Our Town: January 2023

Volume 14 | Number 1 JANUARY 2023

Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com

PRODUCTION

CONTRIBUTORS

Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore

STAFF WRITERS

Brett Auten

Wendy Todd

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THIS SSUE

Around Town

Powder Valley Nature Center joins Audubon Center at Riverlands’ third annual Bows for Birds Challenge and more.

Feature

A frozen future

The 50-year-old Creve Coeur Ice Arena will need to undergo upgrades and renovations to keep skaters gliding for the next 50 years.

Our Thoughts

Moore on Life author Cindy Moore eyes up some impressive specimens at the World Cup while Avalanche embraces the joys of being a luddite.

Lifestyle

The 2022 Lincoln Corsair makes luxury affordable in the crossover SUV market in Automobile Alley. Performers who changed their bodies for a role in Entertainment. Bring the family together with breakfast for dinner in For the Love of Food.

In Depth

Bald eagle watching on the Mississippi River is an annual winter tradition for many in the St. Louis region .

Events Calendar

Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Submitted

Staff

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF

Mathew DeKinder

PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER

Bob Huneke

Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann

Bird hunt

Powder Valley Nature Center joins Audubon Center at Riverlands’ third annual Bows for Birds Challenge

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is joining the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton for its third annual Bows for Birds Challenge. The challenge runs now through Feb. 5, 2023, and the nature center will host one of sev-

eral Bows for Birds stations throughout the St. Louis metro area.

Bows for Birds is a scavenger hunt-like challenge that includes 12 different stations placed in parks and natural areas in the St. Louis region. MDC, the Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and all the Bows for Birds partners are challenging visitors to find mystery wooden birds hidden at each location.

“Come to Powder Valley to participate in the scavenger hunt and find the mystery bird posted on a tree along one of our three paved trails, Tanglevine, Broken Ridge, or Hickory Ridge,” said MDC Naturalist, Anna Cooke.

A complete information packet is available for free download at https://short. mdc.mo.gov/4xA. It explains the challenge and includes a map for each participating Bows for Birds site. Participants can also download the submission form they will need to fill out and enter to win.

Visitors can follow the clues given at each station to find the mystery wooden bird hidden nearby. When they find it, participants

are encouraged to take a selfie with the mystery bird and share it on Facebook or Instagram by tagging #bowsforbirds23. Be sure to set posts to “public” for them to be seen. Entrants must email a completed submission form to bows4birds@gmail. com by Feb. 5, 2023, to be eligible to win.

Eligible participants in the Bows for Birds challenge will be entered in a prize raffle that includes a variety of St. Louis-based outdoor experiences, Cardinals baseball tickets, parks swag, a bird-lover’s kit, bird feeders and more. The more entries, the more chances to win. Identify the species of mystery bird and participants will earn an additional entry for every correct one.

Also, those who visit seven or more sites will be eligible to enter the grand prize raffle for a Vortex optics basket, including a pair of Viper HD 10x42 binoculars valued at $680. Winners will be drawn Feb. 10, 2023.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.

Generous grant

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery receives $44,800 grant from Bayer Fund

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery received a grant for $44,800 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., which will be used for the Crisis Nursery’s Food and Nutrition Program.

DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery, explained, “With the help of this Bayer Fund grant, we will be able to help many families and children who are experiencing food insecurity. We are so fortunate to have the Bayer Fund support the Crisis Nursery and our families.”

With the grant from Bayer Fund, the Nursery’s Food and Nutrition Program will provide 43,300 meals and snacks for more than 3,600 children at Crisis Nurseries throughout the greater St. Louis Region. This grant will additionally allow

the Crisis Nursery Family Empowerment Centers to supply 2,400 emergency food bags to low-income, food-insecure families.

In 2021, Bayer Fund awarded more than $13.1 million to over 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in Food and Nutrition, STEM Education and Health & Wellness. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $75 million.

To learn more about the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, visit CrisisNurseryKIds.org

To learn more about Bayer Fund, visit https://www.fund.bayer.us.

Protecting history

National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation reach next milestone toward Old Courthouse renovation

The National Park Service (NPS) and Gateway Arch Park Foundation are one step closer to kicking off the $24.5 million renovation of the Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park.

In recent days, the NPS selected St. Louisbased Tarlton Corporation to lead the renovation, which focuses on increasing accessibility for all visitors, structural improvements to the historic building and new exhibitory. This renovation is a contributing project to the CityArchRiver project, the largest publicprivate partnership in the history of the National Park Service.

The Old Courthouse has served as the backdrop for some of America’s pivotal early legal cases: it was where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom, beginning in 1846, and where the case’s lower court trials were heard in 1847 and 1850. St. Louis Circuit Court records show that more than 300 other “freedom suits” were filed there by 1860.

In another famous civil rights case, Virginia Minor sued for her, and by extension all women’s, right to vote in the 1870s.

“We are honored to preserve and protect the Old Courthouse and the many stories told within its walls – from Dred and Harriet Scott and hundreds of other enslaved people suing for their freedom, to Virginia Minor’s fight for a woman’s right to vote,” said Gateway Arch National Park Superintendent Jeremy Sweat. “These renovations will maintain the Old Courthouse’s historical integrity and safeguard its lasting legacy.”

This is the second significant renovation to the Old Courthouse since it was built between 1839 and 1862 (the original building was expanded during this time). The renovations are the final component of the $380 million CityArchRiver project, which has resulted in the revitalization of the Gateway Arch park grounds, Arch Visitor Center, Museum at the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Riverfront, Luther Ely Smith Square and Kiener Plaza.

This project is jointly funded by the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Private funding has been provided through Gateway Arch Park Founda-

tion by generous donors to the CityArchRiver capital campaign.

The renovations include the installation of an elevator for greater accessibility within the building, in conjunction with accessible ramps that were previously installed at both entrances to the building during phase one of the CityArchRiver Old Courthouse renovations.

Critical building system updates, which will help revitalize and maintain the building’s integrity, include a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; a new fire suppression system; and general restoration and improvements to the building’s historically significant features such as windows, doors, ceilings, flooring and other decorative elements.

“As the philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park, our mission is to ensure this national park site remains vibrant and welcoming for generations to come – and these renovations to the Old Courthouse will certainly accomplish that,” said Gateway Arch Park Foundation Executive Director Ryan McClure. “We are committed to creating a modern, accessible and inclusive Old Courthouse experience that demonstrates how important this building is to the story of America, and how our collective past can inform our future.”

During the renovation, artifacts from the Old Courthouse will be carefully moved and stored, along with the park’s archives and library, at the Old Post Office in Downtown St. Louis. Hours of operation for researchers and students, as well as public to access the library to see artifacts on temporary display, will be announced once the move is completed.

An official groundbreaking ceremony will take place before renovations begin. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

New

museum

exhibit galleries

Future Old Courthouse visitors will enjoy new and updated exhibit galleries designed by Haley Sharpe Design in conjunction with Gateway Arch National Park staff. Exhibits will include:

• Northeast Gallery: Dred and Har-

riet Scott – Focuses on the Scotts’ fight for freedom, which began in the Old Courthouse, and how the legal and political environment at the time culminated in the infamous U.S. Supreme Court Decision. The exhibit gallery also reflects on the legacy and relevancy of their case today.

• Northwest Gallery: Pathways to Freedom – Explores African American life in St. Louis: slavery, the tortured legacy of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, post-Civil War civil rights and more.

• Southeast Gallery: Designed for Justice – Highlights the architectural features of the courthouse and the spirit of innovation of architects, artists, builders and craftsmen.

• Southwest Gallery: See You in Court –Focuses on the importance of courts in our society, our legal structure, and the daily activities in the courthouse from 1839 to 1930. Visitors will be able to experience an 1850s courtroom and re-enact mock trials that will further their understanding of how our court system allows us to settle disputes peacefully and provide a framework for how our society functions.

Get your event or good news published: email your information to editor@mycnews.com.

The wild action, sci-fi and comedic adventure “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has been named Best Film of 2022 by the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

Writer-directors The Daniels’ chaotic tale of an overworked Chinese immigrant’s multiverse journey won five awards overall, including Michelle Yeoh for best actress. She plays Evelyn Wang, whose business is struggling, her marriage is on the rocks, and she has complicated relationships with her daughter and father.

As Evelyn’s milquetoast husband, Ke Huy Quan won supporting actor while Paul Rogers won for editing and The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), who directed, were named in a tie for best original screenplay.

SLFCA announced its awards in 23 categories on Dec. 18, with honors spread out among 13 films.

“The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis” and “Women Talking” each received three awards.

Martin McDonagh tied with the Daniels for original screenplay, for his pitch-black comedy about friends at an impasse, who live on a remote Irish island in 1923, while Kerry Condon won best supporting actress as the smart and feisty Siobhan, sister to Colin Farrell’s Padraic, and Ben Davis won for his moody and rugged cinematography.

This is the third year the group has selected a woman for its director award – Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland,” in 2020; Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog” in 2021; and now, Sarah Polley for “Women Talking.”

“Women Talking,” about the women in an isolated religious community deciding on what action to take after a series of sexual assaults in 2010, also won for best ensemble cast and for Hildur Guðnadóttir’s acoustic music score that taps into community and hope.

Catherine Martin won for designing costumes and with Karen Murphy for production design on her husband Baz Luhrmann’s electric “Elvis” biopic, which

Best of 2022

was also singled out for best soundtrack.

For best actor, Brendan Fraser was selected for his bravura performance in “The Whale,” playing a 600-lb. recluse grappling with loss and guilt while trying to reconnect with his daughter.

The regional critics group announced its annual nominations Dec. 11, with “The Banshees of Inisherin” leading with 11 nominations, followed by ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ with 10; ‘Women Talking’ and ‘The Fabelmans’ earned eight each. Those nominations are listed here: http://www.stlfilmcritics.org/ awards.

For Special Merit recognition, the St. Louis Film Critics selected three people for the honor: imprisoned Iranian director Jafar Panahi, whistleblower actress Ashley Judd and posthumously, influential musician-actor David Bowie.

SLFCA President Jim Tudor said the group wanted to recognize filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who was sentenced to six years in prison by the Iranian government for inquiring about the arrests of his fellow filmmakers Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Al-Ahmad.

The international film community has denounced his imprisonment as unjust. His latest work, “No Bears,” was shown at the Venice Film Festival and New York Film Festival this fall.

The SLFCA statements on the three Special Merits:

Jafar Panahi

“In recognition of the courage of imprisoned Iranian director Jafar Panahi and all those film professionals confronting political oppression in the pursuit of free speech, human rights, and artistic expression.”

Ashley Judd

“We recognize Ashley Judd for the bravery and courage she demonstrated in portraying herself in ‘She Said.’”

David Bowie

“After nominating the experimental documentary “Moonage Daydream,” we

want to also honor the expansive and continuing cinematic presence of singersongwriter and actor David Bowie, whose life and music continues to permeate and enrich the cinema landscape.”

Here’s the list of our 2022 SLFCA Awards winners and runners-up:

BEST FILM

Everything Everywhere All at Once Runner-up Women Talking

Best Director - Sarah Polley, “Women Talking”

Runner-up: The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best Actor - Brendan Fraser, “The Whale” Runner-up: Austin Butler, “Elvis”

Best Actress - Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Runner-up: Danielle Deadwyler, “Till”

Best Supporting Actor - Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Runner-up: Brendan Gleeson, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Best Supporting Actress - Kerry Condon, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Runners-up: (tie) Angela Bassett, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Janelle Monae, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

Best Ensemble - Women Talking

Runner-up: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Adapted Screenplay - She Said Rebecca Lenkiewicz; based on the book She Said by Jodi Cantor and Megan Twohey, and on the New York Times investigation by Jodi Kantor, Megan Twohey, and Rebecca Corbett

Runner-up: Women Talking - Sarah Polley, adapted from book by by Miriam Toews

Best Original Screenplay – tie “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Martin McDonagh and The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Runner-up: “The Menu,” Will Tracy and Seth Reiss

Best Cinematography - Ben Davis, “The Banshees of Inisherin” Runner-up: Greig Fraser, “The Batman”

Best Editing - Paul Rogers, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Runner-up: Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, “Elvis “

Best Production Design - Elvis, Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy

Runner-up: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Rick Heinrichs

Best Costume Design - “Elvis,” Catherine Martin Runner-up: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Ruth E. Carter

Best Visual Effects - Avatar: The Way of Water” Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett

Runner-Up: Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Music Score - “Women Talking,” Hilda Guðnadóttir Runner up (tie): Carter Burwell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”; Michael Giacchino, “The Batman” and John Williams, “The Fabelmans.”

Best Soundtrack – Elvis Runner-up: Moonage Daydream

Best Action Film - Top Gun: Maverick Runner-up: RRR

Best Comedy Film - Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Runner-up: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Horror Film - Nope Runner-up: X

Best Animated Film - Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Runner-up: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Best International Feature - Decision to Leave Runner-up: RRR

Best Documentary Feature - All the Beauty and the Bloodshed Runner-up (tie): Good Night Oppy and Moonage Daydream

Best Scene - Sam Fabelman meets one of his idols on the studio lot in “The Fabelmans”

Runner-up: Iceman meets with Maverick in “Top Gun: Maverick”

Founded in 2004, the St. Louis Film Critics Association is a nonprofit organization of professional film reviewers who regularly publish current and timely film criticism, support local productions and festivals, and enhance public education, awareness, and appreciation of films.

For more information, visit http://www.stlfilmcritics.org.

Finding ‘A New Home’

After the success of his first documentary, “America’s Last Little Italy: The Hill” about the St. Louis ItalianAmerican neighborhood, filmmaker Joseph Puelo, was looking for a new idea. He remembered the many people who would come up to him in his neighborhood in St. Charles, and suggest doing a documentary on the migration of Bosnian people to St. Louis.

St. Louis has the largest population of Bosnian people outside of Europe. A population of over 70,000 Bosnian people has developed in St. Louis since 1993 when many began relocating to the region to due to an ethnic war in their country and the former Yugoslavia.

Puelo realized how significant the subject is and began chronicling the experience in his second documentary, “A New Home,” which currently streams on Amazon Prime.

“After meeting with many people in the Bosnian community and hearing their stories,” Puelo said, “I began to understand how I could shape the film and became incredibly excited at the opportunity.”

Director and producer, Puelo, consulted with author, Patrick McCarthy whose book, “Bosnian St. Louis, Between Two Worlds” explores the Bosnian experience in St. Louis and was released last October, for historical information and documentation. He also partnered with Rio Vitale, the executive producer.

“From the very beginning of this project, the biggest advocate we had was Patrick McCarthy, who is an interview subject in our film and a staple of the Bosnian community,” Puelo said. “He has relationships with many Bosnian families dating all the way back to 1993 when the refugees first began to arrive in St. Louis. Patrick brought to the table hours of VHS footage of the families as well as hundreds of photographs he had taken over the years. There’s no way we could have made the film without his assistance.”

The film features five Bosnian people who were interviewed about the experience of leaving their country and transitioning to St. Louis. McCarthy also provides insights into how Bosnians adapted to the region.

According to the documentary, for many Bosnian people, the overall experience has so far been positive, though initially, it seemed to have taken some native St. Louisans time to be welcoming. But with time, understanding by St. Louisans and effort by Bosnian people to fit into a new culture and contribute economically to their new neighborhoods, both communities reached common ground.

“For city residents, there was a definite culture shock

A local filmmaker’s new documentary tells the story of the migration of Bosnian people to the St. Louis area

The documentary “A New Home,” which currently streams on Amazon Prime, tells the story of the migration of Bosnian people to St. Louis.

Turkey tots

when they would look outside their windows to see goats being roasted in Bosnian backyards,” Puelo said. “But over time that apprehension definitely softened as Bosnians began to assimilate and their neighbors came to appreciate how the Bosnians were able to come into a dilapidated area like Bevo and fix up many of the houses and apartments, as well as open businesses of all kinds that stimulate the economy.”

The documentary, which was first screened over the summer at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and won Best Documentary and Best Sound for a documentary, was well-received as it contains universal themes of resilience and triumph.

“What the Bosnians have been able to accomplish in overcoming such harrowing obstacles and not only survive but thrive is what this country is all about. I also think that with the war going on in Ukraine, their story is more relevant now than ever with the many parallels that could be drawn between the two wars.”

Puelo hopes “A New Home” will continue to reach new viewers and provide insight into the Bosnian experience in St. Louis and therefore generate “a new sense of respect and admiration for their Bosnian neighbors.”

“To be trusted with telling the harrowing and triumphant story of the Bosnians in St. Louis was not a responsibility I took lightly and their courageous resolve inspired me to give this film all I could give,” Puelo said. “The audience response so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we cannot wait for more people to get the opportunity to see “A New Home” through Amazon’s portal.”

St. Luke’s

St. Luke’s is grateful for their newest flock of hens and toms. Their lucky parents are certainly counting their blessings on this holiday. St. Luke’s is known as the “baby bunting hospital” because they have been providing themed

baby buntings on holidays and special occasions since 1997. Made by nurses and volunteers, the adorable offerings are a sample of the many ways St. Luke’s Hospital provides a warm and caring environment for families.

A hit for hockey St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation receives grant

The St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation recently received a $5,000 grant from Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues. The St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation – a nonprofit that provides financial support to young players who face financial difficulty – will use the grant money for the upcoming 2023 hockey season.

Blues for Kids’ mission is to positively impact programs and services that improve health and wellness of youth in the St. Louis area. To date the program has contributed more than $11 million to the St. Louis community.

This year the St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation has awarded 14 grants to help young players continue playing hockey. Financial support is given to local club teams, as well as AAA and high school players based upon an individual’s need and family circumstances. In exchange for these scholarships, youth recipients pay-it-forward through volunteerism and community service.

“The St. Louis Blues’ grant allows us to assist more young players this season than ever before,” said St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation president Kristin Heffington. “Since its beginning, the Blues have not only ignited the local hockey community but have also been very supportive of youth hockey programs in our area.” Heffington added that “the cost of hockey rises as players get older, and we don’t want anyone to stop playing based on their financial situation.”

