Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Jan. 27, 2011

 Black History Month has been an annual national observance in the United States of America during the month of February since 1976. It is the time of the year when teachers and parents help our young people recognize the role African Americans have played, and continue to play, in U.S. history. As such, there are always a number of Black History Month events that have been scheduled for February, and I will note some of them here in the coming weeks.

With the 150^th anniversary of the start of the Civil War occurring this year, the 2011 Black History Month observance is taking on additional significance. Did you know that during the Civil War, close to 180,000 African Americans in 163 units served in the Union Army? African Americans also served in the Union Navy. Sixteen African Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. I encourage you to engage your children to learn more about the pioneering African-American men and women who were a vital part of our country’s history. They are an inspiration to us all.

 

Listed below are a few neighborhood events that you, family and friends may find of interest. I encourage you to stop by those in your neighborhood as well as consider exploring neighborhoods new to you. They are perfect places to meet friends and neighbors or go to in support of worthy causes. See you in the neighborhood!

 

 

The St. Louis Auto Show

 

One of the events that many St. Louisans wait for in anticipation is the annual St. Louis Auto Show at America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis. The 2011 St. Louis Auto Show will run from Jan. 27 – 30. For ticket information and all the details, visit http://www.saintlouisautoshow.com/ .

 

An Evening of Latin Jazz with Javier Mendoza

 

Singer, songwriter and performer Javier Mendoza will present An Evening of Latin Jazz this Friday, Jan. 28, from 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. at Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington in Grand Center. Born in Virginia, raised in Spain and now living in St. Louis, Mendoza has worked with some of the best musicians in the region and shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Blues Traveler, Everclear, Los Lobos, and The Roots. For admission information, visit http://www.jazzstl.org/ .

 

9th Annual Food & Wine Experience

 

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Ninth Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience will be this weekend at the Chase Park Plaza in the Central West End. Premiere Tasting will take place on Friday, Jan. 28 from 7 – 10 p.m. Hours on Saturday are Noon to 6 p.m. and on Sunday the event will run from Noon to 5 p.m. Prices vary, depending on your ticket option, and the event is for those age 21 and up. To learn all your options visit: http://www.repstl.org/foodandwine/ .

Annual Orchid Show and Sale

 

The Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis will present its Annual Orchid Show and Sale this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29 & 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4434 Shaw Blvd. The price of the show is free with garden admission. Need more information? Visit http://www.mobot.org/events/orchidshow/default.asp .

 

Family-friendly Rock Band Party to benefit SCOSAG

 

St. Louis City Open Studio and Gallery (SCOSAG) is hosting a night of Rock Band & rock bands at the Tin Can Tavern & Grille, 1909 Locust Street in Downtown St. Louis. Play Rock Band I, II & Beatles on a Wii and enjoy live rock music. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29 parents and their children are invited to play Rock Band. Starting at 6 p.m. they’ll be able to also sing along with Celia. After 9 p.m. the party will be adults only and bands will perform until Midnight. Tickets will be able to be purchased at the door - $5 for adults and $3 for children.

 

Trivia Night to benefit Prison Performing Arts

 

Start the New Year off with fun and support Prison Performing Arts (PPA) by attending the PPA Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Washington Avenue (at Kingshighway).  Prison Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults and young people in the Missouri criminal and juvenile justice system. PPA provides current and former inmates the opportunity to participate in the performing arts as artists, students and audience members. Cost is $20 per person/ tables of 8. Want more details? Go to http://www.prisonartsstl.org/ .

 

Family Sunday

 

During January, the St. Louis Art Museum in beautiful Forest Park has focused its weekly Family Sunday event on Art from Asia. From 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, you may take a tour of the galleries, then try your hand at creating a work of art with an Asian theme. The focus for the museum’s February Family Sunday events will be African American Artists. For more information, visit http://www.slam.org/ .

 

NIXLE

 

Have you signed up for free Nixle service yet? The Department of Public Safety’s City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) provides free emergency alert service through http://www.Nixle.com/.  When you sign up, you will receive our informative and timely text messages on your cell phone and/or as e-mails on your computer. I invite you to visit the Nixle webpage and sign up for the service today.  If you have any comments about the service, please let me know.

 

Having an event in your neighborhood that we can support? Either e-mail the information about it to me at brysonc@stlouiscity.com or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouiscity.com.

 

And remember, if you see something in the neighborhood that just doesn’t look right, REPORT IT!

 

 

Charles Bryson

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis