Growth Spurt at Wentzville Schools’

GROWTH SPURT AT WENTZVILLE SCHOOLS’

CrossRoads 2017 MO Press 1st Place Winner 2 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 2018 JANUARY contents

VOL 14 | NO 1 Departments 4 Around Town Local news and events

7 Simon Says Celebrating the new year and celebrating sobriety Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis 8 Always an Adventure plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, The balance between too-much and not-enough stuff Lake Sherwood and Augusta. 9 Moore on Life Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Cyberchondriac Mathew DeKinder Entertainment Publisher Emeritus/ 14 General Manager The unique standouts of 2017 Robert Huneke 15 Automobile Alley Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann The 2018 Volvo XC90 brings a high level of quality to the SUV market

Contributors 16 Food Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Excellent Entertaining: Elegant ideas for a meal worth celebrating Cindy Moore, Russ Patton Photographer 18 Medical Memo Ray Rockwell Seven tips for managing diabetes Staff Writer Brett Auten 19 Community Calendar: January

features 9 Nonprofit Profile For advertising information, please contact us at: United Services for Children provides therapy and support Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. for children of all abilities O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 10 Bigger and bigger Fx: 636.379.1632 Wentzville School District’s record growth looks to continue well www.mycnews.com into the next decade Copyright 2018 Huneke Publications, Inc. 13 Advertiser Profile No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Byerly RV awarded Top 50 RV Dealer in U.S.

Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited. On the Cover: Photo by Ray Rockwell

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 3 Around Town

Facility aims to be a safe place for youth

Jordan’s Place co-founder Kelli Clodfelter can vividly recall when the vision for the youth center first came together. “This started on a notebook in Denny’s three years ago,” Clodfelter quipped. Six months later, those pages of scribbles became a reality. Jordan’s Place has been welcoming area teens since July 2015. The youth center is located at 202 E. Main St. in Warrenton. Jordan’s Place aims to provide a positive gathering space to visit and to raise awareness about drug abuse, bullying, teen pregnancy and other challenges youth face. The facility is geared toward teens and provides numerous activities, including video games, pool, pingpong, snack bar and lounge area. It is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 - 9 Submitted photo p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, all ages and families are A $1,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Jordan’s Place, a youth center located in Warrenton. Pictured above is co-founder Kelli Clodfelter. invited to visit from 1 - 5 p.m. There is no admission free and all activities are free of charge. In es still exist to keep the doors open, particularly with funding and 2016, over 5,000 teens visited the center. the lack of volunteers. Earlier this year, the city of Warrenton agreed The center is named after Clodfelter’s son, Jordan Lunsford, who to help pay the organization’s rent and utilities through June 2018. died in November 2014 from a drug overdose. Jordan was 17. Jordan’s Place also was the recipient of a recent $1,000 Operation “It is crazy that we are standing here and it has come this far,” Clod- Round Up grant awarded by the Cuivre River Electric Community felter said. “We have a lot of kids who come to us and say this is their Trust board. The funds will be used to help purchase new games safe place. This is where they can come and nobody is going to bully and activities to entertain teens. Many of the current games in the them. They can get away from that here.” facility were donated at the time the facility opened two-and-a-half While the facility closes in on its third anniversary, many challeng- years ago. “Upgrading our equipment is a big deal,” Clodfelter said. “It is something we have to do if we’re going to keep the kids here. We have to have something that will entice them.” Despite the many obstacles, the nonprofit organization has sur- vived thanks to the commitment from its volunteer board and do- nations. Teens can search through racks of used clothes every day the center is open, while a community dinner is served the third Sunday of the month. There is no cost for the clothes or dinner. Recently, a partnership has been formed with SunRise Unit- ed Methodist Church, which has campuses in Wright City and O’Fallon, to open a food pantry at Jordan’s Place. Around 12 families are served monthly. www.TaorminasFamilyRestaurant.com In addition, Jordan’s Place hosts the S.A.V.E. (Substance Abuse Vic- tims’ Experiences) program on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The victim impact panel features presenters who address how incidents involving drugs or alcohol affected their lives. “When I look around, it is crazy at what we have done and accom- plished,” Clodfelter said. To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www. jordansplace-mo.org. The goal of Operation Round Up is to help address needs in the areas of health, education, home weatherization, youth, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources. More than $5 million have been awarded to applicants since the Operation Round Up program began in 1997. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.cuivre.com, call 800- 392-3709, ext. 4837 or email [email protected].

4 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Around Town Waterford Villas HOA gains Cuivre River tree grant Cuivre River Electric Cooperative and its power supplier, Central Electric Power Cooperative of Jefferson City, team up each year to offer Green Tree Partnership grants to help area communities and organizations plant trees. The latest grant of $1,000 was awarded to Waterford Villas Homeowners’ Association (HOA) in Lake Saint Louis to help acquire seven trees which have been planted on HOA grounds. A qualified community organization can apply for up to $1,000 to help purchase trees for parks, school grounds, historic sites, road- side areas, public buildings and other public locations. A tree planting plan must be submitted with a Green Tree Partnership grant application. “Be sure that planted trees are clear of utility lines,” says Gayle Stel- zer, who coordinates Cuivre River’s portion of the program. “Include Submitted photo Waterford Villas HOA representatives Dave Fred (left) and Gary Smith (right) accept a $1,000 Green Tree a map or drawing of planting locations, tree type and proximity to Partnership grant from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Gayle Stelzer. Waterford Villas used the grant utility lines.” to purchase and plant seven new trees. Grants may also be used to match funds for other programs, such gram. as the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Tree Resource Im- To obtain a Green Tree Partnership grant application, contact provement and Maintenance program and the Department of Cuivre River’s Gayle Stelzer at 800-392-3709, ext. 4714, or print an Highway and Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement pro- application at www.cuivre.com under the Member Services tab.

WWW.ELDERCARELAW.COM

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 5 Around Town

ADVERTISER PROFILE

Bank Of Old Monroe Tributes Banks Time Tested Success to Team

Consistency breeds

www.dpc4u.org trust, trust builds relationships and relationships drive thriving community banks across Missouri. Practicing these principles for over 111 years has led the Bank of Old Monroe, their team of employees and customers to premier Dale McDonald, EVP/CFO; Dave Molitor, Chairman of the Board; Darrell Harke, President and CEO performance as most recently noted in the Missouri Bank Performance Report. WWW.ASHFORDMOTORS.NET “Strong relationships are the cornerstone of success in community banking, at the Bank of Old Monroe, our desire is to be a community bank that meets our customers’ needs at whatever stage they are at in their lives,” said, Darrell Harke, President and CEO. Th e Bank of Old Monroe’s most recent accolade is being ranked #1 in overall performance in the third quarter on the Missouri Bank Performance Report. “While this is a milestone and an honor, we contribute our overall success to our board, outstanding team members and the communities that support our banks,” said Dale McDonald, EVP/CFO. One hundred and eleven years ago, a few farmers and local businessmen with a vision for agricultural growth and development started the Bank of Old Monroe. Today, the bank has fi ve locations serving Lincoln and St. Charles counties and total assets of over $340 million. A powerful tool for community bank customers is the fact that employees are empowered to be decision makers. Answers to questions in all facets of banking are found in a quick call or walk down the hallway at any of the Bank of Old Monroe locations. Community banks like the Bank of Old Monroe are a critical source of lending for farms and small businesses, but the bank also off ers a wide range of banking services and products designed to meet the needs of consumers and businesses who want to bank anytime, anywhere with electronic banking. Strong boards are the backbone of high performing community banks and as such are generally made up of local citizens who want to advance www.mycnews.com the interests of the communities they serve. “I am proud to have served on the board of the Bank of Old Monroe for more than www.facebook.com/mycnews thirty-fi ve years. Our board is intricately involved in the decision making process and we are committed to growing the communities we serve and in which we reside,” said Dave www.pinterest.com/ Molitor, Chairman of the Board.” https://twitter.com/mycnews Old Monroe • Moscow Mills • O’Fallon • Wentzville • Troy www.bankofoldmonroe.com • 636-665-5601

6 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Simon Says Celebrating the new year and celebrating sobriety word. By the time I turned 25 I was right in front of them. I don’t know how they missing work due to being hungover, I did it but they stayed with me and got me was spending every dime I had at the through the night and kept me alive. Dec. 28, bar and I had put myself into a very 2012 was the last time I have had a drink or appy New Year! My unhealthy relationship that was based taken a sip of alcohol. (I even select the grape apologies for how long it on drinking. I had gained over 65 lbs. and juice at communion.) Hhas been since we last met. I hope had become a shell of a human being. Then So why tell you all of this? Why put myself you missed me as much as I missed all of you! that first fateful night came on Dec. 19, 2009. out there? To hopefully help someone. Even So, most of you know that typically I share I was attending my work Christmas party if it’s just one person I can get through to, I’ve with you the things to do and what’s going and we were all drinking and doing shots done my job. I never considered myself an al- on in Western St. Charles County and be- and carrying on, with no attention being coholic. I didn’t start drinking when I woke yond, but I also have found that with writ- paid to how anyone of us would get home. up and I wasn’t homeless; I was a twenty- ing this column I get to use my voice for the I left the bar and put the keys in my ignition something, middle-class girl from the sub- common good or to share a personal story. and that’s the last thing I remember until I urbs who just liked to drink. Right? Wrong. So that’s what this month is all about…me. was sitting at the O’Fallon police station un- I was a twenty-something, middle-class girl I have decided that it’s time I share some- der arrest for DWI. My BAC (blood alcohol from the suburbs who had a severe addic- thing with the readers of Crossroads maga- content) was 0.22 – almost three-times the tion to alcohol that almost cost me my life. I zine. What is it that I would like to share? legal limit. I got my car out of impound and was broken. I was defeated. But I decided to That I’m an addict. Recovering, but still an carried out what the judge ordered of me rise up against my addiction to make sure my addict. We have all heard so much lately of and vowed to never drink and drive again, family had me around for another Christmas, the addiction epidemic that has not only and also promised myself I would cut back to make sure that I would live the life I was hit our nation, but our local community as on the drinking in general. But you see that’s intended to live, and to finally be truly happy well. For me it wasn’t heroin or meth, it was the problem with addiction, you can bargain with just being me. all-powerful alcohol – the 100 percent legal, with yourself all you want but eventually I It happened to me and it all started at the mind-altering substance that has been tear- made the choice to continue drinking after young age of fifteen, which is why I have ing families apart, killing trust and causing a brief hiatus. spoken at local high schools, colleges, civic more fatalities per year than cancer. I guess On June 11, 2011, I decided to get ham- groups, court-ordered panels and to anyone I get to call myself one of the lucky ones be- mered at a reunion and drive home. That who is willing to have me to share my story. cause on Dec. 28, 2017 I celebrated five years was my second fateful night. I was again Alcohol is a powerful drug that will grab you of being free of my addiction. pulled over for suspicion of a DWI and re- by the horns and never let go, I know that It all started in high school when I thought fused to take the breathalyzer test. I spent now. Talk to your kids, your spouse, family that at the age of fifteen it would be wise to another night in jail, lost my driver’s license members and anyone who is willing to lis- drink at a party. Half a bottle of Jack Daniels for one year and had a long court process ten about addiction. You never know what later and my head was submerged in a toilet. ahead of me. I was devastated, but I was also someone is going through and maybe, just I still remember that next morning thinking an addict. I continued to drink up until my maybe, your words will be just what they I was going to die but also thinking, that was sentencing which included a four-month need to get their sobriety jump started. To fun! I look back now and realize that was a stint in out-patient rehab. anyone out there struggling, know that you huge sign of what I was to come. I had my life On Dec. 28, 2012 while still in out-patient are not alone. But also know there is help out all planned out – go to Southeast Missouri rehab, the third and final fateful night oc- there and that with the power you have deep State and get a degree in special education. curred. I attended the wedding of a family inside you to get clean, you too could be cel- A semester-and-a-half into college I came friend and thought to myself that I could ebrating five years sober, just like me. home. Lonely, homesick and not knowing surely have one glass of wine to celebrate. what I was to be doing or who I was anymore. Right? Numerous glasses of wine and a few BY LAURIE SIMON I kept on chugging the drinks back and final- beers later I was unconscious. I was driven Laurie Simon lives in St. Peters ly turned the big 21. I now had the power to to my parents’ home so that I wouldn’t be with her husband and toddler son. When not rehabbing her get behind the wheel and drive to the bar or alone at my own home and thank God be- home she enjoys weekends to the liquor store and let me tell you that’s cause it was my parents who saved my life. I at the lake and spending time exactly what I did, for the next eight years. had alcohol poisoning. I was losing control of with family, friends and her two I was a binge drinker in every sense of the everything in me and everything that I was, fur babies.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 7 AroundAlways AnTown Adventure TheThe balancebalance betweenbetween too-muchtoo-much andand not-enoughnot-enough stuffstuff

I spent my last motorcycle trip over the for shelter, and small canister stove to heat didn’t get out hunting much that day, and mountains weaving my way around various drinks and meals. My normal sleeping bag instead spent several hours recovering from pickup trucks with out-of-state license plates was left behind, in favor of a light blanket. the unexpected cold conditions. The next hauling various assortments of outdoor gear. Hiking up the trail to camp, my pack still day I spotted a few elk, which had moved a One of the more heavily-laden rigs seemed way too heavy, though it probably couple miles to the south. By that time, I was trundling up the highway pass was a large weighed 20 pounds less than it did 20 years out of supplies and too tired to move camp motorhome pulling a large trailer. On the ago on similar trips. and continue my pursuit; my hunt was over. trailer was an older pickup truck with a After setting up camp and a doing bit of One additional pound of insulation tall lifted suspension, and oversized mud hiking, I discovered that several large hunting would have made my night much more tires. Riding in the pickup bed was an ATV parties on horseback had recently been in comfortable. With an additional five-to- decked out with all manner of accessories. the area, which had pushed the elk out of seven pounds of gear, I would have been Surrounding the truck on the trailer were their normal range. I settled in for a night’s luxuriously warm, comfortable and well-fed, mountainous piles of other gear, including sleep, and went to bed toasty. Alas, the and able to hunt for another day or two. a generator, freezer, and undoubtedly, a official forecast did not apply to my selected During the hike out, I recalled the kitchen sink buried somewhere within all campsite, at the bottom of a mountain mechanized convoys on the interstate and the comforts of home. amphitheater. I was at the lowest point in felt decidedly less smug and superior than How much stuff does one need to travel, go a natural sink, with the only outlet for cold I had upon my initial encounter with them. into the mountains and camp, and perhaps air being a small notch where a creek flowed While I don’t see a need for a kitchen sink, pursue elk? The answer is always a balance out of the bowl. I awakened in the middle a little more gear would have made a lot of between mobility and comfort and security. of the night not quite shivering, but simply difference. So, next year’s goal is to find that No matter how much gear one brings - or locked into a rigid state, tensed against the elusive happy medium between traveling doesn’t bring - it’s always too much stuff, cold. I stayed that way for the remainder of light and freezing at night, versus trundling and not quite enough, depending upon the night, trying to sleep, but failing, except up the mountainside, belching smoke and circumstance. for a few bouts of restless slumber. My gear hauling several tons of gear. A couple weeks later, I had the opportunity did not provide sufficient protection from to backpack into the mountains to hunt elk. the temperature in the low teens. Minimizing weight was a priority, as other Sunrise and its warmth came several BY AVALANCHE obligations had limited my available time to hours after first light, as the high peaks Avalanche is a functional be in the woods, and the inexorable march of surrounding my location blocked direct illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in time limited my carrying capacity at higher sun until mid-morning. My small stove search of adventure. He enjoys altitude. Temperatures were forecast to be provided welcome hot drinks, but seemed motorcycling and all things mild, so the tipi and small woodstove stayed to be a meager source of warmth compared outdoors. He lives with his wife at home, and were substituted by a tarp with my normal cold-weather woodstove. I and dogs.

