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
MDC to stock rainbow trout in St. Louis area lakes and more.
Breaking down barriers
Black Girls Do STEM provides an exploration of STEM careers and a hands-on STEM-based curriculum to over 90 Black girls By Wendy Todd
Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore
Brett Auten
Wendy Todd
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Moore on Life author Cindy Moore realizes the error of forgetting about National Cat Day while Avalanche gives us a glimpse at autumn in the mountains.
2022 Mercedes E-Class E450 All-Terrain Wagon raises the bar in comfort, luxury and safety in Automobile Alley. Game show contestants who gamed the system in Entertainment. A full, festive menu for holiday celebrations in For the Love of Food.
Staff Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Submitted
You don’t often see a rainbow in the middle of winter . . . unless of course it’s at the end of your fishing line.
During winter months, the metro St. Louis area is a great place to fish for rainbow trout, thanks to the Missouri De partment of Conservation’s (MDC) winter trout program.
Winter trout season for MDC’s St. Louis Urban Fishing Program starts in Novem ber. That’s good news for trout chasers who now to need drive only minutes to pursue their passions rather than hours to a Missouri trout park.
During cold-weather months, MDC stocks nearly 40,000 rainbow trout each year in 12 St. Louis City and County lakes, Union City Lake in Franklin County, as well as in five lakes in the August A. Busch Conservation Area on Route D in St. Charles.
“MDC will stock rainbow trout Novem ber through February,” said MDC Fisher ies Management Biologist Denise Otto. “These trout are spawned and raised in MDC hatcheries.”
MDC will continue to add several brood stock lunker trout – some as large as 10 lbs. – into the mix at its urban winter trout lakes, including the ones in August A. Busch Conservation Area.
Area lakes stocked with winter trout in clude:
• Carondelet Park Boathouse Lake in St. Louis
• Gendron Lake in St. Ann
• January-Wabash Lake in Ferguson
• Jefferson Lake in Forest Park
• Koeneman Park Lake in Jennings
• O’Fallon Park Lake in St. Louis
• Suson Park’s Island Lake and Carp Lake
• Tilles Park Lake in St. Louis County
• Union City Lake in Union, Franklin County
• Walker Lake in Kirkwood
• Wild Acres Park Lake in Overland
• Vlasis Park Lake in Ballwin
• August A. Busch Memorial Con servation Area lakes 3, 7, 21, 22, and 23 (Lake 28 has been replaced by Lake 7) Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31, some lakes are catch-and-release only, and some are catch-and-keep. After Feb. 1, trout may be harvested from all lakes. Anglers can find information on specific winter trout lakes statewide at https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Zd5, or check regula tions posted at the lakes. All trout anglers between age 16 and 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit to participate. An glers wishing to catch and keep trout must also possess a trout permit regardless of age.
MDC provides a chance for anglers to keep on top of trout stocking efforts in the St. Louis area.
“The fish stocking hotline is a very pop ular resource for St. Louis area anglers,”
Otto said, “the hotline is updated imme diately after we finish stocking for the day. The number is toll free from anywhere in the St. Louis area. A recorded message lets anglers know when and where fish were stocked, the total number and spe cies stocked.”
Anglers are encouraged to call the ho tline at 636-300-9651 to get the latest information. Trout stocking will begin the first week in November.
“Nothing beats fishing at one of Mis souri’s four trout parks or many Ozark streams,” said Otto, “however, these close-to-home opportunities make it easy for a quick trout fishing excursion after work, or during a busy weekend. With rising fuel costs these close-to-home op portunities are more important than ever.”
For information about fishing, go online at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.
St. Luke’s Hospital is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and America’s 100 Best for Coronary Interven tion, and the only hospital in Missouri to receive both of these distinctions in 2023, according to new research released by Healthgrades.
These achievements reflect St. Luke’s out standing clinical outcomes for cardiac sur gery and coronary intervention and puts St. Luke’s Hospital in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for Cardiac Surgery and Coro nary Interventional Procedures.
“These impressive distinctions serve as testaments to the dedication and quality of our entire St. Luke’s Hospital Heart & Vascu
lar Institute team,” said Andrew Bagnall, St. Luke’s president and chief executive officer. “St. Luke’s commitment to excellence and innovation in heart care is matched only by the compassionate and patient-centered care our team members provide.”
Healthgrades evaluated patient mortal ity and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the coun try to identify the top-performing hospitals for specialty care. This year’s analysis re vealed significant variation in favorable pa tient outcomes between America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention as com
pared to hospitals that did not receive this distinction.
“The work of our heart surgeons, vascu lar surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, car diologists, perfusionists, surgical assistants, nurses and all other care team members throughout our specialized areas, and our alliance with the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute have made these achievements possible and demon strate St Luke’s Hospital’s commitment to excellence and efficiency in this challenging healthcare environment,” said Dr. Ronald Leidenfrost, FACS, cardiac surgeon and chairman of St. Luke’s Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute.
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital has been awarded a play grant from the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) and The Toy Foundation (TTF). The Children’s Hospital Play Grant Pro gram was created to bring the healing power of play to children in hospitals through projects incorporating play therapy into care services. At Ranken Jordan, play is an integral part of the healing process, and this grant recognizes the shared value of play as part of therapy.
A hospital stay is often a stressful experience for children and their families. Opportunities for play can help relieve this stress, improve children’s well-being, and enhance treatment outcomes. The Children’s Hospital Play Grant Program projects are designed to improve pediatric care at hospitals, particularly in underserved communities, and strengthen the social, emotional, physical, and educational development of children whose needs may otherwise go unmet.
Ranken Jordan has been selected as a recipient of a $17,420 grant to launch an outpatient toy lending library.
“This generous grant will allow families access to developmentally appropriate toys without any additional financial burden. Toys will be specifically selected to address each child’s current functional level. Our therapists hope the toys will only be used for a very short term before mastering the desired skill; at which time, the families can exchange it for a new one. Having this toy lending library will support evidence-based interventions by encouraging repetition of practice in the natural environment guised as play,” says Courtney Dunn, manager of outpatient therapy at Ranken Jordan.
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital was one of 19 children’s hospitals selected for the grant.
Eleven organizations have been awarded a total of $135,000 in funding through the Arts and Healing Initiative, a program aimed at increasing the capacity to heal through the arts. This initiative, which was launched in partnership with Missouri Foun dation for Health in 2020, aims to improve the quality of life for people throughout St. Louis City and County in its first year, and other Missouri counties in subsequent years.
The Arts and Education Council believes that healing is a trans formative process of meaning, well-being or wholeness that re duces suffering or other factors that contribute to a low quality of life. Programs such Arts Rolla’s Art Therapy will market a series of art classes to the people in the region who serve as caregivers and Hope Creates’ Arts and Healing Program will offer youth who are the children of parents in recovery from substance use disorder a multidisciplinary arts healing experience.
“The arts are known and proven to be an aid in healing,” said Lyah LeFlore-Ituen, Arts and Education Council president and CEO. “While it can be seen as nontraditional, we are in the third year of showing how normal this path to wellness can be. I am so proud to partner with these organizations who are doing the work to create a better city for us all. I’m thankful for the support of Missouri Foundation for Health and the additional support from Missouri Arts Council who made this initiative possible.”
The organizations and programs that have been awarded 2022-2023 Arts and Healing Initiative grants are, in alphabetical order:
• A Call to Conscience “Emerging from the Pandemic” will utilize writing workshops, public performances, and a panel dis cussion with representatives from the Behavior Health Insti tute and the Black Healing Collective to provide a cathartic outlet for participants to express mental, emotional, eco nomic, and social experience in surviving the pandemic.
• Artists First “Artists First for Veterans” will use an expres sive arts-based therapeutic curriculum and incorporate evidence-based practices to support and strengthen recov ery, rehabilitation and overall well-being of veterans as they transition to a successful civilian life.
• Arts Rolla “Early Stage Social Engagement for Alzheimer’s and Caregivers:” With the help of the Alzheimer’s Association and Phelps Health, Arts Rolla will market a series of art classes to provide an outlet and socialization for people with the early stages of Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
• Consuming Kinetics Dance Co. “Vitality through Movement” is a movement arts education program for older adults and those with different physical abilities that will encourage cre ativity, strength and energy while also building community.
• The Covering House “Art Therapy for Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking” provide services for youth survivors of sex traf
ficking including individual and group therapy, specialized therapy (equine and horticultural), expressive arts, a full in-house education program, case management, life-skills training, nutrition, recreation, experiential learning and sensory integration.
• Hope Creates “Make Your M.A.R.C. – Music. Art. Recovery. Con nection.” will partner with St. Louis Classical Guitar (SLCG) and Child and Family Empowerment Center (CAFEC) to of fer youth who are the children of parents in recovery from substance use disorder a multidisciplinary arts healing ex perience.
• Intersect Arts Center “Integrated Art Therapy” services will in tegrate into the various existing afterschool, youth mentor ship, teen apprenticeship, and professional and curriculum development programs with a focus on social and emo tional skill development through the arts.
• MindsEye Radio “Access to Public Artworks: Inclusion through Audio Description (APA:IAD)” will take a multifaceted ap proach to help make local art accessible through their Au dio Description Program.
• Prison Performing Arts “The Healing Power of Telling Your Story” will offer six weeks of theatre, visual arts, and writing workshops, a culminating performance and the opportunity to engage in the Alumni Company to incarcerated partici pants as a means of working through trauma and building resilience, self-confidence, and creative skills as a healthy response to the stress of re-entry.
• Ragtag Film Society “Show Me Series” will co-curate a series of free monthly film screenings and community conversa tions with its five Community Partners to invite diverse races, ethnicities, cultures and genders to discuss larger commu nity issues.
• The Women’s Safe House “The Art Empowerment Project (AEP)” will collaborate with John Burroughs School to offer resi dents a space to create visual art and display their artwork in an exhibition gallery setting.
Applications were evaluated by the Arts and Healing Initiative Advisory Panel comprised of leaders in the arts, healthcare and research fields.
The Arts and Healing Initiative is supported with lead funding from Missouri Foundation for Health and additional funding from the Missouri Arts Council and Graybar.
For more information about the Arts and Education Council and the Arts and Healing Initiative, visit KeepArtHappening.org.
There is absolutely nothing scary about these Halloween treats at St. Luke’s Hospital. St. Luke’s is known as the “baby bunting hospital” because they have been providing themed baby bun tings 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.
Talented teens have the chance to perform before a live audience on The Fabulous Fox Theatre Stage.
Fox Performing Arts Charita ble Foundation has underwrit ten and produced an adjudi cated competition showcasing teens of the St. Louis region. Teens are encouraged to com pete in a talent category of their choice, whether they sing, dance, act, or do something eccentric. All talent is welcome.
For the chance at $8,000 towards a college scholarship, head over to FOXPACF.ORG and complete the “St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Reg istration Form.” From there, registrants will be able to sub mit details about their act.
Registration is open until Jan. 2, 2023, there are no fees
to participate.
The competition is open to high school students that live within 50 miles in any direction of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Students must be enrolled in grades nine 10, 11 or 12 dur ing the 2022-2023 academic year to participate. Performers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to submit a registration form on their be half.
Once registration is com plete, it is time to prepare for preliminaries. Here, contes tants have three minutes to show the judges what they can do. The prelim round will take place at Kirkwood High School on Feb. 4 and 5, 2023.
Visit FOXPACF.ORG for the complete competition schedule and guidelines.
BOO-tiful babies are sweeter than candy cornSUBMITTED PHOTO
The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is asking the community for assistance during the upcoming holiday months with its “The Big Ask” year-end campaign running through Dec. 31.
The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank – which provides access to diapers and period supplies for low-income families – needs to raise $100,000 to successfully provide essential services in the upcoming new year. Fundraising efforts will alleviate the growing diaper need that continues to be a burden for families. The efforts will also include support for its period supply program, St. Louis Alliance for Period Sup plies, to help end period poverty for many struggling to afford those basic need items. Specific campaign goals include financial assistance for the Diaper Bank’s many programs and services including:
• The Diaper Bank’s first period kits – each includes approximately 20 menstrual hygiene products for girls experiencing their first period – are distributed through schools and partner organizations. To date more than 800,000 period supplies have been distributed in St. Louis, with 10,800 period supplies allocated each week. Last year two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis could not afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period supplies. Partners include the St. Louis County and Public Libraries, organizations (As sistance League of St. Louis, I Define
Me Movement, The Little Bit Foun dation, and Youth In Need) and schools (Gateway Science Academy, Parkway School District, Pattonville Heights Middle School, and River view Gardens School District.)
• The St. Louis County Library distribu tion program, which began in 2020, partners with the Diaper Bank to provide families with 25 diapers and one period kit per month. This year the partnership has already served approximately 14,000 families by distributing nearly 700,000 diapers and 3,489 period kits to those who need emergency products. There are six participating St. Louis County Library branches (Florissant Valley, Grand Glaize, Indian Trails, Lewis and Clark, Natural Bridge, and Weber Road) and two city branches (Central Library and Julia Davis.)
• The need for pull-ups – which are potty training pants – continues to increase in the community. The Di aper Bank’s cost is 23 cents to 25 cents per pull-up, which is nearly 10 cents more than a single diaper.
To date, more than 10 million diapers have been distributed in St. Louis including nearly 900,000 diapers during the height of the pandemic. The Diaper Bank offers both emergency and long-term diaper dis tribution. This service is a much-needed resource since government programs –including food stamps and WIC – do not
provide funding for diapers or period sup plies. These items cannot be obtained with food stamps and are classified as luxury items along with cigarettes, alcohol, and pet food as disallowed purchases.
“Access to basic hygiene items has been growing since even before the pandemic,” said St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director Muriel Smith. “The struggle is real, which is why our work is critically impor tant. We elevate the issues of diaper need and period poverty to a national level so we can receive essential resources for our community.” Smith added that on average women and girls “miss four days of work or school each month because they simply cannot afford the necessary hygiene prod ucts to live their daily lives.”
For more information, call 314-6240888 or visit their website at www.stldia perbank.org.
If you, or someone you know, will be at least 60 years old by April 1, 2023, you are invited to participate in a reward ing and memorable experience at the Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant to be held April 30, 2023
In the pageant, contestants will:
• Recite a 35 second personal phi losophy of life.
• Be interviewed by a panel of profes sional judges.
• Model an age-appropriate evening gown.
• Perform a two-and-a-half-minute talent presentation.
Initial interviews will be held late Janu
ary and talent auditions in early February. A queen will be crowned, as well as a first and second runner-up selected.
After the pageant, all participants are invited to become members of the Mis souri Pageant Alumnae Club (aka, Mis souri Cameo Club), a nonprofit, chari table organization, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of all seniors by performing showcases at senior facilities throughout the St. Louis metro area.
For more information, please contact Susan Pellegrino at msmosenior@gmail. com or 314-640-5789 or visit www.Ms MissouriSenior.org.
St. Louis Arc, a nonprofit organiza tion that provides programs and services for people and families with disabilities, has received a $1,000 gift from St. Louis Musicians for People with DisAbilities, a 501C3 nonprofit group founded in July 2022.
St. Louis Arc’s mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmen tal disabilities and their families to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy.
John Taylor, St. Louis Arc Vice President of Advancement, said, “We are so grateful for the financial gift from St. Louis Musi cians for People with DisAbilities. St. Louis Arc will direct the proceeds toward our organization’s music therapy programs.”
The mission of St. Louis Musicians for People with DisAbilities is to provide fi nancial and other support to people with disabilities by engaging talented per formers in fundraising concerts to support organizations that help people who are disabled.
Jeff Dunlap, the group’s board chair
man, said, “St. Louis Arc is a mighty fine organization that deserves lots of sup port.”
“20% of the U.S. population suffers with some form of disability that limits their op portunities,” Dunlap said. “St. Louis Musi cians for People with DisAbilities wants to help change society’s perceptions about people with a disability, advance abil ity awareness for all people considered disabled, and endorse organizations that help them overcome challenges in to day’s world.”
The charitable group’s inaugural fun draising concert on Sept. 25, called “A Hootenanny Benefit for People with Dis Abilities,” raised funds that enabled the group’s donation to St. Louis Arc. Three of the eight musical acts featured perform ers with a disability.
“We hope to host a second fundraising concert in 2023,” said Dunlap.
To learn about St. Louis Musicians for People with DisAbilities email disAbled stl@musician.org. For St. Louis Arc visit https://www.slArc.org.
According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, professions in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are severely lacking in diversity.
For instance, only 9% of STEM professionals are African American and only 8% are Hispanic. Women are also underrepresented in the fields oc cupying only 25% of computer jobs and 15% of engineering roles. One local organization is doing its part to address the void of diversity in STEM with help from a generous grant from Ameren Missouri.
Black Girls Do STEM, founded in 2019 by research chemist, Cynthia Chapple, is a nonprofit organization that provides an exploration of STEM careers and a hands-on STEM-based curriculum to over 90 Black girls in middle school and high school. The organization recently received funding from Ameren Missouri to support this initiative.
The funds will be used to support more math and science tutors and partnerships for ACT preparation and post-secondary planning.
Black Girls Do STEM provides an exploration of STEM careers and a hands-on STEM-based curriculum to over 90 Black girls
“We appre ciate this gift from Ame ren,” said Cynthia Chap ple, found ing executive director of Black Girls Do STEM. “Our goal is to pro vide our girls confidence and self-worth during the critical ado lescence stage of develop ment, career exploration and personal growth as well as deep access to STEM hands-on learning and work opportuni ties.”
The program has already helped many partici pants discover more of their talents.
“Being a part of the Black Girls Do STEM pro gram has shown me that I am a problem solver,” said program participant, Naomi Richardson.
Camryn Gil, another BGDS member has ex perienced a boost in her confidence because the public speaking opportunities she’s received in the program.
Students in the eighth through 11th grades can also participate in research internships at Wash ington University in St. Louis School of Medicine via a partnership with the university, adding to the hands-on learning experience emphasized by BGDS.
Ameren Missouri is happy to support under
represented groups find conduits into STEM fields.
“By partner ing with Black Girls Do STEM, we are work ing to ensure young women are aware of pathways to attain the education and background needed to se cure technolo gy-driven posi tions,” said Sarah Kramer, direc tor of corporate philanthropy and community impact at Ameren. “By investing in under-funded nonprofits like Black Girls Do STEM, we are helping to foster a more inclusive future that lifts our entire community to higher heights.”
Chapple believes it’s important that her students remain active in STEM studies during high school.
“The organization hopes to expand our array of support services for high school girls to keep STEM engagement high throughout their high school years,” she said.
Though none of the girls in the program have graduated high school yet, Chapple hopes her or ganization will show them having a career in the STEM fields is a viable option.
“We are extending access to those historically marginalized in our community, and assisting in diversifying the STEM workforce for our region,” Chapple said.
I ’m in big trouble. I missed a very criti cal event which puts me in the prover bial doghouse. No, it wasn’t my wed ding anniversary, something far more important…National Cat Day!
I need to come up with a really good excuse or my cats will ignore me more than they usually do. But then again, they’re just a bunch of overpampered fuzz balls who don’t pay rent. It’s time I stood up to these freeloaders and let them know who’s really boss.
I called them together.
Me: “Okay kitties, I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve called this meeting today.”
Fat one: “This better be good, I was just about to nibble my kibble.”
New kitten: “What’s the deal lady? When I signed on to this gig, I was promised three hots and a cot. Now I’m expected to attend meetings during my cat nap? I need to see my lawyer.”
“Now listen you two, I’ve just about had it up to here with your sass. You need to who’s in charge. You are only
here because of my kind generosity. I’m not here to serve you.”
The Fat One spoke. “Ri-i-ight and who is it that fills our food bowl with tasty treats?”
“Me, but that’s only because you have no jobs and you can’t open your food bags without thumbs.”
Fat One: “Well, no one is going to hire us without thumbs so you’re stuck.”
“But I am not your maid!”
Kitten: “Hmm, who dainties us up by bathing and combing us and clipping our toenails?”
“That’s to keep your fur from flying all over and so you won’t claw my face and furniture into shreds. But I am still in control here and you need to show me some respect.”
“Hmph,” they both grunted. “Some one who forgets National Cat Day de serves no such thing.”
“Listen little fuzzy faces, I am the queen of this castle; the empress of your domain and you need to under stand that.”
“You missed one,” said the kitten.
I scooped up the messy clump from their cat box and spritzed it with some lavender deodorizer then asked if I might be excused.
“After you bring us a few salmon pat ties for restitution and then we’ll talk about you taking so many unnecessary breaks.”
The meeting was adjourned. I re turned to the doghouse.
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superla tive kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty hus band. Her ficticious oc cupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meet ings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.
This year’s fall was one for the ages. After a decently wet sum mer, we had a drenching rain, followed by a short cold snap, and then a few weeks of clear and dry. This proved to be a perfect weather combination for some spectacular fall colors, which lasted longer than in most years. The phenomenal colors went away al most at once, with the sudden arrival of high winds, snow and low temps in the teens; winter arrived hard and fast. Here are some of the better sights….
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three de cades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
It’s quite extraordinary that over 14 mil lion Mercedes E-Class vehicles have been delivered globally since 1946. On top of that, the E-Class is the best-selling model series in the history of German based Mer cedes-Benz.
At the factory level, they tend to position these models as the “heart of the brand.” The latest, tenth generation of the E-Class clearly helps to set the company’s styl ing trend going forward, as it offers up a clean, yet emotionally appealing design from end-to-end, as well as an exclusive high-quality interior.
A wealth of innovations, which in part include their driving assistance systems, help in defining the characteristics in these vehicles. To fast forward our thoughts, the current ‘22 generation, E-Class continues to set the benchmark. The bar is raised for comfort, luxury, safety and intelligent ac couterments that further help construe the brand.
Having recently driven the 2022 E450 All-Terrain Wagon with the 4Matic, ninespeed automatic transmission (with allwheel-drive), helped to reinforce this product’s heritage. The base price starts out at $68,400. That doesn’t include ship ping and destination charges that come to $1,050.
This Mercedes Sports Wagon is further framed in the midsize luxury car category. For the ‘21 model year, it gained a number of new/refreshed exterior changes, where as the 2022 is mostly carryover. Based in fact it’s a “wagon,” it’s in a very unique category without much to consider when cross shopping other competitive high-end makes. The exception might just be the Volvo V90 Cross Country, Audi Allroad, and the Porsche Pananera or Taycan.
The E450 All-Terrain wagon helps to strengthen the E-Class appeal, as it’s also offered in a sedan, coupe and convert ible. Regardless, all build combinations are certainly well appointed. They feature comfortable interiors, outstanding tech nology and world class refinement.
Powering this wagon is a 3.0-liter, in line
six-cylinder turbo engine. EPA testing re flects the E450 All-Terrain at 24 mpg com bined (21 city/28 highway). The smooth operating powerplant generates 362 horsepower and will propel this Mercedes from 0-60 MPH in less than five seconds. It tends to drive and perform as well as any luxury sports sedan. Highway passing acceleration is nothing less than assertive.
The interior cabin includes extra thick glass, hefty carpeting and hush materials that translate to a quiet ride. The high-end leather was well crafted and helped to raise the level of driving comfort. As ex pected, this body design spells out extra cargo capacity, which equates to 35 cu bic feet of storage space behind the rear seat, when folded flat. You’ll also welcome a number of additional storage compart ments throughout the cabin for stowing your personal items. The technically ad vanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is an exceptional multimedia sys tem featuring innovative technology based on artificial intelligence and an intuitive operating system. MBUX is groundbreak ing with an elevated level of in-car as sertiveness. With the optional augmented video navigation format being activated, a video image of the surroundings is en hanced with arrows or house numbers. It automatically superimposed directly onto the image in the media display.
Mercedes “driver aid” system helps to keep the car in your driving lane. It further recognizes speed limit signs and adjusts accordingly, and it maintains a safe dis tance with the car in front. Of the many dy namic safety developments, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function is able to help the driver avoid impending collisions. If the driver doesn’t act quickly enough
with braking, the automatic system will as sist with stationary or crossing vehicles and pedestrians. The factory warranty is fouryear/50,000 coverage and 24-hour road side assistance. The tested 2022 Mercedes E450 All-Terrain Wagon had a window sticker price of $80,070 after options. It is manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany.
BY DAVID FINKELSTEINDavid Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Tech nician and retired shop owner. He’s invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 35 years ago, as his new show “Automotive Insight” can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.
raises the bar in comfort, luxury and safety
Based on Jason Fagone’s 2018 HuffPost article, the com edy/drama “Jerry & Marge Go Large” showed how the gen erous Evart, Michigan couple made things better for their neighbors. The Selbees found a mathematical loophole in a lottery game called “Win fall” that they exploited and shared. According to “The Cinemaholic,” they spent as much as $720,000 on lot tery tickets for one drawing and ultimately made $26 million before they were done. Lottery officials then stepped in to investigate and discovered that other people found the same loophole.
The Selbees are consid ered folk heroes thanks to their honesty and generos ity. They also did nothing il legal. That wasn’t quite the case with “Press Your Luck” contestant Paul Michael Lar son. He recorded episodes of “Press Your Luck” at home and, after watching his tapes, Larson uncovered the five patterns used on the “Big Board.” In the studio, he made over $110,000 during his appearance, which was shown in two parts. Although producers thought he cheated, Larson claimed his winnings. A thief later stole $50,000 in cash from Larson’s home (He was using the money to win a radio contest.)
In 1956, producers of the quiz show “Twenty-One” want ed college professor Charles Van Doren to replace reigning champion Herbert Stempel to boost ratings. Stempel later reported that he had been coached by producers to give an incorrect answer and throw the game in favor of Van Doren. In 1959, Van Doren, who was beloved by viewers, admitted to a congressional committee that he received answers to questions in advance. Although Van Doren had a threeyear contract with NBC, the network dropped him during the ongoing investigations.
Things turned out better for other contestants. Dr. Joyce Brothers, who appeared on “The $64,000 Question” as a boxing expert, testified before congress about her game show appearance, but she was cleared of cheating. She
went on to appear on her own TV talk show as well as guest appearances on other shows. As a child, actress Patty Duke appeared on “The $64,000 Challenge” when she was 11 years old and won $32,000. Testifying before the Legisla tive Oversight Subcommit tee, Duke said an assistant producer had told her to study topics that “may be on the show.” Patty Duke went on to have a great career.
If Charles Ingram and his wife Diana had watched “Quiz Show,” they might have avoided cheat ing. Charles was selected as a contestant on the Brit ish version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” but he used two lifelines before the episode ended. Con spiring with lecturer Tecwen Whittock, Charles and Di ana created a plan for the next episode: Charles would read the four possible answers aloud and Whittock would cough when he spoke the cor rect answer. Their scheme was uncovered and the trio were convicted on April 7, 2003.
When presented with a unique opportunity, people react in different ways. The Selbees thought of others while Paul Larson tried to break the “Press Your Luck” bank and lost a small fortune. No matter what, it always pays to do the right thing.
“Jerry & Marge Go Large,” rated PG-13, streams on the Paramount+ network.
BY STEVE BRYAN
Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
‘JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE’ PHOTO COURTESY LANDLINE PICTURESThe key to a successful holiday feast is focusing on dishes that can please loved ones of all ages and palates, such as a festive salad before the turkey or ham main dish, which can be accompanied by complementary sides like au gratin potatoes. Finally, top off the celebration with a divine dessert featuring classic cranberry flavor.
To find more holiday recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.
Spinach Christmas Tree Salad
Servings: 6
Inredients Salad: 2 packages (5 ounces each) baby spinach 1/2 cup dried cranberries, divided 1/3 cup pistachios, divided 1/2 cup feta cheese, divided 1 red pepper, cored, cut into thin strips 1 large apple, thinly sliced, cut into star shapes
Dressing: 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce 3 tablespoons cranberry juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions: In large bowl, toss baby spinach with 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/6 cup pistachios and 1/4 cup feta cheese. Transfer to Christmas tree cake mold. Neatly arrange spinach leaves to create smooth surface.
Arrange red pepper strips, trimming as needed, to create garland. Arrange remaining dried cranberries, remaining pistachios and remaining feta cheese as “ornaments” on top of spinach. Create tree topper with one apple star; place remaining apple stars around “tree.”
To make dressing: In blender, process cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, brown sugar and salt until smooth.
This Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere is an ideal ex ample of a savory side that goes well with a variety of holiday meals, mak ing it a perfect option for families seek ing a versatile recipe to serve with din ner. Rosy-skinned and white-fleshed, Wisconsin Round Red potatoes have a firm, smooth and moist texture, mak ing them well-suited for roasting in this hearty dish.
Visit eatwisconsinpotatoes.com to dis cover more recipes fit for serving your loved ones.
Inredients
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves shallots, diced
4 large kale leaves, finely chopped (discard stems)
2 pounds red potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch
2 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions: Heat oven to 325 F.
In small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, salt, black pepper, garlic and thyme; stir constantly, until cream starts to bubble, 4-6 minutes. When bubbling, remove from heat and stir until slightly cooled. Let cream sit.
Heat large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter. When butter melts, add shallots and kale leaves. Saute until kale is tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Turn off burner.
Add sliced potatoes to skillet, fanning over top of kale.
Use slotted spoon to remove garlic and thyme from heavy cream. Pour heavy cream over potatoes.
Cover skillet tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, 75-85 minutes.
Remove skillet from oven and turn on broiler. Discard foil.
Sprinkle gruyere and Parmesan cheeses over potatoes, tucking some cheese between potato slices.
Return skillet to oven and broil until top is golden brown, 5-6 minutes.
Prep time: 45 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cranberry Compote:
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons C&H Light Brown Sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups raw cane sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup cranberry compote fresh cranberries sugared cranberries rosemary sprigs whipped cream
Directions: To make cranberry compote: In medium saucepan, bring cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and orange zest to boil. Lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, or until most cranberries burst. Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature then transfer to bowl; refrigerate.
To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside. In medium bowl, mix cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar and salt. Press crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake
15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F. To make cheesecake: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Add cane sugar and beat 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Beat 1 minute until incorporated.
Add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add sour cream and mix 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. In medium bowl, mix half of cheesecake batter with 1/2 cup cranberry compote.
Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil and place in large roasting pan. Pour cream cheese and cranberry mixture into prepared pan. Top with remaining cream cheese batter. Place roasting pan in oven and add hot water to 1-inch of springform pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until cake looks set in center. Remove from oven and rest 1 hour. Refrigerate in pan overnight.
Decorate cake with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream.
BY WENDY TODD
Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death across the country and in Missouri. According to the World Health Or ganization (WHO), the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Over 95% of those with diabetes have Type II (non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset).
Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in managing diabetes as access to affordable healthcare, medication and healthy foods can be challenging for low-income individuals. WHO data shows the rise of the disease within low to middleincome countries is higher than in high-income countries.
A new partnership between the St. Louis nonprofit, Food Out reach and Mercy Hospital, one of the 25 largest U.S. health systems, has been created to launch an initiative that will as sist eligible patients of the hospital with Type II diabetes who are experiencing food insecurity by providing medically-tailored meals.
The pilot program will include 100 Mercy patients, serving those in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jef ferson County. Participants will receive two free medically-tai lored, from-scratch meals each day, as well as groceries and fresh produce for a year. Patients will also receive free medical nutrition therapy from registered dietitians.
Meals can either be delivered to patients or picked up at the Food Outreach grocery center where they can also order gro ceries from the nonprofit’s menu. All the services will be pro vided at no cost.
Food Outreach is the only nonprofit offering medically-tai lored meals and nutrition counseling for those living with HIV and cancer in Missouri and western Illinois. It’s currently serv ing over 1,400 people. Its model of addressing the nutritional needs of people battling life-threatening illnesses is the only one in the greater St. Louis region. The nonprofit hopes the initiative will help ameliorate complications from untreated Type II diabetes.
“A nutrient-rich diet is the cornerstone to maintaining optimal health and managing illness. Medically-tailored meals based on the diagnostic needs of our patients with uncontrolled Type II diabetes will help improve their overall well-being,” said Dr. Gretchen Shull, medical director for Diabetes Care across Mer cy. “By taking a proactive approach in working with Food Out reach, an organization with a proven track record of providing medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for individu als with chronic illness, we are working to keep our patients healthier and out of the hospital.”
Eligibility requirements of the program include having a blood sugar level of eight or greater and living at or below 300% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Level.
Julie Lock, executive director of Food Outreach, believes this initiative and partnership with Mercy Hospital is an important step in assisting those who lack the resources to effectively man age their health outcomes with diabetes.
“Our community partnership with Mercy is vitally important for these patients, Food Outreach and the St. Louis region,” she said. “Our missions align to focus on improving health out comes and serving people struggling with chronic illness and economic fragility. It’s our hope this pilot will help us demon strate positive outcomes so more people can receive these nu tritional interventions and the care of Mercy’s clinical teams.”
A partnership between Food Outreach and Mercy Hospital will assist patients with Type II diabetes who are experiencing food insecurity by providing healthy mealsA new partnership between the St. Louis nonprofit, Food Outreach and Mercy Hospital has been created to launch an initiative that will assist eligible patients of the hospital with Type II diabetes who are experiencing food insecurity by providing medically-tailored meals.
