Kirkwood Weekly HappeningsCity Logo B-W
City of Kirkwood
May 29, 2014

In This Issue
Train Day
MoDOT News
Thursday Night Concerts
Summer Concert Series
Hotdog Dayz
Recycle Your Car!
Arts Calendar
Meet the Kirkwoods!
Fishing Derby
KUFC Advocate of the Year
News from MSD
Gardening Tips
Kirkwood Public Library
Last Thoughts
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
  
   
PHOTO OF THE WEEK:  Kirkwood Academy of Music, under the direction of Joe Kaminsky, performed this past Monday at the annual Memorial Day Service in the Veterans' Memorial Walkway adjacent to City Hall.  BELOW:  Retired St. Louis County Police Officer Dan Jackson plays the bagpipes at the Memorial Day Service.

NATIONAL TRAIN DAY
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY 2014 THIS SATURDAY, MAY 31:
Please join us for National Train Day, on Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Kirkwood's historic downtown Train Station.  This is the annual Station Open House, featuring:
~ Kirkwood Police and Fire Departments
~ Union Pacific Railroad Police Special Agents
~ National Museum of Transport
~ Morse Telegraph Club
~ Big Bend Model Railroad Club
~ National Railway Historical Society

There will be a drawing for free Amtrak tickets (to Chicago or Kansas City) and an operating model train layout.  Food will be available from Kirkwood Optimists.  Live music starts at 10:00 a.m.

 

NEWS FROM MoDOT
PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 5 ON I-64/HWY 40 LANE ADDITION

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open house style public meeting on June 5, to discuss information about an upcoming lane addition project on I-64.

 

The project will add another lane on westbound I-64 between I-270 and Clarkson Road and another lane on eastbound I-64 between Route 141 and I-270. The lane addition is similar to that done on I-270 over the last two years:  Drivers will have four 11-foot lanes in those sections of I-64 and 10 foot shoulders in most locations. In addition, MoDOT is making improvements to the interchange between Route 141 and I-64 and making some improvements on Route 141 between the interstate and St. Luke's Hospital Drive.

 

The open house style public meeting will be held Thursday, June 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Transportation Management Center, 14301 South Outer 40 Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

 

During the meeting, MoDOT engineers will share information about the plans and schedule for the projects. In addition, they will discuss the sound study conducted for the project with impacted residents. Engineers will present a short briefing on the sound study process at 4:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.  The briefing will discuss the federal requirements and the process that MoDOT used to conduct and verify the sound study on this project.Participants may attend at any time during the open house, and are welcome to attend either presentation on the sound study.

THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERTS AT STATION PLAZA
DOWNTOWN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 5

Music will be in the air in Downtown Kirkwood again this summer. Downtown Kirkwood's Summer Concert Series begins Thursday, June 5, and continues on most Thursday evenings throughout the summer. This will be the tenth season of this popular concert series. Local businesses sponsor bands that perform at Kirkwood Station Plaza from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District organizes the June concerts. Bring a chair and enjoy!  Here's the June schedule: 

~ June 5: The Ralph Butler Band. Sponsored by Downtown Kirkwood SBD, Riggs Construction & Design, and Summit Produce & Plants

~ June 12:  Rosewood.  Sponsored by Workman Group, Great Harvest Bread Company, and Checkered Cottage

~ June 19:  Fair Warning.  Sponsored by The Haiti Orphan Project, an initiative of The Keane Insurance Group

~ June 26:  Soulard Blues Band.  Sponsored by STL Real Estate, Spencer's Grill, and One 19 North.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES IN KIRKWOOD PARK
MAKING MUSIC SUMMER SCHEDULE STARTS JUNE 14
We have several requests from readers to re-run the schedule of summer concerts in Kirkwood Park, so here it is.
~ 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.
HOTDOG DAYZ OF SUMMER ARE BAAAAAAAAACK!
ANNUAL TREAT FOR KIDS STARTS JUNE 20
Hotdog Dayz
Officer Jim Cox (r) with Hotdog Dayz attendees from a previous year

The Kirkwood Police Department and the Kirkwood Parks & Recreation Department team up once again this year for some fun in the parks!  Officer Jim Cox and School Resource Officer Yvonne Bonner will pass out a hotdog lunch, while recreation staff set up some fun games and activities for kids.  All ages welcome.  All Hotdog Dayz events run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., subject to weather cancellation.  Here's the schedule:
  • June 20:  Meacham Memorial Park, corner of Meacham and Orleans
  • June 27:  Walker Park (Turtle Park), corner of Washington and Taylor
  • July 11:  Monfort Park, corner of Briargate and Barberry Lane
  • July 18:  Loewnau Park, corner of Oakland and Sappington
  • July 25:  Fillmore Park, corner of Fillmore and Clinton  
RECYCLE YOUR CAR!
CAR DONATION PROGRAM BENEFITS MAKE-A-WISH
Wheels For Wishes is a car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish� Missouri. We are proud to offer an easy way to recycle or donate unwanted cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, or even boats, by turning them into a wish for a local child. To donate, you can give us a call at 1-855-366-9474 or fill out our easy online application available here.

This information (if you need it later) is permanently posted on the City's Website under "Kirkwood Recycles" (along with a ton of other cool recycling information).
FROM THE ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION
COMING UP THIS SPRING AND SUMMER:

~ Art at the Station: The Kirkwood Area Arts Council will feature the oil paintings of Elaine Harris through June 30. Please join us for her opening reception on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station, located at the corner of Argonne & South Kirkwood Road. Exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public (donations are welcome). Art may be viewed when the station is open for passengers.
~ Art Exhibits at Kirkwood Public Library:  Elizabeth Holm Cole, continues thru May 30. Julie Hammond, July 2 thru July 31.  Hal Moran, August 1 thru September 30 (reception, August 17, 5:30 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].

 

FROM THE KIRKWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MEET THE KIRKWOODS!

The public is invited to "Meet the Kirkwoods" on Monday, June 2, at 12:30 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station. David and Gillian Kirkwood from Scotland are visiting. David is the great, great-grandson of a cousin of James Pugh Kirkwood, who founded the City and for whom it is named.  The Historical Society will host a get-together at the station with the Mayor and members of both the Kirkwood Historical Society and the City Council. There will be bagpipers as well.  

 

ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AT MUDD'S GROVE 

On Tuesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m., the Kirkwood Historical Society will hold its annual Strawberry Festival at their headquarters at Mudd's Grove, 302 W. Argonne at Harrison. They will serve hotdogs and ice cream with strawberries. As always, the event is free and open to the public.

COMING UP FROM PARKS & RECREATION
FISHING DERBY JUNE 7: FREE event, sponsored by the Kirkwood Lions' Club.  Boys and girls, ages 11 and under. June 7, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Walker Lake in Kirkwood Park.  Bring your bait and equipment.  We have a few loaner fishing poles.

DIVE-IN-MOVIE JUNE 27:  Gather the kids and come enjoy a family-friendly movie from the comfort of the Leisure Pool and Deck.  Movie: Finding Nemo.  Doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.  residents and nonresidents with ID card are $3 each; all others are $5 each. Season pass holders are free. Concessions available.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROGER!
URBAN FORESTRY ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARDED
Kirkwood's Urban Forestry Commission (KUFC) awards an "Urban Forestry Advocate of the Year" award annually.  They typically present it at a City Council meeting.  For 2013, they recognized Roger VonderBruegge, former chair of KUFC and long-time advocate for the urban forest.  Roger is in the middle of the picture below along with Mayor Art McDonnell (L) and current KUFC Chair David Slane (R).

MESSAGE FROM MSD
A TALE OF TWO STORMS

Though less visible than the work required to build the new Busch Stadium, or rebuild I-64, or construct a new bridge, the work MSD Project Clear is undertaking is equivalent to constructing 11 stadiums, rebuilding nine highways, or erecting seven new Mississippi River bridges. It is our goal to keep you informed of our work over the next generation, to update you on milestones and to provide you with pertinent information. "A Tale of Two Storms" is a comparison of two heavy storms, one year apart, and how repair, maintenance, and system improvements as part of MSD Project Clear made a significant reduction (64%) in basement backups, resulting in a $250,000 savings in homeowner claims. To read all about it, click here and access the full MSD article.  


GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK!
DON'T PICK THE DAISIES!

As vacation season gets underway, here is a word of caution.  You may see many plants you covet as you travel.  But be aware they may not survive in our area.  An even bigger problem is they may be invasive in our area.  Think of how kudzu has destroyed much of the southeast trees and shrubs, covered power poles, and pulled down power lines.  If you admire a plant on the side of the road, don't dig it up.   You could be breaking any number of federal, state, and local laws.  Plants may also bring with them bugs or insects that could cause great harm in our area.  The Emerald Ash Borer got into Missouri because someone brought in infected firewood.  So, enjoy your vacation, but leave the plants were you see them.


