Due to weather concerns, the Art at the Station opening reception for the Advanced Placement art students from Kirkwood High School originally scheduled for TONIGHT (Thursday, April 3) has been postponed.  It will be held next Thursday, April 10, from 5:30-7:00pm at the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 W. Argonne (corner of Kirkwood Road).  The students' art work will be on display throughout April. Art may be viewed when the Station is open for passengers.  The exhibit and reception are FREE and open to the public. Donations are welcome.     

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
by Christian Dunman, Kirkwood Safety Manager

Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense in case of a fire. You should always know the location of the closest fire extinguisher.  Do you know which fire extinguisher to use?  Here are the types: 

~ Class A Fire Extinguisher:  This is used on wood, paper, cloth, cardboard and most ordinary combustibles.

~ Class B Fire Extinguisher:  This is used on flammable liquids, such as oils, solvents, greases and gases.

~ Class C Fire Extinguisher:  This is used on energized electrical equipment (connected to a power source) such as electrical boxes, microwave oven, coffee pot or toaster. Never use water on this kind of fire.

~ Class D Fire Extinguisher:  This is used on combustible metals.

In case of fire:  Report the fire immediately  - call 911.  If the fire is small, and you have a safe exit, you might try to fight it after you report it.  If the fire is large, escape is your best choice.  Know your escape route before you need it  - and practice it with your family. 

SMOKE ALARMS:

How about your smoke alarm?  When was the last time you changed the batteries?  By checking your smoke alarm every month, you will know if someone borrows the smoke detector batteries for their remote control.  You will also know that your alarm is still working. Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. If you notice a chirping noise, it is your smoke alarm telling you it is time to change the batteries.

Now is a good time to prune or cut back your butterfly bush and Crape Myrtles.  Butterfly bushes can become very large, so if you are planning to plant one this year make sure you pick a spot that will allow them to grow.  They like plenty of sunshine and don't require lots of water.  Another plus is they aren't picky about being in perfect soil.  They do act as butterfly magnets, hence the name.

P.S. Look for the Kirkwood Garden Club booth at the Earth Day festivities on April 19th, in the Farmer's Market Greenway.

MARCH / APRIL HAPPENINGS:

• Kirkwood Farmers' Market Opens TOMORROW:  Friday, April 4. 
• Art at the Station: Kirkwood High School Advanced Placement (AP) Art Students' work will be on display in April. Please join us for their opening reception on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Train Station, corner of Argonne and Kirkwood Road.  Art may be viewed when the Station is open for passengers. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.
• VOTE:  Election Day is April 8, and there are four candidates on the ballot in Kirkwood for open positions on City Council. 
• Electronics Recycling Drive:  Saturday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Hosted by Kirkwood Sanitation, at the Public Works Building, 345 S. Fillmore Avenue. For a list of accepted materials, please visit www.RNAWorldwide.com. Televisions: The first one dropped off, per car, is free. After that, there will be a $15 charge per set. All other electronics will be accepted at no cost.   
• Earth Day at the Market:  April 19. This year's celebration includes Edgar Denison Day. 

APRIL HAPPENINGS AT OAK BEND LIBRARY  

For Kids and Families: 

~ Saturday, April 5, 2:00 p.m. Party with the Pigeon. It's bath time for everyone's favorite Pigeon! Join us for stories, activities and crafts celebrating Mo Willem's mischievous book character and his newest story, "The Pigeon Needs a Bath." Ages 3 and up. Registration requested.  

~ Monday, April 7, 10:30 a.m.  Art @ Your Library: Beanstalk Ballet.  Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum! Watch the adventures of Jack and the Beanstalk through ballet. We will explore fun characters from the story such as the magical harp, the giant, and Jack, using dance as a tool to unlock the imagination. An accomplished dancer will make a special appearance and perform a selected piece. Ages 3-6. Registration required.  

~ Wednesday, April 9, 4:30 p.m. Rainbow Loom Meetup. Make fun rubber band bracelets and more! Whether you're a pro or just getting started, stop by to craft with other loomers. Please bring your loom if you have one. Registration requested.  

~ Thursday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. Tech Talks @ OB: Windows 8.  Join library staff in the computer lab as we discuss new and interesting topics in computers and technology. This month we take a look at the Windows 8 operating system. Adults. Registration required.