Public Safety Director's Spotlight - 2013 Halloween Safety Tips

 

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of the year for kids, but to help ensure they have a safe holiday, I want to pass along a few Halloween safety tips from SafeKids.org:

•  Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.  If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• Cross the street at corners.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths.  If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween.  Slow down, be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic.

Following safety tips and using common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween celebration, keeping it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you.

 

Upcoming Events

Oct. 25 -- Food Policy "Brown Bag" Speaker Series, Gateway Greening Office, Noon

Don't miss the last "Brown Bag" Speaker session for this year.  Ms. Rosalind Williams, the City of Ferguson's recently retired Director of Planning and Development, will be discussing the development of community garden ordinances this Friday, from Noon to 1 p.m. at the Gateway Greening Office, 2211 Washington Avenue.  Please RSVP to Hannah at (314) 588-9600 ext. 104.

Oct. 25 -- Metamorphosis Costume Party, Moulin, 7 p.m.

The Fourth Annual Metamorphosis Costume Party will take place this Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Moulin, located at 2017 Chouteau Avenue in the Downtown West neighborhood.  Metamorphosis is a Friendraiser, bringing together Young Professionals and their friends to a free social event in the City of St. Louis to discover and connect with Kingdom House and its Soulard partner and neighbor, American Eagle Credit Union.  To learn more, visit the kingdomhouse.org web site or call (314) 492-8631.

Oct. 25 & 26 -- Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Expo, America's Center, Noon

This Friday and Saturday, more than 60 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and more at the Rock 'n' Roll Saint Louis Expo at America's Center, 701 Convention Plaza.  All runners in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon races must visit the Expo to pick up their race number, swag back and t-shirt and perhaps some last-minute race essentials before race day.  The Expo will run from Noon – 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.  For more information, visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/st-louis .

Oct. 26 - Daffodil Planting Day, Gardens at Lake Louie, 8:45 a.m.

Volunteers are needed this Saturday for Daffodil Planting Day in the Gardens at Lake Louie.  Volunteers may park in Wells Fargo Advisors Lot 22 at Market Street and Beaumont (just west of Jefferson).  Shuttles will start at 8:45 a.m. and will bring volunteers to the planting site.  Please bring work gloves and your favorite shovel, if you wish.  If you don't have either, still come – Brightside St. Louis will have some supplies available as well as the 25,000 daffodils that need to be planted.  At 10:30 a.m. 40 students from Saint Louis University will join the effort as part of their campus' Make A Difference Day observance.  If you're interested in helping, call (314) 772-4646 or email brightsidestlouis@gmail.com.

Oct. 26 - Fifth Annual Great Pumpkin Carve & Glow, Moonrise Hotel, Noon

Moonrise Hotel and Eclipse Restaurant will present the Fifth Annual Great Pumpkin Carve & Glow this Saturday at 6177 Delmar in The Loop. Visitors will enjoy pumpkin carving and Halloween merriment from Noon to 4 p.m.  The lighting and judging of the pumpkins will take place from 4 – 4:30 p.m. in the Moonrise Hotel courtyard.  All ages are welcome.  Pumpkins and basic carving and decorating materials will be provided.  Enjoy complimentary hot cider while creating your masterpiece.  Need more information?  Visit the MoonriseHotel.com web site.

Oct. 26 - National Chemistry Week Celebration, St. Louis Science Center, 4 p.m.

In honor of National Chemistry Week (Oct. 20 through Oct. 26) the St. Louis Science Center in collaboration with the American Chemical Society and Youth Exploring Science will celebrate the week with special activities this Saturday at the Center, located at 5050 Oakland Avenue in the Kings Oak neighborhood.  For the complete schedule of activities, call (314) 289-4400.

Oct. 26 -- Tricks & Treats on Park, Plaza Fountain, 11 a.m.

Everyone is invited to stop by Tricks & Treats on Park this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities will include trick or treating the neighborhood businesses on Park, a party and parade beginning at the Fountain on the Plaza, costume contests, and more.  The parade will step off at 12:30 p.m.  For more details visit the lafayettesquare.org web site.

Oct. 26 -- Rx Take-Back Day, various locations, 9:30 a.m.

Do you have unwanted or expired medicine?  Dispose of it properly by dropping it off at participating Rx Take-Back Day locations this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Drop-off sites include:  Walgreeens stores at 1520 Lafayette, 3822 S. Kingshighway, 3720 N. Kingshighway and 4218 Lindell.  For more details, visit the dea.gov web site.

 

Oct. 26 -- Halloween Hullabaloo!, Carondelet Park Rec Complex, 4 p.m.

The Carondelet Park Rec Complex will be holding its biggest event of the year, Halloween Hullabaloo!, this Saturday from 4 – 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy Trunk-or-Treat, pumpkin decorating, s'mores and hot dogs, face painting and games.  The event will be free for families bringing a vehicle and candy to pass out for Trunk-or-Treat.  Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated trunks.  Cost will be $10 per family for advanced registration and $15 per family on the day of the event. You may register by calling (314) 768-9622.

Oct. 26 -- Boo at the Zoo Spooky Saturday, St. Louis Zoo, 9 a.m.

Parents are invited to bring their trick-or-treaters to the Saint Louis Zoo in beautiful Forest Park this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for safe and free trick-or-treating, live entertainment, crafts, games and more.  Children are encouraged to wear costumes.  For all the particulars, visit the stlzoo.org web site.

Oct. 26 -- Stray Rescue Halloween Spooktacular, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, 11 a.m.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis will hold a Halloween Spooktacular this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at its shelter at 2320 Pine Street in the Downtown West neighborhood.  The fun, family event will include live music, food, and the launch of the new Stray Rescue cookbook.  This will be the first chance to purchase a copy of the recipe book.  All companion animal adoption fees will be just $31 both days.  Questions?  Call (314) 771-6121.

Oct. 26 -- Free Family Day:  Halloween, Contemporary Art Museum, 1 p.m.

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) and explore the world of contemporary art together this Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m.  Tour the current exhibitions and spend the afternoon enjoying a wide range of exciting artist-led workshops, face painting, storytelling, music and dance performances, and more.  Visitors who come in costume will be entered in a drawing to win a special prize.  CAM is located at 3750 Washington Boulevard in Grand Center.  For more information, call (314) 535-4600 or visit the camstl.org web site.

Oct. 26 -- Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Assistance Site, Buder Branch Public Library, 9:30 a.m.

If you can't get affordable health insurance through your job, you can now buy quality health coverage for yourself and your family through the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace.  You will also see if you can get financial help to buy health insurance. Learn more or sign up online by going to www.covermissouri.org.  You may also visit one of the Insurance Marketplace Enrollment sites scheduled events from now through Dec. 14 to obtain information and sign up for Jan. 1.  An enrollment assistance event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon at the Buder Branch Public Library located at 4401 Hampton in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.  For a complete list of the enrollment sites scheduled events, log on to www.stlouis-mo.gov.   

Oct. 27 -- Trunk or Treat, Southwest Baptist Church, 5:30 p.m.

Southwest Baptist Church, located at 6401 Scanlan Avenue in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood, will be hosting Trunk or Treat for the community from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27.  Church members will have their trunks ready for trick or treaters.  There will be games, candy, s'mores and lots of fun.  For more information, call the church office at (314) 647-4567 or visit the Southwest Baptist Church page on Facebook.

Oct. 27 -- Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Marathon, on Market Street west of Tucker, 7 a.m.

The Quinn Family Foundation Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Marathon, ½ Marathon and Mini-Marathon will take place this Sunday, starting at 7 a.m. from Market Street just west of Tucker.  The full course will take runners on a tour of Downtown including the home of the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, the Historic Courthouse and Washington Avenue.  After a loop through Saint Louis University, the course will pass The Grove neighborhood, beautiful Tower Grove Park and Lafayette Park.  The race will finish back Downtown with a finish line festival and post-race concert, taking place in the inviting parks off Chestnut and Market Street.  For all the details, visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/st-louis/event-details .

Oct. 27 -- Free Organ Recital, Second Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m.

Dr. Faythe Freese will play an exciting organ program of a variety of works this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place in the trendy Central West End neighborhood.  Dr. Freese is Professor of Organ at the University of Alabama - School of Music and has played throughout the United States and Europe.  Invite your family and friends to join you for this free concert.

Oct. 31 -- Halloween Parade & Party, Lafayette Park Playground, 5:30 p.m.

Lafayette Square will hold a Halloween Party and Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Playground in Lafayette Park.  Visitors will be able to enjoy carnival games, hayrides and more.  Visit the lafayettesquare.org web site for more details.

Oct. 31 -- Halloween Twilight Tour, Campbell House Museum, 7:30 p.m.

The Halloween Twilight Tour of Campbell House Museum on Oct. 31 will give visitors the rare chance to see the House opened up at night and to hear the tragic story and struggles the Campbell Family faced during their 84 years of living in the only house remaining on the once-exclusive Lucas Place.  The cost of the tour is $8.00 per person, and it will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.  To make your reservation, call (314) 421-0325.

 

Save the Date

Nov. 1 -- First Fridays in Grand Center, various venues, 5 p.m.

Nov. 2 -- St. Louis City Hall's Open House, 1200 Market Street, 9 a.m.

Nov. 2 -- SLACO's 18th Annual Neighborhood Conference, Harris-Stowe State University, 8:30 a.m.

Nov. 2 -- Speaker Series, International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum, 10 a.m.

Nov. 3 -- Sail Foundation Fifth Annual Bowling Tribute Benefit, Crest Bowl, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 -- Daylight Saving Time ends

 

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.

 

Mayor's Sustainability Summit III :: Implement

This year's Sustainability Summit will be held Nov. 6 – 9, and the theme is implementation of the City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan and Mayor's Sustainability Action Agenda.  Over the course of three days, there will be inspirational speakers, participatory activities, how-to workshops, and opportunities to learn about past, present, and future sustainability initiatives in the City.  Because space is limited, you are encouraged to pre-register and arrive early on the day of the event(s).  The Launch, Keynote and Awards will take place on Nov. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Steinberg Auditorium on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis.  The Sustainability Showcase and How-To Workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Laboratory Sciences Building, Washington University in St. Louis.  Register today at https://sustainabilitysummit.wufoo.com/forms/mayors-sustainability-summit-iii-registration/ .

Charlene Deeken
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis