Kirkwood Weekly HappeningsCity Logo B-W
City of Kirkwood
May 1, 2014

In This Issue
Medical Equipment Drive
News from MoDOT
Star Gazing
Arts Calendar
Gardening Tips
Library Survey
Library Happenings
Oak Bend Library
Last Thoughts
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
  

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:  Newly elected Kirkwood City Council Members (L to R) Paul Ward, Tim Griffin, and Bob Sears sign their respective oaths of office, as City Clerk Betty Montano looks on.  A special Council Inauguration was held at City Hall on April 23.  Below:  Outgoing Council Member Iggy Yuan (L) accepts a plaque and some words of praise and thanks for his years of service to the community from Mayor Art McDonnell, at the Council Inauguration.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DRIVE
RECYCLE YOUR USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON MAY 3
St. Louis HELP (Health Equipment Lending Program) accepts donations of new and used medical equipment, which they then refurbish and loan out at no cost to community members, young and old, from all walks of life.  This enables many people to live independently and remain contributing members of the community.  Clean the attic, garage, or basement, and make a tax-deductible donation of your medical equipment at one of the designated Walgreen's drop-off locations on May 3, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  For a list of accepted items, visit www.stlhelp.org.  All donations are tax-deductible.

 

Walgreens' Locations:

  • 8571 Watson Road, corner of Elm, in Webster, 962-5545
  • 9801 Manchester, corner of Kortwright, in Rock Hill, 963-3256 
  • 13992 Manchester Road, corner of Weidman, in Manchester, 636-227-9228
  • 1 Grasso Plaza (Gravois at S. Rock Hill) in Affton, 631-8800
  • 3920 Hampton Avenue, corner of Chippewa, in South City, 351-2100
  • 1001 Bowles Avenue, corner of 141, in Fenton, 636-343-0754 
NEWS FROM MODOT
KIRKWOOD ROAD / MANCHESTER INTERSECTION ROAD WORK OVER NIGHT, STARTING WEEK OF MAY 12

N. B. West Contracting will be working in the intersection of Lindbergh and Manchester for a MoDOT project starting the week of May 12.  Message boards will be placed at the intersection starting Thursday, May 1.   

 

The work being done will be accomplished between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., Monday through Friday only.  The work entails removing and replacing the concrete medians to allow for dual turn lanes for both northbound and southbound Lindbergh at Manchester.  The pavement will be resurfaced and new striping will be placed in the new lanes.

 

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

Warm weather means enjoying the beautiful outdoors, and motorcyclists across the state are doing just that. As they're tuning those engines and polishing that chrome one last time, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists alike to "Watch for Motorcycles" in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri's roadways.

"Many motorcyclists will be out as the weather gets warmer, which is why May is the perfect time for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month," said Dr. Leanna Depue, executive committee chair of the coalition. "By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

 

For Automobile Drivers: 

  • Although a motorcycle is a small vehicle, the operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
  • Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
  • Never drive distracted or impaired.

For Motorcyclists:

  • Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
  • Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed and trained.
  • Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
  • Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
  • Never ride distracted or impaired.

Very often, drivers of cars and trucks don't see motorcycles until the last second, or sometimes not at all. Motorcycle operators have to anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris.  Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. There are 29 training locations in Missouri. You can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org/.  

STAR GAZING IN KIRKWOOD PARK
STAR GAZING IN KIRKWOOD PARK - MAY 10

Kirkwood Parks and Recreation will offer one more stargazing event for this spring.  This is FREE and open to the public (all ages).  Saturday, May 10, 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., Kirkwood Park, Fields 5 and 6. Call the event hotline for cancellation due to cloud cover: 314-433-4313.

FROM THE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION
COMING UP IN THIS SPRING AND SUMMER:
~ Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents 9 to 5: The Musical - opening tomorrow!  Performances:  May 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11, at the Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Community Center.  Last production of the season.  Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick, Music Theatre International.  Directed by Brad Schwartz. Showtimes:  All shows are 8:00 p.m., except for the Sunday matinee, which is at 2:00 p.m.
~ Art at the Station:
The printmaking work of Sandra Griffin will be on display in May.  Opening reception is Thursday, May 1.  The art exhibits may be viewed when the Train Station is open for passengers. Free. Donations welcome.
~ Organ Dedication Celebration Recital this Sunday: First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams Avenue, May 4, 3:00 p.m.  Guest organist for recital is Vincent Dubois, Director General of the Strasbourg National and Superior Conservatory of Music in Paris, France. He is also the titular organist at the Cathedral of Soissons. Gala Champagne Reception to follow concert.
~ Art Show and Sale:  May 10, sponsored by the Downtown Business District, as part of Mayfest 2014. They still have a few openings for artists.  Anyone interested in exhibiting should contact Kori Thompson at 314-822-0084.
~ Art Exhibits at Kirkwood Public Library:  Elizabeth Holm Cole, April 3 thru May 30. Julie Hammond, July 2 thru July 31.  Hal Moran, August 1 thru September 30 (reception, August 17, 5:30 p.m.).
~ Music at Kirkwood Public Library:  Maple Jam Band, May 17, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
~ The Elements of Comics program, at Kirkwood Public Library:  George Norman Lippert will discuss comics from the Post-Dispatch, as well as other comics from years past:  July 24, 7:00 p.m.
~ Tunes at Ten:  The Downhome Blues Band will perform on May 24 at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market, at 10:00 a.m.
~ Gypsy Caravan:  The 42nd annual Gypsy Caravan will be held at the St. Charles Family Arena on Memorial Day (May 26).  Proceeds benefit the Saint Louis Symphony. Read more about it here.

