CrossRoads: February 2023

WOMEN HUNT N THE WOMEN HUNT N THE

Mathew DeKinder

Robert Huneke

PRODUCTION

Rebecca Brockmann

Melissa Nordmann

CONTRIBUTORS

Avalanche

David Finkelstein

Cindy Moore

STAFF WRITER

Brett Auten

BY AVALANCHE

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

BY CINDY MOORE

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

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

BY STEVE BRYAN

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

MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

Around Town Local news and events

Community Calendar: February

Feature Story

WOMEN ON THE HUNT

Missouri Department of Conservation is holding programs that cater to the increasing number of adult women who are becoming hunters

Always an Adventure

Surviving the mid-winter doldrums

Moore on Life

Snake on a plane

Automobile Alley

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 delivers style and luxury

Entertainment

‘All in the Family’ and its multiple spinoffs

For the Love of Food

Host a hall of fame homegate

COTTLEVILLE CELEBRATES

225 years

By Brett Auten

The city of Cottleville marks the 225th anniversary of it’s founding, making it one of the oldest cities in the state of Missouri

NOR TOO LONG BEFORE its now-familiar sputter of golf carts and restaurants bustling, the city of Cottleville had its salad days.

“It was kind of run down,” Scott Lewis, Cottleville historian, said. “It needed to be cleaned up. It needed redevelopment. It needed some reason to encourage people to locate here.”

When not the official historian for Cottleville, Lewis has a side gig as sheriff of St. Charles County. He was chief of police for 18 years, beginning in 1997. He was also a city administrator for 15 years. As one of the oldest cities in St. Charles County, Cottleville has been working to preserve and enhance its historic downtown district which it is becoming noted for. It plans to celebrate the 225th anniversary of its founding throughout 2023, beginning with the selling celebration spirit wear, including shirts and hats that can

be found on its website.

If you build it they will come, goes the famous quote from “Field of Dreams” and that proved true here as well. The revitalization can be credited to the city leadership and planners. Cottleville launched a $1.2 million StreetScape project in 2011 to add 120 parking spaces, lighting and sidewalks to the historic downtown area along Highway N. From the years 2015 thru 2019, similar streetscape improvements were made to Fifth Street and Main Street. Additional streetscape improvements are coming to Chestnut Street and the remaining portions of Main Street.

Before there was anything, there was St. Joseph Parish and School. It was established in the mid-1800s by 35 Catholic families living nearby on one acre of land. Now, it has more than 5,000 families and is the largest parish in

St. Charles Historical Society receives research grant

The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) has awarded a grant of $300 to the St. Charles County Historical Society in support of the project “Doing Your German Research.” The MHC is the only statewide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri

Continued from page 4

the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

“Back in '97 or so, St. Joe's was all that was here,” Lewis said. “That's not the case anymore.”

Cottleville has many well-known enterprises.

Mannino’s Market is a familiar, family-owned business that has been passed down through four generations and counting. It was set up here in 1998 and continued its long-history, first established in North St. Louis.

You can hear the hum of good times from Frankie Martin' Garden from here.

Martin was a fixture of the community, known for his charitable nature and fun personality. He was employed by St. Joseph Church and a frequent customer at local haunts Bemo’s and Jo’s 5th Street Pub. In March 2020, Martin passed away and was honored with the garden, built on his former home. Today, with a bevy of food trucks and drink options, it has become a place where the whole community can come together and celebrate. The city declared June 2, Frankie Martin Day,

Chef Carl McConnell and his wife, Nancy put fine dining in Cottleville on the map with the establishment of Stone Soup Cottage took root in 2009, going on to win numerous regional dining awards. In the fall of 2022 Stone Soup Cottage began its transitioning to Le Champ De Fleurs by Stone Soup Cottage. This 33-acre farm will feature acres of seasonal flowers and a respite for culinary health and wellness. A portion of the existing farm will house a non-for-profit agricultural cortex for education and community food outreach. Plus, St. Charles Community College and Francis Howell Central High School have been institutes for decades.

The Shamrock parade drew people by thousands but eventually the juice turned out not to be worth the squeeze. The event typically brought over 50,000 people to watch 100 floats go by on the mile and a half route. The Cottleville Firefighters Outreach, the organization in charge of the parade, said the revenue generated is unable to support the current costs.

For more information, including upcoming events, visit cityofcottleville.com.

Humanities Council, call 314-781-9660 or 1-800-357-0909 or write to the MHC, 415 S. 18th Street, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63103-2269. For more information about the “Doing Your German Research” program, which will be held on April 15, contact the St. Charles County Historical Society at 636-946-9828 or write to the society at 101 S. Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: These historical photos show buildings and residents of Cottleville. Cottleville plans to celebrate the 225th anniversary of its founding throughout 2023. In more recent times, Cottleville has grown and changed, hosting major events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2015.

St. Charles County Assessor mails 2023 personal property assessment forms

The St. Charles County Assessor mailed approximately 181,000 personal property assessment forms for 2023 by Jan. 26. Completed assessment forms are due to the assessor by March 1. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file personal property using contactless methods: online, by mail, or in the driveup drop outside 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 blue 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 personal property owners to save and print their completed 2023 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 the "County" drive-up drop box outside the County Administration Building. The drop box is located on Monroe Street near the corner of N. Second Street.

• 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.

Ameren Missouri offers tips and deals amid National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

On National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Ameren Missouri is reminding its customers that it’s not too early to start saving money in the new year. With a few simple behavior changes, maintenance fixes and technology updates, households can experience a more comfortable living space this winter.

Whether homeowners or renters are interested in making small changes to their routine or looking to invest in a full suite of energy-efficient home products, Ameren Missouri has eight tips to help them get the most bang for their buck this winter:

• Schedule a free in-home assessment. Ameren Missouri customers can take advantage of the Pay As You Save Program (PAYS) which can help them make energy-efficient upgrades to their home. Customers will receive free energy-saving products when they register online for a free in-home assessment.

• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach for a sweater before reaching for the thermostat. By lowering the temperature for at least eight hours in a day, it’s possible to save as much as 10% on heating bills.

• Switch to LED bulbs. ENERGY STAR certified LEDs use up to 70%90% less energy than standard bulbs, last at least 15 times longer and save about $55 in electricity costs over their lifetime.

• Keep the heated air indoors. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient while providing up to 10% savings on your annual energy bills.

• Lower the water heater temperature. Many manufacturers set their water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most households are comfortable with 120 degrees. This can save 6% to 10% on water heating costs.

• Replace air filters every three months. Improve air flow while preventing things like dirt, pet dander and pollen from circulating throughout the home. A clogged air filter can cause HVAC systems to use up to 15% more energy.

• Install an advanced power strip. Advanced power strips provide surge protection while intelligently cutting off power to connected devices when they’re not in use. Eliminating standby power from unused devices can save the average household $100 per year.

• Track energy usage online. Ameren Missouri’s new, interactive Energy Manager dashboard makes it easier than ever for customers to see trends in their energy usage and make adjustments to lower their overall energy costs. Customers can even enroll in usage alerts to help them track their costs throughout the month.

"With more people relying on electronics to power work, school and entertainment from home, many families are consuming higher than average amounts of electricity,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “Implementing our energy efficiency

tips will allow households to significantly lower their energy costs this winter while still maintaining a comfortable home.”

Instant savings can be found at AmerenMissouriSavings.com, which offers sales on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, LED bulbs and more. Customers who own or purchase a qualifying smart thermostat can also earn a $50 sign-up bonus and receive $25 annually for enrolling in Ameren Missouri’s Peak Time Savings Program.

In addition, Ameren Missouri wants to help customers shore up their home for the winter months to save energy and lower costs. Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters are eligible to receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes, such as caulking, weather stripping and more, through local agencies. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.

St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds offering fully online marriage license process

The St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds office now is one of two offices in the State of Missouri beta testing a new system that enables the processing of electronic marriage license applications without the need for either applicant to appear at the office in person.

“This updated system adds convenience for all marriage license applicants, but especially residents who currently are out of the area or otherwise cannot both visit our office in person during regular business hours,” says Mary Dempsey, St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds.

To be eligible to complete the marriage license application electronically, both applicants must be at least 18 years of age and at least one of the applicants must be a resident of St. Charles County. Couples can find a link to the secure application and a list of qualifications and required documentation at sc-

cmo.org/MarriageLicense.

After completing the standard online application, both applicants must each provide an electronic signature and upload a copy of their passport, driver license or other stateissued identification. Once identification documents are verified with security questions and the application is processed, the marriage license can either be picked up at the office by an applicant or delivered by mail. Applications for marriage licenses must be completed within 30 days prior to the ceremony. If applicants are having the license delivered, the recorder office recommends completing the process more than 48 hours prior to the ceremony to ensure it will arrive in time.

Marriage licenses must be paid for at the time of application. There is an initial cost of $58, plus a $5 verification fee for the electronic process, and an added service fee if paying

with credit card. Additional, varying charges apply to have the license delivered via FedEx. Applicants do have the option to pay for and pick up licenses at the County’s Administrative Building, 201 North Second Street in St. Charles.

A self-addressed, stamped envelope also is provided for the officiant to mail the license back to the Recorder of Deeds within 15 days of the ceremony. Once returned, staff records the license and mails a certified copy and keepsake version to the couple.

“I am excited and proud for our office to be one of the first in Missouri to navigate this fully online process for issuing marriage licenses,” Dempsey says. “This is just one piece of our strategy to make the services we provide more efficient and more convenient for our constituents.”

For more information, email recorder@sccmo.org, or call 636-949-7505.

Delta Dental of Missouri awards $730,931 in oral health grants

To help meet the dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider – recently awarded $730,931 in oral health grant funding to 22 organizations in support of oral health initiatives and educational programming in Missouri and in South Carolina, where it also does business. This funding completes the second cycle of the nonprofit company’s annual mission giving efforts. During cycle one earlier this year, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $481,327 in grants to 16 organizations for a combined total of more than $1.2 million in oral health grants for 2022.

“Many of our neighbors throughout the state face challenges in getting dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “By donating to a variety of organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health, we’re able to help thousands of children and adults get vital dental treatment and services to enhance their overall health and quality of life.”

The oral health grants most recently awarded in Missouri include:

• Vivent Health – AIDS Resource Center

(St. Louis) – received $50,000 to provide dental care to people who are uninsured or underinsured and living with HIV.

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Statewide) – received $50,000 for the Missouri Dental State Loan Repayment Program to address dental provider shortages by encouraging providers to serve in HPSAs in exchange for loan repayment assistance.

• The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) – received $40,000 to address the dental needs of patients with transplants or head or neck cancer and the continued specialized management of oral health to support patients’ long-term health.

• Give Kids A Smile (St. Louis) – received $40,000 to provide comprehensive treatment, preventive care and oral health education at no cost for children who are underserved and at risk.

• We Care Mobile Dental Foundation (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to provide care to individuals with low incomes in assisted

living facilities, nursing homes and adult daycare centers.

• Rural Parish Clinic (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to expand its program that provides free dental care through a mobile dental unit to individuals who are uninsured and living in poverty in rural areas.

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $344,296 in grants to nine organizations in South Carolina.

Delta Dental of Missouri will begin accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2023 Oral Health Grant Program in January. To be eligible for an oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants in Missouri must first complete a letter of inquiry through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/ oral-health-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. Applicants must be considered taxexempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of Missouri.

WOMEN

HUNT N THE

WOMEN HUNT N THE

Missouri Department of Conservation is holding programs that cater to the increasing number of adult women who are becoming hunters

By Brett Auten

Reasons vary from the physical to the familial, but whatever it is, female hunters are becoming more of an everyday occurrence.

For some it’s a sense of independence that comes from learning the skills to hunt or having the ability to provide food without relying on others. For others, it was growing up in hunting families where they learned from a young age.

According to a 2020 report issued by National Geographic, the proportion of women who hunt has risen 25% since 2006. Women are finding that hunting gives them a chance to connect more closely to the food chain and to nature, says the report, “to eat food that is more ‘natural’ so that they understand where their meat comes from.”

Currently, an increasing number of adult women are becoming hunters through friends who hunt and by enrolling in programs that help teach women the skills to hunt and process their wild game.

The staff at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance is hosting a sold-out beginning upland bird hunting clinic and mentored hunt

for women in February.

