Kirkwood Weekly Happenings City Logo B-W

City of Kirkwood
November 21 and 28, 2013

In This Issue

Holiday Walk

Kirkwood Public Library

Oak Bend Library

Last Thoughts

Quick Links

City Blog: All Aboard

City Website

Kirkwood Public Library Website

MoDOT Website

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

This picture represents what happens when someone thoughtlessly introduces animals into a natural environment where they don't belong. In the Florida Everglades right now, they are battling Burmese Pythons and, most recently, Green Anacondas (read about it here), which are not native to this continent. In Kirkwood Park's Walker Lake, we have a physically smaller but still similar problem. This is a common goldfish, one that we are used to seeing swimming around in a goldfish bowl. Put them in a lake and they can grow very large. They essentially grow relative to the size of the container in which they live. We also have a problem in Walker Lake with Koi, another common domestic fish that one sees in fish ponds. Someone dumped a large number of them a couple of years back and we are still trying to get them out of the lake. Both species can destroy the balance of a lake's ecosystem, primarily because they kick up dirt from the bottom, increasing the turbidity of the water, which is not good for other species.

Please: Do not release any animals in any park or any fish in Walker Lake without first consulting with Kirkwood's Parks & Recreation Department. Call them at 822-5855.

Thank you.

ROAD CLOSURES - THANKSGIVING MORNING

TURKEY DAY RUN WILL HAVE SOME ROADS IN KIRKWOOD COMPLETELY CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY

Next Thursday's (Nov. 28) Turkey Day Run will have the following roads closed. These closures will run from 7:00 a.m., until 9:30 a.m.

~ East Adams Avenue, between Woodlawn and Berry Road: Completely closed.

~ East Argonne Avenue, between Kirkwood Road and Park Avenue: Completely closed.
~ All of the other roads along the route (see below): Completely closed.

The route for the run will be: Starting off at the Farmers' Market on Argonne, east to Park Avenue. Park Avenue north to Adams Avenue. Adams west to Woodlawn. Woodlawn south to Jefferson. Jefferson west to Taylor. Taylor south to Argonne. This is the route for the 3-mile run. If you would like the complete route, including the 6-mile run, which runs into Webster, please visit this page of the City's Website, where you will find more details and a full map. For more information prior to Thanksgiving Day, call Don LaChance at 314-984-6966. Thank you.

HOLIDAY WALK IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD!

HOLIDAY WALK THIS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD!

Shop, Dine, & Stroll during the annual Downtown Kirkwood Holiday Walk. Numerous specialty stores will unveil gift-giving ideas and offer specials and refreshments during the Walk. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa, and enjoy entertainment and free trolley rides!

SANTA ARRIVES on the train at 9:30am!!

HOTDOGS: Hotdogs will be served up by the Kirkwood Kiwanis (free - donations welcome!). The hotdogs this year are provided courtesy of Billy G's and Mike Duffy's, with donation proceeds going to the good work done by the Kirkwood Kiwanis! Find the hotdog booth at the Train Station!

OTHER HOLIDAY DATES COMING UP:

Photos with Santa at the Train Station:
~ December 5 and 12, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
~ December 13, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Bring your camera. Shop and dine after visiting with Santa. Many stores extend their hours on Thursday evenings.

Small Business Saturday is November 30: After Thanksgiving, head over to Downtown Kirkwood and Shop Local! Enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere while showing your support for the small businesses in Downtown Kirkwood.

Downtown Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival: Saturday, December 28. The fireworks will go off over City Hall. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. Fireworks at 6:30 p.m. More details to come.

NEED COMPUTER ASSISTANCE?

KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY CAN HELP!

The days have long passed when a library's resources consisted fully of books and periodicals. Now, libraries are truly information centers, with more and more space and staff devoted to the developing technologies that provide resources to the public. To that end, the Kirkwood Public Library is leading the charge by offering a Computer Lab and expert staff, featuring classes and help with the latest computers, software and technology available to the public.

The constantly updating Kirkwood Public Library computer lab has a diverse array of machines and equipment, including:

~ Eight PCs running Windows 7

~ Four 2013 iMac computers

~ A flatbed scanner capable of scanning photos and documents

~ Large format printer

~ Multiple projectors

~ VHS-to-DVD converter

~ DVD duplicator

In addition to all of the equipment available, various software packages are there to be used by the public, including Adobe Creative Suite, which features Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, iMovie, and more.

While the resources speak for themselves, it is not only the equipment and software that makes the Kirkwood Public Library unique. Expert staff are also available for Drop-In IT Help several times a week, and the Library offers a full complement of classes ranging from basic computing and Microsoft Office to more advanced topics and help with eReaders. Visit the KPL Computer Lab online, or drop in during regular library hours to take advantage of all the resources available to the public.

SENIOR CORNER

COMPUTER SAVVY FOR SENIORS

Do you have an older family member who wants to set up an email account or a Facebook account but has never used a computer? Kirkwood Public Library can help. They offer computer classes on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as drop-in IT help (see article above).

There is an "Introduction to Computers" class coming up on December 3. Here is a link to the list of classes your older friends or relatives can take - FREE OF CHARGE, but you must register.

GARDENERS' CORNER

GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK

Since we have had a hard freeze, now is the time to prune traditional rose bushes. Bushes may be pruned to 18" above the ground. Clean away any fallen leaves, especially those with any black spots. This will lessen the chance of a fungus impacting the new growth next spring. After pruning, mulch with 2"-3" of compost. (Knockout and climbing roses should not be pruned at this time.)

HELPING OUT IN THE PHILIPPINES

KIRKWOOD FIREFIGHTER COLLECTING FOR PHILIPPINES' TYPHOON EFFORTS

The typhoon that many weather historians are calling the strongest and biggest ever recorded hit the Central Islands of the Philippines on November 8. Many families are

without food, water, and shelter. Between the recent earthquake and this super typhoon, many Filipinos in the Visayas region are in tremendous need.

Kirkwood Firefighter Rex Francke, who is a native Filipino, is collecting funds, along with his wife Len and their church, to assist the thousands who have lost homes and loved ones. Rex has been involved with relief efforts in the Philippines since the earthquake earlier this fall. His church, the Revival of Faith Ministries, has sent volunteers and supplies to the Philippines (see photos) and continues to do so.

If you would like to help, please send your donation to:

Revival of Faith Ministries
Philippine Relief Fund
P.O Box 1525
O'Fallon, MO 63366

Questions can be addressed to 636-542-2834 or by email to: rfmnow@yahoo.com.

TURKEY DAY RUN NEXT WEEK!

THE DEADLINE LOOMS: REGISTER NOW FOR THE ANNUAL KIRKWOOD-WEBSTER TURKEY DAY RUN!

~ Race Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013
~ Course Description: Three-mile and Six-mile courses through scenic Kirkwood and Webster Groves. Course measurement, marking, and chip timing by BRE Race Consultants, a subsidiary of Big River Running.
~ Starting Location: Both 3-mile and 6-mile races begin at the Kirkwood Farmer's Market, 150 E. Argonne Drive, corner of North Taylor and across Kirkwood Road from the Kirkwood Train Station. The race proceeds through historic downtown Kirkwood. Click here to visit the Turkey Day page on the City Website and access a map of the race route.
~ Starting Time: Three-mile race: 7:30 a.m. Six-mile race: 8:10 a.m.
~ Entry Fee: Register online now for $18. Walk in registration until November 27 (see location information below). Race day registration is available at 6:30 a.m. for $25. Cash, Check, or Charge. Turkey Day Run

~ Packet Pickup: Packets can be picked up now through race day. Online registrants can pick up their packets only at the site they selected during the registration. You can choose either of the following sites for pickup:

Webster Groves Recreational Complex, 33 East Glendale Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119. Hours: Mon - Fri, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

KirkwoodCommunity Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 8:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Closed on Sundays.

For more information, visit this page on the City Website.

FROM PARKS & RECREATION

SEASONAL PROGRAMMING COMING UP IN DECEMBER

~ Crestwood/Kirkwood Youth Theatre Presents: "Footloose." December 5 to 8. Robert G. Reim Theatre, Community Center. All tickets are $7 each. Stop by the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, or call 314-822-5855 to purchase tickets.

~ Gum Drop Mountain (drop-off program for ages 7-11), December 13. Looking to get some Holiday shopping done? Drop the kids at the Community Center for a Winter Wonderland evening. Don't forget your designs and a sweet tooth for a chance to build the sweetest house in town! We'll provide everything you need to build a house of sugar! Once houses are complete, we'll be playing games in the gym, and enjoying dinner of pizza and drinks. Pre-registration required. This is a drop off program. Friday, December 13, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., $12/residents, $17/nonresidents.

~ Skate With Santa, December 14. Santa is coming to the Ice Arena for a visit! Come skate with him during the public session! Normal admission policies and prices apply. Saturday, December 14, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., Kirkwood Ice Rink.

~ Candy Cane Hunt (ages 2-10), December 14. Santa's Reindeer have been busy dropping candy canes in Kirkwood Park! Some candy canes will have special prizes attached! Dress warm for this outdoor event. Pre-registration is required. Come early to decorate a hunting bag! Hunt followed by hot chocolate and pictures with Santa. Candy Cane Hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 14. $3/resident, $5/nonresident, per child. Meet at Kirkwood Park Lions' Pavilion.

For more information or to register, call 822-5855 or visit www.kirkwoodmo.org/recreation.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES & INFORMATION FOR NOVEMBER

CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

~ City Hall and most City offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, for Thanksgiving.

~ The Kirkwood Community Center office will be closed on Thanksgiving and the day after.

~ The Ice Rink will be closed on Thanksgiving, but there will be three public skating sessions on the day after (12:30-2:00 p.m., 3:15-5:15 p.m., and 8:00-9:00 p.m.)

~ There will be NO SANITATION COLLECTION on Thanksgiving. All Thursday routes will be collected on Friday. Friday routes will be collected on Saturday.
~ Kirkwood Public Library will close at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 27 for the holiday. KPL will reopen at 9:00 a.m., on Friday morning, November 29.

NO KIRKWOOD WEEKLY HAPPENINGS EDITION NEXT WEEK:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

LETTERS FROM SANTA

LETTERS FROM SANTA FROM KPL FRIENDS

Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library will again sponsor its "Letter from Santa" program that raises money for the library, as well as helping Kris Kringle with his correspondence. The letters cost $7 each. The deadline for North Pole postmarks is December 2. Requests received after that date will have a local postmark. All requests must be received by December 16 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

NEW THIS YEAR: Letters from Santa can be ordered and paid for online. Go to kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org/santaletter. Forms can also be picked up at the library, 140 E. Jefferson. For further information, please call 314-821-5770, x1021, or email: KPLFriends@kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org. One of Santa's elves will respond as quick as a wink.

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS AT KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

ADULT PROGRAMS:

~ Saturday, November 23, 2pm. Music in the Library. Bella Corda is performing.

YOUTH PROGRAMS:

~ Saturday, November 23, 10 am. Friends of KPL host a Holiday Shop for children to buy gifts for family and friends. Crafts and refreshments.

STORYTIMES:

Tuesdays, 10am

Wednesdays, 10am

Thursdays, 9:30 am : Books for Babies

Thursdays, 10:30 am: First Steps Storytime for young twos.

THANKSGIVING CLOSURE:

~ The Library will close at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday, and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning, November 28.

The Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson in Downtown Kirkwood. For additional information, please call 821-5770.

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS AT OAK BEND LIBRARY

FOR ADULTS:

~ Thursday, November 21, 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:

~ Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 p.m. Teen Book Club: "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Do you like to read, eat snacks, and talk? Join our new teen book club. Come just for the book talk or stay for Teen Advisory Group. Grades 6

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: All St. Louis County Library branches will be closed on November 28 and 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and HAPPY HANNUKKAH! Did you realize that this year the first full day of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving? According to our friend and Kirkwood Human Rights Commission member Maggie Duwe, that will not happen again for another 70,000 years! Yes, you read that number correctly. So in the spirit of the season (both seasons), Maggie is our GUEST MINI-BLOGGER today:

FROM MAGGIE: Two worlds will converge this month, when Hanukkah overlaps with Thanksgiving. The mashup of, well, mashed potatoes and potato latkes is a once-in-a-lifetime event. As Time Magazine reports, the two holidays won't coincide again until the year 79811, due to the funky mathematics of the Hebrew and secular calendars.

The eight-day Hanukkah festival begins at sundown on Nov. 27, the evening before Thanksgiving. A savvy marketing specialist named the phenomenon Thanksgivukkah which led to merchandise like the menurkey candelabra, the brain child of a child.

The BuzzFeed staff came up with inspired recipes, including Potato Latkes with Cranberry Applesauce, Challah-Apple Stuffing, and Pecan Pie Rugelach (click here to get the recipes). Latkes, of course, are a natural way to link American and Jewish cuisines.

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition by Julieanna Hever a holiday favorite is stuffed acorn squash. Looking pretty and tasting great, this is a nice addition to a traditional or vegan Thanksgiving dinner -- and it just occurred to us that acorn squash kind of looks like the spinning tops known as dreidels, so you've got Hanukkah covered, too!

FROM BETH: Have a great weekend and a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

See you IN TWO WEEKS (next issue: December 5)!

Beth von Behren, Happenings Editor

City of Kirkwood
139 S. Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-822-5894
www.kirkwoodmo.org