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A hand up to the homeless

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CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

November 2015 contents

VOL 12 | NO 11

Departments

Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.

Around Town Local news and events

Simon Says ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem enough for veterans

Always an Adventure Autumn in the mountains

Moore on Life My big fat food failures

Publisher Robert Huneke

Editor Mathew DeKinder

Automobile Alley Ford Mustang begins ‘next chapter’ by turning back the clock

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann

Business Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

Entertainment The survival and return of the James Bond series

Food A centerpiece for the celebration

Photo Op Quilts of Valor

Community Calendar: November

Contributors Avalanche, Robin Daniels, David Finkelstein, Tony Mathews, Cindy Moore, Russ Patton, Laurie Simon, Liz Stojeba Photographer Ray Rockwell Staff Writer Brett Auten

features

For advertising information, please contact us at:

By Liz Stojeba – Children Organ Transplant Association (COTA) Public Relations Coordinator

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

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2015 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

Nonprofit Profile Children’s Organ Transplant Association gives hope to local child A hand up to the homeless Wentzville woman establishes businesses to help those who are down on their luck By Brett Auten

Advertiser Profiles 100 sign up for RV class By Russ Patton

*Correction: In the October edition of CrossRoads magazine Daniel Boone’s wife, Rebecca Boone, was misidentified as Marie Boone. Community News regrets the error. On the Cover: Photo courtesy of Bigstock

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Around Town

Wentzville student earns perfect score on ACT Holt High School Senior Robert Griesenauer has earned the highest possible ACT Composite score of 36. Nationally, while the actual number of students earning the top score varies from year to year, on average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earn the top score. Among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2015, only 1,598 of more than 1.92 million students earned an ACT Photo courtesy Wentzville School Composite score of 36. District Holt “I was extremely excited to find out that I scored a 36 on the ACT,” said Griesenauer. “Thanks to my teachers at Holt High School, I was well prepared for the content of the exam. I specifically chose challenging courses during high school in order to better prepare myself for college and I am grateful for the variety and quality of advanced classes offered at Holt.” The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. Some students also take the optional ACT writing test, but the score for that test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT Composite score. In a letter from the ACT chief executive officer recognizing this exceptional achievement, the CEO stated, “Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. While test scores are just one of multiple criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, your exceptional ACT Composite score should prove helpful as you pursue your education and career goals.” Griesenauer currently has a 4.33 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), marching band, and the Holt Scholar Bowl Team (District Champs in 2012, 2013 and 2014). He attended Missouri Scholars Academy this past summer as well as the Materials Science Engineering Camp and the Nuclear Engineering Camp at the University of Missouri Science & Technology. In addition, he is the recipient of the University of Missouri St. Louis Excellence in Science Award. Griesenauer plans to major in engineering following graduation. He is the son of Doug and Christina Griesenauer of Wentzville.

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

St. Charles County Paramedics revive cardiac arrest victims hours apart St. Charles County Ambulance District [SCCAD] Paramedics Heather Briggs and Kelly Maull, along with Paramedic Battalion Chief Sara Stewart, were batting 1.000 on Sept. 20. The trio received 911 emergency calls Photo courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District for cardiac arrests (From left) Paramedic Heather Briggs, Paramedic Battalion Chief Sara just hours apart, Stewart and Paramedic Kelly Maull. and utilizing newly-implemented protocols, successfully revived both victims. The first call came just before 9 a.m. as Briggs and Maull were finishing washing their ambulance at the SCCAD station in Dardenne Prairie. Stewart responded from another station, and as the trio assessed their patient for reported seizure activity, he went into cardiac arrest. The team immediately initiated cardio-cerebral resuscitation protocols, and within minutes, the patient regained a pulse and was responsive. Still euphoric over their success earlier in the day, the crew was clearing the dinner dishes when they received another call – a witnessed cardiac arrest in a nearby subdivision. Briggs, Maull and Stewart were by 46-year-old James Lampe’s side in just four minutes. Lampe’s wife, Lana, is a registered nurse, and initiated CPR while the crew was en route. The paramedics provided care on scene, and on the way to the hospital, the father of two began breathing on his own, regained a pulse and was able to follow commands. “The chances of the same crew being called for two cardiac arrests in a single shift is extremely slim, but for both to have successful outcomes is absolutely unheard of,” said Briggs. “Sunday was a once-ina-career experience – one that the three of us will never forget.” Since June, SCCAD Paramedics have utilized a new approach to cardiac arrest management called cardiocerebral resuscitation [CCR]. The protocols employ a back-to-basics approach, and have already seen tremendous results. Since their implementation, SCCAD has achieved a survival rate of 39 percent – more than three times the national average of 9.5 percent. SCCAD hopes to see survival rates in their community soar even higher with the implementation Lifesaver CPR – a citizen training initiative aimed at getting citizens comfortable with providing chest compressions until Paramedics arrive on-scene.

Nonprofit Profile

Children’s Organ Transplant Association gives hope to local child By Liz Stojeba – Children Organ Transplant Association (COTA) Public Relations Coordinator Gabriel’s Story www.COTAforGabrielW.com/node/509. One-year-old Gabriel Ward has been A Walk/Run, “Gabriel’s Hope 5k” will diagnosed with bladder outlet obstrucbe held by COTA in honor of Gabriel tion and kidney failure. He lives in Troy Ward. The event is planned for 10 a.m. with his parents, Micah and Tiffany, and Nov. 7 located at Fairgrounds Park (aka his older sister Sarah. The doctors at CarTroy City Park) at 971 Monroe Street dinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. in Troy. Volunteers will be stationed Louis have recommended a life-saving at the pavilion on the west side of the kidney transplant. park. If possible, participants are asked A transplant team has already been put to submit donations before the event together for Gabriel. His family is incredand also complete a registration form ibly excited to see Gabe to start the jouravailable online at www.COTAforGaney of life with a new kidney but he will brielW.com/node/506 or by contacting need your help. Karen Burr, karen3burr@yahoo.com. Gabriel’s Hope (www.COTAforGabriOn Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. COTA is hosting elW.com) is an effort started by friends a trivia night in honor of Gabriel Ward. and family to help give this little warrior This event will be held at the O’Fallon a chance to grow healthy and strong. Elks Lodge at 1163 Tom Ginnever Ave Gabriel: A Miracle Baby in O’Fallon. Tickets are $25 per person Submitted photo or $200 per table of 8 and include soda Gabe has been fighting for survival Gabriel Ward and his older sister Sarah. since before he was born when docand beer. Prizes awarded for first, sectors noticed he had Posterior Urethral ond, third and last place. This exciting family Gabe’s health continues to improve Valves (PUVs) during a routine ultrasound but the fight is not over. He is on numerous night will include raffle items, silent aucat 20 weeks. PUVs are the flap of skin that daily medications, has an in-home physical tions, 50/50 raffle, heads and tales game of caused Gabe’s bladder outlet obstruction. At therapist, and three times a week his family chance, and a photo booth to capture and 28 weeks in utero his kidneys officially shut still makes the hour long drive from Troy to preserve all the fun! Support COTA and down and amniotic infusions were needed. St. Louis for Gabe’s dialysis treatments. promote your company with sponsored After months of amniotic fluid infusions and rounds for just $25! If you are interested How Can You Help? several weeks of bed rest for mom, the docWith the cost of a transplant often exceed- in donating auction items or volunteering tors decided to induce birth at 37 weeks. ing $500,000, many transplant families are for this event, please contact Liz Stojeba, Gabriel Ward came into this world on Aug. unable to shoulder the financial burden of lizs132003@gmail.com. 28, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. such a procedure. The most important thing In the spring of 2016, COTA is hosting “The After birth, he was rushed into surgery you can do is contribute to Gabriel’s Hope Best of the Best Charitable Golf Tournaand placed on dialysis. The first few months www.COTAforGabrielW.com fundraising ment in Honor of Gabriel Ward”. The tourof his life were spent at Cardinal Glennon effort in whatever way you can. Volunteers nament is planned to be: a bragging rights, Children’s Hospital where he and his family are raising funds for COTA (Children’s Organ six hole, four ball ambrose. Refreshments battled more surgeries and prayed for more Transplant Association) in honor of Gabriel. and snacks will be provided throughout the miracles. One prayer was answered on Feb. COTA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization tournament. Prizes will be awarded! Cur23 when Gabe finally came home after al- who receives contributions to help offset rently, COTA is engaged in partnering with most six months in the hospital. transplant-related expenses for children like (and seeking expressions of interest from) The Long Road Ahead Gabe. 100 percent of all funds raised go di- donor organizations, business leaders, and Gabe is the strongest, happiest, silliest little rectly toward transplant expenses. golfers who would like to participate. The guy ever! He laughs, he plays, and he wins venue for this event has not been finalized. Upcoming Events hearts. He chases the dogs and he commands For a $20 donation you can have your very However, more information can be found at attention. Just try to walk in the room and own Team Gabriel T-Shirt! Place your order www.COTAforGabrielW.com/node/441. not say “hi” to him. At home with his loving today with a COTA volunteer or online at NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Simon Says

Every November the first thing that comes to my mind is Thanks- swers were not the ones I was ready for. I knew that there was an giving. The turkey, the stuffing and the pumpkin pie…oh the unsaid understanding that no one asked about it. When he did pumpkin pie! I can smell it just thinking about it. Many families choose to talk, it was often blurted out as if he had been thinking across America decide to say what things they are thankful for about it and just needed to get it off his chest, and it was always this time every year, myself inon his terms. cluded. We’re always thankful After speaking to the daughter for family, friends, health, food of the Vietnam veteran, I began on the table and a roof over our to fully understand what it was head; but do you know what I that her father went through, and never hear from anyone, even why he doesn’t talk about life in myself? It’s the thankfulness the war. we have for our veterans. Sure, “When his number was called,” November may be the month she said, “he went to them and of Thanksgiving where we all showed them he was enrolled gather around the table and in school and had a job and he stuff ourselves until the turkey said they told him, ‘well, you’re hangover sets in, but November not doing much of anything is also the month that we celare you, son?’ I don’t know why ebrate our veterans. that’s what he remembers but I Anytime you see military perthink that was the first time it resonnel walking around in their ally hit him that he was going to uniform we all stop to say thank have to go. He landed in Vietnam you, but what about the veteron an airplane and was taken to ans who survived their time at a helicopter that was going to war and have no visible signs of take him to his camp. The heliheroism? What are our veterans copter landed in the middle of lives like five, ten, thirty years the field, he got out, and the hedown the road? I have been licopter left. It was that moment alive to witness the Gulf, Iraq that he realized this was real and and Afghanistan Wars, but it that helicopter wasn’t going to is the stories of Vietnam that I come back. One time, he said he hear that make me realize what got through Vietnam by ‘keeping life was like during those times. busy.’ From lighting cockroaches I question how those brave men on fire, to flipping jeeps, he always and women who came out of it had to stay busy to keep his mind are coping now. off what was going on. When his Photos by Laurie Simon Whenever I hear people talktime there was up, he said he got The Wentzville Vietnam Memorial sits right outside of Wentzville Fire Station on West Pearce Boulevard. ing about Vietnam, the first on the plane and it felt as if he thing that comes to mind is was going to heaven. He got to my close family friend who was there on the front lines. I think fly first class and was asked what he wanted to eat. He asked for about how he never speaks a word of his time there, how he has a cheeseburger and said it was the best cheeseburger he has ever never defined himself as being a veteran and how he has the abil- eaten in his life.” ity to keep everything locked up so tight after everything he went So that is what happened while he was in Vietnam, but what through. I wanted to get a real perspective on life after the war about the after effects, I asked. And this was her response: from not the veteran himself but from a family member, one that “My dad never really talked about being a Vietnam vet while I sees the lasting effect war can take on an individual. As someone was growing up. He was a man that was never going to let what who knows not to ever bring up Vietnam in front of my family he went through define him. Imagine that, a man who had been friend, I chose to reach out to his daughter instead, asking what forced to go to war and face his own immortality at such a young effects she remembers of her father throughout the years. Her an- age, looking at only the positives that came out of it. That’s how

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

Simon Says he chose to deal with it. “There were signs, though, that what he went through still were with him. He was very sensitive to loud, unfamiliar noises. One time, the back door of our deck flew open and shattered the glass. My dad said that caused him to have a flashback that he couldn’t get out of. He was stuck in it for weeks and even had to talk to a fellow Vietnam vet to try to understand what was happening and how to get back to his current life. I can remember him being so frustrated that he couldn’t get out of it and that what he wanted so badly to forget was haunting him, again. “He still, to this day, has a strange fear of cockroaches. They remind him of laying in the trenches where they would craw all over them. He will pick up a snake with his bare hands, but a cockroach could easily paralyze him because the trenches in Vietnam were the worst. They were wet and had rats that would bite you and cockroaches that would crawl all over you and in your ears. Since I don’t know too much about his time in Vietnam, I can only really speak on how it affected his life. My dad has always been a very strong person, both mentally and physically. He made a choice when he landed back in the states, safe, that he was never going to allow the war to define who he was. He doesn’t ever make it known that he was a vet. It’s not because he’s ashamed, but because he doesn’t want that to define who he is. He doesn’t even request the discounts, and my dad loves to save money! He has an unbelievable love and respect for his country. Something I don’t think future generations will ever really understand. But he has always told us how incredibly blessed we are to be Americans.” After talking about Vietnam is when I learned about the Vietnam Memorial that sits right in the heart of Wentzville. According to the city of Wentzville, the first

Vietnam Memorial in the United States was placed right here in Wentzville. Originally dedicated on Dec. 2, 1967, the site was initially established as a tree of lights by local residents to raise funds to send Christmas gifts to community servicemen/ women stationed in Vietnam. Enough funds were raised to send care packages, as well as place a small monument next to the tree. By December 1968, a 30-foot tree had been donated to replace the original tree of lights and two local artists provided a sculpture to sit beside the tree. Over time, the tree died and the memorial was subject to repeated vandalism. Residents gathered together once again to plan a more permanent structure, which was dedicated in 1984. Each year the Vietnam Memorial that sits right outside the Wentzville Fire Station on West Pearce Boulevard, serves as a stop during the annual “Run for the Wall” event. The “Run for the Wall” consists of motorcyclists traveling cross-country in honor of Vietnam Veterans, whose last stop is the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. to honor and remember the U.S. POW and MIA servicemen and women. As it stands today, the Wentzville Vietnam Memorial consists of a single-column of red Missouri granite, topped by a carved eagle. The first ever Vietnam memorial in the U.S., is right here in Wentzville? Why yes, you read that right! Next time you are driving down West Pearce passing the Wentzville Fire Protection District, I urge you to stop and take a look at this beautiful structure we have that remembers our servicemen and women who fought in Vietnam and continue to make our nation the home of the brave and the land of the free. I will leave you with these words spoken by the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. “I think so many people focus on those people who suffer because of the war. As if be-

ing a vet is some sort of handicap. While everyone has their own way of coping with things, I think people like my dad also need to be brought up while talking about it because it could give people hope instead of a death sentence. The more I learn about the war and its survivors, the more I realize what a true hero my dad is. He had every excuse to lie down and allow what he went through to consume his life, but he chose to live and look at his survival as a sign that he was supposed to do great things in his life. And he did.” To all servicemen and women who fought tirelessly to keep our nation safe - we appreciate you, we remember you and we say THANK YOU. Happy Veterans Day! by LAURIE Simon

Laurie Simon was just married and is settling into blissful newlywed life. She enjoys laying by the pool with friends, getting away to her family lake house on weekends, walking her four-legged baby Maggie and spending every second possible with her new husband.

www.sunrisefamily.org NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Always An Adventure The trees have lost most of their leaves; the flaming colors of fall have passed their all-too-short peak. They now lie on the ground, awaiting winter’s white blanket of snow to help transform them into next year’s fertilizing mulch. Ducks stop off at the neighboring ranch’s pond for rest and recuperation on their way south. Bugling elk signal the end of summer and the quest for mates. The throngs of summer tourists have given way to smaller groups of hunters who look forward all year to pursuing their quarry in the high country. Various winged pests sense the approaching end of this stage of their life cycle and make every effort to gain access to a warmer place indoors. They’ll all die off within a week or two, but the buzzing on the south side of the house is ever-present while the sun is up. The bugs that make it indoors get vac- The autumn view from Avalanche’s back porch. uumed up from the window sills in the morning. Firewood is cut, split and stacked. Fuel wood warms several times when self-acquired; cutting, hauling, splitting and moving it in between those stages all require the expenditure of calories. Burning it provides the final reward, keeping the house and inhabitants warm with no more physical exertion. Irrigation systems are first drained then sealed to keep small critters from moving in over the long winter. Motorcyclists are a bit more obsessed than usual with getting in the last few rides, as the seasonal end of two-wheeled transportation will come with the first big snow. The seemingly-endless summer highway construction stops until the warmer temperatures of spring arrive. With only four to five months available for paving, the road crews have to get too many

projects completed in too short of a season before putting the paving equipment away and installing snow plows on the dump trucks. The 86-year-old gentleman who founded our neighborhood in the 1960’s recalls that during WW II, the steel railroad tracks, which had been the only access to this valley other than horseback, were pulled up for their scrap steel to support the war effort. Dirt was piled on the remaining ties, and auto traffic was then the primary mode of transportation into the valley. By the end of the summer, the dirt was worn away so that a vehicle would bounce over each uncovered tie, making for a washboard surface of axlebreaking magnitude. Winter added a layer of packed snow that smoothed out the surface. In the spring, Photo by Avalanche dirt was again piled over the ties. Just as those “quaint” older ways have fallen away and been replaced by paving operations, future generations will find our present lack of cell phone service and slow internet speeds to be relics read about in the (web) pages of history. In addition to the environmental changes in the area, the human element here in the Backwoods Hideaway neighborhood is undergoing its own metamorphosis. A large segment of the population has been living in the area for several decades. Many of our older, pioneer residents have moved away; others have passed away. A few more are approaching one or the other of those two paths. Living at 7,000 feet in the central Rockies can be demanding, much more so into the eighth and ninth decades of life. And just as the leaves buried under snow help to feed next spring’s new growth, the homes and neighborhood previously built by those moving on are passed on, giving sustenance to the next generation. We now have more young couples and their new babies living here than at any other time during the last decade. Homeowners’ meetings are no longer attended exclusively by those of us who need reading glasses and knee replacements. The sounds of children playing are heard regularly, instead of only when the neighbors’ grandkids come to visit. The old falls away and the new grows out of it, same as it ever was and always will be.

Autumn in the mountains

By Avalanche

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

www.facebook.com/ragansjewelry

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

Moore On Life

My big fat food failures There are so many fabulous words that help us realize what we should be thankful for during this month of Thanksgiving, such as: faith, family, freedom, friends, food; and let us not forget that really critical one…funnel cake (so-o-o good!) Interesting that all these positive words happen to begin with the same letter, “F.” But, ask someone who never liked math very much in school and still doesn’t fully grasp its purpose in our present-day world, and I’ll tell you that that letter also represents a big, fat negative word— failure. I not only fail in math, but I fail at cooking, especially this time of year. Who even knew you could burn whipped cream? Sadly, my kitchen is well known for disappointment. Many a promising delicacy has come into my cooking space only to leave as burnt offerings presented to the angry god, Magic Chef. Recently a friend brought over a bread recipe touting its merits at being “no-fail”. Apparently she did not know about my kitchen’s reputation for being the only culinary space to completely destroy a pumpkin pie (see whipped cream disaster above.) But she insisted. How could it possibly fail? She, being a foodie queen and knowledgeable of all things spice and spatula, would be on hand to assist. Besides, there were only four measly ingredients: flour, salt, water and a sprinkling of dry yeast. Throw them together; let it rise overnight and toss it into the oven and boom: hot crusty bread – European style. Perfect enough to make a French baker weep a ¼ cup of tears with a pinch of salt into his puff pastry dough. I was told even I couldn’t mess this one up. I reluctantly agreed and put aside the curse of my kitchen. My friend demanded the ingredients and I readily produced them like a skilled surgeon-chef in training; kind of like being Julia Child’s child. “Flour!” she barked. “Flour,” I delivered. “Salt!” My box of salt seemed a tad weather-beaten as it had made it through two moves. And it may or may not have lost its savor, but what’s a little lost savor to a recipe. In it went. “Yeast!” she yelled.

Yeast? Yes, I just might have some. That’s the stuff that makes things double in size, right? I checked my waistline and feared I might have somehow already ingested it. Then I spied a half-empty packet of something cemented to the bottom of my cupboard. I pried it loose and handed it off. She added it to the mix then jabbed and spanked and molded the dough into shape. She slapped it onto the floured counter and put it to bed for the night. The next morning she returned to continue her gastronomic wizardry only to find instead of a burgeoning fat mound of rising dough, but a flat, gelatinous slab of gluey gluten. She picked up the mass of pancake gunk and shook her head and lamented, “No. No, this cannot be! This recipe does not fail. This recipe has never failed. What in the name of Wolfgang Puck could have gone wrong?!” I meekly raised my shoulders in bewilderment and said, “Happens to me all the time. It’s a good day when my ice cubes turn out right.” She could not be convinced. She sniffed my flour, tasted the salt then examined the packet of yeast. “Aha!” she screeched. “The expiration date on this coincides with the birth of my last child and she just graduated from college!” “Really? Hmm, I guess it has been awhile since I baked bread. Most likely, since I discovered I could add those eight hours of prep time to my life by buying it at the store for a buck.” So now I’m in a panic. It’s apparent the kitchen curse is still in full force. What am I to do if I’m in charge of pie for Thanksgiving? We all know where that will end up…in the whipped cream crematorium. But just in case, I’ve got a standby dessert – funnel cake. How can I lose when the first three letters spell “fun?” It’s a guaranteed no-fail, provided I can locate a state fair somewhere in time to stock up. by Cindy Moore

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

A hand up to the

homeless Wentzville woman establishes businesses to help those who are down on their luck By Brett Auten When it comes to charity and helping others the phrase “we do what we can when we can” is thrown around haphazardly. The truth be told, we could all do more; but few do as much as Darlene Morgan. For 15 years Morgan has donated sweat, tears and passion toward a matter close to the heart; homelessness. Morgan has helped establish two Wentzville stores, located side-byside; LSG (Love Serving God) Thrift Store and LSG Fashion Store on the 700 block of Pearce Boulevard, whose mission is to help people get back on their feet. “My whole purpose is to do what God told me and that’s love people,” Morgan said. “I want to get them out of the hotel and started on the path and are now a lot more selfsufficient.” Morgan’s day (and night) job is managing the Budget Inn in Wentzville. Many perceive Wentzville as a burgeoning bliss of suburbia that is in the middle of a renaissance. This former farm town is busting at the seams with high-dollar homes being built left and right and with them come the franchise restaurant chains and shops. But with big-city growth come big-city problems, and often those who find that they have ran out resources find themselves at the Budget Inn, located at 1258 Continental Drive. “Wentzville is a beautiful place but there are homeless people here and the people here have no clue that they’re living under a bridge or behind the Bob Evans or sleeping in their car in the Walmart parking lot so they can use the bathroom there,” Morgan said. “I’ve ran into all types. I have heard a lot of stories in my lifetime.” Dana Herbst was one of those people. “I ended up homeless and at the Budget Inn,” Herbst said. “I got myself into a situation and Darlene was there. I spent two months at

the hotel and within the two months was back on my own.” For two years now, Herbst has lent a hand to Morgan at the two LSG stores and is an invaluable asset to the cause. “Nobody wants to ask for help and that is what we’re here for,” Herbst said. “There are still pieces of Wentzville that are broken. I was amazed at how many were at the Budget Inn. That is where they seem to go. Every day, call after call. This is their only resort.” One of these reasons Morgan has as much drive to help those down on their luck is because it’s a path she has walked herself. “I became homeless myself,” she said. “But I was lucky. I had a friend who helped me get back on my feet. I would see these families struggle and it was a battle. They would have a good job and maybe the husband had a heart attack or the mom needed surgery and they would have a lot of their items in storage.” But Morgan and Herbst talked of the need to spread the word about the LSG stores. At the thrift store there is anything imaginable and worthy for a family looking to get back on its feet; refrigerators, stoves, even lawn mowers. Morgan can think of 11 different families they have helped completely furnish, help clothe and get back on track. Her next project is to take over the former Happy Hound Haven facility at 702 Pearce, right next to the LSG stores for a resource office where, among other things, survival boxes filled with non-perishable food items or food stamps and other assorted items will be available. “If they are trying to do better and are trying to make it in the right direction, we will be here for them,” Morgan said. Photos by Ray Rockwell Page 10: LSG (Love Serving God) Thrift Store and LSG Fashion Store sit next door to each other on the 700 block of Pearce Boulevard in Wentzville. Page 11: Darlene Morgan (right) is the founder of LSG (Love Serving God) Thrift Store and LSG Fashion Store in Wentzville.

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Ford Mustang begins ‘next chapter’ by turning back the clock Turning back the clock, I drove a Mustang in my high-school days in the late 60’s and to fast forward, I still own a 1968 Mustang convertible in “show room” like-new condition. Having mentioned that, I recently had an elevated level of eagerness once I learned that I was going to get to drive the all-new 2015 version. I quickly discovered it was loaded with innovative and ground-breaking, new technologies. This was coupled with a high degree of performance and modern styling. Ford marketing has indicated that the all-new Mustang is the “next chapter” in the life of one of the world’s most iconic cars. In the 50 or so years that it has been sold across the globe, more than 9-million units have wound up being in the hands of owners. Mustang has made its footprint in countless appearances on film, television, music and video games. And for the social media crowd, it’s the world’s most “liked” vehicle according to individuals that follow Facebook. The ‘15 Mustang is the first car to offer four, six and eight-cylinder engines of which each generates at least 300-horsepower. That helps to frame the appeal of this car to a wide customer base. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit just about any style of living. Regardless if you select the fastback or the convertible version, this Michigan-built automobile evokes the essential character of the brand as it retains key design elements such as its long signature sculpted engine hood and the car’s short rear deck assembly. It all comes down to a very contemporary appearance from front to rear. Some of the key design highlights are noted with the vehicles lower, yet wider body stance and a reduction in the car’s roof height. The contemporary execution is quickly turning Mustang into one of Ford’s newest halo vehicles. Mustang’s shape helps it slip through the air will little effort, of course helping to improve fuel consumption

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

numbers. Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality in part due to an all-new front and rear suspension. Larger, more powerful brakes help with the car meeting all required safety goals. Regardless of the engine powering this head-turning vehicle, they all operate on regular grade unleaded fuel. EPA numbers show: 21-city/32- highway with the four cylinder, 19/28-mpg with the V-6 and 21/32-mpg when equipped with the 5.0-liter. The large/clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin with improved ergonomics. Improvements in the car’s connectivity help in keeping the driver informed of his or her surroundings. Old school traditional toggle switches mounted forward of the center console quickly adjust steering effort, engine response and transmission and electronic stability control settings. A new airbag system is part of a standard comprehensive safety system that includes a more robust array of sensors. At road test, the coupe I drove with the I-4 engine and 6-speed manual tranny had an MSRP of $38,585 after a number of option choices and shipping charges. By DAVID FINKELSTEIN

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

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Advertiser Profiles

By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV

The RV season is drawing to a close with a burst of colors. But there is one more thing we have to do before we store away our RVs - winterize! Many expensive service problems can be minimized through maintenance. Winterizing is one of the most important procedures to protect your RV. Over 100 people signed up for our October RV School which featured winterizing ideas and procedures. For those who could not attend a video portion has been posted on our website. Our popular non-selling educational RV classes cover many topics. Check out upcoming schools and other events at www.byerlyrv.com. And follow us on Facebook. Education is an important element in Byerly’s business model, both for our employees and our customers. The owner serves as part of the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the educational com-

Submitted photo Over 100 people signed up for the Byerly October RV School which featured winterizing ideas and procedures.

ponent of the National RVDA. The center develops curriculum and certification standards for RV technicians. Thanks are deserved by Rick Altis, Dave Hubatka, Michael Freese Jr, Steve Schermaul and Kyle Petty who were instrumental in offering this class. Byerly RV, “The Center of the RV World”, Eureka, Missouri. 636-9382000.

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Business

Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Chamber hosts four ribbon cutting ceremonies The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosted four ribbon cutting ceremonies for Eternal Aesthetics Medical Spa, Project 10 Challenge with Visalus â€“ Amanda Wagner, Universal Granite & Marble, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select Properties.

line at www.universalgranite.com.

1. Eternal Aesthetics Medical Spa is located at 1000 Lake St. Louis Blvd., Suite 34 in Lake St. Louis. You can reach them at 636-692-6555 or visit them online at www. eamedspa.com.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serves Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville. The chamber is comprised of over 670 members. If you are interested in having a ribbon cutting at your place of business please contact the chamber. To view pic-

2. You can reach Project 10 Challenge with Visalus representative Amanda Wager at 314-220-5007 or learn more online at http:// visalus.com/the-challenge. 3. Universal Granite & Marble is located at 1616 Woodson Road in Overland. You can reach them at 314-983-0700 or visit them on-

4. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select Properties is located at 3070 Winghaven Blvd. in Oâ€™Fallon. You can reach them at 636-720-3000 or visit them online at www. bhhsselectstl.com.

tures & video of these recent ribbon cuttings please visit our Chamber Facebook Page. For more information please call the chamber office at 636-327-6914 or visit the chamber online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

www.byerlyrv.com 14

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

Business

Serving Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Dardenne Prairie

Pay It Forward Holiday Raffle – enter for the chance to win $500 The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their 4th Annual Pay It Forward Raffle. There will be two grand prize winners this year. Each winner will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card! With each ticket purchased the chamber will be paying it forward and donating $1,500 from the sales to Operation Food Search and $1,500 will go towards the four $750 scholarships the chamber awards annually for local students.

Tickets are only $10 a piece and the chamber is selling only 400 tickets. With each ticket you buy you are providing food for local families and scholarships for local students! The drawing will be held in December. You can purchase your tickets by calling the chamber office at 636-327-6914, visiting their offices at 207 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville, or online at http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

Vote for your favorite businesses for Best of Western St. Charles County

By tony mathews

Tony Mathews is the President and CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce

The business community of Western St. Charles County is strong and vibrant. The communities of Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville have seen tremendous growth in both residential housing and local business representation. The Western St. For more on any of this information or the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and Community News have partnered togethchamber in general, please call the chamber office er to have the community honor local businesses as the Best of Western St. Charles at 636.327.6914 or visit the website County! http://westernstcharlescountychamber.com. “The mission of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is to proLocated at 207 South Linn Avenue in Wentzville. mote the growth and prosperity of our member businesses and three communities we serve (Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, You’re Right At Home When You Bank With Us! and Wentzville), by supporting a strong local economy and high quality of life,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. “By partnering with the Community News for the Best of Western St. Charles County we are able to make a connection between our residents and the businesses, because our residents make the selections.” Residents are asked to vote online at www.mycnews.com. Any member of the Western St. Chamber of Commerce is eligible to be nominated no matter which city their business may reside in. If you are voting for a non-chamber member business the business must be in the following zip codes: 63368, 63367, and 63385. The winners will receive their awards at the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce December Membership Meeting on Dec. 10. “We have seen tremendous growth in Western St. Charles County over the past year. The chamber has conducted over 40 ribbon cutting ceremonies for local businesses,” said Mathews. “The chamber has an outstanding membership of business and community leaders that support each other and make Western St. Charles County a great place to live, work and play.” For more information please visit the chamber website, http:// westernstcharlescountychamber.com, to view our online directory of members or you can download our free Chamber Mobile 4 Convenient LoCations to serve You! App Directory on any smart phone! Contact the chamber at 636Old Monroe Moscow Mills O’Fallon Wentzville 327-6914 or in person at 207 South Linn Avenue, Wentzville, MO 636-655-5601 636-356-4000 636-980-3585 636-332-4906 63385.

www.bankofoldmonroe.com www.bankofoldmonroe.com

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Entertainment

Die another day The survival and return of the James Bond series

Every few years, since 1995, we’re presented with a movie franchise tradition based on seasonal timing, just like a Marvel movie opening on the first weekend of May every year. Particularly, I’m talking about the month of November and the franchise that loves to release its movies here is none other than James Bond. This year’s new November addition is called “Spectre,” and it is set to open Nov. 6. The 007 film series began the journey with “Dr. No” way back in 1962, when we first see the face of actor Sean Connery (lighting up a cigarette at a casino) introducing himself as “Bond, James Bond.” Those words remain one of the greatest movie quotes in cinematic history and Number 22 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time. The majority of the first sixteen James Bond films were released during the summer seasons while only four of those, like “Thunderball,” “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and “The Man With The Golden Gun,” where released in mid to late December and “Goldfinger” (arguably the greatest of the series) opened in early January. After the summer release of “Licence To Kill,” in 1989, there was a six-year period when the Bond franchise stalled. There was the sudden departure of actor Timothy Dalton (who was contracted to play Bond once more), the passing of the veteran screenwriter of the series, Richard Maibaum, and there were rights issues with the James Bond character between parties. This was the reason for the longest gap between two films in the 007 series. So what was on the opposite end of that gap after “Licence To Kill”? That would be 1995’s “GoldenEye,” the movie that began the November opening trend and saving the series from total destruction. After that long hiatus period the directing gig went to Martin Campbell, the first non-British filmmaker of the series. This revamp of the series was a do-or-die situation because if the movie failed, so

would our beloved character and the 007 series would’ve been gone for good. Fortunately, this major studio gamble paid off handsomely and insured us that there was still a future for Mr. Bond, this time played by Pierce Brosnan. Martin Campbell’s fearless direction was a welcome update to the franchise – while maintaining the integrity of its classic tone and theme. The next film, “Tomorrow Never Dies” opened in December of 1997 becoming the only film after the sixyear hiatus not to open in November. “Tomorrow” became another successful hit and seemed to have served the greatest amount of Bond’s hilarious one-liners and incredibly staged action sequences. 1999’s “The World Is Not Enough” did fairly well as another boxoffice hit and the final Pierce Brosnan entry of 2002’s “Die Another Day” was decent box office-hit, but underperformed critically and thus the series was in danger of little interest once again. In 2006, director Martin Campbell, the “GoldenEye” savior of the franchise was called on once again. Instead of another revamp, this time he’s directed a series reboot called “Casino Royale” with Daniel Craig as the new star to take on the role as James Bond who is just earning his promotion as a 007 agent. This is something we haven’t seen in the series before, a flawed James Bond who is still trying to perfect his skills as an MI6 agent. This is an over-confident Bond who’s so daringly clever he’s borderline reckless. The action scenes in “Casino” have risen to new highs for the series giving this franchise a daring new spin with a new Bond with a bit more attitude. 2008’s “Quantum Of Solace,” the first Bond film ever to be a direct follow-up from its predecessor, was another successful hit completing his early days as a new 007 agent. Four Bond-less years flew by as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Once that mess was settled, we’re finally given our next film in 2012 called “Skyfall” becoming the greatest Bond film of the Daniel Craig series and even becoming an Oscar contender – something that hasn’t happened in the franchise in decades. “Skyfall” became the highest-grossing Bond film in history – not to mention its incredible sales overseas. Director Sam Mendes was the first Oscar-winning director to take on the series and he’s returned to direct “Spectre” which is due this month. By Brian GuerRero

Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.

www.treesbywoody.net

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

For the Love of Food

A centerpiece for the celebration As family gathers around the table, a fragrant, beautifully plated main dish is the focal point of any holiday meal. A richly flavored pork or beef dish that looks as good as it tastes will have guests passing their plates for more. How to Handle Frozen Meat Working with frozen meat from a quality supplier not only ensures top-notch quality for your holiday dinner, it adds convenience during a busy time of year. Follow this advice from the experts at Omaha Steaks to handle your frozen meats with care. • For meats that have been vacuum sealed in plastic wrap, store in a freezer for up to three months. • For best results, thaw in the refrigerator to allow for juicier, more flavorful steaks. Always leave the wrapper on while thawing. Use these approximate guidelines for thawing in a refrigerator set to 36-40 F: Large roast: 4 to 7 hours per lb. Small roast: 3 to 5 hours per lb. Steak (1-inch): 12 to 14 hours Whole turkey: 1 day per 4 to 5 lbs.

Pork Crown Roast with Garlic Herb Rub Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 2 hours, 30 minutes | Total time: 3 hours | Serves: 12-16 Ingredients: 1/4 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 1/3 cup fresh garlic, peeled and finely diced 1/4 cup thyme, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped 1/4 cup rosemary, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons sage, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved 1 pound fresh pearl onions, peeled and halved

maining rub, including in between bones. Put any excess rub on top.

Directions: Thaw roast completely and remove plastic packaging. Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare rub by combining salt, pepper, garlic, herbs and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Mix 2 tablespoons of rub with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss with potatoes and onions. Liberally rub all sides of roast with re-

Place roast on foil lined sheet pan and spread potatoes and onions around sides of roast. Cook on center rack of oven for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes for a 9-pound roast, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F in the middle. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting away string and slicing between bones for 16 even portions. Serve with roasted red potatoes and pearl onions in natural au jus.

Salt Encrusted Prime Rib Roast Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 2 hours | Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes | Serves: 8 Ingredients: Salt Crust: 1 box (3 pounds) coarse kosher salt 1 1/4 cups water 1 bone-in prime rib roast (6 pounds) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2-3 teaspoons cracked black pepper Directions: Heat oven to 425 F. Line shallow roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Combine salt crust ingredients; mix well.

(Mixture may appear dry; do not add additional water.) In roasting pan, pat 1 1/2 cups salt mixture into rectangular shape about 1/2 to 1 inch larger than roast. Brush roast with oil; press pepper evenly into surface. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer into thickest part of roast, not resting in fat; center roast on salt layer. Starting at base of roast, pack remaining salt mixture onto sides and top to encase in salt. (Some salt mixture may fall off, ex-

posing small areas of the roast. This will not affect cooking.) Roast in oven approximately 1 3/4 to 2 hours for medium rare or 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours for medium doneness. Use thermometer to verify doneness. Transfer pan with roast to cooling rack; let stand uncovered 15 minutes. Remove and discard salt crust from roast, brushing off any remaining salt. Carve and serve.

Apricot Ham Glaze Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 | Serves: 6-8 Ingredients: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon corn starch 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 cup canned apricot nectar

Poultry parts: 1 day per 1 to 2 lbs. • For quick, safe thawing place meat in cold water while still in its wrapper.

1 pork crown roast

Directions: In small saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn starch and ginger. Stir in apricot nectar. Cook over medium heat, stirring con-

stantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Serving suggestion: Brush glaze over whole ham before roasting or over ham steaks while grilling.

Cranberry Orange Ham Glaze Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Serves: 10-12 Ingredients: 1 can (16 ounces) cranberry sauce 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 1/4 teaspoon all spice

Directions: Place all ingredients in small sauce pan over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve.

NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

Photo Op

Quilts of Valor

Photographer Ray Rockwell joined the talented quilters at Dardenne Presbyterian Church on Oct. 6 as they crafted quilts for the Quilts of Valor Program. They are one of the only groups in the country who still produce their quilts by hand. Photos By Ray Rockwell

CROSSROADS | NOVEMBER 2015

Community Calendar

November: 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends 2: Blood drive Blood Drive at SunRise United Methodist Church from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. in main lobby at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. To schedule an appointment, call Rick Oliver at 636-219-9949 or online at www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org. Use Group Sponsor Code 9256 to schedule online. Please eat and hydrate well before donating. You must bring donor or photo ID to donate. 6: Trivia night The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries will host its 5th annual Trivia Night at Trigg Banquet Center located at 300 O’Fallon Plaza in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Everyone, including the public, is invited to attend. The price of $160 for a table of eight people includes: 10 rounds of trivia, door prizes, a mulligan, beer and soda; you may also bring in your favorite snacks. The evening will be packed with cash prizes, 50/50, special games & drawings, a prize for the best decorated Disney themed table and best group costume will all be part of the fun. For more information or to register your table visit www.OFallonChamber.org/trivia or call 636-240-1818 to reserve your spot. 7: Holly Berry Fair St. John’s United Church of Christ, (Wolfrum Rd. and Hwy 94 in Weldon Spring), will hold its annual ‘Holly Berry Fair’ Bazaar from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The fair includes a silent auction for gift baskets, gift certificates, and Holiday items. Bidding closes at 2 p.m. Shops will remain open until 3 p.m. and include a specialty gift shop, where all items are priced under $20, others have hand crafted items, homemade mixes, soups, and cookies by the pound. Just for kids, there are inexpensive gifts for parents, grandparents and friends. The “Sweet Shoppe” includes: Homemade candies, jams and jellies, canned vegetables, and baked goods. The café offers walking tacos and ham sandwiches. Homemade pies and cakes will also be available. A home-made quilt will be raffled at 2 p.m. For additional information contact Barb Eickmeier 636-2440385 or Julie Massar at 636-926-8995 or visit our web site - http:// stjohnsweldonspring.org.

11: Veterans Day Ceremony A free Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Walk at 800 Belleau Creek Road in O’Fallon. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon. mo.us or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/veterans-memorial-walk. Join in thanking veterans for our liberty and our country’s freedom. City Hall will be closed in observance of the day. 13: Craft bazaar Immanuel Lutheran Ladies Aid Craft Bazaar will be held at 623 E. Hwy N in Wentzville from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. featuring homemade baked goods and crafts. A quilt will be raffled, need not be present to win. Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Serving roast beef sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, German potato salad, slaw, and homemade pies. Carry outs will be available. 18: Tree lighting ceremony Help ring in the official start of the season by joining in the countdown to the lighting of the holiday tree in O’Fallon City Hall at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon from 6 – 8 p.m. The evening’s fun includes live choral music, visits with Santa (be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment), games, crafts, face painting and rides on the City Train (weather permitting). Vendors’ booths will be stocked with holiday decorations and hand-made gifts for sale, and concessions will be available for purchase. Free admission but food pantry donations are requested. For more information contact 636-3795614 or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/more-festivals-and-events. 21: Tree lighting ceremony In honor of the Salvation Army’s continued support of St. Charles County Residents in Need, the city of Dardenne Prairie will host their 6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in City Hall Park at 6 p.m. The evening will include musical entertainment by area schools, holiday crafts, refreshments and other activities. Santa and his reindeer will be available for pictures, please bring your own camera. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army Toy Town. Donated toys will benefit children in need in the western St. Charles County area. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 636-755-5308 or visit the website at www.dardenneprairie.org.

10: Marine Corps Birthday

26: Thanksgiving Day

11: Veterans Day

27: Black Friday 30: Cyber Monday NOVEMBER 2015 | CROSSROADS

2139-A Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., Oâ€™Fallon, MO 63366

Living Word 1/12