The Women’s Upland Hunt and Clinic for beginners will have women, aged 16 years and over, who want to learn to hunt and have never purchased a small game permit. Attendees will have been hunter education certified and comfortable handling a shotgun. The program will focus on the basics of upland hunting with emphasis on ringneck pheasants. It will address some biology basics, firearm handling safety, and how to clean the birds, as well as recipes to prepare them for the table. During the hunt, each hunter will have their own mentor in the field. They will start with shooting clay birds to warm up, then go to the field for a controlled hunt. Afterwards, participants will clean their harvest.

“The program is set up in a very controlled environment,” Bryant Hertel, MDC Busch Outdoor Education Center Manager, said. “We start in the classroom with a clinic covering safety, equipment, clothing, hunting techniques, and where to hunt. Then, the day of the hunt we start with clay bird shooting in order to make sure the attendees are comfortable with a shotgun. Then head out to field. Each hunter will have a men-

tor we provide. After the field, they will head to a cleaning station where they will learn how to clean their harvest.”

The MDC has hosted women-focused hunts for five years, including a women's duck hunt. It also conducts introduction programs in deer hunting, duck hunting, turkey hunting and predator hunting. These hunts are open to all of the public who want to attend. It also conducts an adult deer and turkey hunt for those that have never harvested one before. Other programs, which further information can be found at, mdc.mo.gov, include an Introduction to Deer Hunting program that starts off a series discussing safety, clothing, equipment, and hunting techniques. Then on to Field to Freezer, that shows, with a harvested deer, how to field dress it and butcher your own deer for the freezer. This is followed by a program called Venison Burger and Sausage Making that goes through the steps to make sausage and burger. These are open to all of the public.

“We are seeing more women who want to learn how to hunt,” Hertel said. “The challenge is once they attend one of the programs, or multiple programs, how do we keep them active in hunting.”

Some of those challenges include access to property, continued mentoring, and firearm access.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION: The staff at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance is hosting a sold-out beginning upland bird hunting clinic and mentored hunt for women in February.

According to a 2020 report According to a report issued by National Geographic, the proportion of women who hunt has risen 25 percent since 2006.

YOUTH HUNT AND CLINIC

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a Youth Upland Hunt on Feb. 25 with a mandatory clinic Feb.21. The clinic is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance and the hunt will be at Missouri Gun and Quail in Wright City. The clinic will cover safety, clothing, equipment, hunting techniques, and more. This is for 11-to-15-years-old interested in learning how to hunt. This is a very controlled hunt and is a good way for the youth to learn to hunt who may be nervous or do not know how to get started in hunting. The clinic is mandatory in order to participate in the hunt and they must be hunter education certified and must be comfortable handling a shotgun. They must not have participated in this program before. For more information and to register, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website, mdc.mo.gov.

SURVIVING THE mid-winter DOLDRUMS

– BY AVALANCHE –

WE’RE ABOUT HALF-WAY THROUGH WINTER NOW, the holiday madness is in the rearview mirror, and – maybethe coldest of temps are also past tense. The snow is deep on the mountains, less so at our elevation, as some of the abundant moisture fell as rain, making things a soggy mess for a few days. Much of the snow that was on the ground here has turned into ice, given the rain, warm temps, and now back to cold again. Local ice climbs briefly formed, melted out, and are now coming back into something worth climbing; I at least looked at my ice tools a few days ago, but don’t want to get them out and tempt fate by climbing on very thin ice.

Strange oddities abound this season. For one, the local supermarkets were completely without eggs over the holiday season. Bird flu, high demand and a new state law pertaining to the raising of chickens all joined together to keep the breakfast table a bit deficient, and holiday baked goods recipes had to be changed or done without entirely. This, in one of the most expensive patches of real estate on earth – even all the local money didn’t overcome the unusual shortage of the ubiquitous food staple. Eggs are now mostly available again, at the bargain price of around $7 per dozen.

To go along with said food shortage, one now has to bring their own shopping bags to any store in the state, as all store-provided plastic shopping bags are things of the past, outlawed by another new state law. I suppose “no bag” complements the “no food” thing pretty well.

All is not lost though, yet another new state law now allows one to possess, sell or use hallucinogenic mushrooms and other psychedelic goodies without fear of prosecution.

