THE
fabric OF THE community
APRIL
2022 writers
VOL 18 | 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 2022 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner. He's invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered "Car Talk Radio" over 35 years ago, as his new show "Automotive Insight" can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14
BY STEVE BRYAN
ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15
2 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
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 4
2022
contents
Around Town Local news and events
11
Feature Story THE FABRIC OF THE COMMUNITY Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of DAR create quilts for veterans and baby blankets for enlisted soldiers
12
Always an Adventure Liquid cargo
13
Moore on Life Game on!
14
Automobile Alley The 2022 Subaru WRX delivers improved performance and a higher level of additional safety
15
Entertainment Under one roof: real-life and fictional blended families
16
For the Love of Food Deliciously healthy dishes from sweet to savory
19
Community Calendar: April
On the Cover: Submitted photo
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 3
Around Town
Celebrated leadership Wentzville superintendent becomes the first from Missouri to be selected as the National Superintendent of the Year By Brett Auten DR. CURTIS CAIN ends his Wentzville School District campaign in style. For the past nine years, Cain has served as the superintendent of the Wentzville School District. He recently announced he would be leaving for the Rockwood School District but before bidding adieu, he picked up some major hardware. Last month, Cain was selected as the 2022 American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year during the national conference on education held in Nashville, Tennessee. Although Missouri has been represented by national finalists in past years, Cain is the first Missouri superintendent to be named the AASA National Superintendent of the Year “It caught me completely off guard,” Cain said. “It is very humbling to be recognized by peers and colleagues.” Cain has served as superintendent of the 4 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
WSD since 2013 and is responsible for the educational performance and well-being of more than 17,300 students and 2,600 staff members. Cain was named the 2022
Missouri Superintendent of the Year in November of 2021. CONTINUED PAGE 5
Around Town
Missouri policy allows pharmacists to provide easier access to free or low-cost COVID-19 testing
PHOTOS COURTESY WENTZVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT Wentzville School District superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain was selected as the 2022 AASA National Superintendent of the Year. Missouri has had AASA national finalists in the past, but Cain is the first Missouri superintendent to be named Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Curtis Cain has served as superintendent of the Wentzville School District since 2013 and is responsible for the educational performance and well-being of more than 17,300 students and 2,600 staff members. Overall, he has over 24 years of experience in educational leadership.
Dr. Doug Hayter, Missouri Association of School Administrators Executive Director, said that Cain is a consummate education professional who models excellence in school leadership “His ability to communicate, collaborate on a vision for success, and keep a constant focus on the best interest of students makes him an excellent choice for this national award,” Hayter said. Cain picked up the honor after two of the most harrowing years in education. With the COVID-19 pandemic looming over everyone with school-aged children along with school employees, Cain, like many administrators, had many different outlooks and opinions to be respectful towards. “It was like walking a tightrope during 100-mile-per-hour winds,” Dr. Cain said. “You are trying to be on the lookout for every student and staff member against the backdrop of a huge divide in perspective. But we learned how to persevere, how to problemsolve and really prioritized what is most important. I think those are really important lessons and skill sets that we are going to absolutely need moving forward,” The Wentzville School District has 22 schools and like Rockwood, has four high schools. Wentzville is the ninth-largest school district in Missouri while Rockwood comes in third with 22,268 students. “I have been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Cain over the years and watch him grow as a
leader,” Betsy Bates, WSD Board of Education president, said “This distinction is a reflection of the excellent work happening in the WSD.” Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cain was the associate superintendent of education services at Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas and the director of curriculum and professional development at Park Hill School District before coming to Wentzville. He earned his Ph.D. and education administration degree at Iowa State University. The AASA National Superintendent of the Year program is open to all U.S. superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The applicants were measured against the following criteria: Leadership for Learning, Communication, Professionalism, and Community involvement. A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2021 AASA National Superintendent of the Year to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated, or the school now serving the same area. Looking ahead, Cain said dealing with unforeseen challenges is all part of the job as educator. “Much like COVID, I am sure there will be some unknown thing that will cause us to pivot,” Cain said about education in the future. “I feel that students will be mastering multiple modalities and there will be a continued effort to take care of the social and emotional needs of the students. This was true before the pandemic, but is resonating even more after it.”
A standing order was issued March 15 by Missouri’s State Epidemiologist, Dr. George Turabelidze, which entitles individuals to receive coverage for purchased tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This policy authorizes Missouri pharmacies to charge an individual’s insurance carrier, whether it is private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage, for COVID-19 testing. “Those without a healthcare provider or who lack immediate access to healthcare will have the opportunity to seek testing close to home, for free or at a reduced cost,” said Paula Nickelson, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Dr. Turabelidze’s action is providing one more way we can ease the burden on consumers and the healthcare industry while also limiting spread of the virus in our communities.” Testing options for COVID-19 have evolved considerably since the start of the pandemic and it remains a very important tool for limiting spread, and therefore decreasing instances of hospitalization and death. From testing to vaccinations, pharmacists have played a vital role in Missouri during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Missouri’s broad network of pharmacists, these providers have localized COVID-19-related services, increasing accessibility to individuals in all areas of the state. “The Missouri Pharmacy Association is excited for this standing order, as this will help pharmacists aid their communities in ensuring tests can be utilized to limit the spread of this virus,” said Ron Fitzwater, CEO of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. For more information regarding testing coverage or reimbursement, or to order free at-home testing kits, visit CovidTests. gov. Additional state testing resources can be found at health.mo.gov/communitytest. APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 5
Around Town
St. Charles County Golden Games announces 2022 registration is open Registration for the 2022 St. Charles County Golden Games is open. A full schedule of events and the registration form are available at scc-goldengames.org. Registration deadline is March 31. Cost for the games is $35. All participants receive a Golden Games t-shirt and a complimentary invitation to the Annual Golden Games Banquet. A single fee allows registrants to participate in as many events as possible without a schedule conflict. In 2022, the games are back to a full schedule of events, both indoor and outdoor. The games will take place from April 30 – May 7, with the banquet on May 2 at The Christy of O’Fallon. New events for this year include Texas Hold’em Poker which will
be held on May 2 at the Heritage of Hawk Ridge Clubhouse in Lake Saint Louis. This year is the 35th anniversary of The Golden Games which include nearly 70 different events, both athletic and non-athletic, and take place throughout St. Charles County at local high schools, colleges, county parks, the YMCA, golf courses, senior living facilities and specialty sports clubs. Competitions are designed for all age groups and abilities. Events are open competition and divided into age groups of five-year increments; 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and older. In the true Olympic Spirit, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for first, second and third place.
Custom Gateway Arch license plate design available for Missouri drivers
Is the Gateway Arch your favorite monument? Want to show off your St. Louis pride in a fun way? Proudly display your love for STL and the Arch with the redesigned specialty Arch license plate, which supports programs at Gateway Arch National Park. By ordering a license plate from the non-profit Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), your tax-deductible contribution will support enriching educational programs for all ages at Gateway Arch National Park. JNPA also creates additional support by operating The Arch Store, located in the visitor center beneath the Gateway Arch. “Though based in St. Louis, Missouri, our current operations span five states. Your support enables us to enrich the public's appreciation and understanding of America's national parks, public lands and historic places,” said David Grove, president and CEO of JNPA. “There are many ways to give, whether it’s a direct donation, a tribute in honor of a special person, or a contribution towards a Gateway Arch license plate.” To order your Arch license plate, follow the step-by-step instructions at archplates.jnpa.com, which include submitting your taxdeductible donation to JNPA as well as completing the state’s application for personalized plates. You can customize your own plate message, so use your creativity. You may order Gateway Arch license plates at any time, regardless of your current license plate expiration date. 6 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
Around Town
Rock legends Cheap Trick and country star Chris Janson to headline O’Fallon’s 2022 Heritage & Freedom Fest Headline acts for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest were announced at the March 10 O’Fallon City Council meeting. This year’s starring performers are: Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on July 4, and country music star Chris Janson on July 3. The 2022 Heritage & Freedom Fest will be held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex at 900 T. R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. Opening acts for both nights will be announced later this
spring. O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest kicks off on July 1, with a night of carnival rides from 4-10 p.m., followed by Family Night on July 2, featuring a carnival, a colorful midway, family-friendly sideshows and other activities from 4–10 p.m. (There will be no fireworks or Main Stage music on Friday or Saturday.) On July 3 (4-11 p.m.) and July 4 (noon-
10 p.m.), the festival will get into full party mode with free concerts, fireworks, and free kids’ and family-friendly activities. On July 4, at 9:30 a.m., O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, which is one of the biggest in the area, will step off from Main and Third streets and proceed north to Tom Ginnever Avenue, continue east on Tom Ginnever and end at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival entrance.
St. Charles County to benefit from nationwide settlement with opioid manufacturers, distributors St. Charles County will receive a gross allocation of $19.6 million in a nationwide settlement of lawsuits against companies that manufactured and distributed opioids. Once final, this community-led effort will secure billions of dollars in opioid epidemic relief resources nationwide, of which Missouri and its counties and cities will receive hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 18 years. “This is a milestone moment,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “There has been both a human and financial cost to this opioid crisis, and these funds will go toward community programs with proven track records of supporting recovery efforts here in St. Charles County and throughout the state.” While this is a major moment in the fight against opioid abuse and misuse, it is just the start, according to Ehlmann. St. Charles County has cases against other defendants in the opioid industry and will continue the tireless pursuit for justice and accountability on behalf of our residents and those statewide impacted by the opioid epidemic. Statistics from the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner show there were 426 opiate-related deaths in St. Charles County from 2017-2020. Ehlmann says the epidemic has cost taxpayers millions through increases in jail population and related costs; opioidrelated crime including patrolling and overtime; NARCAN funding; 911 calls; and the number of cases in the Prosecuting Attor-
ney’s office. St. Charles County filed a lawsuit in August 2018 following other jurisdictions in Missouri and around the country. Several of the companies being sued negotiated with Attorneys General across the country to have the settlements funneled through the states, rather than each jurisdiction.
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 7
Around Town
State of ‘Grace’ The Grace Period helps move people in St. Charles County who can't yet afford stable housing into self-sufficiency by utilizing transitional housing By Brett Auten THREE YEARS AGO, Sara Chandler and Amie Littrell were walking alongside the vulnerable and unsheltered. The pair were volunteering at SunRise Church in 2019 when the inspiration struck to move adults and families who can't yet afford stable housing into self-sufficiency by utilizing transitional housing. There were no organizations in St. Charles County dedicated solely to transitional housing for adults and families over age 21. In addition, the waiting list for section 8 was months, even years. The Grace Period was born out of this gap, and provides expensefree, transitional living and case management for these people so that each family will be able to afford the life they are searching for. The vision is to work closely with families on development goals and successfully move them from being unsheltered into stable, permanent, safe, and affordable housing. Permanent housing changes the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their children. Chandler is the co-founder and Executive Director and drives the
8 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Left photo: The Grace Period founders, Amie Latrill (left) and Sara Chandler. Right photo: The Grace Period Executive Director Sara Chandler (left) and house manager Janet Bernacki and director of development Michael Moellering have a discussion during a recent event.
organization forward “As a kid, I had two hard-working parents who struggled financially,” she said. “We didn’t know how to access available resources. As I grew up, I realized that we weren't the only ones going through this. I want no one to feel like I did, which was very lonely and very scared.” Chandler helped launch The Grace Period for parents like hers and for families like her friends’ families who just needed a little help to get through a hard time in order to get to a more stable place. The Grace Period aids in creating self-sufficiency in a society that doesn’t always understand the impact of circumstances that are beyond one’s control. The Grace Period could have helped my parents get their family to a more stable place.” Littrell is the spiritual director and provides spiritual guidance and leads a 12-week course on spiritual faith. She has a master of divinity degree and is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. The program has already had five graduates in its short time, which included the height of the pandemic. “It's extremely difficult, if not impossible, for some to get the payment for rent-times-three,” Chandler said “We noticed that a lot of the homeless, just in O'Fallon, were working jobs but living couch to couch or at hotels.” A 40-hour work week is mandatory to even get into the program, or enrollment in continuing education. A financial course, one of seven programs offered, is mandatory. The Grace Period focuses on high accountability, education and goal-setting led by a family-like, faith-based team of staff and volunteers. The Grace Period receives no federal funding and is always looking for family sponsorship where you pay the rent and utilities for three months. “We are very local,” Chander said. “We really want to help the people of St. Charles. It is all about us giving back. We're not here to make money, we are here so these people won't go through this alone.” The Grace Period is located in Cottleville. For more information, call 636-542-2720 or visit thegraceperiod.net.
Community Calendar
April 1
April Fool’s Day
6
National Tartan Day
7
Cardinals Opening Day
10
Palm Sunday
12
National Library Workers’ Day
13
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
16
Passover
17
Easter Sunday
18
Tax Day
22
Earth Day
28
Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 9
THE
fabric OF THE community Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of DAR create quilts for veterans and baby blankets for enlisted soldiers
By Brett Auten It wasn't gossipy and giggles mixed with teas and treats. More like hours of rat-a-tat-tat, gears whirling, and literal truckloads of material Beth Mennehan is part of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. From last August up to February, the members met in Mennehan's Dardenne Prairie basement where anywhere from four to five sewing machines prattled on as they were on a quest to create as many quilts as they could to be delivered to the Missouri Veterans Home, located on Lewis and Clark Blvd in St. Louis. 10 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
“It wasn't a sewing social,” Mennehan said. There are eight to 10 of us in the basement with four or five sewing machines going, an ironing board, and a lot of fabric. The lap quilts do exactly what its name implies. Last year, 11 quilts were donated, as part of their own-going, self-titled “Patriot Project” Mennehan moved to Dardenne Prairie from Virginia and she eventually became a DAR member here. She had made one or two quilts a year on her own, but she bandied together some other members
in her home. If you could sew straight, great. If you couldn't stitch at all, there were still things to do. She even created a take-home version that had everything you need to make a quilt. Their next project is for a baby shower in late July where they are hoping to make anywhere from 20 to 40 baby blankets for pregnant enlisted soldiers. “They need the support,” Mennehan said. “For the enlisted, it is not necessarily the most supportive environment when you
SUBMITTED PHOTOS The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently donated 24 lap quilts made by its Chapter members to the Missouri Veterans Home. The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution donated large quilts in the fall to the female veterans who live at the Missouri Veterans home, located on Lewis and Clark Blvd in St. Louis.
are pregnant, compared, say, to an officer.” A bulk of which came from a donation near Columbia. “We went up there twice,” Mennehan said. “We came back with a truckload and a trailer's worth.” For more than a century, the members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavors. These goals are as relevant in today's society as they were when the organization was founded in 1890. Most of DAR's volunteer work is still accomplished by the grassroots efforts of chapters on
the local level which focus on the mission areas of DAR by encouraging members to become involved in these initiatives in their local communities. But things have changed. “It's exciting to be able to do it but the DAR is not the same as my mother's 60 years ago when it was a lot of cleaning up cemeteries,” Mennehan said. “We are a women's service organization first and foremost.”
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 11
Always An Adventure
LIQUID CARGO IT HAS CONTINUED TO SNOW REGULARLY HERE THIS WINTER, with big storms separated by some warm sunny days. Even with the sun baking the snowpack, there are still huge piles of snow taller than the people walking by in many spots around the neighborhood. One of my neighbors asked if I could widen out the entrance to her driveway so a propane delivery could be made. It seems that the truck driver had attempted to come up her driveway and aborted the mission, claiming he couldn’t make it. It seemed like there should be enough room, with enough space on either side of a full-sized tanker truck, but such matters are at the discretion of the “pilot in command.” I took the skid steer up to her place and cleared out a couple feet of snow drifts on the sides of the entrance to the driveway, adding a margin of safety on either side, and made sure the area around the propane tank was wide open, making any subsequent delivery a more comfortable endeavor for the hazmat driver. This took me back to a time some years ago, (ok, some decades ago, four to be exact,) when I was an apprentice mechanic working in a full-service garage. We got a call of a broken-down propane truck way up a remote creek drainage that needed to be towed to the shop. Frank, the boss, had me tag along for training purposes, so I would learn about towing larger vehicles. I welcomed getting out of the shop for a lesson. It turned out to be quite an educational experience. A half-dozen miles up the highway and a dozen miles up a snow packed and icy narrow two-lane (in name only) road, we came upon the inert propane delivery tanker. Frank showed me a few tricks about getting such a heavy load hooked up and properly secured, which wasn’t much different than hooking up a car, everything was just bigger, and needed to be done with care. We began hauling the mostly-full sloshing tanker down the narrow road, with the boss driving and negotiating the some12 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
what-plowed road. The tow truck in question was known as Big Red, a giant, hideous sculpture of heavy metal, manufactured sometime in the 1950s. While lacking in any aesthetic value, it was an incredibly durable and tough unit. Seat belts were an afterthought when it was built, and if they had been thought of at the time, that thought – and the belts – were long gone. While Frank was driving, he went just a little too far to the right side of the road, and dropped the right front wheel down in the hidden snow-covered ditch. The next few seconds were rather exciting, with Big Red and its trailing, sloshing, flammable payload fishtailing back and forth across the roadway. Somehow Frank managed to keep severaldozen-thousand pounds of steel and liquid BTU’s on the road, straightened everything out, and we continued on our merry way, with reduced vehicle speed, and accelerated heart rates. Just a couple more miles down the road, there was a sharp turn in the road where a bridge crossed the creek. Frank slowed to negotiate the turn, but the temperature was right at freezing, when the H20 on the road didn’t know which form to take, whether snow, ice, or water, and was as slick as it could be. Instead of turning in the direction where the front tires were aimed, Big Red and our towed road-bomb continued straight into the end of the guardrail at the entrance of the bridge. The lack of seat belts painfully came to my attention as my knees slammed into the aptly-named “dash board,” made of steel of course, in keeping with the industrial motif of this vintage truck. The pain from my dashed kneecaps distracted me from being as terrified as I had been during our previous all-too recent near-death experience. Looking back on it, my knees slamming into the spacious steel interior of the truck kept my head from bashing a hole in the windshield, so at least I had that going for me. After our sudden stop, we got out and inspected everything. There were a few new
BY AVALANCHE
scratches on the already beat up front bumper. The towed 2,500-gallon explosion-in-waiting didn’t shift enough on the tow sling to worry about. The end of the guardrail was scrunched rather nicely, but it would offer a more cushioned surface for the next errant driver to impact. While Frank taught me a lot that day, the lessons weren’t entirely welcome. That said, I know that if today’s propane delivery driver wants more room to maneuver, I’ll gladly provide it for him, as he sits in front of a rather touchy load of liquid cargo.
Moore On Life
GA ME ON ! BY CINDY MOORE I’M NOT MUCH OF A SPORTS FAN
whereas my husband is, but then he’s not much for word games and I am. I can’t get him to play games such as Scrabble or Bananagrams because they require a diverse vocabulary and if he can’t find touchdown or playoff in the letter choices then game over. But I like to watch his sports competitions because I’m always finding new words. The announcer says, “Touchback!” “Oh, oh…I know that word,” I proudly say. “That happened when we took the kids on vacation in the car. Remember, one elbowed the other and then they both started crying so I started yelling to find out who touched who first. Of course, the one who was touched first had to “touch back” second to get even and…” My husband has put the game on pause and is staring at me blankly like I’ve misplaced my marbles. “I am going to turn this game back on and by the time I do, I hope there is complete silence so I can enjoy my man time,” he grumbles. This month he has turned into a March Madness madman. At the same time, I have become hooked
on a new game called Wordle. I am officially a Wordle nerdle. I need a five-letter word to start out the game. Preferably, I like it to have two vowels and three consonants. I’m sure my husband will like this one. I wander down into his noisy sports lair. “Hey Sweetie, help me come up with a good five letter word.” “Foul!” he shouts. “Nope, too short.” “Assist, assist!” “Sorry, that has a double S.” Not much of a speller, but I knew I’d get him interested, I think to myself. “Come on. Defense!” “Too long and way too many E’s.” “Hey, couldn’t you see that man was open?! You #&%@!” “Hey! I said five, not four-letter words. But you’re getting close. Isn’t this fun?” “Here it comes. Oh ya!” “I knew you’d come up with one,” I say with my pencil ready. “It’s coming…!” “Tell me! What have you got?!” “SCORE!!” Two vowels, three consonants! We both stand and cheer. It’s so nice to share in the same interests!
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 13
Automobile Alley
THE 2022
SUBARU WRX
DELIVERS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND A HIGHER LEVEL OF ADDITIONAL SAFETY
NOW MANUFACTURED IN ITS FIFTH GENERATION, and based on the factory's
global platform, Subaru Motors is making available for 2022, the performance-oriented WRX model equipped with a 271-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged "boxer" style engine. This uniquely engineered powerplant is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or newly designed automatic. The engines turbo set-up is equipped with an electronically-controlled wastegate system and air-bypass valves, solely designed to improve responsiveness and acceleration. Every WRX is equipped with all-wheel-drive and their active torque vectoring system. The reworked automatic tranny offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts and 50 percent faster downshifts. This transmission incorporates adaptive shift control. It can quickly respond to assisting in maintaining stability through tight corners. The '22 version of the WRX four door sports sedan delivers improved performance, enhanced technology, reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness and a higher level of additional safety. Also new for this model year is a top-of-theline GT trim. The GT offers a first-ever, electronically controlled suspension components that can be tailored to the driver’s preferences. This includes Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel and damper settings, with up to 430 different customization options. The GT also fea14 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
tures exclusive exterior and interior accents. Electronic power steering provides quicker response and improved steering feel, thus helping to keep the driver more in-tune with various driving conditions. This enhancement elevates a more natural steering feel. The car's robust frame construction and use of structural adhesives delivers 28 percent increase in overall torsional rigidity. The new suspension design improves vehicle stability and lateral grip on uneven surfaces. The rear stabilizer operates more efficiently and contributes to a reduced roll rate when cornering. WRX has a wide-body design offering an aggressive stance and bold new look. At the front, Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille is partnered with compact LED headlights and a broad front hood scoop to emphasize the broad and low look. Prominent character lines across the front, sides and rear of the vehicle further empathize the sports sedan’s strength and performance capability. The front fenders are now made of weight reduction aluminum. The rear deck lid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler painted to match the body color. Rear taillights are designed with a bright glow about them. Aerodynamic improvements include an air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel openings. This allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift - improved driving stability. Air outlets at each side of the rear bumper reduces body sway, due to trapped air behind
the bumper. Beneath the front of the vehicle, the engine undercover also features an aerodynamic design, that channels airflow downward. Depending on the vehicle’s trim, the factory includes either 17 or 18-inch summer tires mounted on alloy wheels. The black interior with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber pattern accents reflect attention to details. The steering wheel is designed with a flat-bottom, is leather-wrapped and has integrated switches for audio, voice recognition, and other controls. Pricing starts at $29,105 for the new WRX model. Shipping charges are $995 extra. The estimated combined city/highway fuel consumption is around 22 MPG. It's recommended to operate on premium grade/high octane fuel. And in the event you happen to be curious, WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental!"
Entertainment
Under one roof:
real-life and fictional blended families
BY
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n their book, “Brady Brady Brady,” Sherwood Schwartz, creator of “The Brady Bunch,” and son Lloyd talked about the inspiration for the iconic series. The elder Schwartz had spotted a column item in the Los Angeles Times that contained the following: “In the year 1965, more than 29 percent of all marriages included a child or children from a previous marriage.” Thinking that could be the plot of a sitcom, he registered his concept with the Writers Guild of America. Schwartz originally called the series “Yours & Mine” before it was officially christened “The Brady Bunch.” Blended family stories have been around long before Mr. Schwartz created his series and even more have been created since then. Disney+, the Photo courtesy 20th Century Studios House of Mouse’s streaming service, recently promoted a new version of “Cheaper by the Dozen,” also fostered Jimmy-John (Clifford Tatum, Jr.), an orphan with a a film inspired by the real-life Gilbreth family. Gabrielle Union chip on his shoulder. He became part of the family as well, but and Zach Braff starred as two single parents who merged their while Anna had room in her heart for more children, her husfamilies together. Disney’s writers were obviously confused, band firmly said they were “Full Up.” No blended family story would be complete without Dorothy though, because the plot of the new “Cheaper” was more like “Yours, Mine and Ours,” a wonderful 1968 comedy based on the and Bob DeBolt, a couple who ultimately adopted 14 children. Dorothy had five biological children and her husband had a biolives of Frank and Helen Beardsley. With only a trailer to go by, the new version of the Gilbreth logical daughter and, over the years, they adopted more children, story looked lost in translation. Frank Gilbreth and his sister some of whom were rescued from war torn countries as well as Ernestine Gilbreth Carey wrote the autobiographical 1948 novel ones with special needs. The 1977 documentary “Who Are the “Cheaper by the Dozen” and followed that up with the 1950 se- DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids?” shed light quel “Belles on Their Toes.” Both books were great reads. Their on this blended family and earned an Academy Award for Best parents, Frank and Lillian, were time and motion experts and Feature-length Documentary. Henry Winkler even narrated a often used their homelife to prove their theories. Although the 50-minute televised version of the film late in 1978. Disney deserved some credit for releasing more family content “Dozen” in the title indicated 12 children, Mary Gilbreth had to their streaming platform, but they need to make sure they passed away at age 5. Adoption was at the heart of “Room for One More,” a clas- stay true to the original stories, especially ones based on real-life sic Cary Grant/Betsy Drake comedy about a family who took in families. It would be nice to see an updated “Cheaper by the two orphans, even though they had three children of their own. Dozen” that focused on the real Gilbreth family. The 2022 “Cheaper by the Dozen” movie is available on Anna Rose (Drake) brings Jane (Iris Mann) home to meet the family and the arrangement becomes permanent. The family Disney+. APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 15
For the Love of Food
DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY DISHES from sweet to savory
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upplementing meals and snacks with powerful, versatile ingredients can take healthy eating from bland and boring to delicious and adventurous. Take your breakfasts, appetizers, dinners and desserts to new heights while maintaining nutrition goals with naturally nutritious and surprisingly versatile California Prunes. Rich and smooth with an ability to enhance both sweet and savory flavors, they can expand your menu with nearly endless powerful pairing options. One serving of 4-5 prunes packs a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Together, these nutrients form a web of vital functions that support overall health. Whole, diced or pureed, the versatility of prunes allows you to enhance the flavor of recipes from morning to night in dishes like Citrus Breakfast Toast, which brings together vitamin B6 and copper
from prunes and vitamin C from citrus to support a healthy immune system. Try Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Prune and Thyme Flatbreads for a tasty family meal, and while you wait for dinner to cook, you can serve up Prune, Mozzarella and Basil Skewers. These easy appetizers provide several key nutrients. Mozzarella is a good source of calcium and prunes provide vitamin K and copper, all of which support overall bone health. Make dessert a bit better for you but equally delectable with a vegan option like gluten-free, plant-based Prune and Almond Truffles. The soluble fiber in prunes helps lower serum cholesterol and blunt the effects of excessive sodium in the diet. Nuts like almonds provide good fats that help lower the risk for heart disease. Find more recipe ideas at CaliforniaPrunes.org.
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES SERVINGS: 5
INGREDIENTS: 5 pieces prosciutto, halved lengthwise (optional) 10 California Prunes 10 basil leaves 10 cherry-size mozzarella balls DIRECTIONS: If using prosciutto, fold each half in half lengthwise so width of prune is wider than width of prosciutto. Starting at one end of prosciutto, wrap one prune; repeat with remaining prosciutto. Set aside. Wrap one basil leaf around each mozzarella ball then thread onto skewer. Thread one prune or prosciutto-wrapped prune onto each skewer.
Prune, Mozzarella 16 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
& Basil Skewers
For the Love of Food
Citrus Breakfast Toast PREP TIME: 13 MINUTES COOK TIME: 2 MINUTES SERVINGS: 2
INGREDIENTS: Prune Puree: 16 ounces pitted California Prunes 1/2 cup hot water 1 large citrus fruit, peels and piths removed with knife, sliced into rounds 1 1/2 tablespoons raw sugar
4 tablespoons sunflower butter 2 slices whole-grain sourdough bread, toasted to desired darkness 2 tablespoons prune puree 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds 2 California Prunes, finely diced
DIRECTIONS: To make prune puree: In blender, pulse prunes and water to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary. Store in airtight container up to 4 weeks. To make bruleed citrus wheels: Place citrus wheels on baking sheet and divide sugar evenly among each piece. Using circular motion, pass flame of culinary torch repeatedly over sugar until it boils and turns lightly charred and amber. To build toast: Spread 2 tablespoons sunflower butter on each piece of toast. Top each with 1 tablespoon prune puree spread evenly across sunflower butter. Sprinkle each evenly with sunflower seeds and diced prunes. Top each with half broiled citrus and serve. Alteration: Use broiler set on high instead of culinary torch to caramelize sugar. CONTINUED PAGE 18
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 17
For the Love of Food
Prune & Almond Truffles RECIPE COURTESY OF MEG OF “THIS MESS IS OURS” PREP TIME: 45 MINUTES SERVINGS: 24
INGREDIENTS: Water 1 cup California Prunes 1 1/2 cups toasted slivered almonds, divided 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla paste or extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract DIRECTIONS: Boil water and pour over prunes. Soak 30 minutes; drain. In food processor fitted with “S” blade, pulse 1/2 cup toasted almonds with salt, to taste, until fine crumbs form. Transfer to shallow bowl and set aside. Add remaining almonds to food processor with 1/4 teaspoon salt and cocoa powder. Pulse 30 seconds to combine. Add prunes, vanilla paste and almond extract; process until combined. Mixture should be creamy with slight texture from almond crumbs. Transfer prune mixture to bowl and refrigerate 1 hour. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop to portion out individual truffles on parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently roll each truffle in reserved toasted almond crumbs. Store on parchmentlined plate in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Serve chilled.
18 | CROSSROADS | APRIL 2022
For the Love of Food
Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Prune & T hyme Flatbreads PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES YIELD: 4 FLATBREADS
INGREDIENTS: Caramelized Onions: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup butter 6 large yellow sweet onions, sliced into thin half circles 3 sprigs fresh thyme coarse kosher salt, to taste Flatbreads:
4 personal flatbreads 1 cup caramelized onions 4 ounces fresh mozzarella 10 California Prunes, diced small 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves sea salt, to taste coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS: To make caramelized onions: Preheat oven to 400 F. In large stockpot over medium-low heat, warm oil and melt butter. Add onions and cover; cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add thyme sprigs and season with salt, to taste; turn pan lid slightly ajar. Place pot in oven 1 hour, stirring occasionally. To make flatbreads: Preheat oven to broil. On sheet pan, toast flatbreads under broiler 4 minutes, or until toasted, flipping halfway through. Spread 1/4 cup of caramelized onions over each toasted flatbread. Refrigerate leftover onions. Tear mozzarella and place over onions. Divide prunes among flatbreads and place flatbreads under broiler 4-6 minutes until cheese has melted and is beginning to brown. Sprinkle flatbreads with fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
APRIL 2022 | CROSSROADS | 19
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