Kirkwood Weekly Happenings
City of Kirkwood
April 11, 2013
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| Greetings! |
 PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
Samantha Diamond (left), the City's newest horticultural worker, and Pete Laufensweiler, City Horticulturist, plant a new tree to replace one of the trees along the Memorial Walkway that died during last summer's heat wave and drought.
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MISSOURI SUPREME COURT JUDGE WILL VISIT KPL
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MISSOURI SUPREME COURT 101: PRESENTED AT KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library will sponsor a talk by Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary R. Russell at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 17, in the library's lower level meeting room. Judge Russell's presentation is entitled "Supreme Court of Missouri 101," representing a primer on the state's highest court. Judge Russell, who was raised on a dairy farm in northeastern Missouri, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science summa cum laude from Truman State University. She received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1983. She has worked in private practice and served on the Missouri Court of Appeals as well as the Missouri Supreme Court. The presentation, which is being held during National Library Week, is free and open to the public. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, April 15. Call: 821-5770, ext. 1023, and leaving a name and phone number, or stop by the library's gift shop. Coffee and other refreshments will be served.
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NEWS FROM MODOT
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UPDATE ON I-270 ROCK BLASTING: MoDOT was scheduled to begin rock blasting work along southbound I-270, from Manchester to I-44, on Wednesday, April 10 (weather permitting), at 1:00 p.m. This work will continue daily through the end of April and possibly into early May. All lanes on both directions of I-270 in this section will be closed for up to 15 minutes on weekdays to blast rock as part of the widening construction. This blasting work and interstate closure is weather permitting. Crews will need to blast and then clear any rock from the roadway before reopening the interstate. These closures will occur on every weekday throughout this month, weather permitting. Big Bend Boulevard near I-270 will also be closed in both directions for up to 15 minutes during the rock blast. The Kirkwood Fire Department will have a representative on site, usually Fire Marshal Leo Meyer, to monitor the blast each day.
NO-MORE-TRASH BASH:
You may have seen the MoDOT signs by now: Spring into action this April during the No MOre Trash! Bash, and help Missouri become a litter-free state. The No MOre Trash! Bash is an annual event sponsored by the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Transportation. During the entire month of April, efforts are aimed at getting people to clean up litter all across Missouri - from roadsides and parks to rivers and streams. Last year's Bash involved about a thousand groups and 21,000 volunteers. The annual clean-up is planned in conjunction with Earth Day in April. More than 128,000 bags of litter were collected last year. If you would like to volunteer, or need more information, visit www.nomoretrash.org, or call 1-888-275-6636 (ask-modot).
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QUARRY WILL CLOSE DURING BLASTING
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I-270 BLASTING / MERAMEC HIGHLANDS QUARRY CLOSING: Because of its proximity to the blasting area on Interstate 270 (see story above), the City will close Meramec Highlands Quarry at Dee Koestering Park during the periods when the blasting is to occur. Typically, weather permitting, this will be Monday thru Friday, from 12:00 noon until about 2:00 p.m., through the end of April, and possibly into early May. Signs will be posted at the Quarry. Thank you.
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TRAIN STATION NEWS!
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KIRKWOOD CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATION OWNERSHIP
The City will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the day we took ownership of the  Kirkwood Train Station at the annual Rail Safety Day on Saturday, April 20. Ten years ago, the station was about to be closed by Amtrak as part of its cost-cutting efforts. The City negotiated with Union Pacific Railroad to purchase the station and then established a volunteer corps to staff it. Today, the historic Train Station remains a vibrant and essential ingredient in the ambience of downtown Kirkwood.
The ten-year celebration will be a part of the Kirkwood Police Department's 7th Annual Kirkwood Rail Safety Day and Open House. The ceremony, featuring the Mayor of Kirkwood, Art McDonnell, and other City dignitaries, will start at 10:30 a.m. The Open House will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Special display on the consequences of not following safety rules at railroad crossing and around railroad tracks
- Amtrak will host a drawing for free train tickets to Chicago or Kansas City
- Free food will be provided by the Kirkwood American Legion Post
- Live music will be performed by Robin Lopate from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
- An operating model train will be on display
- Organizations and exhibits on hand include: Kirkwood Fire Department, Kirkwood Police Department, Missouri Operation Lifesaver, National Museum of Transport, Amtrak, Kirkwood Historical Society, National Railroad Historical Society, Big Bend Model Railroad Club, Morse Telegraph Club, Union Pacific Railroad Police Special Agents
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ANNUAL KPL BOOK FAIR APRIL 24-28
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KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS' BOOKFAIR - NEW LOCATION FOR 2013: This year's Book Fair will be held at 12145 Manchester Road, in Des Peres (the former Michael's store), in the Olympic Oaks Shopping Center. HOURS:
~ Wednesday, April 24, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. ($5 entry fee this day only)
~ Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 8: p.m.
~ Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
~ Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
~ Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, you can buy a bag of books - all you can fit into a provided bag - for just $5.
What's For Sale: Books, CDs, DVDs, audio books - all at bargain prices in a wide variety of categories. All proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Public Library. Cash or checks will be accepted, but no credit or debit cards.
Special thanks to A-Mrazek Moving Systems who provided storage and transportation services for this sale. For further information, call 314-821-5770, x1023.
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THIS WEEK'S SPRING NATURE HIKE (RAIN OR SHINE!)
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Saturday April 13, 10:00 a.m, Mushroom Hike: Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive. Join a member of the Missouri Mycological Society and discover a whole new world hiding in plain sight along the trails of Emmenegger Nature Park. Our guide will lead us on a delightful and educational mushroom hike. Both edible and inedible fungi will be identified along with an introduction to their odd and fascinating characteristics. Bring weather-appropriate gear, camera, and notebook. Meet at the trailhead kiosk.
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THIS MONTH IN KIRKWOOD!
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ART AT THE STATION: Kirkwood High School's Advanced Placement Art Students will display their work in April at the Train Station, 110 W. Argonne. Art may be viewed when the station is open for passengers.
CARD CLUB ON FRIDAYS AT COMMUNITY CENTER (55+): Do you love to play Bridge or Pinochle? CORP (St. Louis County Older Residents' Program) hosts both on Fridays for the 55+ age group. Cost is 50 cents per week. Games run from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Fridays at the Kirkwood Community Center. Bridge starts at 10:30am. Pinochle starts at 12:30pm. For more details, call 822-1883.
"QUICK DELIGHT - TWELFTH NIGHT" THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 14: Co-sponsored by the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and the Kirkwood Public Library, on Sunday, April 14, 1:30 p.m., at the Community Center. FREE. Join us at the Robert Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center for a 50-minute version of this delightful Shakespearean comedy. "Twelfth Night" will be performed in its entirety in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, May 24 to June 16.
SHAKE38 AT THE TRAIN STATION: THE WINTER'S TALE. For the 4th year, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis will hold readings from all 38 of the Bard's plays, over a four-day period in April, to coincide with Shakespeare's birthday. In Kirkwood, "The Winter's Tale" will be read by the St. Louis Poetry Center at the Kirkwood Train Station, on Monday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. For information on Shake38, visit their Website at www.sfstl.com.
EARTH DAY EXPO AT THE FARMERS' MARKET, APRIL 27: Kirkwood Living Green experts will explore topics related to urban agriculture, community gardens, and backyard gardening. Lots of interesting exhibits and displays. Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Greenway! Read more about it here.
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NEXT MONTH IN KIRKWOOD:
~ MAYFEST in Downtown Kirkwood: Runs May 9 through 11 at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market, starting with the Ladies Night of Fashion & Art on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the newly opened Ober Anderson Gallery. Tapas, beverages, a fashion show, attendance prizes and more! Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Read more about it here.
~ TUNES AT TEN returns in May to the Kirkwood Farmers' Market. On selected Saturday mornings, enjoy live music while you shop for produce, fresh bread, or live plants at the Market! The beat goes on...at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays!
~ ROTARY RAMBLE, May 11: Fitness Fun with a Purpose! The second annual Rotary Ramble, sponsored by the Kirkwood Rotary Club, will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013. This year's activities include 10K and 5k certified runs, a one-mile Fun Walk Adventure, a Zumbathon, and an Obstacle Course. Pre-registration cost for the runs is $25 (19 and over) and $15 (under 19). For the one-mile Fun Walk Adventure, the cost is $25 per family. The Zumbathon costs $25 (19+) and $15 (under 19). The Obstacle Course costs $15 for all ages. For all events, after May 9 and on race day the cost goes up by $10. Ramble registration is online through May 9. The Kirkwood Aquatic Center will serve as the check-in point for all events, beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m. For additional information, visit the City's Website Calendar here, and click on "May 11" on the graphic calendar. Then click on the link to the press release in the left-hand column.
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MAY IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH!
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FAVORITE BUILDINGS AWARDS - NOMINATIONS DUE MONDAY, APRIL 15!
May is Preservation Month, which provides the perfect opportunity to show how your community's history honors the past and helps build the future. Architecture makes visible the values that a community holds. When architectural treasures are saved, the effect on civic spirit often surpasses the importance of the structures themselves. Nominations are currently being sought for "Favorite Buildings in Kirkwood." Buildings or places need not be a "designated" Kirkwood Landmark. The members of the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission will review all nominations to select this year's recipients. "Recognition Awards" will be announced during the month of May, at the annual Awards Presentation (details to follow). To nominate a building, or to review the criteria, please visit the City's Website at www.kirkwoodmo.org. |
FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DRIVE
|  Celebrate Earth Day by recycling those old toasters and VHS recorders! This FREE electronics recycling drive is hosted by Kirkwood Sanitation at the Public Works Building, 345 S. Fillmore, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, 8:00 a.m., until noon. The drop-off will be in the front parking lot area. The event is co-sponsored by RNA WORLDWIDE. They will accept the following equipment: Computers, network, medical/lab, telecommunications, audio-visual, electronic-operated, battery-operated, and accessories. They will also accept: LCD displays (no fee), LCD display-laptops, hard drives, disk drives, zip drives, CD drives, CDRW and DVD Drives, Scanners, Printers, speakers, battery back-ups, adding & answering machines, phones (Cell, Cord, Cordless), pagers, pocket PCs, cartridges, PC and digital cameras, batteries, power cords, cables and wire, appliances, and all scrap metal. For additional information, contact RNA at 314-338-6048 or visit their Website at www.rnaworld.com. |
KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY HAPPENINGS IN APRIL
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CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY MONTH AT KPL!
~ Saturday, April 13: Unveiling of winning library card designs, 10:30 a.m.
~ Sunday, April 14: Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Quick Delight 12th Night at the Kirkwood Community Center, 1:30 p.m.
~ Tuesday, April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day. An attorney/notary will be at the library to assist filling out a healthcare directive form, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
~ Saturday, April 20: Poetry Slam! Join published poet and associate professor at St. Louis Community College Pamela Garvey for a reading and discussion about poetry, 5:00 p.m.
~ April 14-20: Discount Days, All Week Long! Show your KPL card at Fun in the Sun Sports and Leisure for a 15 percent discount AND get a discount at Books & Beyond, the gift shop in the library.
~ April 14-20: Food for Fines with KirkCare, All Week Long! Bring in canned and bopxed goods to offset fines: $1 taken off fines for each canned or boxed good donated. Donations of up to $15 per library card will be accepted.
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FOR TEENS:
~ Monster Prom: April 26: A Dance of the Deadly. A Promenade of Monstrosities. Come to the Monster Prom at the Library, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., for food, music, an author visit, and, of course, ghouls.
FOR ADULTS:
~ Author Talk, April 24: Author Grady Smith will discuss his book, Blood Chit, at 7:00 p.m., in the lower level meeting room. Books will be available for sale and signing.
~ Local Author Talk, April 30: Author and Kirkwood resident James Erwin will discuss his book, Guerrilla Hunters in Civil War Missouri, at 7:00 p.m. Books will be available for sale and signing.
FOR FAMILIES - STORY TIMES:
~ Weekly Story Times. Stories, songs and crafts, 10:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays
~ Books for Babies. For babies up to 24 months & their caregivers. Stories, songs and fingerplays. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
~ First Steps Story Times. Stories, songs and crafts for young 2s. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.
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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FROM OAK BEND LIBRARY
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FOR TEENS:
~ Saturday, April 13, 2:00 p.m. Art @ Your Library: Blues Songwriting Workshop
Learn about the blues and how to write and perform a blues song. Workshop presented by Freedom Arts and Education Center. Ages 10-15. Registration required.
~ Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 p.m. Teen DIY: Seed Balls. Make the world a little greener with seed balls. Create small bundles of seed and compost to throw in any spot that needs a bit of flower power. Grades 6-12. Registration requested.~ Wednesday, April 17, 8:00 p.m. Guys Read TWITTER CHAT: "American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang. Join us on Twitter each month as we discuss a great book with guy appeal. April's selection is "American Born Chinese," a graphic novel that explores identity through three interconnected stories (and cartoonish Kung Fu action!). How do you join a Twitter chat? It's easy! - Log on to Twitter between 8:00 and 8:45 p.m.
- Search for the hashtag #guysreadstl
- Use this hashtag when tweeting to join the discussion
- Follow St. Louis County Library at twitter.com/SLCL for a recap of the discussion.
~ Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. TAG. Join the Oak Bend Teen Advisory Group and become involved in planning teen activities for the year. Lots of snacks will be provided! Grades 6-12.
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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Survey Says...
Happy Thursday!
As part of our ongoing efforts to get feedback from residents on important issues, we will be sending you a quick, one-question survey periodically over the next few months, and possibly into next year. This is a highly unscientific method of soliciting information, but it's FREE. We will use the same service we use to send you this e-newsletter to send you surveys, at no additional cost to the City. We will also post the survey questions in Eye on Kirkwood each month to reach those who don't like email. So...be on the lookout over the next week or so for your first survey question.
AND THANK YOU.
Have a great weekend, and see you next Thursday!
Beth von Behren
Happenings Editor/Public Information Officer
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City of Kirkwood
139 S. Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-822-5894
www.kirkwoodmo.org
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