CrossRoads: October 2022

BY AVALANCHE

Avalanche is a functional illiter ate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcy cling 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? Archeo logical 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 Tech nician 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 watch ing classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG.

OCTOBER

Around Town

Local news and events

Community Calendar: October

Feature Story

THE FUTURE OF FITNESS IN WENTZVILLE

The new Wentzville Rec Center is over 94,000 square-feet of fitness amenities that will celebrate its grand opening Nov. 7

Always an Adventure

The end of an era

Moore on Life Boxed in

Automobile Alley

The all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee looks to the future

Entertainment

‘The Fantastic Four’ is heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

For the Love of Food Cook like a pitmaster from the comforts of home

By Brett Auten

Abuzz

in St. Peters

THERE IS A BUZZ AROUND TOWN.

Stashed in St. Peters, the Three Rivers Beekeepers' club provides fresh and creative educational programs geared around bees and what they produce.

The beekeeping club has nearly 400 individual beekeepers and honey bee enthusiasts and meet ings are held the third Monday of each month at the University of

Missouri Extension located at 260 Brown Road in St. Peters.

There are about 50 bee-related clubs in the state, which is quite a jump from six in 2006.

Eugene Makovec is not only the president of Three Rivers Beekeep ers but also a third generation bee keeper and editor of the American Bee Journal magazine.

“It is a challenging hobby,” Mak ovec said. “The bees take a lot of

work and a lot of atten tion to keep alive. It's not something that you just jump right in to. Unfortunately, a lot of people do without training. It's a bit like jumping off a high dive and saying, 'I will learn how to swim when I hit the water.'”

The St. Peters' Three Rivers Beekeepers club educates the region about bees and the challenging, but rewarding, hobby of beekeeping

Media coverage has helped shine a light on bees and beekeeping.

“For a few years it seemed like there was wall-to-wall coverage,” Makovec said. “People who had never given it a second thought before now have an appreciation and are think ing more about it.”

Tim Fredricks is a current board member and a former president. He has his own hon ey-based business, T Jacks, where his family processes small batches of local honey from their hives where they also make beeswax candles.

“One of the main ideas we want to get across is the importance of a blooming habitat for our yards and parks,” Fredricks said. “There is a lot to learn (at Three Rivers Beekeepers). It's like a support network.”

Three Rivers Beekeepers serves beekeepers from the eastern Missouri counties of St.

Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin, Warren, Montgomery and Pike. They also lend a hand to many western Illinois coun ties bordering Missouri, in and around the St. Louis region.

Its beekeeping presentations covers the en tire spectrum of beekeeping subjects. These range from beginning to advanced, simple to complex, and conventional to alternative. Above all, the goal is to inform local communities about honey bee and beekeepingrelated issues.

In early April of 2009, due to a lack of beekeeping support for St. Charles and the surrounding counties, local beekeepers began discussing the need for a beekeeping club in the area.

On April 15, 2009, Ted Jansen, Marlene Jan sen, Esther Jansen, Jane Timmons and John Timmons gathered in the Timmons’ living

Catch a buzz?

The Three Rivers Beekeepers will be hosting an informational seminar to learn more about honey bees and beekeeping as an industry or hobby.

Hosted by the St. Charles City-County Library, not only will you enjoy this interesting and informative talk, you will also get to take home a sample of their delicious honey.

The meeting will be Sept. 28 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch, located on Highway K in O'Fallon, in meeting room A and B.

room and started Three Rivers Beekeepers. The next day, they registered the club’s name with the state of Missouri and then pur chased the domain name “threeriversbeekeepers.com.” In search of a meeting place, they contacted the University of Missouri Extension Center of St. Charles County, who graciously offered Three Rivers Beekeepers a room.

Through phone calls and word-of-mouth, word went out the new beekeeping club had formed in St. Charles County. The first meeting was held May 18, 2009 and not expecting more than 15 people to attend the first meet ing, were stunned to welcome 75.

And from there, things took flight.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: The Three Rivers Beekeepers is located in St. Peters at the University of Missouri Extension office. For more information, threeriversbeekeepers.com.

Educating the region about bees and beekeeping is the goal of St. Peters' Three Rivers Beekeepers. The organization serves beekeepers from the east ern Missouri counties of St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin, Warren, Montgomery and Pike.

Around Town

New tool helps Ameren Missouri customers save money and track energy costs

What’s the monthly cost of running the washer and dryer or watching TV? With Ameren Missouri’s new Energy Manager dash board, the guessing game is over. Customers can see how much energy each appliance uses, giving families the power to adjust usage habits, along with custom energy-saving tips.

“We know customers want to save where they can, and it can be difficult to know which steps can make the biggest impact,” said Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience for Ameren Missouri. “With Energy Manager, customers can see the cost of running each appliance, down to the dollar. It also provides practical recommendations for saving energy and money that are spe cific to your home and lifestyle.”

Once in Energy Manager, customers can complete a short survey about their home and appliances so Ameren Missouri can provide even more accurate usage data, including:

• Charts that show how much energy you use at different times of the day, as well as weekly, monthly and annual usage.

• How your energy use compares with other homes your size.

• Recommendations on how to reduce energy use.

• Monthly bill comparisons to track how adjustments have contributed to savings.

“Now that customers can see exactly how much energy each appliance is using, they’ll have a better idea of how to make adjustments to cut costs while maintaining comfort,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “Using energy more efficiently can be as simple as swapping out old lightbulbs for LEDs, turning your air conditioner up a degree or two or wait ing until your dishwasher is full before starting a cycle.”

To access Energy Manager insights, recommendations and the home survey, customers should visit AmerenMissouri.com/MyEn ergy, or log in to their Ameren Missouri Online Account via desktop or mobile device.

From the account dashboard, customers can also sign up for spe cial alerts that notify customers of their energy usage throughout the month. This helps customers adjust usage habits in real time to control costs and better anticipate upcoming energy statements.

New COVID-19 boosters targeting currently circulating strains becoming available in Missouri

Bivalent COVID-19 boosters are becoming available among some providers in Missouri beginning as early as this month with additional providers adding these boosters to their inventory. A list of providers who pre-ordered these booster doses is available at MOStopsCovid. com.

On Sept. 1, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.

The Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters both target two strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 – the original strain of the virus and two of the Omicron subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5), which are currently the most widespread variants globally. Only individuals who have completed their primary vaccination series (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) are eligible to receive the bivalent booster. Those who have recently received Novavax are not yet eligible for any booster at this time.

“We encourage those who are eligible to receive this new booster dose as it will greatly help protect individuals from the variant most commonly detected today and for the past several months,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze with the Missouri De partment of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “As we head into the fall and winter months, this added protection becomes even more important since viruses generally tend to circulate at a more rapid

pace during this time.”

In the coming weeks, CDC also expects to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups, per yesterday’s discussion and evaluation of the data by ACIP. When data is available and FDA authorizes these other types of COVID-19 boosters and CDC provides use recommendations, the CDC and DHSS will work to quickly make them available in Missouri with the help of COVID-19 vaccina tors throughout the state.

If you have not been vaccinated or have not completed your primary series, visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a location offering vac cines. The original formulations of Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and Novavax will continue to be used. Booster doses use reduced amounts of the original vaccines.

Individuals are eligible for the bivalent booster two months since their last primary or booster dose of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. The previous monovalent booster will no longer be avail able to persons 12 and older; the FDA is removing authorization for those boosters to reduce provider confusion for staff administering vaccines.

The Pfizer bivalent booster is currently authorized for ages 12 and older while Moderna’s is currently authorized for 18 years of age and older. Individuals may choose to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster, regardless of which primary series vaccine or original booster dose they had previously.

For the latest info on bivalent boosters, visit MOStopsCovid.com.

St. Charles County Public Health partners with area organizations for free, drive-through flu shot clinic

The St. Charles County Department of Public Health will partner with area organizations to provide free flu shots for those ages six months and older during a drive-through vaccination clinic from 2:30 – 7 p.m., Oct. 21, on the Yellow Parking Lot at St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

Appointments are necessary to receive these vaccinations and may be scheduled online at https://sccmo.as.me/flufighters or by calling 636-949-1899.

Two types of vaccinations will be offered:

• Quadrivalent influenza vaccination – Protects against the four most prevalent flu viruses expected this season: H1N1, H3N2 and two influenza B viruses. It is appropriate for those ages six months and older.

• High-dose influenza vaccination – Provides additional protection for those ages 65 and older. It contains four times the amount of antigen than the standard vaccine to strengthen the body’s ability to create antibodies against the illness. A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated this vaccine was 24 percent more effective against influenza in those ages 65 and older than the traditional vaccination.

Assisting the Department of Public Health with this vaccination event are BJC Health Care (Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital), SSM Health (St. Joseph Hospitals in St. Charles, Lake Saint Louis, and Wentzville), St. Charles Community College, St. Charles County CAPS, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District.

Individuals or groups interested in assisting with event operations as a volunteer or sponsor should contact the St. Charles County Emergency Planner at 636-949-7554 before Oct. 1.

Why get a flu vaccination?

Each year across the United States, vaccination prevents millions of illnesses; reduces the number of medical visits, hospitalization, and death from flu illness; and saves money through decreased medical costs and improved productivity. Recent studies have reported that flu vaccination reduced the risk for serious illness by more than 50% and the risk for flu-related death by 31%. Along with protecting the recipient, vaccination reduces the risk for illness across the entire community — including vulnerable neighbors who are not able to receive the shot due to age, health conditions or other restrictions.

“Countries in the southern hemisphere are reporting increased influenza activity during their winter,” says Sara Evers, Acting Director of the Department of Public Health. “In anticipation of the potential that this year may be more disruptive for us than the past several, the Department of Public Health recommends getting a flu shot now to allow protective antibodies to fully develop before the traditional flu season begins this fall.”

Additional ways to prevent the flu

For those unable to participate in this free event, the St. Charles County Immunization Clinic will administer flu vaccinations throughout the season by appointment at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles. Flu shots through the clinic are $36 for the quadrivalent vaccine and $62 for the high-dose vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 636-949-1857.

Along with vaccination, individuals can protect themselves against catching and spreading the flu through everyday preventative actions that include:

• Avoiding close contact with others, especially ones who are sick.

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcoholbased sanitizer.

• Cleaning commonly touched surfaces with soap and water or an EPA approved disinfectant .

• Staying home if sick until fever and symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours.

• Practicing good health habits, including proper sleep, nutrition, ex ercise, and hydration.

• Contacting your personal medical provider if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, head and/or body aches, fa tigue, and nausea/diarrhea).

For more information and tips on preventing the flu, visit sccmo. org/flu and cdc.com/flu.

St. Charles County law enforcement to host Faith and Blue unity picnic

Law enforcement leaders across the St. Charles County region are coming together for an event on Oct. 8 at Morning Star Church in Dardenne Prairie Missouri to take part in a Faith and Blue unity picnic to promote community policing and to help strengthen relationships with all communi ties.

Faith and Blue is a national program that strives to unite police and residents in order to build trust, transparency and enhance

public safety. Faith and Blue events are de signed to create meaningful connections between law enforcement and the public.

Police chaplains and faith leaders from the region representing a diversity of beliefs, to include Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist communities, have col laborated to participate and unite with law enforcement to support community partnerships.

This will be a fun-filled day that will include

a variety of food trucks, face painting, bal loon animals and law enforcement displays with appearances from the regional SWAT Team, crime scene units, K9 units, drone demonstrations, mounted patrol, the police academy, the prosecuting attorney’s office, federal partners and much more.

Morning Star Church is located at 1600 Fiese Rd, in Dardenne Prairie and the event will begin at 11 a.m. and continue through 2 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County celebrates 25th anniversary with Frame the Future Gala

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County marks its 25th anniversary by building on its annual countywide holiday tradition with the Frame the Future Gala on Nov. 19, at 6 p.m., at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles in St. Charles.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County has hosted an annual holiday fundraising gala for more than two decades. This year’s special 25th anniversary Frame the Future Gala invites participation from individuals, businesses and organizations that wish to play a critical role in the nonprofit organization’s continuing efforts to create quality, af fordable homes where families partner, build and buy.

The evening’s “25th Birthday Party” theme includes:

• A festive live auction. Hosted by emcee Toney Thornhill of Higher Calling Auc tions, auction items will include a wide array of high-quality travel experiences, appealing dining options and themed gift baskets. Thornhill currently serves as 2022-2023 president of the Missouri Pro fessional Auctioneers Association.

• The annual holiday tree auction. Artifi cial holiday trees, as well as wreaths and tree toppers – professionally decorated by local artists, interior design and decor experts – will be on display and available to the highest bidder. Sponsorships of the auction items are available. Winners of a holiday tree may schedule its delivery to

a home or place of business. Delivery is provided at no charge by the Habitat St. Charles County staff.

• Sponsorships. Sponsorships for the evening make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of those in desperate need of a home. The names of sponsor companies, organizations or individuals are promi nently featured in the evening’s program and presentation.

Visit www.hfhgala.org to purchase a ticket or table, become a sponsor, decorate a holiday tree or wreath or donate a basket for auc tion. RSVP by Oct. 31. For more information, call 636-978-5712 extension 123.

All proceeds from the Frame the Future Gala directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County to continue its mission to bring people together to increase the number of families it serves in St. Charles County to build hope, homes and communities.

“Our Habitat St. Charles County families go through our rigorous process to qualify for and pay an affordable mortgage on a safe, healthy home that we build or improve,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Attend ees and donors that support the ‘Frame the Future Gala’ have the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the lives of local families.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

FITNESS

THE FUTURE OF IN WENTZVILLE

By Brett Auten

Just

in time to fight off the wintertime dol drums, the city of Wentzville is opening the door to an array of activities.

The grand opening for the Wentzville Rec Center is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 7. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours, pass sales, demonstrations and activities throughout the fa cility. The Rec Center will begin regular operation the following day.

All in all, the Wentzville Rec Center is over 94,000 square-feet with amenities directly influenced by

The new Wentzville Rec Center is over 94,000 square-feet of fitness amenities that will celebrate its grand opening Nov. 7

you, the public, so that it may be enjoyed by all members of the community. It will be located off of Wentzville Parkway between West Meyer Road and Schroeder Creek Boulevard.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Lueck said the project has been in discussion for a number of years.

“For nearly 20 years, this community has discussed the possibility of having an indoor facility where all families and individuals can come together to recreate and/or better themselves in any number of ways,” Lueck said. “It is so exciting and humbling to be a part of the team of staff, elected officials, residents, designers and contractors that are helping to make that a reality in Wentzville. We are thrilled to have a date to open the doors and welcome the community into this building. We look forward to seeing everyone come together in this space and bring the building to life.”

Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione said that it was important that no matter why you're visiting the Rec Center, that you feel like you belong and that there was something for ev eryone.

“The Wentzville Rec Center means different things to different community members,” Guccione said. “For some, it's about having a space to focus on their health and wellness. For families, it's about having a fun place to bring the kids for activities or swimming. Still, for others, it's about connecting with friends in the active adult space. This facility has been an important undertaking for the city and is something I'm very proud to have been a part of.”

The standout features of the Rec Center include a 10,000 square-foot wellness hub, wet and dry sauna, indoor pool, an eSports lab, a creative studio and gym with two full-size basketball/volleyball courts.

Other amenities include, a fitness floor with over 80 pieces of cardiovascular, selectorized and free-weight equipment, a 1/7-mile indoor, climate-controlled, elevated track and Kids Club childcare.

Additionally a 4,000 square-foot recreation pool and various amenities and 25-meter lap pool is part of the project. Outside there is a courtyard and patio with The Terrace outdoor fitness space. Also available will be com munity rooms for office, conference, meet-

ing, or classroom use.

“This will be an exciting new resource for our residents and will allow us to provide services which have been needed for some time,” Guccione said. “The board and I have made this project a priority, recognizing the distinct needs of our residents – varying from indoor recreational opportunities to senior citizen amenities.”

Ground was broken on the $40 million project in the spring of 2021. Amenities included were guided by community feedback obtained through a feasibility study. In December 2019, a community survey was conduct ed to select the final name for the facility. The following month, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen approved the facility name to be the “Wentzville Community Center."

However, “WCC” became trademarked by the Wentzville Community Club and due to legal concerns, it was recommended that the name be changed. It was renamed “Wentzville Rec Center” by the Board of Aldermen in March of 2021.

A schedule of events for the grand opening and any additional updates will be shared at www.wentzvillemo.gov/wrec.

SUBMITTED IMAGES: The grand opening for the Wentzville Rec Center is slated for Nov. 7 with regular operation hours set for the next day

The Wentzville Rec Center will feature a 10,000-square-foot Wellness Hub and a wet and dry sauna.

The mailboxes have been here lon ger than most of the residents of this val ley. Originally installed sometime in the 60s by the original family who owned our now-sub divided and built-up neighborhood, there were just a few boxes in the early days. Later, as the few occupied prop erties multiplied and became a community, longer wooden posts and beams were in stalled and held up the accumulating mailbox es for several decades.

The end of an era

BY AVALANCHE

As time went on, the number of mailboxes exceeded the limited space on the beams, and the next half-dozen or so boxes were mounted on posts unceremoniously an chored in five-gallon buckets of cement; a few were simply stuck in gravel-filled buckets. Those “custom mounted” boxes required occasional straightening due to the effects of wind, rain, snow and gravity.

Over the years the main wooden beams have not been immune to those same ef fects of weather and gravity. Today, they sag down toward the ground, with one held up only by a couple of rocks placed under the bottom. Much like Wile E. Coyote who has run off a cliff, inertia seems to be hold ing everything from crashing to the earth. Of course, much like the rascally canine chasing his roadrunner quarry, eventually the laws of physics catch up to everything; the mailboxes have got to be replaced.

One of our neighbors agreed to take on this project just shy of 20 years ago. Af ter much time spent on the phone and in government offices, the box replacement job was determined to be a nearly impos sible task. As the boxes were technically in the highway easement (local legend says they were in place before the highway was paved,) our neighborhood would need to

have special breakaway mounts, the base would have to be poured of concrete just so, there would need to be a traffic control plan, traffic control flaggers would need to be on site for the duration of the project, along with a porta-potty for all the work ers, and an expensive insurance policy was required.

Prior to all this taking place, the highway department’s utility easement specialist would have to be consulted to be sure the installation would not conflict with any present or future utility installation, the postmaster would need to approve the project, and of course this did not include any requirements the county would impose upon us. So, nothing happened, and our proudly shabby mailboxes continued to withstand the tests of time, weather and gravity, becoming a local landmark.

It was always easy to give directions to our neighborhood by telling people, “Come up the highway, start slowing down after pass ing the forest service road on the left, then turn right at the long string of old mailboxes.”

Anyone familiar with the area immediate ly recognized the signature ratty-looking milepost.

Every few years, some folks who had recently moved into the neighborhood would tire of looking at the old string of rickety mail receptacles and volunteer to take on the Herculean task of upgrading the boxes. Each time, they would report back to the HOA that it simply couldn’t be done at a reasonable cost of time and money. Until now, that is. The new owners of the property next to the highway graciously agreed to donate a small strip of private land for the boxes and a parcel shed. We’re grateful for our neighbors’ generosity, as the process to deal with the highway department was beginning again, (led by the first guy who attempted it two decades ago) and it wasn’t looking good.

The boxes are still there for the moment, but there is a newly poured concrete pad where several pedestal-mounted “cluster mailboxes” (now in transit), will reside well away from the highway easement, and its associated red tape. A gravel pad awaits the arrival of a pre-built shed for parcel de liveries. While we hired out the concrete work, all the rest was done with volunteer labor.

The new boxes and shed will simplify the mail carriers’ task, and will help prevent the rampant theft that has been occurring over the last few months.

The old hillbilly-looking boxes are due to be recycled, though one neighbor sug gested placing sections of them around the neighborhood as “yard art.” While the idea had some support, for some reason our wives seem to be strongly opposed to the idea. And we might have to paint the new shed a fluorescent color, so we can give directions to our neighborhood, once the nostalgic old landmark is gone.

PHOTO BY AVALANCHE

BOXED IN

– BY CINDY MOORE –

BUYING ANYTHING IN A PACKAGE NOWADAYS CAN BE A CHALLENGE. I remember a day when packaging came in two choices – paper or plastic. Not so much anymore. I bought a simple item the other day – a shower rod. I brought it home and three hours later I was still attempting to remove it from its container.

The thing was packaged as though it held the nuclear missel passcodes. It was encased in a thick plastic cylinder as dense as a politician’s thought process, so of course, there was no getting through it.

I first used my own brute strength by trying to rip it manually. I ripped a tendon and came away with some nasty paper cuts only they were plastic cuts –much ouchier! Next, I tried cutting it with scissors; the blades broke. The only thing left was to swallow my pride and ask the man upstairs for help – my husband, not God, but He was next on the list.

Soon my husband came downstairs with a smirk and some snark and said, “Here little helpless lady, let me put my manly muscles to work.”

He grabbed the container; he twisted; he tore; he grunted and groaned and after ripping a tendon and receiving multiple plastic cuts he said some words

the other man upstairs would not appreciate. He then threw the shower rod to the floor and grum bled, “I’ll be back.”

He returned with a pair of garden cutters used to lop off large branches from trees – no result. He put it under a blow torch and only singed his eyebrows off and melted the first layer of skin from his face.

“This calls for emergency measures,” he wailed.

“What are you going to do?” I asked.

“Call for an emergency.” He dialed 911 and shortly after an EMT came to the door with the Jaws of Life.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “You must think this is a silly request.”

“Not at all ma’am. We get this a lot, but most of the time we can’t help.”

This time they could. The rod stubbornly popped out. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in my shower. I took it back the next day.

Me: “I’d like to return this shower rod. It didn’t quite fit.”

Clerk: “I’m sorry, we can’t return this particular piece of merchandise unless it’s in its original pack aging.”

Automobile

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

BUILT ON 80 YEARS OF LEGENDARY HERITAGE, the Jeep brand is the true and authentic SUV hallmark. It brings notable capability, rewarding craftsmanship and beneficial versatility to people who seek ex traordinary journeys, many of which tend to blaze their own trail.

And now with some $7 million in global sales, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets those challenges. Worth noting, it is the most technologically advanced 4x4capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee to date. Now offered in its fifth generation, the product mix includes the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the first electrified Grand Cherokee, and the new Trailhawk, positioned as their ultimate and extraordinarily advanced 4x4 Grand Cherokee model.

The '22 version is also manufactured on a new underside architecture. This is further coupled with their plug-in hybrid model, an all-new interior and exterior design with world-class artistry. With the objective to achieve off-road endurance, the new classexclusive underside sway bar disconnect enhancement delivers improved articula tion and traction. This is most noticeable when traversing over rocks and rough terrain. And to take this engineering to yet a higher degree, the vehicle's unparalleled Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension with built-in elec tronic semi-active damping delivers excep tional ground clearance and car like driving dynamics. In some ways, it's partly due to the independent front and rear suspension.

Grand Cherokees is also available with three unique and unrivaled four-wheel drive systems that include their Quadra-Trac I, II or III. If max towing is your objective, the formidable 5.7-liter V-8 engine is something to consider, as it's rated at 7,200 lbs. of tow ing efficiency. The standard engine is the allaluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. However, recent seat-time with their powerful Plugin Hybrid Electric Version (PHEV), the 4xe demonstrates remarkable technology, de livering an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. That compares to the equivalency of 57 miles per gallon. The combined driving range is more than 440 miles with both the seamless electric drive system and gas engine working in concert. The 4xe PHEV technol ogy enhances the fun, freedom, and adven ture that the Jeep brand is known for while providing unprecedented performance, fuel economy and environmental friendliness.

The 4xe propulsion system combines: two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability. The engine is rated at 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This setup is the precursor of the Jeep brand’s commitment to “Zero Emission Freedom” going forward.

The Selec-Terrain system offers five avail able terrain modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand in order to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving.

When it comes to safety breakthroughs,

more than 110 advanced safety and security features are either standard or available. This also includes Active Driving Assist with hands-on automated driving, plus 360-de gree surround view and night vision cam eras. The all-new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style helps to improve vehicle performance and reliability, while significantly reducing curb weight, noise, vibration and driving harshness.

The overall design is certainly indicative of the brand, regardless of your viewing frame of reference. Its modern offering has the Jeep DNA distinctiveness. Furthermore, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers enhanced levels of comfort and spaciousness. It undoubtedly will accommodate plenty of cargo. Along with the vehicle’s all-new interior, this Jeep product is offered with a front passenger screen and Amazon Fire TV plus its revised Uconnect infotainment feature includes a processor that is five times faster, when compared to the previous generation. High end leather seating and a 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system are offered as well.

At road test, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe that I drove had a manufacturer’s retail pricing of $69,820 before options and shipping charges. Once a few factories additional frills were included, the pricing elevated to $79,000. That also in cluded the $1,795.00 shipping charges. This SUV is positioned in the full-size sport utility segment.

‘The Fantastic Four’ is heading to the

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

BY STEVE BRYAN

After Robert Downey Jr.’s first appearance as Iron Man, Marvel Studios immersed themselves in the superhero genre. Decades ago, that wasn’t the case as Marvel scrambled to keep the film rights to “Fantastic Four,” one of the publisher’s best titles.

In the early 1990’s, legendary director Roger Corman was asked to make a low-budget film that included an impressive-looking “Thing” costume. Though it didn’t appear in theaters, attend ees of comic book shows purchased bootleg copies of the film without much difficulty. In the mid-2000’s, 20th Century Fox ob tained the film rights to make two “Fantastic Four” movies that, while profitable, irritated fans of the characters.

After a bad reboot almost killed the franchise, “Fantastic Four” will become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2024. Six ty-one years ago, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the superhero team that behaved like regular people. Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, picked on Ben Grimm, who became the rock-covered hero known as the Thing. Scientific genius Reed Richards led the team that included his future wife, Sue the “Invisible Girl.” Although this team argued amongst themselves, they were first and fore most a loyal family.

Disney and Marvel also made money on other characters cre ated by Lee, Kirby, Steve Ditko and others, but Marvel had some lean years and sold Sony the rights to key characters, in particular Spider-Man. In recent years, Marvel and Sony came to an agree

ment where Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man, continued in the role and made money for both studios. Holland’s performance in “No Way Home” was amazing and set up challenges for the webslinger in future films.

So, who should play the live-action version of genius Reed Richards? John Krasinski, who starred in the American version of “The Office,” made a surprise cameo in Marvel’s “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” as a variant of the brilliant Dr. Richards. Fan reaction to Krasinski’s appearance made it seem as if “The Of fice” star was on his way to superhero glory, but that may not be the case. Krasinski reportedly has signed with Marvel, along with a number of other notable actors, for unnamed projects.

For a “Fantastic Four” movie to work, however, Marvel must erase the missteps of the past and look towards the future. The early versions of the comic were set in the 1960’s, but that might not work for contemporary audiences. With real-life billionaires flying into space, Reed Richards could become as well-known as Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. Technology has improved over the last two decades, so that may yield eye-popping versions of this su perhero team, including an awesome version of the Thing.

Marvel’s Phase 6 won’t arrive for a few more years, but if the studio can make a great “Fantastic Four” movie, it will be worth the wait.

Photo courtesy Marvel Comics

COOK LIKE A COMFORTS OF HOME

For home chefs looking to take their cooking skills to the next level, it all starts with a little inspiration and a few new skills. Turn family meals into extravagant adventures, take backyard barbecues to new heights and impress friends and neighbors with pitmaster-worthy recipes.

