Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Feb. 16, 2011

In case you missed the story that aired on KMOV-TV earlier this week, a new public awareness campaign for the entire St. Louis area will be rolled out in the next few weeks.  You'll see information on what do to in the event of a chemical or nuclear attack in St. Louis, including commercials and training seminars.  Being prepared for any type of emergency is important.  In each week's Spotlight, I encourage you to sign up for the free Nixle message service.  Today, I want to emphasize that Nixle is the most valuable tool City officials have to get information out to individuals, neighborhoods and businesses concerning available services in the aftermath of a disaster, what areas to avoid, etc.

This weekend there are a number of fun events planned in the City, and I've highlighted a few below.  These activities offer an opportunity to have fun with family and friends, to explore neighborhoods new to you, and to make new acquaintances.  So I encourage you to stop by and take advantage of them.  See you in the neighborhood!

Earnings Tax Forum

A Town Hall Meeting on the St. Louis City Earnings Tax will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Old Post Office, 815 Olive Street, Mall Level.  Panelists will include Mayor Francis G. Slay; Comptroller Darlene Green; Mark Mantovani, President and CEO of NSI Marketing System; and Nancy Cross, Vice President of SEIU, St. Louis Local 1.  Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden is also scheduled to say a few words.  For more details, call (314) 961-6869.

CommunityGardenSummit

Spring is on the way and Gateway Greening will be sponsoring a Community Garden Summit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust Street.  Registration and light breakfast begin at 8 a.m.  RSVP to Theresa at (314) 588-9600 ext. 23.

Black History Month Activities

In celebration of Black History Month, the Museum of Westward Expansion under the Gateway Arch will be hosting the Blacks in the 19^th Century West program on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.  For information, call (877) 982-1410.

The St. Louis Art Museum is focusing its Family Sunday events this month on African American Artists.  From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, tour the gallery then participate in hands-on art activities.  For details, visit http://www.slam.org/ .

Mardi Gras Fun

One of the annual favorite activities of St. Louis Mardi Gras is the Canjun Cook Off.  This year it will take place from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at a new location.  Instead of being held in the Soulard neighborhood, it will take place in a heated tent at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park.  For more information, visit http://www.stlmardigras.org/ .

Coffee & Conversation Forum

St. Louis Community College's Board of Trustees and Division of Workforce & Community Development will be holding an important Community Forum on Thursday, March 3 at the Forest Park Campus, 5600 Oakland Avenue, Student Center – South Bay.  Coffee and Tours start at 6 p.m. and the Conversation begins at 7 p.m.  Please RSVP to (314) 539-5173 or amorrell@stlcc.edu . This forum is to discuss the current and future plans of the Community College.

Construction Safety Week

This year, "Construction Safety Week" will be observed the week beginning Monday, Feb. 21.  I want to take this opportunity to recognize the members of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis who over the years have been involved in billions of dollars worth of construction projects that have benefited the entire St. Louis community.  Please join me in thanking the men and women in construction for their commitment to construction safety and their vision to create an effective safety culture within the St. Louis area construction industry.

NIXLE

The Department of Public Safety's City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) provides free emergency alert service through Nixle (http://www.Nixle.com/) .  When you register for the service, you will receive our informative and timely text messages on your cell phone and/or as e-mails on your computer.  Visit the Nixle website and sign up for the free service today.  If you have any comments about the service, please let me know.

Will you be having an event in your neighborhood that we can support?  If so, either e-mail the information about it to me at brysonc@stlouiscity.com or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouiscity.com .

And remember, if you see something in the neighborhood that just doesn't look like, REPORT IT!

Charles Bryson

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis