Friday HappeningsCity Logo B-W
City of Kirkwood
January 18, 2012

In This Issue
City Offices Closed
RainScape Rebates
News from MoDOT
Parks & Recreation
Senior Corner
Art at the Station
Dates of Note
At the Community Center
Kirkwood Public Library
Oak Bend Library
Last Thoughts
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Greetings!
Winter in Kirkwood

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Winter in Kirkwood

Work on the new path is ongoing around Walker Lake in Kirkwood Park.  The path should be open by April, weather permitting (see full story below).  For the full "Winter in Kirkwood" photo essay, please visit our Facebook page: @City of Kirkwood, MO (Government).

NAME THIS NEWSLETTER
As you, our observant readers, have probably noticed, we now publish this e-newsletter on Thursdays, but it is still named "Friday" Happenings.  We plan to continue to publish on Thursdays, because research tells us that Thursday afternoon is a better time for most busy people's schedules than just about any time on Friday.  And yet, it seems silly to keep calling it "Friday" Happenings.  Therefore, we invite our readers to suggest a better name.  Please send your ideas to the editor by email at:  [email protected]. And thank you!
CITY OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY
MLK City Hall and most City offices will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday holiday.  There will be no sanitation collection on the holiday, and all sanitation routes will be delayed by one day all week. The Community Center and Ice Rink will be open.

The Kirkwood Public Library will also be closed on Monday.
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
I-64 AT TOWER GROVE/KINGSHIGHWAY:  UPDATE FOR SATURDAY BLUES GAME 

The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Fred Weber Inc., have shifted planned work on the inside lanes of I-64 between Sarah and Kingshighway to Friday night and Saturday.  Temperatures for next week, when the work was scheduled,  are projected to be too cold to complete the work to fill in the rumble strips on the inside shoulder of the interstate.  Crews will close the left (inside) lane of I-64 in both directions starting at 7:00 p.m., Friday.  All lanes will be reopened by 6:00 p.m., Saturday so fans can get to the Blues game. The ramp from Vandeventer to westbound I-64 will also be closed during this work for safety.

 

This work must be done before crews close the interstate the weekend of January 25-28 to remove the Taylor and Newstead bridges. When those bridges are removed and the interstate reopens, the three through lanes in both directions between Sarah and Kingshighway will be narrowed and shifted.  The projected cold temperatures will not impact the closures of Taylor and Newstead after morning rush on January 21, nor should they impact next weekend's interstate 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.

NEWS FROM PARKS & RECREATION
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ON WALKER LAKE:
Walker Lake Turtles
The Turtles are Back!
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.
SENIOR CORNER

COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES:  Grand Vision 60-Minute Check-Ups! 

All programs will be held at St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. To make your reservation for a health lecture, please call 314-994-3300. Space is limited. Sponsored by SLCL and SLUCare, the Physicians of Saint Louis University, and Saint Louis University Hospital. 

~ "How to Get the Most from Your Doctor Visit."  Thursday, January 24, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Speaker: Thomas J. Olsen, M.D., SLUCare Internist

~ "Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations." Thursday, February 21, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Speakers: Theresa L. Schwartz, M.D., SLUCare Breast Surgeon, and Christina Doherty, M.D., SLUCare Breast Imaging Specialist

~ "Taking a Look Inside - Advances in Radiology and What They Mean to You." Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Speaker: Jeffrey Brown, M.D., SLUCare Radiologist. 

 

ST LOUIS COUNTY OFFERS FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE TO SENIOR CITIZENS  Tax Help

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 
ART AT THE STATION
DORIS VAUGHN EXHIBIT OPENS IN FEBRUARY

The work of digital artist, Craig Shumate will be on display through February 4. Doris Vaughn in the medium of incise-art will be featured in February. Please join us for her opening reception Thursday, February 7, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 West Argonne, corner of Kirkwood Road. Art may be viewed when the station is open for passengers. For more information, visit  www.kirkwoodareaarts.org.

 

If you are an artist interested in participating in "Art at the Station 2013" please contact Linda Epp 314-821-2250 or [email protected].

DATES OF NOTE:
DADDY / DAUGHTER DANCE IS FILLING UP:  CALL TODAY!! We only have a FEW openings left:  Friday, Feb 1, 6:30-8:30pm, at the Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road.  Call 822-5855.

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.

 

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. 

 

ANNUAL PD PANCAKE SUPPER FEB 28: 

The Police Department's annual Pancake Supper will be held Thursday, February 28, at Kirkwood High School, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  COST is $4 per person (no carry-outs).  Buy your tickets at City Hall (139 S. Kirkwood Road), at the Police Department (131 W. Madison), or at the door.  MENU:  Cost includes ALL the pancakes you can eat plus one serving per person of sausages, eggs, and apple sauce.  Milk and coffee too. But go early...the line gets really long!  All proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Police Department's Benevolent Fund.  Thank you.
COMING UP AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
KIRKWOOD THEATRE GUILD PRESENTS "THE LAST ROMANCEThe Last Romance, written by Joe DePietro, continues this weekend  at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center.  Remaining performance dates: January 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.

NEW:  DESIGNER PURSE SALE, MARCH 2

Designer Purse Sale at the Community Center, March 2, 2013, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.


NEW:  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.

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

NEW:  KIRKWOOD THEATRE GUILD presents Lilies of the Field in March:
March 1,2,3,7,8,9,10.  Call 314-821-9956 for times and ticket information
 
KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
FOR ADULTS:
~ 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:

~ 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.

OAK BEND PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

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:
~ 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. 

FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
It's a THREE-DAY weekend coming up for us at City Hall.  I know not everybody gets Martin Luther King's birthday off, but it is a nice benefit of government employment.  I love my job, but I'm not gonna lie:  I totally dig these occasional three-day weekends. And I plan to make the most of it.  On Saturday night, my team (Beth's Brainiacs) and I will be at the Kirkwood Lions' Trivia Contest at the Community Center.  Kirkwood Parks & Recreation's own Bill Clevlen will be the host and trivia quizzer.  If you have signed up, be sure to stop by my table and say hello!  (But fair warning:  We intend to win!)

I'll also be finishing up my viewing of the Academy Awards-nominated films this weekend (Zero Dark Thirty is scheduled for Saturday), and then I'll be sitting back with a late breakfast and a steaming mug of coffee (probably in PJs and slippers), watching the inaugural festivities on Monday.  I can't remember the last time I got to watch a presidential inauguration live, so I am looking forward to it. (Although: There will be two swearing-ins this year since January 20 falls on a Sunday.  The president officially assumes office at noon on the 20th, so he will take the oath of office privately on Sunday at noon and again publicly on Monday.)

I hope you all have some fun stuff planned for this weekend as well.  It's supposed to be in the 50s on Saturday so if you still have your holiday lights up (as I do), it'll be a great day to take them down (yep, me too).

Whatever you do, stay warm and have fun!  See you next Thursday!

Beth von Behren
Happenings Editor/ Public Information Officer 
City of Kirkwood
139 S. Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO  63122
314-822-5894
www.kirkwoodmo.org