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.
FROM KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
JUNE EVENTS AT YOUR KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Story Times:
  • Weekly: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m., June 3 thru August 5
  • Books for Babies:  For babies 6 to 24 months and their caregivers, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., June 5 thru August 7
  • First Steps: For young 2s, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., June 5 thru August 7 
Book Clubs:
  • Family Book Club, Mondays, 7:00 p.m.  June 9: Masterpiece by Elise Broach 
  • Family Book Club Junior, Mondays, 6:30 p.m.  June 2:  The One and Only Ivan by K.A. Applegate

Stories in the Park - Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.:

  • June 3: Avery Park
  • June 10: Monfort Park
  • June 17: Meacham Memorial Park
  • June 24: Fillmore Park

KPL @ Farmers' Market:  June 14, 9:00 a.m. to noon

 

CHAMP Reading Dogs:  Sunday, June 1, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

 

Reading Buddies - Children entering 1st thru 4th grades partner with teen volunteers for one-on-one reading time. Children and teens must apply to participate: 

  • Mondays, June 9 thru July 28
  • Session I:  1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
  • Session II:  2:30 to 3:15 
Summer Science Club - Fun with science; recommended for kids ages 6 and up. Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, June 5:  Sink and Float Titanic
  • Thursday, June 12: Build with Paper Blocks and Gumdrops
  • Thursday, June 19:  KMOV Meterologist Kristen Cornett 
  • Saturday, June 28: Weather 
Art in the Yard:  Meet us in the front yard for some most likely messy art!  6:30 p.m.
  • June 5
  • June 26

Mister Max's Hunt for Lost Things: June 25, 2:00 p.m.  Join us on a treasure hunt for Max's lost things. Prizes!

 

Happy Birthday St. Louis Party and Illustrator Talk. June 7, 10:30 a.m.  The Illustrator of the new children's book - Happy Birthday St. Louis - talks about his book and art. Join us for some birthday cake to celebrate St. Louis' 250th anniversary!

 

Wacky Wednesdays!

  • June 4:  Juggling Jeff
  • June 11:  Nitro Joe
  • June 18:  Dino O'Dell
  • June 25:  Animal Tales presents Reptiles, Scales, and Tails

For Teens:

  • Get Crafty. First Saturday of the month (June 7), 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Get Crafty with KPL and take home your own creation.
  • Game Night at the Library:  Second Monday of the Month (June 9), 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy old and new board games with friends.
  • Doctor Who at the Library.  One Saturday a month (June 28), 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 (June 27), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Play Minecraft in the library on our server. Sign-up required.
  • Catapult Contest:  Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Have a knack for launching items? Come build a catapult and test your ability to sling items.

For Adults:

  • Author Signing/Book Discussion, Wednesday, June 18, 7:30 p.m.  The Cardinals of Cooperstown by Greg Marecek and Myron Holtzman
  • Music in the Library, Sunday, June 29, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Glen Goewert

Armchair Travels Series:

  • Travel to China, Wednesday, June 4, 7:00 p.m.  Join Fred Miller as he recalls his triop to China by featuring famous as well as lesser-known sites, exotic and traditional cuisine, and the modern Chinese culture. Mr. Miller has traveled extensively and will provide helpful travel tips.
  • Travel to Missouri River Towns, Wednesday, June 11, 7:00 p.m.  Presented by Reference Librarians Joan Deuschle and Pat Rohan. Alex George, in The Good American, portrayed the charm of eastern Missouri River town life in his multi-generational saga of the Meisenheimer family. Join Joan and Pat as they show the towns, discuss the numerous activities, and highlight the annual events you can experience along the river.

Adult Book Clubs:

  • Mystery Readers (Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.). June 18:  Cold Tuscan Stone: A Rock Montoya Italian Mystery, by David P. Wagner. Rick is recruited by an old friend in the Italian Art Squad to act as a buyer for a Santa Fe gallery and interview possible traffickers in burial urn thievery. However, an employee of a Tuscan gallery dies in a fall from a high cliff, and Rick, the foreigner, becomes the main suspect of the local police and the area's criminal element.
  • Saturday Morning Perks (Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.).  June 21:  Maid's Version  
Your Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson Avenue.  For additional information or to register for programs, call 821-5770. 
FROM THE EDITOR: The Mini Blog
Busy, busy, busy...I've spent so much time writing this newsletter (there's so much going on!!!) that I have very little time left to write my note.  So forgive me if it's brief.

My T.I.L.T. (Things I love on Thursday) for today:  Tonight's St. Louis Municipal League end-of-season celebration, where Kirkwood's Mayor, Art McDonnell, will be recognized for serving as the league president this past year, and Mike Brown, the City's former chief administrative officer, will be honored for his 33 years of service to Kirkwood and 45 years overall in the profession; the "Get Moving Fitness Challenge" we have going on here for employees at City Hall - I have already increased my exercise minutes and lost two pounds - woo hoo! - and others have too; Maya Angelou (1928-2014); the humidity (NOT!); going to the pool (finally - twice this week already!); Henry IV and Henry V at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis in Forest Park (click here for this year's schedule); my blooming garden.

I have tickets for the Cardinals' game tomorrow night, but there is a 50 percent chance of rain predicted (also 30 percent chance on Saturday and 40 percent on Sunday).  Bummer. 

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