CrossRoads: September 2018

200

years of education

WWW.PBTC.NET

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SEPTEMBER 2018

contents

VOL 14 | NO 9

Departments

4 13

Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.

Around Town Local news and events Simon Says Turning tragedy into triumph – all for Warrenton youth

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Moore on Life Something’s fishy

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Always an Adventure 180 pounds of puppies

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder

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Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke

Automobile Alley 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a unique, fun-to-drive sports car

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Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Food Save time on school nights: Simple, savory recipes for busy families

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Community Calendar: September

Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Staff Writer Brett Auten

features

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200 years of education The Academy of the Sacred Heart marks two centuries of teaching and faith-building in St. Charles County

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Advertiser Profile Byerly RV introduces the Pre-RV

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Entertainment “The Happytime Murders” gleefully takes puppets into the gutter

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

Nonprofit Profile Radio Arts Foundation (RAF-STL) is ‘a voice for all the arts in St. Louis’

Copyright 2018 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.

On the Cover: Photo courtesy The Academy of the Sacred Heart

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

SAFETY FIRST

By Brett Auten

Law enforcement agencies from St. Charles County and Troy are working together on huge public safety campaign Law enforcement agencies from St. Charles County and Troy are introducing an all-new, 12-month public safety campaign to the community this month. The campaign consists of social media and video public service announcements, and cover various topics.

The goal of this multi-jurisdictional public safety campaign is to keep residents safe and informed and to make the public crime smart. Although topics range from school bus safety to domestic violence to water/pool safety, police receive many calls for service and inquiries related to the selected issues.

“It is our goal to educate the community, so residents and business owners are aware of the applicable laws, safety measures and other ways to help keep their family, home and neighborhood secure,” Val Joyner, Public Affairs Officer and Cultural Liaison with the St. Charles County Police Department, said.

Public safety messages will be distributed simultaneously on each department’s social media pages and through use of video PSAs. Each department will be responsible for a specific month.

“Frequently, these individual communities share the same problems, and we share the same bad guys,” St. Charles County Police Chief David Todd said.

“We share a lot of the same resources, and we work so well together it only made sense to align our message.”

Todd said that an informed resident is a safe resident and is encouraging those who are on social media to share the information with those who are not.

“A lot of our older residents do not do social media, so we’re asking that you reach out and share with your neighbor,” Todd said. “We will be putting out as much as we can, and at the end of the day it’s about the public we serve.”

With social media being a powerful platform for public service professions, such as law enforcement, according to Melissa Doss, Com4 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2018

munity/Media Relations for the St. Peters Police Department, it is essential that the campaign not only discusses topics which universally affect the county, but the information is interesting enough to get – and keep residents’ attention.

“Our primary goal is to provide valuable information to the residents of St. Charles County to hopefully educate and promote dialogue,” Doss said. “If information from our campaign reaches outside of our county, it is an even bigger win for us. We are attempting to be creative and to the point with each campaign to reach as many people as possible.”

Wentzville Police Chief Kurt Frisz said that having a consistent message coming for all of the agencies involved and having that message projected from each social media accountant will reach an enormous audience.

“I know we have something like 16,000 followers on Facebook while O’Fallon and others have a little more,” Frisz said.

“So we are talking tens of thousands of people we are reaching instantly and quickly. This is a good, sound approach to sharing information on public safety.”

To some, a specific month’s message may seem basic, but it’s the little mistakes that can go from mishap to tragic.

“It is good to put out information about school bus laws because people have been on summer vacation and have not seen school buses for a while,” Frisz said. “It may seem like common sense, but people need, and I think the vast majority of the public appreciate it. We deal with people all the time that need reminding.”

Participating agencies include: Cottleville Police Department, Lake St. Louis Images courtesy O’Fallon Police Department Police Department, O’Fallon Police Department, St. Charles Police Department St. Charles County Police Department, St. Peters Police Department, Troy Police Department and Wentzville Police Department.

Around Town

2018 St. Charles County Fair Queen crowned in Wentzville Alexa Daly was crowned the 2018 St. Charles County Fair Queen on July 24 at Rotary Park in Wentzville.

The 18-year-old from O’Fallon also received first place in the talent competition, playing “Dream Sequence #3,” a marimba solo by Tracy Thomas.

Daly said her contest experience was excellent and encourages young women to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. The experience has provided her with opportunities to meet new people, improve her public speaking and be a positive role model.

Her hobbies include welding, playing the marimba, competing at area horse shows or rodeos, riding Western Pleasure, Hunter/Jumper, or Poles and Barrels.

Daly graduated this past May from Fort

Zumwalt South High School, where she was active in the Marching Band, Modulation Z Winter Drumline and the Robotics Team. Daly has received the Blue and Gold Academic Scholarship to attend Southern Arkansas University where she plans on pursuing her education in equine sciences and minoring in welding engineering.

Daly would like to thank her parents, Darren and Theresa Daly and her sponsor, Farmer Insurance - The Akers Agency, for making it possible for her to compete this year.

Other winners included first runner-up Courtney Pyrtle, second runner-up Rachel Love, who also received first runner-up talent, congeniality winner Lucy Boschert and top evening gown winner Cora Besselman, who also received second runner-up talent.

Submitted photi Alexa Daly was crowned the 2018 St. Charles County Fair Queen on July 24 at Rotary Park in Wentzville.

Five local students attend CYCLE conference in Jefferson City Cuivre River Electric Cooperative sponsored five students at the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program.

Local delegates were John Pezold, Wright City High School; Olivia Riek, Timberland High School; Clark Rogers, Winfield High School; Karli Heimburger, Holt High School and Rajat Nepal, Francis Howell North High School.

They were among the 105 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the CYCLE program. The conference was held July 18-20, in Jefferson City.

Each year in July, three action-filled days provide high school students opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and a day at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events like the “build a cooperative” game.

Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. Rachel Scott

was the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy on April 20, 1999. Today, her family and friends speak to youth around the world about Rachel’s legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life.

The CYCLE program is in its 15th year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.

Delegates sponsored by Cuivre River Electric said attending the conference was worthwhile.

“I definitely learned how electricity works,” Riek said. “The speakers were really good. It exceeded my expectations. It was fun.”

Rogers added: “It was entertaining and more fun than what I expected. I learned a lot, too.”

The annual contest is open to high school sophomores who live and attend school in Cuivre River’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River Electric service in their homes. Applications for next year’s program will be accepted in the spring. For more information about the CYCLE program, contact Tim Schmidt at 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.

Submitted photo Pictured (from left) are John Pezold, Wright City High School; Olivia Riek, Timberland High School; Clark Rogers, Winfield High School; Karli Heimburger, Holt High School and Rajat Nepal, Francis Howell North High School.

www.dpc4u.org

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

Missouri EMS Association bestows top honors on St. Charles County paramedic, ambulance district

WWW.LAWNAUTHORITY.COM

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Paramedic Dave Kroll joined St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) in June of 2015, just as the district debuted cutting-edge cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) protocols.

Though the CCR protocols have helped dramatically increase cardiac arrest survival rates in the county, Kroll knew the key to driving numbers even higher lied in getting lay rescuers comfortable with the idea and technique of providing high-quality chest compressions.

Photo courtesy SCCAD He got involved in the district’s fledgling Lifesaver CPR effort, and today has ultimate oversight of the program, which trains thousands of individuals annually in hands-only CPR and choking relief. Last week, his commitment to increasing cardiac arrest survival rates was honored by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association with their 2018 Community Service Award.

“I’m truly humbled that our Lifesaver CPR efforts are being recognized on a statewide level,” said Kroll. “95 percent of those resuscitated by SCCAD paramedics and our fire protection district partners receive CPR prior to our arrival on-scene, making bystanders a critical link in the chain of survival.”

Lifesaver CPR sessions are offered regularly throughout the community at fairs, festivals and other events. There is no cost to participate, and the training is open to all ages.

Innovation and collaboration were two of the key reasons cited by MEMSA for SCCAD being named 2018 Emergency Medical Service of the Year. Over the past two years, the district has launched several initiatives that point to an ongoing commitment to meet the evolving healthcare needs of citizens. These include a mobile integrated health program launched in partnership with BJC Healthcare, and a successful treatment referral program designed to help those affected by the opiate crisis. Most recently, the district debuted a telemedicine program developed in collaboration with Behavioral Health Response which enables paramedics to initiate a telehealth encounter with a masters-level clinician via iPad on select behavioral cases.

“Providing our community with high-quality, patient-centric care and programs is the core of our operation, and we’re proud to continually develop strategies and partnerships that help us achieve that goal,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer. “To be recognized by MEMSA for this commitment is a tremendous honor, and we appreciate the recognition.”

2018 marks the seventh time SCCAD has been named Missouri’s top EMS entity; the district previously received the honor in 2016, 2011, 2009, 1993, 1992 and 1990. The district covers all 592 square miles of St. Charles County, and last year responded to nearly 40,000 calls for service.

Nonprofit Profile

RADIO ARTS FOUNDATION (RAF-STL) IS ‘A VOICE FOR ALL THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS’

O

n April 8, the Radio Arts Foundation (Classic 107.3 and 96.3 HD2 and streaming live at www.rafstl.org) marked their fifth anniversary of bringing back classical music to radio in St. Louis.

As a nonprofit, RAF-STL’s mission is to provide classical music programming to strengthen our region’s cultural landscape and enrich a vibrant arts community.

