City Hall and most City offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day., The pool will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the holiday, but the Community Center office and the Ice Rink will be closed. NOTE: Sanitation will be unaffected.

Kirkwood Community Freedom Festival and Fireworks:  This year's entertainment, Fanfare, opens the festivities at 7:00 p.m., in Kirkwood Park, with the fireworks starting at dusk.  Tropical Moose will be open at the park concession stand, and refreshments will also be available from Kirkwood Lions and multiple food trucks.  TRAFFIC NOTE: Please note that West Adams will be closed between Geyer and Couch from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., due to the large volume of pedestrian traffic.

This summer, motorists are being reminded how they can help keep Missouri roads safe.  The reminder has a straightforward message: if you're in a minor car crash, move to the shoulder. It's the safest thing to do in most instances, and it's the law. The campaign is called "Steer It and Clear It." Missouri law requires that motorists who are in a minor crash with no injuries must clear their vehicle from moving traffic by moving to the side of the road.

This seemingly simple action not only keeps traffic flowing, but also saves lives. National studies have shown that up to 20 percent of all collisions on highways are "secondary crashes," due to an earlier crash that was not fully cleared. Clearing crashes quickly significantly reduces the chance for a "secondary crash," and helps emergency responders get there faster.  Many drivers were taught to wait for the police to arrive before moving their car. Police and insurance companies will not penalize you for moving your vehicle off the road.

In addition to the campaign, road signs along major regional highways remind motorists that, so long as their vehicle can be driven and there is a safe turn-off point, the very first step after an accident should be getting the vehicle off the road. The rule does not apply however, in cases where there is more than a minor injury. 

~ 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.

All Making Music concerts are held at the Lions' Amphitheatre in Kirkwood Park, starting at 7:00 p.m.  These concerts are free and open to the public.  Donations are encouraged.

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

If you are planning to prune a spring blooming shrub such as an azalea or a spirea, this is the time to do so.  Pruning should be completed by the end of the month.  Any later pruning will result in little or no flowering next spring.  Spring blooming shrubs and trees will be setting their buds for next year's flowers this summer.  When you prune it is recommended no more than 25% of the growth should be removed.