CrossRoads: October 2021 by Community News

SPOOKY FUN

OCTOBER

2021 writers

VOL 17 | NO 10

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

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

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Copyright 2021 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

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

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

BY STEVE BRYAN

ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15

2 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

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

OCTOBER 4

2021

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story SPOOKY FUN St. Charles County Parks and Recreation, has a Halloween-centric event for you during the month of October

Always an Adventure Use extreme caution

Moore on Life Happy accident

Automobile Alley The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe gets a complete facelift

Entertainment ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ heading to theaters in November (hopefully)

For the Love of Food Celebrate family and food

Community Calendar: October

On the Cover: Submitted photo

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 3

Around Town

Working on the railroad

The St. Charles Model Railroad Club has tinkered with trains since the early 1980s at their clubhouse in O'Fallon's Fort Zumwalt Park By Brett Auten

ALL ABOARD.

Tucked away in O'Fallon's Fort Zumwalt Park, and located just to the northeast of the lake, is a small clubhouse where the outside world takes a backseat. The St. Charles Model Railroad Club made its first departure in the early 1980s with a dozen members sharing an enthusiasm for model railroading. The club was started, simply, to enhance the enjoyment of the hobby. There was study of prototype railroads so that the members could apply that knowledge to their modeling. And, it provides a forum where new ideas and techniques in modeling could be explored. Paul Molitor was just a teenager in the 1990s when a relative invited him to drop by the clubhouse. And he's been there ever since. Molitor is the club's SUBMITTED PHOTOS The St. Charles Model Railroad Club was founded in 1981 and is open to anyone 15-years-old and over.

4 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

CONTINUED PAGE 5

Around Town

SUBMITTED PHOTO The St. Charles Model Railroad Club was founded in 1981 and is open to anyone 15-years-old and over.

president, a title he's held for the last three years. The attraction to the club is varied, but also common. “It has sentimental memories,” Molitor said. “Maybe you, or your dad or someone in your family, had a train set when you were younger. Or you remember one going around the Christmas tree.” Once inside the train modeling bubble, interests are widespread. “Some like the electronic aspect of it,” Molitor added. “Others are more detail oriented.” The club not only wants to honor the past but also advance the hobby, through demonstrations and education so that things won't return to the way it was 15 years ago. In the modular train world, just before 2010, a lot of clubs were folding up and most enthusiasts went “underground.” Membership is open to anyone 15-years-of-age with a love of trains. There is a Junior Membership with an adult sponsor also available. A membership form can be printed out and brought to any club meeting. Along with hosting an annual January show at St. Charles West High School, the club is tied in with anything going on at the park, like the Celebration of Lights. It's open for visitors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only and is the only HO Scale club in the region. Members are able to run on the club's track when you want to. “You have full access,” Molitor said. “The layout is yours, with respect to the other members.” It's also an apprenticeship where one can learn from the legion of years of experience available. “I have been doing this for 40 years and I'm still learning,” Molitor said. “It's a well-rounded group with a big knowledge base. Do you want to know how to make a piece of scenery look weathered? Or

SUBMITTED PHOTO Members of the St. Charles Model Railroad Club take part in a Scale Trains event held recently in O'Fallon. The club is located inside Fort Zumwalt Park and is open for visitors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

how to decal a locomotive? They will know how to do it.” For more information, visit www.stcharlesrailroadclub.org.

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

St. Charles County Public Health partners with area organizations for free flu shot clinic The St. Charles County Department of Public Health will partner with several area organizations to provide free flu shots for those ages six months and older during a vaccination clinic from 2 – 7 p.m., on Oct. 8 in the College Center building at St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. 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 traditional vaccine to boost the body’s ability to create antibodies against the illness. Appointments are necessary for this flu clinic and can be scheduled online at https://bit.

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ly/SCCFluFighters or by calling 636-928-WELL (9355). In accordance with Community College policy, individuals within all indoor public spaces on campus must wear a mask or other face covering, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. WHY GET A FLU VACCINATION? “An annual flu vaccination offers an individual the best opportunity to strengthen the immune system against influenza,” says Sara Evers, Acting Director of the Department of Public Health. “Those who get a flu vaccination are much less likely to get the flu and miss school or work, or – if they do become infected – they are more likely to experience minimal symptoms and avoid dangerous complications that severe flu illness may cause.” Additionally, as it takes approximately two weeks for vaccine antibodies to develop after the vaccination, the Department of Public Health recommend getting a flu shot now before the traditional flu “season” begins. Flu season typically runs from November through spring in our region. Flu vaccines have a long track record for effectiveness. In seasons where the flu vaccine does match circulating viruses, the shot has prevented millions of illnesses across the United States and reduced the number of medical visits by 40% to 60%. Additional studies show that vaccination reduces the risk for serious flu complications by more than 50% and the risk for flu-related death by 31%. Along with protecting the recipient, vaccination reduces the risk for illness in the entire community – including those who are not able to receive the shot due to age, health conditions or other restrictions. COMMUNITY PARTNERS “Individuals and organizations throughout this community take pride in coming together to help others,” Evers notes. “We appreciate the support from St. Charles County’s healthcare, education, and other organizations in providing this flu shot clinic at no cost to our residents.” 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 the event operations as a volunteer or as a sponsor should contact St. Charles County Emergency Planner Nick Kohlberg at 636949-7554 before Sept. 24. 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 Boones 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. Individuals also can protect themselves against catching and spreading the flu by: • Avoiding close contact with others, especially ones who are sick. • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. • Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based 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, exercise and hydration. For more info and tips on preventing the flu, visit sccmo.org/flu and cdc.com/flu.

Around Town

ST. CHARLES COUNTY PET ADOPTION CENTER OFFERS FALL SPECIALS TO HELP ANIMALS FIND LOVING HOMES Dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and activity levels are now available at St. Charles County’s Pet Adoption Center, located at 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters. To encourage adoptions and help find loving homes for shelter pets, Division of Humane Services staff offers several fall adoption specials, including: • $10 adoption fee for any animal who has been at the Pet Adoption Center longer than 30 days • $30 adoption fee for any dog or cat older than four months of age • $60 adoption fee for puppies or kittens under four months of age “Animal shelters are traditionally more crowded at this time of year, but the Pet Adoption Center is close to its capacity this fall,” Division of Humane Services Director Katie Willis says. “Dogs, cats and other animals are at their best when cared for by loving families in forever homes. We offer these fall adoption specials to appeal to families who are looking for the perfect pet and ready to open their homes and hearts to our amazing animals.” Adopting through the Pet Adoption Center offers a great value. The adoption fee includes a thorough health examination, initial vaccinations, a spay or neuter service, microchipping and a county rabies license — services that are not always included when adopting elsewhere. To view available animals, visit sccmo.org/pets or call 636949-7387 to schedule an appointment to visit the facility. Located across from St. Charles Community College, the Pet Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). As an added convenience, the shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR FAMILY “Connecting the right pet with the right family is the goal of the Pet Adoption Center staff,” Willis notes. “Through careful exami-

nation, our staff will work with interested adopters to find the best animal for all situations. By making good matches between owners and their chosen pets, the animals can make a smooth and successful transition into their new homes.” To help create the perfect match, Pet Adoption Center staff encourages adopters to consider several important questions before narrowing down their search, including: • What is your preferred age for the animal? Puppies or kittens require extra time, patience and exercise, while older animals may have established behaviors and routines. • Is breed important to you, and if yes, which ones are desired? Adopters should recognize that various breeds of dogs and cats can present different personality traits, demeanor and physical needs. • What is your family status and living arrangements for your home? Whether you live in a small apartment or have a fenced-in backyard can help determine the right animal. And, certain breeds fare better with young children or other pets than others. • Do you prefer an active animal or a couch pet? Every pet has a different personality, but certain animals and particular breeds are more adept at running miles through the neighborhood, while others prefer to curl up on your lap.

be alone. • Arranging set locations for food and water bowls — and the litter box for a cat — to develop a routine. • Removing potential dangers and areas of curiosity that could hurt the animal or cherished family treasures. • Establishing firm rules for the pet and family members. PET FOSTERING FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ADOPT For families that are unable to commit to full-time pet ownership, the Division of Humane Services also operates a robust pet foster program. Foster families care for animals in a safe setting to prepare the pet for future adoption. In the quiet comfort of a private home, foster parents can socialize dogs or cats with other people or pets and provide behavioral clues that can be used to improve connection with families interested in adoption. The division helps foster families by providing food and care supplies, veterinary treatment and most medications as needed, and 24-hour support. For information on applying to become a pet foster, visit sccmo.org/PetFoster or call 636-949-7387. To learn more about pet adoptions and services provided through the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, visit sccmo. org/PAC or call 636-949-7387.

TIPS FOR WELCOMING HOME A NEW DOG OR CAT Bringing home a new pet is a big a d j u s tm e n t — both for the animal and its family. To ease the transition, consider: • Providing a small, quiet area where the dog or cat can OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town SUBMITTED PHOTO

Fifth annual Hunt for Hunger is underway

All hunters can process their deer for free and help their community by participating in the fifth annual Hunt for Hunger. Held in cooperation with Share the Harvest/Operation Food Search last year, Hunt for Hunger donations provided nearly 4,000 pounds of venison, down by nearly one half due to the impact of COVID-19. This year, the food pantries are more desperate for donations than ever and need help to provide venison for those that are struggling in the community. Bring your field dressed deer to Wentzville's Josephville Meat Market and let the processor know you are donating it to the Hunt for Hunger/Share the Harvest program. Or you can contact your local processor and ask if they are participating in the Hunt for Hunger /Share the Harvest Program. One deer can provide many meals. Non-hunters can also contribute by contacting the processor and offering to donate ground beef to the Hunt for Hunger program. Contact David or Cathy Neier at 636-299-3291 or cathyneier@aol. com with any questions.

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St. Charles County reaches over 50% of residents vaccinated for COVID-19 The St. Charles County Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Sept. 20 that 51.5% of county residents now are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The county has the second highest vaccination rate in the state and is one of just three in Missouri to reach this milestone, according to data available on the state’s website at covidvaccine.mo.gov. “Vaccination remains our keystone public health measure to curbing new infections of COVID-19,” says Dr. Shephali Wulff, system director of infectious disease for SSM Health. “People who are fully vaccinated are shown to be 90% protected from COVID infection including the Delta variant, and 95% protected from severe illness, hospitalization and death. “We encourage more residents to get the vaccine because we want to see our communities get back to normal, keep our kids in school and enjoy life the way we remember it,” continues Dr. Wulff. “The best way to do that is by masking and getting the vaccine.” The state site shows St. Louis County at 51.8%, and Boone County at 51.3%. The state of Missouri overall has 46.9% of residents fully vaccinated. As of Sept. 20, 225,678 St. Charles County residents (56.1%) have initiated vaccination and 207,167 (51.5%) have completed vaccination. While the state site bases fully vaccinated percentages on total population, data categorizes age groups and shows that of St. Charles County residents age 12-and-up (those who are eligible for vaccination), 60.5% have completed vaccination and 65.9% have initiated vaccination. The DPH COVID Vaccine dashboard details vaccinations by date, age, gender. The age group with the largest number vaccinated is 60-69, followed by those in the 50-59 age group and the 40-49 age group. “I want to commend the county’s Department of Public Health staff on their perseverance in providing our residents with every opportunity possible to receive a vaccination for COVID,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “We have all been in this pandemic together for the past 18 months, but they, and all health care professionals in our county, have been on the front lines of all aspects of the disease. The dedication and care for the residents of St. Charles County speaks volumes about the community we call home.” The St. Charles County Department of Public Health offers convenient COVID-19 vaccinations at locations around St. Charles County. The events are open to anyone age 12 and older (for Pfizer/ BioNTech) or those 18 and older (for Moderna or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson). Individuals ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the vaccination. To schedule a convenient appointment, call St. Charles County’s COVID-19 Hotline at 636-949-1899 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. For more information, visit sccmo.org/COVID.

Around Town

Innsbrook to construct respite home for cancer patients Innsbrook Corportation, in partnership with Faith Through Fire, will host a ceremonial groundbreaking event to kick off construction for a new respite retreat home being built for breast cancer patients in Innsbrook’s newest development, “Treehouses of Talblick.” The ceremony will take place on Oct. 30, from noon- 1:30 p.m. at the construction site located within the gates of Innsbrook Resort. The event will mark the first steps of building a home of healing for those enduring cancer treatment. Faith Through Fire is a nonprofit organization in the St. Louis area whose mission is to reduce the anxiety and fear that breast cancer patients feel and replace it with hope and a path toward thriving. The organization offers patients informational resources and support through a peer mentorship program, a monthly podcast, partnership with Build-A-Bear, and now, their partnership with Innsbrook Resort, to provide a close-tohome place of respite during treatment. “When I was undergoing breast cancer treatment, my husband surprised me with a weekend getaway and I could have never imagined how restorative it would be,” said Beth Wilmes, founder of Faith Through Fire, “Partnering with Innsbrook Resort will help bring our vision to fruition and provide all patients the opportunity for respite during the treatment process.” Innsbrook Resort is a gated vacation-home community, hidden amid wooded forests and surrounded by scenic lakes. Located 45 minutes west of St. Louis, Innsbrook’s 7,500 acres include over 100 lakes, resort-style amenities, including a championship golf course, restaurant, and event center, and, recreational and residential properties such as A-frame chalets, cottages, condos, custom-built luxury homes, and most recently, modern-day treehouses. In partnership with Faith Through Fire, Innsbrook has offered the use of a specifically-outfitted treehouse to the organization. The respite home will be built in Innsbrook's newest community, Treehouses of Talblick, located in the Tyrolean region of Innsbrook. The 1,600 square foot home will feature three bedrooms and two baths, two sepa-

SUBMITTED IMAGE This artists’ rendering shows the completed respite retreat home being built for breast cancer patients in Innsbrook’s newest development, “Treehouses of Talblick.”

rate decks, and a bird’s-eye view of the 146 acres of terrain below. The area offers its own security entrance and is in close proximity to multiple lakes, the Tyrolean nature trail, and Charrette Creek Commons which includes a zero-entry pool with swim lanes, lazy river,

children’s playground, fitness center and outdoor amphitheater. For more information about Faith Through Fire, or to donate, please visit https://faiththroughfire.org/. To learn more about Innsbrook Resort, visit https://www.innsbrook-

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 9

SPOOKY FUN By Brett Auten

St. Charles County Parks and Recreation, has a Halloween-centric event for you during the month of October HOWEVER YOU WANT TO SLICE IT,

JACK-O-GLOW WALK On Friday, Oct. 15, from 5-9 p.m., at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum at 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters, feel free to bring the family out to the museum for a fun jack-o-lantern walk and pumpkin carving contest hosted by St. Charles County Parks, Great Rivers Greenway, and Fresh Thyme Markets. This festive event is back for its third year and features 100 pumpkins carved by residents that will illuminate the outside of the museum and one mile of the adjoining paved Centennial Trail. Pumpkin carving is outside the museum and takes place from 5 to 7 p.m.; the Jack-O-Glow Walk is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The cost to carve a pumpkin is $3 each and pre-registration is required. Call the museum at 636-255-6000 10 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

St. Charles County Parks and Recreation, has a Halloween-centric event for you during the month of October. From creepy tales from the past, to kid friendly hikes, or a nighttime round of golf, there is a little something for everyone. “The Parks Department is scaring up some family-friendly fun this Halloween season that won't disappoint,” Nancy Gomer, St. Charles County Parks Marketing Coordinator, said. “Whether you're looking for a spooky adventure, or something a little less scary, St. Charles County Parks has exciting and unique experiences for guests of all ages this year.”

to reserve a pumpkin. Carvers must bring their own tools and have their pumpkin ready to display by 7 p.m. Carved pumpkins will go home with contestants after the event ends. Prizes will be awarded for the top three best carvings and the best family or group costume. The Jack-O-Glow Walk also includes fes-

tive music, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and a variety of outdoor yard games. Moving Munchies food truck will have tasty eats available for purchase, and candy, soda and water also will be available for purchase from the park. Admission to walk the illuminated trail is free and registration not required.

JACK-O-GLOW WALK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 5-9 P.M.

SPIRITS OF THE PAST On Saturday, Oct. 16, from 6-10 p.m. at the Historic Daniel Boone Home at 1868 Highway F, in Defiance, dark tales and superstitions of the 1800s are brought to life at The Historic Daniel Boone Home. Walk through lantern-lit paths in the historic park, listen to stories of the past, and, if you dare, hear the eerie Legend of Sleepy Hollow by renowned storyteller Anne Williams. Limited tickets are available to reserve between 6 and 9 p.m. The cost is $10 per person in advance; tickets are $12 at the door until they sell out. Upon arrival, guests will be assigned a time to tour the Boone Home. Each tour is limited to 15 people. Guests may visit vignettes located in the village buildings before and after their Boone Home tour. Each vignette will repeat every eight-to-10 minutes. No flash photography or video recording is allowed inside the Boone Home. Call the park at 636-798-2005 to make a reservation. HALLOWEEN DISC GOLF GLOW TOURNAMENT On Friday, Oct. 22, from 7-11 p.m., at The Park at New Melle Lakes at 400 Foristell Road in New Melle, get your drivers and putters ready for this spooky competition with cash prizes. This 18-hole contest features baskets lined with glowsticks to mark the course, which offers a mix of short and long holes that travel in and out of the woods. The event is limited to 72 players, and some LED lights will be available for purchase prior to the 7 p.m. start. Cost is $10 per person. Registration begins at 5:45 p.m. on the day of the event. “Our Halloween Disc Golf Glow Tournament is especially popular and is being played on a champion 18-hole course that is gaining notoriety across the state and the nation,” Gomer said. “In 2021, the app UDisc ranked the top courses in the nation and The Park at New Melle Lakes ranked third in the state of Missouri.” The course is known by locals and visitors from across the United States as the course that has it all. “The Parks Department has seen disc golf course growth since it opened its first 18hole course at Quail Ridge Park in 2002,” Gomer said. “A second course was developed at Indian Camp Creek Park in 2013, and two years later another Parks Depart-

SPIRITS OF THE PAST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 6-10 P.M. HALLOWEEN DISC GOLF GLOW TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 7-11 P.M. NOT-SO-SPOOKY KIDS ADVENTURE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 3-4 P.M.

ment course went in at College Meadows Park, located on the campus of St. Charles Community College.” NOT-SO-SPOOKY KIDS ADVENTURE On Friday, Oct. 29, from 3-4 p.m. at Towne Park, 100 Towne Park Drive in Foristell, you can jump start a child's Halloween weekend with a spooktacular story time and short hiking event in the park. Participants ages four-and-up are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes and

meet Park Ranger Jake Dean for a Halloween-themed story and a not-so-spooky short walk on the trail—but who knows what creepy critters will be encountered in the woods? The hour-long program is free; registration is not necessary. For more information about St. Charles County Parks’ Halloween happenings and other activities and classes planned, call 636-949-7535 or visit stccparks.org and click on "Activity Registration." OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 11

Always An Adventure

Use extreme caution — BY AVALANCHE

“MOTORCYCLES – USE EXTREME CAUTION – MUD ON ROAD” So stated the flashing Department of Transportation road signs at either end of the state highway running through our valley. They weren’t kidding; the previous month’s mudslides had been cleared – mostly – from the road surface, but much of the debris remained right on the road shoulders. Most of the wide spots and pullouts still contained large piles of mud, rocks and other debris that came down during the late summer’s torrential downpours. When it rains, a significant amount of sludge makes its way from the piles on the road shoulders onto the traffic lanes. Much of that detritus will take months – if not years – to clean up. The local highway department district personnel are still trying to catch up on sleep from the recent record rains and resulting flash floods. (The photo above shows a sample of some of the chunkier debris left behind. Note size of rock behind the bike. Gravity and water combined do some amazing high velocity earthmoving.) For some reason, the bright flashing signs advising two-wheeled travelers to be cautious – sincerely appreciated by most of us cyclists – seemed to have emboldened some of the less cautious types. Driving my pickup on the highway bordered by the miles-worth of sludge on the shoulders, three motorcycles suddenly appeared in my rear-view mirror, closing fast. It was in the winding portion of the canyon, with double-yellow lines all the way through. The first bike leaned out into the oncoming lane, and returned quickly to his lane, seemingly surprised by oncoming vehicles. After the vehicles passed, the bike again went out and zipped right by me, with no moving obstacles in the other lane. The next bike in line followed the first, right around a blind corner, dropping back into his lane with no ill effects. The third, not wanting to be left behind, blasted past me along a very short section between corners, returning to his lane a small fraction of a second before an oncoming car came around the corner. The bikes all bore the license plate of everyone’s least-favorite left 12 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

coast state. (These days, the most dreaded phrase in the Rockies is “Hi, we just moved here from California!” Though to be fair, some of our favorite neighbors have arrived from there; we don’t begrudge the good ones for getting out.) During my next journey on the highway, I was behind three adventure-touring type bikes, whose riders seemed to be in a big hurry to get somewhere other than here. They were crowded a mere couple bike lengths behind the vehicle in front of them, but either through good sense or lack of blind courage, chose not to pass. We all had to stop at one of the several road construction zones where the beleaguered highway workers were laboring to clean up the aforementioned mess. There was a traffic control barricade with flag and a light stopping traffic. Once the flagged barricade lifted, it took an additional five seconds for the light to turn from red to yellow. As the barricade rose, it took perhaps .5 seconds for the first cyclist to honk his horn at the driver waiting for the light to confirm what the barricade allowed. The other cyclists quickly joined in, creating a discordant symphony of honking in the morning air. This group had license plates from the upper Midwest, proving that jerks come here from all over. Perhaps the ugly riding behavior stems from the fact that these groups had the anonymity that comes from being from a long distance away. Or more likely, the “group ride” dynamic played a part, in that if one group member does something “special,” the rest follow along, as herd mentality is not limited to cattle. Maybe it was simply a reflection of the general sense of irritation and rudeness that we see even at the grocery store these days. In any case, now that the trees are turning, school is in session and the mornings are quite cool, there is much less traffic on the road than just a couple weeks ago. Most of the jerks went home to be rude on their home turf. And if you came here to visit and were polite, thanks, we hope you enjoyed your stay!

Moore On Life

Happy accident BY CINDY MOORE

WHEN SPENDING TIME WITH A 15-MONTH OLD GRANDBABY you can learn a lot of things …a lot of

very ba-ad things. I spent time with my little chunker and came back wondering how babies even survive. For starters, babies prefer the dangerous and forbidden to the Good Housekeeping-approved and FDA regulated kind of bunkum. They want jabby, pokey, chokey things that can put eyes out and lodge in small throats. Babies love deathtraps: crawling on table tops, straddling wobbly chairs and scuttling up steep staircases. They love to dabble in danger. Oh those tempting electrical outlets of mystery! Always beckoning to thrust a bit of Lego into one. Of course they want new tastes, but what is it about the toxins under the kitchen cabinet that hold such allure? That blue window spray and furniture polish smoothie certainly can’t compare to a day of gumming strained peas and creamed unsalted cabbage. Hmm? On second thought, I totally get their need for change. Mine found this with water at bath time. It proved to be a delicious, exotic beverage for her, although she preferred it with added flavor enhancers. Only after her pungent, sticky

body parts had been slathered with soap and rinsed and when the water had turned a cloudy shade of grey did it ensure optimal taste. She dipped her head into the filmy pool and swallowed a big gulp. I pulled her back only to have her scoop up the dripping washcloth and shove it in her mouth and suck the salty, gooey juices right out of it. Beats window cleaner I guess. I dried and dressed her and plopped her on the floor. But be warned, while crawling around everything is fair game as a treat for babies – preferably the tiny, windpipe-sized ones. Soon she was rummaging around like a fat, fleshy Roomba vacuum. She quickly found a dirty sock under the couch and promptly gave it a pre-wash in her mouth. She then scavenged every corner and went on a taste- testing adventure by chomping on stray kibble and old bug bodies. After I swooped the interior of her mouth with my finger I noticed that she had become covered in cat fur. The baby was finally put to bed partially clean and had tried some new flavors, but the floor was spotless so win-win for both of us.

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

THE 2021

CHEVROLET TAHOE GETS A COMPLETE FACELIFT

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

FEATURED WITH CLASS-LEADING Auto compatibility is included as is the CARGO SPACE, a standard V-8 engine and factories infotainment touchscreen

GM's 10.2-inch easy to navigate center dash info touch screen, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was completely redone. It's now the fifth generation of this full-size SUV. This newest version is instantly recognizable and bolder in appearance. It's larger and has a number of improvements with the interior, safety enhancements and welcomed on-board technologies, when compared against the outgoing Tahoe. Worth bringing to the forefront is the vehicle’s remarkable "luxury-car-like comfortable ride" as this in part was achieved by their advanced magnetic ride control and air suspension system that tends to tame its rugged body-on-frame, truck-like chassis. Along with its amazing road dynamics and handling characteristics is Tahoe's whisperquiet driving experience. Unwanted outside noises are put to rest, helping to raise the bar and positioning this SUV in the near-luxury category along with the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Armada. This model is offered in six trim levels for the '21 model year as the base version starts out slightly under $50,000. The trim levels are listed as: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. The standard engine on the Tahoe is a 5.3-liter V8 as it's rated at 355 horsepower. It’s then matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA city/highway fuel economy with RWD is 16/20 mpg. Four-wheel drive is available on all trim levels and is standard on the Z71 configuration. The LS is featured with LED headlights, 18inch tire and wheels, eight-passenger seating - two in front, three in the middle and three in the third row. Apple CarPlay and Android 14 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

and their forward collision mitigation system. The LT adds to the LS with; handsfree liftgate, wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, nine-speaker Bose audio system, driver-seat memory settings and heated front seats and autodimming rearview mirror. On the RST, you'll find 22-inch wheels, unique front fascia and black exterior trim and special RST seats with contrasting stitching. As we look at the Z71, it includes off-road capabilities of which include; a special front fascia to improve the Tahoe's approach angle, two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, hill descent control, all-terrain tires plus underside front skid plate and towing hooks. If we switch up to the Premier model, it has improvements with the ride and handling capabilities, eight-inch digital instrument panel, 10-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row bucket seats; however, that reduces the seating capacity to seven, lane keeping assist that's engineered to help steer the vehicle back into its drive lane seamlessly and their enhanced blind-spot automatic lane change monitor system. This leads us to their High Country edition for '21. Powering it is a 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 performance engine rated at EPA city/highway fuel economy of 15/20 mpg with RWD. The top end High Country model can easily price out in the $70,000 range.

At road-test, the Premier version I drove had an MSRP of $75,165. That included the shipping charges of $1,295. The base warranty is for three-years/36,000 miles and the powertrain coverage is for five-years/100,000 miles.

Entertainment

‘GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE’

HEADING TO THEATERS IN NOVEMBER (hopefully)

Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures

BY STEVE BRYAN

n the fall of 1983, teaser trailers for “Ghostbusters” were playing in theaters. The footage showed Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis wearing jumpsuits while chasing supernatural creatures for profit. Aykroyd and Ramis also wrote the screenplay while Murray agreed to do the film only if Columbia Pictures agreed to back a remake of “The Razor’s Edge” with Murray as the lead. With a budget of $25-$30 million, “Ghostbusters” became a massive box office hit and Ray Parker, Jr. earned an Oscar nod for the enduring title song. In 2019, teaser trailers for Jason Reitman’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” arrived in theaters. The footage shows a family relocating to a run-down farmhouse left to them by their grandfather, Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis). The property is not the usual farm as Phoebe (McKenna Grace), daughter of Callie (Carrie Coon), soon discovers. She uncovers Ghostbuster’s equipment, including a ghost trap and jumpsuits that belonged to Egon. There was more to Grandpa than she knew. “Afterlife” comes after director Paul Feig’s 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot staring four very talented women: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Unfortunately, the core cast does not become a cohesive whole in this version. The four leads do their own thing with little teamwork or bonding. “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth also is totally wasted as the handsome but dense secretary Kevin Beckman. It is a noble effort, but the heart and soul

of the franchise are missing here. Will “Afterlife” finally make it to the big screen? The outlook is more positive for the scheduled Nov. 19 release date. Ironically, Columbia Pictures should be grateful to Marvel Studios because the positive box office returns of “Shang Chi” show that movie fans are making their way back to theaters. Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” has been grounded until May 2022, but ECTO 1 has a full tank of gas and is ready to roll. So what can we expect from this film? McKenna Grace’s Phoebe has some nice moments in the trailer that reveal her grandfather’s enduring legacy. Phoebe is smart, adventurous and discovers that the Ghostbusters vehicle has a gunner seat that’s perfect for chasing pesky ghosts. Paul Rudd (“Ant Man”) plays Mr. Grooberson, a teacher at Phoebe’s school who is a big fan of the Ghostbusters and can identify a ghost trap at one glance. “Afterlife” also has callbacks to the original film as well, including references to Ivo Shandor, the architect for the building at 55 Central Park West that is now known as “Spook Central.” Shandor worships the Sumerian deity Gozer and he set up a mining company in the same town as Phoebe and her family. It’s likely that Egon Spengler had relocated to keep tabs on Shandor and his Gozer activities. Even with ever-changing release dates, there’s more than a ghost of a chance that “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” will make it to theaters in time for Thanksgiving. It would add some real spirit to the holidays.

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

Celebrate

family & food

from a variety of cultures, including this sampling of classic family favorites, sweet indulgences and family-style creations all inspired by what family means to each chef.

amily traditions and inperson connections are important parts of gatherings of loved ones, and many of those get-togethers are centered on food. The entire family coming together around a table covered with warm, delicious food to share stories and create new memories is what makes mealtime special.

“Sales from this book will directly benefit the families we serve, so we are so grateful for each and every chef that has offered their time and talent to this cookbook,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. “The way ‘Come to the Table’ has been created reminds me of a recipe that culminates in a feast for the senses. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40th anniversary, particularly at a time when families are starting to reunite after the pandemic forced so many apart.”

Forty chefs from around the nation came together to create “Come to the Table,” which offers a delicious mix of cuisines

Visit rmhdallas.org for more information and to order the cookbook.

Photo courtesy of Ink Phinyawatana (Green Curry)

GREEN CURRY Recipe courtesy of chef Nikky Phinyawatana | SERVINGS: 2

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh spinach 1 cup water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 16 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

2 tablespoons green curry paste 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, beef or pork, sliced thin 1 small Japanese purple eggplant

2 cups coconut milk 4 teaspoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced 1/4 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin 8-10 Thai basil leaves, plus additional, for garnish, divided 2 cups cooked jasmine rice DIRECTIONS: In blender, blend spinach and water until mixture turns green and no leaves are visible. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add green curry paste and stir to release fragrance, about 10 seconds. Add protein and cook 3-5 minutes. Add blended spinach water, purple eggplant, coconut milk, sugar and salt. Bring to boil. Add bamboo shoots and red bell pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in basil leaves and turn off heat. Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with additional basil leaves.

For the Love of Food

BAKED STUFFED PASTA SHELLS Recipe courtesy of chef Kevin Curry | SERVINGS: 6-8

INGREDIENTS: 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh garlic 1 medium onion, diced 5 portobello mushroom caps, gills removed then diced 1 pinch sea salt, plus additional, to taste 1 pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste 2 cups shredded kale 3btablespoons water 15 ounces skim milk ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons pesto 1 tablespoon The Fit Cook Land spice blend 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat marinara, divided 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella fresh herbs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 420 F. Bring pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain then set aside. Heat pot or cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Add pinch of sea salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook until onions turn brown and mushrooms shrink in size, about 3-5 minutes. Empty contents and set aside. Place pot back over heat. Add shredded kale and water to create steam. Toss kale in pot until it turns vibrant green; set aside to cool. In large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with mushroom mixture, kale, pesto and spice blend. In casserole dish, spread about 1/2 cup marinara on bottom. Then one-by-one, stuff each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture and add to casserole dish. Repeat with remaining shells. Cover shells with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese. Cover casserole dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. During final 5 minutes, remove foil so mozzarella can brown. Garnish with fresh herbs and salt and pepper, to taste. CONTINUED PAGE 18 OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food

DADDY’S BIRTHDAY FLAN FLAN Recipe courtesy of chef Ninamarie Bojekian Mendoza | SERVINGS: 10-12

INGREDIENTS: CARAMEL SAUCE: 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup water CAKE: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional) FLAN: 4 large eggs 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, to taste 18 | CROSSROADS | OCTOBER 2021

DIRECTIONS: In saucepan, heat granulated sugar and water over medium-low heat until melted. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 9-inch Bundt pan. Set aside. When sugar liquifies and turns golden brown, remove from heat and use silicone spatula or whisk to stir. While stirring, quickly pour into prepared Bundt pan. TO MAKE CAKE: In large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, use hand mixer on medium speed to beat butter and sugar, about 3 minutes, until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. On low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until combined. Fold in rainbow sprinkles, if desired. Pour batter into pans over caramel

sauce. TO MAKE FLAN: In blender on high speed, blend eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla until well combined. Gently pour through strainer and onto prepared cake batter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place pan in water bath by putting it in larger baking dish, roasting pan, hotel pan or similar. Pour hot water halfway up sides to create water bath. Bake approximately 1 hour. Cake should be golden brown and jiggle when shaken when done. Remove cake from water bath and cool on rack 10 minutes. Run knife or spatula carefully around edges to separate. Place plate on top of cake and, while holding it, flip over carefully and quickly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.

Community Calendar

October 4

Child Health Day

Leif Erikson Day

11 Columbus Day 13 Navy Birthday 15 Boss’s Day 16 Sweetest Day 31 Halloween

OCTOBER 2021 | CROSSROADS | 19

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