I have some not-so-fond recollections of dealing with some rather rambunctious individuals who displayed remarkably odd behavior backed up by unbelievable strength while they were dosed up on the magic fungi. I lean pretty far

to the libertarian side of things, but this might or might not be a good idea, time will tell. It is unknown if it will be permissible to sell the mushrooms in plastic bags or not. Work is available for anyone who wants to do it; qualifications include having a pulse and showing up at least some of the time. Wages seem high, until the cost of living is factored in; once the math is considered, it’s no wonder that the working class is fleeing en masse to other areas.

Griping aside, the snowpack is anywhere from 125% to 140% of normal, with more snow (and rain) coming a few times per week. So far, we have been spared the hydrological catastrophe that was visited upon California recently. We’re quite happy with the way things are in our part of the water world, and hope that the trend continues for a long time. Our Newfys are quite happy with the winter temps and snow. They love rolling around in the freshly fallen fluff, which keeps them clean and tidy – until the snow starts melting down to the old nasty layers and mud underneath. No worries even then, there is now a dog-wash booth at a local car wash. Just bring the mutts in to the heated comfort of the booth, slide the credit card, and begin laundering the furballs. Much like the automotive wash, there’s a hose on a swivel that reaches all the way around inside the booth, the water is warm and comes complete with shampoo and conditioner options (though no wheel and tire setting), brushes and a blow-dryer. We can usually get the two of them quite presentable for less than the cost of a tank of gas, and we are then spared cleaning up the bathroom we would have trashed in the process. This new addition to the community is a pleasant reminder, for which we are thankful, that not all the recent changes are bad. In times like these, it’s the little things that count.

S N A K E on a plane

– BY CINDY MOORE –

CAN AIRLINE TRAVEL GET ANY CRAZIER?

Seriously, hundreds of flights were cancelled during the holiday season and brawls between passengers are constantly breaking out 30,000 feet above the ground and now people are sneaking their pets onboard in their overhead bags. I should clarify, emotional support pets, but pets nonetheless.

Just recently someone tried to sneak their “emotional support” boa onboard a flight.

Now let me unfold the scenario if that pet owner had unraveled their snake mid-flight from the overhead compartment in “my” seat aisle.

Pet person: “Oh my, I’m feeling uneasy and need something to ease my anxiety.”

Me: “Sweetie, I know just what you mean. Flying always gets my insides into a dither. Especially when the pilot steps on the gas and hits those icy patches of turbulence then spins a few donuts just for the heck of it. But don’t fret I have an extra Dramamine that will do the trick.”

Pet person: “Thanks, but I’m going to need something

more; the snuggles of my sweet sugar boy are the only thing that will get me through this. Would you mind getting my bag from the luggage bin and handing Wally to me?”

Me getting her bag down: “Sure thing. What’ve you got stowed away in here? A little kitty? A furry hamster? I’ll bet it’s one of those fuzzy baby…!” Just then a slippery creature slides out and winds around my arm.

“Sweet mother of Satan! What the holy freak is this fanged slimy snot rope doing in your underwear bag?!” I unwind it and fling it six rows back. It lands atop a burly man who starts squealing like a baby piglet caught under a fence post! He tosses the serpent to his wife across the aisle who shrieks, turns white and faints into an unresponsive coma. Wally slithers down the aisle.

Pandemonium ensues and everyone in coach jam packs into first class. The scaly beast stays coiled up in coach for the remainder of the flight, but no one complains because we all get two packets of peanuts instead of one and unlimited beverage refills in the premium class section so win, win.

CADILLAC XT6

DELIVERS STYLE AND LUXURY

For the 2023 model year, GM's luxury car division, Cadillac Motors, is featuring the XT6 Premium mid-sized, seven-passenger SUV crossover. This impressive people mover is slotted just below the full size "truck like" Cadillac Escalade within their product mix. XT6 is a family-friendly, three-row SUV and is generally cross-shopped in the category with the likes of the Lincoln Aviator, BMW X5, Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, Infiniti QX60 and the Audi Q7.

The body design is stylish, trendy and telegraphs an upscale identifiable distinctive characteristic. It's uncluttered and brings forward GM's modern styling achievements. For the '23 version, Cadillac has added additional standard features on two of the trim levels. This includes their mid-level models and their flagship version. More precisely, enhanced navigation and ventilated front seats are standard.

