Our Town: May 2023

Wendy Todd started out as a culture blogger then began freelancing as a culture and lifestyle writer. She has written for publications including the Washington Post, Huffington Post Ebony. com, the Sundance Channel and more. Currently she is also a full-time public relations and news writer at a St. Louis university.

David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufacturers, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.

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 mov ies at neighborhood theaters.

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.

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.

our toWn

Volume 14 | Number 5

MAY 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

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF

Mathew DeKinder

PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER

Bob Huneke

PRODUCTION

Becky Brockmann

Melissa Nordmann

CONTRIBUTORS

Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore

STAFF WRITERS

Brett Auten

Wendy Todd

For advertising information, please contact us at: info@mycnews.com or

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2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366

Ph: 636.379.1775

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Copyright 2022

Huneke Publications, Inc.

of the publication

Around Town

Metro Transit is looking for feedback from the community as plans are underway to expand MetroLink into North St. Louis County and more.

Feature

A school of fish

Missouri Department of Conservation is offering Discover Nature Fishing workshops for teachers in the St. Louis region.

4 10

Our Thoughts

Moore on Life author Cindy Moore gets caught peeping while Avalanche looks back at a beautiful winter in the mountains.

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Lifestyle

The 2023 Kia Carnival envisions a new future for minivans in Automobile Alley. A look at some of 2023’s most anticipated movies in Entertainment. Prioritize heart health with a balanced eating plan in For the Love of Food.

In Depth

The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, will showcase films from nine countries from queer filmmakers.

14

Todd

18

AroundTown

High honor

Creve Coeur finance director receives excellence in government award

Creve Coeur Director of Finance Lori Obermoeller was recently recognized as the recipient of the Missouri Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 2023 Excellence in Government Award. The award was presented to Obermoeller at the GFOA annual conference on April 13. This award is presented to a government finance professional who displays the high standard of leadership, professionalism, ethics and integrity promoted by the Missouri GFOA.

Since she began working in Creve Coeur in 2017, Obermoeller has implemented several improvements to services within the finance department. Some of her contributions include: leading the implementation of a new enterprise software, which automated processes that were previously done manually; providing analysis of the city’s retirement plans, resulting in the move from a defined contribution plan to LAGERS; moving business

license renewals from paper to online applications; and improving the city budget and Popular Annual Financial Report for better presentation and transparency.

“Lori is an asset to the city,” said Mayor Robert Hoffman. “She continuously works to improve city services and communicates financial issues in a clear and professional manner to ensure our city stays financially strong.”

Obermoeller has also assisted other departments during software upgrades, including working with the Recreation Department during the implementation of the new recreation software, as well as assisting the Building Division in evaluating the new permitting software.

Additionally, Obermoeller has earned the Certified Public Finance Officer designation and is extensively involved in the GFOA and the Missouri Municipal League, demonstrating a commitment to her profession.

Creve Coeur Director of Finance Lori Obermoeller was recently recognized as the recipient of the Missouri Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 2023 Excellence in Government Award.

CITY OF CREVE COEUR

Casting call

Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective announces casting call for ‘The WHY of MY City’

“The WHY of MY City” is a multi-year signature program that captures and documents pieces of black history through written word and art while training the next generation to become active, engaged citizens. The goal is that programs become a force multiplier, rippling into families, schools, and neighborhoods, offering solutions to common urban problems.

Saint Louis Story Stitchers has commissioned playwright Mario Farwell to write a new script for “The WHY of MY City,” centering on St. Louis’s Black neighborhoods and historic figures. The new play will be presented to the public June 15 and 16, as part of Juneteenth celebration.

Farwell, playwright and director, is a native of St. Louis. Farwell will, along with Bobby Norfolk, work with youth to transform the recorded interviews into the outline for a new multidisciplinary performance work. He attended the University of Mis-

souri at Kansas City and received a B.A in theater. While in Kansas City, he founded The Black and Avant-Garde Theater. After graduating college, he moved to New York City and lived there for 26 years. His plays and musicals have been produced off-off Broadway in NYC, San Diego, California, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Boston and Africa. Farwell is the founder and current director of the St. Louis Writers’ Group in St. Louis. This is his first project with Saint Louis Story Stitchers.

The play will include community members and will be staged at the ZACK Theatre at Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Story Stitchers will work with Gregory S. Carr as director. This is Carr’s first project with Saint Louis Story Stitchers.

A casting call takes place at The Center at 3701 Grandel Sq, 1A in St. Louis. May 10 from 6 – 10 p.m. are auditions and interviews. May 13 from 12 – 5 p.m. is casting

call and auditions and May 17 from 6 – 10 p.m. are call backs. Register Link for auditions with director Gregory S. Carr: https:// storystitchers.dm.networkforgood.com/ forms/the-why-of-my-city-casting-call Performance takes place June 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at ZACK Theatre at 3224 Locust in St. Louis.

Tickets are $10 on MetroTix and can be purchased at https://www.metrotix.com/ events/detail/saint-louis-story-stitchers-thewhy-of-my-city

“The WHY of MY City” is presented with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, Missouri Humanities Council, a state agency, The Lewis Prize for Music 2021 Accelerator Award, and Kranzberg Arts Foundation.

For more information visit https://storystitchers.org/the-why-of-my-city/.

AroundTown

Education boost

Affinia Healthcare Receives HRSA teaching grant to increase cultural competency of medical students

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Affinia Healthcare a $500,000 Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program grant.

The funding will support Affinia Healthcare’s implementation of a Family Practice residency program in partnership with A.T. Still University, Christian Hospital and DePaul Hospital. The planning and implementation will have a focus on diversity and equity in training future primary care physicians for service at Affinia Healthcare and in the community health center environment.

“Affinia Healthcare is honored to have

been selected for this award as it supports our strategic initiatives to help increase diversity and equity in the delivery of care for patients in a practical and relevant way,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare President and CEO. “We are excited to collaborate with ATSU, Christian Hospital, and DePaul Hospital –leaders in the education and healthcare industries – to make this significant shift in how the next generation of healthcare professionals will serve our communities.”

Through this opportunity, Affinia Healthcare will seek certification by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and lead the residency program

which will start during the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Statistics show that many patients in underserved communities suffer or experience a lower standard of care when seeing providers who don’t understand or have bias toward certain populations,” said Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare Chief Medical Officer. “It is imperative that we cultivate a new generation of practitioners who will know how to serve these populations in a more equitable way. This is another way Affinia Healthcare can help provide a better quality of care for our patients and communities.”

Redeveloping public housing

Nonprofit housing provider POAH tapped for redevelopment of St. Louis’ oldest public housing project

Following years of discussion about the future of St. Louis’ oldest public housing site, Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. (POAH) has been selected as lead developer of the Clinton-Peabody Apartments.

The selection by the St. Louis Housing Authority marks an important next step for Clinton-Peabody. Built in 1942, the development includes 358 apartments spread over 24 acres and 31 buildings. The complex at full capacity served 950 residents but today houses far fewer because of chronic vacancy.

“Redeveloping the Clinton-Peabody Apartments is a key priority for the St. Louis Housing Authority,” said SLHA Executive Director Alana C. Green. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our efforts, I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with an experienced and thoughtful development team headed by POAH.”

While this will be POAH’s first major development effort in St. Louis, the nonprofit housing firm has a long history in Missouri as owner and manager of 1,500

apartments in Kansas City, Springfield, and southwest Missouri.

“We are delighted to have been selected for this important project as an endorsement of our proven strategies that create modern, sustainable housing while improving the lives of residents and communities alike,” said Aaron Gornstein, POAH’s President and CEO.

POAH’s proposal for Clinton-Peabody is built on a commitment to resident and community engagement in the planning and development processes and successful experience with using housing to catalyze comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston and elsewhere.

POAH’s work in the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Woodlawn is particularly noteworthy. Here POAH accomplished not only the full redevelopment of a 504unit blighted housing development but leveraged a $30.5 million federal grant into investments of nearly $500 million in new mixed-income housing, amenities, restaurants and stores, including the community’s first full-service grocery

store in decades.

POAH’s work will be led by Vice President Julie DeGraaf-Velazquez, a veteran development professional who spent 15 years working in St. Louis before joining POAH’s Chicago-based Midwest office in 2019.

An initial development phase could start by late 2024, but ultimately the site’s full redevelopment will occur in multiple phases over the next several years with at least $100 million in new investment projected. Resident and community engagement work is already under way, with the goal of building broad consensus on a master plan that re-envisions ClintonPeabody as a healthy mixed-income community better connected to the surrounding neighborhoods.

“All redevelopment begins with a good plan that reflects the needs of current and future residents and strengthens the broader neighborhood. We believe the best plans are developed in partnership with residents and community stakeholders” said DeGraaf-Velazquez.

High honor

Parkway communications officer receives MOSPRA Distinguished Service Award

The Missouri School Public Relations Association has named Paul Tandy, APR, Chief Communications and Emergency Management Officer for the Parkway School District, the 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient. The award was presented at the MOSPRA Annual Awards Banquet at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Distinguished Service Award goes to a MOSPRA member who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the association over the course of his or her career.

MOSPRA President, Erica Chandler, commented, “Paul Tandy has been the consummate professional during his long tenure in school communications. He is a leader in the association, and has always made himself available to help others.”

Parkway Superintendent, Dr. Keith Marty, stated, “I have had the privilege to serve alongside Paul in Parkway for the past 12 years. We have been through a great deal together. It was Paul, as the ultimate communications professional, whose guidance, wisdom, and talents often allowed us to effectively develop a communications plan, think strategi-

cally, and eventually provide our public with a clear, quality, and transparent message.”

David Luther, Executive Director of MOSPRA, shared, “Over the course of my 23 years in school communications, Paul has been among the most engaged, helpful member of the association. Not only has he served as a mentor and guide for many members, his service as a Board Member is nearly unparalleled. Paul has served as the Eastern Region Director, two years as the Treasurer, one year as President-Elect, and two years as President. Paul is respected at both the state and national level, and he is beloved by those in the Eastern Region.”

AroundTown

Expanding MetroLink

Metro Transit is looking for feedback from the community as plans are underway to expand MetroLink into North St. Louis County

Over 18 million people in St. Louis used Metro Transit public transportation in 2022, with 84% of riders using the system to get to work, and 20% to get to school. Though many rely on it as their primary means of transportation there has been a longstanding issue of the system’s limitations regarding its reach, particularly in North County. But now, after much discussion, the Jefferson Alignment MetroLink Expansion plan is underway.

On March 24, the Board of Commissioners of Bi-State Development, the organization that operates Metro Transit, approved a resolution and memorandum of understanding with the city of St. Louis to plan, design and construct the expansion.

One of first steps of the planning of the expansion is to get feedback from the community to determine what will best serve riders in the area.

There is an online survey about the first phase of the Jefferson Alignment Expansion and that is available through April 30. Feedback will be shared with the Federal Transit Administration as part of the public outreach process.

“The survey is a key element among many different factors that will help us

determine the most successful route in St. Louis County,” Roach said. “It is just one of the many tools needed, which also include other practical prioritizations like engineering, right of way, cost and demographics.”

There will also be public meetings that are slated to begin later this spring.

With plans underway to provide better access to the MetroLink in North County, one might wonder why the area wasn’t initially included in the railway’s construction. The MetroLink expansion has been discussed since self-taxing initiatives were passed in St. Louis County in 2010 and the city of St. Louis in 2017, when residents called for the expansion of the system. Taulby refers to federal funding, among other factors that have influenced how the MetroLink was originally routed.

“Creating discernible expansion pieces that are aligned with the economic growth of the region and the needs of the community, and what will lead to a competitive federal application are all parts of a complicated formula towards expanding MetroLink,” he said.

Other forces behind the expansion are St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones and St. Louis County Executive Sam Paige,

who have pushed to improve MetroLink transit access in neighborhoods in need.

Regarding the timeline of the expansion, construction wouldn’t begin until preliminary steps are completed.

A Request for Proposal is out for a program management consultant that would also help Bi-State Development apply for the New Starts federal funds for the city of St. Louis portion of the MetroLink expansion which would be submitted this summer or next. After entering that process, applicants are given two years to plan the project. Then the project moves into the bidding phase for construction.

The cost to build the first phase of the expansion is estimated at $850 million.

Bi-State Development recognizes how vital the expansion is and wants the community it will serve to have a voice in the project.

“Sometimes, it’s a matter of notifying the public about what is being planned,” Roach said. “And, sometimes it’s soliciting the embedded knowledge of the community, and there is value in that. That doesn’t mean we are going to please every single person, but what we need to do is work towards consensus, which I think is an 80% or 90% solution.”

Plans are underway to begin the expansion of MetroLink into North St. Louis County.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Mental resources

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund highlights womenled organizations offering mental health resources

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) recognized some of its women-led partner organizations during Women’s History Month. These organizations offer a variety of resources and programs that promote the wellness of our community, including mental and behavioral health and substance use treatment and prevention services for children and families across St. Louis County.

“Our women-led partner organizations play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of children and families in communities throughout St. Louis Coun-

ty,” said Emily Koenig, executive director of CSF. “Under the leadership of some of the region’s most talented and passionate women, these organizations provide impactful resources like counseling services, support groups, educational programs and advocacy initiatives. We are thrilled to highlight these amazing organizations led by women positively impacting our community.”

CSF encourages parents and community members to explore its list of highlighted women-led partner organizations, utilize their resources and help support

their programs. By funding nonprofit and governmental entities that offer mental and behavioral health services to children and families in St. Louis County, CSF is committed to creating a brighter future for all youth in the community.

St. Louis County residents can visit the websites of the women-led organizations below to learn more about their programs and services. To learn more about CSF, its funded partner organizations and funding opportunities, please visit stlcsf.org or call 314-615-5850.

International appreciation

St. Louis Mosaic Project celebrates 10 years of welcoming the foreign-born community

Over the last ten years, hundreds of immigrants have jump started their networking and many have found jobs because of one introduction to a local professional made by the St. Louis Mosaic Project, an initiative of the nonprofit World Trade Center-St. Louis.

The Mosaic Project was created in 2013 after two economic impact studies in 2011-2012, funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation and conducted by St. Louis University Economist, Jack Strauss, showed the region to be very low in immigration compared to peer cities and produced recommendations for how to grow the economy by attracting foreign-born individuals.

“The Mosaic Project uses a unique breadth of attraction strategies that have lasting impact for the region’s economic growth,” said Rodney Crim, CEO & President of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, parent organization for the World Trade Center-St. Louis and the Mosaic Project.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done and committed to finding new ways to help foreign-born people settle into meaningful

jobs, start or grow their business and discover a community that embraces them,” said Betsy Cohen, Mosaic’s founding executive director.

The region’s foreign-born population is approximately 5% and includes refugees, international students, reunited family members and entrepreneurs. In 2018, metro St. Louis ranked third among the nation’s top 20 metros for growth of its foreign-born population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That increase was lost due to federal policies that dramatically reduced the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. followed by a pandemic that curtailed the ability for international students to obtain visas and flights to study here.

According to the 2020 Census, there are now 130,537 foreign-born people in St. Louis and that upward trend will continue as more refugees are re-settled through the International Institute and as the area’s universities continue to see record enrollment for international students.

The St. Louis Mosaic Project uses grassroots outreach, social media and marketing to educate and inform the business,

academic, non-profit and broader community about the significant impact that a diverse, foreign-born population can make for the region’s overall growth. Programs include:

Mosaic does not charge for its programs, which are invaluable to amplifying the narrative that the region needs foreign-born people to come and how we each have a part to play. In fact, a study from the George W. Bush Institute and Southern Methodist University ranked St. Louis sixth among the top 25 metros where immigrants are thriving and cited both Mosaic and the International Institute as instrumental in that achievement.

In addition to its existing programs, the Mosaic Project is focused on attraction strategies that will grow the Indian and Latino populations which are fueling growth around the country.

“We are competing with our peer cities for talent and for people,” said Cohen. “Our attraction plans are designed to signal to the Indian and Latino populations that this is where they should be and this is where they will be embraced and valued.”

A SCHOOL of FISH

Missouri Department of Conservation is offering Discover Nature Fishing workshops for teachers in the St. Louis region

BY WENDY TODD

Education at its best is often a holistic venture. From that perspective, the Missouri Department of Conservation is offering four Discover Nature Fishing workshops for teachers in the St. Louis region. The workshops are geared to help their students discover and connect with the outdoors.

Dan Zarlenga, media specialist at the MDC, explained the intended benefits of the program.

“Spending time outdoors and in nature is essential for our health and the development of our children,” he said. “Fishing is an excellent way to introduce young people to the outdoors because it’s fun, accessible and kids tend to love doing it, even if they’re not always wild about putting worms on hooks. As

fishing is part of MDC’s mission, it’s also a good way to welcome the new anglers of the future. Fishing provides an activity that promotes bonding among friends and family,” he said.

The program includes four progressive lessons that move newcomers through all the basics of the sport. The workshops teach students about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook and how to properly handle a fish. Fish education including identification, fish habitat and stocking a tackle box is also a part of the lessons.

Participants in the workshop will be eligible to obtain DNF teaching kits, including fishing poles and equipment used in the four lessons. By the end of the program, students should have all the skills needed to fish on their own.

Lesson outlines are as follows:

Lesson one: Equipment, casting, and proper fish handling

Lesson two: How to tie a knot and bait a hook

Lesson three: Five common Missouri fishtheir anatomy, habitat and life cycle

Lesson four: Fishing with lures and fishing regulations

The free workshops, that run through June, are also a great way to recognize May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, as fishing can help with emotional health.

“Learning to fish for students is acquiring a life skill that people can do at any age and almost any physical condition,” Zarlenga said. “There are also innumerable places to pursue fishing close to home in the St. Louis area, or across the state, so it’s a very accessible activity. Spending time in nature with activities like fishing has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, encourage creativity and selfreliance.”

The Discover Nature Fishing workshops take place through June. Equipment and bait are provided. For more information go to www. short.mdc.mo.gov/Zty

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering four Discover Nature Fishing workshops for teachers in the St. Louis region. The workshops are geared to help their students discover and connect with the outdoors.

MOORE ON LIFE

CINDY MOORE

I’m a peeper. I’ll admit it’s weird, but there it is. And no, not the pervy creeper peeper type, that’s sick. I’m the curious peeper type.

The other day I sat in the waiting room at the dentist office waiting to be drilled and filled and over-billed when a fellow waitee pulled out a book and started to read. Since I’m an avid consumer of books myself, right away I got this weird compulsion – I had to know what book she was reading. It was a physical need; like an itch that needed scratching.

The situation raised urgent questions: Was it a new book I should be reading and add to my list? Was it something wonderful I’d already read and could form an immediate connection with her? Or was it a slog of a book, which would change my opinion of her and put an end to what could have been a nice friendship?

I strained my eyes, but couldn’t get a bead on the title page. I then pretended to scratch my ankle which gave me an excuse to stretch my neck further in her direction to get a better look. Of course, she looked up and our eyes met. Busted. She scootched back into her chair and gave me a “back-off” look. I hurriedly stifled a fake cough and quickly looked the other direction.

I still I had to know what she was reading. I need a different vantage point. I got up and went to chat with the receptionist.

Receptionist: “Yes, may I help you?”

I couldn’t think of anything right off which presented an awkward moment.

“Hi, umm yes, well I was just wondering if I should brush my teeth every day or if that’s just a myth?”

Her eyes bugged out, which meant I should probably leave.

I went back and took a seat next to the book reader. I stretched my arms and fake yawned which allowed me to sneakily lean over her shoulder and get a look at the page she was on; I could then scan the title on top.

She caught me. My eyeballs were two inches from her eyeballs.

She snapped her book shut, grabbed her purse and moved to the opposite side of the room.

I noticed the title as she walked away, “Cat People the Growing Menace.” We could never be friends anyway. Her loss.

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY

AVALANCHE

Cheers to a great winter

After too many dry winters over the last couple of decades, the past snow season was great. While we never had a week-long “Snowmageddon” storm that dropped several feet at a time, the storms came through here every few days, gifting us with great powder for the skiers, and what should be a plentiful amount of water for the summer months. About 70% over the average amount is currently on the ground as I write this, and the photos were taken a couple days before Easter. Our beleaguered State Highway Department did a fantastic job of keeping the highway cleared, despite starting the season with zero plow operators for this district. A father and son duo were the foundation of the crew that made it happen, along with a few newer hires and some imported talent from other districts for the big storms. Grossly overworked, grossly underpaid and little appreciated for their efforts, (funny how those things go together,) the operators kept the traffic lanes open through it all. Up on the Pass a few miles away where the photos were taken, the snow was so plentiful that it became an impossible task to keep it off the traffic lanes, which were narrowed

by at least a foot on either side. Wide areas of the shoulder that are pull-outs became giant seasonal depositories of snow. The few places available pull over and park were hard-fought achievements, earned through a lot of operator time and diesel fuel.

Here at home things melted out quite a bit faster, as the last month’s snow storms hit the road surface and melted. Muddy potholes are now the road maintenance priority for those of us at the lower elevations.

The official numbers are just shy of seven feet of snowpack on the local Pass, with about 30 inches of water content. A nearby but higher-elevation remote telemetry station shows 11 feet of snow with 50 inches of water content. That’s a nice high-altitude reservoir going into the summer. Now we’re hoping for a nice, cool spring so the abundant snowpack can slowly melt and soak into the very dry earth, and the remainder can off down to Lake Powell, where it is also sorely needed. While we’re not completely out of a 1,200-year drought, we sure made some headway against it!

THE 2023 KIA CARNIVAL envisions a new future

Perhaps you’ll recall when we first began to experience the popularity of minivans a number of decades ago? Of course, back then, Chrysler essentially invented the minivan, showcasing the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. The rest of the auto industry took notice, and began coming onboard with similar size vans, suited for consumers and families of all sizes.

To fast-forward, with the 2023 Kia Carnival, (of which appears to be a minivan) it’s now reclassified as a “Multi Purpose Vehicle” or MPV, essentially replacing the minivan as we once knew it.

The ‘23 Carnival is fundamentally a carryover model, with the exception of some minor interior improvements to the seating and its on-board technology features. Competing in the Midsize MPV segment, you’d likely consider cross shopping similar models such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. General Motors and Ford no longer play in this segment; therefore, your choices are somewhat limited.

Of course, Kia Motors uses the typical minivan type blueprint. But honestly, I’m still scratching my head when it comes to fully defining a minivan, versus an MPV. As a thought, perhaps referring to the family cruiser as a minivan isn’t “cool” any longer, therefore framing as a MPV is the new/accepted catchphrase going forward! Evidently both are incredibly similar.

Clearly in the plus column is the fact this

for minivans

Kia has exceptional passenger and cargo volume capabilities, and lots of convenience features. First made available at Kia dealerships nationwide in 2022, this model replaced the Sedona. Manufactured in four trim levels, their entry level Carnival is classified as their LX model. From there, they offer their EX rendition, and then the SX and the SX Prestige top end adaptation.

The pricing is structured to range from $33,100-$46,000, excluding shipping charges. That comes out to be $1,365 added to the MSRP. Every build combination comes with the same all aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine. The factory indicates that it’s rated at 290 horsepower, and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s engineered to operate on regular grade unleaded fuel, and the EPA numbers show 19-mpg city/26-highway.

Carnival comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheeldrive setup. Acceleration is more than sufficient, the drive overall is quiet, and handling and breaking is assuredly on par with other models in this classification.

The surround windows translate to an open, uncluttered greenhouse. Depending on the trim and options, it seats seven or eight occupants. With only minor changes for this model year, some of the amenities and creature comforts were further updated and revised a slight bit. For instance, on the SX trim model, it now comes standard

with a clear view blind-spot camera enhancement and a 12.3-inch digital gauge dash display assembly. The flagship SX Prestige MPV includes a standard sliding bench-style second-row seat.

Worth noting, the entry level base LX comes standard with: 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, bright LED headlamps, seven passenger seating, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports located at all three rows of seats plus six speakers. front and rear A/C, power-sliding second row side doors, plus height adjustable driver’s seat and reclining third-row seats. Looking over the list, I wanted to note that also included is their driver attention fatigue warning system, rear seat occupant reminder alerts, pedestrian detection feature, forward collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and their lane departure mitigation system. Rear parking sensors are also included with the LX version.

Manufactured in Korea, the 2023 Carnival SX Prestige I drove had a sticker price of $48,690 after destination charges and two factory installed additional options.

MOVIE PREVIEWS: and

Games:

During the summer of 1981, my friends and I were looking forward to “History of the World, Part 1,” the latest comedic outing from director Mel Brooks. When we arrived at the theater, tickets for that film were sold out. One friend suggested driving down the street to the Mark Twain Theater to see another new film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” With nothing to lose, we settled into our theater seats for nearly two hours of action and adventure. Steven Spielberg directed the film, which was based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Suffice it to say, we forgot all about Brooks’ film.

Preview audiences weren’t impressed with the film, but “Raiders” went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1981. It also has been considered one of the best films ever made. The 1984 sequel “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” attempted to capture the thrills of the original, but the violent tone was reportedly responsible for the creation of the “PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned” rating. However, teaming Harrison Ford with Sean Connery for 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” was a brilliant move.

After “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” however, it looked as if Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr. would hang up his whip and fedora for good, but he will return in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Unlike previous films, it’s important to note that Spielberg and Lucas only served here as executive producers. Set in 1969, Indiana Jones discovered that the U.S government recruited former Nazis to help them beat the Soviet Union into space. In the film, Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts”) plays Jürgen Voller, one of the ex-Nazis with his own outer space agenda.

With her engaging “Hunger Games” trilogy, author Suzanne Collins introduced readers to Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who lived in the nation of Panem in District 12 in what was once North America. After her father was killed in a mine explosion, Katniss became breadwinner for the family. Every year, the Capitol demanded each district produce a male and female tribute to participate in “The Hunger Games” where only a single tribute would survive. The tributes were chosen by lottery but, after her sister was selected, Katniss volunteered to take her place in the deadly games.

Katniss’ actions in the games displeased Coriolanus Snow, the President of Panem. In the upcoming prequel film, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” an 18-year-old Coriolanus has fallen from grace and must mentor the defiant female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. In the film, Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) will play Casca Highbottom, a co-creator of the Hunger Games.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will be released on June 30.

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be released on November 17.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’

‘The Hunger

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

PRIORITIZE HEART HEALTH

with a balanced eating plan

Nomatter your motivations, it’s never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health, and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health.

One step you can take is following the DASH eating plan, which is a flexible and balanced way of eating that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Requiring no special foods, DASH provides daily and weekly nutritional goals to help lower two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Being more physically active, managing stress, getting quality sleep and not smoking combined with DASH can put you on a path toward a healthy heart for life.

These DASH-friendly meals can help you take the guesswork out of putting nutritious dinners on the table.

Learn more about heart health and find DASH-friendly recipes at nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH.

Greek-Style Flank Steak with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Marinade:

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)

1 beef flank steak (12 ounces)

Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

To make marinade: In large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and garlic. Lay steak in flat container with sides and pour marinade over steak. Marinate at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours, turning several times.

To make yogurt sauce: Combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt. Set yogurt sauce aside at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. Sauce can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.

Preheat broiler to high with rack 3 inches from heat source.

Broil steak about 10 minutes on each side to minimum internal temperature of 145 F. Let cool 5 minutes before carving. Slice thinly across grain into 12 slices. Serve three slices with 1/2 cup yogurt sauce.

Tip: Serve in sandwich with pita bread, lettuce and tomato.

Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Pork Chops:

4 boneless pork chops (about 3 ounces each)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 medium orange, rinsed and zested

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare pork chops: Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest. In large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn and brown 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan, place on nonstick baking sheet and bake 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160 F.

