation requirements. “The library is committed to helping customers build successful lives, families, and communities,” says Library Director Jason Kuhl. “By offering opportunities to adults who have aged out of public school, we are providing the means to reach educational and career goals that can help them now and in the future.” To learn more about Excel Adult High School, please visit myLibrary.org/Excel.
Around Town
Hoots announce new Shredding at the Shield promotion The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect League, announced that this season the team will host Shredding at the Shield, presented by Advanced Payment Services. Shredding at the Shield is a battle of bands contest for local musicians to perform and have a chance to win a cash prize for the winner. Dates for Shredding at the Shield include: • June 2
• June 17
• July 28
• July 15
• August 5
“Shredding at the Shield is just another way we are working on enhancing the pre-game experience at CarShield Field,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “We’re looking forward to seeing the musical talent on display in St. Charles County and providing more things to do in O’Fallon during the summer months.”
Shredding at the Shield, presented by Advanced Payment Services, will feature three local bands every Thursday Night Hoots Game at CarShield Field. Each band will play a 20-minute set prior to the Hoots game, and a winner will be announced at the end of the night. Winners will be judged based on crowd participation and by a panel of
judges. The winning bands each week will move on to the finals with the final winner taking home a cash prize. For more information, or to submit your band’s application to play, visit ofallonhoots.com/ shredding-at-the-shield. For up-to-the-minute information about the Hoots, visit ofallonhoots.com.
DHS senior selected for Olympic development camp
PHOTO COURTESY DUCHESNE HIGH SCHOOL Duchesne senior Gabbi Schlapper has received an invitation to the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program National Training Camp.
Duchesne senior Gabbi Schlapper has received an invitation to the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program National Training Camp. Gabbi is the only Missouri high school student in her age group to be selected to participate in this prestigious youth soccer program, to be held Jan. 27-30 in Tampa, Florida. She was nominated by her coaches, tried out at the regional and state levels, and was then selected from a national pool for the camp. In addition to this honor, Gabbi was named Olympic Development Program Player of the Year by the Missouri Youth Soccer Association. The mission of the Olympic Development Program is to identify and develop the top players in the country and to help these players gain recognition on a national level. Benefits include player development; exposure to collegiate, professional, regional, and national team coaches; and the opportunity to represent the United States in competition. FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town
St. Charles County Assessor mails 2022 personal property assessment forms The St. Charles County Assessor mailed approximately 181,000 personal property assessment forms for 2022. Completed assessment forms are due to the assessor by March 1. “Taxpayers may see an increase in assessed value of certain items on their assessment form,” says St. Charles County Assessor Scott Shipman. “The used automobile market has seen an uptick in prices since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many factories were closed and a number of car dealerships either temporarily closed or had little or no inventory, forcing many to purchase used vehicles.” Shipman continues, “At the same time, large fleet companies that sell a large number of cars in the used market were reluctant to sell their fleet because they were uncertain when they would be able to replace them. The uptick in prices is a result of supply constraints. As supplies return to normal, prices should eventually return closer to normal.” According to state statutes, value is to be determined using information from the National Automobile Dealers’ Association Official Used Car Guide or its successor publication. The statute states that a vehicle “shall not be assessed at a value greater than the average trade-in value without performing a physical inspection of the vehicle.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file personal property using contactless methods: online, by mail, or in the drive-up drop box in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. Ways to File • Online – Individual personal property owners have the option to file online after receiving the assessment form in the mail. The e-filing website, account number, and unique secure access code for the individual personal property owner are printed in a green box on the top third of the form. The e-filing website also will be available through the Assessor’s website, sccmo.org/Assessor. Those who filed online in previous years should note that the unique access code changes each year. E-filing also allows per-