There haven’t been any big changes in the factory's powertrain options; however, the more robust 3.6-liter V6 engine shows 19mpg city/26-highway. This engine produces a responsive 310-horsepower. Not to sidestep their entry-level Luxury trim XT6 models, it uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder powerplant. It's rated at 235-horsepower and the EPA numbers show 21-mpg city/27-highway. High octane/premium fuel is suggested from the factory with this in-line turbo engine. A 19-gallon fuel tank helps to extend the vehicle's drive range. Furthermore, a nine-speed automatic transmission is also standard. All-wheel drive is available on every XT6 model, as a front wheel drive chassis is standard. As expected, with AWD, gas mile-

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

age number will decline slightly.

With its comfortable interior passenger cabin and straightforward controls, welcomed technologies abound. It's apparent that a lot of thought went into the vehicle’s design. Unpleasant road noises are kept to a minimum with the XT6's heighten usage of sound-dreading materials. Seating is comfortable and leg room is uncompromised. Even with the third-row seating, ingress and exit maneuvers are indeed adequate. Large windows help improve the level of unobstructed visibility.

The dash assembly touch sensitive controls help as a gateway for operating many of the screen's enhancements, assisting in personalizing your driving experience. And if you prefer, with its effortless operation, the navigation feature responds to natural speech.

As expected, this Cadillac's infotainment and telematics system works well with various smartphone wireless integration.

The car’s automatic adaptive cruise control system was impressive. However, the automatic radar enhanced optional Super Cruise system, designed for semi-autonomous automated driving situations tended to struggle a bit in keeping the vehicle in a straightforward line at highway speeds. This upgrade will add about $2,500 to the sticker price.

The power operating flat-folding third-row seats are convenient, included are controls both at the cargo hatch and the rear passenger door area. Storage behind the third-row seats come out to slightly less than 13 cubic feet.

Worth noting is the impressive, comprehensive and transparent safety enhancements

found on this Cadillac. This helps to elevate the level of safety to a five-star government crash test rating.

Sold in three trim levels, pricing starts at $49,990 and jumps to $61,490 for the highend Sport edition. I will add, this MSRP price point appears to be a bit eye-opening. The base bumper-to-bumper warranty is for fouryears/50,000 miles. The XT6 I tested, was the Premium Luxury, all-wheel drive edition. It had a window sticker of $74,315 after additional factory options and the $1,395 destination/shipping charges. It's assembled at the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory, with numerous components having been outsourced and shipped in from Mexico and Canadian.

‘All in the Family’ and its

multiple spinoffs

BY STEVE BRYAN

AAfter the country humor of “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Green Acres,” CBS shifted gears in 1971 with the debut of “All in the Family.” Carol O’Connor and Jean Stapleton starred as Archie and Edith Bunker, a blue-collar couple living at 704 Hauser in Queens, New York.

Archie, who worked on a loading dock and later be came a foreman, was opinionated to the point of being a bigot. Michael “Mike” Stivic (Rob Reiner), his son-in-law, would frequently argue with Archie on hot topics of the day. The Bunker’s daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) also had strong opinions, especially when Archie criticized her Polish husband.

Some characters that originated on “All in the Family” were given sitcoms of their own. After appearing in two episodes, Bea Arthur’s liberal character, Maude Findlay, got her own self-titled show.

“Maude” ran for six seasons and introduced Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), the housekeeper for Maude’s family in Tuckahoe, New York. Rolle’s performance was so memorable that another spinoff, “Good Times,” was created. For Esther Rolle, though, there were not-so-good times on the new series. She wasn’t happy with aspects of the show, in particular Jimmie Walker’s portrayal of J.J. Evans. Though “Maude” was set in New York, “Good Times” took place in Chicago.

With its 253 episodes, “The Jeffersons” became one of the longest-running sitcoms on television. George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) had lived next door to the Bunkers. Edith and Louise were great friends, but after George’s dry-cleaning business took off, the Jeffersons moved from Queens to a deluxe New York apartment. Florence Johnston (Marla Gibbs) became their maid, which led to arguments between her and George. “The Jeffersons” had one spin-off, “Checking In,” where Florence became an executive housekeeper at a New York hotel, but this series ran for only four episodes.

In 1979, “Archie Bunker’s Place,” a rebooted version of “All in the

Family,” debuted. Murray Klein (Martin Balsam), Archie’s Jewish partner, worked in the bar while dealing with the opinionated Archie. The revamped cast included Danielle Brisebois as Archie’s niece and the wonderful Anne Meara as the bar’s cook. After Edith’s off-screen death, Archie wasn’t sure he was ready to date again, but that was before Katherine (Yvonne Wilder), a woman had previously expressed interest in him, walked back into the bar. “Archie Bunker’s Place” lasted a total of four seasons.

Archie’s daughter Gloria appeared in the final episode of “Archie Bunker’s Place,” which set the stage for “Gloria,” her own 1982 series. After husband Mike left her for someone else, Gloria returned to New York, but she didn’t want to raise her son in the big city. She then became the assistant to two veterinarians, Dr. Willard Adams (Burgess Meredith) and Dr. Maggie Lawrence (Jo de Winter). Counting the final episode of “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “Gloria” ran for 22 episodes, but it was not renewed for a second season.

Archie Bunker’s former home address became the title of another spin-off, “704 Hauser.” John Amos, whose character had been killed off years earlier on “Good Times,” played Ernie Cumberbatch and Lynnie Godfrey played his wife, Rose. Though they were working-class Democrats, their son Goodie (T.E. Russell) was highly conservative. Six episodes of “704 Hauser” were shot, but the final episode never aired.

Host a hall of fame homegate

From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub.

One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven or air fryer. However, that doesn’t mean missing out on the action and being sidelined in the kitchen all game or that these recipes won’t travel to a tailgate.

With a flavor-packed, vibrant recipe, the lineup of Fresh Cravings Salsa offers a homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to these recipes from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.”

Kickoff your menu with an app like these Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites that meld together traditional tailgate tastes. Then put a Tex-Mex twist on a traditional favorite with this Enchilada Lasagna, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans.

To round out the playbook, this Layered Mediterranean Hummus Salad can make for an accompaniment to a variety of main courses. The cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes and other veggies are balanced by the savory taste of Fresh Cravings Hummus. Made with a short list of high-quality ingredients like chickpeas, tahini and Chilean extra-virgin olive oil, it has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Find more game-winning recipes made for homegating and tailgating at FreshCravings.com.

Layered Mediterranean Hummus Salad

INGREDIENTS:

2 containers (10 ounces each) hummus, any flavor

1 cup sliced cucumbers

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, seeded and roughly chopped

1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 lemon, juice only

extra-virgin olive oil

zaatar, for sprinkling (optional)

pita bread or tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS:

On bottom of large, flat serving dish or platter, use spoon to evenly spread hummus.

Layer cucumbers, olives, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion and parsley throughout hummus. Squeeze lemon juice over top.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Zaatar, if desired. Serve immediately with pita bread or tortilla chips.

RECIPIES CONTINUED PAGE 18

RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF GEORGE DURAN SERVINGS: 4-6

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites

YIELD: 16 BISCUIT BITES

INGREDIENTS:

1 tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total)

7 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup jarred jalapenos, chopped

8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

1 cup salsa

nonstick cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F.

Divide each biscuit in half by pulling apart in centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles. Set aside.

In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapenos, bacon and salsa.

Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit and pinch each together tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount of salsa mixture.

Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working in batches, cook biscuit bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown.

Serve warm.

Note: If air fryer access is unavailable, biscuit bites can be baked 8-10 minutes at 400 F in oven, or until golden brown.

RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF GEORGE DURAN

Enchilada Lasagna

SERVINGS: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)

1 deli roasted chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 cup chicken stock or broth

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

2 cups shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend

16 ounces salsa, plus additional for serving

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped nonstick cooking spray

6 flour tortillas (9 inches each)

1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, 4-5 minutes.

Add shredded chicken and stir in taco seasoning. Add chicken broth and bring to simmer, about 5 minutes.

Add cream cheese, Tex-Mex cheese, salsa and cilantro. Stir until cream cheese is melted and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Spray square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place two tortillas in bottom of pan, folding over or trimming sides of tortillas to fit.

Spoon half chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat then place remaining tortillas over top. Mix crushed tortilla chips with cheddar cheese and sprinkle over top. Bake 30 minutes, or until lasagna is bubbling and lightly browned.

Let stand 10 minutes then top with additional salsa before serving.

RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF GEORGE DURAN