To make sauce: Add chicken broth to saute pan and stir to loosen brown bits from pork chops. Set aside.

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about cup)

1/2 cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup 100% orange juice

In small saucepan over medium heat, cook grated apples, cinnamon stick and bay leaf until apples begin to soften.

Add cranberries, orange juice and reserved broth. Bring to boil then lower heat to gentle simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and apples are tender. Remove cinnamon stick.

Peel orange and cut into eight sections. Serve one pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce and two orange segments.

Ingredients:

Salmon:

2 tablespoons light teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup mirin or sweet rice wine

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons scallions, rinsed and minced

1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced

12 ounces salmon fillets, cut into four portions (3 ounces each)

Vegetables:

1 bag (12 ounces) frozen vegetables stir-fry

1/2 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil

1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 1 clove)

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon scallions, rinsed and minced

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare salmon: Mix teriyaki sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, scallions and ginger well. Pour over salmon and marinate 10-15 minutes.

Remove salmon from marinade.

Place salmon on baking sheet. Bake 1015 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork in thickest part and reaches minimum internal temperature of 145 F.

To prepare vegetables: Thaw frozen vegetables in microwave or place bag in bowl of hot water about 10 minutes. In large wok or saute pan, heat oil. Add garlic, ginger and scallions; cook gently, but do not brown, 30-60 seconds.

Add vegetables and continue stir-frying 2–3 minutes, or until heated through. Add soy sauce.

Serve one piece of salmon with 1 cup vegetables.

WERIN E G MPO

BY WENDY TODD

The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, will showcase films from nine countries from queer filmmakers

Oneday LeeAnne Lowery was walking at the gym and noticed someone on the treadmill whose identity they couldn’t readily identify. The next day, that same person was working out right next to them. Lowery’s self-described “neurotic nosiness” took over and they began to fantasize about whether or not this person was “into them.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

This scenario was the basis of the short film, “Treadmill Switcher” by Lowery that will be featured in the 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, which the nonprofit acquired this year. The LGBTQ+ film festival will showcase 26 films from nine countries from queer filmmakers.

The mission of the film festival which occurs May 4-10, is to use the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the lives of LGBTQ people and to celebrate queer culture. Nearly half of the films are by women or nonbinary directors.

“It is our wish to share these empowering stories of queer

people in a safe and friendly environment at the Hi-Pointe,” said Chris Clark, artistic director at Cinema St. Louis. “Newcomers will experience a connection to community with the audiences at various films and the opportunity to network with visiting filmmakers from all over the country and Midwest.”

The festival will showcase some works by noted LGBTQ+ filmmakers featuring well-known actors, including “L’Immenista” starring Penelope Cruz and “Monica”, starring Patricia Clarkson and Trace Lysette.

The festival gives queer filmmakers a platform they may otherwise not have in St. Louis. Having an event of this nature in Missouri is important to Lowery, who is nonbinary and has been a filmmaker professionally for nearly 10 years.

“Film is an empathy machine, made even more powerful by the theatrical experience,” they said. “LGBTQ+ film festivals in red states are more crucial than ever as the rights of transgender people are increasingly under attack.”

Chris Clark wants people to know that the festival serves as not only an opportunity to highlight creativity in the LGBTQ+ community, but also to affirm the voices and perspectives of the group.

“It is a celebration of a culture and an often maligned, hated and misunderstood community of people,” Clark said. “It is important to gather to celebrate who we are as a part of society and to communally enjoy and focus on the good.”

Lowery echoes Clark’s sentiments and sees the festival as more than an event about films but also as a space to demonstrate and champion inclusivity.

“It’s a chance for LGBTQ Missourians and allies to come together in both celebration and solidarity,” the said. “There are pockets of Missouri that feel comfortable, but throughout the state we’re still worried when we get gas, eat out and go shopping. Coming together to share in queer storytelling in Missouri is absolutely necessary for the health of our community in trying times.”

For more information on QFest, tickets and a schedule of screenings, visit www.cinemastlouis.org/qfest.

The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre will showcase 26 films from nine countries from queer filmmakers.