NEWS FROM MoDOT
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INTERSTATE 64 / HIGHWAY 40 CLOSURE AT HAMPTON STARTS FRIDAY
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Fred Weber Inc., will close all lanes and ramps of Interstate 64 in both directions downtown between Hampton and Forest Park Parkway at 8 p.m. Friday, February 1. The closure is weather permitting, and may be delayed due to temperatures or significant precipitation. While the interstate is closed, crews will remove the Taylor and Newstead bridges over I-64, as part of a project to construct a new interchange at Tower Grove and Boyle, and replace four bridges over the interstate. The ramps from McCausland/Skinker, Hampton and Kingshighway to eastbound I-64 will be closed during this time. In addition, the ramps from Pine, Jefferson, Market and Grant to westbound I-64 will be closed during this time. Crews will reopen the interstate and all ramps by 3 a.m. Monday, February 4. The detour for westbound I-64 will be to get off the interstate at the Forest Park Avenue exit (exit 38A) and follow Forest Park Avenue to Kingshighway. After turning left onto Kingshighway, drivers will follow Kingshighway back to the interstate. The detour for eastbound I-64 will be to get off the interstate at the Hampton Avenue exit (exit 34B), turn right on Hampton and follow it to eastbound Interstate 44. Drivers can then take I-44 to the Poplar Street Bridge. After the interstate reopens Monday, February 4, drivers will have three 10-foot lanes in each direction of I-64 between Kingshighway and Vandeventer. Traffic will also shift to the middle of the interstate. The Vandeventer Avenue ramp to westbound I-64 will be closed. MoDOT will keep three lanes open in each direction on I-64 between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays. Overnight and weekends, the department will close up to two of those open lanes for construction work. Taylor and Newstead will remain closed over the interstate until bridge work is completed in November. Drivers can use Tower Grove and Boyle to detour around the closures. Cyclists and pedestrians can use Kingshighway, the pedestrian crossing between Kingshighway and Taylor, or Tower Grove to detour around the closure. More information on upcoming work will be released when it becomes available.
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 THE KIRKWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT
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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.
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NEWS & INFORMATION FROM THE KIRKWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT
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RESIDENTIAL FIRE FATALITIES
Kirkwood's Fire Marshal Leo Meyer reviews the list of nationwide fire fatalities, published every month by the National Fire Administration, in his ongoing efforts to learn more about home fires and keep our residents safe. This month, three fatalities drew his attention, because they are situations that he and his firefighters have seen locally over the last 12 to 18 months. Here are the three he wants you to know about:
~ Natchez, Mississippi: Fire occurred Wednesday, January 23. A 70-year-old man died from injuries sustained in a house fire. The cause of the fire was improper handling of smoking materials.
~ Brooklyn, New York: Fire occurred Saturday, January 26. A 78-year-old woman died in an apartment fire. The cause is under investigation, but it may have been caused by discarded smoking materials.
~ Ensley, Alabama: Fire occurred Sunday, January 27. A man with a physical disability died in a house fire. The cause of the fire was unattended cooking.
Recently in Kirkwood, an older woman caught the loose-fitting sleeve of her bathrobe on fire while holding her arm over an open gas fire on her stove top. A neighbor heard her cries for help, rushed in, and literally saved her. If you have older friends or relatives who live alone, please consider talking to them about fire safety. Fire Marshal Meyer would be happy to help you with information and materials. Feel free to call him at 822-5884
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SENIOR CORNER
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DO YOU PLAY BRIDGE?
Come play bridge, starting at 10:30 a.m., or pinochle, starting at 12:30 p.m., every Friday at the Community Center. There is a 50-cent weekly charge. Call CORP at 822-1883 for more information. For 55+, offered at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, through the St. Louis County Older Resident Program.
ST. PAT'S POOL TOURNAMENT AND LUNCH/BINGO (55+):
~ Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with our "Eight Ball" Tournament at the Community Center. A corned beef and cabbage lunch is included. Spaces are limited. Thursday, March 14, 10:00 a.m., Residents: $11. Nonresidents: $15.
~ You don't have to be Irish to enjoy a delicious lunch of corned beef and cabbage, followed by dessert. Then try your luck at bingo - for some great prizes. Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. Residents: $11. Nonresidents: $15.
SENIOR FITNESS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER (55+)
Gather your friends, or make new ones, when you join us for this 10-week, low-impact aerobics class. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., Next Session starts February 11. Residents: $35, nonresidents $50, per session.
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. To learn more about the "Circuit Breaker" Property Tax Credit, and to determine your eligibility, visit the County's Website here.
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ART AT THE STATION
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DORIS VAUGHN EXHIBIT OPENS IN FEBRUARY
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.
The work of digital artist, Craig Shumate will be on display through February 4.
If you are an artist interested in participating in "Art at the Station 2013" please contact Linda Epp 314-821-2250 or lindaepp@peoplepc.com.
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COMING UP AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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RUMMAGE SALE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER: February 2, 8am to Noon, at the Community Center. 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.
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COMING UP AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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RUMMAGE SALE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER THIS SATURDAY
February 2, 8am to Noon, at the Community Center. Call 822-5855 for details.
MY HEART MET MY SOUL, A FAMILY MUSICAL, THIS WEEKEND
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.
DESIGNER PURSE SALE, MARCH 2
Designer Purse Sale at the Community Center, March 2, 2013, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
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
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
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KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS IN FEBRUARY
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~ CINEMA KPL, 1:30 p.m.: The Client, February 12. To Kill a Mockingbird, February 26.
~ BOOK CLUBS: Saturday Morning Perks, 10:00 a.m. State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett, February 2. Wednesday Mystery Readers, 1:00 p.m. The Other Rembrandt, by Alexander Connor, February 20.
~ SERIES: Dauphne Du Maurier, 7:00 p.m. Her Life and Times, February 13.
~ FAMILY HISTORY, 10:00 a.m. Dennis Northcott, associate archivist for reference at the Missouri History Museum, will discuss finding your ancestors. February 6. ~ DROP-IN IT HELP: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. FOR CHILDREN/FAMILIES:~ SCIENCE FUN, 4:00 p.m. Magic Ketchup Experiment. Wednesday, February 6. ~ FAMILY BOOK CLUB JUNIOR, 6:30 p.m. Sarah Plain and Tall, by Patricia MacLachlan. February 7. ~ READY, SET ART! 10:30 a.m. Supplies and inspiration provided by us, creativity provided by you. Art experience for ages 6 and up. Saturday, February 9 and February 23. ~ FAMILY BOOK CLUB, 7:00 p.m., February 11. One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia. Author visit via Skype. ~ LEGO CLUB, 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13. ~ COMPUTER CLUB FOR KIDS, 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 20. ~ MAKE AND TAKE CRAFTS, 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27. OTHER PROGRAMS:~ Saturday, February 2, 10:00 a.m., to Noon. Take Your Child To The Library Day. Drop in for stories, crafts, activities and prizes! ~ Sunday, February 3, 1:00 p.m. Hansel & Gretel: The Next Generation. At the Community Center, Reim Theatre. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' Imaginary Theatre Company presents this new twist on a classic. ~ Saturday, February 16, 10:00 a.m. African-American Heritage Story Time. Join us for fun with books, music and a craft. ~ Thursday, February 28, 4pm. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. Celebrate everything Seuss. Activities, crafts and cake. All ages. SPECIAL EVENTS:February 1 - 28. February is Black History Month, and we are having an African-American Read In. Read and log books authored by or about African-Americans. Each book read is a chance to win a book gift basket. Winners awarded on March 1. Sign up link on the library's homepage (kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org) starting February 1. For preschool - grade 12. WEEKLY STORY TIMES: ~ Weekly Story Time (stories, songs, and crafts), Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m., February 5, 12, 19, and 26. ~ Books for Babies (songs, stories, and music for babies 6 to 24 months and their caregivers), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. February 7, 14, 21, and 28. ~ First Steps Story Time (Songs, stories, music, and a siple craft for young 2s), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., February 7 , 14, 21, and 28. 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:
ART AT YOUR LIBRARY: Stage Combat for Teens, Saturday, February 16, 2:00 p.m.
Practice your acting skills and learn techniques for stage fighting. No previous experience necessary. Presented by local actor and stage combat choreographer Michael Monsey. Parent is required to sign waiver before teens can participate. Ages 14- 18. Registration required.
TAG: Join the Oak Bend Teen Advisory Group. Wednesday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. Join the Oak Bend Teen Advisory Group! Be involved in planning library activities and resources just for teens. Snacks provided. Registration requested.
FOR KIDS:LEGO BLOCK PARTY: MAZES AND PUZZLES. Saturday, February 2, 10:00 a.m. Calling all Lego fanatics. Stop by the Lego Block Party and show some of your building skills. We will provide the building materials, you bring the inspiration. Ages 6 -12. Registration requested.
DESIGN LIKE DaVINCI: Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 p.m. Leonardo DaVinci was a man ahead of his time, creating some ingenious and futuristic inventions. Join us as we recreate some of his structures with hands-on activities. Ages 8-12. Registration required.ALL AGES:THE BENEFITS OF LAVENDER: Tuesday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. Learn about the benefits of lavender and make some scrubs using lavender and other herbs. Registration required.RHYTHMS AND FOLKLORE OF AFRICA: Thursday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. Experience a unique combination of storytelling, drumming and dance. Hand-picked customers will be dancing and playing the African instruments. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Africa as you join Kenya Ajanaku in this exciting program. All ages. TECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY CLUB: WINDOWS. Thursday, February 28, 6:00 p.m. Join us on the last Thursday of every month as we discuss and explore new and interesting topics in computers and technology. Recommended for adults. Registration requested.
HOLIDAY NOTICE: The library will be closed on Monday, February 18, in observance of Presidents' Day.
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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FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
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It's the beginning of the month tomorrow, so that means lots of new library listings and MoDOT updates in this edition. Which makes it a very loooong newsletter, so I won't keep you any longer, except for this: If you noticed some new signs at the Train Station (photo), here's an explanation. We  continue to see pedestrians attempting to cross the train tracks in ways that put them at risk. An elderly woman recently crossed the tracks with three very young children in tow and barely made it to the other side before the train came through. The signs don't mean that you cannot stand on the grassy area (just to the north of the Memorial Walkway) and take photos. Please take photos (and if you get a good one, send it to me for use in this newsletter!). They just mean we want you to be safe. Please cross using the Clay Avenue overpass or the sidewalk on Kirkwood Road. Be safe, y'all!! Also: Stay warm, have a great weekend, and see you next Thursday! Beth von Behren Happenings Editor/Public Information Officer
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