Founded in 2018, the St. Louis Youth Hockey Foundation was created to give all local hockey players the ability to participate in this costly sport. The nonprofit was formed by local hockey coaches and hockey parents in response to a local De Smet Jesuit High School hockey player who struggled with mental illness and took his own life.

For more information, call 314-852-0997 or visit www.stlyouthhockey.org.

tiny turkeys are something to be thankful for

BY WENDY TODD

future

Ice skating is one of America’s favorite winter past times. Whether you’re a novice or pro, gliding along the ice can be a fun activity with family and friends.

Residents of Creve Coeur and beyond have been enjoying the Ice Arena since it was built in 1970. And now the iconic rink is getting an upgrade so it can be enjoyed for even more years to come.

The indoor ice rink, located within the Dielmann Recreation Complex and open year-round, hosting over 75,000 skaters per year, is scheduled to undergo a refrigeration system replacement. The type of refrig-

The 50-year-old Creve Coeur Ice Arena will need to undergo upgrades and renovations to keep skaters gliding for the next 50 years

erant that’s been used in the past is no longer being manufactured.

The rink will need to be upgraded to accommodate a new option, which is scheduled to begin between March and August of 2024. The repair will cost at least $2 million. The city of Creve Coeur is still figuring out funding for the project.

The hope is that the repairs will sustain the rink and keep it from being intermittently closed as it was several times last year.

The Ice Arena has not only operated as a place of recreation but has also served as a venue for sports clubs and education. The arena has a youth hockey organization, The St. Louis Rockets, which also offers a “learn to play” program, the Creve Coeur Figure Skating Club, that boasts over 125 members and the St. Louis Curling Club, which, along with opportunities to join the team, offers learn-to-curl classes.

There are also a number of other programs offered at the arena.

The Stick and Puck program, which occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, helps participants work on their passing and shooting. The Freestyle program, which happens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, lets skaters practice sport specific maneuvers and skills.

The arena is also available for rental for parties and group activities.

The Creve Coeur Ice Arena has been a community staple for over five decades and with the upcoming repairs, will remain a viable local attraction for all to enjoy.

MOORE ON LIFE

BY CINDY MOORE

EYE CANDY

Here it is again, the time that comes around every four years which produces winners and losers and whiners and liars. The presidential election is here already? Naw, the World Cup is upon us.

My husband embedded himself in the couch to watch what bajillions of others were watching, so I thought I better sit down to find out what the hubbub was all about.

The action was slow and the commercials were yawners. Soon my eyes glazed over. The next thing I knew the cat pounced on my face and woke me up. I must have dozed off for only a minute because the score was still zero to zero.

“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked.

“Thirty minutes,” said my husband.

“What? And still no one’s scored? How do they judge the winner of these things?”

Then the camera zoomed in on the teams. I realized that each player was incredibly fit and attractive. So that’s how they judged the winning team – by who was the best looking.

I asked, “Why is each of these players so freakishly handsome?”

“What are you talking about? Look, there’s some really ugly people right there,” he said pointing.

“Umm, those are the fans in the bleachers all dressed up like drag queens.”

“You know, I could be on that soccer field if I really wanted to.”

“Yes, I’m sure you would be great at handing out bottles of Gatorade,” I said.

He didn’t hear me because some action had finally taken place on the field. A blatant foul had been committed. A player was writhing on the ground. His teeth were gnashing in utter agony. He clenched his knee and moaned in torment.

“Oh, that poor boy,” I said. “Someone is going to be kicked out of the game for inflicting that kind of injury.”

“Naw. He’s faking it.”

“Faking it?! How can you be so thoughtless? The poor man is having a seizure.”

“Just wait,” he said.

Soon the referee called the play fair and the wailing man got up as if nothing had happened. He then grabbed the front of his shirt with his teeth and gnawed on it for comfort.

The game eventually ended 1 to 0.

I have quickly become a soccer fan. After all, watching unbelievably good-looking men for 90 minutes is definitely my kind of sport.

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.

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

BY AVALANCHE

“A person opposed to new technology or ways of working,” reads the definition.

THE JOYS OF BEING A LUDDITE

It’s not so much opposition on my part, as much as simply not caring about the newest, latest wireless device. My choice of residential location has, in large part, determined my lack of being up to date on electronic communication gadgets. Dial-up internet was still in use here long after it had gone the way of the dodo bird in most areas of the country. Even then, the “high-speed” internet that replaced it was of slow speed and dismal reliability – only recently has it improved. Cell phone coverage is still non-existent for about six miles in one direction, or 60 miles the other way up the highway. Why would I want to spend upwards of four-figures on a “smart” phone that I can’t use when close to home?

When giving my contact info to people, they tend to give me a confused, skeptical look, as I begin with my landline number (yes, of the old copper-wire sort,) then give them the number to my decidedly-not-smart flip phone, and explain that this number is only good when I’m traveling, or if I remember to bring it with me to town to check messages, which means that any message could go several weeks before being heard. For texts, I give them Staci’s smart phone number, which is tied to my tablet. Generally, we get the same tests, provided our settings aren’t changed by any manufacturer’s surreptitious updates; or having one or both devices turned off; or a particularly bad cycle of space weather. Usually, the recipient of all my various numbers just asks which is the best number to use, as their expression of confused skepticism turns to one of frustrated dismissal. Unsurprisingly, not too many new acquaintances bother to stay in touch.

The local wireless internet service provider recently upgraded their transmitter on the mountain top across the highway, which was quite the spectacle to witness. Accomplished by helicopter, a new building and two new antenna towers were installed, at times during high winds, which earned the pilot and crew an enormous amount of respect from those

of us watching the process. Now, our internet service has the necessary capacity to support video and voice communications. Staci’s smart phone can be used reliably at home on our wi-fi. She also uses the infernal contraption at work, so it makes sense for her to own one. I’m still quite content to use my primitive flip phone on my infrequent travels outside the area, though those days are numbered.

It seems that the simple flip-phone is about to be phased out, and it won’t be compatible with upcoming nationwide cellular provider upgrades. In order for me to communicate by phone, I’ll have to finally move into the 21st century, kicking and screaming, and get a so-called smart phone.

My perfectly usable tablet is of such vintage that software upgrades are no longer available. It is becoming difficult to access rather basic websites such as news and weather, as they “no longer support this version of software” - and the device is not capable of being updated to the next version. Talk about planned obsolescence!

At this point, I’ll soon have to get a new phone and a new tablet. A new phone will allow me to carry on a voice conversation, but my eyes and vision are of such vintage that browsing the web on a phone requires reading glasses. I’m still a long way from surgically upgrading my eyeballs, so a tablet works best for portable net surfing – I can expand the font size to my liking.

A new phone will also eliminate the confusion of people texting me and getting a reply from Staci. Conversely, I get texts sent to her by friends and family that I really don’t need to read, especially the alcohol-fueled spleenventing sent at 0-dark-thirty from a girlfriend about her no-good #%^&*#$% significant other. Some things are best left unshared.

So, even here in the backwoods, “progress” is insisting that I catch up with it, or be left behind. Such is life. It’s a sign of the times, much like a brand-new vehicle that didn’t even come with a CD player - but I’ll save that luddite-styled rant for another time.

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.

THE 2022 LINCOLN CORSAIR

The Lincoln Corsair received a number of factory upgrades for the 2022 model year. It’s positioned in the compact luxury crossover SUV segment with the likes of the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX and the Cadillac XT4.

To help eliminate any puzzlement with the nameplate, the label “Corsair” has previously been used on several other Ford Motor Company products in past years. This includes the Ford Edsel Corsair and the British Ford Corsair sold in Europe. This Lincoln rendition was first introduced in the spring of 2019 at the New York Auto Show. Additionally, it tends to basically share the same underside platform or underpinnings with the Ford Escape.

Manufactured at Ford’s Louisville Kentucky Assembly facility, the five-door Corsair has proven to be one of the bestselling Lincoln badged vehicles in quite some time. It’s the smallest and least costly Lincoln in their product mix, with a base model starting out at $37,770 which includes shipping charges. Furthermore, the price point is more attractive than other luxury SUV crossovers in its grouping.

Corsair is available in three trim levels. This includes their Standard Model, Reserve and Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid. The first two models are manufactured with two available four-cylinder gas engines, while the Grand Touring model comes exclusively with a refined plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The exterior design certainly has a modern element about it. The Lincoln DNA presents itself with the vehicle’s front grille assembly. The body lines are pleasing to look at and further convey a level of luxury. Paint quality as well as fit and finish are close to perfection.

Powering this Lincoln in the Standard Model is their 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which generates 250-horsepower. With all-wheel drive, it achieves some 24-combined (City/Highway) MPG. The

mid-grade Reserve model comes with a 2.3-liter turbo gas powerplant and produces close to 300-horsepower. With AWD, it shows 21 MPG City/28-MPG Highway. Both engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Grand Touring Hybrid edition comes with a Continuously Variable Automatic. EPA numbers reflect as high as 78-MPG/combined numbers with the gas/ electric hybrid system.

When it comes to high-tech accommodations, Corsair tends to meet the appetite of a sophisticated client base. This includes three USB-A charging ports, one USB-C input port plus a wireless charge pad. Voice recognition software is also included. The vehicle’s 14-speaker audio system helps make long drives a bit more enjoyable. Seating upfront is comfortable and inviting. However, I would have liked to have seen more of the enticing interior aluminum trim sections and additional soft touch surfaces. Due to this Lincoln’s slopped roof line, being seated in back could prove to be a bit of a minor inconvenience and awkward if you’re tall in stature.

During the road test, unwanted road, wind and tire noise is kept at bay, likely due to the increased amounts of sound deadening materials strategically positioned throughout the body. The enhanced/optional adaptive suspension system helps keep body roll at a minimum while commuting on an array of different road surfaces. As with a number of similar competitive chassis/driveline set-ups, customized momentum drive modes aren’t currently offered from Lincoln.

Driver and passenger ergonomics overall are acceptable for the size of this vehicle. The adequately-sized door storage

compartments, as well as the cargo bin positioned between the two front bucket seats are appropriate. With the secondrow seat backs folded forward, there is sizable rear storage capacity for your belongings. Overall, the caliber of space is on par with other models in its grouping. This five-passenger vehicle also receives a five-star safety crash test rating, based on the government’s latest evaluation measurements. The driveline warranty reflects six-years/70,000 miles powertrain coverage. At road test, the Reserve AWD model I spent time with, had an MSRP of $58,505 after options, coupled with the added $1,195 delivery and destination charges.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner. He’s invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 35 years ago, as his new show “Automotive Insight” can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.

makes luxury affordable in the crossover suv market

Performers who changed their bodies for a role

In 1997’s “George of the Jungle,” Brendan Fraser played George, a human resident of the jungle who was friends with a talking ape. As reported by CNN at the time, to maintain the physique of a man who swung on vines, Fraser put himself on an “extreme diet.”

A quarter-century later, the actor received raves and standing ovations for portraying Charlie, a 600-pound schoolteacher, in “The Whale.” During a recent appearance at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina, Fraser explained that his character was created using a combination of “CGI and makeup.” Fraser also pointed out that it took six hours to put on his 300-pound fat suit and, while taking it off, he experienced vertigo.

Instead of prosthetics, other actors transformed themselves by changing their bodies. According to “Weight & Skin,” for the 2000 film “Castaway,” Tom Hanks lost 55 pounds to play Chuck Noland, a system engineer for FedEx. Chuck survived a plane crash and washed up on a deserted island. Hanks’ character appeared a little overweight in the first half of the film, but after fast-forwarding the action by four years, Chuck’s body now appeared almost emaciated. Prior to “Castaway,” Hanks won a Best Actor Oscar for “Philadelphia” for portraying Andrew Beckett, a senior associate at a law firm who didn’t reveal his AIDS diagnosis. Hanks reportedly lost 35 pounds for this role.

In 1980’s biographical “Raging Bull,” actor Robert DeNiro starred as Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta, a boxer who had been described as “self-destructive.” In later years, La Motta, who passed away on Sept. 19, 2017, owned a bar and became an actor/comedian. DeNiro played the character during his boxing career and then later in life as a nightclub owner. La Motta was known for severely beating his opponents in the ring, but he also could take punishing blows. To play the boxer in his declining years, DeNiro gained a reported 60

pounds by eating lots of pasta. Many film lovers believe “Raging Bull” was one of the greatest films ever made.

In 2013, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto starred in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Set in the 1980’s McConaughey played real-life AIDS patient Ron Woodroof, who was given just 30 days to live by his doctor. While in the hospital, Woodroof met Rayon, a HIV-positive trans woman played by Leto. After learning that the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (AZT) could potentially prolong the lives of AIDS patients, Woodroof brought drugs and supplements across the Mexican border, sometimes disguised as a priest. McConaughey lost a reported 50 pounds to play Woodroof while Leto lost 30 pounds. In “The Wolf of Wall Street,” an emaciated McConaughey appeared as real-life stockbroker Mark Hanna and had a conversation with Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio).

As described here, extreme weight gain and loss for a role required dedication, discipline and, at times, a doctor’s supervision. While on a supervised diet, Tom Hanks said he missed French fries while DeNiro ate lots of pasta to portray the aging LaMotta. McConaughey and Leto each lost significant weight while Fraser struggled putting on and taking off a fat suit. It’s safe to say all five men suffered for their craft.

BY STEVE BRYAN

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

with breakfast for dinner Bring the family together

Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical well-being.

If you’re looking for a little delicious inspiration, the American Heart Association recommends scheduling one night per week to create a recurring tradition and enjoy favorites such as breakfast for dinner. Recipes like Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos; Huevos Rancheros; and Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best, are perfectly suited for sharing while making time to destress at the dinner table.

Meals don’t have to be elaborate for a successful evening together. Despite the perceived effort involved with preparing a meal, research published in “Preventive Medicine” shows those who have frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, may improve social and emotional well-being.

To find recipe ideas, conversation starters and more tips for mealtime, visit heart.org/ together.

Inredients

SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA AND EGG BREAKFAST BOWLS

Servings: 4

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups) 1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed

1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions: Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.

Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.

Lightly spray large skillet over

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) nonstick cooking spray 4 large eggs 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper red hot-pepper sauce, to taste (optional)

medium-high heat with nonstick cooking spray. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg sunny side up into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, if desired.

EGG, AVOCADO AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS

Servings: 4

Inredients

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/3 cups liquid egg whites

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) nosalt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

4 whole-wheat tortillas (6 inches, lowest sodium available)

2 medium avocados, sliced

1/4 cup hot sauce or salsa (lowest sodium available, optional)

Directions: Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat.

In skillet, stir egg whites constantly with rubber spatula to scramble. Cook until eggs are almost set. Add beans, stirring until combined and heated through.

Microwave tortillas on high 45 seconds. Transfer to work surface.

Spread egg mixture in center of each tortilla. Top with the avocado and hot sauce, if desired.

For each burrito, fold two sides of tortilla toward center. Starting from closest unfolded side, roll burrito toward remaining unfolded side to enclose filling. Transfer with seam side down to plates.

EGG, AVOCADO AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS

Servings: 4

Inredients

Salsa:

1 teaspoon canola oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/2 cup diced poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded

1 small fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon salt

Huevos Rancheros:

1 teaspoon canola oil

4 large eggs

4 corn tortillas (6 inches), warm

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend

1 small avocado, quartered and sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 medium lime, cut into four wedges (optional)

Directions:

To make salsa: In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 2 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook poblano and jalapeno peppers 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, water and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.

To make huevos rancheros: In medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook eggs 3-4 minutes, or until whites are set and edges are fully cooked.

Place one tortilla on each plate. Top each tortilla with beans and one egg, being careful not to break yolk. Gently top each egg with warm salsa, cheese and avocado slices.

Sprinkle each serving with cilantro and serve with lime wedge, if desired.

FLY like an eagle

BY WENDY TODD

While there are plenty of things to do and enjoy in the state, one activity that’s grown in popularity over the years is eagle watching. During the winter, the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles.

In addition to opportunities to take scenic routes and take tours to observe the nation’s symbol, there are several events that occur throughout winter for bald eagle admirers. One favored annal event is Eagle Days, sponsored by a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Great Rivers Greenway, the St. Louis Audubon Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Historically the event has been held at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, but due to renovation and the closing of the parking lot, Eagle Days, on Feb. 11, 2023 has been moved to the Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton.

The free Eagle Days event features guided tours that allow visitors to bird watch through spotting scopes along the way. There will also be life-sized replicas of bald eagle nests for participants to view, sit in and take pictures with. Staff will be on hand to educate attendees about eagles and bird watching. Food will be offered via food trucks.

Though there is no clear data on how many bird and eagle watchers there are in Missouri, one of the largest Eagle Days events drew 10,000 people.

The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Rivers Project. The sanctuary, that occupies 3,700-acres, sits on the banks of the Mississippi near its convergence with the Missouri River, a prime area that attracts bald eagles.

Dennis Cooke, who has been involved with the Eagle Days program since its inception the early 90s, cites several reasons why the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are such a draw for eagles.

“We have some breeding pairs of bald eagles that stay in Missouri year round, but this time of the year many more bald eagles visit the state in search of food,” he said. “These additional eagles come down from northern states and the Great Lakes area, where the waters typically freeze up, to overwinter in Missouri and greatly expand or normal population from December through February. The open waters of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers offer a great food source for these birds.”

The Eagle Days event started in the St. Louis area in the mid-1990s.

“It was a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and TrailNet,” Cooke said. “Later, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources came on as a partner. Great Rivers Greenway came on as an Eagle Days Partner when they assumed management of the OCOR Bridge around 2015.”

The Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located at 301 Riverlands Way, off North U.S. Highway 67 and just south of the Clark Bridge to Alton, Illinois.

Bald eagle watching on the Mississippi River is an annual winter tradition for many in the St. Louis region

Historically Eagle Days has been held at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, but due to renovation and the closing of the parking lot, Eagle Days, on Feb. 11, 2023 has been moved to the Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton.

Submitted photos