Public Safety Director's Spotlight - You Can Be the Hero

 

You Can Be the Hero

As we come to the close of National Preparedness Month, I hope that many of you took the opportunity to sit down with your family members and made a plan of what you would do in case of an emergency.  I also hope that you were able to put together a basic kit of food, water and essential supplies for each of your family members that will help you cope in the first hours and days in the aftermath, should a major disaster occur.  We have seen many examples of ordinary people stepping up in moments of trial and tragedy to perform real acts of heroism.  Often in the case of an emergency, neighbors and friends are the first on the scene.  "You Can Be the Hero" is the theme for this year's National Preparedness Month campaign.  Are you ready to assist in case of an emergency, before first responders can arrive on the scene?  To improve your preparedness, visit www.Ready.gov to learn more about what you can do to prepare and make a difference should tragedy strike.

 

Upcoming Events

Sept. 26 – Oct. 6, Saint Louis Fashion Week 2013, various locations, various times

Saint Louis Fashion Week is back!  This year's shows will feature 36 regional and national designers, 70 models, 10 venues and more from Sept. 26 – Oct. 6.  Locations include The Fabulous Fox Theatre, The Delmar Loop, Windows on Washington, The Sheldon Art Gallery, and KOKEN Art Factory, to name a few.  If fashion is your passion, you will not want to miss these shows.  For all the particulars, visit the saintlouisfashionweek.com web site.

 

Sept. 27, BioBlitz, Tower Grove Park, 3:30 p.m.

 BioBlitz is your chance to join teams of scientists and skilled naturalists in Tower Grove Park to discover the biodiversity in the park.  Interested individuals or families will meet at the Sons of Rest Pavilion near the corner of Arsenal Street and South Grand Boulevard on Friday at 3:30 p.m.  Registration is required.  Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  To register and to learn more, visit the academyofsciencestl.org web site.

Sept. 27 & 28 –Annual Parish Picnic, St. James the Greater Parish, 6 p.m.

The annual St. James the Greater Parish Homecoming is scheduled for this Friday from 6 – 11 p.m. and Saturday from Noon to 11 p.m.  Visitors will be able to enjoy live music, food, games and more.  Invite your family and friends to join you.  The Parish is located at 6401 Wade Avenue in the Clayton/Tamm neighborhood.

Sept. 27 – Food Policy Brown Bag Series, Gateway Greening, Noon

The next Food Policy Brown Bag Lunch will be this Friday.  Join University of Missouri Extension community development specialist Kara Lubischer to learn how the St. Louis Healthy Corner Store Project is improving access to healthy, affordable foods through a comprehensive approach combining nutrition education, community development, and small business technical assistance with a greater availability of affordable, nutritious food.  Gateway Greening is located at 2211 Washington Avenue.  Free street parking is available on side streets.  Please RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600 ext. 104.

Sept. 27 – Drink Up & Tweetup For Smithsonian Museum Day!, Campbell House Museum, 4 p.m.

Each year Smithsonian Magazine sponsors Museum Day, and this year more than 500,000 guests are expected to visit more than 1,000 museums across the country in support of the initiative.  The Campbell House Museum is partnering with the award-winning author of St. Louis' Distilled History blog to host a tweetup celebrating St. Louis history and Museum Day.  Everyone is invited to swing by the Museum at 1508 Locust in Downtown St. Louis from 4 – 8 p.m. this Friday, to have a drink, grab a bite, and learn a little St. Louis history.  No admission charge, but suggested donations for food & drink.

Sept. 27 – Outdoor Music Series, St. Louis Art Museum, 7 p.m.

The St. Louis Art Museum's free 2013 Outdoor Music Series continues this Friday at 7 p.m. on the Plaza at the top of Art Hill.  Enjoy the traditional sounds of Tuvan throat music with Alash Ensemble.  Bring your friends, grab a bite from the Museum's café, and join the party on the Plaza!  For more details, visit the slam.org web site.

Sept. 27 – 29 – The Budweiser Taste of St. Louis, Soldiers' Memorial Plaza, 11 a.m.

The award-winning celebration of the best food, music, art and culture that St. Louis has to offer will return this weekend to Downtown St. Louis.  The Budweiser Taste of St. Louis will offer visitors the opportunity to sample cuisine from 45 of the region's best restaurants, enjoy free national act concerts all weekend, view jewelry, glasswork, and unique art from regional artists, sample beers of the world, see exhibits and demonstrations and more!  Taste will take over Soldiers' Memorial Plaza at 13^th and Chestnut Streets from 4 – 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.  To learn more, visit the tastestl.com web site.

Sept. 27 & 28 – Scottish Games & Cultural Festival, Forest Park, 5 p.m.

The Scottish Games will return to Forest Park this Friday and Saturday and will feature the rock music and bagpipes of Celtica on Friday night and all day Saturday, along with highland athletics, bagpipes, folk music, food, drink, crafts, highland dancing, kids activities, sheepdog trials, sword fighting, birds of prey and much, much more.  The Festival will run from 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.  Ticket prices range from $10 to $50.  Visit the stlouis-scottishgames.com web site for more details.  Invite your clan to join you for all things Scottish this weekend in Forest Park, near the tennis courts, south of the Missouri History Museum.

 

Sept. 27 & 28 – St. Louis Gateway Classic Weekend, Edward Jones Dome, 2 p.m.

The St. Louis Gateway Classic will take place this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Edward Jones Dome, Broadway and Convention Center Plaza, in exciting Downtown St. Louis.  Tennessee State University will take on Central State University.  There are plenty of pre-game and post-game activities scheduled including the Greek Step Show on Friday, the Larger Than Life event at Lola Restaurant and Lounge on Friday, and the Main Event at The Rustic Goat after the game on Saturday.  For ticket information, visit the gatewayclassic.org web site and http://www.theclassicstl.com .You may also call (314) 621-1994.

Sept. 28 – Tailgate Sale, Woerner Elementary, 8 a.m.

Woerner Elementary will hold a Tailgate Sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There is still time to reserve a space if you have a home business or are a crafter or simply have items to sell.  A single space (approx. two parking spaces) costs $15.  Call (314) 481-8585 to reserve your space.  Shoppers will find the sale to be like 40 yard sales all in one location.  Stop by and see what special item is just right for you.

Sept. 28 – Carondelet Park Rec Complex Kids Night Out, CPRC, 6:30 p.m.

The Carondelet Park Rec Complex will hold a Kids Night Out this Saturday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  It will be a night of space-themed activities.  Children ages six weeks to four years will enjoy activities and games in the Tot Watch Room, while kids age 5-12 years old will play games, create crafts and have fun all over the complex!  The cost for both members and non-members will be $10 for one child, $5 per additional child. The complex is located at 930 Holly Hills in the park. To learn more call (314) 768-9622 or visit the ymcastlouis.org/carondelet web site.

Sept. 28 – Green Homes & Great Health Festival, Missouri Botanical Garden, 9 a.m.

Help your family live green and live healthier by attending the 12^th Annual Green Homes and Great Health Festival that will be held on the grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday.  Visitors will be able to talk with more than 100 green product and service exhibitors, enjoy local foods and live music, shop for handmade crafts in the Green Marketplace, get a free flu shot, explore alternative vehicles on display, watch presentations and demonstrations on sustainability and more!  The admission fee for the Festival is included with the Garden admission of $8 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under.  For more information, visit http://www.mobot.org/greenhomesfest .

Sept. 28 – Southampton Progressive Yard Sale, Macklind & Nottingham, 8 a.m.

Stroll the Southampton (SoHa) neighborhood this Saturday for the Seventh Annual Progressive Yard Sale.  SoHa is a peaceful, charming 1-square mile neighborhood of tree-lined streets featuring a variety of housing styles, friendly plant-filled porches, and art glass.  Start out with breakfast at Russell's on Macklind, then visit the dozens of sales.  Stop by the Macklind Deli or Manzo's BBQ for one last salsiccia, then Big River Running's Sidewalk Sale.  "Treasure Maps" will be available at the Deli (Macklind & Nottingham Avenues), and online at http://www.SoHaStL.com .  Happy shopping!

Sept. 28 – Party in the Park, Clifton Park, 3 p.m.

The Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association will be hosting the Clifton Heights Annual Party in the Park and Fourth Annual 3K Run/Walk this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m..  Bring your family and friends, blankets, chairs and kick back.  The run will step off at 3 p.m.  The silent auction will run from 3 – 6 p.m.  Enjoy live music by the Rhythm Rockers from 5 – 8 p.m.  You'll find fun activities for the whole family.  Beautiful historic Clifton Park is located at 6100 Simpson, 1 block north of Columbia and Clifton.  For more details, visit the cliftonheightsneighborhood.org web site.

Sept. 29 – Art in the Park, Francis Park, 10 a.m.

Everyone is invited to stop by Art in the Park this Sunday.  More than 60+ artists will come together in Francis Park, Nottingham and Childress, in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood, to showcase their creative wares. Visitors will also be able to enjoy live music, tasty treats, and kids activities.  Admission is free.  Profits from the art fair will be used to maintain Francis Park and add to the outdoor sculpture garden in and around the lily pond.  Need more information?  Call (314) 752-3185.

Sept. 29 – 2013 Big BIG Tour, Flying Saucer Starbucks, 11 a.m.

The 2013 Big BIG Tour will take place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The starting point for the tour is the Starbucks at 212 South Grand Boulevard at Forest Park Avenue in the Midtown neighborhood, where you may pick up the free tour program which will list the open house times for each for-sale residential properties on the tour.  Questions?  Call (314) 537-7404.

Sept. 29 – Civil War Dedication & Period Fashion Show, St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 11 a.m.

Capt. Constantin Blandowski will be honored with a dedication ceremony this Sunday at 11 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 1413 N. 20^th Street in the Carr Square neighborhood.  Capt. Blandowski was the first soldier to die in the Camp Jackson Affair in St. Louis during the Civil War.  Guest speakers will include Charles Brennan, Rear Admiral Lee Metcalf, and Dr. Donald Palmer.  There will be a small encampment, displays of equipment and memorabilia, and more.  For more information about the free event, call (314) 482-7810.

Now through – Sept. 29 – STL Design Week, various locations, various times

AIGA Saint Louis is presenting its third STL Design Week now through Sunday, Sept. 29.  The week-long series of events and programs has been designed to highlight and celebrate the impact of design in our community and to recognize the efforts and contributions of emerging and established local designers, architects, illustrators, photographers and others in St. Louis' emerging and established creative collective.  Event locations include CAM / Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Central Library, Webster University, and Forest Park, to name a few.  For a complete schedule of events, visit the stlouis.aiga.org web site.

Oct. 1 -- Twilight Tuesdays Ameren Concert Series, Missouri History Museum, 6 p.m.

The Twilight Tuesdays Ameren Concert Series hosted by the Missouri History Museum will continue on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.  Invite your friends and family to join you on the Museum's front lawn at Lindell and DeBaliviere for "A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire."  For the complete schedule of performances, visit the mohistory.org web site.

Oct. 5 – Sista Strut, Missouri History Museum, 8 a.m.

Register now for this year's Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk that will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.  The Rally will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the walk will step off at 10 a.m.  Individual registration is $20 per person.  Team registration is $30 per person.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Breakfast Club, Inc., an African American breast cancer support group; The Black Women Breast Cancer Survivors Project, a community-based project at UMSL; and The Siteman Cancer Center.  To register, go to the SistaStrutSTL.com web site.

Oct. 12 -- Flea Market, Timothy Lutheran Church Gym, 8 a.m.

The Lindenwood Park Neighborhood Association will host a Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Timothy Lutheran Church Gym, corner of Fyler and Ivanhoe.  You are invited to clean out those overflowing closets and raise money for improvements and activities at Lindenwood Park.The cost to display your treasures is $10/table.  You may also donate items to the sale.  If you don't want to host a table, you are invited to come and "shop 'til you drop."  For more information or to reserve your table, contact Janet Desnoyer at 644-2205 or Pat Acquisto at 781-2129.  Spread the word!

 

Save the Date

Oct. 4 – Grand Opening of International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, 3415 Olive, 11 a.m.

Oct. 4 – Food Truck Friday, Tower Grove Park, 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 – 20 – American Arts Experience-St. Louis, various venues, various times

Oct. 4 & 5 – LPUMC Fall Rummage Sale, Lafayette Park United Methodist Church, 8 a.m.

Oct. 5 & 6 – Historic Shaw Art Fair, 4200 Flora Place, 9 a.m.

Oct. 5 – Battledish St. Louis, Central West End neighborhood, 2 p.m.

Oct. 5 – Fifth Annual World Hoop Day St. Louis, 2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 5– Eighth Annual Grove Fest, The Grove neighborhood, 2 p.m.

Oct. 5 – Free Grant Writing Workshop, Julia Davis Branch Library, Noon

Oct. 5 & 6 – 22^nd Annual Best of Missouri Market, Missouri Botanical Garden, 9 a.m.

Oct. 5 – Water Tower Daytime Public Opening, Compton Hill Water Tower, Noon

Oct. 5 – Celebrate The Hill Auto Show, Don Brown Chevrolet, 9 a.m.

Oct. 5 – Free Concert, Taste of Benton Park and Art Festival, Benton Park, 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 – 12 – Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 6 – Civil War Re-enactment, Lafayette Park, 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 – Traditional Bosnian Day Festival, Carondelet Park, 11 a.m.

Oct. 6 – Generation Worship Launch, New Covenant Church, 10 a.m.

Oct. 6 – Whole Family Health and Wellness Fair, 4700 Block of Macklind, 11 a.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 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.

 

Home Energy Assistance Available

In closing, I want to pass along to you that the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis recently announced that funds are available to support the health and safety of St. Louis City and Wellston residents through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Applications will be accepted for LIHEAP from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 1 - 3 at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede, for households with Elderly and Disabled residents ONLY.  Other eligible applicants will be able to apply on November 4 - 8.  For more information, call the Urban League at 615-3600.

Charlene Deeken
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis