Kirkwood Weekly HappeningsCity Logo B-W
City of Kirkwood
September 19, 2013

In This Issue
Dog Days
Nature Walks
Utility Presentations
Day Out
Hands on Kirkwood
Electronics Drive
For Gardeners
Street Trees
Kirkwood Public Library
Oak Bend Library
Makin' Music Concerts
Last Thoughts
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Greetings!
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
 
On September 12, the City's Fire and Police departments, emergency management team, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers participated in an emergency management role-playing exercise at Bethesda-Dilworth skilled nursing facility on Big Bend. The scenario was a tornado watch, followed by a tornado warning, and then tornado damage that resulted in a fire. Our CERT volunteers played patient roles that taxed the training of the facility's real-life staff, all of whom said they learned a lot and were much more prepared for a real emergency than before the exercise.  The good residents of Bethesda-Dilworth also participated in a very important way.  They were wheeled out to the hallway during the tornado warning part of the scenario so that staff could practice.  In a real emergency, they would be positioned along one wall, as they are in this photo, so that emergency crews can navigate the hallway unencumbered.  The City thanks the staff for their enthusiastic participation, the residents for their patience, and the City of Crestwood, which also sent crews to participate. 
    
DOG DAYS CELEBRATION THIS WEEKEND AT THE MARKET

THE ANNUAL KIRKWOOD FARMERS' MARKET DOG DAYS CELEBRATION 

This Saturday, September 21:

The parade steps off at Ken Connor Park on Kirkwood Road at 9:00 a.m., heads west on Argonne to Clay, east to W. Jefferson, and finally south on Taylor to E. Argonne.  You can participate with your canine friends or just enjoy watching.  THEN: 

  • Pet-related vendors in the Farmers' Market Greenway
  • Information from Animal Welfare Groups
  • Live Music--Salt of the Earth at 10am near the pergola
FALL NATURE WALKS AND TALKS
EXPLORING FALL WILDFLOWERS AND TREES:
Join a past president of the Missouri Native Plant Society and author of
Steyermark's Flora of Missouri for an exhilarating and educational hike through Emmenegger Nature Park. Expect to see asters, goldenrods, sumacs, and the first glimpse of fall colors.  You'll learn to identify Missouri native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers - and enjoy their beauty!  Wear hiking shoes and weather-appropriate gear, and bring a camera and notebook, if desired. Held rain or shine.  FREE and open to all.  Meet at the trailhead kiosk by the creek. Saturday, September 28, 10am to Noon, Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive.

THE SCOURGE OF INVASIVE PLANTS:
Come learn from Pete Laufersweiler, Kirkwood Parks' Horticulturist, why invasive plants are so harmful to our environment.  Methods to identify and control non-native invasive plant species will be given.  Some discussion of appropriate replacements with Missouri native species will be given.  FREE and open to all.  Wednesday, October 2, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road.

Sponsored by Kirkwood Parks & Recreation.
MEET YOUR UTILITY DIRECTORS!
KIRKWOOD WATER DIRECTOR ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS!
Where:  Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson
When:  September 25, 7:00 p.m.

Bill Bensing, Kirkwood Water Director, will give an informational presentation to residents at Kirkwood Public Library on September 25.  Bill will talk about Kirkwood Water's history and operations, the municipal water industry, how we compare with other municipal utilities, and how owning our own water company benefits the City and its residents.  Bill will also discuss how rates are set, new technologies, automated meter reading, and long-term plans, after which, he will open it up for questions from the audience.

 

KIRKWOOD-OAKLAND DAY OUT OCTOBER 5
OPEN HOUSE AT THE KIRKWOOD POLICE STATION
Historically, the National Night Out has been hosted by police departments across the country on the first Tuesday in August. Several years ago, however, the Cities of Kirkwood and Oakland decided to move their "Night Out" event to October, when weather conditions are more suitable for an outdoor event. This year, it will be held at the Kirkwood Police Department, 131 W. Madison Avenue, during the day on Saturday, October 5, from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

Stop by for food, fun, and games.  FREE food - hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, snow cones, beverages.  We will offer free Child Photo ID cards to children with a parent or guardian present.   Invited Guests Include:
  • The Magic House
  • Operation Lifesaver
  • Powder Valley Nature Center
  • St. Louis County Department of Health
  • Target
  • Tropical Moose
  • Kirkwood Electric (Display)
  • Kirkwood Fire Department (Display)
  • Kirkwood Parks & Recreation
  • Kirkwood Police Chaplains
  • CERT:  Citizen Emergency Response Team
  • Safety Bounce House

The Police Department wants to encourage all residents who still want to schedule their own neighborhood block party to do so at any time during the year including on the Night Out /Day Out date. If you contact the Community Service Officer at 314-822-5868, arrangements can be made for both Police and Fire personnel to stop by for a visit. To set up a block party, use the form on the Website here, or call 822-5806.  

 

HANDS ON KIRKWOOD OCTOBER 5
HANDS ON KIRKWOOD:  IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO VOLUNTEER
Hands on Kirkwood (HOK) is a one-day mission blitz of the Kirkwood community on Saturday, October 5. It's a special day when every member of the community is encouraged and empowered to go and to serve.

Want to volunteer?  It's simple.  Just sign up on their Website, at: www.handsonkirkwood.org, or call 314-965-2349.  Want to donate? There are drop-off sites around the City for gently used winter clothing, including:  Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson.

Know someone in need?
~ For home projects (yard work, small home repairs, simple household chores, etc.), call 314-965-2349. 
~ FREE winter Clothing Store, 9:00 a.m. until Noon, at Kirkwood Baptist Church, 211 N. Woodlawn avenue. New and gently used clothing for men, women, and children in various sizes will be available.
~ Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding:  9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., St. Louis Community College at Meramec, 11333 Big Bend.  Limit of two boxes to shred and one "old style" TV per car, but other than that, if you can plug it in, they will take it!  Thank you to Shred It and the Midwest Recycling Center.
~ Winterize Car Check:  9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Kirkwood Baptist Church, 211 N. Woodlawn Avenue. FREE of charge, volunteers will inspect cars and provide visitors with items to follow up on with their local mechanic. In addition, windshield wiper fluid will be topped off and tires and batteries will be checked.

For additional information, visit: handsonkirkwood.org, or call 314-965-2349.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DRIVE OCTOBER 5
NOTE:  LOCATION INADVERTENTLY LEFT OUT OF TRASH TALK:
The City's Recycling Drive, on Saturday, October 5, will be held at the Public Works Building, 345 S. Fillmore (backs to the Scheidegger Recycling Depository), in the parking lot, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. 

 

WHAT WILL BE ACCEPTED:

 

Commercial, Residential, Industrial:  Computer, Network, Medical and Lab, Telecommunications, A/V Equipment, Electronic-Operated, Battery-Operated Items, Batteries.   

Accessories: LCD Displays,CRT Monitors,LCD Display-laptops,CD, CDRW, and DVD Drives,Hard Drives,Disk Drives,Zip Drives,Scanners,Printers,Speakers,Battery back-ups, Laser Toner,Ink Cartridges, 

Miscellaneous: Adding & Answer Machines,Phones (Cell, Cord/Cordless),Pagers, Pocket PCs, Cartridges, PC and Digital Cameras, Batteries,Power Cords, Cables and Wire, Appliances (Toaster Ovens, Washing Machines).

GARDENER'S CORNER
GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK, FROM THE KIRKWOOD GARDEN CLUB

We are repeating last week's tip since cool weather is finally here, and you may need to keep this one in mind for a second week.

 

Now through November is a great time to plant trees and shrubs.  Dig the hole three times the diameter of the root ball and to a depth of 80 percent of the root ball.  Water well; then mulch about three to four inches.  Take care to keep the mulch away from the trunk of the tree or shrub.  Continue to keep well watered until the temperatures reach 32 degrees

 

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.

BENEFITS OF STREET TREES
WE NEED YOUR TREE PLANTING IDEAS
Having trees on the street and in right-of-way areas is a great way to provide cooling shade for on-street parking, which reduces the heat island effect and auto emissions and can help with stormwater runoff.  Click here to visit the Urban Forestry Commission page on the City's Website, and then scroll down and click on the "Benefits of Street Trees" document to learn more.

Why is this important?  On that same page, you can also click on the Street Tree Request Form to request that a tree be planted in the right-of-way (ROW) in front of your house.   Kirkwood's City Council and Urban Forestry Commission are working together to purchase new street trees, but they want your ideas and feedback on where the trees should be planted.  Follow the directions on the form.  Thank you!
KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
SEPTEMBER PROGRAMMING:

Adult Programs:

~ 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:

~ 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.
FROM OAK BEND LIBRARY

For Children: 

~ Wednesday, September 25, 4:30 p.m. Book Bites Junior: Frog and Toad. Meet with fans of Mr. Putter and Tabby, Amelia Bedelia and other early chapter books. This month we'll be discussing the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. Grades 1-3. Registration requested.

 

For Adults:

~ Thursday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. Creative Writing and Poetry Share Group. Do you enjoy writing? Would you like to share your creativity with a captive audience? Bring some of your work and join us for our creative writing and poetry share group. Registration requested.

 

For Teens:   

~ Friday, September 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Hobbit Night. Celebrate the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins with an evening of all things hobbit. We'll watch "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (Running time: 169 min. MPAA rating: PG-13) and have a feast fit for the Shire. Grades 6-12. Registration required.

~ Wednesday, September 25, 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.  

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC...
SUMMER CONCERTS - WINDING DOWN:
Tunes at Ten, select Saturday mornings, 10:00 a.m., Kirkwood Farmers' Market:
~ Sept 21: Salt of the Earth

Thursday Night Concert Series, select Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Station Plaza:
~ Thursday, September 19:  Push the Limit, sponsored by Kirkwood Station Plaza
~ Thursday, September 26:  Kirkwood Stock, sponsored by Kirkwood United Methodist Church
FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
I was just saying to a friend yesterday:  We are heading into the Christmas season.  I know, it seems silly and too soon to say such a thing, but realistically, we are halfway through September, and as soon as Halloween inches our way, the other holidays seem to tumble forward until we suddenly find ourselves waiting for the MLK Birthday holiday in January (a much-needed post-holiday-season day off).

On that note, we received this communique this week from MoDOT:  "Even though the first snowfall may be weeks away, the Missouri Department of Transportation starts preparing early to make sure it has the right number of people, in the right places, ready to plow and treat Missouri's 33,891 miles of state routes.  It's time to work on the winter battle plan that will help get travelers back on Missouri roadways as quickly as possible. In the coming weeks, crews will inspect equipment, make necessary repairs, review snowplow routes, and refresh their skills with training."

In Kirkwood, we are also getting ready for winter.  This week, Kirkwood Street Department null received 1,200 tons of salt, which filled the City's 4,000-ton dome to capacity, in preparation for the coming snow season (photo).  As I write this, the outside temp is inching up toward 90, but tomorrow we are supposed to see a significant drop, and of course, that is typical Fall weather in this region: Hot today, rainy and cold tomorrow.  But the long-range implication is that winter is coming, and we don't want to find ourselves unprepared.  As Cathy Reber notes above in her weekly garden tip, now is the time to plant shrubs and trees and start getting your garden and lawn ready for winter.  Now is the time to check your tires for tread, maybe get an oil change, look in the garage for the snow shovel and salt (or buy more salt) so you know where they are when the time comes, and if you have a fireplace, check to see if you have enough firewood stockpiled.  I'm hearing warnings from some folks of intense weather patterns for this winter, which of course is not unusual for our fair city, but it's still good to be prepared.

The GOOD thing about winter, is that it brings us wonderful things like the theatre season ("Cabaret" at The Rep starts next week, and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" from the Kirkwood Theatre Guild starts in early November) and symphony season.  There may still be a few Zoo days left, but personally, I'm looking forward to seeing more David Robertson, now that he has signed on for a few more seasons.   

That's all for now.  Have a great weekend, and see you next Thursday!! 


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