The station was established as a result of the unexpected demise of Classic 99 (KFUO) in 2010. Having served St. Louisans for 62 years, St. Louis was left without a classical music radio station. A group of music lovers, including supporters of Classic 99(KFUO) and Noémi and Michael Neidorff, worked on starting a replacement station. In April, 2013 Radio Arts Foundation went “live”.

First Class program line-up includes: • Jazz at Lincoln Center • San Francisco, Chicago, Milwaukee Symphonies, Los Angeles, New York Philharmonics • Spanish & English Classical Music “Concierto” and Latin-American Music “Fiesta!”

• Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center • December holiday programs In-house produced programming: • Notable at Nine with Jim Doyle • Opera with Tom Sudholt

Graf Mack, Kirven & Antonio Douthit-Boyd, Christine KnoblauchO’Neal & Erin Warner Prange

• Classics 4 Kids hosted by Kathy Lawton Brown

Opera: Facilitated by Timothy O’Leary of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, w/Christine Brewer, Gene Dobbs Bradford, Rick Dildine, Duane Martin Foster & Amy Kaiser

• Re-choired Listening hosted by Philip Barnes of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus

Theater: Facilitated by Mike Isaacson of the Muny, w/Robert Mark Morgan, Megan Larche Dominick & Nathan Scheuer

• Inside Classical Guitar hosted by John Clayton of the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society

Live interviews are conducted with well-known artists including Leonard Slatkin, Timothy O’Leary, and Grace Bumbry to name a few. Event information is announced for free from a variety of organizations including The Black Rep, New Jewish Theater, Dance St. Louis and many others.

There is more to come, so stay tuned, and mark your calendars for these upcoming events: The second Annual Wine and Jazz under the Stars event at the Butterfly House on Sept. 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring live entertainment from Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers.

The 2019 Gala will be in April at the Sheldon, featuring Leonard Slatkin, Olga Kern, performing with her son, Vladislav Kern and Thomas Hampson presenting Carnival of the Animals, along with other fabulous surprises.

To learn more about RAF-STL and how you can support the station, please visit rafstl.org or call 314-881-3053.

• Friday Morning with the Arts with by Jim Doyle

• “Sunday Matinee on Broadway” showcasing the best of Broadway hosted by Julie Schuster • “Somethin Else” jazz show hosted by Calvin Wilson, St. Louis PostDispatch arts critic “Kaleidoscope”, a program created by the station to support local arts and education, partnered with Webster University’s Community Music School, in presenting a children’s concert headlining young virtuoso pianist, Jerry Chang.

Careers in the Arts, an educational series of discussions between renowned figures in the arts and people in the community included: Dance: Facilitated by Sally Brayley Bliss & Michael Uthoff, w/Alicia

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7

Always An Adventure

180 POUNDS OF

PUPPIES OUR FRIEND DAVID USED TO REGALE US WITH TALES of when he had three Newfoundlands in the house, laughingly describing the havoc the mutts would wreak on his home. Dog bones buried in the couch cushions, games of tug-of-war gone awry and piles of shredded goods were topics remembered with good humor.

One of his favorite tales involved two “puppies” weighing one hundred pounds apiece running down the hallway together, then trying to stop – much too late – at the end of the hall. Both dogs slid on the hardwood floor and blew right through the closet doors at the end of the hall, necessitating the purchase and installation of a new pair of doors.

Staci and I used listen to these stories and laugh, finding amusement in the trials and tribulations of others. We enjoyed the luxury of the separation of time and distance, as those stories were told in the past tense, and they involved other people’s stuff getting destroyed.

Fast forward to today, when our cute, cuddly Newfy puppies have a combined weight north of 180 lbs., the stories involve our stuff and past tense is defined as the last few hours or days. It’s our stuff being trashed, right now. Our male, named Clouseau (Chief Inspector, no less,) weighs in a little less than 110 lbs., and his female sidekick Cato tips the scales at a svelte 71 lbs. Just under nine-months of age, they sometimes resemble giant-breed termites, exploring the world with their teeth.

A couple months ago, Cato began her reconnaissance-by-chewing by working on the front deck railing. After delivering

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Photo by Avalanche

some verbal correction and treating the damaged woodwork with dog-repellant tea tree oil, Staci sanded the not-toodamaged railing smooth, preparing the surface for fresh stain. Within a couple days, new gnaw marks appeared on the railing. Uncertain which puppy had again defaced the woodwork, we just doused the wood with more tea tree oil, and so far the teeth marks have not multiplied, as the mutts seem to have grown bored with that part of their world.

An antique armoire was next, with damage confined to two small bottom corners, easily smoothed and re-stained.

The armoire now wears a blanket skirt taped in place over the bottom molding.

We’ve had no further problems there.

Three of Staci’s shoes, all from different pairs, were part of last week’s damage tally.

One of my shirts and a small, solar lamp in the front yard rounded out the list of items gnawed into shreds.

Cato is the energetic one; if not asleep, she’s always in motion. Once she finds

something interesting, Clouseau come over to investigate, consistent with his title of Chief Inspector. If he deems the item worthy of chewing, it gets chewed in a most thorough manner, as his beastly jaw size gives him remarkable powers of mastication.

We hope others find our puppy tales as entertaining as we previously found the stories of other goofy Newfy owners. Right now the situation can be a bit taxing.

Despite the damaged goods, the dogs are still hopelessly cute and are always good for a laugh and a smile, making it all worth it…I think. I’ll report back after their combined tonnage exceeds 200 lbs.

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.

Moore On Says Life Simon

Something’s fishy “FISHING,” HE SAID “FISHING?” I ASKED. “Ya. It’ll be fun. A new hobby. We’ll grab a few things and we’ll catch our limit within a minute.”

A “few things” later and we were off: reels and poles, a tackle box filled with extra line, line cutters, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, spinners, swivels, lures, plastic worms, real worms, special bait, needle nose pliers, fillet knife, tape measure, nets, fish-head-bopper, along with a specialized cooler to keep head-bopped fish in, fishing chairs, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lip balm, snacks, first aid kit and TP…just in case.

“Looks like we’ve unloaded your granny’s attic!” I said, “Why do we need all this stuff?”

“I’ve done extensive research; these are the basics,” he said.

“Holy mackerel!”

“Incorrect! Not mackerel, but trout. Big giant, juicy lake trout.”

So off we went.

We wedged ourselves into a sandy area

between two men with lines already in the water.

“Hi guys! Catch anything?” I caught some crusty glares, which would be much more than I was going to hook that day.

I sensed we were intruding on some personal space. We moved over to a nice uncrowded location on a rocky point of the lake. After losing three hooks and snapping the line in half we came to the realization that the rocky point was unoccupied because rocky points contain rocky bottoms, which eat fishing line.

“Patience,” said my husband.

I cast my line again. Soon I had something on the hook. A big one! I reeled in a nice three pound, slime-covered log.

“Change your bait,” counseled the fishing expert.

He gave me a wad of special goo. It smelled like the armpit of a sweaty gorilla, but was hot pink and had sparkles in it.

“What in the name of all that is vile and rotted, but yet strangely alluring, is this hot mess?”

He explained, “Simple. I suspect the smell attracts the male fish and the color and glitter attract the females. You know…a little something for everyone.”

A few more snags, some lost lures and bait and we noticed the banks around us were clearing out.

“Where’s everyone going?” I asked one group leaving.

“Wrong time of day.”

“Seriously? Then how are we supposed to get any fish?”

“Big Bob’s down the street. They’ve got a special on fried mackerel today.”

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.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9

200

“ years of education

The Academy of the Sacred Heart marks two centuries of teaching and faith-building in St. Charles County

By Brett Auten

A

strong case can be made that faith and education are two essential blocks in the foundation of a civilized and progressive society.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart has ingrained itself in both areas in St. Charles. The school and the city’s story practically run parallel. In September, the private, Catholic, co-educational, pre-K through grade eight school, will celebrate 200 years at 619 North Second Street.

On Sept. 7, 1818, a 48-year-old French Religious of the Sacred Heart, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, arrived in St. Charles after a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and upriver from New Orleans to a spot Duchesne described as, “the most remote village in the U.S.” One week later, on Sept. 14, she and four fellow nuns opened the Academy of the Sacred Heart in

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(Duchesne) believed that education of girls was vital and not just in the grace of the arts and humanities but in the knowledge of heavier content like math and science.”

- Marcia Renken

a log cabin located at 619 N. Second Street. It was not only the first formal school of any kind in the area but the first free school west of the Mississippi as well as the first school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. It would become the first of over 140 Schools of the Sacred Heart worldwide.

The 200th celebration will culminate on Sept. 7, at

Sacred Heart Principal

the St. Charles Riverfront, where students from schools around the area will be among the 2,000 people expected to attend the reenactment of Duchesne’s arrival in St. Charles at the Outdoor Jaycee Stage in Frontier Park in St. Charles. Sponsored by the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Duchesne High School, From 9 to 10:15 a.m., strolling historical characters, and period demonstrations will be among the highlights. At 10:30 a.m., a welcome will be followed by remarks and reenactment of Duchesne’s arrival on the St. Charles Riverfront. Then at 11:30 a.m., enjoy the entertainment and a picnic lunch on the riverfront as adults and students are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, and a disposable meal and drink.

On Sept. 14, the 200th Anniversary Mass with Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will be held at 9:30 a.m., at the Rauch Memorial Hall on the campus of Lindenwood University.

With 139 schools around the world, Sacred Heart doesn’t proclaim to be better, but it does claim to be different. For example, community responsibility carries a lot of weight in the Sacred Heart philosophy.

“I think the school has endured because of the values being taught are timely,” Dr. Susan Dempf, who is in her second year as Head of School, said. “This is about a life lived. It is not only about education but how to conduct one’s self in life.”

Sacred Heart Principal Marcia Renken is in her 36th year at the school.

The former student was a kindergarten and a first grade teacher before taking over the principal reigns a decade ago.

“I believe that the community has always respected the education that Sacred Heart has provided but it’s so much bigger than that,” Renken said.

It can’t go without saying that the Sacred Heart philosophy of educating girls was not of the times. Launched in the aftermath of the French Revolution, it and its foundress, Madeleine Sophie Barat, believed that teaching young women and spreading the word of Jesus Christ was paramount for both families and society. For more than 150 years, the Academy of the Sacred Heart educated girls through 12th grade. “(Duchesne) believed that education of girls was vital and not just in the grace of the arts and humanities but in the knowledge of heavier content like math and science,” Renken said.

In 1972 the high school closed and the elementary school began accepting boys into the early grades. Starting as a co-institutional system, the girls’ school retained the title, Academy of the Sacred Heart. The boys’ school was called Perier Elementary (after the cousins of Philippine Duchesne). That first year there were two classes of boys: primary and first grade. Each year another class was added until boys comprised all nine grades.

Academy alumni attest to the quality education and shared values that took shape during their formative years at Sacred Heart.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11

You could say Jean-Marc Thro and his family are beyond multigenerational Sacred Heart alums. Beginning in 1851, over 40 different members of the family have walked the campus. From cousins and siblings to his children and nieces and nephews, the Thros, have made Sacred Heart its, “home away from home.”

The Thros themselves have deep roots in St. Charles’ history with their clothing store, Thro Clothing Co., which has 120 years in business and is located just down the road from Sacred Heart.

“I think the school is a big part of the city and their history is intertwined,” Thro said.

“And when it came to my own children, we wanted to put them in an environment that was not only loving and caring but also reinforced the same values.”

Robust support from alumni has helped shoulder the responsibility of putting together the bicentennial celebration.

“The support the school gets is unique,” Thro said. “Not many stays active with their grade school.”

Duchesne was canonized in 1988, and a Shrine in her honor is on the Academy campus. Her spirit and faith will long remain within the walls of Sacred Heart.

“The desire will continue to help the individual grow and learn,” Dempf said. “Overarching all of that is building a relationship with God to help understand the opportunities and situations, both good and bad, that we have been given.”

Photos courtesy The Academy of the Sacred Heart

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Simon Says Advertiser Profile

Turning tragedy into triumph

all for Warrenton youth I

n 2015, Kelli Clodfelter lost her son Jordan to a heroin overdose at the tender age of 17, and soon after witnessed an additional eight youth lose their lives in the following 12-month period. Kelli immediately knew she had to do something to help area youth and their families to never experience the tragedy that she and her family, and so many other families, had endured. That’s when Kelli Clodfelter sprang into action and opened “Jordan’s Place” (JP), a teen center focused on giving area youth an environment where they can work on homework, play video games, pool, interact with other teens…all in a safe and adult supervised setting.

I was lucky enough to meet Kelli Clodfelter as a speaker at the JP “SAVE” panel, where court-ordered individuals appear and listen to police, victims, prior offenders, etc. I happen to be in the “prior offender” category and was invited by Kelli and her outstanding team of volunteers at Jordan’s Place to come share my story. I immediately fell in love with Jordan’s Place, its history, mission and future plans to help even more area youth and their families, but I have been recently informed that some concern in the community has arisen with Jordan’s Place and their existence and location in downtown Warrenton.

When I sat down with Kelli and her “JP right-hand-woman” Cathy Pritchett, I got to understand a bit more of the headwinds JP is facing, but also learned much more of what Jordan’s Place does for the community. We will start with what JP does, and the fantastic businesses/residents that help make it happen.

• JP food pantry hands out up to three days’ worth of food to families in need, to as many as 30 families a week in the community (more if there is more food available). Thanks to LINK, Sunrise Church, Creekside Church, Warrenton Christian Church, Crider and the many

Great Clips, trivia night sponsored by the Pauldingville Lodge Masons and generous support from the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation.

people who make the JP food pantry function year-round.

• JP Community Dinner is served for all community families, sponsored and served

by Creekside Church and Warrenton Christian Church.

• JP Prom Dress Give AWAY where young ladies in middle school (middle school dances) and high school (Prom) select dresses, as well as are offered make-up and hair for their special day, at no cost due to the help of volunteers from the community.

• JP Christmas Adopt-a-Family. For the past two years JP has been able to adopt more than 15 families to provide presents to children. Last year, JP was able to provide Christmas dinner. Thanks to LINK, Creekside Place Church, Sunrise Church, and Great Clips for the support to make Christmas so very special for those in need.

• JP Youth Group is every Wednesday evening with parents’ permission.

Participant is then dropped off at home afterwards.

• Monthly pool tournaments.

• Girls lock-ins.

• Boys overnight camping trips at the lake.

• Annual softball tournament sponsored by

Jordan’s Place has been up and running less than a block away from the new proposed location, which was directly on Main Street, since July 2015. The new JP location in question is off the main strip of Main St. with half the cost and extremely lower utilities. This can put JP in the perfect position to be able to come back to the city to ask for half the funding needed and meet all conditions for approval. During the week JP is closed by 7 p.m. and open no later than 8 p.m. on weekends, unless a special dance is planned with advanced notice.

In the past few years, Jordan’s Place has gained momentum with not only the youth that walk through the JP doors, but also with the community in which they operate.

Now if you ask me my opinion, I’d say all the positive that JP brings to the community, far outweighs any other concerns. From me to you, please open your heart and see what Jordan’s Place does for the Warrenton Community, and all that would be lost if JP were forced to close their doors.

“We truly pray we can all work together and figure out a happy middle where we can coincide. JP would love to see our Main Street business owners able to get to know our youth on a more personal level and see that a handful of youth’s actions don’t speak for them all,” said Clodfelter.

Information for this article was provided

by Kelli Clodfelter and Cathy Prichett.

BY LAURIE SIMON

Laurie Simon lives in St. Peters with her husband and toddler son. When not rehabbing her home she enjoys weekends at the lake and spending time with family, friends and her two fur babies.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2019

HYUNDAI VELOSTER

With Hyundai Motors now making available their redone 2019 Veloster and Veloster Turbo, I felt that the natural thing was to ask their Chief Operating Officer, Brian Smith, “Will it still be manufactured with three-doors, in order to allow rear seat occupants easier access from the passenger side?”

His response was a resounding, “Yes, of course it will, as it’s quite popular with many of our buyers!”

Having learned that, this clearly brings their design language more into focus with a level of uniqueness and personality to Veloster, as no other car company has in their product mix. Their development engineers referrer to this as a “two-plus-one door asymmetrical body style configuration.”

As GM’s Saturn division did years ago, bringing back a three-door concept to the forefront is yet another illustration of Hyundai’s commitment to reaching out to a broad customer base. First unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2018, it’s worth noting that this fun-to-drive sports car is showcased with a fresh and welcomed blueprint. The new Veloster features a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, powertrain enhancements, and a lengthy list of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features.

With its more expressive design, this reworked shape conveys a focused level of dy14 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2018

IS A UNIQUE, FUN-TO-DRIVE SPORTS CAR

namic performance, coupled with its more muscular well planted stance. The roofline has been lowered for a unique profile, resulting in a distinctive coupe-inspired presentation. The fender line is also more coupe-like, and the rear now has a more aggressive integrated leading-edge design.

Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch and center-fascia with chrome exhaust tips, utilizing a single outlet for the 2.0-liter model and dual-outlets for the Turbo and R-Spec models. The standard four-cylinder engine was developed with superior efficiency and lower emissions and has a peak output of 147 horsepower. This engine is either coupled with a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. The optional 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine produces 201 horsepower with regular grade fuel.

The Turbo is paired with a standard sixspeed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Included are steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, which result in a more connected driving experience. The fuel economy range reflects 25-mpg, to 34mpg, depending on the engine and gearbox.

All models offer Torque Vectoring Control.

This active cornering feature utilizes capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control and powertrain control systems, resulting in improved dynamic cornering during more

enthusiastic driving. The Turbo features a quicker-ratio steering system which gives drivers precise cornering and feedback. All Turbo models include Active Engine Sound, which enhances sound characteristics inside the cabin for a more complete and heightened driving experience. The interior design features a driver-focused layout with easy to read gauges. There is also generous rear cargo capabilities of 19.9 cubic feet of volume behind the 2nd row seat.

A brightly lit Heads-Up Display system is available, projecting a virtual image onto the windshield, thus helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With a starting price point of $18,500 and a notable warranty, there is a value story here as well, reflecting the four-passenger, FWD, 2019 Hyundai Veloster.

MSRP excludes $885 freight/shipping charges.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

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.

Advertiser Profile

Byerly RV introduces the

Pre-RV

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV Remember when RVing was called camping? RV’s were little more than heavy aluminum covered log cabins with basic amenities such as, kitchen, toilet, refrigerator, heater and beds. Owners traveled with their toolboxes, which have since then have been replaced by cellphones.

Even the hardcore camper’s lifestyle has changed. Along with backpacks and binoculars we add bikes, kayaks or canoes, tents, coolers, lanterns, stoves and stores of food (and drink). We pile them on top, cram them in the back, attach them to the rear rack and …”where’s the kid?” How the pilgrims progress has changed!

WWW.TREESBYWOODY.NET

The new “Pre-RV”— The “GO” by SylvanSport

Wentzville Business Spotlight The “GO” is the perfect solution for the modern camper.

You won’t find this product in the camping stores. Why? Well, it has wheels, it’s a vehicle, it’s an RV (?)… sort of. But you have to see it at Byerly RV in Eureka, Missouri.

The “GO” is light weight-840lbs. It is a camper, but also a utility trailer and adapts to many uses. National Geographic Adventure calls this the “Coolest Camper Ever.” Check it out at www.byerlyrv.com and come see us at 295 East Fifth in Eureka. See us on Facebook. Call us at 636-938-2000.

Byerly RV, celebrating 70 years in business. Voted in the Top 50 RV Dealers in the United States in 2017.

Wor th the Drive

Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com

Eagle Eye USA is located at 851 Pic Parkway along the I-70 south outer road near the former Belz Mall. The business opened in 2013 and is owned by Tom Schlansker. The facility includes an indoor shooting range with twelve shooting lanes up to 25 yards; firearm sales; ammunition; and accessories. The business also offers various classes which are tailored to specific groups, such as a youth safety class. The business provides an opportunity to shoot indoors, learn about firearms, and obtain knowledge about the gun industry. The staff are primarily former military, police or fire personnel. We are encouraged by the overall growth of the Wentzville area and invite you to come by for a visit.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Save time on school nights Simple, savory recipes for busy families Grown-Up Tomato Mac and Cheese Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

B

ack-to-school season means plenty of evening hours spent completing homework, attending extracurricular activities and preparing to repeat the school-day routine the next day. For many families, having time to prepare and cook quality, nutritious meals can be next to impossible.

Instead of choosing between valuable family time and hours spent in the kitchen, RAGÚ blogger, fitness enthusiast and busy mom Jamie Krauss Hess recommends stocking up on go-to pantry staples you feel good about and including them in quick, nutritious recipes everyone can enjoy together.

Try recipes such as Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes, which swap out beef for ground turkey to provide a flavorful alternative while offering a special twist to a classic family favorite. Quinoa Penne with Savory TomatoBasil Sauce can hit the spot with just a handful of ingredients. Or, if the little ones clamor for a more kidfriendly dish and the adults don’t mind a throwback to childhood, Grown-Up Tomato Mac and Cheese can provide the best of both worlds.

All three recipes take less than an hour to make and feature RAGÚ Simply pasta sauces, which are made with 100 percent olive oil and contain no added sugar. They’re available in four varieties including: Traditional, Chunky Marinara, Chunky Garden Vegetable and Flavored with Meat. By using simple ingredients like California vine-ripened tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, onions and spices, the result is a taste-tempting sauce with recipe versatility.

Find more family-pleasing and simple-to-prepare recipes ideal for busy school nights at ragu.com 16 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2018

Ingredients: 1 box (16 ounces) gemelli pasta

4 cups water

2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

1 tablespoon corn starch

1/2 cup (2 ounces) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Directions: In large pot, combine pasta and water. Cook over medium-high heat 20-22 minutes, or until pasta is done, stirring occasionally.

In bowl, combine 2 cups cheddar cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese and corn starch. Reduce heat to medium; stir milk, cheese mixture and sauce together with cooked pasta. Cook 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and mixture is thickened, stirring frequently.

Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and pepper; serve immediately.

Tip: This stovetop method eliminates the need to drain the pasta after cooking.

The starchy pasta water gets stirred in and helps create an extra-rich sauce. Elevate this dish by sprinkling crushed Parmesan cheese crisps on top before serving.

For the Love of Food

Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe courtesy of Honey and Birch Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 Ingredients: 1 t easpoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 c up onion, diced 3 c loves garlic, minced 1p ound ground turkey 1 c up carrots, finely diced 1m edium green pepper, diced 1m edium red pepper, diced 1 j ar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 1 t ablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 t easpoon ground mustard 1/2 t easpoon kosher salt 1/2 t easpoon black pepper 8m ini buns

In large skillet over medium heat, heat extravirgin olive oil. When hot, add onion and garlic; sautĂŠ until onion is translucent.

Add ground turkey to pan. Break up meat and stir frequently until meat is browned. Add carrots, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 5 minutes so

Quinoa Penne with Savory Tomato-Basil Sauce Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 8-10 minutes | Servings: 6

vegetables can begin to soften.

Directions:

Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, kosher salt and black pepper.

Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat so it simmers; partially cover pan. Cook 10 minutes.

Serve on mini buns.

Ingredients: 12 ounces (about 5 cups) uncooked quinoa penne pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large shallot, chopped 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1/4 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 jar (24 ounces) RAGĂš Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable Pasta Sauce 1 1/4 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped, divided Directions: Cook pasta as directed on package.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallots; cook 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Add garlic, tomatoes and paprika; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in sauce and basil, reserving small amount of basil for garnish.

