CrossRoads: August 2023

ROLLING FORWARD FOR 40 YEARS

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

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

Around Town Local news and events

Community Calendar: August

Feature Story

ROLLING FORWARD FOR 40 YEARS

General Motors Wentzville Assembly celebrates four decades of being a stable economic engine for the region

Always an Adventure Evacuation

Moore on Life Television indecision

Automobile Alley

Nissan raises the bar with eye-catching 2023 Pathfinder

Entertainment

Daniel Radcliffe, Al Yankovic earned Emmy nods for ‘Weird: The Weird Al Story’

For the Love of Food

Flavorful grape recipes to take summer gatherings to the next level

Finding

My Voice

By Brett Auten

REDEFINED, and possibilities are reimagined for those with special needs, Variety St. Louis is doing its part to bring this ethos to fruition as it rolls out a new initiative for those in St. Charles County

A WORLD WHERE ABILITIES ARE

The program is now available to help those who need assistance to express their wants, needs and feelings every day.

The initiative addresses the tribulations felt by children who are unable to communicate verbally. While some (depending on the school district) can use communication devices at school or during speech therapy, often they do not own them, leaving many kids literally voiceless in the evenings, on week-

ends and during the summer.

Between costly communication devices and even communications apps designed for tablets, the payments are not affordable for many families. With My Voice, Variety provides eligible participants with the device, the prescribed communication app, a protective case and any necessary accessories (wheelchair mount and more), and a two-year warranty.

Variety works with the child’s speech-language pathologist to determine which specific tools will meet the child’s needs and to

help integrate the device into the child’s everyday life. My Voice is currently available to children ages three to 20 years old in St. Louis City and St. Charles County.

“The costs vary, but the baseline model, before even putting on the apps, is around $5,000, minimum, with the apps being $2-300,” Brian Roy, executive director of Variety St. Louis, said. “We realized they needed the whole package. This is a

Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who do not have consistent access to this critical technology

Brett Hull to headline annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation golf tournament in Wentzville

St. Louis Blues hockey legend and hall-offamer Brett Hull will be in hosting the 6th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation St. Louis Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club in Wentzville on Aug. 26. This is the third consecutive year that Hull has served as honorary chairman as well as a player in the tournament. This year he will captain a four-person team playing in the tournament as part of a live auction item awarded at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Annual Gala held last November.

Brett Hull’s Junction House in Wentzville is the Title Sponsor of this tournament for the third consecutive year. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for

critical tool and this way the family doesn't have to worry if they have enough.”

Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who qualify who do not have consistent access to this critical technology.

“It is frustrating for the parents that this technology exists, the kid thrives with it, but doesn't have it 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year,” Roy said.

By providing these tools for expression and self-advocacy at no cost to families, it empowers children and teens with independence at home, school and in the community.

“Every child deserves to be heard,” Roy said. “Communication connects us all, and Variety is thrilled to launch the My Voice program so kids and teens in our community can express their needs, their thoughts, and their feelings.”

Variety also assists children with physical and developmental disabilities by giving access to critical medical equipment and therapies, along with innovative camp

both individuals and local businesses. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“As always, I am very excited to be playing once again in this year’s tournament. Thanks to the continued support and contributions from all the players, sponsors, donors and volunteers, we were able to raise $87,125 in last year’s sold-out tournament,” Hull said. “I’m just happy to have the opportunity to continue raising awareness of and supporting the services that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides for children in need all over the world.”

Registration is now open through Aug. 1 for teams and sponsors. The tournament

will feature lunch prior to the 1:30 p.m. shotgun start, plus unlimited beverages, a bucket of range balls, swag bags for each golfer, a ton of raffled prizes, silent auction, and dinner afterwards sponsored by Brett Tourney-STL.com. For other questions, contact Keith Horneker at KHorneker@ Junction-House.com. For more information on Cystic Fibrosis, visit the Gateway Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.CFF.org/Gateway.

and performing arts programs

According to Roy, Variety programs help children gain independence, boost socialization among their friends and family, demonstrate belief in themselves, and increase skills they need to engage their world

as fully as possible.

For more information, including how to apply Variety's My Voice program, visit www.varietystl.org/myvoice to begin the process.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: Variety St. Louis has launched a new St. Charles County initiative that addresses the frustration, isolation, and helplessness felt by those who are unable to communicate verbally. Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who qualify who do not have consistent access to this critical technology. My Voice is currently available to children ages three to 20 years old in St. Louis City and St. Charles County.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Around Town

Ribbon cutting ceremony held for pickleball courts in Wentzville

The city of Wentzville has unveiled four new pickleball courts and a dedicated cornhole playing area at Fireman’s Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 26 to mark this addition to the park's amenities.

The new pickleball courts provide a much-anticipated outdoor playing venue for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages. These courts offer a dedicated space for the community to engage in this popular and fast-growing sport.

In addition to the pickleball courts, Fireman's Park has also incorporated a dedicated cornhole playing area. This new addition provides a beloved social activity for families and friends to enjoy together. Cornhole continues to gain popularity and the inclusion of this area

further enhances the park's recreational offerings.

“We invite everyone to the excitement of friendly competition and the spirit of community at the new pickleball courts at Fireman's Park. The city of Wentzville is thrilled to offer this wonderful new amenity for our residents. This new addition reflects the parks and recreation department's dedication to providing enjoyable and active opportunities within our community. Join us as we celebrate a stronger, healthier Wentzville!" said Mayor Nick Guccione.

Fireman's Park is located at 203 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville, and parking is limited. For information on future phases of the continuing renovation of Fireman’s Park, please visit www.wentzvillemo.gov/ firemansparkproject.

Voting for Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors now open

Voting for candidates to fill four, three-year term seats on Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s (CREC) Board of Directors opens on July 17. Candidates are as follows (incumbents have an asterisk following their name):

• Lincoln County District 1: Christopher Williams, Mike Cherry*

• Warren County District 3: Phil Dunk*, Mark Konya

• St. Charles County District 4: Karen Berra*, Arthur Madden, Shirley Pecoraro

• St. Charles County District 5: Ted House*, Joseph Frazier

The voting process is being handled by the independent firm of Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS), based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Candidate bios are available when voting via a secure internet site, by paper ballot, or in person. Bios are also being published in the August issue of Current Times/Rural Missouri. Members may vote on-

line until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 21, or by paper ballot which must be received at SBS by the close of business on Aug. 21. Members also have the option to vote in person at the CREC’s Annual Meeting at 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the cooperative’s headquarters in Troy.

While members are welcome to attend the annual meeting, the meeting will also be streamed live online to view. To access it, please visit the home page of our website, cuivre.com on Aug. 24.

All members who cast a vote (online, paper, or in person) will be entered into a drawing for free electricity. Attendance at the meeting is not required to be eligible for voting participation prizes; the winners will be announced in the week following the meeting. The complete slate of winners will also be posted in CREC’s monthly newsletter, Current Times, on the CREC website, social media channels, and in CREC Connections, the cooperative’s e-newsletter.

For further information, contact Ryan at 636-695-4831/email cryan@cuivre.com.

Voting for Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors now open

Julie Meritt, a Sophomore at Timberland High School, has recently earned the mark of the truly remarkable – the Girl Scout Gold Award. This young change-maker demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project. A limb-length discrepancy is when one leg or arm is shorter than the other. Treatment for this condition often involves lengthening surgery and intensive physical therapy.

Meritt recognized the struggles children face navigating life with this condition and the anxiety of surgery. To increase resources for patients with this condition, Meritt decided to partner with Shriners Children’s St. Louis and create a children’s book on the condition.

Meritt’s book, “Brooke’s Big Surgery,” follows a character with a leglength discrepancy as she goes through her first surgery. Meritt illustrates what fellow patients can expect during their treatment. Meritt’s book also provides a list of other media, including characters with disabilities and advice from fellow patients.

After completing the book, Meritt translated it to Spanish and uploaded both versions as a free ebook. Meritt then provided Shriners Children’s St. Louis with 165 English and 200 Spanish hard copies of the book. Meritt also mailed a hard copy of each to the other 17 Shriners Children’s Hospital locations, including one in Canada and one in Mexico.

Finally, Meritt applied vinyl inspirational messages to 18 clinic room walls at Shriners Children’s St. Louis to encourage patients.

The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated, on average, more than 80 hours to address an issue they are passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change. Whether it is on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.

These remarkable young leaders, along with other Gold Award Girl Scouts, were recognized during a special ceremony on June 11.

St. Charles County Environmental Health advises ongoing air quality awareness

As ongoing wildfires in Canada continue to cause intermittent air quality concerns in St. Charles County and across the U.S., the St. Charles County Department of Public Health’s Division of Environmental Health and Protection is advising residents to take time every day to check their local air quality forecast and make adjustments to keep themselves and their families healthy.

“Air quality concerns were most noticeable during recent weeks when smoke from the Canadian wildfires was visibly present, but some of those concerns remain even without the visual smoke,” says Ryan Tilley, Division Director for the Division of Environmental Health and Protection. “Air quality varies on a daily basis and is something to keep an eye on if you are vulnerable and planning to be outside for an extended period of time.”

Air contamination consisting of ozone and smoke particles from wildfires, even in less-visible amounts, can cause eye or respiratory irritation, Tilley says. Exposure to high concentrations, or to smaller amounts over multiple days, is linked to aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease and increased risk of premature mortality.

According to the American Lung Association, the people most vulnerable to health symptoms from poor air quality include children and teenagers, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory health conditions, as well as those who spend longer periods of time outdoors.

“The county has real-time information about regional air quality at sccmo.org/AirQuality. We recommend this as a tool for anyone in the community, but particularly for people in one or more atrisk categories,” Tilley says. “On days when the air quality is worse than normal, it’s wise to consider reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.”

Tilley recommends residents reduce their gas or smoke emissions on poor air quality days by carpooling with others, combining errands to reduce trips, and postponing burning yard waste and using gas-powered lawn equipment.

For broader information about air quality and health impacts from wildfires, go to airnow.gov/wildfires and click on the “Smoke from Fires and Your Health” link.

Air quality is reported using a nationally standardized index that uses colors to communicate current conditions. Below is what each of those colors mean, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index:

• Green (Good): Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

• Yellow (Moderate): Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

• Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

• Red (Unhealthy): Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experi-

ence more serious health effects.

• Purple (Very Unhealthy): The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

Westward expansion

St. Charles Community College recently announced its plans to build a new campus near the David Hoekel I-70 Interchange

By Brett Auten

A geyser of opportunity and development will soon be flowing in western St. Charles County.

St. Charles Community College recently announced its plans to build a new campus near the David Hoekel I-70 Interchange. The first building on the 55-acre campus will be the 48,000 square-foot Regional Workforce Innovation Center.

College officials say it will be the premier technical training and education center within the Greater St. Louis Region.

John Wiemann is the Vice President of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives at the school, which opened its doors in Cottleville in 1987.

“Expanding to the western portion of the county will not only help St. Charles, but Warren, Lincoln, Pike, Montgomery, and Callaway Counties,” Wiemann said. “That is one of the reasons why we named it ‘regional.’”

The Innovation Center will be future-focused on modernization and meeting the needs of business and industry. The goal is to foster and prepare the region’s workforce for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing, robotics, sustainable energy, healthcare and more.

“Right now, the demand from the business community is in advanced manufacturing and all of the skill trades,” Weimann said. “But we are also planning for down the road. There will also be 15,000 square feet dedicated for future technologies. We want to make sure we leave some space for what's next.”

Among the new programs SCC will introduce are: battery technology, electric and autonomous vehicles, renewable wind and solar energy, high-tech processes and robotics.

Also, the college will have a Make-it Center lab where students in middle and high school can experience and explore how a 3-D printer works and robotics work. An introduction to manufacturing technologies and other skilled trades will be available for students with options to earn associate degrees and certificates.

Learning is enhanced by partnerships with local employers like GM. St. Charles Community College was selected in February by the American Association of Community Colleges as one of seven colleges to receive grant funding from GM to help grow community college advanced manufacturing programs.

Through this grant, the college can further study needs for technical training and help meet the growing demand for job-ready employees in advanced manufacturing. In not only the automotive industry, but manufacturing technology in general is becoming more advanced, and it is increasingly important to equip the current and future workforce with the skills and training they need to succeed in modern manufacturing careers.

“The days of the dirty, noisy factory are kind of going by the wayside,” Wiemann said. “They are going to look to us to also plan for future jobs.” The goal is to have courses start there in the fall of 2025.

The Innovation Center is funded by the Proposition Community College bond program and grants received from the state.

“We take seriously our role in helping meet Governor Parson’s priority for workforce development and education,” Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D., SCC president said. “His focus on projects that meet the needs of business and industry provided the impetus to SCC to develop a business plan for the Center. We appreciate his support in providing additional funding through the American Rescue Plan and the MoExcels Workforce Initiative.”

SUBMITTED IMAGES: St. Charles Community College is growing with a new campus coming to western St. Charles County, near the David Hoekel I-70 Interchange. The first building on the 55-acre campus will be the 48,000 square-foot Regional Workforce Innovation Center. SCC officials say this will be the premier technical training and education center within the Greater St. Louis Region.

By Brett Auten

ROLLING FORWARD FOR 40 YEARS

General Motors Wentzville Assembly celebrates four decades of being a stable economic engine for the region

A stable force in the region.

Those words are not often associated with automobile assembly plants. So, it goes to show what a special place General Motors Wentzville Assembly has carved out for itself in the region as it celebrates its 40th year building trucks and vans.

GM Wentzville Assembly is the global production site for the full-size van and is situated on a 440-acre site which was previously a wheat field. The facility comprises 4.25 million square feet under roof and the first vehicle off the assembly line was the Buick Park Avenue in December 1983. By September 1989 the one millionth vehicle had been built.

“We have tried to be strong partners in the community,” Lamar Rucker, Wentzville Assembly’s plant executive director, said. “It is pretty humbling. Not too many have had this length of service and it shows that (Wentzville)

is a pretty significant, thriving part of GMC.”

So much so, GM provided a $1.5 billion investment in Wentzville Assembly in 2019 to upgrade the facility’s body and paint shops in preparation for manufacturing the next generation mid-size trucks. The launch of these new vehicles not only represents the re-envisioning of the products themselves, but also how their teams and crew work together.

“It shows General Motors is invested in the growth of our community by providing good paying jobs and supporting the community through philanthropy and engagement. We are honored to be part of the success of Wentzville and St. Charles County.”

Among the celebrations this year, Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione recently presented a proclamation to both plant leadership and UAW Local 2250 representatives during the city’s Board of Alderman meeting.

During the presentation, Mayor Guccione stated, “General Motors has been an integral part of Wentzville’s growth and success for the past four decades,” Guccione said. “The city of Wentzville appreciates the partnership it has with GM and we hope it continues for many more years to come.”

In December 1995, the first full-size van was produced. Wentzville Assembly remains GM’s only global production site for Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks began production in September 2014 with several model enhancements since inception. Wentzville Assembly launched the 2023 next generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks in January 2023.

Employees recently celebrated with lunch and a 40th anniversary t-shirt provided to commemorate the event. They were also provided with an opportunity to read the

many positive comments on display from customers across the country who have recently taken ownership of their 2023 next generation trucks.

GM Wentzville Assembly recently announced a grant specifically for advanced manufacturing programs at St. Charles Community College to expand skills-based education to keep pace with modern manufacturing facilities. St. Charles Community College was one of only seven community colleges to study and share best practices for integrating advanced manufacturing credentials into their college curriculum. Funding provided by GM will support the colleges’ efforts to expand and leverage local programs into national networks.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with St. Charles Community College and our investment in the community,” Rucker said. “Through this grant, the college can further study needs for technical training and help

meet the growing demand for job-ready employees in advanced manufacturing. The next generation of hourly and salary employees are going to have a significantly different skill set.”

GM Wentzville Assembly produces the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks and the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. The plant currently employs over 4,000 and has employed tens of thousands since opening in 1983. It currently operates five days a week over three shifts.

With the company recently making headlines with its pledge to sell only electric passenger vehicles by 2035, Rucker said there is plenty of work in the meantime.

“I get asked about (electric vehicles) all the time,” he said. “We have a lot of trucks and vans to build by the end of the year, and nothing is more important right now.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione (right) recently presented a proclamation to both GM Wentzville Assembly plant leadership and UAW Local 2250 representatives during the city’s board of alderman meeting.

Current employees of General Motors Wentzville recently celebrated with a lunch and a 40th anniversary T-shirt provided to commemorate the event.

EVACUATION

– BY AVALANCHE –

STACI AND I WERE ENJOYING A NICE

BBQ LUNCH on a campground restaurant patio, when we heard some raised voices nearby. We looked over to see what was going on, and the voices became more frantic, and then flames became visible, with a smoke plume rising quickly toward the sky. Within just a minute or two, flames raced up the far side of a pine tree, topping out in the crown of the 70-foottall tree.

The campground owner came running back from the flames and said to the lunch crowd, “Everyone needs to get out of here,” then moved quickly over to a dozer parked nearby.

Campground employees quickly grabbed buckets, shovels and chainsaws and headed toward the fire. The owner started up the dozer and headed toward the fire, pushing down trees and building an impromptu fire break. Staci and I and at least one other lunch patron began jogging around the campground, and informed everyone about the fire, and recommended that they leave.

The previously quiet and peaceful campground became a scene of rapid activity, with most of the campers quickly break-

ing down and packing up their tents and campers. Staci and I were able to load up our gear on the motorcycle in just a few minutes, and rolled out to the highway about a quarter-mile away. Once there, I parked the bike among many of the other displaced campers, and I decided to head back to the campground to lend assistance.

Things had gone pretty well in the few minutes it took us to notify all the campers and get our stuff out. The dozer operator had been able to cut and push the flaming tree back onto the source of the fire, a smoldering slash pile left from a logging operation. The smoldering pile had been considered a “controlled burn” and a light wind had caused the fire to ignite and catch a tall tree on fire. Quick action by employees and volunteers had the blaze reasonably contained before the fire department got there. Once on scene, fire personnel quickly extinguished the remaining blaze, and most everyone who had evacuated came back to the campground, set up camp again, and stayed overnight.

FAST-FORWARD SEVERAL YEARS…

Recently there was a local homeowner, a very smart and conscientious guy who, after contacting the fire department and following their guidelines on how to do it, had a small controlled burn on his property, Some of the neighbors – including a few who happen to be fire fighters – took exception to this event, given the hot, dry and windy conditions that day. An online discussion went back and forth for a couple days, which seemed to focus on whether or not the burn was legal. As for myself, I didn’t really care about the legal and/or administrative aspect of things. Over the last few years, we’ve had friends who lost their home to a carelessly started fire, and another friend had to be airlifted via helicopter across the state to a trauma center for injuries he received as a volunteer while fighting the same large summertime blaze. All I know is that “controlled burns” usually work fine – until they don’t; and if one is going to be conducted, snow on the ground keeps the consequences limited in scale, while hot dry weather is an invitation to a much larger disaster.

TELEVISION INDECISION

– BY CINDY MOORE –

IT’S OFFICIAL, TV control is a major subject of contention for couples, edging out naggy mother-in-law issues and take-outthe-garbage issues by a hair.

I can relate. Our problems begin with the volume.

Me: “Turn that down! I can’t hear myself think.”

Husband: “Then turn your thinker up. My volume’s just fine.”

From there it goes to program decisions.

Me: “Let’s watch a Jane Austen movie.”

Him: “No can do. I’ve got to go clean the cat’s box.”

“You’d rather do that than watch my movie?”

“The decision was a tough one, but it was cat box, drive splinters up my fingernails or watch a top hats and bonnets show. I made the sacrifice.”

The issues continue.

Me: “What’s this you’re watching tonight?”

Him: “Shhh. It’s the final game of the almost final game before the really final game of the MLB.”

“How exciting. Who are the ones wearing the red uniforms?”

Glaring eyes. “The Cardinals.”

“Oh nice. I want them to win. I like the color red and cardinals are my favorite bird. You know we had a nest of cardinals in the bush out front. I had to keep the cats in because I was afraid they’d eat them. Hey, who’s in the other uniforms? They’re kind of a bland color. I’m sure that won’t help their performance. What does MLB stand for?”

Glaring and red faced. “The first letter stands for MURDER. The next ones mean LEAVE BEFORE-it-happens!”

And then there’s this.

We’ve finally decided on a movie after searching for hours to find one we both can agree on. Of course, by then it’s 10 p.m. and we’re both a little dozy, but we settle in and the show begins.

Five minutes into the movie he’s snoring and I’m in a deep coma with drool puddling onto my pillow. I wake up at midnight to the television playing the credits for the program.

I give my husband a mean jab in the ribs and he snort-swallows and chokes himself awake.

“What?! Where am I? Who shot me?!”

“Wake up. The movie’s about to start.”

“Huh? Okay. I’m ready.”

I restart the show and we immediately both fall back to sleep.

At least that’s something we can agree on.

2023 PATHFINDER

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

Frankly speaking, I can't ever recall test driving an SUV that essentially had overwhelming curb appeal from admirers. Nonetheless, this was evident while seated behind the wheel of the new 2023 Nissan Rock Creek edition of the Pathfinder.

The celebrated heritage of Pathfinder has been on the market for quite some time across the globe. The '23 model represents it's fourth generation. This new trail-inspired trim level is part of a product mix that starts out with Pathfinder sold in the S trim, SV, (again) Rock Creek, SL and their Platinum renditions. Additionally, it also competes in a very crowded segment, with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volkswagen Atlas, Honda Passport, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride.

The stylish Rock Creek Model is brimming with what appears to be an endless list of creature comforts. The base price is $43,820. This excludes shipping costs, taxes and any additional dealer add-ons.

Rock Creek's interior is assuredly spacious, and this extraordinaire midsize three-row SUV has an impressive towing capacity as well. This helps to raise the bar when hauling items such as a camper or boat trailer. It's rated at 6,000 lbs., which is just about at the top of this sector.

Pathfinder was fundamentally redone last year. This includes improvements in ride quality, braking, sound deadening, safety enhancements and of course, technologies. Powering this timeless and impressive SUV

is Nissan's 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 engine. It is rated at 295 horsepower. That's a slight bump in performance, when compared to the standard Pathfinder V6, as long as it's operated on premium grade, high octane fuel. The engine is nicely paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission which is engineered to help achieve strong, confident acceleration, as the transmission is governed by commands from its power control computer.

The standard idle stop/start system helps save fuel when stationary at a traffic light. Fuel economy numbers show 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, as all versions of this model come with four-wheel-drive. It provides driving confidence on a variety of underside surfaces. The system features a Drive and Terrain Mode rotary switch that helps optimize power delivery. It solely depends on the driving situation. More precisely, it includes seven drive modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow. Furthermore, the vehicle's advanced suspension is well suited for both paved roads as well as rock crawling or unsuitable pathways.

The unique 18-inch black and silver exclusive wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, coupled with Rock Creek's tubular high strength roof rack further supports this model’s positive appeal. LED fog lights, Intelligent Around View Monitor, orange interior raised stitching and second-row captain’s chairs help makeup this SUV's bold and adventurous presents. Every new Pathfinder also features Nissan Safety Shield 360.

As we briefly transition towards the interior, all three rows offer a generous amount of space. With this model, the second-row seating included captain's chairs and a removable center console positioned between them. Visibility is quite good with minimal blind spots from its large windows. Driver command controls and switches are within easy reach and palpable to understand. The factory’s navigation system is clear cut and works well, with clear turn-by-turn directions. Cargo space behind the third row is a bit tight; however, there is a slick hidden storage compartment under the rear cargo mat.

Nissan certainly raised the bar with this new addition for 2023. It's not classified as a "luxury SUV"; however, the vehicle’s timeless looks, quality, drive characteristics and overall persona has it approaching that level. The base warranty is for three-years/36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty is for five-years/60,000 miles. It’s manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee.

NissaN raises the bar with eye-catchiNg

Daniel Radcliffe, Al Yankovic earned Emmy nods for ‘Weird: The Weird Al Story’

BY STEVE BRYAN

AAfter watching and reviewing movies for several years, the last thing I expected to see was Al Yankovic praising “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe’s performance in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” a biographical film released by Roku.

Radcliffe played the title role, a musician with a talent for making creative and engaging song parodies. When the 75th Emmy Award nominations were recently announced, Yankovic and Radcliffe were honored with their first Emmy nominations. Yankovic also earned honors for outstanding writing for an original movie as well as the credit for the original music and lyrics to the song “Now You Know.”

In “Weird,” Radcliffe played Yankovic, a teenager whose comedy and parody songs caught the attention of Barret Eugene Hansen, a Southern California radio personality better known as Dr. Demento. After Hansen played one of Al’s parody creations on the air, Yankovic’s career took off. While still in high school, he used his musical skills

to twist the Knack’s “My Sharona” into the tasty parody “My Bologna.” After Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” hit the airwaves in 1980, Yankovic released his take on the song: “Another One Rides the Bus.”

The 1980’s seemed to inspire Al Yankovic’s creative side, which led to the top 40 parody hit “I Love Rocky Road. That was Yankovic’s comedic twist on the Joan Jett & the Blackhearts song “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” After Toni Basil’s song “Mickey” hit the charts, Yankovic released “Ricky,” a song and video that paid homage to the popular 1950’s television series “I Love Lucy.” Weird Al’s second album featured “Eat It,” his take on Michael Jackson’s immensely popular “Beat It.” Yankovic wasn’t sure how the pop star would react, but Jackson was reportedly amused by the parody.

Al’s success with videos and parodies helped make his 1989 film “UHF” a reality. An underappreciated, low-budget film, “UHF” focused on a struggling UHF television station. Yankovic played George

Newman, a young man who landed a position at a station that played reruns of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Mister Ed” and other classic shows. In “UHF,” “Seinfeld’s” Michael Richards played Stanley Spadowski, a janitor who inadvertently became the perfect host for the children’s show at the station. “UHF” even contained a brilliant, eye-popping parody of the Dire Straits hit “Money for Nothing” that definitely was worth a look.

Al Yankovic has a great sense of humor and a talent for parodies. During his concerts, for instance, Yankovic would show the trailer for a proposed biographical film about his life. That footage prompted audiences to ask when the actual film about his life would actually be made. After the finished version of “Weird” was released, it received accolades from the British Academy Television Awards, Critics’ Choice Television Awards and others. Here’s hoping that the Emmy Awards Committee honor Al Yankovic for decades of fun, laughter and, of course, parodies.

“WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY” PHOTO COURTESY FUNNY OR DIE

FLAVORFUL grape recipes

summer gatherings to

Summertime celebrations with friends, family and neighbors are a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and camaraderie. To satisfy a hungry crowd, though, you’ll need recipes fit for the occasion.

Turn to a versatile signature ingredient like Grapes from California, which can be used in dishes of all kinds from refreshing salads and entrees to flavorful condiments and sweet desserts. Grapes are crisp, juicy and sweet, making them a fantastic

all on its own. Follow it up (or pair it) with a summertime staple – hot dogs – given a sweettart twist from pickled grape relish that takes these Sweet and Tangy Pickled Grape Hot Dogs to new heights.

Dessert can’t be much easier than Creamy Vegan Grape Ice Cream as a dairy-free alternative to traditional summer sweets. Oat coffee creamer and pureed grapes are all you need to create this delicious frozen treat. Simply freezing whole grapes also makes for an easy and healthy frozen

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PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES, PLUS AT LEAST 1 HOUR

CHILL TIME

COOK TIME: 22 MINUTES

SERVINGS: 6 (1 1/3 CUPS PER SERVING)

HONEY-LIME QUINOA AND GRAPE SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

LIME VINAIGRETTE:

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons honey

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

freshly ground pepper, to taste

SALAD:

1 1/2 cups quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

2 cups halved grapes

1/2 cup minced red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper

1 large firm, ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE LIME VINAIGRETTE: In medium bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, sea salt and pepper, to taste.

TO MAKE SALAD: In fine mesh strainer, rinse quinoa; drain well. In medium saucepan, bring broth and quinoa to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes then fluff with fork and let cool. Transfer to large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over quinoa; stir well to coat. Add grapes, onion, cilantro and jalapeno pepper; cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Lightly stir in avocado and transfer to decorative bowl. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.

NOTES: Salad may be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead without avocado and peanuts. Add avocado and peanuts just before serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERV -

ING: 520 calories; 10 g protein; 52 g carbohydrates; 32 g fat (55% calories from fat); 4 1/2 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 490 mg sodium; 7 g fiber.

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES, PLUS 1 HOUR

MARINATING TIME

COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES

SERVINGS:

8 (1/4 CUPS PER SERVING)

SWEET AND TANGY PICKLED GRAPE DOGS

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 cup wine vinegar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 1/4 cups quartered or coarsely chopped grapes (red, green, black or combination)

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

8 turkey or chicken hot dogs

8 hot dog buns, lightly toasted

DIRECTIONS:

Place mustard seeds, coriander seeds and black peppercorns in small resealable bag. Using meat mallet or rolling pin, crush seeds and peppercorns.

In small saucepan, stir vinegar, sugar, seeds and peppercorns; bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir to dissolve sugar; let cool. Stir in grapes and onion; set aside to cool and marinate 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Heat grill to medium heat.

Grill hot dogs 5 minutes, turning occasionally, or until charred and heated through.

Place hot dogs in buns. Using slotted spoon, top with pickled grapes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 280 calories; 10 g protein; 39 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat (32% calories from fat); 2 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 35 mg cholesterol; 630 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

CREAMY VEGAN GRAPE ICE CREAM

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 10-15 MINUTES

SERVINGS:

8 (1/2 CUPS PER SERVING)

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

1 pound stemmed black grapes

12 ounces vanilla oat coffee creamer, well chilled

12 ounces unsweetened oat coffee creamer, well chilled

In high-speed blender, puree grapes until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

Stir creamer into pureed grapes and pour into bowl of ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Transfer to freezer-safe container; cover and freeze until firm.

SUBSTITUTION: For lighter color, use 3/4 pound black grapes and 1/4 pound red.

NOTE: Make sure ice cream maker bowl is well chilled or frozen before making ice cream.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (39% calo-