Kirkwood Weekly Happenings
City of Kirkwood
August 29, 2013
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| Greetings! |
 PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
Moon Over Kirkwood...this lovely photograph was taken by Kirkwood resident Donna Lagow Frandsen on August 21, from the Clay Avenue overpass. Thank you, Donna, for sharing it with us!!
Have you taken a really great photograph of something or someone in Kirkwood recently? Your editor would love to use it in the newsletter. Simply email it to Info@Kirkwoodmo.org (or just reply to this newsletter), along with a brief description and your name. Thanks!
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HOLIDAY INFORMATION!
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CITY OFFICES CLOSED - NO SANITATION ON HOLIDAY
City Hall and most City offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, for Labor Day. There will be no sanitation collection on the holiday. All sanitation routes will be delayed by one day all week (Monday moves to Tuesday, etc.). The Kirkwood Community Center offices and the Ice Rink will both be closed (no public skating sessions). Pool hours are listed below for the holiday weekend.
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LAST WEEKEND FOR THE AQUATIC CENTER
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HOLIDAY WEEKEND HOURS FOR THE POOL:
~ Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. ALL POOLS OPEN.
~ Labor Day (Monday, September 2): 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ALL POOLS OPEN. Dog Pool Parties: A chance for your four-legged friends to enjoy the cool Recreation Station waters! Sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation and Pool Paws for Humane Laws. Current shot records, DHLPP and Rabies, must be provided. Two dates! ~ Tuesday, September 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. ~ Thursday, September 5, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ~ $10 per dog/owner $3 for each additional person |
FROM PARKS & RECREATION
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR FALL PROGRAMMING!
The Fall / Winter Program Guide was mailed to Kirkwood households this month. Click here to access the Guide online. Registration for all programs, events, and classes for Fall 2013 is NOW OPEN.
RAPTORS IN FLIGHT: SEPTEMBER 5The Webster Groves Nature Study Society and the World Bird Sanctuary present "Raptors in Flight" at Kirkwood Park, Picnic Site 13, on Thursday, September 5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. NOTE: No one will be allowed to stand while the raptors are flying. Additional information about the event will be posted at www.wgnss.org. 50+ and FIT: AN OASIS PROGRAMEnjoy the benefits of exercise in this class that will incorporate low-impact aerobics and resistance bands for overall fitness. Kirkwood OASIS 304. Tuesday/Thursday, September 17 through October 10, 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Fee: $40, 8 sessions. STAGES 2013 SEASON:Stages presents My Fair Lady, September 6 through October 6, 2013, at the Robert Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road. For information, including ticket prices and show times, call 314-821-2407 or visit: StagesStLouis.org.
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SENIOR CORNER
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A MATTER OF BALANCE:
Almost half of older adults worry about falling. Don't worry - take action! Learn factors that can lead to a fall and practical tips to keep you on your feet, in this discussion-based program. Improve flexibility and range-of-motion with stretches and light movements introduced in the third class. Participants receive a workbook to keep. Light refreshments provided. Monday/Wednesday, September 9 to October 2. 1:00-3:00 p.m. Fee: $15, 8 sessions.
MEDICARE UPDATE:
Medicare open enrollment is earlier in 2014. Learn about the changes in Medicare for 2014. This class provides a synopsis of the CLAIM program and how to access their services, plus information on Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Tuesday, September 24, 10:00-11:30 a.m., or 10:00-2:30 p.m. FREE
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LINE DANCING:Taught by Gerry and Marlene Strait: Learn line dancing moves, have fun, and get exercise at the same time. No partner required. Kirkwood OASIS 307. Tuesdays, September 24 through October 29, 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Fee: $38, 6 sessions. OASIS offers programming for 50+ adults at the Kirkwood Community Center. Call 314-966-5433 for more information or to register, or visit their Website: http://www.oasisnet.org/Cities/Central/StLouisMO.aspx
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MEET YOUR UTILITY DIRECTORS!
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KIRKWOOD ELECTRIC AND KIRKWOOD WATER ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!
Where: Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson
When: September 4 (Electric) and September 25 (Water), 7:00 p.m.
Mark Petty, Kirkwood Electric Director, and Bill Bensing, Kirkwood Water Director, will give informational presentations to residents at Kirkwood Public Library in September. Kirkwood's utility directors will talk about their utility's history and operations, the municipal water and electric industries, how Kirkwood's utilities compare with that of other municipalities, and the benefits the City and its residents receive by owning our own utility companies. Also: How rates are set, new technologies, AMR (automated meter reading), materials, construction methods, and what the long-term plans are for each utility. After the presentation, each director will open it up for questions from the audience.
So mark your calendars. First Up: On Wednesday, September 4, come listen to
 | | Mark Petty (holding plaque) poses with City Council members after presenting them with the Scattergood Award. L to R: Gina Jaksetic, Bob Sears, Paul Ward (partially hidden), Iggy Yuan, Jerry Biedenstein, Petty, Mike Brown (chief administrative officer), Art McDonnell (mayor), and Nancy Luetzow. |
Kirkwood Electric Director Mark Petty, who spearheaded Kirkwood Electric's drive to be the best in the nation! It's true. In April, Kirkwood Electric was awarded the E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award by the American Public Power Association. This award is given to ONE public utility each year and recognizes the municipal utility's "sustained outstanding performance," meaning that for 2013, Kirkwood Electric was recognized as THE BEST municipal utility in the nation. Mark will answer your questions on the 4th, starting at 7pm.
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GARDENER'S CORNER
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GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK, FROM THE KIRKWOOD GARDEN CLUB
Enjoy the benefits of your gardening by bringing your flowers indoors! Cutting flowers is  best done with sharp shears or a knife which will help avoid injury to the growing plant. A slanting cut will expose a larger absorbing surface to water and will prevent the base of the stem from resting on the bottom of the vase. It is best to carry a bucket of water to the garden for collecting flowers, rather than a cutting basket.
The Kirkwood Garden Club will periodically share a Gardening Tip of the Week with Weekly Happenings readers. For more information about the club, visit their Website at kirkwoodgardenclub.org. New members and guests - both men and women - are always welcome to attend their meetings and events. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Community Center.
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NEWS FROM MoDOT
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MoDOT MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOTORIST ASSIST PROGRAM
For 20 years, the Missouri Department of Transportation's Motorist Assist operators have come to the rescue of stranded motorists on St. Louis area interstates and highways. While the driver of a broken down vehicle may be relieved to see the familiar yellow and black Motorist Assist uniform, helping motorists is just part of what they do. In 2012, Motorist Assist handled nearly 37,000 incidents, including over 8,000 abandoned vehicles, over 7700 mechanical repairs and nearly 5500 tire changes. These tasks help alleviate congestion on interstates, by moving incidents off to the right side of the road, allowing other commuters to safely and more easily reach their destination. Clearing incidents sooner helps air quality by reducing congestion. It saves Missourians time and money that could be spent sitting idle, stuck in traffic, wasting gasoline.
Many of the travelers helped by Motorist Assist will have the chance to personally thank the operators as MoDOT marks the 20th anniversary of Motorist Assist in the St. Louis district with an open house on Thursday, August 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The open house is located at the Motorist Assist station at 669 Salt Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. The public can view exhibits about the history of Motorist Assist and personally thank a Motorist Assist operator. Kids can learn more about safety and participate in other fun activities.
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ART AT THE STATION
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SEPTEMBER EXHIBIT
The oil and watercolor paintings of Mark Robinson opens September 5 and runs through September 30. The opening reception will be held Thursday, September 5, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public.
All art exhibits are on display at the Kirkwood Train Station, located at the corner of Argonne & South Kirkwood Road. The exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public. Art may be viewed when the station is open for passengers. Sponsored by the Kirkwood Area Arts Council.
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KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
| SEPTEMBER PROGRAMMING:
Adult Programs: ~ Tuesday, September 10, 1:30 pm. Cinema KPL presents Agatha. ~ Tuesday, September 10, 7pm. Parenting Event. The "MOST 529" College Savings Program - Planning for Parents and Grandparents. Most 529 Program Manager for Upromise Investments presents information on the State of Missouri's College Savings Plan. Sponsored by Friends of Kirkwood Public Library. ~ Wednesday, September 18, 2pm. Mystery Readers Bookclub: Deception by Denise Mina. ~ Thursday, September 19, 10 am. Searching the Foundation Directory Online Database. Learn how to search this database and get tips on proposal writing. ~ Thursday, September 19, 7pm. Parenting Event. Feeding Baby: The First 6 Months. Learn about what to feed your baby during the first months of babyhood from Nancy Cooksey, BSN, RN. Sponsored by Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library. ~ Wednesday, September 25, 1 pm. Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library are celebrating Banned Books week with Bob Boyd who will speak on "The Censor's Dilemma: Keeping Society Safe for Misfits and the Outright Weird." ~ Sunday, September 22, 2pm. Music in the Library. Guitarist Kirk Hanser. ~ Tuesday, September 24, 1:30 pm. Cinema KPL presents Evil Under the Sun. ~ Saturday, September 28, 2pm. The Steamer Admiral and Strekfus Steamers. Join author Annie A. Blum as she tells about her 18 years working on the steamer Admiral and for the Strekfus family company. Books available for sale and signing. Children's Programs: ~ Wednesday, September 4, 4pm. Lego Club ~ Thursday, September 5, 6:30 pm. Family Book Club Junior, for grades 2-3 and parents. We are discussing Roxie and the Hooligans by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. ~ Monday, September 9, 7pm. Family Book Club, for grades 4-6 and parents. We are discussing Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. ~ Wednesday, September 11, 4 pm. Science Fun. ~ Wednesday, September 18, 4pm. Minecraft. ~ Saturday, September 21, 9am - Noon. Meet us at the Farmer's Market for a fabulous dog craft. ~ Saturday, September 21, 1:30 pm. Fan favorite and 2013 Parent's Choice audio award winner Dino O'Dell is here with music and fun. ~ Wednesday, September 25, 4 pm. Make & Take Craft. ~ Saturday, September 28, 1:30-4:30 pm. Harry Potter Mania. Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. Fish in Hogwarts Lake, decorate a broom craft, De-gnome the Garden, Harry Potter Wii games, Horcrux Hunt and more. Drop in anytime to join the fun. For kids and teens.
Story Times:
~ Tuesdays, 10 am, September 10 - December 10, 2013. All ages. ~ Wednesdays, 10 am, September 11-December 11, 2013, all ages. ~ Thursdays, 9:30 am, September 12-December 12, 2013. Books For Babies for babies 6-24 months and their caregivers. ~ Thursdays, 10:30 am. September 12-December 12, 2013. First Steps Storytime for young 2s.
The Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson in Downtown Kirkwood. For additional information, please call 821-5770.
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MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC...
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SUMMER CONCERTS - WINDING DOWN:
Tunes at Ten, select Saturday mornings, 10;00 a.m., Kirkwood Farmers' Market:~ August 31: Rocky Santhuff ~ Sept 7: The Lulus
~ Sept 21: Salt of the Earth
Thursday Night Concert Series, selected Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Station Plaza:
~ Thursday, August 29: Yukon Jake, sponsored by West Community Credit Union
~ Thursday, September 5: American Idol Band, sponsored by Bar Louie
~ Thursday, September 19: Push the Limit, sponsored by Kirkwood Station Plaza
~ Thursday, September 26: Kirkwood Stock, sponsored by Kirkwood United Methodist Church
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FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
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Survey Says......Many of our Weekly Happenings readers responded to the short survey we sent you back in June about parking in downtown Kirkwood. To be exact, about a third of you responded: And Thank You! We thought you might like to see the results, so here they are:
1) Do you find it difficult to park in downtown Kirkwood?
~ Yes: 36.9 percent
~ No: 62.8 percent
~ No response: <1 percent
2) If you answered yes to question #1, please check the statement that best describes where you most frequently find parking: [Optional question]
~ I usually park in front of my destination: 1.9 percent
~ I usually park on the same block as my destination: 20.5 percent
~ I usually park within a couple blocks of my destination: 23.5 percent
~ I usually park on the same side of the tracks as my destination: 3.4 percent
~ I usually park on the outskirts of downtown and walk several blocks: 1.6 percent
~ No response: 48.9 percent
3) Would you be in favor of the City of Kirkwood paying to build a parking deck on the new Jefferson parking lot?
~ Yes: 43.1 percent
~ No: 56.5 percent
~ No response: <1 percent
Thanks again to all those who responded. We periodically like to poll residents informally about their opinions and value your input greatly. Please rest assured that there is no proposal before the Council on parking or on the Jefferson Avenue lot right now. If you have any questions about this issue, please feel free to email them to: Info@kirkwoodmo.org.
It's a holiday weekend! And it's going to be HOT. Temperatures of 95+ are expected for Friday and Saturday and a high of 91 is predicted for Sunday. A "cold front" comes our way on Monday when storms bring the temps down into the 80s. So if you want to hit the pool this weekend, Saturday and Sunday may be your best bets. Whatever you do, have a great weekend, stay safe, and see you next Thursday!
Beth von Behren
Happenings Editor
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City of Kirkwood
139 S. Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-822-5894
www.kirkwoodmo.org
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