Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Senior Leadership Realignment

 

Senior Leadership Realignment

Last week, Mayor Francis G. Slay announced that he had implemented several personnel changes to take full advantage of the unique skills and experience of individuals in his administration.  As the new Director of Public Safety, I am very excited to serve in this role and look forward to leading the Department of Public Safety in its mission to ensure the safety of the people of St. Louis as well as the many individuals who work and visit our great city every day.

Each week you have been receiving the Spotlight newsletter, informing you about fun neighborhood activities and special events scheduled to take place in St. Louis.  I am pleased to continue this practice of keeping you updated.  Please feel free to contact my office with any comments or concerns you may have.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 7 -- 20th Century Street Photography Exhibit, International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum, 7 p.m.

The new exhibit at the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum will open this Friday at 7 p.m.  The exhibition, "Decisive Moments:  20^th Century Street Photography, Prints from St. Louis Collections" traces the evolution of street photography.  City streets, daily life and our changing society are seen through the eyes of seasoned photographers.  The museum is located at 3415 Olive Street in Grand Center.  Need more information?  Call (314) 535-1999.

Feb. 8 & 9 – Snowman Softball Tournament, Forest Park Central Ballfields, 7:30 a.m.

Snow or shine, the Snowman Softball Tournament to benefit the Police Athletic League will take place this Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Forest Park Central Ballfields.  Our region's premier winter softball tournament will feature more than 100 teams playing in two separate divisions (Men's and Co-ed) for the coveted Bud Light PAL Trophy and recognition as the Champions of their respective division.  There will be a fire pit at every field and Rock Star DJs playing music all day so come to Forest Park to cheer on your favorite teams.  Questions?  Call (314) 771-5110.

Feb. 8 -- KDHX Open House, 3524 Washington Avenue, 10 a.m.

The Larry J. Weir Center Open House and Magnolia Cafe Grand Opening will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Everyone is invited to come and see the new home of KDHX, located at 3524 Washington Avenue in Grand Center.  KDHX's Darren Snow will be DJing at The Stage.  Due to capacity limitations, advance registration is highly encouraged.  You may register by phone at (314) 664-3955 during business hours (M-F, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  

Feb. 8 -- Friends of Places for People Trivia Gras, St. Vincent DePaul Church, 6 p.m.

The Friends of Places for People will host Trivia Gras this Saturday at the St. Vincent DePaul Church in Soulard.  Doors will open at 6 p.m., with trivia beginning at 7 p.m.  Beer and water will be provided.  Bring your own food and snacks.  Registration is $25 per player or $200 for a table of 8.  The church is located at 1408 S. 10th Street.  To register your team, call (314) 535-2310.

 

Feb. 8 -- Trivia Night, St. Wenceslaus Parish Hall, 6:30 p.m.

St. Wenceslaus Church will host its Seventh Annual Trivia Night this Saturday in the school basement at 3022 Oregon Avenue in the Benton Park West neighborhood.  The doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7 p.m.  The cost is $20 per person.  To reserve your spot, call (314) 588-0770.

 

Feb. 8 – Ceremonial First Crossing, Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, Noon

Missouri and Illinois Department of Transportation officials have announced that the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open to the public between Noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 so people can walk, run, or bike on the new bridge.  Access to the bridge at that time will be free of charge.  A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. and a ceremonial first crossing by various military and classic car groups will begin at 3 p.m.  The bridge will close to the public at 4 p.m.  For more information and parking suggestions, go to the modot.org web site.

Feb. 9 – 48^th Annual African American Arts Festival Homer G. Phillips Health Center, 1 p.m.

The Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will be hosting the 48^th Annual African American Arts Festival this Sunday at the Homer G. Phillips Health Center, located at 2424 Whittier Street in The Ville neighborhood.  "A Showcase of Civil Rights Throughout The Disaspora" is the theme for this year's free festival, which will showcase the many talents of members of St. Louis community.  Visitors will also find a marketplace that will include the sale of art, music, books, clothes, jewelry and more.  For more information, call (314) 650-9186.

 

Sundays, Feb. 9 through March 2 – Delta Dental Winter Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, 11 a.m.

 Beginning this Sunday and every Sunday through March 2, everyone is invited to visit the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park for the Delta Dental Winter Zoo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Visitors will enjoy family fun activities, live entertainment, and more at this free event.  To learn more, visit the stlzoo.org/winterzoo web site. 

 

Save the Date

Feb. 14 – 14^th Annual Hardee's Rise & Shine for Heat Fundraiser, at participating Hardee's restaurants, 6 a.m.

Feb. 14 – Breakfast Connection-St. Louis is 250, Missouri History Museum, 7:30 a.m.

Feb. 14 – "A Great City from the Start" Historical Symposium, Missouri History Museum, 8 a.m.

Feb. 14-17 – The Biggest Birthday Bash, Missouri History Museum, 3 p.m.

Feb. 14 – Burnin' Love Festival, Forest Park, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 – Mardi Gras Wine, Beer & Whiskey Taste, Soulard Market Park, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 – STL 250 Reenactment of the Founding of St. Louis, City Hall, 10 a.m.

Feb. 15 – Founding of St. Louis Re-enactment, meet at South Leg of the Arch, 11 a.m.

Feb. 15 – Guy Foropon presentation on Pierre Laclede, Old Courthouse, 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 – Run for the Chocolate, Laclede's Landing, 9 a.m.

Feb. 15 – Cajun Cook-Off, Bud Light Party Centre in Soulard Market Park, Noon

Feb. 15 – St. Louis Youth Sports Summit, Rams Park, 9 a.m.

Feb. 15 – Reflections-Dred Scott and Peter Blow Families, Carondelet Historic Society, 1 p.m.

Feb. 16 – Love Songs, Second Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m.

Feb. 16 – STL 250 Biggest Birthday Ball, Missouri History Museum, 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 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.

 

Community Garden Summit

Gateway Greening's Fifth Annual St. Louis Community Garden Summit will take place on Saturday, February 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Louis University High School, located at 4970 Oakland Avenue in the Kings Oak neighborhood.  This annual event provides the opportunity to hear from national experts on community gardening, horticulture and community development.  Attendees have the chance to participate in networking with other gardeners and people working in sustainable practices across the region.  There are breakout sessions throughout the afternoon, a keynote speaker, and a highly recognized panel.  The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 7.  For more information, call (314) 588-9600 or visit the gatewaygreening.org web site.

Col. Richard Gray
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis