CrossRoads: May 2023

ODDS BEATING THE

Mathew DeKinder

Robert Huneke

PRODUCTION

Rebecca Brockmann

Melissa Nordmann

CONTRIBUTORS

Avalanche

David Finkelstein

Cindy Moore

STAFF WRITER

Brett Auten

BY AVALANCHE

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

BY CINDY MOORE

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

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

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

BY STEVE BRYAN

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

MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13 ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

Around Town

Local news and events

Community Calendar: May

BEATING THE ODDS

Lindenwood track athlete from Troy overcomes thyroid cancer diagnosis and returns to competition

Always an Adventure Cheers to a great winter

Moore on Life

Sneaky Peeper

Automobile Alley

The 2023 Kia Carnival envisions a new future for minivans

Entertainment

Movie previews: ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

For the Love of Food

Prioritize heart health with a balanced eating plan

ANSWERING THE CALL

The staff of St. Charles County Emergency Communications handles life-or-death situations on a daily basis as they answer 911 calls from around the county

By Brett Auten

IN A TIME OF CRISIS OR DANGER, when you are pleading for help, you want the voice on the other line to be both sympathetic and competent.

The staff of St. Charles County Emergency Communications provides dispatching services for all fire and EMS agencies within St. Charles County, as well as the St. Charles County Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Department of Corrections. In 2022, dispatchers across St. Charles County answered 127,265 calls to 911, with an average answer time of 3.5 seconds. More than half of all those calls were either answered by or transferred to County Emergency Communications dispatchers.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service and sacrifice.

The Community News touched base with several of these unsung heroes. To a person, they talked about the ability to listen intently and multi-tasking as two of the more important traits. Several come from first responder families, whether it be police, fire or ambulance and they also trumpeted the fulfillment they receive as working together as a team, often referring to their coworkers as family.

Andrea Burke has worked for St. Charles County Emergency Communications for 15 years.

“Emotionally, it is imperative that you are able to compartmentalize and work through difficult situations involving life, death, and property,” Burke said. “In this job, you could quite possibly be giving a wife instructions on how to perform CPR on her husband until paramedics arrive and then instantly be on the next call instructing a husband on how to help his wife deliver their baby.”

While everyone likes to speak of the triumphant days, it is not always like that.

“Unfortunately, the bad calls seem to be the ones you remember the most,” Burke said. “But I do remember helping a father deliver his baby and take care of the mom until paramedics arrived. The call lasted approximately 10 minutes and, in that time, I helped him prepare mom and deliver a healthy baby boy. I believe that baby would be about 10 years old today.”

Brian Garms wanted to be a dispatcher back in the early 2010s when it seemed several of his friends were looking for a career in public safety. Garms was able to think critically under stress in one of the most famous calls in recent memory, the ice rescue at Lake St. Louis in 2015 that was later turned into the movie, “Breakthrough.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: In 2022, dispatchers across St. Charles County answered 127,265 calls to 911, with an average answer time of 3.5 seconds. More than half of all those calls were either answered by or transferred by County Emergency Communications dispatchers.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

Henges and Busch Shooting Ranges host five-stand shooting now through Aug. 31

Five-stand is a discipline of clay bird shooting that simulates realistic scenarios to help prepare hunters for going afield. Both Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staffed shooting ranges and outdoor education centers in the St. Louis area, August A. Busch in Defiance and Jay Henges in Eureka, will begin hosting fivestand shotgun shooting opportunities starting in April.

The days and times of the week Five Stand will be offered are as follows:

• August A. Busch Shooting Range— Thursday from 1-7:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Jay Henges Shooting Range—Wednesday from 1-7:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Five-stand shooting at both ranges will be offered through Aug. 31.

Continued from page 4

“I like playing a positive role in someone’s emergency,” he said. “Sometimes you feel like you beat Mother Nature. There is really nothing like hearing someone improve from imminent death to stable.”

Teresa Boyd took a call from a 16-year-old male that was in an accident and his vehicle had rolled over. He was alert, awake, but very frightened. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to hang up or put him on hold

“I have a 16-year-old son, so I just talked to him about school and other things, continuing to reassure him that help was almost there,” Boyd said. “Even when they arrived, he didn’t want me to hang up till they actually got him out of the car. It was rewarding for me as a mom to be able to comfort him while they got to him and to hear that he was OK when they got him out.”

Danielle Rujawitz said her goal is to answer every call with the same good attitude and calmness no matter what is happening and though Sheila Murray is new to the career she won't soon forget her first cardiac arrest call.

“It was adrenaline mixed with the desire to help and stay calm for the caller,” Murray said. “I enjoy being a calm voice on the other end

Targets in five-stand imitate the flight patterns of some of Missouri’s most popular game birds. Shooters rotate through five stations where they will see clay targets flying left and right, toward and away from them at different angles and speeds. This discipline is an excellent preparation for beginning shooters looking to get into game bird hunting.

Five-stand shooting use fees are $4 per round, which includes clay birds. Both shooting ranges offer eye and ear protection if shooters don’t have their own.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, is at 1100 Antire Road, just off I-44, exit 269 in Eureka.

of the phone in some of the worstcase scenarios.”

With little over four years under her belt, Rachel Delles has not secondguessed this post-military career. “Ever since I was in high school deciding what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I wanted to work in public service,” Delles said. “After leaving active-duty military, I wanted to have a career where I still felt like I was doing good for my country and community. I was looking into law enforcement but kept seeing dispatch jobs and decided to try it out and have loved it ever since.”

Corey Miller has worked as a fire and EMS dispatcher for the past six years and prior to that was an EMT. He was looking to make a career change to better his schedule but still wanted to stay in emergency services. Dispatching and the technology used has always interested him so it turned out to be just the right fit.

“As a dispatcher you can be rest assured that every day you will learn something new and no one day is like another,” Miller said. “As well, we often spend more time with our coworkers than our own family, we eat together, we laugh together and we are sad together. When someone leaves to go to another department or retires that sense of family is not lost.”

Slow

down

and give turtles a brake

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages drivers to be cautious on the roads this spring and give turtles a brake. These reptiles are often hit by cars during the warmer months, but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active.

Common turtles spotted crossing Missouri roads include threetoed box turtles, ornate box turtles and snapping turtles.

Turtles emerge from their burrows and begin the hunt for food and mates during warm and wet conditions, which can lead them to cross roadways, oftentimes resulting in their death. Thousands of box turtles are killed every year by vehicles.

Young males make up most of the travelers, sometimes wandering as many as six miles searching for territories and mates. Females are also crossing the roads in search of nesting areas.

Turtles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, and depend on external sources of heat to determine their body temperatures. This is why people see them on warm asphalt during cool, spring days.

Vehicles are one of the leading threats box turtles face in Missouri, and MDC urges motorists to be cautious and slow down if they see a turtle in the road. If helping a turtle make it safely across, check for traffic and always move the turtle in the direction it is traveling.

Additionally, MDC urges the public to leave turtles in the wild. Taking a wild animal, whether a turtle or other wildlife species, and keeping it as a pet normally ends in a slow death. Leave turtles in the wild, follow the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road.

For more information on Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fieldguide/search/turtle.

MDC urges public to leave wildlife wild this spring

As you head outdoors this spring to enjoy the warmer weather, it’s likely you’ll encounter a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they appear to be abandoned, but that’s rarely the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that interfering with wildlife does more harm than good.

According to MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell, young animals are rarely orphaned.

“When we see newborn wildlife alone, that means the parents are likely out searching for food and will return,” Russell explained. A common newborn species people can come across in the spring season is young birds.

“If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone because it’s a fledgling and the parents are nearby keeping watch,” said Russell. “Fledglings can spend up to 10 days hopping on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, you can return it to the nesting area if possible, as it likely fell out of its nest.”

Russell also warned against “rescuing” newborn rabbits.

“Rabbits seldom survive in captivity and can die of fright from being handled,” she said. “Even if the animal is injured, it’s best to return it to the nest because the mother will most likely return.”

Human scent does not cause wild mothers to reject their young, and most newborn animals do not survive in captivity.

“It takes a lot of knowledge to care for and rehabilitate wild animals,” stressed Russell. “It requires special training, permits and facilities. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals

without a valid state or federal permit.”

Russell also noted wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry disease, parasites and cause property damage.

“We know people have good intentions, and it can be tempting to take these cute, young animals in our homes, but the best thing we can do for wild animals is to leave them be,” she said.

To learn more about Missouri’s native wildlife, visit the MDC online Field Guide at https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ field-guide/search.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: You may encounter a variety of newborn animals this spring, such as cottontail rabbits (pictured). MDC encourages the public to leave wildlife alone as attempting to help them can do more harm than good.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Ornate box turtles (pictured) are a species drivers may see crossing the roads this spring. MDC encourages drivers to slow down and give turtles a brake as they cross Missouri roads in search of food and a mate.

St. Charles County Assessor hosting community Q&A sessions about reassessments

St. Charles County Assessor Scott Shipman and Assessor-Elect Travis Welge are hosting community question-and-answer sessions to give the public an opportunity to discuss real estate reassessments. The reassessment process occurs every odd year to revalue properties within the county for purposes of equalization.

“Reassessment is important to maintain current market values for real estate property and accurately reflect those values to equitably distribute the tax burden established by each taxing district,” Shipman says. “General economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, supply and demand, and changes in tax laws influence the value of real estate, and as property values change in the marketplace, those changes must be reflected on assessments.”

The effective date is from the last reassessment – Jan. 1, 2021 – until Jan. 1, 2023. Notices of Real Estate Assessment will be mailed to property owners starting around April 14. Taxpayers have 10 days from the mailed date on the notice to schedule an informal hearing with a staff member from the assessor’s office to discuss the property value or classification by calling 636-949-7431, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Scheduled informal hearings will be conducted beginning the last week of April through early June. If an agreement is not reached after the informal hearing, the property owner would then file an appeal with the Board of Equalization.

Shipman says the community Q&A sessions are an effort to help further explain the reassessment process and provide property owners the ability to have their questions answered without the need to schedule a hearing. Community Q&As will be held on the following dates and times at St. Charles City-County Library branches:

• 3-6 p.m., May 3 at the Spencer Road Branch in St. Peters

• 3-6 p.m., May 10 at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch in O’Fallon

• 3-6 p.m., May 17 at the Corporate Parkway Branch in Wentzville

“The assessor’s office is always available to help answer questions, but I hope these opportunities help save property owners time to ask their specific questions and gain a better understanding of their property value,” Shipman says.

The assessor is responsible for establishing the fair market value of both real estate and personal property within St. Charles County to assure taxes are distributed fairly among those responsible for payment. Real estate and personal property values are adjusted as necessary to reflect current market and economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, supply and demand, and changes in tax laws. Political subdivisions, which include school, city and fire districts, establish property tax rates/levies based on budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund services provided within their jurisdiction. The collector of revenue receives these rates annually by Oct. 31 and is charged with issuing property tax bills and the collection and disbursement of taxes to the political subdivisions.

For more information, visit sccmo.org/Assessor or call 636-949-7428.

Select lakes at Busch Conservation Area now open to hand-launched canoes and kayaks

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has created a new opportunity for personal canoes and kayaks to be used on designated lakes on the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. Visitors are allowed to use their own handlaunched canoes or kayaks on Lakes 6, 34, 35, 36, and 38.

From April 1 through Sept. 30, users will be required to register their canoe or kayak and obtain a boating tag at the onsite concessioner, All In Bait and Tackle Shop. The concessioner is adjacent to the MDC St. Louis Regional Office located near the area’s entrance. Area boating tags will be issued for a specific canoe or kayak and are valid only for the specific lake designated on the tag. The tag must be returned to the concessioner immediately upon leaving the water during the concessioner’s daily operating hours from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. If users exit the water after the conces-

sioner has closed for the day, the daily boating tag should be deposited in the afterhours drop box.

There will be no charge for a daily boating tag, but the number of tags is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis only. The number of daily boating tags issued varies depending on the size of each lake.

From Oct. 1-March 31, a daily boating tag will not be required to use canoes and kayaks launched by hand on Lakes 6, 34, 35, 36, and 38.

For those who do not have their own canoe or kayak, MDC will continue to provide aluminum boats for rent via its onsite concessioner for 11 lakes on the Busch Conservation Area. Rental boats will be available April 1-Sept. 30 for a $5 rental fee.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, two miles west of Highway 94.

St. Charles County Adopt-A-County-Road program promotes environmental stewardship

The St. Charles County Highway Department’s Adopt-A-CountyRoad program offers an opportunity for organizations or individuals to adopt a section of county-maintained roadways and conduct periodic litter clean-ups to help protect the environment and keep roads welcoming and safe.

“The program is a great opportunity for the public to get involved in their community,” says John Lyons, County Engineer. “Adopting a county road helps reduce the impact of littering in our environment, protects drivers and our roadways and helps preserve wildlife habitats.”

County roads are a vital piece of the St. Charles County transportation network, connecting the places where residents live, work and play. While development, construction and weather treatment are the most critical aspects of road maintenance, it is also important to maintain the areas around county roadways.

“Clean roadways are safer roadways,” Lyons says. “Litter clean-ups allow the removal of trash and debris from areas near roads that could otherwise enter roadways and pose a potential danger to motorists.”

Civic and nonprofit organizations, commercial and private enterprises, and individuals are invited to apply for the program. Participants, who must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18, may adopt at least two miles of

roadways in rural areas or at least one-half mile of roadway in urban areas for a minimum of three years. Litter clean-ups along the adopted section of roadway must occur at least four times per year, and participants must abide by the Highway Department’s safety requirements.

The Highway Department provides participants with safety trainings, safety vests and equipment and litter bags for clean-ups. The department also removes and disposes of filled litter bags, and places two roadway signs – one at each end of the road section – identifying the adopting group or individual.

The Highway Department is responsible for improving and maintaining existing public county roads, constructing new roads, and providing snow removal and oversight of the public right-of-way. County roads are any public road located outside the jurisdiction of the various cities in the county and that are not part of the state system. Streets within cities are typically maintained by that city, except for smaller municipalities that contract with the County Highway Department to have their streets maintained. The department is comprised of approximately 123 employees, including laborers, equipment operators, technicians, engineers and administrative staff.

For more information and to apply to participate in the Adopt-ACounty-Road program, visit sccmo.org/Highway or call 636-949-7305.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

ODDS BEATING THE

Lindenwood track athlete from Troy overcomes thyroid cancer diagnosis and returns to competition

By Brett Auten

In September of last year, a fine needle aspirate (biopsy with needles to the neck) was performed on her thyroid.

“It wasn't numb, and instead of five needles, they tapped eight into my lower neck,” she said. “Extremely disturbing, unpleasant, and intense.”

The results came back soon after; “Suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer.”

Shoemake and her family went to the Pratt Cancer Center, where they were informed that she had papillary thyroid cancer.

“It was the one day I didn't cry or become emotional, which may seem odd, but it was because I had months to think about (it),” Shoemake said. “Once I finally heard those words, I was ready to take it on, I asked a lot of questions and got my booklets. The most alarming response I received was that this cancer has been progressing for nearly four years.”

In October, 2022, she had her first surgery and although the thyroidectomy was effective in removing the majority of the thyroid, there were still some tissues left over, which is typical. But, because of her age, the physicians decided to undergo more therapy. The panel of specialists determined that radiation would be the best choice for killing out the residual tissues and ensuring it wouldn't return.

“Finding out that the culprit that had been tormenting my body and mind for four years was cancer didn’t hurt me as badly,” Shoemake said. “Of course, I was shocked. I was enraged, saddened, and anxious. But I reminded myself that's what every athlete goes through, maybe not to that extreme, but everyone's experience is unique, and mine won't end here. I wasn't going to let myself abandon all of my hard work over the last four-to-eight years.”

Even though she knew she had tumors when she started her junior year of college, she wasn't going to let up. She still conditioned, trained, threw, lifted, and gave her body everything it had because, in February 2023 she competed in her first Ohio Valley Conference meet. She started 10th, but three personal-record throws put her in seventh and garnered two points for the Lions.

“I was still fulfilling my ambitions less than three months after radiation therapy,” she said. “It was my favorite athletic meet of my career. I'm eager for more. My objective is to establish a new season best, personal best, and move up to Lindenwood's third highest women's Hammer thrower.”

The Lions competed in the Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee on April 28-29 before ending the year at the OVC Championships on May 11-13 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Even though she’s been officially cancer-free since November of 2022, Shoemake's long-term objective is to continue spreading awareness among young adults, athletes, families, and others battling with mental, emotional, and physical health by being an advocate and sharing her story.

“I am no longer the same woman I once was, nor am I the same athlete I once was.” she said. “I hope that my experience inspires people to see the bright side of their circumstances and to keep working toward their ambitions.”

PHOTOS COURTESY DON ADAMS JR.: Lindenwood University junior Ashley Shoemake, of Troy, is putting the finishing touches on her spring season as a thrower for the women's track and field team all despite having her thyroid removed due to cancer.

Lindenwood University's Ashley Shoemake, a product of Troy Buchanan High School, is set to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships in the hammer throw on May 11-13 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

CHEERS TO A GREAT WINTER CHEERS TO A GREAT WINTER

BY AVALANCHE

AFTER TOO MANY DRY WINTERS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF DECADES, the past snow season was great. While we never had a week-long “Snowmageddon” storm that dropped several feet at a time, the storms came through here every few days, gifting us with great powder for the skiers, and what should be a plentiful amount of water for the summer months. About 70% over the average amount is currently on the ground as I write this, and the photos were taken a couple days before Easter.

Our beleaguered State Highway Department did a fantastic job of keeping the highway cleared, despite starting the season with zero plow operators for this district. A father and son duo were the foundation of the crew that made it happen, along with a few newer hires and some imported talent from other districts for the big storms. Grossly overworked, grossly underpaid and little appreciated for their efforts, (funny how those things go together,) the operators kept the traffic lanes open through it all. Up on the Pass a few miles away where the photos were taken, the snow was so plentiful that it became an impossible task to keep it off the traffic lanes, which were narrowed by at least a foot on either side. Wide areas of the shoulder that are pull-outs became giant seasonal depositories of snow. The few places available pull over and park were hard-fought achievements, earned through a lot of operator time and diesel fuel.

Here at home things melted out quite a bit faster, as the last month’s snow storms hit the road surface and melted. Muddy potholes are now the road maintenance priority for those of us at the lower elevations.

The official numbers are just shy of seven feet of snowpack on the local Pass, with about 30 inches of water content. A nearby but higher-elevation remote telemetry station shows 11 feet of snow with 50 inches of water content. That’s a nice high-altitude reservoir going into the summer. Now we’re hoping for a nice, cool spring so the abundant snowpack can slowly melt and soak into the very dry earth, and the remainder can off down to Lake Powell, where it is also sorely needed. While we’re not completely out of a 1,200-year drought, we sure made some headway against it!

PEEPER Sneaky

– BY CINDY MOORE –

I’M A PEEPER. I’ll admit it’s weird, but there it is. And no, not the pervy creeper peeper type, that’s sick. I’m the curious peeper type.

The other day I sat in the waiting room at the dentist office waiting to be drilled and filled and over-billed when a fellow waitee pulled out a book and started to read. Since I’m an avid consumer of books myself, right away I got this weird compulsion – I had to know what book she was reading. It was a physical need; like an itch that needed scratching. The situation raised urgent questions: Was it a new book I should be reading and add to my list? Was it something wonderful I’d already read and could form an immediate connection with her? Or was it a slog of a book, which would change my opinion of her and put an end to what could have been a nice friendship?

I strained my eyes, but couldn’t get a bead on the title page. I then pretended to scratch my ankle which gave me an excuse to stretch my neck further in her direction to get a better look. Of course, she looked up and our eyes met. Busted. She scootched back into her chair and gave me a “back-off” look. I hurriedly stifled a fake cough and quickly looked the other direction.

I still I had to know what she was reading. I need a different vantage point. I got up and went to chat with the receptionist.

Receptionist: “Yes, may I help you?”

I couldn’t think of anything right off which presented an awkward moment.

“Hi, umm yes, well I was just wondering if I should brush my teeth every day or if that’s just a myth?”

Her eyes bugged out, which meant I should probably leave.

I went back and took a seat next to the book reader. I stretched my arms and fake yawned which allowed me to sneakily lean over her shoulder and get a look at the page she was on; I could then scan the title on top.

She caught me. My eyeballs were two inches from her eyeballs.

She snapped her book shut, grabbed her purse and moved to the opposite side of the room.

I noticed the title as she walked away, “Cat People the Growing Menace.”

We could never be friends anyway. Her loss.

KIA CARNIVAL

Perhapsyou'll recall when we first began to experience the popularity of minivans a number of decades ago? Of course, back then, Chrysler essentially invented the minivan, showcasing the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. The rest of the auto industry took notice, and began coming onboard with similar size vans, suited for consumers and families of all sizes.

To fast-forward, with the 2023 Kia Carnival, (of which appears to be a minivan) it's now reclassified as a "Multi Purpose Vehicle" or MPV, essentially replacing the minivan as we once knew it.

The '23 Carnival is fundamentally a carryover model, with the exception of some minor interior improvements to the seating and its on-board technology features. Competing in the Midsize MPV segment, you'd likely consider cross shopping similar models such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. General Motors and Ford no longer play in this segment; therefore, your choices are somewhat limited.

Of course, Kia Motors uses the typical minivan type blueprint. But honestly, I'm still scratching my head when it comes to fully defining a minivan, versus an MPV. As a thought, perhaps referring to the family cruiser as a minivan isn't "cool" any longer, therefore framing as a MPV is the new/accepted catchphrase going forward! Evidently both are incredibly similar.

Clearly in the plus column is the fact this Kia has exceptional passenger and cargo volume capabilities, and lots of convenience features. First made available at Kia dealerships nationwide in 2022, this model replaced the Sedona. Manufactured in four trim levels, their entry level Carnival is classified as their LX model.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

From there, they offer their EX rendition, and then the SX and the SX Prestige top end adaptation.

The pricing is structured to range from $33,100-$46,000, excluding shipping charges. That comes out to be $1,365 added to the MSRP. Every build combination comes with the same all aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine. The factory indicates that it's rated at 290 horsepower, and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s engineered to operate on regular grade unleaded fuel, and the EPA numbers show 19-mpg city/26-highway.

Carnival comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive setup. Acceleration is more than sufficient, the drive overall is quiet, and handling and breaking is assuredly on par with other models in this classification.

The surround windows translate to an open, uncluttered greenhouse. Depending on the trim and options, it seats seven or eight occupants. With only minor changes for this model year, some of the amenities and creature comforts were further updated and revised a slight bit. For instance, on the SX trim model, it now comes standard with a clear view blind-spot camera enhancement and a 12.3-inch digital gauge dash display assembly. The flagship SX Prestige MPV includes a standard sliding bench-style second-row seat. Worth noting, the entry level base LX comes standard with: 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, bright LED headlamps, seven passenger seating, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports located at all three rows of seats plus six speakers. front and rear A/C, power-sliding second row side doors, plus height adjustable

driver's seat and reclining third-row seats. Looking over the list, I wanted to note that also included is their driver attention fatigue warning system, rear seat occupant reminder alerts, pedestrian detection feature, forward collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and their lane departure mitigation system. Rear parking sensors are also included with the LX version. Manufactured in Korea, the 2023 Carnival SX Prestige I drove had a sticker price of $48,690 after destination charges and two factory installed additional options.

envisions a new future for minivans

Movie previews: ‘Indiana

Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

BY STEVE BRYAN

DDuring the summer of 1981, my friends and I were looking forward to “History of the World, Part 1,” the latest comedic outing from director Mel Brooks. When we arrived at the theater, tickets for that film were sold out. One friend suggested driving down the street to the Mark Twain Theater to see another new film,

the U.S government recruited former Nazis to help them beat the Soviet Union into space. In the film, Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts”) plays Jürgen Voller, one of the ex-Nazis with his own outer space agenda.

With her engaging “Hunger Games” trilogy, author Suzanne Collins introduced readers to Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who lived in the nation of Panem in District 12 in what was once North America. After her father was killed in a mine explosion, Katniss became breadwinner for the family. Every year, the Capitol demanded each district produce a male and female tribute to participate in “The Hunger Games” where only a single tribute would survive. The tributes were chosen by lottery but, after her sister was selected, Katniss volunteered to take her place in the deadly games.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark.” With nothing to lose, we settled into our theater seats for nearly two hours of action and adventure. Steven Spielberg directed the film, which was based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Suffice it to say, we forgot all about Brooks’ film.

Preview audiences weren’t impressed with the film, but “Raiders” went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1981. It also has been considered one of the best films ever made. The 1984 sequel “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” attempted to capture the thrills of the original, but the violent tone was reportedly responsible for the creation of the “PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned” rating. However, teaming Harrison Ford with Sean Connery for 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” was a brilliant move.

After “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” however, it looked as if Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr. would hang up his whip and fedora for good, but he will return in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Unlike previous films, it’s important to note that Spielberg and Lucas only served here as executive producers. Set in 1969, Indiana Jones discovered that

Katniss’ actions in the games displeased Coriolanus Snow, the President of Panem. In the upcoming prequel film, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” an 18-year-old Coriolanus has fallen from grace and must mentor the defiant female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. In the film, Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) will play Casca Highbottom, a cocreator of the Hunger Games.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will be released on June 30.

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be released on November 17.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ photo

courtesy Walt Disney Pictures

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ photo courtesy Lionsgate

PRIORITIZE HEART HEALTH

WITH A BALANCED EATING PLAN

Nomatter your motivations, it’s never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health, and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health.

One step you can take is following the DASH eating plan, which is a flexible and balanced way of eating that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Requiring no special foods, DASH provides daily and weekly nutritional goals to help lower two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol. Being more physically active, managing stress, getting quality sleep and not smoking combined with DASH can put you on a path toward a healthy heart for life.

Encouraging others to join you on your heart-health journey can also be rewarding. Research shows social support and personal networks make it more likely you’ll stick to healthy habits like eating healthy. Sharing heart-healthy recipes with family and friends is an added bonus, and these DASH-friendly meals can help you take the guesswork out of putting nutritious dinners on the table. Greek-Style Flank

Steaks with Tangy Yogurt Sauce offer the bold flavors of the Mediterranean while Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is as easy to make as it is colorful. For a complementary combination of pork and sweet fruit flavor, these Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce are perfect to serve alongside brown rice or steamed broccoli.

Learn more about heart health and find DASHfriendly recipes at nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH.

RECIPE COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE

PREP TIME: 25 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Marinade:

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)

1 beef flank steak (12 ounces)

Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)

1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

To make marinade: In large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and garlic.

Lay steak in flat container with sides and pour marinade over steak. Marinate at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours, turning several times.

To make yogurt sauce: Combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt. Set yogurt sauce aside at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. Sauce can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.

Preheat broiler to high with rack 3 inches from heat source. Broil steak about 10 minutes on each side to minimum internal temperature of 145 F. Let cool 5 minutes before carving.

Slice thinly across grain into 12 slices. Serve three slices with 1/2 cup yogurt sauce.

Tip: Serve in sandwich with pita bread, lettuce and tomato.

GREEK-STYLE FLANK STEAK with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

TERIYAKI-GLAZED SALMON with Stir-Fried Vegetables

RECIPE COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

Salmon:

2 tablespoons light teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup mirin or sweet rice wine

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons scallions, rinsed and minced

1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced

12 ounces salmon fillets, cut into four portions (3 ounces each)

Vegetables:

1 bag (12 ounces) frozen vegetables stir-fry

1/2 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil

1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 1 clove)

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon scallions, rinsed and minced

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare salmon: Mix teriyaki sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, scallions and ginger well. Pour over salmon and marinate 1015 minutes.

Remove salmon from marinade.

Place salmon on baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork in thickest part and reaches minimum internal temperature of 145 F.

To prepare vegetables: Thaw frozen vegetables in microwave or place bag in bowl of hot water about 10 minutes. In large wok or saute pan, heat oil. Add garlic, ginger and scallions; cook gently, but do not brown, 30-60 seconds.

Add vegetables and continue stir-frying 2–3 minutes, or until heated through. Add soy sauce. Serve one piece of salmon with 1 cup vegetables.

BAKED PORK CHOPS with Apple Cranberry Sauce

RECIPE COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Pork Chops:

4 boneless pork chops (about 3 ounces each)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 medium orange, rinsed and zested

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)

1/2 cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup 100% orange juice

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare pork chops: Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest.

In large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn and brown 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan, place on nonstick baking sheet and bake 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160 F.

To make sauce: Add chicken broth to saute pan and stir to loosen brown bits

from pork chops. Set aside. In small saucepan over medium heat, cook grated apples, cinnamon stick and bay leaf until apples begin to soften.

Add cranberries, orange juice and reserved broth. Bring to boil then lower heat to gentle simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and apples are tender. Remove cinnamon stick.

Peel orange and cut into eight sections. Serve one pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce and two orange segments.