8 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 NonprofitMoore On Profile Life

Cyberchondriac |

Cyberchondriac: a person who compulsively searches the Internet for information on real or imagined symptoms of illness.

Happy New Year and here’s to your health. tures and months of wearisome training and boom! Clean bill of health. Although a word of caution; if you do hap- when the cutting-edge solution to today’s So I went to the doctor to share my find- pen to be in poor health. Say you’re suffer- maladies is just a mouse click away. All that ings and let him in on my treatment. He ing from some peculiar ailment, perhaps an time-consuming education is so prehistoric. grunted and rolled his eyes (as expected). odd rash of unknown origins or a strange For instance, the other day I had a major He then examined the base of my neck and twinge in the abdominals, maybe a recur- ache in the base of my neck that wouldn’t go untwined a hair scrunchie from my pony- ring ache in the scapula; then for heaven away even after a couple of extra-strength tail that was too tight. I immediately felt the sakes do the smart thing. pain pills. Time for the Google Gods to pressure release and pain leave my head. “Make an appointment to see your doctor determine what the problem was. After I wasn’t totally impressed. I’m sure he as quickly as possible,” you say? thoroughly researching “head discomfort,” found that remedy on Google. Heck no! That’ll cost an arm and a leg and I soon found out that I had an inoperable lots of money too! brain tumor, but not to worry since I also Do what I and kajillions of savvy Ameri- Googled treatment for such a condition. BY CINDY MOORE cans do nowadays, get on the Internet and I discovered that I would need to stand on Cindy Moore is the mother of Google the symptoms first. That way, you’ll my head for 45 minutes every two hours for three superlative kids, servant be fully educated on the disease and better the next five weeks. This would cause the of two self-indulgent felines and able to help guide your doctor through the blood to rush to the affected area. The pres- wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeo- proper treatment. sure on it would eventually melt the growth logical Humorist: someone who I’ll never understand in this modern time into a jelly goo-like substance that my body unearths absurdity and hilarity why medical people go to those expensive would quickly absorb. Then to keep it away in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, universities and through years of unneces- permanently, I would have to add powdered the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she sary book learning along with tedious lec- shark cartilage to my cereal each morning excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 9 BIGGER AND By BrettBy Auten

BIGGERhe question isn’t right now, it’s two or three years from now. When you’re the fastest grow- ingT school district in Missouri that is the mentality. The Wentzville School District has increased student enrollment by more than 10,000 students since 2001, averaging well over 500 new students every year. The district has built 11 new schools in the past 17 years, including two new elementary schools that opened this year, both of which are the largest elementary schools in the district’s history with a 900-student capacity. The district currently has 16,382 students, K-12 with 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. And by the looks of things, more is on the way. An April 3, 2018 ballot item will propose a $125 million no-tax increase bond issue for a new high school, a new elementary school and classroom additions at Barfield Early Childhood, Pearce Hall (which is home to five different Wentz- ville School District programs; the High School Alternative Program, Missouri Options Program, Anabranch Program, Wentzville Middle School Intervention Program and Substance Abuse Preven- tion Program), Peine Ridge Elementary, and new gymnasium at Holt High. It is the largest bond issue ever sought by the

10 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Wentzville School District’s record growth looks to continue well into the next decade district, and it bought 109 acres for provided much needed space at mid- $3.9 million this year at the north- dle schools without requesting an east corner of West Meyer Road and additional tax increase from voters North Point Prairie in Wentzville for and provided the district time to pay new schools. Money of which came down debt, increasing borrowing from a 2015 tax increase and district capacity so the next ballot issue for reserves. additional schools and classrooms For Wentzville superintendent, Dr. could be financed with a no-tax-in- Curtis Cain, the board of education crease bond issue. and the entire Wentzville education Even with all of the brick and mor- team, growth is on their radar, and tar talk, it is still about the classroom. they always anticipate it. LaPak said that the district has not “We are always going to be proac- only managed the growth, but its stu- tive,” Cain said. “We are constantly dents have consistently performed in trying to anticipate and strategize our the top 10 in the state when it comes approach when it comes to growth. to test scoring and have a solid base We embrace the challenge. It is part in STEM and other programs. of our thread.” “So, we have not only just increased Part of the increase in students is the number of classrooms but have tracked to census numbers. In 2017 also maintained the high-quality U.S. census numbers, Wentzville education that people have come to grew by more than 1,800 people and expect from Wentzville,” she said. has added more than 1,000 people in According to projections in a de- five of the past six years. mographic study released earlier Things kick-started into high gear a this year by Business Information few years ago. Services, the district could add more In April 2015, voters in the district than 6,700 new students over the passed a 25-cent tax increase which next decade. The report’s findings in- provided $50 million to fund a new clude calculations that indicate Holt elementary school, classrooms, audi- and Timberland high schools could torium and auxiliary gym at Liberty be over capacity by 2019 and Lib- High School, classroom additions at erty could be over capacity by 2021. Duello, Discovery Ridge and Lakev- The report also shows the district iew elementary schools and class- will need an additional elementary room updates at Wentzville Middle school by 2023. School. “There are a constant flow and Then, the Wentzville Board of Edu- stream of questions,” Cain said. cation voted that fall to use some ex- “There is a myriad of issues we ex- isting funds, and borrow some funds amine and revisit. The key for us is to build another elementary school to keep communication open. Our simultaneously with the one passed walk is unique in the state of Mis- by voters and move all sixth graders souri, but it is our walk.” from the three middle schools to the Photos courtesy Wentzville School District 12 elementary schools beginning this Page 10: Top left: The Wentzville School District The Wen- school year (2017-18). tzville School District purchased these 108.9 acres located According to Mary LaPak, the at the northeast corner of W. Meyer Road and N. Point Prai- rie in Wentzville in November for the site of a future school Chief Communications Officer with building. the district, the K-6 Plan for Growth Bottom Left: Construction continues at Liberty High School.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 11 Nonprofit Profile

provides therapy and support for children of all abilities By Raymond Castile

nited Services for Children is a non- Submitted photo profit organization that provides Reese Sommers, a pediatric therapy and early interven- three-year-old diag- U nosed with autism, tion services to children of all abilities, and receives instruction offers support services for their families. We from Melissa Vesser, a teacher and behavior focus on children ages birth through eight analyst at United Ser- years old. Our center, located at 4140 Old vices for Children. Mill Parkway in St. Peters, serves approxi- mately 150 children annually. In 1975, a team of dedicated parents and professionals searched for a way to ensure children with disabilities would receive services in St. Charles County. They used United Way grants to form a nonprofit organization, incorporating in 1977. This agency grew into what is now United Services for Children, providing therapeutic and educational services that have changed the lives of tens of thousands of children. We offer outpatient therapy through our Uncommon Grace Pediatric Therapy program. Professional therapists deliver physical, occupational and speech/language therapy in group and individual settings for children ages birth through eight years old. Uncom- mon Grace Pediatric Therapy accepts Medic- aid and most major insurance carriers. Our Early Intervention services focus on young learners, children from 18 – 36 months, who have been diagnosed with a out the school year, meeting monthly in the Creek Golf Club in Wentzville. It will be a developmental disability or delay. Children early evening. Our licensed social worker is four-person scramble, open to men’s teams, enrolled in this program get the support they available to meet the needs of our families on mixed teams and ladies’ teams. Then join us need to develop and grow in social, language, an ongoing basis. Aug. 25 for our annual gala at Ameristar Ca- motor and adaptive skills. We invite the public to our sixth annual sino-St. Charles. There will be silent and oral Our Family Support program ensures that Exploring the Spectrum autism information auctions, dinner and entertainment. This is new families feel welcome and at home at fair March 24 at Spencer Road Library Com- our main fundraising event, and it is always United Services for Children, and provides munity Commons in St. Peters. There will be a fun and rewarding evening. Sponsorship opportunities for family education and train- guest speakers, workshops and information opportunities are available for all of these ing. Small and large group classes for par- tables. This is a great event for families of chil- events. ents, grandparents and caregivers are offered dren with autism. Admission is free. To inquire about therapy, early intervention throughout the year. Support groups for sib- On May 18, we will host our 24th annual or our events, please call us at 636-926-2700, lings of children with disabilities run through- Fore the Children golf tournament at Bear or visit www.unitedservicesforchildren.org.

12 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Advertiser Profile

BYERLY RV AWARDED Wentzville Business Spotlight TOP 50 RV DEALER IN U.S.

Dr. Amy Fridley of Fridley Chiropractic has served Wentzville area residents since 2000. The location at 1 W. Koenig has been in operation since October 2016 when a brand-new facility was constructed to better serve our growing patient base. The building was the first new building constructed in Historic Downtown in several years. By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV We provide chiropractic services and offer good health to our pa- tients and the community. We love the hometown feel and growth The record number of sales of new RVs in 2017 nationwide exceeded occurring in the downtown area. We take many forms of insurance everyone’s expectations. In Missouri through September combined .Stop by for a visit, call for an appointment at (636) 332-1769 or look sales of motorized and trailers grew 15.5 percent. Through November us up on our website at www.drfridley.com. Byerly RV’s sales of the same mix grew more than 28 percent! Record sales are good, but can be disruptive. Access, delivery and service have been a challenge. The Byerly group has met the sales challenge while still maintaining good performance in other areas such as rent- als, parts and service. Service will continue to be a problem if sales continue at this pace. Byerly, through RVDA, is proposing an initiative to create a new entity totally dedicated to after-market needs. I am proud of the Byerly team’s response. They deserve credit for Byerly’s recognition of being one of the Top 50 RV Dealers in the country for 2017. The award is not based on sales alone. Dealers are nominated and selected based upon the decisions of a peer group consisting of manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders. The award was presented at the recent RVDA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The recognition is sponsored by RV Business, one of the old- est and most respected publications in the RV industry. Our employees enthusiastically interact with our customers throughout the year on a voluntary basis. We closed out the season with our caravan of motorhomes filled with customers through San- ta’s Magical Kingdom, a light show at Jellystone Campground. Watch for our monthly RV School in which employees “show and tell” top- ics related to service and operations of RVs. The Spring Campout will be here before we know it. The next big event is the annual RV Show at St Louis Convention Center, Feb. 1-4. We are proud to announce, after 70 years in business, that Winneba- go will become a part of the Byerly Family. More announcements to come! 2018 is here. Byerly is ready. Happy New Year! Check us out at www.byerlyrv.com and Facebook.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 13 Entertainment THE UNIQUE STANDOUTS OF 2017 t’s been quite difficult to determine what “JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2” It cost 20 JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2 films were truly the best of 2017. Yet, million to make the first “John Wick” which Iwe’ve seen a group of them manage to grossed over 43 million in the U.S. alone with outshine others in their own unique ways, glowing reviews. “Chapter 2” cost 40 million never mind the size of their budget or the and grossed over 92 million – also with stellar money they bring in. These are some of the reviews, if not higher. These numbers alone year’s standouts: explain why there will be a “Chapter 3” in the “GET OUT” This horror thriller is very works to conclude the story on a high note. Keanu Reeves is at his physical best making SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT mindful (also in the literal sense) as one of the year’s two films that feature a first-time direc- him one of the greatest actors of action (per- GET OUT tor (this one written and helmed by come- forming all his own stunts) of all time. dic actor Jordan Peele) that made the history “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBB- books over its record-breaking success. To ING, MISSOURI” Frances McDormand is tell you anything further than a story about made for roles like Mildred. In fact, the entire an African-American man (Daniel Kaluuya) cast, along with Woody Harrelson and – es- who’s about to meet the parents of his white pecially – Sam Rockwell, are all on point. Do girlfriend (Amanda Williams) for the week- not be surprised if McDormand, Rockwell end will ruin the unimaginable nightmare and, writer/director, Martin McDonagh get

UNIVERSAL PICTURES that can only come from Peele. “Get Out” Oscar attention for this movie. could be that rare horror film to receive Os- Other honorable mentions go to the fol- LADY BIRD car nominations in major categories. lowing: “LADY BIRD” This is the other honorable “WIND RIVER” as the sleeper hit of the late feature debut, this time, from actor turned summer with a serious message written and writer/director Greta Gerwig in what is now (another first time) directed by Taylor Sheri- arguably one of the highest rated films in his- dan as this year’s “Hell or High Water” type of tory of combined reviews alone. This record- hit (also written by Sheridan). breaking independent, coming-of-age feature feels like this year’s “The Edge Of Seventeen” “IT” as the multi-record breaking hor- SCOTT RUDIN PRODUCTIONS RUDIN SCOTT (drastically overlooked) except this film is ror film that smashed the box-office getting the recognition it deserves. This is a back to life - after a miserable month of Au- THREE BILLBOARDS gust – setting a moneymaking standard for OUTSIDE EBBING, milestone for Saoirse Ronan as the film’s lead, MISSOURI Laurie Metcalf as our antagonist’s mother how to make bigger-budgeted horror flicks. and the expanding career of Greta Gerwig. “THE FLORIDA PROJECT” as the hard-to- Expect fierce Oscar attention for this winning watch, but incredibly sweet, indie film that picture. needs no introduction. Brooklynn Prince “THE SHAPE OF WATER” Director Guill- will steal your heart and make you cry at the ermo del Toro puts the capital “U” in unique film’s end while it’s looking more and more certain that Willem Dafoe may win that Os-

BLUEPRINT PICTURES BLUEPRINT with “The Shape Of Water,” a film that easily looks like a $100 million project that actually car for his anchoring performance that is THE SHAPE OF WATER cost a little over $19 million – which is incred- nothing short of masterful. ible to believe. Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is a mute cleaning lady, in a classified science facility, BY BRIAN GUERRERO that connects with an amphibian creature Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a (Doug Jones) through signing and eventually current resident of New York attempts to free him from a grim fate. In true City with extensive experience in del Toro fashion, the weirder the film gets the front of and behind the camera more glorious it becomes. for film and television. BULL PRODUCTIONS BULL BULL PRODUCTIONS

14 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Automobile Alley THE 2018 VOLVO XC90 BRINGS A HIGH LEVEL OF QUALITY TO THE SUV MARKET

To meet the needs of the full-size luxury SUV buyer, Volvo Motors is showcasing their popular XC90 for 2018. This contemporary, three-row vehicle can seat up to seven adults comfortably. With a background of a strong European heritage alongside the latest in automotive design, this sport utility vehicle has an em- phasis of spirited road dynamics, including a high level of the newest technologies. It’s the perfect vehicle for an active-lifestyle family as it represents the next step in Volvo’s future product planning transformation. The overall exterior design element tends to have somewhat of an athletic sculptured, yet timeless, modern and aerodynamic look about it. The outside body design looks mus- cular and robust as it has a solid and somewhat dominating overshadowing footprint to its silhouette. The body fit and finish along with the paint quality is suburb. The doors opening and closing feel rock solid. The interior is designed to deliver a luxu- Like its siblings within the Volvo product rious user experience from the second you mix, S90 and V90, the XC90 carries the proud enter the passenger cabin. There is undeni- premium fuel is suggested. The base war- and confident face of Volvo’s new design lan- able evidence of a well-balanced interior en- ranty for this Gothenburg, Sweden import guage. Key features include the iconic identi- vironment. The cutting edge seat designs are is for 48/months/50,000 miles. The model I fiable hallmark designed front grille assembly quite comfortable with plenty of engineering drove had an MSRP pricing of $74,090 after and the expressive Volvo emblem trade- focused towards safety as well. The $3,200 additional factory luxury options and ship- mark badge. XC90’s rear lift gate hatch area premium audio upgrade was one of the fin- ping charges. As XC90 tends to overshadow is framed by the vehicles signature sweeping est car audio systems I’ve ever experienced in this specialty segment, it’s generally cross- lines, prominent tail lamps and the large pro- any vehicle. shopped with competitive products such as jecting exhaust tail pipe outlets. In the Volvo tradition, safety was paramount the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX80, Lin- The XC90 is the first vehicle to be built on and certainly was confirmed with this model. coln Navigator, Mercedes Benz GLS, Cadillac their new global underside architecture. The Their City Safety Technology is standard as it Escalade and the Lexus LX570. factory has indicated that this advanced combines automatic breaking functionality modular chassis platform will further help and collision avoidance systems to cover a BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN launch other future products from this high- range of potential accident scenarios. David Finkelstein is a Master/ ly-developed, multi-use cradle. Powering the ‘18 version I drove was their Skill Automotive Service Tech- To help maintain a world-class drive expe- 2.0-liter super-charged/turbo-charged, di- nician, and a shop owner. He’s rience, XC90 can seamlessly adjust steering rected injected, 316 horsepower engine. It also invented garage service feel, throttle control, transmission response was equipped with their fuel savings stop/ tools for mechanics and has served on both National and and ride height with the assistance of count- start technology. Engine performance was local Automotive Trade Industry less sensors and breakthrough electronics. thus channeled by way of their eight-speed Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk This of course helps to provide drivers with highly developed automatic transmission Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted a relaxed confidence while driving familiarity and mechanically linked to their all-wheel- “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David across a variety of conditions and road sur- drive underside chassis. The EPA numbers tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some faces. reflect 20-MPG city/27-MPG highway, as consulting with various auto manufacturers.

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 15 For the Love of Food

xcellent

ELEGANT IDEAS entertainingFOR A MEAL WORTH CELEBRATING Delighting guests in unexpected unique twist on a main dish, try ways is the hallmark of exceptional dressing up chicken with an elegant entertaining. With a little creative addition like fresh grapes, as in flair, you can elevate your menu to these Seared Chicken Breasts with impress guests with every course. Grapes and Artichokes. A savory appetizer is set off The secret to a winning dessert beautifully by fresh, sweet grapes in is presentation, and the vibrant Ethis Grape and Goat Cheese Cros- colors of red, green or black grapes tini. Festive, bright and refreshing, lend just the right look to these grapes are a versatile ingredient tasty Mini Pavlovas with Lemon that take dishes to the next level, Cream and Grapes. What’s more, making them ideal for special oc- the juicy sweetness offsets the tart- casions. ness of the lemon for an explosion Not only are grapes a smart of flavor perfection. choice to keep on hand for healthy Plan your next special occasion Mini Pavlovas with Lemon Cream snacking and everyday eating, the with the host of recipes at Grapes- and Grapes vibrant colors and flavors bring fromCalifornia.com. extra life to a basic protein. For a Serves: 6

Ingredients: vanilla. 4 large egg whites pinch of salt Divide meringue into six 4-inch A Fresh Approach to Décor 1 cup sugar circles on baking sheet. With large 2 teaspoons cornstarch spoon, make indentations in middle Not only do fresh grapes’ lively flavors make for excep- 1 teaspoon vanilla of each. Place baking sheet in oven tional dishes, their vibrant colors can also enhance your 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream and lower temperature to 300 F. table in other ways. Lend natural beauty to your decor while 1/3 cup lemon curd Bake 30 minutes then turn off oven providing your loved ones with a healthy snack option with 1 1/2 cups halved grapes and leave baking sheet inside anoth- these creative ideas: chopped smoked or tamari er 30 minutes. To serve, whip cream almonds (optional) to soft peaks and stir in lemon curd. • Arrange grapes in bowls, on platters or draped from a Dollop onto meringues and top cake plate for attractive and edible centerpieces. Directions: with grapes. Garnish with almonds, • Dress snacking grapes up for the occasion by dipping Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking if desired. clusters in liquid gelatin. Roll them in sugar, spices and sheet with parchment paper. With finely chopped nuts to make a “frosted” finger food electric mixer on medium speed, Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 4 g protein; 58 g carbo- with a hint of crunch. in large bowl, beat egg whites and salt until firm peaks form. On low hydrates; 12 g fat (31 percent calo- • Colorful grapes lend a pretty pop when used as a gar- speed, add sugar 1 tablespoon at ries from fat); 8 g saturated fat (20 nish to decorate serving plates. a time until meringue forms stiff percent calories from saturated fat); peaks. Whisk in cornstarch and 55 mg cholesterol; 90 mg sodium.

16 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 For the Love of Food

Seared Chicken Breasts with Grapes and Artichokes Serves: 4

Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each), butterflied lengthwise into 4 cutlets salt, to taste pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 leek, white part only, halved and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano 1 1/2 cups quartered artichoke 3/4 cup green grapes over medium-high heat, heat 1 breast with sauce. Add grapes and hearts, frozen, canned or 3/4 cup red grapes tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken simmer 3-5 minutes, or until grapes jarred 2 tablespoons chopped flat- breasts and sear 3-4 minutes per are just soft and chicken is cooked 1/2 cup dry white wine leaf parsley side. Remove chicken and set aside. through. 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken Stir in fresh parsley and serve. stock Add remaining olive oil to pan, Directions: 1 tablespoon lemon juice along with garlic, leek and pinch of Nutritional information per serv- Season chicken breasts with salt 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest salt; cook on medium heat 2-3 min- ing: 320 calories; 26 g protein; 23 g and pepper, to taste. In saute pan 2 teaspoons butter utes to soften leek. Stir in oregano, carbohydrates; 12 g fat (34 percent artichokes, wine, chicken stock, calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat lemon juice, lemon zest and but- (8 percent calories from saturated ter. Simmer 2-3 minutes then add fat); 70 mg cholesterol; 390 mg so- chicken back to pan, basting each dium; 5 g fiber.

Grape and Goat Cheese Crostini Serves: 8

Ingredients: Directions: 2 cups quartered green, In medium bowl, combine grapes, black or red grapes (or a lemon juice, honey, thyme, salt, mixture) pepper and olive oil. Spread each 2 teaspoons lemon juice baguette with goat cheese and top 2 teaspoons honey with grape mixture. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves Nutritional information per serving: 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 200 calories; 9 g protein; 23 g carbo- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground hydrates; 8 g fat (36 percent calories black pepper from fat); 4.5 g saturated fat (20 per- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin cent calories from saturated fat); 15 olive oil mg cholesterol; 340 mg sodium; 1 g 16 baguette slices, thinly cut fiber. on diagonal 8 ounces fresh goat cheese

JANUARY 2018 | CROSSROADS | 17 Medical Memo

TIPS FOR MANAGING 7 DIABETES

Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially for those living with Maintain good oral health. People living with diabetes diabetes. Everyone can have conflicts finding the right balance of are two times more likely to develop gum disease, according to partaking in healthy habits, such as exercise, eating well and even the Centers for Disease Control. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDA- keeping your teeth and gums clean. From stress to self-care, life can approved to help reverse and prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum be up and down when you’re living with diabetes. disease. These seven tips from Dr. Natalie Strand, the winner of season 17 of Get into a routine. Find a routine that works and stick with “The Amazing Race” who lives with diabetes herself, can help you stay it. This way you don’t have to make new decisions each day. Anything healthy and lead a balanced life while managing your diabetes. that can ease the mental burden of diabetes can help. For example, Communicate with your care team. Make sure you pick a time each year for your annual visits: eye doctor, endocrinologist, connect with your nurse educator, endocrinologist and dietician. renew prescriptions, etc. Picking the same time of year every year can Reach out to them with your questions as they can often help you help ensure you don’t forget to take care of yourself. implement subtle changes to avoid completely overhauling your Make self-care a priority. It can be hard to keep diabetes lifestyle and routine because of diabetes. care in the forefront. It can be boring, exhausting and also fade into Get involved. Get a local group together to fundraise, vent or the background. Remind yourself that one of the best things you just understand each other. Groups such as Diabetes Sisters, JDRF, can do for yourself, and for your loved ones, is stay healthy. Use your TuDiabetes and BeyondType1 offer ways to connect with others family as motivation to exercise daily, eat better-for-you foods and living with diabetes in person or on social media. Connecting with maintain a healthy weight. the diabetes community can be a powerful way to help ease the Manage stress. Diabetes can be a big stressor. Add jobs, kids, burden of living with diabetes. relationships and it can become overwhelming. Find an easy and Keep doing what you love. Just because you have diabetes effective tool for stress relief and do it often. Even 5-10 minutes of doesn’t mean you have to give up doing what you love. Make efforts guided meditation daily can have a big impact on stress management. to continue sports, travel and other hobbies, even if there is a learning For more information and ways to lead a balanced life with diabetes, curve to adapting with diabetes at first. visit OralHealthandDiabetes.com.

18 | CROSSROADS | JANUARY 2018 Community Calendar

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