CrossRoads: June 2021 by Community News

LIBRARY’S NEW

‘View’

JUNE

2021 writers

VOL 17 | NO 6

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

2 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

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.

JUNE

2021

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story Library’s new ‘View’ The Cliff View Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District made its debut last month in Wentzville

Always an Adventure Fishing dogs

Moore on Life Spring a leak

Automobile Alley The all-new 2021 Buick Envision is a solid entry in the compact SUV sector

Entertainment Frances McDormand hits the road in ‘Nomadland’

For the Love of Food A truly memorable summer menu

Community Calendar: June

On the Cover: Submitted photo

JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

KINETIC ENERGY

St. Charles County Parks Youth Activity Park to be renamed Kinetic Park and boast several new, thrilling amenities

By Brett Auten

There will be lots of energy in motion in Dardenne Prairie. The aptly renamed Kinetic Park has taken the place of what was known as the Youth Activity Park and that announcement, which came last week, will kickstart a major renewal at the popular location. In addition to amenities already at the park, including the largest pump track in the United States, the largest outdoor skate park in Missouri, and a 30-foot indoor rock climbing wall, Kinetic Park will offer four new major areas: an indoor activity center, bike playground and skills course, splash play and an adventure playground. The construction and transformation are being overseen by the St. Charles County Parks Department and funded through a local use tax with the sole purpose of park land acquisition, development, operations, and maintenance. Cost of the project is estimated at approximately $7 million. Construction will begin this spring at the park, located at 7801 Town Square in Dardenne Prairie, and 4 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

all elements of the transformation are expected to be complete by the end of 2022. Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Graham said the name Kinetic Park was inspired because it so aptly fits with what this park is going to be: a high-energy zone with a lot of movement and adventure. He also added that since his arrival in 2017, the name “Youth Activity Park” never really jived with him. “Changing the name was one of the first things I thought of when I got here,” Graham said. “I have heard from others in the community too who have said, ‘I’m 40-years-old. It sounds weird to say I’m going to the ‘Youth Activity Park.’ This is a new concept that is geared toward all ages. We wanted to make it more than just a skate and bike park.” Here is a recap of the new features. ACTIVITY CENTER A second building will be constructed in the park to accommodate additional indoor sports and activities. The 8,500-square-foot Activity Center will be located just north of the existing building and will feature a

state-of-the-art e-sports room with gaming stations for day-to-day use and accommodations for hosting tournaments and competitions. An indoor street-style skateboard area and all-season activity room also are included in the plans. The existing park building will be renovated to include new themed climber walls for children, as well as additional party rental space. BIKE PLAYGROUND AND SKILLS COURSE A 22,000-square-foot bicycle playground will be the first new area completed and will feature ladder bridges, rollers, tunnels, and other obstacles specifically designed to offer a safe way to build cycling confidence. An advanced skills course will provide riders of all ages and abilities features and obstacles to help them build skills to tackle mountain bike trails of varying levels of difficulty. Construction is scheduled to start this spring and the area will be ready CONTINUED PAGE 7

Around Town for use by the end of July. SPLASH PLAY This unique area will combine natural elements with modern play equipment to provide both fun and relief, especially on those hot summer days. Sprayers, bubblers, a grotto waterfall, a meandering creek and two water slides are planned for this 17,000-squarefoot area. ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND This 40,000-square-feet area will be built into the park’s landscape to allow visitors of all abilities access to a variety of swinging and spinning features, net climbers, slides, and music features. Also added to the mix is an RC and Big Wheel Course that will be constructed for racing for all ages. “We have known for a long time that this park could be much more and we wanted to make it the best we could,” Graham said. “This truly is going to be a world-class park for everyday fun, national competitive events and everything in between.” The Youth Activity Park opened in 2003 as a 26-acre destination for the entire family. In addition to the existing pump track and skate park, visitors can climb the rock wall and play table tennis, foosball, air hockey, and host small events indoors. The existing amenities

will remain open while construction on the new area is underway. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said that after the addition of the pump track, there was an influx of visitors and thus began the reimagining of what the park could be. “Kinetic Park will be a destination for those who want to experience a variety of high-energy activities – indoors and out,” Ehlmann said. “I am pleased that we are transforming this 18-year-old park into something much more for residents of all ages.” Visit stccparks.org for more information on these and all St. Charles County parks.

Mark the Calendar Here are some upcoming events scheduled at Kinetic Park, located at 7801 Town Square in Dardenne Prairie, for this summer:

National Go Skateboarding Day: 12-5 p.m., June 19 Call 636-561-4964 for more information or visit stccparks.org.

Wheel Fest: 11 a.m.–3 p.m., July 24

Jam session on the outdoor skate and bike course.

Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championship Qualifier: 12–10 pm., July 31 For more information on how to sign up to qualify, visit redbull.com. Watch the St. Charles County Parks website at stccparks. org and social media for information on participant registration and spectator tickets.

Camp and Classes

Submitted photos The newly-renamed Kinetic Park (formally known as the Youth Activity Park) will offer four new major areas: an indoor activity center, bike playground and skills course, splash play, and an adventure playground.

A week-long summer camp and numerous skate, bike and scooter lessons and clinics are scheduled throughout the summer. Look for the Summer Activity Guide for all camps and lessons at stccparks.org.

JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

HONORING A LEGACY

The Center for Autism Education dedicated its new playground in the memory of an educator who passed away earlier this year By Brett Auten

Guillermina “Gigi” Spies had already left her mark in more ways than one. The Center of Autism Education made sure that anyone who walks its grounds will know a little more about the longtime educator when it held a private ribbon cutting ceremony for a new outdoor sensory and recreational center dedicated to the beloved special education teacher who passed away from COVID-19 complications on Jan. 1. Spies, of O’Fallon, devoted nine years to The Center for Autism Education where she left a lasting reputation as an educator who cared deeply for all of the students and staff members, and always pushed others to do their best. To her co-workers, Spies’ passion was inspiring and she saw potential in every learner. “She would always go above and beyond,” Hanne Hawkins, director of development at CAE, said. “Off the clock, texting with parents or staff who are having issues. She was a mother to everyone. She genuinely cared.” CONTINUED PAGE 7 6 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

Around Town

In a promotional video for the Center for Autism, Spies had this to say: “We want to make it better for our students, and we want everybody else to see that. It’s very satisfying… This is my passion. I was born to be in this type of population because I love every single one of them and I see their strengths in every single one of them. I feel like I’m making a difference, even if it’s a little one.” Since 2002, the Center for Autism Education, located at 4110 Old Mill Parkway in St. Peters, has carved a niche in the community as a resource for individuals living with autism or any developmental disability. It currently has 46 students from 12 different school districts, ages five to 21. “The districts provide tuition and transportation and most of the students have a one-to-one or two-to-one paraprofessional situation,” Hawkins said. “The goal is to transition them back to their schools.” In the spring of 2019, CAE officially launched their Play and Learn Campaign; the largest capital campaign in the agency’s history. The goal was to raise $230,000 to build an outdoor sensory and recreational center for its students. The instructional day facility had moved to a beautiful new location with significantly more space to continue to expand programming and serve more students in the community. The new building was equipped with everything they needed, but there was no outdoor recreational space. For students with autism and severe behavior, access to a safe recreational space is a necessity. “This has something for every learner,” Hawkins said. “This will be a tool for our staff to teach. Some of our kiddos may not have natural play skills.” The students at CAE have unique sensory needs and the playground equipment is designed to cater to those needs. But the Play and Learn Campaign was about more than a playground. It was about providing a space for students to engage with peers and cultivate new friendships, a space for them to safely engage in the sensory stimulation they require to be successful (swinging, climbing, rocking, running, jumping, etc.), a space for them to learn the importance of physical fitness and activity, and finally, a space for them to play. “When we provide engaging experiences for our children that are play and socially oriented, they have responses that we seek for our neurotypical children,” Susan McGlade, an occupational therapist at CAE, said. With the support of individuals and corporations in the Greater

Submitted photos The Center for Autism Education dedicated its new playground in the memory of educator Guillermina “Gigi” Spies, who passed away earlier this year. Spies devoted nine years to the facility, located in St. Peters.

St. Louis philanthropic community, CAE successfully completed the campaign in November 2020. The mission of CAE is to assure that every child, family and adult that it serves is provided the highest quality training in functional skills and behavior intervention in a respectful, positive and safe learning environment so that all reach their fullest potential, becoming successful, happy, and contributing members of the community and society at large.

JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

Explore the rich heritage of Missouri’s state bird

Wentzville School District hosts ‘Drive the Bus’ hiring event

Join the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site and the Missouri Bluebird Society as they explore our state’s rich heritage of Bluebird conservation at theFirst Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site at 200 South Main Street in St. Charles on June 9 at 7 p.m. In 1927 the Eastern Bluebird was adopted as Missouri’s state bird. In 1938 Missourians initiated a Bluebird Trail that ultimately consisted of over 6,700 nest boxes and literally stretched from coast to coast across the United States. In 2006 the “Missouri Bluebird Society” incorporated and became an affiliate of the North American Bluebird Society. Throughout this time important Bluebird conservation and restoration work has taken place in our state. Attendees will have the opportunity to construct their own Bluebird nesting box to take home. (One per family) Participants should plan to bring a lawn chair. This event will be held outdoors weather permitting. This program is part of a special heritage series of events at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in recognition of Missouri’s Bicentennial. For more information on this fun, free family event, please call the First Missouri State Capitol SHS at 636-940-3322.

This summer, the Wentzville School District Transportation Department will host ‘Drive the Bus’, a unique recruitment and hiring event. At ‘Drive the Bus,’ participants will have an opportunity to learn about a career in student transportation at the Wentzville School District during a brief presentation. Afterward, participants will be given an opportunity to drive the bus while accompanied by a trainer who will provide guidance and support on a closed course. Participants who wish to pursue an employment opportunity as a bus driver or bus aide will be invited to fill out an online application and participate in an on-the-spot interview. The WSD’s Drive the Bus Event will be held on June 18 and June 19 at the Wentzville School District Transportation Department, located at 100 Logistics Center Drive in Wentzville. Interested applicants are asked to RSVP by June 16. Visit wentzville.k12.mo.us/Page/9853 to RSVP online or call 636-327-3860. All participants must be at least 21 years old and have a current valid driver’s license.

Flag collection hosted by county government military veterans Bicentennial Time Capsule needs public’s returns June 14 help to document Missouri history

The Missouri Bicentennial Time Capsule is seeking submissions from clubs, schools, community groups, businesses and government agencies to commemorate Missouri’s bicentennial this year. The deadline to submit to the time capsule is Aug. 10, Missouri Statehood Day. All Missouri-based profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to participate. The time capsule is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri and the Saint Louis Ambassadors with a goal to collect items that document Missouri’s past, present and future. The two organizations are asking for public participation in this project. Organizations and businesses are invited to participate by contributing three items: one to represent their past, one to represent their present, and a note to future Missourians. Items should measure no larger than 8.5 x 14 inches – i.e., no larger than legal size paper – and combined be no more than a quarter-inch thick. All submissions need to be in printed form and not electronic. An online registration form on missouri2021.org is required for all submissions and items should be mailed to the following address: The State Historical Society of Missouri, Attn: Time Capsule, 605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201. All participants will be notified of their successful submission and receive a certificate for participating in the time capsule. Contributions will be accepted through Aug. 10, and an event to commemorate the time capsule will be held Aug. 27 in St. Louis. Once sealed, the time capsule will be housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri until Aug. 10, 2046, when it will be reopened and shared with the public 25 years later. 8 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

If you have a worn or damaged U.S. flag and don’t know where or how to dispose of it properly, the military veterans of St. Charles County Government are ready to help. The county’s Veterans Best Practices Working Group is hosting its annual flag collection for the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Flag Day, June 14. The event takes place at a drive-by collection site, located at the corner of Monroe and Second Streets in St. Charles. The flags will be properly disposed of at a ceremony later this year. The group has collected over 2,891 flags since the event launched in 2017. It was not held in 2020 because of the pandemic. “We are excited to honor the flag and our armed forces, especially since we were unable to have it last year,” says Christina Follmer, Chair of the Veterans Best Practices Working Group. Those who cannot drop off flags that day can do so from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays), at the security desk in the St. Charles County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street, St. Charles. The Veterans Best Practices Working Group was established in 2014 after passage of an ordinance by the county council. The group exists to foster an employment-friendly environment for those who have served in the armed forces of the United States, to encourage businesses in the community to develop veteran-friendly employment practices, and to inform veterans seeking employment of opportunities and benefits with county government. For more information, contact Christina Follmer at 636-949-7900, ext. 4571, or christina.follmer@courts.mo.gov.

LIBRARY’S NEW

‘View’

The Cliff View Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District made its debut last month in Wentzville By Brett Auten Sleek, efficient, and modern, the Cliff View Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District made its debut last month in Wentzville. Cliff View is located at 10 Cliff View Drive in Wentzville Bluffs near I-70 and Hwy Z. It was formerly the Six North Cafe. Like an Italian sports car, Cliff View is all about making the best use of space and precision. There are movable shelves and walls that can fit any situation. For those on the go, and who isn’t, there is a drive-thru service. Where lattes and frappuccinos were once exchanged, library customers can now scoop up holds or return materials using the window. Cliff View is only the third branch in the district that offers drive up service. “The district realized that Wentzville is an up and coming community that continues to grow,” Melissa Whatley, the assistant branch manager at Cliff View, said. “Cliff View offers that type of flexibility that is a

PATIO

real bonus, especially for those commuting.” Cliff View has a fenced and covered outdoor patio that expands seating and space for future classes and events and also has

WiFi. At 3,300 square feet, the space is created for flexibility with portable computing CONTINUED PAGE 10 JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 9

MAIN ROOM

“

It exemplifies the modern library design that will serve as a model for the future.” - Jason Kuhl Library Director and Chief Executive Officer

MAIN ROOM MEETING ROOM

10 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

stations that give customers the opportunity to work anywhere in the library, including the outdoor patio. “It is very open with lots of light for reading, studying, working,” Whatley added. Library Director and Chief Executive Officer Jason Kuhl is eager to share the new facility with the public. “It exemplifies the modern library design that will serve as a model for the future,” Kuhl said. Kukl had previously stated that the Cliff View Branch was being developed to create a comfortable, flexible location that meets its customers’ needs about what they want from library facilities. The ribbon-cutting was held on May 19 and renovation of the building began in the summer of 2020. The district hopes that the library will exemplify the modern library design that will serve as a model for the future. The Cliff View branch replaces the Discovery Ridge branch that closed in October. June is also all about the Summer Challenge, this year themed Tails & Tales. You can track your Summer Challenge progress this year in one of several ways. Download “Beanstack Tracker” from your app store and track your reading and ac-

tivities using your phone or tablet. (Use “St. Charles City-County Library” as your site when you set up your account.) You can also use Beanstack online through the library’s website. Or, you can stick to paper gameboards - print them out at home or pick yours up at any library branch. Once registered and ready to track, kids, teens, and adults can earn prizes for completing activities. Not only reading, but you can also earn by drawing, writing, cooking or baking, and spending time outside. Win books, colorful cups or mugs; and vouchers for food and fun at Wendy’s, Freddy’s, Amp Up Action Park, Kokomo Joe’s, or the O’Fallon Hoots are among the prizes. Complete bonus reading and activities to earn your very own “Super Reader” yard sign. If there is an artist at home, enter one of two contests this summer. The district is looking for beautiful photos and bookmarks to commemorate the Summer Challenge. Take a photo or design a bookmark that has a “Tails & Tales” theme, and submit it for consideration. Summer Challenge also encourages you to explore your St. Charles County community with the Summer Tour: Animal Expedition. Earn extra Summer Challenge prizes when you visit different library branches this summer. Discover a unique habitat at every branch on your tour. For example, the Augusta Branch will become an African savannah. The Kathryn Linnemann Branch will have an ocean theme. Due to the lessening of COVID-19 restrictions starting June 2 all branches of the St. Charles City-County Library will once again open at 9 a.m. instead of 11 a.m. Visit www.mylibrary.org for more information.

CHILDREN’S ROOM

READING ROOM READING ROOM

Submitted photos The St. Charles City-County Library showcased its new Cliff View Branch last month. At 3,300 square feet, Cliff View is created for flexibility with portable computing stations that give customers the opportunity to work anywhere in the library, including the outdoor patio.

JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

Fishing dogs

THE BEAVER PONDS THAT WERE BUILT LAST FALL by some intrepid rodents up the road from me finally thawed out enough so that I could finally wet a line and try to catch some fish. I brought my Newfoundlands along, as they are bred to be fishing dogs, renowned for their assistance to the fisherman in the North. We drove up to the still-closed campground and made our way along the river. The Newfys both were quite animated, hearing a gobbling turkey just a short distance from the truck. Hanging on to the big mutts’ leashes while they lunged toward the call of the wild tom provided a rather brisk warm up for my much anticipated hauling out of a limit of fish from the still-mostlyundiscovered ponds. Managing to (barely) avoid one or more shoulder dislocation(s) from controlling their enthusiasm, I guided (dragged) the dogs along the campground main road, keeping them well away from the lovesick gobbler. We made it past the end of the campground and meandered along a small trail next to the river. Once at the main beaver lodge, we stopped and I secured their leashes to a small tree while I got my fishing tackle sorted out. It seemed that I had given them a bit too much leash to roam, as they 12 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

BY AVALANCHE

managed to get tangled up in a variety of bushes and trees. After I freed them from the tangle, they immediately decided to inspect my long-neglected collection of lures and other angling paraphernalia such as the net, rod and reel. Despite not getting used nearly enough for some time, the items retained the smell of many fish caught over the years, making them very interesting to the dogs. Keeping the drooling beasts away from fish hooks, knives and other items that would likely result in an expensive bill at the local veterinary clinic, I finally managed to get a lure tied on and cast it into a likely looking corner of the beaver pond. After a few more casts, carefully avoiding the ice that had formed over the far side of the pond, I had not received any bites, but the dogs had decided to start barking and whining at some unknown source of distraction upwind to the north. Putting the rod down, I rearranged their leashes to give them a bit more room to move about. They promptly used that newly-found freedom to wade straight into the beaver pond, splashing and playing about, doing whatever they could to chase any nearby fish back out of the pond and into the main river channel. After a few more half-hearted casts into

the main pond, I decided to move to a lower pond in order to keep clear of the assistance provided by my so-called “fishing” dogs. The sun was now well above the ridgeline to the east, turning the chilly morning into a warm day, and driving any fish into the shadows. The dogs began whining again, this time with some urgency. Was it a mountain lion, or maybe a moose that the dogs could sense? Either way, avoiding a conflict with the local fauna seemed like a good idea. After all, the fishing wasn’t going my way, and sticking around seemed like a good way to find trouble. I unstrung my rod and reel, managed to get everything stuffed into my backpack without hooking a dog, untangled the hairy beasts and we headed back to the truck. The spring runoff has now begun, and the ponds are becoming inundated with a heavy flow of dirty brown water, making fishing a rather unproductive pastime. Once the runoff gets going in earnest, the ponds will likely be washed away, removing the little-known fishing hole from existence. Between ice, flooding and my dogs, my delusions of a private fishing paradise have been dashed. Maybe next year, if the beavers are willing and able - and I leave the dogs home - I’ll catch some fish.

Spring aleak

Moore On Life

BY CINDY MOORE

IT’S SPRING CLEANING TIME. No silly, not because it’s spring, that will have to wait until next winter. It’s because my mother-in-law is coming over to stay for a few days. I know her standards. She cleans under the washer and dryer with a yardstick. To her it’s considered a regular chore. I clean underneath mine too, but it’s considered “moving day”. Every time we move I make sure and clean under them; I’m no schlub. Of course, there’s enough lint underneath to crochet a few dozen pot holders. I find some missing socks--never in pairs always mismatched singles. Hmm, maybe I can crochet matching socks with that extra lint. I find more lost treasures: a button and a few dozen cat toys. I once found a dollar. I guess that was payment for all the laundry I’ve done over the years. Yay! Looks like the price of doing laundry has gone up. When I get the news that my husband’s mother is coming I finally get to those projects I’ve been putting off forever like making the bed. At least those jobs I’ve been nagging my husband to do will get done. The plumber came – finally. The downstairs sink has been leaking for months now. I asked him to fix it when it first started to drip. He

claimed he didn’t have the right instrument. “First I need to find a round-tuit,” he says. “Oh, is that a special plumbing tool?” I ask. “Yes, very important. And as soon as I get around to it, I’ll do it.” Always trying to be a comedian. “Don’t quit your day job!” I yell. “Too late, I’m already retired.” That was months ago. But now there’s a plumber here fixing it. What changed? My subtle urging? “Get that thing fixed or so help me I’m going to bring another cat into this family!” Nope. Bribery? “Sweetie, if you fix that sink I’ll put ice cream on your waffles.” Wrong again, he does that on his own. No, his mama is coming over and she needs a sink that doesn’t leak so it’s urgently being fixed. I’m upstairs carrying a yardstick. “Now what are you up to?” my husband asks. “Gonna search from some missing cat toys and hopefully find one of those round-tuits.” JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

THE ALL-NEW 2021

BUICK ENVISION

IS A SOLID ENTRY IN THE COMPACT SUV SECTOR

The all-new 2021 Buick Envision sport utility vehicle is positioned between the smaller Encore and the prominent Enclave within the Buick product mix portfolio. It was developed to help shore up GM’s Buick division with its “high end” SUV-only lineup for consumers. Featured with a moderately conservative outer body design, it offers a number of connectivity and safety features that likely will echo with many of today’s highly-acute, carbuying clientele. Marketing further suggests that this product will be leveraging the reach of Buick shoppers that have a temptation towards the rapidly growing compact SUV sector. “The all-new 2021 Envision is a tremendous opportunity for the brand,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “With strong, differentiated designs, and a combination of advanced technologies and premium appointments, it will stand apart in one of the industry’s most competitive segments.” The three trims available include; Preferred, Essence and Avenir. Each single build design incorporates specific allowance features. The Preferred and Essence trims have an available Sport Touring package that embodies a more agile appearance with darkened exterior touches and attractive 20-inch wheels with a darkened finish. Standard, are 18-inch tire and wheel configurations. Details, both large and small make for an exceptionally refined five passenger Envision. Additionally, the snug, aerodynamic body lines help give it an aggressive look. This is coupled with a brilliant, well-engineered ex14 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

terior fit and finish, as well as a dazzling world class radiant paint job. Furthermore, the 2021 Envision displays a styling theme that is largely the most expressive of Buick’s sculptural design language persona. With building blocks based on the success of the previous generation, the new Envision is lower and wider, with proportions and styling that combine the expressiveness of an automobile with the practicality one would expect with an SUV. Also offered for 2021 is the factory’s “Driver Confidence Plus package” which is a suite of nine standard advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. At the heart of the new quiet interior is its driver-centric instrument panel. It is tilted toward the driver for a better, clearer view of the user friendly operating controls, switches and instruments. Seating is comfortable and the fairly large front center storage compartment will help to harbor your goodies. The 60/40-split second row seats can fold flat in conjunction with the cargo floor. The electronic precision gear shift controller replaces a conventional mechanical shift lever. It uses push/pull buttons to free up space under the center console. Under the rear cargo hatch is space that will shelter just over 25 cubic feet of payload. Heated steering wheel is standard on Essence and Avenir, and available on the Preferred trim as is the case with their exclusive air ionizer system. With the introduction of an Air Quality Indicator, a first for Buick in the U.S., the air ionizer provides customers with peace of mind, enabling them to monitor the quality of the cabin’s air. Powering this SUV is a 2.0-liter Turbo four

cylinder engine. It shows a rating of 228 horsepower and features direct injection and Stop/ Start technology. EPA numbers exhibit 24mpg city/31-mpg highway with FWD. The engine is matched with a nine speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is optional. The all-new 2021 Buick Envision has a starting MSRP of $32,995, which includes destination charges. It is manufactured and imported from GM’s overseas operations in China.

Entertainment

FRANCES MCDORMAND HITS THE ROAD IN

BY STEVE BRYAN

he website workamper.com defines a “workamper” as a “person working as an employee, operating a business, or donating their time as a volunteer while sleeping in an RV or on-site housing.” Author Jessica Bruder’s novel “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century” examines the lives of individuals who take on seasonal work in Amazon fulfillment centers or restaurants located in tourist spots. Instead of enjoying retirement, many seniors became workampers after the devastating 2008 financial crash. Director Chloé Zhao adapted Bruder’s work for the screen, skillfully blending Hollywood scriptwriting with harsh reality. Although Frances McDormand and David Strathairn play fictional characters in the film, the supporting cast is filled with real-life workampers who share their lives in front of the camera. Bob Wells, who maintains the website www.cheaprvliving.com, appears in several scenes teaching such skills as how to change a tire. The line between fiction and reality is hard to determine at times. In “Nomadland,” Frances McDormand’s Fern needs all the help she can get. She worked for years at US Gypsum in the company town of Empire, Nevada, but both the city and the company were shut down in 2011. Her husband’s death

prompts Fern to travel in her van to various seasonal gigs throughout the year. Friends and acquaintances express concern about her situation and offer lodging, but Fern prefers the life she leads. Eye-opening and thought-provoking, “Nomadland” looks at hard-working people whose home is wherever they can park their vans or campers. McDormand, who won the Best Actress Award at the recent 93rd Academy Awards, is solid as Fern, a woman who makes her home on the road. Her journey takes her to beautiful surrounding one day, but she may be sleeping in freezing conditions down the road. Director Chloé Zhao also gives Fern an opportunity for a relationship in the person of David Strathairn’s Dave. He really likes Fern, but she keeps her distance until a health crisis puts him the hospital. Like her other friends, Dave actually could offer her a stable life, but she only seems comfortable inside the panel walls of her van. Life on the road, it seems, has gotten good to her. “Nomadland” also earned well-deserved Best Director and Best Picture honors for Zhao and the cast. Much credit for that goes to the “non-professional cast” who could teach Hollywood celebrities a few things. The charming Charlene Swankie, for instance, serves as friend and mentor

to Fern and gets frustrated when Fern shows how ill-prepared she is for life on the road. Another scene shows the importance of using the right-sized bucket for a toilet inside a van. “Nomadland” may make the audience reexamine their own lives and how quickly things can change. For others who crave life on the road, this might be an introduction to new way of living. In either case, it’s a film that will stay with the viewer long after the closing credits. “Nomadland,” rated R, is making postOscar appearances in theaters and also is available for streaming on Hulu.

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For the Love of Food

A truly memorable summer menu S

ummer days are often spent with family and friends, soaking in the sun’s rays and enjoying outdoor living with warm-weather activities. Complement this year’s summertime excitement with food that matches your enthusiasm for the season. Your menu can start with a fruity dip and a salad before diving into

steak for the main course and a kid-friendly treat to top it all off. These recipes make the most of what summer has to offer with fresh fruits and veggies, bright and refreshing greens, tender cuts of meat and frozen treats that celebrate those memorable moments together. Find more summer recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Go for Satisfying Summer Greens Many summer meals start with a simple yet satisfying appetizer: salad. This year, make sure you set the table with a bright, delightful bowl of greens that sets the tone for an enjoyable and festive meal with loved ones. This Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad calls for an array of fruits, including a homemade blueberry dressing, paired with Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix for a fresh and flavorful base with pecan halves to add crunch. The salads are thoroughly washed, rinsed and gently dried then sealed in Keep-Crisp bags to maintain freshness. Find more salad inspiration at freshexpress.com. 16 | CROSSROADS |

JUNE 2021

Ingredients:

Directions:

Blueberry Dressing:

2 large apples

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 packages (6 ounces each) Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil salt, to taste pepper, to taste

1 pint strawberries, cut in half 1 pint blueberries 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted blueberry dressing

To make blueberry dressing: In blender, process blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth. Set aside. To prepare salad: Cut apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Using 1-1/2inch diameter star-shaped cutter, cut apple slices into stars. Place lettuce mix in large bowl; add apples, strawberries and blueberries. Sprinkle with pecans. Before serving, drizzle each salad with blueberry dressing.

For the Love of Food

Savor a Bite of Steak A hearty flavor profile and perfectly prepared, high-quality meat can make a summer meal truly spectacular, especially when paired with fresh veggies in a protein-packed sandwich. Inspired by Vietnamese tradition, this Steak Banh Mi recipe – which features tender grass-fed flat iron steak, pickled carrots, bright lettuce and crunchy cucumbers – is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer gathering. Take your taste buds to new heights with Silver Fern Farms natural cuts of 100% grass-fed beef from New Zealand, which is minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. There, the animals roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures, resulting in lean, flavorful, nutritious meat that tastes just as nature intended. Visit silverfernfarms.com for more inspiration.

Steak Banh Mi

Ingredients:

Prep time: 2 hours | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2

10 ounces flat iron steak 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 cup, rice vinegar, divided 1/8 teaspoon five-spice powder 2 tablespoons sugar 1pinch salt 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 cup water 2 Vietnamese baguettes or dinner rolls 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions: Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, place steak in deep plate or storage container. In small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, garlic, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and fivespice powder; pour over steak. Cover and marinate in fridge at least 2 hours, or overnight. In small pot over medium heat, heat remaining rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool. Place carrots in deep plate or storage container. Pour cooled pickling liquid over carrots. Set aside to marinate.

4 Batavia lettuce leaves

Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Reserve marinade.

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Heat oven to 325 F.

1 Persian cucumber, sliced

Heat heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and

add oil. Once oil begins to smoke, add steak. Sear both sides, about 1 minute per side. Lower heat to medium. Add reserved marinade and water to pan. Cook, covered, 3 minutes, removing lid to flip meat occasionally. Remove lid and let sauce reduce 1 minute, or until slightly thickened. Transfer steak and sauce to large plate and let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Toast baguettes in oven 5 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes. Slice baguettes along middle without cutting through. Slice steak into thin pieces. Spread mayonnaise on baguettes and add 1-2 lettuce leaves to each. Layer steak on lettuce leaves followed by cilantro, cucumbers and pickled carrots. Slice baguette into two sandwiches. JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food

Dip Up a Good Time

Apple Guacamole

Whether your summer days include planning extravagant meals or your on-the-go lifestyle calls for quick and easy recipes, simple snacks can fit a wide variety of menus. Dips are a perfect solution for afternoon pick-me-ups or evening appetizers when the whole family comes together. This Apple Guacamole can be made in mere minutes, making it an ideal shareable among loved ones, by combining mashed avocados and seasonings with chopped Granny Smith apple pieces. Visit Culinary.net for more snack ideas.

Recipe adapted from the Meredith Corporation | Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted

bottled hot pepper sauce, to taste

1/2 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped

1/2 cup snipped fresh cilantro 1 lime, juice only

kosher salt, to taste tortilla chips

Directions: In bowl, use fork to mash avocados, onion, cilantro, lime juice and hot pepper sauce to desired consistency.

Stir in apple and season with salt, to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.

Sweet, Summery Treats After some fun in the pool and time spent in the sun, a cooling treat is often the perfect way to cap off a summer day. Fresh fruits make those sweet eats even tastier and easier by making dessert in the morning and letting it freeze while you enjoy the warmth outdoors. These Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops make dessert about as simple as possible by blending watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and honey before adding to ice pop molds and freezing throughout the day. With the addition of refreshing watermelon, you’re opting for a flavorful fruit that includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 milligrams per 2-cup serving) – an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection – than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. To find more summertime snacks, meals and treats, visit watermelon.org.

Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops Servings: 8

18 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2021

Ingredients:

Directions:

6 cups watermelon

In blender, blend watermelon, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup raspberries and honey until smooth. Press through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.

1 cup blueberries, divided 1 cup raspberries, divided 3 tablespoons honey

Fill ice pop molds 3/4 full with liquid. Add remaining whole blueberries and raspberries to molds. Insert sticks and freeze at least 4 hours, or until completely frozen.

Community Calendar

June 6

D-Day

Flag Day

Juneteenth

Father’s Day

First Day of Summer

JUNE 2021 | CROSSROADS | 19

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