CrossRoads: April 2021 by Community News

Crazy for

camps

APRIL

2021 writers

VOL 17 | NO 4

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 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.

APRIL

2021

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story Crazy for camps The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department looks to ensure summer camps are both fun and safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Always an Adventure The nighttime is the right time

Moore on Life Body of lies

Automobile Alley The 2021 Genesis G80 makes its mark in the executive luxury sedan market

Entertainment Bitter battles for control of ‘The Late Shift’

For the Love of Food Hearty, wholesome dishes to support immune systems

Community Calendar: April

On the Cover: Submitted photo

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds offers online marriage license application One of the most important to-do’s before saying “I do!” is to apply for a marriage license within 30 days before your ceremony. To make this process easier for couples, the St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds offers an online marriage license application. “As we continue to adjust to the pandemic, we’ve made the marriage license application process more efficient and safer by cutting the in-person appointment time in half,” says Recorder of Deeds Mary Dempsey. “This enhancement helps improve our services overall and makes the process much smoother when couples come in to complete the final steps to receive their license.” Couples can find a link to the secure application and a list of qualifications and required documentation at sccmo.org/MarriageLicense. After completing the application, the applicants will receive an email verifying it was received. Couples must then appear together in per-

son at the Recorder of Deeds service window, located in the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, to present their government-issued ID, verify and sign the application, and pay the $57 license fee by cash ($58.90 with service fee by credit card). Marriage licenses are issued 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, on a first come, first served basis; no appointments are taken. The couple leaves with the marriage license, which must be signed by an officiant and two witnesses on the day of the ceremony. 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. For more info, email recorder@sccmo.org, or call 636-949-7505.

St. Charles County Assessor reminds citizens to declare personal property As required by state law, the St. Charles County Assessor will mail approximately 42,500 personal property assessment forms for 2021 by March 26 to taxpayers who failed to respond to the initial January mailing. Personal property assessments must be filed with the Assessor every year. Forms were due by March 1. Late filing penalties will be applied on May 1. “Completion of the form provides the opportunity to appeal the value if necessary and assures a fair and equitable distribution of taxes,” says Scott Shipman, St. Charles County Assessor. “When citizens do not declare their personal property, the tax rate for everyone in the county is impacted.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file personal property using contactless methods: online, by mail, or in the drive-through drop box in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. Those who have questions or did not receive a form to declare their personal property may contact the Personal Property Department at 636-949-7420. Ways to file • Online – Individual personal property owners have the option to file online after receiving the assessment form in the mail. The efiling website, account number, and unique secure access code for the individual personal property owner are printed in a purple 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. The assessor website also has blank and fillable individual and business personal property forms available. • 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 blue-labeled “County” drive-through drop box in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. 4 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

• 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 at the Assessor’s service windows at the County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding holidays. Forms also may be submitted in the indoor drop box located on the first floor of the Administration Building. Visitors will need to undergo a COVID-19 health screening upon entering the building and 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. Taxpayers who do not file a personal property assessment each year find themselves at or contacting the assessor’s office during the end-of-the-year rush, mainly for three reasons: • Residents did not receive a tax bill because their personal property declaration form was not returned to the Assessor. • New residents are not familiar with the personal property declaration requirement and do not contact the Assessor’s Office to be added to the tax rolls. • Residents experience difficulties renewing or registering license plates due to incorrect information reported on their personal property declaration. “Our staff are available by phone and by email at persprop@sccmo. org to answer any questions and help with the personal property assessment filing process,” Shipman says.

Around Town

Mosaics Fine Art Festival holds 26th annual event Mosaics Fine Art Festival will host its 26th annual event on Sept. 17 from 4 to 9 p.m., Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, will be held along several blocks of North Main St. in Historic St. Charles, where more than 40 restaurants and over 80 shops are located. The three-day festival includes approximately 80 juried artists from more than 15 states who will exhibit artwork available for purchase. Media categories include clay, drawing, glass, leather, metal, pastel, oil/acrylic, photography, print making, sculpture, watercolor and wood. A total of $5,000 will be awarded to the top 10 artists. The festival includes Art Shop for Kids, a kids-only gallery where children ages 14 and younger can buy professional artwork. De-

signed to foster art appreciation at a young age, all pieces are donated by participating festival artists and can be purchased for a nominal fee. The H. Robert Pank Memorial Entertainment Pavilion will showcase a variety of performing artists throughout the weekend. The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. Artists can apply before the May 3 deadline at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=9223. For more information, call 314-406-2067.

Nominations for candidates for Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors open April 1 Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (CREC) seeks interested and qualified candidates for four, three-year term seats on its board of directors. Candidate nominations are open as of April 1 and close at noon on May 11. Qualified candidates will be asked to attend a Nominating Committee reception and interview. This event is slated for May 18 at 6 p.m. at the CREC branch office at 8757 Hwy. N. in Lake Saint Louis; however, due to the COVID-19 situation and current restrictions for gatherings, the candidate’s reception and the annual meeting itself may be modified. Please visit the CREC website for updates as they develop. Each candidate must reside in the district they would represent and be a member of the cooperative for the six consecutive months immediately preceding the election. Full director qualifications as specified in Article IV Section 3 on page 5 of the cooperative bylaws that are available on the CREC website (https://www.cuivre.com/sites/cuivre/files/documents/Bylaws_January%202021.pdf) Four directors will be elected, one from each of these districts: St. Charles County Districts No. 1 and No. 3; Lincoln County District No. 3 and Warren County District No. 2. Online voting via a secure internet site or by paper ballot begins on July 19 and closes on Aug. 23, or members may vote in person at the annual meeting on August 26 at the cooperative’s Lake Saint Louis branch office. Contact Chris Ryan, manager of member services and IT, Kevin Hurd, manager of administra¬tive services, to confirm eligibility and learn more about serving as a director. Contact Chris at 636-695-4831/email cryan@cuivre. com, or Kevin at 636-695-4871/email khurd@cuivre.com.

Submitted image Elections are held for four of 12 district seats each year on the CREC Board of Directors. The shaded areas show districts seeking candidates for 2021. To confirm the district you live in, call 636-695-4871.

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

ON A MISSION

Submitted photo Mission: Clean Stream is an annual event that is great for the family as the Greenway Network and St. Charles County, including the communities of Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Lake Saint Louis, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters and Wentzville pitch in to remove trash from getting into local streams and lakes.

Mission: Clean Stream is an effort throughout St. Charles County to pitch in to remove trash from getting into local streams and lakes By Brett Auten

Charlene Waggoner put it bluntly. “Our goal is to go away.” Waggoner is the president of the Greenway Network, one of the organizations that spearheads Mission: Clean Stream. Mission: Clean Stream is an annual event that is a great opportunity for family bonding, racking up volunteer hours, or just general goodness to the planet. Mission: Clean Stream, held on April 10, is when the Greenway Network, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and St. Charles County, including the communities of Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Lake Saint Louis, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters and Wentzville pitch in to remove trash from getting into local streams and lakes. Mission: Clean Stream has evolved into a friendly challenge among neighboring com6 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

munities to do some serious collection of trash in the St. Charles County waterways in a narrow window of time. For example, the last Mission: Clean Stream, in 2019, roughly 50 volunteers collected 1,000-pounds of trash from Cottleville in just a couple of hours. Mission: Clean Stream is narrowing in on year number 15 and the annual event, as you would expect, draws a large amount volunteers. Things will be curbed slightly this year to abide by COVID-19 policies. “We will restrict the size of the groups by quite a bit,” Waggoner said. “Thankfully, we should be able to spread out nicely in a lot of these areas.” Waggoner said that you may request a designated pick up area or one can be assigned to you. Register online and participate by:

• Picking up trash in your own yard. • Take a walk in your subdivision and pick up trash. • Enjoy a walk on our park trails and pick up trash. • Pick up trash around your place of business. • Pick up trash at your school or church. • Pick up trash along roadways and sidewalks. • Pick up trash around park lakes and along creeks. “You can really see what you have accomplished. The before and after is most satisfying,” Waggoner said. “We are seeing less metals and tires but more plastic bottles.” CONTINUED PAGE 7

Around Town

BEFORE Submitted photos Here is a before-and-after of a previous Mission: Clean Stream day. For example, the last Mission: Clean Stream in 2019, roughly 50 volunteers collected 1,000-pounds of trash from Cottleville in just a couple of hours.

Event organizers will provide you with trash bags, adult-sized gloves, a cleanup site and t-shirts, while supplies last as there is a very limited supply of t-shirts this year. Supplies will be available for pick up the week prior, April 5-9 at the city hall where you register. All participants will need to return the liability waiver and photo release before participating in the event. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, including sturdy shoes or boots, an extra pair of gloves if you have them and a drink. Waggoner said that when cleaning up along roadways, please wear bright clothing and or safety vests. Transportation is not provided but all you have to do is leave collected items and mission clean stream trash bags along roadways, shoulders, sidewalks, or trails in your designated pick up area and they will be picked up by city staff. If you are unavailable on April 10, you can register for your desired date to participate, and they will pick up the trash you have collected. “Each municipality will have registration,” Waggoner said. “We are trying to create as many opportunities as we can.” Greenway Network is an all-volunteer organization based in St. Charles County that works throughout the Confluence Region. Its

AFTER

mission is to conserve natural resources and to protect watersheds. It does this primarily through clean water education, research, restoration and recreational programming.

Waggoner also suggested keeping an eye on the Mission: Clean Stream and your local municipalities’ Faceboook page.

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

Wentzville School District buses qualify for fleet excellence award following state inspection The Wentzville School District Transportation bus fleet was inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on March 15, 16, and 17 and was found to have an approval rate of 98.9% for first-time presentations. For reference, the statewide average in 2020 was 89.1%. Of the 186 buses presented for inspection, only two minor defects were identified. The repairs, re-inspections and approvals were all received while the MSHP inspection team was still on site. The 98.9% first-time approval rate qualified the WSD Transportation Department fleet for the Missouri Highway Patrol ‘Certificate of Fleet Excellence Award’ and ‘Total Fleet Excellence’ decals to display on district buses. “Every year the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts a thorough inspection of our fleet to ensure that our buses meet the state safety standards,” said David Wilson, Director of Transportation. “Thanks

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

to the commitment of Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Dan Duncan, District mechanics, drivers, and staff, the WSD Transportation Department can once again assure the community that our children are being transported on safe and well-maintained buses.”

Operation Food Search provides $17,000 in funding to partner agencies Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently presented its own grants to community partners for the first time in the agency’s 40-year history. The funds – which ranged from

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$500 to nearly $9,000 in three categories – were distributed to 14 OFS partners and totaled $17,150. Each grant request was reviewed in an anonymous process by a Community Food Partner Advisory Council that determined the recipients and their award amount. Compliance Emergency grants were given to OFS’s community food partner sites in the event of an emergency requiring financial support that could not be obtained elsewhere. Recipients included Anointed Hands Food Pantry in Maplewood, Church of the Living God Food Pantry in O’Fallon, Illinois., Mind of Christ in East St. Louis, Illinois and Wilhelmina Hardin Food Pantry in St. Louis. Compliance Incentives grants were awarded to improve food site functions, as well as to enhance the site’s environment specifically relating to its pantry. Recipients included Community Interfaith Food Pantry in Belleville, Illinois, Emmanuel SDA Food Pantry in St. Louis, Foster Adoption Support Team (F.A.S.T.) of Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association in St. Charles, Hillsboro Food Pantry in Hillsboro, Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry in St. Louis County, Jefferson County Rescue Mission Food Pantry in Pevely, Missouri, St. Francis Borgia Food Pantry in Washington, Missouri and Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry in O’Fallon. Nutrition Education grants were presented to work with OFS’s nutrition education team and promote healthier food options that are high in nutritional value. Recipients included F.A.S.T. and the Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry. “The pandemic has created many unforeseen emergencies – ranging from refrigeration breakdown to inoperable vehicles – which have a direct impact on our community partners’ ability to distribute food,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild. “This first-time grant of additional funding was designed to support our partners on the front lines as they continue to serve those experiencing food insecurity.”

Crazy for

camps

By Brett Auten

Submitted photo An easy way to keep children and teens active, create memories, build new friendships, and have fun from June through August in a safe and supervised park environment. St. Charles County Parks staff will wear masks inside facilities and have masks available for campers; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines also will be followed at these unique and affordable camps.

The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department looks to ensure summer camps are both fun and safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

hat is summer if you can’t spend it outside? The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s staff has taken all precautionary measures to ensure that summer camps are both fun and safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “From keeping campers properly social distanced and in smaller groups, to making sure they wash hands frequently and don’t share supplies, these are just a few modifications parks staff had to consider while putting together this year’s camp activities,” Nancy Lee Gomer, the Marketing Coordinator for the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, said. “Since many children

spent most of last year isolated and quarantined, the parks department is thrilled to offer them the opportunity to discover something new at these unique summer camp adventures in the parks.” Children ages six-to-17-years-old can get a break from boredom from June through August. Whether it’s a day-long adventure or week-long camp for exploring nature, fishing, history, sports, or arts and crafts, these programs are designed to build confidence and unlock curiosity and creativity. Parks staff will wear masks inside facilities and have masks available for campers; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines also will be followed at these unique and affordable camps: CONTINUED PAGE 10 APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 9

CAMP QUAIL AND CAMP BROEMMELSIEK YOUTH NATURE CAMPS

Get out and explore the outdoors during week-long nature camps at Quail Ridge and Broemmelsiek parks. These half-day camps are designed for youth ages sevento-11 and allow day campers to discover and observe nature using hand-on experimental activities in a safe and friendly environment. Campers will use sensory awareness as well as science to interact with their environment in up close and personal ways. Hiking, map reading, plant and animal identification, water ecology, and fort building are just some of the topics that will be covered at this adventurous camp. The camp is held outdoors, rain or shine. The cost of each weekly program is $50 per child; pre-registration is required. Call the parks department at 636-949-7535 for questions.

YOUTH FISHING CAMPS

Join park staff for several days of morning fishing at these single-day camps that take place at a different habitat at each park. Perfect for beginners as well as intermediate anglers ages eight-to-15. A camp T-shirt and extensive fishing guidance and tips are offered at each event. Space is limited at each half-day session. The cost of the program is $20 and pre-registration is required. Call the parks department at 636-949-7535 for questions. • 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road, Foristell • 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, Towne Park, 100 Towne Park Drive, Foristell • 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville

• 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, June 7–11 and Aug. 2–6; Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville

• 7–11 a.m., Wednesday, July 14 and Aug. 11, The Park at New Melle Lakes, 400 Foristell Road, New Melle

• 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, June 21–25; Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defiance

• 7–11 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defiance

CAMP YAP Here is your traditional full-day camp for children ages six-to-12 at the Youth Activity Park, which is home of the nation’s largest outdoor asphalt pump track and the state’s largest outdoor skate and bike course. Campers get exclusive use of the park before it opens to the public, and will participate in sports activities, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, enjoy special guests, snacks, music, and an age-appropriate movie at the Town Square Movie Theatre next door. The program fee of $120 includes a T-shirt, water bottle, and an ice cream sundae party on Friday. Pre-registration deadline for each session is two weeks prior to the first day of camp. Call the YAP at 636-561-4964 for questions. • 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday, June 7–11 & 21–25, and July 12–16 & 26–30; Youth Activity Park, 7801 Town Square Ave., Dardenne Prairie

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SCHOOL

HISTORY EXPLORER KIDS CAMP

This new, week-long summer course for teens ages 1417 offers an outdoor experience like no other. Under the guidance of experienced park rangers, students will discover paddling, hiking, climbing, and riding in a different park each day during this full-day program. Students will receive classroom instruction for hands-on experiences in archery, ecology, first-aid, and navigation. Drop-off and pick-up locations change daily. The cost of the program is $120 and pre-registration is required. Call 636949-7535 for questions.

Discover history in fun and exciting ways at the Heritage Museum in St. Peters. This week-long camp engages children ages six-to-15 with local history experiences by using historic-themed activities, challenges and crafts. This year’s theme is traveling through time, St. Charles County history. Discover the past while exploring the prehistoric age of the American Indians to the Victorian Era and through the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Through various activities, campers will learn about music of the past, jobs, and the traditions of various cultures that built this community. Cost is $40 per child, which covers all material costs, pre-packaged snacks, and a camp T-shirt. Pre-registration is required. Call the museum at 636-255-6000 for questions.

• 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday, July 19–23 at a different St. Charles County park each day • Day 1: The Park at New Melle Lakes, 400 Foristell Road, New Melle • Day 2: The Hays Home at Matson Hill Park, 3572 Stub Road, Defiance • Day 3: Missouri Bluffs Park, 18 Research Park Circle, St. Charles • Day 4: Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 S., Augusta • Day 5: Youth Activity Park, 7801 Town Square Ave, Dardenne Prairie

DANIEL BOONE HOME DAY CAMP Travel back in time to 1830s Missouri and discover frontier life at this “experimental” week-long camp. Campers ages 10-17 will try their hand at pioneer woodworking, participate in journal making, work with fiber materials, experience a 19th century schoolhouse lesson on the historic park grounds, and much more. The cost of the program is $150 per child and includes all materials. Preregistration is required. Call The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 636-798-2005 for questions. • 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday, July 26–30, The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance.

Photos provded Children stay active exploring nature, history, fishing, sports, arts, and crafts in safe and friendly environments during the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s summer camps. Children ages 6-to-17-years old can discover new and exciting summer camp adventures with the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department this summer. An easy way to keep children and teens active, create memories, build new friendships, and have fun from June through August in a safe and supervised park environment. St. Charles County Parks staff will wear masks inside facilities and have masks available for campers; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines also will be followed at these unique and affordable camps.

• 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, July 12–16; Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters

SUMMER DAY CAMP The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department added another exciting summer camp adventure to this year’s lineup as it teams up with the Lake Saint Louis for an extended Summer Day Camp from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, June 7 – Aug. 6, at Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive in Wentzville. Children ages six-to-12 will enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking, arts and crafts, games and sports, and weekly field and swimming trips at no extra cost during this week-long camp in the park. Cost is $119 per week for residents and $135 per week for non-residents; before and afternoon care is also available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an additional $25 - $30 per week, per need. Register online only. For more information, call the city of Lake Saint Louis at 636-561-4620. Summer Camp registration opened in March. For more information about these action-packed adventures or to register, call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or visit stccparks.org. When registering online, click on “Activity Registration” and browse through the list for your favorite camps.

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

THE NIGHTTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME BY AVALANCHE THERE’S A CERTAIN TYPE OF MAGIC DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS, especially the very late night and into the wee hours of the early morning. Having worked for decades at odd hours, I’ve found there’s a sense of quiet after the nine-to-five crowd goes home – at least until bar closing time. Rush hour traffic has faded and won’t return until the following dawn. Many office buildings go dark, while restaurants and bars ramp up the lights and music to get ready for their busy time. In the emergency services, cops, firefighters and medical personnel get to do their work with fewer administrative hurdles, i.e. the phone rings less, there are fewer supervisors micromanaging the line staff, and one can get work done in an efficient manner. Utility workers also enjoy the same benefits, at the cost of an altered sleep cycle. Of course, once the night comes alive, the type of work tends to be a bit more “colorful” than the typical dayshift. Humans are generally day creatures, with electricity and all that it brings being a relatively recent addition to our existence. Just a bit over a century ago, when the day was done, campfires, candle light and oil lamps were the only way to navigate the darkness; prolonged journeys and activities were limited to daytime hours. Today’s nighttime activity is powered by artificial means, including electricity, central heat, vehicles, internet and television. Alcohol, among other chemical concoctions, is generally consumed at a more rapid rate than during the day, leading to some unfortunate but predictable consequences requiring the services of cops, firefighters and medical personnel. Once the night prowlers are sufficiently fortified, calls for service begin to increase in frequency and strangeness. The animal world is no different. Most animals bed down once the sun sets and limit nocturnal activity except around the time of the full moon. While most animals sleep, a number of species become most active after dark. Rodents burrow and scurry about, free from worries about raptors aloft seeking food during the day. But cats, both domestic and wild, are well equipped with superb night vision, and take over from the birds when it comes to stalking everything from mice to elk. Canines also hunt at night, as anyone who has a dog can attest. When Fido starts barking at zero-dark-thirty, he knows something is out there, even if his annoyed owner (and neighbors) see nothing. I once had a job working security at a large estate, and

12 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

got to spend much time viewing the surroundings via night vision devices and cameras. Most of our “false” intrusion alarms around the perimeter were from wildlife crossing various detection zones. The modern (for the 90’s) tech devices provided a glimpse into world previously hidden from view. Deer, elk, coyotes, foxes and assorted neighborhood roaming pets frequently starred as grainy images on the security control room video monitors. One memorable scene involved a fox running across the front lawn with a grouse in its mouth, off to its lair to have a nocturnal dinner. Like the in the human world, the predators are most active – and successful - in the wee hours. These days, thermal imaging is the preferred cutting-edge detection method, which provides amazing detail on warm-blooded critters prowling about in the cool dark. I once had an opportunity to look through such and imager while my dogs were barking like crazy at apparently nothing on a dark night. “Nothing” was actually a small assortment of ground squirrels and mice running around near the garage, all on display as glowing images on a high-tech device. How the mutts – who were inside the house – knew that tiny creatures were present and active outside remains a mystery. It seems that technology is barely catching up with the ancient behaviors and senses of our furry friends. The image above was captured by an automatic game-camera, catching a cougar near her freshly killed and concealed prey, an elk buried under a layer of grass (the pile behind her.) The camera is cutting-edge tech; the primitive cougar and her ancestors have been doing this since time began. These days I no longer have to stay up pulling graveyard shifts, but instead I get up very early, which allows me to experience the quiet hours before dawn, when the invisible world is active, and the magic goes on unnoticed by many.

Photo by Avalanche

Moore On Life

Body of

BY CINDY MOORE

MY BODY IS TURNING ON ME: strange aches, phantom pains, wiry hairs growing out of weird places. Why is this happening? I’ll do something as simple as open the front door too fast and it results in feeling like I’ve wrenched my shoulder muscle. Or I’ll walk out to get the mail and regret it afterwards. “Did I develop and actual ankle sprain from just stepping down from the curb?” I’ll even wake up on some days only to find that my neck feels like it’s been severed from my head. “What is that beastly pain?” I asked my husband as I rub my aching spine. “Oh ya, that happens. You probably slept wrong.” “Define ‘slept wrong,’ as in I slept upside down from the ceiling like a giant fruit bat with an anvil tied to my head?” Here’s how I slept: I got into bed and laid down on my pillow. I woke up the next morning feeling like my neck has been twisted sideways and pinned all night in between the massive thighs of a professional wrestler. “It’s just your body. It turns on you at our age?”

LIES

“Well I’ve got something to say about that! ‘Hey body, what did I ever do to you?! Haven’t I clothed and fed and given you everything you’ve ever wanted? Remember that time when you had a mad craving for chocolate at 1 a.m.? And not the cheap stuff made from brown Crayon wax and vegetable oil either. No! I got you the good kind; the rich 70% cacao imported straight outta Belgium. AND paid big bucks for it too! Remember how yummy those chocolates were? Remember how we hid the box in the dishwasher because we didn’t want that husband of ours to find them? That wasn’t such a good place after all. The one time he opens the dishwasher to clean his hubcaps and he finds them hidden there and eats half the box! Anyway, I thought we were in this together. Now this is the thanks I get?” “Hey, what other surprises am I in store for?” I ask my husband. He eyes my body up and down and says, “Unusual weight gain.” “Never mind,” I say snarkily, “I just figured out the reason behind the pain in my neck!” APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

THE 2021

GENESIS G80

MAKES ITS MARK IN THE EXECUTIVE LUXURY SEDAN MARKET

The all-new contemporary 2021 Genesis G80 mid-size executive luxury sedan clearly sets a unique high water mark in its segment. It represents the unwavering core value of this amazing brand, which is piloted by Hyundai Motors America. Manufactured and imported from South Korea, G80 was developed on their newest, third-generation advanced rear-wheel-drive platform. Without question, this model is on par and aligned with the likes of BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS Sedans, Volvo S90 and Audi A6 vehicles. Loaded with almost countless factory creature comforts as standard, it has a price point starting at $47,700 for the base 2.5T variant. Included is their 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine which produces 300-horsepower. It’s also available with their 3.5-liter twin turbo engine that generates 375-horsepower. All models come with an eightspeed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is also offered. EPA numbers indicate 23-mpg city/32 highway with the four cylinder. The twin turbo V6 shows 19 city/27-mpg highway. With AWD, the numbers tailor off a bit. Included is a driver selectable controller. One can switch drive modes from Normal or Sport, in order to help provide confident manipulation under most weather conditions. G80 delivers extraordinary and unparalleled conveniences, unprecedented levels of safety as well as an easy to use 14.5-inch infotainment touch screen. It’s all coupled with an opulent interior and a sizable trunk that can accommodate over 13-cubic feet of cargo. If you’re focused at the top-rated, extravagant 3.5T Prestige trim level, the pricing elevates to $65,100. Engineers had the aptitude to maximize passenger comfort and design flexibility while balancing notable performance and safety capabilities. The unibody structure has 6% greater tensile strength than that of the previous G80. This is in part due to the increased use of high strength steel. Their action resulted in a more stable handling vehicle, a quieter interior and elevated the car’s safety objectives. Additional, advanced safety technologies include a suite of active safety enhancements for superior passenger and vehicle protection. Also included is the seamless Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection system. This technology is designed to help avoid a potential collision or reduce impact under certain circumstances. With this supplemental applied science, G80 will employ automatic braking when it detects another vehicle at an unsafe closing rate of speed. 14 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

G80’s exterior design language speaks for itself! It starts with its grandiose large front promenade grille assembly, jazzy and sleek side profile and an ostentatious as well as a unique trendy rear layout that includes jeweled and full LED wraparound taillights. G80 tends to have a coupe like appearance and seats five. The Genesis design team focused on an interior blueprint and principles for optimal ergonomics. The cabin layout was designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, user centric comfortable ambiance. The sophisticated instrument panel ensures an intuitive layout and open feel. An available upgraded Head-Up Display projects a virtual image onto the windshield, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road using a system of mirrors. Front seats are nicely cushioned and offer up ideal support. Generous amounts of head and legroom is quite gratifying, thus allowing adults wiggle room to spare. Synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. Genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. Interior surfaces are available with high grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte finish wood, in order to ensure a luxurious feel. The end result of this all new refined model will prove to be a substantial addition to the Genesis product mix for 2021. All Genesis vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by an industry leading warranty that includes 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain protection. This also includes enhanced roadside assistance as well as concierge services. Genesis Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California and are augmented by their 350 U.S. dealership network.

Entertainment

Bitter battles for control of

‘The Late Shift’ BY STEVE BRYAN

hen Jimmy Fallon took over the reigns of “The Tonight Show” in 2014, he became the latest in a lineage that started with comedian Steve Allen way back in 1954. That late-night talk fest has seen its share of hosts including Jack Paar and the offbeat Ernie Kovacs but, arguably, the king of “The Tonight Show” has been Johnny Carson. He had been working on an ABC quiz show called “Who Do You Trust?” before setting up shop at NBC for 30 years. In addition to being a late-night staple, “The Tonight Show” turned into a battleground in the years after Carson retired. Directed by Betty Thomas (“The Brady Bunch Movie”), “The Late Shift,” a 1996 made-for-TV movie based on the book by New York Times media reporter Bill Carter, showed the “The Late Shift”photo courtesy HBO behind-the-scenes machinations to name either David Letterman or Jay Leno the heir apparent to the late-night throne. John Michael Higgins (“America Says”) does a nice job portraying David Letterman, who had hosted his own low-rated morning talk show in 1980 before “Late Night with David Letterman” took the timeslot right after Carson two years later. Letterman had built an audience over the years and definitely wanted to take over “The Tonight Show” in 1992 when Carson retired, but there were forces working against him. Daniel Roebuck (“The Man in the High Castle”) played Jay Leno, the comedian who had been a frequent guest host of “The Tonight Show” for years. Roebuck did a credible job as Leno, but Kathy Bates overshadowed him as Helen Kushnick, Leno’s agent who tore through NBC like a bull in a china shop and became a producer on

the show. According to “The Late Shift,” NBC dismissed Kushnick for her outrageous behavior. Bates was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as the beleaguered agent. After the dust settled in real life, Letterman moved on and his ratings at CBS were better than those of Leno’s at “The Tonight Show,” but help for Leno came from an unexpected source. Hugh Grant, who had been caught performing a “lewd act” with prostitute Divine Brown, was a guest on Leno’s show where he gave a public apology. That appearance turned the tide for Leno, who dominated the late-night talk arena for years before “retiring” in 2009. In truth, he got his own prime time show. The battle for talk show supremacy was not quite over, though. Conan O’Brien had built up an audience during his tenure on NBC’s “Late Night” and took over hosting duties on “The Tonight Show” after Leno moved on. After a period of months, however, NBC wanted Leno to host a 30-minute show before “The Tonight Show” started at 12:05 a.m. Conan refused to cooperate with this plan, but he later landed at TBS with his own self-titled show. As the old saying goes, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, especially when it comes to that coveted “late shift” known as “The Tonight Show.” The talk show battles backstage are at times more interesting than what occurs in front of the camera. “The Late Shift” is available to stream on Amazon Prime and YouTube.

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Hearty,to support wholesome dishes immune systems Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce

f feeding your family wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms. With their earthy flavor, mushrooms – like many other fruits and vegetables – can also play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system. Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning these familyfriendly recipes for Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto; Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce; Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup; and Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies can help you add allimportant nutrients to your family’s menu. Find more ways to add mushrooms to family meals at mushroomcouncil.com.

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:

4 portobello mushrooms

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Remove stems from mushrooms and brush caps with wet towel. Using spoon, carefully scrape out gills. Slice mushrooms into 1/4-inch pieces and place in medium bowl with olive oil, oregano and smoked paprika.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 small lemon, juice only

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

4 pita breads or naan

Yogurt Dill Sauce: 1 English cucumber, grated 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

16 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

1 teaspoon salt

2 tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 head green lettuce c rumbled feta cheese (optional)

Preheat indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and peppers; grill, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes. To make yogurt dill sauce: Squeeze grated cucumber in clean towel to remove excess liquid. Add to large bowl with yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and dill. Stir to combine. To serve, place mushrooms and peppers in middle of pita bread. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, feta, if desired, and big dollop of yogurt dill sauce.

For the Love of Food

Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 medium onion, small diced

1 bay leaf

8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced

3 cups vegetable broth

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 t ablespoons tomato paste

5 ounces fresh baby spinach

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

1 tablespoon dried basil Directions:

Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes. Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer.

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: Sauce: 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 pounds salmon (4 filets) 12 ounces stir-fry (pad thai) rice noodles 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced 1 cup sugar snap peas 1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-size florets 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:

Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Divide between bowls and top with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella.

Preheat oven to 400 F. In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce; brown sugar; rice vinegar; garlic; ginger; chili garlic sauce, if desired; sesame oil; and barbecue sauce. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer. In small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into pan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky. Discard small bowl sauce if any remains.

Cook stir-fry noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap peas and broccoli. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine. To serve, divide noodles, veggies and salmon between plates. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: Chicken: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs salt, to taste pepper, to taste 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 16 ounces crimini mushrooms, quartered 3 zucchini, sliced in half moons 3 large carrots, thinly sliced 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 16 ounces crimini mushrooms, finely chopped 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup white wine 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

To make chicken: Preheat oven to 450 F. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear chicken until browned, 4-5 minutes on each side. In large bowl, toss mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, garlic and rosemary. On large baking sheet, spread vegetables. Nestle chicken into vegetables. Drizzle with butter and juices from pan. Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. To make orzo: In small pot over medium-low heat, warm broth.

18 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2021

Using skillet from chicken, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 3-4 minutes. Add orzo and black pepper. Stir and cook 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add warm broth to orzo 2/3 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, waiting until last batch is absorbed before adding more. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Serve in individual bowls with chicken and roasted vegetables atop mushroom orzo risotto.

Community Calendar

April 1

April Fools’ Day

Easter Sunday

National Library Workers’ Day

Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

Administrative Professionals Day

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Arbor Day

APRIL 2021 | CROSSROADS | 19

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