Public Safety Director's Spotlight - National Police Week 2015

 

National Police Week 2015

National Police Week is being observed across the country this week.  It is a time when we honor the memory of American Law Enforcement Officers who gave their lives in service to the public.  There are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 20,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty.  This week we especially remember the Officers of St. Louis whose ultimate sacrifice for our city serve as a constant reminder of how truly important this job is.  Each day when an officer leaves his or her home and their family to protect and serve the people of St. Louis, they risk their lives for the safety and well-being of all of us.  They are true heroes  .I invite you to join me in saluting the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation.

Upcoming Events

May 16 – Plant Flowers with Brightside, City Hall/Poelker Park, Tucker &Market Streets, 9 a.m. to Noon

Invite your family and friends to volunteer with you to plant flowers with Brightside St. Louis this Saturday around City Hall, in the Tucker Street medians and in Poelker Park.  Show your St. Louis pride and join in on this fun-filled morning of planting and mulching.  Individuals and groups are welcome.  Register at http://www.brightsidestl.org/2785/brightsides-flowers-for-downtown/ .

May 16 – Health Fair, O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex, 4343 West Florissant Avenue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please join the Urban League Guild for a free Health Fair this Saturday.  Get a better understanding of Lupus, one of the most mysterious unpredictable and devastating illnesses.  Also, take this opportunity to check key monitors of other chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.  Get information to assist you with a healthier lifestyle.  For more information, call (314) 615-3600.

May 16 – Community Women Against Hardship's 11^th Annual Walk A-thon & Health Fair, Tower Grove Park – Son of Rest Shelter, Arsenal & South Grand, 8 a.m.

Register now the 11^th Annual CWAH Walk A-thon & Health Fair this Saturday at Tower Grove Park.  Registration will begin at 8 a.m.  The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for teens.  Activities include a 1K, 3K and 5K non-competitive walk/run, face painting, volley ball games, hula hoop contests, arts & crafts, Tai Chi, refreshments and more.  For more details, please call (314) 289-7523 or visit www.cwah.org.

May 16 – Grand Center Architecture and History Tours, KDHX, 3524 Washington Boulevard, 10 a.m.

The Grand Center Architecture and History Walking Tour, sponsored by Enterprise Bank and Trust, provides a fascinating look into the District's magnificent buildings, rich history, dynamic neighborhood, and vibrant arts culture.  The free 1.5 mile tour starts from the Magnolia Café at KDHX.  Tours run every Saturday, now through June 27, 2015.  Visit www.grandcenter.org/gctourssignup to RSVP for a tour.  For more information, you may call (314) 289-1500.

May 16 – Barbecue, Watson Terrace Christian Church, 4205 Watson Road at Winnebago Street, Noon to 7 p.m.

Invite your family and friends to join you for the Barbecue at Watson Terrace Christian Church this Saturday.  Items for sale include: pork steaks, chicken, hot dogs, burgers, assorted side dishes, desserts and beverages.  Carry out or eat in.  Questions?  Call (314) 647-3840.

May 16 – Bark in the Park, Cricket Field in Forest Park, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bark in the Park, presented by Purina, is the can't miss pet event of the summer.  Gather up your animal-loving friends, lace up the sneakers, and grab the leash for the 5K race, 1-mile walk and festival that will be held rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday at Cricket Field in Forest Park.  The proceeds will benefit dogs and other animals in need at the Humane Society of Missouri.  For more information, visit the hsmo.org web site.

May 16 -- Connect with a Purpose, Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Calling all young professionals!  Join Focus St. Louis for a day of service, networking and fun.  First, get hands on at one of several service projects at organizations around town, then head to Tower Grove Park for some delicious barbecue and washers tournament.  This is a great chance to meet other young professionals, while giving back to the St. Louis community.  Go to the focus-stl.org web site to learn more about the Connect with a Purpose program.

May 16 – Afternoon Tea Soiree, Rosebud Café next door to Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, 2658 Delmar, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site will hold an Afternoon Tea Soiree this Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Dress up in your finery for what is sure to be a fun afternoon affair.  A light meal will be served. RSVPs are a must as space is limited.  Please call (314) 340-5790 to reserve your spot.

May 17 – Annie Malone May Day Parade, 20^th and Market Streets, 1 p.m.

The Annie Malone May Day Parade is the oldest and second largest African-American parade in the nation.  Since its beginning more than a century ago, it has been a staple in the St. Louis community and beyond.  Proceeds from the parade entries and sponsorship partially fund the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center's four core programs and services that include Crisis Intervention, Transitional Living, Parenting Education and Therapeutic School.  This year's parade will step off at 1 p.m. from 20^th and Market Streets, and proceed east on Market to Broadway, where it will conclude. Visit the aniemalone.com web site for more information.

May 17 – Grand Opening, St. Louis Swap Meet, located at the historic Lemp Brewery, Cherokee and Lemp Streets, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The St. Louis Swap Meet, the new outdoor marketplace for local vendors, will open this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  Visitors will be able to buy everything from furniture, delicious food, and unique toys to posters and pottery all while enjoying live music and more. The opening on May 17 coincides with The Cherokee Street Antique Row's annual History Fair, which celebrates our City with a street fair that includes bands, vintage motorcycles and historic tours.  For more information, visit the stlswapmeet.com web site.

May 17 – A Celebration of Japanese Culture, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard in Forest Park, 2 p.m.

May is National Asian Pacific American Month.  Learn about the Japanese culture through demonstrations of a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and the wearing of yukata. Visitors will also be able to view a traditional doll display and enjoy storytelling for children.  For more information, visit the mohistory.org web site.

May 17 – 80^th Anniversary Celebration, St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church, 6501 Nottingham Avenue, Noon to 4 p.m.

The congregation of St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church will be celebrating the church's 80^th anniversary this Sunday.  The ceremony will include the installation of relics of St. Thomas the Apostle and two other saints, the blessing of new icons, followed by a reservation only banquet.  Need more information?  Call (314) 353-0841.

May 18 through May 24 – Restaurant Week on "The Hill," participating restaurants, regular business hours

The Third Annual Restaurant Week on "The Hill" is back.  From May 18^th through May 24^th, diners will get to choose three-course meals for only $25 from some of the best restaurants "The Hill" has to offer.  Participating restaurants include:  Gian Tony's, Modesto, Dominic's, Lorenzo's Trattoria, Charlie Gitto's, LoRusso's Cucina, Five Bistro, Cunetto House of Pasta, Mama Campisi's and Guido's.  Reservations are highly suggested.  Visit www.restaurantweekonthehill.com for all the particulars.

May 19 – Twilight Tuesdays, Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Twilight Tuesdays Spring 2015 Concert Series is underway.  This fabulous free concert on the History Museum's front lawn on Tuesday, May 19, will be a Soulful R&B Tribute to Chaka Khan by Tish Haynes Keys.  Pre-concert activities will begin at 4:30 p.m. and in the event of a weather cancellation, these activities are rain or shine and will resume as normal each Tuesday.  For all the details, visit the mohistory.org web site.

May 21 – CMT Great Race Finish Line Celebration, Pi Pizzeria, 610 Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The annual Citizens for Modern Transit's Great Race will take place on Thursday, May 21.  Team TRANSIT, Team BIKE, Team CARSHARE and Team CARPOOL will all race during the evening rush to the final destination of Pi Pizzeria in exciting Downtown St. Louis.  Join CMT and others at the Finish Line Celebration from 5 to 6:30 p.m.  For more information about the Great Race, visit the cmt-stl.org web site.

May 21 – International Dine Around, South Grand Business District, 5 to 10 p.m.

The International Dine Around is the best Progressive Dinner in St. Louis City!  On Thursday, May 21, participants will have a chance to taste appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts from the restaurants of their choice on South Grand.  Enjoy a walk down South Grand, live music in Ritz Park, and delicious food from many of the unique restaurants located in the South Grand Business District.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of event.  To learn more, visit the southgrand.org web site.

Save the Date

May 22 through May 24 – Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis 2015, America's Center, times vary

May 22 through June 14 – Antony and Cleopatra –Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Forest Park, 8 p.m.

May 23 – Free Landlord Training, North Newstead Association, 4601 Pope Avenue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 23 through August 23 – Lantern Festival:Magic Reimagined, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, times vary

May 23 – Unity Community Series, Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee Street, 3 p.m.

Promoting Your Neighborhood Activities

Is there a neighborhood event on the schedule that you would like noted in the Spotight?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.

Opportunity Grants Available

The deadline is fast approaching for the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis' Opportunity Grants.  The grants of up to $1,500 are awarded to emerging nonprofit organizations or arts groups with 501(c)3 status seeking funding for one-time opportunities, events or an emerging arts program.  The application deadline is Wednesday, May 20, 2015.  For more information and to apply online, visit the racstl.org web site.

Col. Richard Gray

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis