Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Open Sustainability Competition

 

Open Sustainability Competition

The City of St. Louis is inviting teams of neighborhood organizations, individuals, religious organizations, and other community groups to apply for $5,000 to fund a project designed to help improve the sustainability of their neighborhood.  Seven projects will be selected.  Grant applications are due June 15.  There will be an Informational Help Session at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street in Downtown St. Louis, on Thursday, May 16 from 6 – 7 p.m.  For all the rules and an application form, visit the sustainableneighborhood.net web site.

 

Upcoming Events

May 10 – Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute, MetroLink Stations, 7 a.m.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) will host "Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute" events from 7 – 8:30 a.m. on Friday at several MetroLink stations and transfer centers to thank area residents for supporting St. Louis transit.  If you're commuting on Friday, be on the look-out for CMT members wearing Team Transit t-shirts and handing out complimentary granola bars and information on the Guaranteed Ride Home Program.  To learn more, visit the cmt-stl.org web site.

May 10 – Midtown Grand Prix, Grand Center/Locust Business District, 3:15 p.m.

Under the lights on Friday night, the Midtown Grand Prix will zoom through the streets of one of the region's top dining and entertainment districts – the GrandCenter / Locust Business District.  Spectators will be able to enjoy the races along with outdoor expos just west of the Start/Finish by Triumph Grill, dining and a street festival. The first race will begin at 3:15 p.m. and the races will increase in ability as the day to progresses.  The Women Pro/1/2 will begin at 8:10 p.m. and the Men Pro/1/2 will begin at 9:20 p.m.  For all the particulars, visit the tourdegrove.com web site.

May 10 – Reggae Summer Splash, Old Chain of RocksBridge, 6 p.m.

RWFDC and Alderwoman Dionne Flowers will present Reggae Summer Splash this Friday on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge at Riverview Drive and Highway 270 from 6 p.m. - Midnight.  Bring your family, friends and lawn chairs and enjoy Non Stop Reggae Crew and DJ Ranx & the Dubtronix, plus great BBQ from BJ's.

May 10 & 11 – ArtCrank St. Louis 2013, Atomic Cowboy, 5 p.m.

This weekend, gear up for ArtCrank St. Louis 2013, which will feature bike-inspired art by St. Louis artists.   Limited edition, signed and numbered copies of all posters will be available for $40 each.  Admission is free.  This will be the fifth show in St. Louis, and the third at Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester in The Grove.  For all the details, visit the artcrank.com web site.

May 10 & 11 – Flowers for Downtown, 13^th & Market, 9 a.m.

You are invited to join volunteers on Friday and Saturday to expand on last year's efforts to beautify Downtown.  Brightside St. Louis will be planting flowers along Market Street and Tucker Boulevard in conjunction with the City Parks Department and the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.  Volunteer registration will take place at 13^th and Market Streets, near the Laclede Statue at City Hall, beginning at 9 a.m. on both days. Volunteers will work until Noon.  If you love flowers and St. Louis, this is a great opportunity to plant flowers and have fun.  For more information or to volunteer, call (314) 772-4646 or email info@brightsidestl.org.

May 11 – Plant Sale, St. Louis City Greenhouse, 8 a.m.

Flora Conservancy of Forest Park will hold its annual plant sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Louis City Greenhouse, 5600 Clayton Avenue.  All plants are grown by Flora Conservancy volunteers.  Take home plants or a hanging basket just in time for Mother's Day.  All proceeds from the plant sale will benefit this non-profit organization that, in partnership with the City of St. Louis Parks Department, landscapes and maintains plantings throughout Forest Park.  To learn more, call (314) 289-5323.

May 11 – Tour de Grove Bicycle Ride, Commerce Bank, 7:30 a.m.

Bike enthusiasts will have a chance to take the Tour de Grove Bicycle Ride on Saturday before watching the pros compete in the Tour de Grove race that's part of the Missouri Professional Cycling Series.  Registration will take place from 7:30 – 9 a.m. on the parking lot at Commerce Bank, 4019 Chouteau.  Short, medium and long routes are offered to accommodate every level of cyclist.  The cost day of ride will be $10 for Trailnet members, $15 for non-members and $3 for children.  Questions?  Visit the Trailnet.org web site.  

May 11 – Tour de Grove, Forest Park Southeast neighborhood, 9:30 a.m.

The Tour de Grove is one of only 24 USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar (NCC) professional cycling races in the United States.  The NCC series represents the most prestigious professional cycling races in the U.S. and attracts the top professional cyclists and teams to compete from across the country and the world.  The Tour de Grove course will be a 1.2 mile, spectator friendly, winding circuit through The Grove neighborhood with a sprint finish along Manchester Avenue in front of the area's restaurant and bar district.  Racing will get underway late morning beginning with amateur races and increasing in ability as the day progresses.  For a complete itinerary, go to the tourdegrove.com web site.

May 11 – Spring Fling in the City, Crown Square, 10 a.m.

If you love vintage items, handmade items and local history, be sure to stop by Spring Fling in the City this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on North 14^th Street between St. Louis Avenue and Warren Street in the beautifully restored Crown Square. To learn more, visit http://www.parsimoniaspringfling.blogspot.com/.

May 11, The Hill Wine Walk, The Hill neighborhood, 1 p.m.

The Second Annual Hill Wine Walk will take place this Saturday from 1 – 5 p.m. on The Hill.   Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Berra Park, corner of Macklind & Daggett.  The $25 per person cost includes a souvenir sampling cup, sample wine tasting at participating locations and more.  For more details, visit https://visit.hill2000.org/hill-wine-walk-may-11-2013/ .

May 11 – City-wide Gospel Fest, Kiener Plaza, 3 p.m.

If you love gospel music, be sure to stop by the free City-wide Gospel Fest that will take place this Saturday from 3 -7 p.m. in Kiener Plaza, 600 Market Street in beautiful Downtown St. Louis.  The Michael Latchison Singing Ministry event is co-sponsored by Alderman Sam Moore and Rev. Kenneth Robins.  To learn more, call (314) 602-7693.

May 12 – South Grand Mother's Day Bicycle Ride, Commerce Bank, 8 a.m.

Celebrate Mother's Day with a family bike ride.  Bring your Mom and other family members to see a variety of beautiful, historic neighborhoods or Tower Grove Park, depending on the route you choose.  Moms will ride for free.  Registration will take place from 8 – 9:30 a.m. at Commerce Bank, 3134 S. Grand Blvd.  Cost day of ride will be $10 for Trailent members, $15 for non-members and $3 for children.  Need more information?  Visit the Trailnet.org web site.

May 12 – Dutchtown Classic, South St. Louis, 9 a.m.

The Dutchtown Classic on Sunday will feature a challenging criterium circuit around the Dutchtown business district and Marquette Park and boasts a full schedule of amateur and professional racing, children's races and a U.S. Handcycling event.  The races will begin at 9 a.m., progressing in ability throughout the day, leading up to the Women Pro/1/2 at 3:15 p.m. and the Men Pro/1 at 4:30 p.m.  Come check out the action.  For more information, visit the tourdegrove.com web site.

May 14, Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series, Missouri History Museum, 6 p.m.

The free Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series has returned to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.  Blues prodigy Marquise Knox will present a crowd-pleasing performance, complete with powerful vocals and unmatched guitar skills on Tuesday, May 14 beginning at 6 p.m.  For the complete series schedule, visit the mohistory.org web site.   

May 17 – Bike to Work, various locations, 6:30 a.m.

National Bike to Work Day will be observed in St. Louis on Friday, May 17.  Mark your calendar to stop by for breakfast and coffee from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at one of the refueling stations to celebrate the day.  Nearly 500 people participated in 2012.  Bring your co-workers this year and let's keep the event growing.  City locations include:

* Big Shark, 6133 Delmar Blvd.

*  Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.

*  Missouri Botanical Garden, corner of Tower Grove and Shaw

* Downtown Bicycle Station, 1011 Locust.

 

For more information, visit the Trailnet.org web site.

May 18 – Fox Park Bocce Tournament, Shenandoah & California, Noon

The Fox Park Neighborhood Association will be holding the Fox Park Bocce Tournament on Saturday, May 18 in Fox Park, located at Shenandoah & California.  All are welcome, and teams of two may register for the event via the foxparkstl.org web site or at the event.  The tournament will begin around Noon and run until 6 p.m.   Sign-in for teams will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Fox Park Pavilion.  Cost is $20 per team ahead of time or $25 day of the event.  Bring your family and friends and catch the action of this popular ball sport.

 

Save the Date

May 17 – Third Friday Free Party, Third Degree Glass Factory, 6 p.m.

May 18 – Forest Park SE Neighborhood Block Sale, various locations, 8 a.m.

May 18 – Bark in the Park Festival, Forest Park, 9 a.m.

May 18 – The Art of Riding Bicycle & Public Art Tour, Regional Arts Commission, 9:30 a.m.

May 18 – Annual Old North House & Community Tour, 2700 N. 14^th Street, 10 a.m.

May 18 – Connect With A Purpose, Tower Grove Park, Noon

May 18 – 11^th Annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration, 28 E. Grand, 11 a.m.

May 19 – Annie Malone Parade, Downtown, 1 p.m.

May 19 – Benton Park Jazz Picnic, 2100 Arsenal Street, 3 p.m.

May 20 – Ghosts of the Arch Grounds, Gateway Arch, 8 p.m.

 

Promoting Your Neighborhood Activities

Is there a neighborhood event on the schedule that you would like noted in the Spotlight? If so, you may email the information about it to me at deekenc@stlouis-mo.gov or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouis-mo.gov for consideration. You may also post it on the City's Calendar of Events on the City's web site:  http://stlouis-mo.gov.  The link to submit an event is on the home page. The listing is free. I encourage you to take advantage of this free way to promote your event.

 

Foreclosure Education Seminar

The Shaw Neighborhood Housing Corporation (SNHC) will be hosting a free Foreclosure Seminar on Thursday, May 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at its offices at 4103 Shenadoah Avenue.  SNHC hopes to help residents educate themselves on the opportunities that are available.  The seminar will include a helpful presentation from Beyond Housing, which provides intervention and counseling services to those at risk of losing their home.  They have helped thousands from the St. Louis region and throughout Missouri.  To register, call (314) 773-7429.

 

Charlene Deeken
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis