Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Community Disaster Education

 

Community Disaster Education

Did you know that only two in 10 Americans feel very prepared for a major disaster? Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning.  They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.  The best way to make your family and your home safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.  One of the first steps you can take is prepare a family emergency plan that includes a meeting place away from your home, work and school, a family contact person outside of your area, and a list of phone numbers for each family member.  Another step is to put together an emergency supplies kit, which would include a flashlight, water, batteries, non-perishable food and a first aid kit to name a few.  The American Red Cross web site at www.redcrossstl.org is a valuable resource of emergency checklists and preparedness tips.  Make it your New Year's resolution to be better prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.

 

Upcoming Events

Dec. 14 – Holidays In Old North Festival and Craft Market, Crown Square, 11 a.m.

Old North St. Louis Restoration Group is inviting everyone to stop by its Third Annual Holidays in Old North Festival and Craft Market this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 4 Corner Storefronts at 14^th Street and Montgomery Street.  The event will feature handmade items from 30 local artists, food and beverages and live performers, holiday carolers and more!  Questions?  Call (314) 241-5031 ext. 104.

Dec. 14 – Historic Holiday Traditions, Old Courthouse, Noon

The Rotunda of the Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis is decked out in authentic Victorian décor for the holidays, and everyone is invited to stop by this Saturday at Noon for a celebration of Historic Holiday Traditions.  Visitors will experience music, dancing and food from significant eras in St. Louis' history.  Volunteers in period clothing will assist guests in discovering how early St. Louisans celebrated the holidays.  Call 1-877-982-1410 to learn more.

Dec. 14 – Blues Viewing Party, Steinberg Rink, 5:30 p.m.

FOX Sports Midwest will host the third St. Louis Classic outdoor viewing party at Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park this Saturday.  Hockey fans will be able to watch the Blues' game at Columbus on two enormous TV screens while ice skating with beautiful Forest Park as the backdrop.  The pregame, postgame and intermission shows will be broadcast live from the rink, with Hall of Famer Bernie Federko, former Blue Jamal Mayers and Jim Hayes as hosts.  There is no cost to come and watch from 5 to 10 p.m.  The Blues game will begin at 6 p.m.  Skating, rentals, food, hot chocolate, beer and wine will be available for purchase from Steinberg Skating Rink. For more information, visit the steinbergskatingrink.com web site.

Dec. 15 – Family Sundays, St. Louis Art Museum, 1 p.m.

During the month of December, the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park will highlight winter celebrations at its Family Sundays Series.  Bring your family in from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 and enjoy art activities inspired by Diwali, Hanukkah, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Christmas holiday traditions.  Each week will include special treats, performances, and scavenger hunts that teach about these cultural groups.  The Family Sundays event is free and open to the public.  To learn more, visit the slam.org web site.

Dec. 16 – OASIS Holiday Concert, Central Reform Congregation, 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the holiday season with an evening of music performed by OASIS musicians.  The free concert will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Avenue in the Central West End neighborhood.  If you plan to attend, register by calling (314) 862-4859 ext. 24.

Dec. 17 – Free Concert, Tower Grove Park, 6:30 p.m.

The St. Louis Symphony's Tuesdays at Tower Grove Park Chamber Concert Series will continue this Tuesday, Dec. 17 with a free concert in Piper Palm House in beautiful Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Avenue.  The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the free concert will begin at 7 p.m.  Space is limited and no reservations will be taken.  Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  For a schedule of free St. Louis Symphony community events, visit the slso.org web site.

Dec. 19 – Holiday Candlelight Open House, Campbell House Museum, 6 p.m.

The Campbell House Museum will present a Candlelight Open House celebration of a Victorian Christmas from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, replete with elaborate displays of trees, wreaths, garland and 19^th Century elegance throughout the 1851 home of Robert & Virginia Campbell. Cost is $10 per person; children aged 12 and under are free.Need more information?  Call (314) 421-0325.

Now through Dec. 28 – Holiday Lights Experience, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 6 p.m.

This year, for the first time ever, the iconic holiday lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery at 1127 Pestalozzi in the Soulard neighborhood can be enjoyed close-up as part of a new walking tour filled with fun, family-friendly activities.  This free event offers live holiday music, fire pits, s'mores and complimentary beer samples for adults 21 and older.  The walking tours will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday night in December.  Invite your family and friends to join you for a fun evening at the A-B Brewery.  For more details, visit the anheuser-busch.com web site.

Now through Dec. 31 – Central West End Window Walk, 10 a.m.

The 4^th Annual Central West End Window Walk is taking place now through Tuesday, Dec. 31.The event showcases the Central West End retail and restaurant merchants' creative holiday window displays.  Shoppers and visitors can vote for their favorite windows at participating businesses during regular business hours.  Enjoy time with friends and family away from the hustle and bustle of the malls!  Visit the CWE all month long, vote on your favorite window and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate.  Go to the cwescene.com web site for more details.

 

Save the Date

Dec. 20 – Third Friday Party, Third Degree Glass Factory, 6 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.

 

Vote for stl250's Cakeway to the West Locations

In 2014, St. Louis will celebrate its 250th birthday. In honor of the occasion, 250 fiberglass birthday cakes will be placed at essential spots throughout the 15-county St. Louis region.  The stl250 organization is asking the public to vote on spots that are quintessentially St. Louis.  What places define the story of St. Louis?  Let your voice be heard in this matter.  The top 50 public selections will receive cakes, and stl250 will select the rest.  Voting for the Cakeway to the West locations is taking place now through Jan 3, 2014.  The public's favorites will be announced on January 6, 2014.  For all the details, visit the stl250.org web site.

 

Charlene Deeken
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis