RAINSCAPING REBATES
| RAINSCAPE YOUR YARD!
Landowners in participating municipalities, including Kirkwood, are eligible to participate in this new program offered through the Missouri Botanical Garden's Deer Creek Watershed Alliance. The purpose of the program is to improve water quality in Deer Creek and its tributaries by installing landscaping that helps capture rain where it falls, instead of allowing water to run off-site. RainScaping can also be employed to solve a drainage problem, increase aesthetic appeal, improve property values, and attract birds and butterflies, in addition to other benefits.
Projects are 75 percent reimbursable up to a maximum of $2,000 per landowner for documented design and installation costs. Maintenance costs are the responsibility of the landowner. Applications are available at City Hall, at the Administration window, or you can download one here.. For more information about rainscaping, please visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens Website at mobot.org/rainscaping. |
NEWS FROM MoDOT
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I-64 AT TOWER GROVE INTERCHANGE
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Fred Weber Inc., have started construction on a new interchange at Interstate 64 and Tower Grove, as well as making improvements to the interstate in that area. Work includes:
- Building new bridges at Taylor, Newstead, Tower Grove and Boyle Avenues over I-64
- Constructing a new interchange at Tower Grove/Boyle
- Adding two new ramps at Tower Grove/Boyle to support the existing ramps
- Building a new roundabout south of Tower Grove and I-64
- Installing signals at the westbound entrance and exit ramps at Boyle, and at the intersection of Boyle and Papin
- Realigning and installing signals on Clayton Avenue at Tower Grove and Boyle to coordinate interchange traffic
- Constructing new I-64 pavement between Kingshighway and Newstead and resurfacing I-64 between Newstead and Sarah
Once construction begins, MoDOT will keep three lanes open on I-64 in both directions, weekdays between 5:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. The department will keep at least one lane open at all time during off-peak hours. Taylor and Newstead across I-64 will close later this month and are not scheduled to reopen until late November 2013. The department will also close all I-64 lanes for a weekend in late January to remove the Taylor and Newstead bridges. When those two bridges are completed and open to traffic, MoDOT will close Tower Grove and Boyle across I-64 for three months.
Other work may require short term closures for ramps at Boyle and Vandeventer. More information on those closures will be released when they become available, and will be shared on the project webpage at http://tinyurl.com/towergve2013 . Washington University Medical Center and BJC Healthcare have partnered with the department on the $17.9 million project. Construction is expected to continue until July 2014.
I-64 DOUBLE DECK PROJECT DOWNTOWN UPDATE: MoDOT has started the final week of work on the I-64 double deck project downtown. Weather permitting, significant lane closures on the eastbound I-64 double deck structure between Pine Street and the Poplar Street Bridge should end by Friday, January 18.
WEEKEND CLOSURE: This weekend, crews will have the ramp from southbound I-170 to eastbound I-64 closed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 12, for bridge preventative maintenance. Traffic will be detoured to Eager Road during the closure.
POTHOLES: With the recent fluctuation in temperatures and weather conditions, the department is noticing a rise in potholes on state roadways. People who notice potholes on interstates or state numbered and lettered routes can report them by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT.
For additional work zone information, go to modot.org . For real time traffic, visit gatewayguide.com. All work is weather permitting and may be shifted due to inclement weather.
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NEWS FROM PARKS & RECREATION
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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ON WALKER LAKE:
 | The Turtles are Back!
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Despite more winter-like conditions, progress continues to move forward with the Walker Lake project. Most of the recent work has involved construction of the various natural stone retaining walls that will allow the necessary grades for the lake perimeter path to be accomplished. Demolition of the two handball courts are also complete and work on the rain gardens that are going in that area has started as well. The peninsula area is nearing completion with the paver areas, turtles and benches installed. The steps in this area have been formed as well and are expected to be poured this week. The path will take another eight weeks to complete, depending on the weather. Landscaping is expected to be completed by May. PICNIC SEASON WILL SOON BE HERE: RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW The first working day in January (January 2 this year) marks the opening of reservations for residents for the upcoming picnic season. This year at least one group was in line at 1:00 a.m. in the hopes of securing their desired site and date. A total of 90 reservations were taken the first three days of the new reservation period, so don't wait if you're planning a picnic or event and need some park space. Reserve now!
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SENIOR CORNER
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ST LOUIS COUNTY OFFERS FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE TO SENIOR CITIZENS 
FREE assistance with simple federal and state income tax forms and the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (Mo-PTC or "Circuit Breaker") is once again available through the Saint Louis County Department of Human Services' County Older Resident Programs (CORP).
Preparation of Federal, State and Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim forms is provided at various north and south St. Louis County sites. Individuals eligible for this assistance must be a Saint Louis County resident, 60 years or older with income below $51,000, including Social Security. CORP tax assistance may be scheduled beginning January 28, 2013, by calling Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 a.m., to 2:00 p.m. For North County locations, please call 314-615-7447. For South County locations, please call 314-615-4037. Persons with a hearing impairment may call 800-735-2966
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DATES OF NOTE:
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DADDY / DAUGHTER DANCE IS FEBRUARY 1: Register NOW before we fill up! Friday, Feb 1, 6:30-8:30pm, at the Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road. Call 822-5855 for details.
RUMMAGE SALE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER: February 2, 8am to Noon, at the Community Center. Call 822-5855 for details. POOL PASSES GO ON SALE FEBRUARY 4: Get your pool passes early and beat the crowds! Get your Resident ID so you can swim this summer! You must have a current Resident ID or Season Pass to enter the facilities. Call 822-5855 for information. ADULT VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION: Adult volleyball registration opens this month. Click here to access cost and deadline information. ~ Field rentals open Feb 1, and fields open April 1. Call 822-5855 for details. NEW SESSION OF ZUMBA CLASSES STARTS FEBRUARY 22: Zumba is an hour-long Latin-inspired fitness class. We offer classes Monday nights, Wednesday nights, and Saturday mornings. Call 822-5855 for details or to register.
[PLEASE NOTE: CORRECTED DATE] ANNUAL PD PANCAKE SUPPER: The Police Department's annual Pancake Supper will be held February 28 at Kirkwood High School, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. More details to come.
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COMING UP AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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KIRKWOOD THEATRE GUILD PRESENTS "THE LAST ROMANCE" The Last Romance, written by Joe DePietro, opens Friday night, January 11, at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center. Performance Dates: January 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, and 20. All Show times are at 8pm, except for 2pm Sunday matinees. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at http://www.ktg-onstage.org/, or by phone: 314-821-9956. Synopsis: "Passion - and its complications - can happen at any age. Widower and once aspiring former opera singer, Ralph, strays from his daily routine and meets elegant dog-lover, Carol. With renewed vigor, he attempts to woo her, disregarding the protests of his lonely live-in sister, Rose. When Carol offers him a dream trip to the opera in Italy with her, how will he balance his loves (both old and new) and his strong beliefs about family obligations? A sweet story that proves our hearts never stop singing."
MY HEART MET MY SOUL, A FAMILY MUSICAL, FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 2013:
Presented by Star Enterprises. February 8 and 9, 2013. For ticket information, call 314-822-0286.
GEM & MINERAL SHOW, FEBRUARY 15, 16, 17, 2013: Cabin Fever Productions' Gem and Mineral Show. February 15, 16, and 17. Times to follow. For information, call 618-973-7222.
PARADE OF MAGIC, MARCH 16, 2012: The International Brotherhood of Magicians presents the Parade of Magic, March 16, 2013. Performances at 2:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. For information, call 314-791-9108
ARTISTS' BOUTIQUE MARCH 2 & 3, 2013: Fine Arts and Craft Show, March 2 and 3, 2013, 10:00 a.m., to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 314-821-9956.
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KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
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FRIENDS OF THE KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY WINTER PROGRAM:
The winter program of The Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library will feature Thomas F. Curran, a social sciences teacher at Cor Jesu Academy who will discuss "Confederate Women and the Civil War Military Justice System in the St. Louis Area." The program will start at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 16, in the library's lower level meeting room. Background: During the Civil War, hundreds of Confederate-sympathizing women were convicted by the military justice system in St. Louis. Those considered to have committed the most serious offenses, aiding the Confederate war effort, were confined to the nearby Alton prison, the former Illinois state penitentiary. The presentation will focus on the experiences of these prisoners of war. The program is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested, by January 12. Call 821-5770, ext 1023, to reserve your spot, or sign up at the Library's Books & Beyond gift shop. Refreshments will be served.
FOR ADULTS:
~ Life Journaling. Monday, January 14, 7pm. Sign up at Reference Desk or call 821-5770, ext 1012.
~ Cinema KPL. Tuesday, January 15, 1:30pm. Movie: Butterfield 8
~ Mystery Readers Book Club. Wednesday, January 16, 2pm. We will discuss Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon.
~ Cinema KPL. Tuesday, January 22, 1:30pm. Movie: National Velvet
~ Foundation Database Online Training. Wednesday, January 23, 10m. RSVP required. Call 821-5770, x1012, by January 21.
~ Historic Ozark Mills. Saturday, January 26, 2pm. Mike McCarthy of Photozarks will discuss his book Historic Ozark Mills
~ Cinema KPL. Tuesday, January 29, 1:30pm. Movie: Twelve Angry Men
FOR PARENTS:
~ Healthy Sleep Habits for Children. Wednesday, January 23, 6:30 pm. Certified sleep consultant, Erin Meckfessel, talks about the tools you need to guide young children into healthy sleeping habits. For parents of children birth to preschool.
FOR KIDS: ~ Penguin Party. Saturday, January 12, 10:30am. Stories, activities, and crafts about our favorite flightless bird. ~ Family Book Club. Monday, January 14, 7pm. Book: Belly Up, by Stuart Gibbs ~ Computer Club for Kids. Wednesday, January 16, 4pm. ~ Make & Take Craft. Wednesday, January 23, 4pm. ART CONTEST FOR READERS OF ALL AGES! Calling All Artists! Sharpen your pencils. Find your favorite markers. Design a special limited-edition Kirkwood Public Library Card. In honor of National Library Week we are holding a Design-a-Card contest for all adults, teens, and kids. Pick up an entry form and rules at the library beginning January 2, 2013. Deadline for entries is February 3, 2013. Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson in Downtown Kirkwood. For more information or to register for an event or program, please call 314-921-5770.
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OAK BEND PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
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FOR TEENS:
~ Wednesday, January 30, 7pm. TAG. Join the Oak Bend Teen Advisory Group and become involved in planning some teen activities for the year. Lots of snacks will be provided! Grades 6-12.
ALL AGES:
~ Wednesday, January 16, 2pm. Homeschool Explorations. Make St. Louis County Library a partner in your homeschool programming as we explore various topics and ideas through hands-on learning. This month we will continue our series of art history projects. Our featured artist is Marc Chagall. We'll have a brief discussion about the artist's history, then, we'll do a project representing his style. Students can use library resources to learn more about Chagall. Registration requested.
~ Thursday, January 31, 6pm. Technology Discovery Club: eMedia. Do you have a new eReader or tablet? Find out how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks from the St. Louis County Library's eMedia collection. Bring your new device, as well as your library card number and PIN, and specially trained library staff will walk you through the process. Registration is required. Kindle and Kindle App users: Please bring your Amazon account ID and password. Non-tablet users (i.e. Nook Simple Touch): If you have a laptop, bring it with you to get the most from the session.
FOR KIDS:
~ Saturday, January 19, 2pm. Superhero Academy. It's a bird! It's a plane! No-it's kids in capes! Come learn what it takes to be a superhero and create your own superhero identity. Grades K-2. Registration required.
~ Tuesday, January 22, 10:30am. Discovery Time: Construction Crew. Join us as we learn about building through stories, songs and hands-on experiences. Ages 3-6. Registration required.
Oak Bend Library is part of the St. Louis County Library system and is located at 842 S. Holmes Avenue. For more information or to register for a program, call 314-994-3300. Note: The City provides the Oak Bend Library listings in Friday Happenings for the benefit of Kirkwood residents who live near Oak Bend Library. Not all Kirkwood residents live within the Kirkwood Public Library (KPL) District. However, ALL Kirkwood residents are encouraged to obtain a FREE Kirkwood library card, check out materials from KPL, and attend KPL programs and events.
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FREE CONCERT
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FRIENDS OF MUSIC CONCERTS announces the third program in the 2012/2013 season of free  concerts. It will take place on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., at Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor (at Argonne) in Kirkwood. The program will feature: Madeline Kaufman, soprano, with Joanne Cruickshank, piano, performing arias and songs representing strong female characters by Mozart, Donizetti, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. Angie Smart, violin, and Chiann-yi Yawitz, piano, will perform Johannes Brahms' Sonata #3 in D minor and Antonio Bazzini's "Round of the Goblins." For further information, call 314-862-5354, or contact us by email at jgkurtzm@wustl.edu or kskurtzm@sbcglobal.net
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FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
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The Oscar nominations were announced this morning, and Lincoln leads the pack with 12. In your editor's humble opinion, this is well deserved. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did, given that it's a period movie, but I really think it is the best thing Director Spielberg has done in a long time. The scene where the president changes the last line of the telegram is one of the most moving things I've ever seen on film (yes, now you have to go see it!!). Even my 19-year-old son enjoyed it. Now that the nominations have been released, however, I will be on a mad scramble to see the other nominated films. How about you? Do you try to see them all before the show? (It was a lot easier when there were only five films nominated for "Best," right?) If you love movies as much as I do, you'll definitely want to check out this month's KPL Cinema listings above. They're showing Butterfield 8 and National Velvet (for the Elizabeth Taylor fans) and 12 Angry Men this month.
If you prefer theatre, however, you're in luck this weekend. Kirkwood Theatre Guild's production of The Last Romance opens Friday night at 8:00 p.m. (See article above for description, times, and dates.) All performances are at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center.
We have a couple more days of warm-ish weather before the cold returns on Sunday, so whatever you do this weekend, stay warm and have fun! See you next Friday!
Beth von Behren
Happenings Editor/ Public Information Officer
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