Drain pasta; add to sauce mixture. Mix well. Cook 1-2 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with reserved basil before serving.

Tip: For extra protein, add 1 pound sliced, grilled chicken when stirring in pasta.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17

Entertainment

THE HAPPYTIME

MURDERS GLEEFULLY TAKES PUPPETS INTO THE GUTTER

PUPPETS BEHAVING BADLY SHOULD SOMEHOW FEEL EDGIER. And while “The Happytime Murders” does push a lot of boundaries, most of it feels pretty stale and familiar.

At the very least this movie has a pedigree, because if you’re going to make a film with puppets, you better have a Henson involved. Brian Henson, son of the late, great Jim Henson directs this sendup of grisly crime thrillers and while some of the wacky outrageousness manages to stick the landing, it’s mostly a felt-covered thud.

In a world where humans and puppets coexist, our hero is private investigator Phil Philips (performed by Muppets veteran Bill Barretta), a puppet and disgraced former cop who gets wrapped up in a series of murders involving the cast of an old TV show called “The Happytime Gang.”

Philips former human-partner Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) doesn’t want him sniffing around the crimes as the pair have a complicated, antagonistic relationship.

“The Happytime Murders” attempts 18 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2018

to make some larger points about discrimination with puppets treated as second-class citizens. But then an allegory for discrimination dressed up as a comedic crime drama was done so much better by “Zootopia.”

That means that “The Happytime Murders” has to fall back on raunchy comedy and the shock of seeing puppets involved in all manner of rude and crude activities. This works to a certain extent (you’ll never look at cows and octopi in the same way ever again), but raunchiness for the sake of raunchiness feels more hollow than anything else.

That then leaves the human cast, who actually almost pulls this thing out of the fire. McCarthy, who is always at her best when she is angry and unhinged, gives this movie everything she’s got and, sadly enough, the movie actually shines when there’s not a puppet to be found in scenes where McCarthy gets paired with Maya Rudlolph who plays Philips’ secretary Bubbles. I would watch a movie with just these two solving crimes.

But then “The Happytime Murders” can’t keep the momentum going as it winds up wasting the talents of Elizabeth Banks as the lone human cast member of “The Happytime Gang” and Joel McHale as a jerky FBI agent.

Unless you’re a devotee of the art of puppetry or mildly funny sex jokes you can probably just let this one slide and instead catch “Avenue Q” the next time it comes to town.

“The Happytime Murders” is rated R for strong crude and sexual content and language throughout, and some drug material.

For up to the minute reviews, columns and all things entertainment go to www. matsentertainment.com

BY MATHEW DEKINDER

Mathew DeKinder is a film critic and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and also serves as the publisher of the Community News.

Community Calendar

3 – Labor Day 8 – HILLFEST

Wentzville United Methodist Church invites everyone to the 2018 Annual HILLFEST celebration. Festivities run from 3 – 7 p.m. and include inflatable obstacle course and climbing wall, face painting, police and fire vehicles and a classic car display. Live music and food trucks round out the celebration. No reservations required – free and open to the public. Wentzville UMC is located at 725 Wall Street in Wentzville. For more information visit www.livelovegrow.org.

9 – National Grandparents Day 11 – Patriot Day 17 – Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 18 – Air Force Birthday

18 – Wentzville Community Historical Society meeting

The Wentzville Community Historical Society will hold its general meeting. In January 2018, Karen Bode Baxter was hired by the city of Wentzville to conduct a Reconnaissance Level Survey under a matching grant from the State Historic Preservation Office. The survey area covered approximately 135 acres and 264 structures. At the meeting she will talk about the survey and what she found. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a catered meal for $10 at the Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 South Linn in Wentzville. Please call dinner reservations to Bill Vehige at 636-2725506 or Peggy Orr at 636-327-8823. The program will begin at approximately 7:15 p.m.

21-23 – Augusta Harvest Festival

Augusta Harvest Festival kicks off Sept.

21 at 6 p.m. with “Swingin’ in the Vines” concert/picnic/auction. Pumpkin-wagon rides to Honey Bee Vineyard begin at

5:30 p.m. at Harmonie-Verein on Hackman Road in Augusta. On Sept. 22 the day begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Ebenezer UCC Social Hall on Jefferson Street, followed by a 5K run at 9 a.m. and the Harvest Parade at 10 a.m. Activities continue throughout the day. On Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the American Legion hosts a chicken and pork steak dinner fundraiser at Harmonie-Verein. At 12:45 p.m. there will be a historical walking tour followed at 3 p.m. by a Children’s Theater performance, both at Harmonie-Verein.

For more information visit www.augustachamber.org or call 636-228-4005.

21 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day 23 – First Day of Autumn 30 – Gold Star Mother’s Day

SEPTEMBER 2018 | CROSSROADS | 19

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