Public Safety Director's Spotlight - 2015 Lightning Safety Awareness Week

 

2015 Lightning Safety Awareness Week

According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year.  Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of the year.  Lightning kills an average of 49 people in the U.S. each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.  Most lightning victims are in open areas or near a tree.  Lightning Safety Awareness Week will be observed June 21 through June 27, 2015 so this is an appropriate time to revisit lightning safety tips.

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.  When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.  Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.  Stay away from windows and doors, and say off porches.  Avoid plumbing, including sinks and faucets.

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk:

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Never use a rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, e.g., barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.

Most lighting casualties occur at the beginning of an approaching storm, but a significant number of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed.  Always wait 30 minutes after the storm to resume activities.  To learn more, visit the lightningsafety.noaa.gov web site.

Upcoming Events

June 19 – Breakfast for Bikers, The Downtown Bicycle Station, 1011 Locust Street, 7 to 9 a.m.

Trailnet's monthly Breakfast for Bikers will be this Friday.  Join fellow bicyclists at The Downtown Bicycle Station from 7 to 9 a.m. for a bagel, coffee and camaraderie.  For more information, call (314) 436-1324 or visit the trailnet.org web site.

June 19 – JurassicPark Movie Night, RitzPark, 3147 S. Grand, 9 to 11 p.m.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for a showing of the classic, Jurassic Park, in Ritz Park on South Grand this Friday.  Grab food to-go from a nearby business or pack a dinner and drinks and join your neighbors for an evening of fun under the stars. For more details, visit the southgrand.org web site.

June 19 - 21 -- Juneteenth 150 Years Celebration Weekend, various locations, times vary

Has anyone invited you to a Juneteenth Celebration this year?  If not, you're welcome to celebrate with Tillie's Corner at the following events:

· Juneteenth Press Conference, Dred and Harriet Scott Statue at the Old Courthouse, 11 N. 4th Street, 10 a.m. Friday, June 19

· Juneteenth Celebration and Neighborhood Block Party, on Thomas Street (between Garrison Avenue and Glasgow Street, right by Tillie's Corner), 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20

The annual Sabayet Juneteenth Carnival will take place Saturday, June 20 on Maffitt Avenue from Vandeventer to Sarah from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Visitors will be able to enjoy a Jazz band, African dancers, singers, poetry, children's games, pony rides, vendor booths and more.  Questions?  Call Willie Penny at (314) 800-5841.

June 20 – Dano Festival Celebrating Korean Culture, St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Gateway Korea Foundation will host its second annual "Dano" festival this Friday and Saturday.  Dano is a traditional Korean holiday celebrating the end of sowing season.  Dating from ancient Korea, the holiday is celebrated with spiritual rites, song, dance and more.  Three events are scheduled for the St. Louis Dano Korean Festival and all are free to the public.  For all the details, visit http://www.gateway-korea.org/.

Every Friday, May – September – Lunchtime Live, OldPostOfficePlaza, 801 Locust, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Lunchtime Live is Downtown's premier outdoor lunchtime party that features live bands, food trucks and great networking opportunities.  Invite your co-workers to join you at this fun way to spend your lunch hour.  For more information, visit the downtownstl.org web site.

Every Friday – STLive on Washington Avenue, participating venues on Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis, 5 p.m.

Washington Avenue is alive with the sound of music every Friday night all year 'round at various Washington Avenue restaurants such as Tigin, Pi, Robust, Takaya, Dubliner, Copia, Flamingo Bowl, Hair of the Dog, Blondie's, Lucas Park Grille, Rosalita's, Wash Ave Post, Hiro Asian Kitchen, Sen Thai and many more.  Restaurants offer drink and dinner specials in addition to the live music.  All genres of music – from pop to jazz to country to rock -- are represented.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.  For more information, visit the STLiveMusic page on Facebook.

June 20 -- Saturday Morning Ranger-led River Trail Bike Ride, Meet at Downtown Bike Station, 11th and Pine, 8:30 a.m.

Great for families!  Meet the ranger at the 11th and Pine Downtown bike station at 8:30 a.m. for check-in and safety review.  The Saturday morning ranger-led River Trail Bike Ride will depart at 9 a.m. and include a seven-mile round trip along the north riverfront bike trail to the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing site and back.  Groups are encouraged to RSVP by calling (314) 655-1654.

June 20 – Plaquey Wacky 5K and Obstacle Relay Race, WillmorePark, 6499 Jamieson Avenue, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Area families are encouraged to join Delta Dental Health Theatre for its second annual Plaquey Wacky 5K and Obstacle Relay Race this Saturday.  The fun event will feature races, exciting activities, music, healthy snacks and great giveaways.  Proceeds will help expand the theatre's programming and its ability to offer scholarships to underserved schools throughout the St. Louis region.  Costs range from $20 to $55.  Registration may be completed online at www.ddhtstl.org/SpecialEvents.

June 20 – 19^th Annual Fatherhood Walk/5K Run and Rally, TowerGrovePark at Grand Avenue Entrance, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 19th Annual Fatherhood Walk/5K Run and Rally will take place this Saturday.  Join the Fatherhood Initiative Committee in promoting responsible fatherhood by supporting this fun event.  Participants will also be able to take advantage of on-site health and prostate cancer screening and educational and employment booths.  Other activities include entertainment, games for children, and art projects.  For more information, call (314) 333-4170 ext. 142.

June 20 -- Registration Session for Safety Outreach Summer Camp for Kids, MetroHigh School, 4015 McPherson, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will run a five-day camp for kids for three consecutive weeks in the month of July.  This program is designed to help build your child's awareness of possible dangers, safety measures, and how to handle these situations when the need arises.  To register your child for one of the three camps, you must bring your completed application to the registration session that will be held Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Metro High School.  Applications are available online at www.slmpd.org or via e-mail at SOS@slmpd.org or call (314) 444-5638 for an application by mail.

June 20 – Barbecue, Watson Terrace Christian Church, 4205 Watson Road at Winnebago Street, Noon to 7 p.m.

Stop by Watson Terrace Christian Church this Saturday for delicious barbecue.  Menu items for purchase include pork steaks, brats, chicken breasts, hot dogs, and burgers plus a selection of side dishes, desserts and beverages.  Eat in or carry out.  Need more information?  Call (314) 647-3840.

June 20 – Father's Day Mug Making Class, Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Boulevard, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift?  Work with a glass artist this Saturday to blow the perfect mug for you or Dad.  No experience needed.  The Father's Day Mug Making Classes for ages 10+ last about 30 minutes.  Call (314) 367-4527 for more information or visit the thirddegreeglassfactory.com web site.

June 20 – Free Concert, LafayettePark (SE corner), 6 to 9 p.m.

Invite your family and friends to join you for a free concert in Lafayette Park this Saturday.  Bring your chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic and some cold beverages and enjoy the performance of classic rock music by Rogers &Newhaus.  For more information, visit the LafayetteSquare.org web site.

Now through June 28 – Circus Flora, 3511 Samuel Shepard Drive in GrandCenter, performance times vary

Travel back to The Jazz Age – to a time when American cities grew rapidly, becoming home to families from all walks of life and corners of the map – when you attend Circus Flora's "One Summer on 2^nd Street."  Invite your friends and family to journey with you to a typical block in a typical city on a typical day – and meet a very atypical set of families – all under the Big Top this summer.  For ticket information, visit the circusflora.org web site.

Now through August 23 – Lantern Festival:  Magic Reimagined, MissouriBotanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, times vary

This year's Lantern Festival:  Magic Reimagined has brought all-new lighted works of art to the Missouri Botanical Garden for the summer.  The all-new sets crafted from silk and steel are once again offering visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience an event rarely staged outside of Asia.  For ticket information, visit the missouribotanicalgarden.org web site or call (314) 678-7442.

June 21 – Organ Recital, Historic TrinityLutheranChurch, 812 Soulard Street, 7 p.m.

Acclaimed organist Christopher Houlihan will bring one of his engaging and passionate performances to St. Louis this Sunday as a prelude to the American Guild of Organists North Central Regional Convention 2015.  For more information about the organ recital, visit the trinitymusicstl.com web site.

June 21 – Ranger-Led Walking Tour, Old Courthouse, 11 North Fourth Street, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Enjoy a ranger-led Walking Tour this Sunday.  Meet in the Old Courthouse Rotunda for the free guided walking tour featuring topics such as St. Louis history, downtown architecture and St. Louis' role in westward expansion.  Groups are encouraged to RSVP by calling (314) 655-1654.

June 21 – Free Concert, CarondeletPark, 6 to 8 p.m.

The Carondelet Community Betterment Federation is presenting its 27^th Annual Concerts in the Park Series now through Aug. 23^rd.  Each concert is free to the public.  Bring your blanket and friends and join the fun at the performance by Fanfare this Sunday in Carondelet Park.  For details about the concerts at Carondelet Park and others that will be held in South St. Louis Square Park, Fanetti Park and Bellerive Park throughout the summer, visit www.carondeletliving.com.

June 22 – Free Concert, South St. Louis Square Park, 7700 Pennsylvania Avenue, 7 to 9 p.m.

Bring your chairs, blankets and friends to South St. Louis Square Park on Monday, June 22 for a free concert by Patti and the Hitmen.  The Carondelet Summer Concerts in the Park Series is a longstanding annual celebration of diverse music, hosting local musicians at various parks in the Carondelet neighborhood each week.  For more information, visit the carondeletliving.com web site.

Every Wednesday – Wednesday Lunch Free Concert Series, Citygarden, 10^th & Market, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The Wednesday Lunch bands at Citygarden have returned and perform every Wednesday through Aug. 26.  Stop by the garden next Wednesday and catch the free concert by Jesse Gannon Truth.  Visit the citygardenstl.org web site for more details.

June 17 – June 27 – St. Lou Fringe Festival, Grand Center venues, times vary

The Fourth Annual St. Lou Fringe Festival is bringing two weeks of Fringetastic programming in five of the stellar venues in Grand Center:  Kranzberg Studio/Black Box, Duet Gallery, CEL, and The Stage at KDHX.  Tickle your fancy with theater, dance, comedy, musicians, spoken word and one-of-a-kind artistic expression.  Both a badge and a ticket are required to enter any show at the Festival.  The badge is a one-time purchase and is required for entry into festival events.  It's like the State Fair:  a nominal entry gets you in, then you get to pick your rides (shows) and get those tickets individually.  One hundred percent of ticket sales go to the performers and technical artists.  For a detailed schedule, tickets and more information, visit www.stlfringe.com.

June 25 - June 28 -- A Night at the Tonys, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, 5070 Rhodes Avenue, 7:30 p.m.

The talented Our Lady of Sorrows theater group will present its cabaret style musical, "A Night at the Tonys" -- a fun-filled musical that will have you singing along and tapping your toes.  Travel back in time with songs that have been nominated for or won a Tony on Broadway.  Come join us Thursday, June 25; Friday, June 26;and Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. or on Sunday afternoon June 28 at 2 p.m.  Refreshments will be available before the show begins and again at intermission.  The production will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall at 5070 Rhodes Avenue and tickets are only $7.00 for all ages. You can place reservations at (314) 650-9394 or via email at djlucido@sbcglobal.net.  After June 21, plan on getting your tickets at the door.

Every Thursday – Whitaker Urban Evening Series, St. Louis Place Park, Rauschenbach & St. Louis Avenue, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Whitaker Urban Evening Concert Series will take place every Thursday night now through July 16 in historic St. Louis Place Park.  The evening will feature live music by established artists, children's activities, and food trucks.  Invite your family and friends to join you for an unforgettable evening in the park.  For more information, visit the gracehillsettlement.org web site.

Save the Date

June 26 -- STL BrewFest 2015, Soldiers' Memorial, 1315 Chestnut, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

June 26 - 28 -- Soldiers' Memorial, 1315 Chestnut Street, 4:30 to 11:30 p.m.

June 27 -- 2015 Soulard Garden Tour, Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th Street, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 27 -- The Macklind Mile, Big River Running-South City, 5352 Devonshire Avenue, 8 a.m. to Noon

June 27 -- Surreal Sista recording LIVE, Urb Arts, 2600 N. 14th Street, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

June 27 -- Summer BBQ Concert, Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners, 6000 Kingsbury Avenue at Des Peres Avenue, 6 to 9 p.m.

June 27 -- ULTRA, Public Media Commons, 3653 Olive Street, 7 to 11 p.m.

June 27 -- Free Concert, Benton Park, Arsenal & S. Jefferson, 4 to 9 p.m.

June 28 -- Bridge Birthday Bash and Bicycle Ride, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, 10950 Riverview Drive, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 28 -- Lindenwood Live Concert, Lindenwood Park, Pernod & Jamieson Avenues, 5 p.m. to 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 GrayR@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 at the very bottom of the home page.  The listing is free.  I encourage you to take advantage of this free way to promote your event.

Volunteers Needed

Once again, Trailnet will be providing bike valet services at Fair Saint Louis over the Fourth of July weekend.  Leave the car at home and enjoy riding to the fair through beautiful Forest Park for all of the festivities.  Volunteers are needed to help with bike valet.  A volunteer bike valet orientation meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at Trailnet's Downtown office located at 411 North Tenth, Suite 202. There will be free food and drinks for everyone attending the orientation.  Visit the trailnet.org web site to sign-up.  Any questions, call Marcia Quint at (314) 436-1324 ext. 116.

Col. Richard Gray

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis