CrossRoads: March 2021 by Community News

Robotic relations

MARCH

2021 writers

VOL 17 | NO 3

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

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

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2021 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/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

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.

MARCH

2021

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story Robotic relations The St. Charles County Bomb Squad donates retired robots to Lutheran High School robotics club

Always an Adventure Rainforest

Moore on Life Herding cats

Automobile Alley 2021 Mazda3 Turbo is safe, stylish and sophisticated

Entertainment New Line Cinema announces reimagined ‘Wizard of Oz’

For the Love of Food Protect your health with a heart-smart eating plan

Community Calendar: March

On the Cover: Submitted photo

MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

Operation Food Search to host 28h annual golf tournament Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host its 28th annual Swing to Heal Hunger golf tournament on Oct. 4 with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The tournament will be held at WingHaven Country Club, St. Louis’ only Nicklaus-designed course, located at 7777 Winghaven Blvd. in O’Fallon. Tickets – which are $350 per golfer or $1,400 per team of four golfers – include 18 holes with a golf cart, golf goodie bag, lunch, dinner and an auction. Proceeds will go toward ending childhood hunger and family food insecurity in the St. Louis bi-state region. Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS)

is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food. The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search’s website.

Youth Tour program remains open for 2021 The 53rd annual Missouri Youth Tour program will continue to be held this summer and entries are now being accepted for this year’s program. Normally, CREC sends six delegates who are among thousands from across the nation to spend a week in Washington, D.C. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trip has been cancelled. State organizers are working on plans to hold a three-day in-person/virtual conference June 16-18. The annual Youth Tour consists of an essay contest open only to high school juniors who live and attend school in Cuivre River Electric’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River electric service in their homes. The 2021 essay theme is “My Favorite Cooperative Principle.” Entry forms are available at local high schools or cuivre.com. The deadline to enter is March 12. Entries remain anonymous during preliminary judging by Cuivre

River Electric staff. The 12 top-scoring essays are selected as finalists and will attend the final competition scheduled for April 14. The top six finalists will be selected as Youth Tour delegates and receive a $1,000 scholarship and laptop. The other six finalists will receive $500 scholarships. Cuivre River Electric fully funds the Youth Tour program. There is no cost to students or families. Teachers who support the Youth Tour program and submit at least 10 student entries receive a $50 classroom grant from CREC. Since 1964, Cuivre River Electric has sponsored over 200 Youth Tour delegates for visits to Washington, D.C. More than 53,000 high school students sponsored by the nation’s electric cooperatives have participated in the Youth Tour since the educational leadership program began. For more information on the Youth Tour program, contact Tim Schmidt at 636-695-4837 or tschmidt@cuivre.com.

Applications now being accepted for 2021 Cuivre River scholarship program Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is once again accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors and current college students. Students are eligible to be considered if they live in the Cuivre River Electric service area and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while attending undergraduate courses at an accredited college, university or technical school. Applicants are required to provide an official transcript and two letters of recommendation, a complete copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR), write a narrative to highlight their academic achievements and community service, state their career goals and demonstrate a financial need. The scholarship may also be used for adult continuing education courses in an applicant’s career field. The deadline to apply is April 21. Scholarships will be awarded in 4 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2021

June. Applications can be downloaded at cuivre.com. They are also available at CREC offices in Troy at 1112 E. Cherry St., and Lake Saint Louis at 8757 Highway N. In 2020, a total of $74,000 was awarded, with 75 students receiving a scholarship. The Trust board has awarded 2,313 scholarships totaling $1.3 million since 1997. Scholarship funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who participate in Operation Round Up by rounding up their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. The funds, administered by a seven-member volunteer board, are available to help individuals, families and organizations. For more information contact Tim Schmidt, Operation Round Up coordinator, at tschmidt@cuivre.com or 636-695-4837.

Around Town

St. Charles City-County Library offers 24-hour holds pickup In an effort to accommodate customers with busy schedules or those who are following a no-contact quarantine protocol, the St. Charles City-County Library has unveiled Holds Hoppers at select branch locations. Holds Hoppers are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can place holds online and pick them up from these secure lockers at the Kisker Road Branch (1000 Kisker Rd. in St Charles) or the Corporate Parkway Branch (1200 Corporate Pkwy. in Wentzville) at any time of the day or night. Once customers receive notification that their holds are available, they can enter the vestibule of the branch to access the Holds Hopper and use the library card scanner or touchscreen to open a locker that is holding their materials. Items are automatically checked out once they are removed from the locker. Book drops are also available on site, so

Submitted photo

unwanted materials or items that are due can be returned at the same time. “With schedules that sometimes outpace regular library hours, our customers can access the materials that we offer on their own time, whether that is at 11 p.m. or 4 a.m. These Holds Hoppers allow the Library to be available to the community at their convenience,” says Library Director Jason Kuhl. The library received a $50,000 CARES grant to finance this project. The grant was made available through funds from the Library Services and Technology Act, appropriated by Congress and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Missouri Secretary of State. To use a Holds Hopper, customers must have an eligible library card in good standing. Get details by visiting myLibrary.org/ holds-hopper.

St. Charles County Parks reschedules making maple syrup event due to extreme cold For everyone’s safety, and due to the hazardous weather conditions, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has postponed “Hands-On Heritage: Making Maple Syrup” until March 13, at The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 1868 Highway F in Defiance. Everyone is invited to join in the fun of making maple syrup from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. next month. Admission is free, and guests will be able to sample and purchase local syrup at the event. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to turn gallons of raw sap tapped from park trees into edible sweet syrup. Demonstrations of this 19th century, historic process will take place throughout the day at the historic park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the event, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions of the frontiersmen and women leading the program. Then, Submitted photo everyone can enjoy pre-packaged samples of hot maple syrup and cornbread! Masks must be worn inside park The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has postponed “Hands-On Heritage: Making Maple Syrup” until March 13, at The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 1868 Highway F in Defiance. buildings, including the Boone Home and gift shop. Sanitizer will be available and social distancing is required at the event. maples into one gallon of edible maple syrup. After each demonstraBut that’s not all! Guests also will learn the modern-day method of tion, delicious Grade A, Amber syrup will be available for purchase. making maple syrup with Vieth Valley Farms of Marthasville, Mis- This event is sure to be a crowd pleaser and an educational experisouri. The farm’s staff will showcase how they use present-day equip- ence for all ages. Registration is not needed. For more information, ment to turn 40 gallons of sap taken from their 130-year-old sugar call The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 636-798-2005. MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

BASEBALL FOR ALL

The Alternative Baseball Organization, a league for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities, looks to found a team in St. Charles County By Brett Auten

Submitted photo The Alternative Baseball Organization, a league that provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults who have special needs, is looking for a volunteer coach/manager to help us start a new program serving those in O’Fallon and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.alternativebaseball.org.

The spectrum of special needs is vast and wide. People who are diagnosed as such cover a widerange of functionality, yet are often lumped together when it comes to recreational programming. During their school-aged years, programs and activities, often provided through the public school system, are ample. Taylor Duncan is the commissioner/director for the Alternative Baseball Organization. It’s a national league that provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities. The goal is simple; to gain social and physical skills for success in life and while they are at it, have a little fun on the ball diamond. Duncan is wanting to bring Alternative Baseball to St. Charles County. He is looking for a volunteer coach/manager, volunteers, and players to help us start new programs serving those in O’Fallon and the surrounding area. “Baseball experience and disability experience is a huge plus as is all-around patience,” Duncan said. “We take them from where they start out at (whether they require to be pitched to slow overhand or hit off the tee), and help develop their physical and social skills and help them be the best they

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can be on and off the diamond.” The O’Fallon club would be in addition to its other Midwest programs in Ohio, Minnesota, and Indiana. “We are different from other programs in that teams travel to other areas, play on traditional high school size fields, and play using the same rule-set as the pros on television,” Duncan said. “I call it an experience rather than a league. In sports, you have good and not-so-good days. It’s a great way to learn from those situations in a way that’s beyond wins and losses. It’s character development above anything else.” It can take up to six months to fill a full team due to the lack of catered services available in most areas for teens and adults with disabilities and in spite of the pandemic, recruitment for 2021 has begun virtually. The organization will provide equipment and resources. Duncan found that as many with autism graduate from high school in many areas, services plateau and he realized a lack of opportunities “In a lot of suburban and rural areas, there are no services for those to continue their path toward independence,” Duncan said. “Many travel to find the limited services which may or may not be available CONTINUED PAGE 7

Around Town

Submitted photos The Alternative Baseball Organization, a league that provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults who have special needs, is looking for a volunteer coach/manager to help us start a new program serving those in O’Fallon and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.alternativebaseball.org.

to their specific needs. “I started the organization to give others on the spectrum/special needs the opportunity to be accepted for who they are and to be encouraged to be the best they can be.” The program follows Major League Baseball rules (wood bats, base

stealing, dropped third strike, you name it), and is a true typical team experience for others on the autism spectrum and special needs to help develop social skills for later in life. Alternative Baseball has clubs in 30-plus states. For more information, visit www.alternativebaseball.org.

County executive presents 100-days milestone proclamation to Fort Zumwalt At the St. Charles County Council meeting on Feb. 8, County Executive Steve Ehlmann presented Dr. Bernard DuBray, Superintendent of the Fort Zumwalt School District, with a proclamation congratulating the district on their 100-days milestone for the 2020-2021 school year. Traditionally, the 100th day of school is celebrated by the district’s youngest students as a way for elementary school teachers to celebrate the various mathematical concepts that can be taught using the number 100. But with the challenges presented by the pandemic, the entire Fort Zumwalt School District found it appropriate to celebrate. The district reached the milestone on Feb. 16. “Last summer, county government and the department of public health took the position that we were going to educate our school districts about the pandemic and precautions and leave the decision for how schools should handle opening in the fall with each school and their school board,” says Ehlmann. “As a former teacher, I was very, very pleased to see every one of them give students the chance for in-person learning. I want to thank and congratulate the boards and staff of all our school districts for their extraordinary efforts this school year.” In addition to recognizing the school district, the proclamation recognizes the entire community for playing a role in the district’s suc-

cess, and that these efforts “were the result of a strong relationship between the schools, parents and the community.” Because of these combined efforts, more than 15,000 students have been at school with teachers and peers since Aug. 31, 2020, and another 2,500 students have been learning online with teachers. DuBray thanked Ehlmann and the county council for recognizing the district and explained how staff were nervous when COVID-19 cases went up over the summer as the first day of class approached. “But our parents wanted their kids in school,” said DuBray. “Eighty percent of them wanted their kids in school. And I’m here to tell you tonight it was the right decision.” DuBray recognized all the “outstanding” school districts in St. Charles County for working together. “We hung in there and we did what was right because these kids need to be in school,” he Photo courtesy St. Charles County said. All school districts in the county have worked closely and diligently with the St. Charles County Department of Public Health before and during the school year to prepare for and manage the pandemic. Department staff communicate frequently with schools to answer questions and concerns, and to follow up on positive cases and contacts. MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

DIGITAL WARRIORS Area high schools compete in the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation which brings video gamers together to battle for school pride By Brett Auten

College scholarships, professional contracts, sold out arenas; what was once limited to ball and stick sports has filtered into video gaming, the bane of most teenage parents. The fastest growing sport in the world is esports, with millions of players and billions of dollars at stake. At the high school level, interest is growing at fervent clip and St. Charles County boasts the envy of the region. Francis Howell Central High School captured the inaugural Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation Overwatch state championship over Christian Brothers College High School in January. The championship was the culmination of MOSEF’s inaugural season for two separate games, Overwatch and Rocket League. An eight-game regular season was played to seed the top eight teams in the state. Howell Central lost only once all season and CBC esports director Jim Brockman told

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Submitted photo The Francis Howell Central High School esports team won the inaugural Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation Overwatch state championship over Christian Brothers College High School in January.

STLToday.com that Howell Central is the program everyone wants to emulate. Eports is competitive video game playing and many games, each with its own format and team structure. Overwatch is a game that puts two teams of six players against each other to complete objectives. Howell Central players included Cooper Raubach (captain), Ethan Mitchell (captain), Ethan Montgomery, Alex Keagy, Josh Green and Zach Buchholz. Subs were Gideon Masters and Caelen Hellmann. Among other games Howell Central has teams for include Smash Bros: Ultimate, League of Legends, Rainbow 6 and Valorant. MOSEF went from nine high schools in 2019 to 50. Eighty schools are expected to compete next year. Miller and Howell Central have been around since day one. Kris Miller is the FHC esports sponsor. Miller brainstormed ways to make a team and the first squad was put together via word of mouth. By the second year, word had spread. “That first year, we were reluctant to do too much and limited ourselves to two games,” Miller said. “Last year, we played eight games and had 80 kids. This year, we pulled it back to six games and 50 active players. So many wanted to play, but we didn’t have the support.” This spring, MOSEF will put together another slate of games and tournaments for teams to compete in. In the future, the league is looking forward to building community rivalries and in-person competition with fans in the stands, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In the immediate, Miller and Howell Central are turning its attention to a national competition this month. “A lot of these kids haven’t played sports for the school before,” Miller said. “This is an engagement they haven’t had before as far as being a proud part of the school.” With the addition of more competitors, more funding for assistance and as technology continues to expand, you can expect esports to notch its place in the livelihood of future high schoolers. “I don’t see it slowing down,” Miller said. “With the growth in college and in the pros, I see esports picking up more support and it will gain a foothold as another run of the mill sport on campus alongside volleyball, soccer, and things of that nature.”

Robotic relations

By Brett Auten

The St. Charles County Bomb Squad donates retired robots to Lutheran High School robotics club

Submitted photo An array of bomb squad robots is displayed while officers share their insights with the Lutheran Roboteers.

technological bond continues to thrive between the St. Charles County Police Department and the Lutheran High Ro-

boteers. The St. Charles County Bomb Squad was at the school not long ago, giving a demonstration of the day-to-day duties of a bomb squad officer. The students were allowed to get hands-on experience with the latest in robotic science. At the end of the presentation, the bomb squad donated two retired bomb robots to the team. One of the robots has a workable arm and claw that can exude some impressive force. “It looks beast-like and it moves like a beast,” sophomore Matt Zilz said.

The event was yet another positive experience between the St. Charles County Police Department and the Roboteers. Over the years, the department has become a great partner to the team, inviting it to the Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt, joining the Roboteers for demonstrations outside the school, and promoting its Help From Home Initiative this summer. The Help From Home Initiative occurred last year when the STEM Program and Roboteers played a role with the St, Charles Economic Development Center and other community partners to produce personal protective equipment for local healthcare workers. The robots will be a great promotional tool for the club and will be used for outreach programs. CONTINUED PAGE 10 MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 9

Submitted photos Lutheran High School students host a walking tour of the Lutheran High STEM Lab with bomb squad officers.

“

I am so impressed by their great attitudes, dedication and smarts. If this is the next generation, then I am good with that.” - Dave Cathey St. Charles County Police Bomb Squad Sargent

The Lutheran Roboteers formally receive two retired robots (center) from the St. Charles County Bomb Squad at Lutheran High School.

10 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2021

“The donation is another significant part of our relationship,” junior Katelyn Sides said. “We have had a big connection with the community through them.” For Sides, the club is much more than being challenged from a technical perspective. She has taken on a leadership role with the Roboteers and it has helped shape her route for college. “I have learned so many soft skills and personal skills,” she said. “Now, a job interview is a breeze.” It was St. Charles County Police Bomb Squad Sargent Dave Cathey who approached LHS principal Jon Bernhardt with the potential of donating some of their retired equipment to the STEM and robotics programs.

“I am so impressed by their great attitudes, dedication and smarts,” Cathey said. “If this is the next generation, then I am good with that.” Cathey said that the robots have not been used in 15 years, but back in the day, were called into action to handle suspicious packages. The Roboteers consider themselves, and want to be, one of the top robotics programs in the area. The group is motivated by the bond with the SCPD to do more to help others outside the school walls. “We want to use the energy beyond ourselves,” Zilz said. “I see this connection continuing in many ways. Whether it is in education or safety, both sides can do great things.”

MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

RAINFOREST BY AVALANCHE “A LOT OF PEOPLE COME HERE IN THE SUMMER, SEE HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING, decide to move here, and then find out it’s different in the winter. Most of those people haven’t seen nine inches of rain in one day,” the mechanic at the gas station told me. I was in the shop getting some spray lube for my motorcycle chain, as riding in the rain for several days had depleted my supply of the necessary lubricant. I was on a riding and camping trip on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, for a few weeks in the late spring and early summer. The mechanic had a point. Coming from the high central Rockies where, except during storms, the humidity is usually well under 50 percent, I was far out of my normal comfort zone. Traveling on two wheels, and sleeping in a floorless tipi made the “normal” daily rain, frequently measured in inches, seem a bit overwhelming at times. My riding gear was up to the task, as was my camping gear. It was the software (between the ears) that required some re-calibration. Zipping up the tipi and firing up the woodstove during a storm simply turned the interior into a sauna. Opening up the doors and staying clear of the drip zone was much more agreeable. Reducing speed on wet roads was imperative. Road signs in the area depicted a car swerving – it took me a while to figure out that that meant there was moss growing on the road surface, which made the pavement quite slick. On the plus side, the “Hall of Moss” hiking trail in Olympic National Park is a surreal wonderland of green, hard to fathom without seeing it. Virtually every object in that area, be it bush, tree, rock or dirt, has a living green blanket growing on it. Tendrils of moss hang down from tree branches, with rain and fog the normal climate. While much of the area has been logged, there are still areas of old-growth forest still standing, with tree diameters that boggle the mind. About 400 years ago, huge fires burned most of the forests on the Peninsula. Some of the trees were spared, and they constitute the stands of huge, stately evergreens, with ages measured in the cen12 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2021

turies, with a few surpassing the 1,000 year mark. One such tree is in the background of the attached photo; partially hidden by the smaller tree in the foreground, the massive trunk is about 10 feet in diameter. A nearby tree that had been cut down had a diameter of about 6 feet. I took some time and counted the rings on the stump, which numbered about 400, with each ring denoting one year’s growth. Notably, the rings got much closer together on the most recent outer 100, with the last 75 being having very little space between them, showing how much drier the environment has become, and how the trees’ growth has slowed. The Pacific banana slug, a large, slimy mollusk is quite common in the area, and it was only a matter of time bePhoto by Avalanche fore one found its way into my floorless tipi one night and made a traverse across my hair while I slept. Fortunately, they’re not poisonous, and the slime trail they leave is at least somewhat water soluble; my hair cleaned up ok, but the somewhat repulsive memory seemed to adhere far longer. I made my way around the perimeter of the Peninsula over the course of several days. The western and northern areas were remote and sparsely populated, with the eastern border a bit busier, being just across Puget Sound from Seattle. I visited with friends just south of the peninsula intermittently during my journey, stopping in a few times for some good company, a fresh cooked meal and a dry bed, which helped me adjust to the chronic soggy conditions. As the rainy spring gave way to summer, it was about time to return home. The weather dried out, and the sun illuminated the area and burned off the fog, providing the scenic siren song for unsuspecting visitors who think it’s the most beautiful place they’ve ever seen (and it really is spectacular.) Before you pick up and move, be sure to visit when 2 inches (or 9 inches) of rain falls for several days on end, and then make an informed decision. And try to avoid the banana slugs!

Moore On Life

Herding CATS

I JUST FOUND OUT PEOPLE ACTUALLY THROW THEIR CATS BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Silly me; I wonder why I haven’t thrown one before? I told my cats about the idea. “How long has this been going on?” they hissed. “I promise, I just found out,” I explained. “It’s apparently really popular.” “Oh, so you might as well say we’re not important enough to know the latest trends! Is that what you’re saying, Karen?” “Umm, did you just call me Karen? You know that’s not my name. Besides, Karen is a bit of a slur nowadays. I’m sure you didn’t mean…” They snickered and walked away with their tails twitching in the air. “Well,” I thought, “how about a late birthday party to make up for my sins and oversight?” I ordered salmon-flavored cookies from the local pet bakery. (Come on, doesn’t everyone have a local pet bakery?) I needed to fly in fresh flounder fillets from Florida. (Try saying that fast. After several attempts, I was finally connected to the ordering agent, but nearly passed out after repeating it so many times.) The party would be a hit. I called a few neighbors and invited their

MEO WP Y BI R THDAY

BY CINDY MOORE

fellow felines to feast and frolic at the festivity. (I actually did pass out after repeating that five times on the phone.) The party goers soon arrived to a room filled with fishy-shaped balloons and tasty treats in each bowl. We would begin by playing pin the flea on the doggie as soon as all the neighborhood cats were seated. The guests of honor were then ushered in. But disaster, my fat cat spied Mr. McFuzzybutt, the scrawny tabby that lives next door and scratches him through the fence. He lunged for its throat. My skinny cat saw that as an invitation for a scuffle. He unhinged his Freddy Krueger claws and zoomed across the table to assist while popping balloons, scattering kibble and flinging goose giblet pate’ onto the visitor’s faces. Soon the entire party had erupted into one spatting, hissing, clawing barroom brawl. The ferocious felines faced off then fought and fought. The festival was a fiasco and complete failure. Why haven’t I thrown one of these before? I wonder no more. MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2021

MAZDA3 TURBO

IS SAFE, STYLISH AND SOPHISTICATED

With some 550 dealers here in the United States, Mazda Motors is making available for the 2021 model year their Mazda3 models in both a five-door hatchback as well as in a four-door sedan. It begins with the entry level version referred to as their Standard model, as it’s equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. From there, the product mix features the S Sedan 2.5, then the Select, Preferred as well as their Premium variants. With this as a baseline, a performance 2.5-liter Turbo model is also offered. Pricing ranges from $20,500, up to the flagship Turbo, showing a price point of $32,450, excluding shipping charges. I’m focused towards the Turbo Hatchback as this is what I recently drove. When you combine this engines remarkable and refined output rating of 250-horsepower (when tested with higher grade 93 Octane fuel) the well-appointed and stylish Mazda3 Turbo is engineered to offer up a sophisticated and impressive package that should appeal to a variety of driving enthusiasts. To further help raise the bar, standard is their i-Activ, all-wheel-drive system. EPA numbers reflected around 23-mpg city/31-mpg highway. Now in its fourth generation, the compact Mazda3 was recently celebrated as the World Car Design of the Year. Fans have been captivated by its mature interpretation from across the globe. Also new for 2021 are the stylish 18-inch gloss black forged wheels. They’re now offered on all renditions. This is further complimented with a full list of accessories through their dealership network. Standard on the Turbo is their G-Vectoring Stability Control plus a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is offered on select other models. Mazda’s adaptive front lighting system is designed to help the driver see around corners at night, as the LED headlights pivot in the direction of the turn to help improve visibility and spot potential hazards. In 2020, Mazda earned the most IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK+” awards of any other automakers. For 2021, that same commitment to safety has resulted in the continual refinement and technologies that keeps the driver in control. The suspension was retuned with enhanced springs and damping to maintain comfort, confidence and with more 14 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2021

direct steering response on all new Mazda3 models. The Turbo’s interior is supported by an 8.8-inch large center display, integrated seamlessly into the dashboard design. Features of this screen are intuitively, accessible and controlled by the multi-function management knob located near the transmission shifter. The car’s digital gauge cluster assembly is supported by a reconfigurable display housing. It provides the driver with more useful details such as speed limits and diagnostic information. Front seating is quite comfortable, while rear seat leg room is a bit problematic for adults. Taking inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, Mazda adopted a “less is more” approach when designing this car, focusing on what is essential to the car’s form. With craftsmanship in the forefront, Mazda3 goes beyond the vehicle’s pleasing silhouette with an appealing and flowing modern design. It certainly stands out among other models in this compact class such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, V W Jetta, Nissan Sentra and the Subaru Impreza. The base bumper-to-bumper warranty and roadside assistance (24/7) is for three-years/36,000 miles and the powertrain component warranty is backed by the factory for 5-years/60,000 miles.

Entertainment

NEW LINE CINEMA ANNOUNCES REIMAGINED

“Wizrd of Oz” photo courtesy MGM, “Under the Rainbow” photo courtesy Innovisions, “Oz the Great and Powerful “ photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures, “The Wiz“ photo courtesy Universal Pictures.

BY STEVE BRYAN

ore than 80 years after the original film debuted, New Line Cinema announced that Nicole Cassell from the “Watchmen” television series will direct a reimagined version of the “The Wizard of Oz.” Based on the young adult novels written by Lyman Frank Baum, the 1939 musical adaptation of Baum’s work has become a timeless classic. Mickey Carroll, a beloved actor and St. Louis entrepreneur, had been one of the last living actors who portrayed a Munchkin at the time of his death in 2009. In addition to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Baum wrote multiple stories set in that magical land and some of them were eye-opening. Take, for instance, 1918’s “The Tin Woodman of Oz,” the book that revealed the Woodman’s real name: Nick Chopper. He had been fleshand-blood until he ran afoul of the Wicked Witch of the East. In this adventure, Chopper encountered Captain Fyter, another man made out of tin. The two of them realized they have a special link in common with the same Munchkin girl. New Line’s reimagined version is not the first time Hollywood has returned to Oz. 1981’s “Under the Rainbow” from director Steve Rash was based loosely on some real-life events. In 1938, performers came to Hollywood to become Munchkins in the live-action, musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Coming off her second turn as Princess

Leia in “The Empire Strikes Back,” Carrie Fisher played Annie Clark, the woman who had to oversee the would-be Munchkins. Chevy Chase was on hand as Bruce Thorpe, a Secret Service Agent who arrived at the same hotel where the “Oz” actors were staying. 2013’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” focused on the man who took on the mantle of Wizard of Oz. James Franco stars as Oscar Diggs, a member of a traveling circus as well as a con artist. He escaped from an angry husband in a hot air balloon and landed in Oz where he met Glinda (Michelle Williams), the daughter of the late king. Mila Kunis played Theodora, a good witch who falls for the handsome and smooth-talking Oscar Diggs. Speaking of reimagining, Sydney Lumet directed 1978’s “The Wiz,” a contemporary take on Baum’s original 1900 novel. Diana Ross led a powerhouse cast as Dorothy Gale, an elementary schoolteacher who was magically transported to the Land of Oz. Michael Jackson was a standout as the Scarecrow who is made of garbage, not straw, while Nipsey Russell shined as the Tin Man. Ted Ross showed the many sides of the Cowardly Lion while Richard Pryor became the Wizard. Nicole Cassell has done some intriguing work on “Watchman,” so it will be interesting to see where she takes us this time. No matter what, it’s a good time to revisit the Land of Oz once again. MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Protect your health with a heart-smart eating plan

s people have spent more time at home, many have rediscovered the simple joy of home-cooking and stumbled upon a secret weapon for health at the same time. By making smart, intentional decisions from breakfast to dinner and every meal (and drink) in-between, they are supporting strong bodies. A heart-smart eating plan is especially important for more than 30 million people in the U.S. living with type 2 diabetes who are at double the risk for heart disease and stroke compared to those without diabetes, according to the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes by Heart initiative. When managing diabetes and heart health, building a consistent eating plan with the right balance can be a powerful tool. Healthy eating provides benefits for the whole family whether members are managing existing health conditions or not. This recipe for Baked Parmesan Chicken is packed with 30 grams of protein in each serving yet delivers only 280 calories. For a tasty way to increase vegetable intake, try pairing the no-sugar chicken dish with Green Beans with Mushrooms and Onions. A key to feeling your best begins with the first meal of the day. Start the morning on a nutritious note with this Ham and Broccoli Frittata – a low-sugar, lowfat, low-calorie alternative to traditional fat- and sugar-laden breakfast foods. With this recipe, you’re setting yourself up for a healthy day and getting the energy you need to live it to the fullest. Find more recipes and learn more about managing the connection between diabetes and heart health at KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org/Recipes.

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Baked Parmesan Chicken Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 18 minutes | Servings: 4 (3 ounces chicken per serving) Ingredients:

Directions:

Cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly spray a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 /3 cup finely crushed, low-sodium, whole-grain crispbread 1 /3 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 /2 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded, flattened to 1/4inch thickness

In a shallow dish, whisk the egg, water and oil. In a separate shallow dish or pie pan, stir together the crispbread, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano and pepper. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture then in crumb mixture, turning to coat at each step and gently shaking off any excess. Using fingertips, gently press the coating mixture so it adheres to the chicken. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the top coating is golden brown. Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 80 calories from fat; 9 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat; 125 mg cholesterol; 340 mg sodium; 530 mg potassium; 18 g total carbohydrate; 4 g dietary fiber; 0 g sugar; 0 g added sugar; 30 g protein; 370 mg phosphorus. Choices/ Exchanges: 1 starch, 4 lean protein.

For the Love of Food

Ham and Broccoli Frittata Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 (1/4 frittata per serving) Ingredients:

Directions:

Cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2 cups frozen fat-free potatoes O’Brien, thawed

Lightly spray a medium ovenproof skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Put the potatoes in the skillet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown, stirring occasionally.

6 ounces small broccoli florets, rinsed in cold water, drained but not dried 8 large egg whites 1 large egg 4 ounces lowersodium, low-fat ham (uncured, nitrate/ nitrite-free), cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup fat-free milk 1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a microwaveable bowl, microwave the broccoli, covered, on high for 3-4 minutes, or until tendercrisp. Drain in a colander. Stir the broccoli into the potatoes. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites and egg. Whisk in the ham, milk and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and broccoli; stir well. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Nutritional information per serving: 180 calories; 30 calories from fat; 3 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 0.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.5 g monounsaturated fat; 60 mg cholesterol; 460 mg sodium; 570 mg potassium; 17 g total carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 4 g sugar; 1 g added sugar; 18 g protein; 210 mg phosphorus. Choices/Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate, 2 lean protein.

Green Beans with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 (1/2 cup per serving) Ingredients: Water 8 ounces green beans, trimmed 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, stems discarded 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion 1 medium garlic clove, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 pinch pepper

Directions:

Fill a medium saucepan 3/4 full of water. Bring to a boil, covered, over high heat. Cook the green beans, uncovered, 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well in a colander. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the mushrooms, onion, garlic and salt 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and lightly browned, stirring frequently. Stir in the lemon juice, pepper and cooked green beans. Nutritional information per serving: 60 calories; 25 calories from fat; 2.5 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 0.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.5 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 300 mg potassium; 9 g total carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 4 g sugar; 0 g added sugar; 2 g protein; 70 mg phosphorus. Choices/Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat. MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 17

Around Town

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Community Calendar

MARCH 1

First Day of Women’s History Month

Read Across America Day

Employee Appreciation Day

Daylight Saving Time Begins

St. Patrick’s Day

First Day of Spring

Passover

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

MARCH 2021 | CROSSROADS | 19

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