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sonal property owners to save and print their completed 2022 assessment for their records after it’s submitted. • Mail – Complete the form and send to: St. Charles County Assessor, 201 N. Second Street, Room 141, St. Charles, MO 63301. • Drop Box – Completed assessment forms must be submitted in a blue-labeled "County" drive-up drop box on the island in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. • In Person – Again, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file personal property through contactless methods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who wish to file in person can do so from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays, at the Assessor’s service windows at the County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. Forms also may be submitted in the indoor drop box located on the first floor of the Administration Building. Visitors will need to register for the Assessor’s queue through the QLess kiosk in the lobby, through the QLess app on their mobile device, or through the QLess link available at sccmo.org/Assessor or sccmo.org/QLess. Monitors in the lobby and a text notification on a mobile device will update those in the queue, and visitors will be alerted visually and audibly through the monitor or their mobile device when it is their turn to approach the windows. Staff at the security desk in the lobby are available to assist with QLess registration. Additional personal property assessment information By state law, the Assessor is charged with placing a fair market value on real and personal property, as property tax in Missouri is based on property value. Personal property assessments must be filed annually by those who own personal property and live in St. Charles County as of Jan. 1. Examples of personal property include vehicles, motorcycles, campers, boats and farm equipment. Those who fail to complete their personal property assessment may be charged a late-filing penalty up to $105. Additionally, failing to file a personal property assessment form may delay the ability to renew or register license plates for a vehicle. “The tax rate for everyone in the county is impacted by those who do not declare their personal property,” says Shipman. “A fair and equitable distribution of taxes is assured when everyone submits the form by the deadline.” Residents can visit https://lookups.sccmo.org/assessor/form to verify the Assessor has received their completed assessment. Verification of assessment receipt is posted within two business days for online filing and as soon as possible for mail and drop box submissions after the assessment is received and processed. For questions about assessments, or if you are a new resident in the county and need to be added to the Assessor’s records, call the Personal Property office at 636-949-7420. For information about assessments and taxes, visit sccmo.org/Assessor.
Around Town
WSD student selected to Missouri All-State Orchestra All-State band auditions recently concluded and over 1,300 students from across Missouri auditioned for the prestigious 108-member Missouri All-State Band. Over 300 students auditioned for the All-State Orchestra; of those, nearly 160 were violinists. The Wentzville School District saw success with students who auditioned. Timberland High School sophomore, Kaya McNurlen auditioned for the All-State Orchestra and was selected as a First Violin member, McNurlen will audition again for seating in late January. McNurlen said, "I have always loved playing in full orchestras, so I am very much looking forward to making beautiful music with wonderful musicians. I'd like to thank my teacher Kirby Kay for her guidance and support throughout the last five years." The orchestra ensemble will include over 65 musicians and will rehearse and perform at the Annual Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, Jan. 26-29 at Tan-Tar-A Resort. Liberty High School junior Benjamin Young auditioned and was awarded first chair alternate for the All-State Band on the baritone saxophone. Only two baritone saxophone students were selected for the ensemble and two were selected as alternates. Holt High School senior Andrew Frecks was selected for the All-
Sky Wars presents 17th annual fireworks championship
IMAGE COURTESY WENTZVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
State Honorable Mention Band as first chair tenor saxophone. Caleb Gee, senior from Holt High School, was also selected to the AllState Honorable Mention Band as fourth chair alto saxophone. The All-State Band will give its only performance at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference at Tan-Tar-A in January 2022.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sky Wars will hold its 17th annual invitational fireworks championship on Sept. 24. Gates open at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is in partnership with the developers of Innsbrook and will be held at 13604 State Highway M in Wright City. Sky Wars, which is presented by the nonprofit Missouri Pyrotechnics Association, is the nation’s largest fireworks competition and one of the only pyrotechnic competitions in the U.S. The more than two-hour long fireworks championship will feature invitation-only pyrotechnicians who are among the nation’s top fireworks choreographers. Up to 10 highly skilled teams will create award-winning pyromusicals—or “concerts in the sky”—which combine the artistry of music and pyrotechnics. Sky Wars will feature The Fireball Dudes, who hold a world record for their signature gasoline fireballs. They will attempt to break another world record at this year’s event. There will be a Children’s Festival Area from 2 to 7 p.m., and families are welcome. A wide variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase. Musical entertainment is by Diamond Empire Band from 3 to 7 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Wags & Whiskers animal shelter and its “Raise the Woof” campaign. Tickets range from $30 to $50 per person for general admission and $130 to $160 for an all-inclusive VIP ticket. Children five and under are free. To purchase tickets or for further information, call 314-730-0793. FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 9
Parks keep
growing St. Charles County has purchased 199 acres of land near Wentzville for a new park that will open in 2022
By Brett Auten If you build it, they will come. That adage holds true for the St. Charles County Parks Department. Recently, St. Charles County has purchased 199 acres of land near Wentzville for a new park that will bring the number of county parks to 21. The St. Charles County Parks Department currently has 17 parks open to the public, four in reserve, for a total of 4,151 acres. The property is on West Meyer Road near Wentzville. The park is anticipated to be open in 2022 and naming it will be part of that process. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann called Wentzville a growing, rapidly changing area. “This beautiful park property gives us an opportunity to
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maintain green space for the future,” Ehlmann said. “The parks department has other properties in reserve for that very reason. Our mission is to preserve and conserve the natural and historic resources of this county for the recreational benefit and enjoyment of our citizens.” St. Charles County Parks Department Director Ryan Graham said the first conversations occurred last spring and they were able to complete the deal before the end of the year. “The previous owner had been looking to develop the property,” Graham said. “He had talked with his councilman, Joe Cronin, about the property and his plans. Councilman Cronin recognized that the owner really had a beautiful piece of property and asked if they ever
thought of making it a county park. The discussions started from there.” The County Parks Department currently manages 4,151 acres. The department was founded in 1997, so this growth has occurred over the past 25 years. In 2017, the department reported 1,546,904 visitors. In 2020, that ballooned to 4,552,044 and in 2021 it reported 4,344,672. “We have seen a significant increase in the reported park visitors over the past five years,” Graham said. “This increase I think clearly shows the demand is there from the public. Parks are one of the things that people look for when they are looking to locate to St. Charles County. A good park system contributes greatly to the quality of life here in the county and helps make St. Charles County a wonderful place to live and raise a
family.” Expect this new park to continue the department's core goal of preserving nature. “We put a lot of focus on preserving and improving the natural landscape while finding ways for people to interact with it,” Graham said. “We will be putting in the infrastructure needed to support the park (roads, parking, restrooms, shelters and playground). There is an old lake bed on the property that will need some work, but we hope we can restore the lake on the property. There will be paved and natural surface trails and natural areas. Those are the initial features we will be developing, but later phases could add additional amenities.” All acquisitions, development and operations of county parks
are funded from a local use tax on out-ofstate purchases approved by voters in 1997 for the exclusive use of parks. For more information about parks and park activities, visit stccparks.com.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Saint Charles County recently purchased 199 acres of land near Wentzville for what will be its 21st park. The St. Charles County Parks Department currently has 17 parks open to the public and four in reserve for a total of 4,151 acres. In 2017, the St. Charles County Parks Department reported 1,546,904 visitors. In 2020, that ballooned to 4,552,044 and in 2021 it reported 4,344,672.
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 11
Always An Adventure
ATMOSPHERIC BY AVALANCHE
THE FORECAST HAD BEEN CALLING FOR SNOW, a lot of it, driven by a so-called atmospheric river. At our elevation, a total of about a foot was predicted to arrive over the holiday week, a good dose of the white stuff, much needed after a wickedly dry summer and fall. What little snow we had gotten had already been washed away by some rain, an increasingly common occurrence these days, even in the dead of winter. We all took the forecast in stride, not holding out much hope for a good dump. I have long wondered if the weather forecasters receive kickbacks from the ski resort marketing departments – since the more snow in the forecast, the more hotel bookings and advance ticket sales were put down on the good side of the business ledgers. The first wave of the storm hit just before Christmas. Over two inches of rain fell, which eventually turned to snow. Wonderfully disproving my cynical view of the forecast, except for a few hours here and there, the snow didn’t stop for another 10 days. Several of the local snow removal services in our area were no more; the owners either retired, or sold their businesses, since the last several years had been so dry. As one former operator pointed out, you have to be on call every day from Thanksgiving through April, including holidays, so you can plow for maybe nine days. Not nearly enough to cover expenses, let alone make a living. Prior to winter, and after a search, a plow service was hired for the neighborhood, and a friend unexpectedly loaned me 12 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2022
his plow blade for the winter, while he spent the cold months in Mexico. As it turned out, there was plenty of work for both the plow service and me. As the snow continued to pile up, once or twice a day the plow service would clear out the roads, which became increasingly narrow, with all the snow that piled up on the sides. I had more than enough work just trying to widen the cleared lanes with my skid steer and borrowed blade, stacking the snow piles up higher and higher. A couple of mornings I had to punch through the drifts which were mid-thigh deep, just so the plow trucks could even get in the neighborhood; then they could clear the main roads. Several neighbors hired me to clear off their driveways. Most of these properties normally took less than 30 minutes to clear with a snow blower. I was spending hours with a skid steer and eight-foot blade keeping them passable. I was unexpectedly and suddenly thrust back into my decades-ago prior life as a public works employee, getting out at 4:30 a.m. and trying to stay ahead of the storm. After working for a few hours, I would come inside thinking I was done, only to have to go out for more laps a little while later. My longest day was 9.5 hours in a skid steer, quite a bit for just a little neighborhood. More than one neighbor complained that the plow service had not cleared off their road – an understandably mistaken perception, as one of my customers who got up at 8 a.m. had no idea that I had spent an hour working on their driveway before
sunrise, as snow was sometimes falling at a rate of two-to-three inches per hour. The winds were a big factor, blowing steadily around 20 mph, with gusts up to 40-plus mph. It would appear that maybe a few inches of snow had fallen, until one looked around a corner and found 18 inches on the ground. On two days we received over a foot of snowfall each day. It was hard to figure out exactly how much fell due to the wind. The best guesstimate was somewhere near four feet of total accumulation over about 10 days. A nearby mountain pass 20 miles to the south has a remote snow reporting station, (SNOTEL site) and it showed an accumulation of over 10” of snow-waterequivalent, with the snowpack depth going from 28” to 114” – and that was just for seven days! Down in town less than 15 miles north from us, the storm totals were measured in inches, not feet. And 200 miles to the east, the winds intensified before any moisture arrived, which fueled a malevolent firestorm that incinerated over 1,000 homes. Fate was kind to us during this event; many others suffered devastating losses. Before this season I expressed the wish that we would get the biggest winter ever, as we need the water, and maybe it would remind everyone that it snows in the mountains. I got some of my wish granted with the snow storm of the decade; now we’ll see how the rest of the season pans out.
Moore On Life
Last meal? BY CINDY MOORE WE’RE BARELY INTO 2022 AND WHILE I HOPE FOR A BETTER YEAR, I have a
sneaking suspicion there’s something brewing ahead. Why else would I get multiple flyers in the mail pushing affordable funeral plans? Do they know something I don’t know? Was it that enchilada I ate the other day? It was in the back of the fridge and had been there for who knows how long, but I was starving. I convinced myself that the fuzzy stuff growing on top was green salsa. So, I possibly tainted my organs, but how could the funeral people know? Are they in cahoots with the Grim Reaper? I don’t know, but I do know they’re after me. The first advertisement came in the mail shortly after the food incident. It read: “Feeling a bit queasy? Are your insides feeling like they want to be outside?
Maybe you’ve eaten something well past its expiration date or maybe you’re just well past your expiration date. If it’s tomb to kick the oxygen habit then come over to Dickey’s Dearly Departed funeral home and check out our digs – literally! We put the fun back in fun-eral! Out last rites can’t be wrong!” I tossed that one immediately. I don’t want my memorial service people to be stand-up comedians. The second flyer was no better: “Hey old person, yeah that’s you! Face it sweetie, your days of being a plump juicy grape are long gone. The sad raisin days are here and running out quicker than the batteries in your hearing aid. We here at The Dirt Sandwich Café know burials are expensive and are offering a great money-saving option on pre-owned coffins. Bring in the attached coupon for a 10% off discount on gently used models. Get ‘em before they’re gone or before
you’re gone.” Hmph! I should’ve kept the comedian’s flyer. The final shocker came just days ago. It was an unbelievable invitation and if I’m lying, I’m dying…err…scratch that choice of words. The postcard announced a presentation at a nearby mortuary. Now I’m all for gimmicks, but these guys were offering their pre-planned memorial discussions along with…wait for it…pizza! Yes, catchy cuisine and caskets! Seriously?! Just then I checked into the refrigerator. It was lunchtime and not a morsel to be found. I grabbed my husband and we loaded up in the car. “Where are we going?” he wanted to know. “Out to lunch. Free lunch!” I only hoped they weren’t using the crematorium for the pizzas.
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
THE 2022
JEEP WAGONEER SERIES II
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
IS THE PERFECT ‘HIGH END’ SUV
INTERESTING AS IT IS, this model was developed on a wheelbase (basically the distance If an all new, full size "high end" SUV is something that you're considering, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II just might be the vehicle to meet your needs. With a price ranging from $69.440 to $74,440, this luxurious, three row sport utility vehicle comes standard with a V-8 engine. It's well-suited for towing or even getting you up to highway speeds quickly. The 5.7 Liter eight-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and other technologies such as a mild semi-hybrid system tends to assist with trying to achieve the best fuel economy possible. That's important based on the size of this eight-passenger, premium, people mover. This engine delivers some 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. Matched with this powerplant is a fully electronic "proven" TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, as it's set up with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Four-wheel drive is optional on this model. The computer controlled smooth operating transmission offers a wide spread of gear ratios that helps keep engine RPMs in the appropriate range for the tasks at hand. That's regardless if you are focused towards everyday errand running, highway cruising or hauling sports gear for the weekend memorable getaway. With two-wheel drive, EPA fuel numbers show 16-MPG city/22-MPG highway with some 18-MPG combined. Notability, the vehicle’s large fuel tank capacity of 26.5 gallons translates to a highway cruising distance close to 600 miles between fill-ups. The factory’s electronic range select/tow haul mode enables optimized shifting when trailing a load. And with the thought of towing, a heavy-duty trailer-tow package option 14 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2022
is offered at an additional $995. This SUV tends to compete against an array of rivals such as the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Infiniti QX80 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Jeep made certain to include many luxury items as standard, in order to keep this 2022 model on par with its competition. The factory’s all new U connect 5C infotainment system is loaded with new upgrades as well. It has all the latest connectivity features including Google Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Assistant, all while loading quickly, with its uncomplicated touch screen straightforward operation. With Wagoneer's distinctive design elements being evident, the overall silhouette is indisputable that this version is in the Jeep family. This explicit brand also sends the message of ruggedness, dependability and being reliable. An all-new, high-strength steel frame uses advanced materials and engineering in order to be lightweight, stiff and durable. The interior is quite roomy and comfortable. Even grownups will find the seating configured to be appropriate. An overhead sun/moonroof is optional. Also offered is heated rear seats and an electronic heads-up driver notification display system plus an automatic parking feature. This SUV's maximum safe towing capacity is 8,790 lbs. The manufacturers basic warranty is for three years / 36,000 miles and the drivetrain component coverage is for five years / 60,000 Miles. They also include dealership maintenance for five years /unlimited miles and roadside assistance is included for five years /60,000 miles.
Entertainment
Betty White
Honoring the inimitable BY STEVE BRYAN
I
n 2010, Betty White accepted the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock, the actress who starred opposite White and Ryan Reynolds in the 2009 romantic comedy “The Proposal.” Bullock, like the rest of the world, adored Betty White and delivered a great tribute to the star on live television. While accepting her award, White, never at a loss for words, turned to Bullock, then nominated for “The Blind Side,” and said, “Isn’t it heartening to see how far a girl as plain as she is can go?” Although it seemed she might keep us laughing forever, the inimitable Betty White passed away on New Year’s Eve at age of 99. She left behind a legacy of memorable characters, movie roles and her love for animals. In the 1960’s and 70’s, the actress became a regular on television game shows, including “Password,” which was hosted by future husband Allen Ludden. Her appearances on “Match Game” were classics and, in the 1980’s, White herself won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the game show “Just Men!” Betty White also became a key player on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” As Sue Ann Nivens, the energetic host of “The Happy Homemaker,” White offered up cooking and housekeeping tips while keeping an eye out for attractive men. The character could be sweet to the point of nausea, but when
the cameras were off, Sue Ann told everyone what she really thought. When the sitcom left the air, White was offered a self-titled CBS series about an actress in a police drama but, unfortunately, it did not last long. White also made a few appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show” and played Ellen Harper Jackson in the “Family” sketches. Ellen was a daughter of Thelma Harper (Vicki Lawrence) and sister to Burnett’s long-suffering Eunice. The segment where Ellen told Eunice what really happened to her pet rabbit was pure genius. Betty White later reprised her character on the spin-off series “Mama’s Family,” which can still be viewed on retro TV stations. Betty White struck more comedic gold in “The Golden Girls,” a 1980’s sitcom about four single women sharing a house in Miami. White played Rose Nylund, a Norwegian American woman from St. Olaf, Minnesota (she made frequent references to her hometown throughout the series). After Bea Arthur left the show, White joined the spinoff series “The Golden Palace,” but it did not last nearly as long as its predecessor, though. Although she didn’t make it to her 100th birthday, “Betty White: A Celebration” should arrive in theaters on Monday, Jan. 17. White’s life gave us plenty of laughs and tears and it’s only right that we celebrate her amazing life on the big screen.
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
FRESH, HEALTHY FAMILY MEALS Recipes to help boost iron levels, aid plasma donation recovery
C
hef Nate Appleman knows how important it is to serve healthy meals to your family – ones they actually want to eat. Before having his first child, he transformed his eating and exercise habits and lost 85 pounds to get on a healthier path. Now, he’s cooking meals for his family, including 14-year-old Oliver who was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease as a toddler – an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause damage to coronary arteries – as a healthy lifestyle is important to help manage the disease. Since Oliver’s diagnosis, Appleman made it his personal mission to create awareness of Kawasaki Disease and for the critical need for plasma donations that many people with the disease rely on for treatment, which is why he partnered with Abbott to bring attention to the need for plasma donations. Plasma is a powerful part of your blood that supports essential bodily functions. It’s a lifeline for thousands of people who are immune-compromised and live with a variety of chronic and complex diseases. In fact, more than 125,000 Americans rely on medication made from plasma every day, according to the
16 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2022
Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious shortage of plasma donors – average donations per center in the United States were down approximately 11% during the first few months of 2021 compared to the previous year, further deepening the nearly 20% decline in donations in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the PPTA. Donating plasma is a safe and relatively easy process. Since plasma is replaced in the body within about 24 hours, it can be donated up to twice per week. With a donation that typically takes between 1-3 hours, you can make a lasting impact by providing lifesaving medicine for patients like Oliver. It’s a good idea to fuel up with iron-rich foods before and after donating, so Appleman created these fresh, nutritious recipes he loves to serve his family: Marinated Skirt Steak, Lemon Chicken with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes, and Cheesy Frittata with Veggies. Learn where you can donate at bethe1donor.abbott.
For the Love of Food
LEMON CHICKEN
with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes
RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF NATE APPLEMAN ON BEHALF OF ABBOTT
INGREDIENTS: Lemon chicken: 1 whole chicken, cut into eight pieces 1 ounce minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Potatoes: 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes salted water oil Cauliflower: 1 head cauliflower salted water ice 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Roasted onions: 1 red onion salt oil
For serving: 3 ounces pitted Castelvetrano or green olives, cut into quarters 5 ounces wild arugula 1 lemon, quartered
DIRECTIONS: To make lemon chicken: Marinate chicken in mixture of minced garlic, granulated garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, fennel pollen, dried oregano, coriander and salt; let sit overnight. To make potatoes: Boil potatoes in heavily salted water until tender. Cool, peel and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with oil to coat; reserve. To make cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into florets and blanch in salted water 1 minute; shock in ice bath. Remove from ice and dry. Toss with mayonnaise, tamari and parsley; reserve. To make roasted onions: Preheat oven to 450 F. Peel onion and slice into 1-inch
rings. Toss with salt and oil; roast until slightly caramelized with texture. Chill and reserve. Preheat oven to 450 F. Bake chicken on sheet pan approximately 15 minutes. Add potatoes and cauliflower. Bake approximately 15 minutes then switch oven to broil approximately 10 minutes. Squeeze lemon over reserved onion. When chicken is crispy and reaches internal temperature of 165 F, remove from oven and add onions and olives. Plate chicken, potatoes, onions, olives and cauliflower on top of arugula and garnish with lemon. CONTINUED PAGE 18
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 17
For the Love of Food
MARINATED SKIRT STEAK RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF NATE APPLEMAN ON BEHALF OF ABBOTT
INGREDIENTS: Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup fish sauce 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons raw sugar 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, juice only 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small Thai bird chile or serrano
chile, chopped 1/4 head finely shaved green cabbage 1/4 head finely shaved purple cabbage 2 carrots, thinly julienned Skirt steak: 1 1/2 pounds trimmed skirt steak 1/2 cup coconut milk 3 cloves garlic,
DIRECTIONS: To make vinaigrette: In large bowl, mix oil, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and chile. Toss cabbage and carrots in vinaigrette; refrigerate until ready to serve. To make skirt steak: Marinate steak in coconut milk, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, sriracha
minced 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons sriracha salt, to taste 3 cups cooked brown rice 1/2 cup crushed peanuts 1 lime, quartered, for garnish
and salt, to taste, at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Heat grill to high. Grill 3-4 minutes each side until medium rare. Let rest 3 minutes. Thinly slice steaks against grain and serve with vinaigrette, rice and crushed peanuts; garnish with lime wedges.
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CHEESY FRITTATA with Veggies
RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF NATE APPLEMAN ON BEHALF OF ABBOTT
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Roasted garlic: 2 heads garlic olive oil salt
To make roasted garlic: Preheat oven to 400 F. Slice 1/4 inch off entire heads of garlic and place cut sides down in 1-liter casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt; cover with lid. Bake 35-45 minutes until heads of garlic are soft and light brown. Let cool then use back of knife to squeeze garlic from pods.
Frittata: oil 2 medium leeks, sliced 8 ounces blanched, chopped broccoli salt, to taste 9 eggs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 ounces grated Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons heavy cream
To make frittata: Lower oven to 375 F. In saute pan, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Cook leeks until soft; add broccoli then season with salt, to taste, and remove from heat. In mixing bowl, mix roasted garlic, sauteed leeks and broccoli, eggs, parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano and cream; place in 9-inch pie dish and bake approximately 20 minutes until top of frittata is brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Community Calendar
FEBRUARY 1
First Day of Black History Month
2
Groundhog Day
4
Rosa Parks Day
12
Lincoln’s Birthday
13
Super Bowl
14
Valentine’s Day
21
Presidents’ Day
FEBRUARY 2022 | CROSSROADS | 19
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