In fact, it can be as easy as turning on the TV. From beef ribs and barbacoa to curried brisket rice and pho rub beef belly spring rolls, viewers are in for a treat by tuning into season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary.

The show follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community.

You can bring barbecue flavors home and cook like a

pitmaster with dishes recreated from the series and developed by “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, including Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs, Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs and Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice.

“Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly what you see in season 3,” said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council’s director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there’s still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques.”

Learn more about the show and find inspiration to bring the taste of barbecue to your kitchen at BeefLovingTexans.com.

Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs

COOK TIME: 10 HOURS, 30 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 8

INGREDIENTS:

1 slab beef chuck short ribs (about 4 pounds)

2 tablespoons kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

2 tablespoons coarse black pepper

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1 cup water

Preheat smoker or pellet grill to 275 F.

Pat ribs dry with paper towel; remove moisture on surface.

Combine salt and pepper. Rub beef ribs well on all sides and ends with seasoning, coating generously.

Place ribs in smoker and close lid. Cook 5-6 hours.

In spray bottle, combine cider vinegar and water. Lightly spritz ribs every 30 minutes for first 4 hours of cooking.

Ribs are ready when completely probe tender. If parts still feel tough, continue cooking. Once completely tender, remove ribs from smoker then wrap tightly in butcher's paper and place in small cooler to rest 30 minutes.

To serve, slice ribs between bones.

CONTINUED PAGE 18

RECIPE COURTESY OF JESS PRYLES ON BEHALF OF BEEF LOVING TEXANS

Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice

RECIPE COURTESY OF JESS PRYLES ON BEHALF OF BEEF LOVING TEXANS | TOTAL TIME: 35 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 2

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns

1 teaspoon five spice powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 skirt steak or bavette steak (about 1 pound)

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

2 teaspoons milk or cream

2 cups cooked white rice sesame seeds (optional)

scallions, thinly sliced (optional) cucumber, sliced (optional) cilantro leaves (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In skillet over low heat, toast peppercorns until fragrant, swirling in pan to keep from burning, about 2 minutes. Allow peppercorns to cool slightly then add to spice grinder or mortar and pestle with five spice and salt. Crush until fine powder forms.

Pat skirt steak with paper towel to remove moisture then season well with Szechuan salt on both sides.

Place skillet over high heat then add 1 tablespoon oil. When skillet is hot, add skirt steak and cook 5 minutes per side for mediumrare or medium doneness (135-150 F), turning occasionally. Remove steak from skillet then tent with foil to rest 3 minutes. Temperature

will rise about 10-15 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare; 160 F for medium.

Lower heat to medium-high then add remaining oil and milk or cream. Add rice, pressing down gently with large spoon to form large, flat disc covering entire base of pan. Season with Szechuan salt, if desired, then lower heat to medium and cook 10 minutes until grains begin to turn brown and become crisp on bottom. Break up rice in pan to mix soft and crispy grains.

Slice skirt steak across grain.

To serve, place rice in two bowls. Layer with sliced skirt steak. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions then place cucumber and cilantro on top, if desired.

Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs

RECIPE COURTESY OF JESS PRYLES ON BEHALF OF BEEF LOVING TEXANS | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 15

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed

3/4 cup milk

2 pounds ground beef

3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced

1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese, finely diced

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

Place crushed tortilla chips in large bowl. Add milk and allow chips to soften about 10 minutes.

After milk is absorbed, add beef, jalapenos, cheese, paprika, garlic and salt. Mix well to combine then scoop approximately 1/3-1/2 cup of mixture to form meatball; repeat with remaining mixture.

Place meatballs on plate or tray and

refrigerate 30 minutes to firm. Heat grill to medium for two zone cooking.

Place meatballs on indirect heat side of grill away from coals or lit burner; close lid. Grill 25-35 minutes, or until meatballs reach 165 F internal temperature on meat thermometer.

Remove meatballs from grill and cool slightly before serving.