CrossRoads: November 2020

T

B L I RA

S R E Z A L

NOVEMBER

2020 writers

VOL 16 | NO 11

BY AVALANCHE

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

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

He lives with his wife and dogs.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12

BY CINDY MOORE

MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore Staff Writer Brett Auten

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

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

For advertising information, please contact us at:

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

BY STEVE BRYAN

ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15

2 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

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

NOVEMBER 5

2020

contents

Around Town Local news and events

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Feature Story Trailblazers wanted St. Charles County Parks Department will show volunteers how to build and maintain sustainable, natural-surfaced trails as they assist in extending the county’s 62-mile trail system

12

Always an Adventure Eye contact

13

Moore on Life Thanks, but no thanks

14

Automobile Alley 2020 Hyundai Venue is a fun and functional modern SUV

15

Entertainment St. Louis soccer players won ‘The Game of Their Lives’

16

For the Love of Food Holiday centerpieces to savor

19

Community Calendar: November

On the Cover: Submitted photo

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service partners with United Way Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service, a nonprofit agency in St. Charles serving low-income individuals and families in crisis, has been named a new Safety Net Agency supported by United Way. “We are so grateful to partner with the United Way,” Pam Struckhoff, executive director at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. “Thank you to everyone who has previously supported the United Way. Every donation helps families in crisis in the St. Louis region.”

United Way supports 167 local nonprofits in the St. Louis region, which in turn supports hundreds of causes to help the community as a whole. The causes include immediate basic needs such as food, shelter and transportation, and long-term support such as youth programming, education, job training and counseling.

“Each year, one million people in our area are helped by United Way supported agencies – that’s one in three people in 16 counties

Operation Round Up grant keeps shelter rid of bugs

through Missouri and Illinois,” said Struckhoff. “United Way will allow our agency to serve even more families in crisis and prevent homelessness and hunger.”

Supporting the United Way is even more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic. More families than ever are in crisis. Calls to United Way requesting help have increased 150 percent since last year. Families who have never needed help before are struggling to pay rent and feed their families. The United Way has invested $1.2 million in responsive grants to local nonprofits serving people in the St. Louis region during this crisis.

“A donation to United Way benefits the entire St. Louis area as all funding stays in our 16-county region. Every single gift matters. Lives are changed on a daily basis due to the generosity of United Way donors,” said Struckhoff.

Submitted photo

When a new client arrives at Turning Point, all of their belongings will be treated by a new bed bug system, an effort that should help the agency from infestations that have plagued it in the past.

Earlier this year, the women’s shelter was awarded a $3,282.94 Operation Round Up grant to help cover the project cost. The new system

WWW.DARDENNEPRAIRIE.ORG

4 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

will help exterminate lice, bed bugs and other contaminants from client belongings. It replaces a system that was not quite as effective or efficient.

With Turning Point embarking on a capital campaign to renovate and expand its facility — a project that will allow it to have 36 beds available — the need is more urgent.

“With the new system, it will create a safer, clean living environment for the clients to live in, and a better environment for staff to work,” Executive Director Linda Buschman said.

Founded in the mid-90s, Turning Point operates an emergency shelter for victims of adult sex trafficking and domestic and sexual violence. The organization primarily serves victims from Warren, Lincoln, St. Charles, Montgomery, Gasconade and Franklin counties. In addition, the agency provides a number of advocacy services.

For more information or to make a donation, visit turningpointdvs.com.

Grant funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who participate in Operation Round Up by rounding up their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. The funds, administered by a seven-member volunteer board, are available to help individuals, families and organizations.

Around Town

Learn to homebrew with the professionals at the county’s Heritage Museum If you’re 21 years or older and interested in learning how to safely homebrew beer from the professionals, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has just what you’re looking for! The sixth annual Homebrew Day is from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., Nov. 7, at the Heritage Museum at 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters. The free program is held on the patio outside the museum; social distancing and a valid photo ID are required.

With the help of the Little Hills Home Brewers, participants will learn the art of making beer at home through hands-on demonstrations.

While sampling delicious homebrewed beer, you’ll learn about the equipment needed and how easy it is to start a home brewery. By the end of the session, the group will have brewed five gallons of extract beer with specialty grains.

This educational, entertaining program was developed by the Parks Department to assist the members of the Homebrewers American Association in introducing non-brewers to this centuries-old hobby.

To register, visit http://bit.ly/2020LearnToHomeBrewDay or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535.

St. Charles County Parks offers gourd painting program

Submitted photo The sixth annual Homebrew Day is from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., Nov. 7, at the Heritage Museum at 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters.

Submitted photo

Adults and children ages eight and up can create the perfect seasonal decorations at Hands-On Heritage: Gourd Painting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 14, at The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 1868 Highway F in Defiance. This fun, artful program is perfect for doit-yourself crafters seeking to learn how to transform hard-shelled gourds into creative art.

With the assistance of knowledgeable staff, participants will learn how to paint designs, such as a snowman or Santa Claus on gourds under The Grand Pavilion outside in the park. Guests will have their own paint and be seated at separate tables to allow for social distancing. Arrive early; it takes at least an hour to paint and prepare a gourd.

The cost of this unique program is $5 per person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535 or visit http://bit. ly/2020GourdPainting to register.

While visiting the park, which is on the list of National Register of Historic Places in St. Charles County, guests are invited to take a guided tour of The Historic Daniel Boone Home. Tours are offered at the top of every hour; ticket prices are adults, $8; seniors, $6; children ages 5-12, $5; and active or retired military and children under 4 are free. There’s no charge for self-guided tours of the village grounds.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

EXPANDING EMERGENCY SERVICES

St. Charles County Ambulance District opens two new EMS stations to better serve the growing population of St. Charles County

By Brett Auten

As the county grows and expands, so does its need for emergency services of all varieties.

In 2019, St. Charles County Ambulance District responded to nearly 45,000 calls for service. That figure is a growth of over 50 percent in the last decade.

Kelly Cope is the Assistant Chief of Operations who has been at the district for 25 years, 20 of which spent as a road paramedic.

“We have gone from a small, rural district to much more of a suburb of St. Louis,” Cope said. “We have to be ready for what that growth provides.”

According to Cope, rapid residential and commercial development, coupled with an aging population, have been the driving factors behind the upward trajectory in call volume. Last month, the district opened new EMS stations in St. Peters and Wentzville to better reach these swelling communities.

The stations are located on East Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville and Old Mill Parkway in St. Peters. They are positioned in two of the SCCAD’s busiest response zones. The 6 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

Photos courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District The St. Charles County Ambulance District has opened two new stations in Wentzville and St. Peters has also announced details for even more improvements coming its way.

new facilities are larger than the ones they are replacing, allowing for the ability to increase paramedic staffing at these locations as needed.

The stations are the first infrastructure projects in SCAAD’s 10-year capital improvement plan, which residents of St. Charles County put into motion in 2018 by the passing of Prop. Ambulance, a bond issue.

In 2021, the district will take the next steps outlined in the 10-year plan that includes a

reconfiguration of assets along Rt. 364 in St. Peters and in the Harvester area. Currently, this area is served by a single ambulance.

Next year, two new stations will be constructed to spread the coverage more evenly throughout this highly populated area.

The forthcoming EMS stations will be located at the corner of Woodstone Dr. and Queens Brooke Blvd. in St. Peters, and at the intersection of Caulks Hill Rd. and Towers CONTINUED PAGE 7

Around Town Rd. in Harvester. The district aims to begin construction in the spring, and targets fall 2021 for their completion.

“When performing our community needs analysis, this area of the community was and continues to be a high priority,” SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer said. “The Queens Brooke and Towers stations, coupled with support from existing facilities, will enable us to enhance coverage and provide better response times to 911 emergencies.”

Also part of the capital improvement plan is a consolidated campus facility that brings together the district’s training, administration, logistics and supply center, vehicle maintenance and non-emergency transfer division. These areas of the operation are currently spread between five buildings in three municipalities. The 147,000-squarefoot campus is under construction on Salt River Rd. in St. Peters, and is set to open next year.

“There will not be many in the nation that is of this caliber,” Cope said of the campus.

“This building will carry us for 30 years. Currently, we have all different departments

stretch to the limits. This year, with COVID, the medics have really struggled through that. These new stations and with what is happening in 2021, it’s a nice bright spot.”

Massive haul with two community clean-up events totaling more than 251 tons of waste removed Meridian Waste Missouri, LLC, a subsidiary of Meridian Waste, an integrated, nonhazardous solid waste services company, partnered last week with the Village of Eolia (population 514) and the city of Wentzville (population 41,164), to collect residential bulk waste in an effort to clean up the communities and make taking out the trash easier.

“Our goal is to always leave a community cleaner and greener than it was the week before,” said Area President Bob Mathis. “I think we accomplished that goal with these two great locations that we have the pleasure of serving. Winter is coming and before the first snowfall, we wanted to provide opportunities to our customers and help lighten the load in and around their homes.”

The city of Wentzville held its biannual Large-Item Up event from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, and Eolia had a biannual Weekend Clean-Up from Oct. 3 until Oct. 4. With the two collection events, a total of 251.13 tons of bulk waste was collected. The Village of Eolia purged 6.65 tons (or 13,300 lbs.), and Wentzville banished 244.48 tons (or 488,960

Sunrise over one of the roll off containers used to collect bulk waste in last week’s collection events in Eolia.

lbs.) of bulk waste from their homes.

According to Mathis, community clean-up events are a positive way to keep communities clean and offer citizens a way to remove bulk items from their homes, free from additional charges through their municipality’s contract with Meridian Waste. Bulk waste consists of large items that do not fit in a

Submitted photo

standard 95-gallon Meridian Waste trash collection cart. The items may include furniture, toilets, sinks, old mattresses, and other nonhazardous waste. Citizens are advised to confirm acceptable items with the local communities’ garbage guidelines or collection event specifications.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

Pooper Troopers diaper drive a smashing success

Submitted photo

For the month of September, the O’Fallon-based Pooper Troopers did a diaper drive in coordination with KMOV-TV and Aldi Grocery Stores, benefiting the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. During that time, the Pooper Troopers were able to collect more than 312,000 diapers.

The storage of the diapers is provided for free by St. Peter Church in St. Charles, but said storage is located up three flights of stairs. On two different occasions, a large group of young men and women from Assumption School helped transfer all 300,000 diapers up the three flights of stairs. This couldn’t have been accomplished without their amazing hearts, spirit and time.

Though the official diaper drive is finished, it isn’t too late to help. If you would like to donate diapers, please visit www.poopertroopers.

org and donate via Amazon for direct delivery to the Crisis Nursery.

For more information please contact Justin Emge at Pooper Troopers C at 636-485-0440 or justin@poopertroopers.org.

With his guitar and 3D printer, SCC student making a difference in the community In the last year, Justin Borgstede has been busy. He’s working toward his occupational therapy assistant (OTA) degree, was recently elected president of the OTA club on the SCC campus, is active in his church and is working part-time at a skilled nursing facility.

“Since the COVID-19 outbreak, I’ve been working more hours at NHC St. Charles,” he explained. “I have been facilitating FaceTime, Zoom and Skype calls between residents and family members.”

Having previously worked for the IT Department at SCC, Borgstede knows technology pretty well. Those skills have been coming in handy at his job.

“I also implemented a bookings site to automate family video call registration,” he explained. “I’ve been providing as much support to our residents as I can – especially when it comes to training them on how to use personal devices.”

Borgstede hasn’t stopped there. He’s also used his artistic and musical skills to help entertain the residents.

“I have been collaborating with coworkers on content for daily activity packets and reading material for residents,” he said. “I also try to provide regular music entertainment for residents on each hallway.”

From John Denver to Jimmy Buffett, Borgstede often jumps on his guitar and serenades his residents. He often leads non-denominational services at facility as well. His talents don’t end there. He also paints as a hobby, and it brought his love for painting to NHC St. Charles.

“I started a ‘painting collaboration’ with the skilled nursing residents,” he explained. “I’ve been going door-to-door asking the residents to paint something or suggest things for me to add to the painting.”

It was a hit. Borgstede started with a “springtime” theme, and it started gaining momentum.

8 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

Photo courtesy St. Charles Community College St. Charles Community College student Justin Borgstede uses his artistic and musical skills to help entertain the residents at NHC St. Charles.

“Residents got a kick out of the story the painting was telling,” he said. “It started to turn into a really unique mural. One of the residents was an actual artist, so I let her take the lead. It was wonderful to see residents’ talents come alive!”

It’s a wonder the SCC student ever has free time. However, when he does have a moment to himself, he uses it to help other people.

To date, Borgstede has 3D printed and distributed more than 2,000 face mask ear guards to local healthcare facilities. He’s also making heel lifts and inversion/eversion shoe inserts for his physical department at NHC St. Charles. He’s also been making vases and phone stands to sell to residents and staff, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association.

He admits his class load, workload and extracurricular activities can be a bit overwhelming at times, but he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“I hope some of what I am doing brings hope and light to a world filled with fear and anxiety,” Borgstede added. “Everyone can find that unique niche where personal passion overlaps with compassion for others.”

Advertiser Profile

Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight Indoor Comfort Specialists

Heating and Air Conditioning

636-887-0971

Elite Heating and Cooling is located at 13 W. Allen St., Suite B in Historic Downtown Wentzville near West Allen Grill, but will be relocating to 108 Hamilton Industrial Ct. to better serve our customers. The business is owned by Tim Schellert and provides heating, cooling, and water heater service to residential. The business also provides gas inspections, restaurant kitchen inspections and Old Hickory Smokers service for its commercial customers. The business likes to give-back to the community through its participation in a variety of charitable causes such as Little Black Book and Habitat for Humanity. As a Lennox dealer they are also involved in the Lennox Feel the Love program which provides a new heating and air conditioning unit to a deserving family free-of-charge. Elite has been in business since 2003. We invite you to give us a call to respond to all of your heating and cooling needs.

Phone is: (636) 887-0971

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 9

I A TR

By Brett Auten

A L LB

S R ZE

St. Charles County Parks Department will show volunteers how to build and maintain sustainable, natural-surfaced trails as they assist in extending the county’s 62-mile trail system Trail carvers are in need.

What’s that, you say?

What’s a trail carver?

Glad you asked.

The St. Charles County Parks Department along with members of the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists are leading a project that began last month.

They will show volunteers how to build and maintain sustainable, natural-surfaced trails as they assist in extending the county’s 62-mile trail system.

Nancy Gomer is the Marketing Coordinator for the St. Charles County Parks Department. Gomer says that trail carving happens throughout the year.

“We offer spring, summer, fall and winter trail work days

10 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

and everyone is invited to come out,” Gomer said. “With trails being our No. 1 requested amenity, our trail carving work never ends and is constantly in motion. Our trail stewards are constantly seeking connector trails and other areas where trails would be suitable to build.”

The trails system continues to go with the help of longtime volunteers and community partners from Gateway Off-Road Cyclists. After a trail is flagged, the carving work begins. They also try to keep older mature trees and cut down as little as possible. Carving around obstacles is also key. There’s really no magical number used to determine how long our trails should be. Flowing trials are engaging to the user, so they do their best to deliver trails that guests want to ride again and again.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight, there’s an art to building a substantial trail system and we do a good job creating durable trails that last,” Gomer said. “St. Charles County Parks’ trails are built to endure thousands of hikers, bikers and horseback riders every day. We couldn’t do this without the support of our trail stewards and dedicated volunteers.”

Trail enthusiasts and anyone of any age who wants to help leave their mark on a St. Charles County park is welcome to attend. These volunteer events are perfect for organizations seeking to give back to the community and individuals needing to fulfill community service hours.

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on these upcoming Saturday dates: Nov. 14 at Matson Hill Park at 670 Matson Hill Road in Defiance and on Dec. 12 at Klondike Park at 4600 Highway 94 S. in Augusta. Participants should bring a pair of gloves, sturdy boots, and safety glasses. Lunch will be provided to all who lend a helping hand.

Organizations, individuals, and groups interested in helping with trail building should preregister. To volunteer, visit the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s website or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 to register.

The Gateway Off-Road Cyclists was founded in 1998 by a handful of St. Charles area mountain bikers. Its first project involved the design and construction of a bicycle/hiking trail at Matson Hill Park. The club membership continues to grow and is the advocacy voice of mountain bikers representing the entire St. Louis metropolitan area in both Missouri and Illinois. GORC is a non-profit corporation dedicated to advocacy, design, construction, and maintenance of multiuse trails. GORC has been responsible for over 94 miles of new multi-use trail construction on public land in the St. Louis area along with maintenance trail events that have touched over 163 miles of trail in Eastern Missouri. In all cases, the trails were designed by GORC members, approved by the Park/Land Manager, and built with 100-percent volunteer labor.

Submitted photos The St. Charles County Parks Department is looking for volunteers of all ages to assist with fall and winter Trail Work Days. The next Trail Work Days is Nov. 14 at Matson Hill Park at 670 Matson Hill Road in Defiance.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

EYE CONTACT

BY AVALANCHE

MY FRIEND DANO GREW UP IN A SMALL FORMER MINING TOWN IN THE ROCKIES, the kind with gravel roads and lots of old, ramshackle buildings left over from a silver mining boom that ended a half-century prior to his birth. It was a place where everyone knew everyone else, no one locked their doors (if the door even had a lock) and most of the goods came into town via rail car. Now in his 70s, he’s seen the semi-ghost town of his birth turn into a glitzy world-renowned ski resort, where the billionaires have displaced the millionaires out of town. The cost of living generally precludes the working class (including doctors and lawyers) from actually owning a home there; if one works for a wage, one commutes from elsewhere.

We had lunch together a few days ago, and both lamented some of the changes, both locally and nationally that have occurred over the last few years. Dano and I used to work together in that megapriced resort town. We both have moved on to other things and still live near enough to commute up to town if we had to – and we’re grateful that we no longer do. We both live in side valleys that intersect with the main river valley that runs down from town, far enough away to be somewhat isolated from the culture that spills out, along with some of the money that sloshes around up there.

Dano likes to ride his bicycle, but no longer rides the road due to ever-increasing traffic. The railroad tracks that used to carry merchandise to town were removed years ago, and the right-of-way converted to a pedestrian and bicycle trail. He pedals his miles on the trail, and noticed a trend over the last few years; namely, how few people say “hi” anymore. He began an experiment by saying “hi” or waving at everyone who was passing by going the other direction. The results confirmed his impression: only 40 percent of those on the trail would acknowledge his presence, even after he offered a greeting. Many went out of their way to avoid even looking at him.

It was a sobering, but unsurprising statistic, even if the “study” was lacking in scientific precision. It seems that civility has been on the decline for some time, especially in the formerly uncrowded Rockies. When I got here nearly forty years ago, (it’s shocking to see that number in print!) the roads were uncrowded, and social interaction was generally cordial and unforced. Most new transplants to the area came because they wanted to live in the mountains, and took whatever job they could find. Now, it seems that most new arrivals come because they found a job here; they would just as likely have moved to Toledo if a job had been offered there. There is less love for the land, let alone the current residents and culture.

Now especially, the lack of eye contact seems more troubling. Fear of a virus has people staying farther apart, with masks covering 12 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

smiles, frowns and anything in between. People hurry about their business with little or no conversation. Digital communication, handy as it is, takes the place of genuine connection. Personal bonds are strained, or lost entirely; new ones are not easily made.

Dano and I are fortunate to live outside of the main valley. In our respective neighborhoods, people wave, say “hi” and have enough room to interact without covering up, or feeling crowded. We’re still cordial, but are growing weary of those who want to change our remaining havens into an environment similar to the places they just escaped from. * * * * * * * * * * I’m typing this on the road, visiting family and friends in the O’Fallon area, as well as in the Ozarks. I conducted my own experiment while here in the Midwest. While out walking and jogging I greeted everyone I came across. Virtually everyone replied with a smile, nod, wave or friendly hello. It was refreshing to experience that simple civility.

Thanks to all who participated in my impromptu study; please keep up the good cheer, we all need it!

Moore On Life

Thanks, but no thanks

BY CINDY MOORE

WHAT A GLOOMY DOOMY YEAR, HUH? With all the fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, bug infestations,and a mega virus on top of it you’re probably thinking there’s not much to be thankful for during this season of gratitude. Well cheer up because it’s time to look for silver linings!

Very funny! You can quit pointing at my hair roots, smarty pants. Just because I haven’t been to the beauty salon for a proper dye job in six months doesn’t give you license to make rude jokes.

So let’s look on the bright side. Perhaps a murder hornet will burrow into your nostril as you sleep tonight. (That was a little back-at-ya joke.) I have been known to be a tad vindictive.

Now then, what things can we be thankful for with this nasty corona thing?

Social distancing makes my husband ecstatic.

“You mean I have a legitimate reason to not attend boring family parties and have to make up fake chit-chat or hug your smelly Aunt Fiona.”

“What do you mean smelly? She bathes.”

“I mean she always smells like an overly ripe fruit salad with Old Spice for dressing.”

He’s thankful for that. He’s also happy that everyone has been isolated for months.

“The traffic is awesome. I can drive over 25 miles per hour on the freeway during rush hour without stopping every ten feet and sucking in exhaust fumes.”

Personally, I’m thankful for masks. Now I don’t have to wear makeup to the store and can make faces at random people.

The other day I dashed in to finish up some grocery shopping. I had my hands on a perfectly ripened cantaloupe in the produce section, but some lady in workout attire snapped it up right out from under my grasp. We made eye contact. I stuck my tongue out at her. Good thing I had my mask on. She looked like she worked out. She could have bench pressed me right there next to the avocado display.

Here’s another thing to be grateful for. We can now be at home with our own family for a longer period of time. We’ll get to know one another better by playing games, watching movies and engaging in meaningful conversation.

I got the stink eye from my husband. I just know he’s sticking his tongue out at me from under that mask.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

2020

HYUNDAI VENUE

is a fun and functional modern

O

ffered in three trim levels, the fivepassenger 2020 Hyundai Venue compact sport utility vehicle is a welcomed entry in this popular category. It has a somewhat conservative outer body design that hinges on being bold with a contemporary footprint; yet, it has Hyundai’s signature design language.

It’s not an over-the-top execution, but it certainly stands out when compared to the other SUV’s in the Hyundai product mix.

The optional two-tone color offering for the roof, mirrors and body trim is recommended if you are wanting to make a statement with this new entry. Venue symbolizes a handsome, yet trendy, unique style perfect for first-time buyers seeking a small SUV. It includes a lengthy list of standard safety and available features, all at an attractive base price point of $17,350. Their top end Denim model has a sticker price of $22,050.

Freight charges of $1,140 aren’t included.

Without question, it’s all about packaging and quality engineering. Venue designers were taxed with the assignment to develop a fun, yet functional and versatile compact modern SUV that would appeal to a wide customer base. With a quick road test, I think that you would agree that this objec14 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

tive was achieved.

The one thing that stands out the instant you get up to posted driving speeds is the quiet interior. From everyday workplace assignments, helping with your “things to do” list, to weekend fun, Venue is a great fit in accommodating busy lifestyles. This SUV exhibits excellence in a small-but-confident body form, delivering a new design language that tends to be cross-shopped with the likes of the Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Jeep Renegade, Toyota C-HR and the Mazda CX-3.

The vehicle’s side profile showcases a solid and noticeable full wheel arch design coupled with strong character lines. The front cascading grille assembly includes the new Hyundai signature face that is also found on both the Kona and their NEXO hydrogen fuel cell powered crossover. Also included are composite LED lights and cube shape headlamps. It’s unique and attractive character lines continues towards the tail lamps.

Venue is available with attractive 17-inch alloy wheels along with their standard 15-inch tire and wheel package.

“The Hyundai SUV lineup can be compared with the pieces on a chess board,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president

SUV

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

of design for Hyundai Motor Group. “Our new Palisade is the king, but we are missing the smaller piece. And that’s where Venue comes in. It may be small, but its unique and bold design sets it apart from the rest of the pack.”

Clearly, fuel economy is a key factor for customers who purchase an entry-level vehicle. Venue meets this objective with the advanced 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. The Dual Port Fuel Injection powerplant is rated at 121 horsepower. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an intelligent variable automatic transmission, set up on a front-wheel-drive chassis. Based on testing and depending on the trim level and/ or options, fuel estimates run between 30 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.

The dash instrument gauges and controls are easy to decipher. The appealing interior space and comfortable cabin provide adequate space. In part, this is due to the vehicle’s standard 60/40 split flat folding backseat to maximize utility. The cargo space features a rear covering shelf for added privacy and can be conveniently stowed. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the factory’s five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty.

‘The Game of Their Lives’ photo courtesy Independent Film Channel (IFC)

Entertainment

ST. LOUIS SOCCER PLAYERS WON

‘The Game of Their Lives’

BY STEVE BRYAN

S

eventy years ago, the U.S. Soccer Team beat England during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in a game played in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It is not surprising; however, to learn that the victorious team from America featured players such as Frank Borghi, Frank Wallace, Charlie Colombo, Gino Pariani and Harry Keough who hailed from St. Louis. Some were born and raised in The Hill neighborhood.

2005’s “The Game of Their Lives” focused on the players and how they achieved this upset victory over England. Screenwriter Angelo Pizzo wrote the screenplay, which is based on Geoffrey Douglas’ 1996 book of the same name. During a 2005 phone interview, Pizzo, who also wrote the screenplays for the basketball drama “Hoosiers” and the memorable “Rudy,” talked about the film.

“It is a great story,” he said. “When I heard the story, I was like ‘Wow! I am not a big soccer fan, but I would go see that movie.’”

When talking about sports movies, films such as “A League of Their Own” and “Field

of Dreams” come to mind right away. At the time of this interview, soccer films were not that prevalent.

“There really hasn’t been a vast history of soccer films in the sports genre area. There was ‘Victory,’ I suppose. That comes to mind first when I mentioned soccer films, but that was shot such a long time ago with Sylvester Stallone as the goalkeeper. Then there has been a few English soccer films: ‘The Mean Machine’ and ‘Shot at Glory,’” Pizzo said.

According to Pizzo, the production company for “The Game of Their Lives” wanted to film in Canada, but director David Anspaugh and Pizzo insisted on filming in St. Louis and Rio de Janeiro where the story really happened.

“The Missouri Film Commission helped us; they made it easier for us. They were extraordinarily helpful. We were in St. Louis for three or four months and we dropped 7.5 million dollars into the local economy,” he said.

When shooting the film, Pizzo pointed out

that they were trying to be as authentic as they could in terms of play. The cast included Costas and Louis Mandylor playing Charlie Colombo and Gino Pariani.

“It’s a really small pool of really good actors who can play world class soccer,” he said.

“The Mandylor brothers are from Australia; they played on the Australian National Team.

The rest of the team was filled with professional soccer players.”

The soccer sequences, including the clashes between players, in “The Game of Their Lives” looked very real and there’s a good reason for that.

“Anything you caught in terms of conflict and clashes on the field actually happened,” Pizzo explained. “These guys got into that.

We did not script that; it happened. It’s hard to choreograph to make it look like natural soccer plays. So, we got five cameras going and said, ‘Go at it, guys.’”

“The Game of Their Lives” is available on Hulu and other streaming services.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Holiday centerpieces

r o v a s o t

C

elebrate the season and create long-lasting memories this year by serving tasteful main courses centered around tender cuts of beef.

With hand-cut choices like a Bone-in Frenched Prime Rib Roast, Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons, a Beef Brisket Flat and Premium Ground Beef from Omaha Steaks, you can create elegant holiday centerpieces such as Steak Au Poivre or a unique generational recipe, the Simon Family Brisket. Each cut of beef is hand-carved by expert butchers, flash-frozen to capture freshness and flavor at its peak and delivered directly to your door.

For a truly mouthwatering meal, make Fred Simon’s Rib Roast Dubarry the focal point of the family table. As a favorite of Madame Dubarry, a prominent courtesan in French King Louis XVI’s court, this version adapted by Fred Simon, fourth-generation family owner of Omaha Steaks, involves a marinade that gives the roast a smooth, rich, velvety flavor worthy of a royal dinner.

Find more inspiration to create a memorable holiday meal at OmahaSteaks.com.

16 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

Simon Family Brisket Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 4 hours, plus 20 minutes resting time | Servings: 4 (pictured above)

Ingredients: 1beef brisket flat (2 pounds), thawed 1 package (1.1 ounces) dry onion soup mix

1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberries 1 cup chili sauce 1 cup ginger ale

Directions: Preheat oven to 250 F. Place brisket in large ovenproof baking dish.

In bowl, mix onion soup mix, cranberries and chili sauce. Spoon over top of brisket. Pour ginger ale around edges of brisket.

Cover with foil and bake 4 hours.

Remove from oven and let rest 20 minutes. Remove brisket from baking dish and place on cutting board. Slice brisket against grain and place in serving dish. Top with sauce and serve.

For the Love of Food

Steak Au Poivre Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients:

Directions:

2 filet mignons (5-6 ounces each), thawed

Season steak with salt and pepper. Press seasoning into meat to create even coating.

2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1/3 cup brandy or cognac 1 cup cream 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

In large skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter until just smoking. Add steak and sear 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Once cooked to desired doneness, transfer steak to cutting board and tent with foil to rest.

Reduce heat to medium and add brandy to skillet. Allow to cook down about 1 minute while stirring to scrape off any browned bits from bottom of pan. Once brandy reduces by half, add cream, Dijon mustard and remaining butter; continue cooking until mixture begins to reduce and thicken, 5-7 minutes.

Slice steaks against grain and top with sauce.

NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food

Fred Simon’s Rib Roast Dubarry

Prep time: 5 minutes, plus 5-12 hours marinating time | Cook time: 2 hours, 15 minutes-2 hours, 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes for sauce | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions:

3 cups red wine, divided

1 onion, quartered

1/4 cup olive oil

4 carrots, quartered

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 celery stalks, quartered

In 2-gallon resealable bag, mix 2 cups wine, olive oil, garlic, mustard and bay leaf. Add roast, seal and place in refrigerator to marinate at least 5 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.

2 tablespoons coarse ground mustard 1 bay leaf 1 bone-in Frenched prime rib roast (4 pounds), thawed 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 head garlic, halved horizontally 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Remove roast from marinade and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 250 F.

2 cups beef stock, divided

Preheat large skillet over high heat.

Add canola oil. Place roast in skillet and sear until well browned on all sides. Set skillet aside, leaving juices and browned bits for making sauce.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

18 | CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2020

In roasting pan lined with foil, add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and rosemary. Place roast on top of aro-

matics bone-side down. Add 1 cup beef stock.

Place in oven on center baking rack.

Roast 2 hours, 15 minutes-2 hours, 30 minutes for rare or 2 hours, 30 minutes-2 hours, 45 minutes for mediumrare. Remove from oven. Place roast on cutting board. Tent with foil.

Place any accumulated juices from roast in measuring cup. Add remaining beef stock to make 1 cup total.

Pour into skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining wine and bring to boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Carve roast and serve with sauce.

Community Calendar

NOVEMBER 3

Election Day

10

Marine Corps Birthday

11

Veterans Day

26

Thanksgiving Day

27

Black Friday

30

Cyber Monday NOVEMBER 2020 | CROSSROADS | 19

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