MAKING MUSIC '14 CONCERT SERIES, IN KIRKWOOD PARK:
~ June 14:  St. Louis Wind Symphony (please note corrected date). St. Louis Wind Symphony is one of the Midwest's premier concert band organizations. This 65-member ensemble is comprised of music educators and professionals from the greater St. Louis region. The ensemble's musical versatility is reflected in its extensive repertoire, which embraces the classical wind literature, new compositions, patriotic showpieces and marches, Broadway show tunes, jazz, holiday music, and more. Performances are tailored to entice, entertain, and educate our audiences. To read more about them, visit their Website at www.stlwindsym.org

~ June 28:  Gateway City Big Band.  This 17-piece dance band with two vocalists has been entertaining audiences in the St. Louis area and beyond since 1966.  Read more about them at:  www.gatewaycitybigband.com

~ July 12:  Funky Butt Brass Band.  This New Orleans-style brass band plays everything from traditional jazz to 70s funk, with a little Chicago blues, southern rock, and St. Louis R&B in the mix.  The Funky Butt Brass Band has been named "Best Soul/Funk Band" by The Riverfront Times Music Awards for the past four consecutive years. The band is known for its high-energy performances that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Read more about them at:  www.funkybuttbrassband.com

~ July 26:  One More Time:  A Tribute to Johnny Cash.  This is an era-driven Johnny Cash tribute band, offering an authentic look, sound, and feel of a Johnny Cash performance. They showcase all of his hits from the 1950s through the 1990s. A June Carter vocalist with a powerful stage performance will join the band to present Johnny and June duets. Read more about them at:  www.jcashtribute.com

~ August 9:  Samba Bom. This Midwest-based music ensemble plays authentic Brazilian music at schools, night clubs, wineries, festivals and private events. The group plays a unique mix of Brazilian popular music styles, including, Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, Olodum, Forro, and Chorinho, among others. The Batucada is an exciting, all-percussive jam session that brings any audience to its feet to dance along with the group - just like Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. There will be Brazilian dancers with authentic costumes, so bring your dancing shoes.   Midwest-based music ensemble that plays authentic Brazilian music at schools, night clubs, wineries, festivals and private events. The group plays a unique mix of Brazilian popular music styles, including: Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, Olodum, Forro, Chorinho, among others. The Batucada is an exciting, all-percussive jam session that brings any audience to its feet to dance along with the group - just like carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. There will be Brazilian dancers with authentic costumes, so bring your dancing shoes.  Visit their Website:  www.sambabom.com.
~ August 23:  Route 66 Jazz Orchestra. This 20-piece jazz band, formerly known as the Meramec Jazz Band, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of "Big Band" jazz through performance, education and community involvement. Visit their Website at:  www.route66jazz.com.

All Making Music concerts are held at the Lions' Amphitheatre in Kirkwood Park at 7:00 p.m.

If you have an arts event that you would like the Commission to consider for inclusion in its calendar, please send the information to:  [email protected].

 

GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK!
ANNUAL PLANT SALE MAY 10!

Kirkwood Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station.  They will have plants for sale from their members' gardens, at very reasonable prices.  They will also be giving away wildflower seeds.  

 

TIP OF THE WEEK: 

Again the weather is playing havoc with gardens.  Many perennials are just now breaking ground.  Although it seems late in the season, the old wives tale of not planting until Mother's Day is really appropriate for this year.  As the temperatures fall overnight, it would be wise to protect newly purchased annuals and perennials by putting them in a garage or other protected location.  As the temps warm during the day, "harden off" your new plants by providing a few hours of sun and a few hours of shade.

 
The Kirkwood Garden Club periodically shares a Gardening Tip of the Week with Happenings' readers.  Formore 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.
LIBRARY SURVEY
KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR INPUT

From May 5 to 25, 2014, your Kirkwood Public Library will be conducting an online survey to find out how our patrons use the library's computers and Internet connection and how this service has made a positive impact on their lives. This information will help the library improve its technology services and communicate the value of providing free access to computers and the Internet within the community. The Impact Survey is anonymous, available in English and Spanish, and takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

 

You can support the Library by accessing the Web-based survey from the library computers or from the Library Website at www.kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.  For more information, please contact Nick O'Neal, Director of Circulation, Technology, and Teen Services at 314-821-5770, ext. 1027.

 

The Impact Survey is coordinated by the University of Washington Information School. For more information about the Impact Survey, inquire at the library information desk or visit ImpactSurvey.org.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
COMING UP AT YOUR KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY IN MAY

For Children:  Star Wars Extravaganza!
Join us for a week-long celebration of everything Star Wars:
~ May 1, 4:00-5:00 p.m.  Star Wars Arts and Crafts. Fans of Star Wars are invited to make crafts inspired by characters and artifacts from these classic films.  For kids and teens.

~ May 2, 6:30-8:30 pm: Star Wars Trivia.  All ages. Sign up for your table. Maximum 6 at a table. Bring your own snacks and table decorations. Prize awarded for the best decorated table. Doors open at 6:15 pm.

~ May 4, 1-8 pm: Star Wars Film Festival, Part II

Enjoy 3 Star Wars classics: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi.


Count on Books:
Join us for a six-week session that combines stories and math activities designed to reinforce early math concepts, with a focus on Kindergarten readiness. Recommended for children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2014. Sign up. Last week is Friday, May 2, 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Day:  May 17!
May 17, 10:00 a.m. to noon: Activities for all ages, including: Magic House Bubble Exhibit and Take a Closer Look, Maple Jam Band, ice cream, crafts, and activities.  Sign up for summer reading at:  KirkwoodPublicLibrary.org.

For Teens:

~ Get Crafty:  First Saturday of the Month (May 3, 2:00 to 3:30pm). Get Crafty with KPL and take home your own creation.

~ Game Night at the Library. Second Monday of the Month ( May 12, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) Enjoy old and new board games with friends.

~ Summer Reading Kickoff. Saturday May 17, 10:00 a.m. to noon.  Celebrate the start of summer reading with KPL and Spark a Reaction!

~ Mythbusters. Saturday, May 31, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Try experiments and learn about science.

~ Capture the Flag Presented by TAB. Friday, May 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Sign Up Required. Play Capture the Flag in the library.

~ Doctor Who at the Library.  One Saturday a Month (May 24, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.).  Whovians unite to create fan fiction videos and writings and to discuss important Doctor Who topics.

~ Minecraft Night. Last Friday of the Month (May 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). Play Minecraft in the library on our server. Sign Up Required.


Events for Adults:
~ Summer Reading Kick-Off - Literary Elements AND Music in the Library - Maple Jam Band. May 17, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Sign up at the library or online. Read to win prizes! 

Book Clubs for Adults:
~ Mystery Readers, Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.  Wednesday, May 21: Star Island, by Carl Hiaasen.  Cheny Pye, a pop star, lives a life of drug addiction. Her entourage must rescue her after being kidnapped by a paparazzo and yet keep her situation secret from her adoring public.
~ Saturday Morning Perks: Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.  May 24: Death Comes to Pemberly, P.D. James.

Your Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson Avenue.  For additional information or to register for programs, call 821-5770.
FROM OAK BEND LIBRARY
MAY HAPPENINGS AT OAK BEND LIBRARY

For Kids:
 ~ Whiskers and Tales, Monday, May 5, 7:00 p.m.  Need practice reading? How about practicing by reading to a dog or a cat? The mission of Whiskers and Tales is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of certified pet therapy teams as literacy mentors.

~ Music and Movement, Monday, May 12, 10:30 a.m.  Hop, skip, jump, wiggle...and freeze! Enjoy a morning of musical activities sure to get you up and dancing to the beat.

~ Discovery Club: Create a Catapult. Monday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. There's a whole world of wonder to explore. Through projects, experiments and activities, we will navigate through the sciences to figure out the whys and hows of this big, beautiful universe. Ages 6-11. Registration required.  

For Adults: 

~ Cook's Club: Cooking with Herbs.  Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.   Do you like to collect and share recipes? Join us to exchange recipes and indulge in some appetizing discussion on food and cooking. Sample the featured recipe! Registration requested.  

~ Creative Writing and Poetry Share Group.  Thursday, May 15, 7:00 p.m.   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.

~ Tech Talks @ Oak Bend: Hoopla Digital.  Thursday, May 29, 2:00 p.m. Join us to learn about Hoopla, SLCL's newest digital media service. Hoopla allows library users to borrow movies, television shows, music and more using a computer or mobile device. Registration requested.   

 

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 May Day!  Today is the first day of my favorite month! It's my birthday month, it's Mother's Day month, and it's the month when the flowers really start to bloom and the kids get out of school for a much-needed break.  On the heels of a winter like the one we just had, it is especially rejuvenating to walk around outside and see all the flowers and shrubs emerging and watch the young families out with kids in strollers. Today brings a cold start to this beautiful month, but warmer temperatures are heading our way tomorrow and Saturday - in the 80s this weekend!



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