Kirkwood Happenings
City of Kirkwood, Missouri
In This Issue
Nominations Sought
For Older Adults
Tree Planting Sites
Train Day
Open Burning
Gardening Tip
Earth Day
Coming Up in Kirkwood
Arts Contest
Arts Programming
Kirkwood Public Library
The Finish Line
Quick Links
Join Our List
April 16, 2015


Let's try this again!  We got some great feedback from readers after the last issue two weeks ago.  We needed to revise the newsletter a little bit, because after several years of copying the template each week, extra hidden code was making it hard to tweak and edit.  The first new template we tried didn't do what we wanted it to do, and feedback from readers mirrored that opinion.  Feedback helps us to keep the newsletter readable and useful. Thank you to the readers who let us know their thoughts.  And, yes, the editor's column is back for this edition...it's good to be missed!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:  Occasionally, a group of students or scouts will come to the Train Station for  a tour and some history.  Pictured here: Volunteer Jim Wolf reads to students from Principia.


Nominations Sought
Landmarks Commission Holds Annual Favorite Buildings Awards in May 

 

The annual Favorite Buildings Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 W. Argonne Drive, in downtown Kirkwood.

 

Award nominations are now being sought by the Landmarks Commission and Kirkwood's Architectural Review Board. The deadline is April 17.  Please visit the home page of the City Website for the press release and full details.
For Older Adults
CORP Will Host World of Wellness Health Fair for Older Adults May 6
 
Reach for a healthier you at the Older Adult World of Wellness Health Fair, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 6. This free event will be held at the Salem United Methodist Church, 14825 Manchester Road, in Ballwin, 63011, and will feature booths and demonstrations to help seniors learn techniques to increase energy, decrease stress, and improve well-being.  Sponsored by Saint Louis County's Older Resident Program (CORP), this event will provide information on the following:
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Brain fitness activities
  • Blood pressure screenings
  • Nutrition demonstrations
  • Balance activities
  • Ballroom dancing
  • Tai Chi
Remember: Age is just a number. Take charge of your health and wellness today.  For additional information, please call 314-615-4516.
Tree Planting
Residents Can Request Tree-Planting Sites 

 

Residents and businesses in the City of Kirkwood can request that a free City tree be planted in the parkway or right-of-way at the front of their residence or business.  Visit the Urban Forestry Commission page (click here) and click on the "Street Tree Request Form" on the right-hand navigation column.
Amtrak Days
Kirkwood Train Station will Host Annual Train Day and Rail Safety Day May 9
 
The City of Kirkwood will once again host a Rail Safety Day and Train Day as part of the Amtrak Days program and in combination with Downtown Kirkwood's Mayfest on Saturday, May 9. The event will run from 9:00 a.m., to 2:00 p.m., at the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 W. Argonne Drive. Displays will include:
  • Kirkwood Police & Fire Departments
  • Amtrak
  • Missouri Operation Lifesaver
  • National Museum of Transport
  • Morse Telegraph Club
  • Union Pacific and BNSF Railroad Police
  • Kirkwood Historical Society
  • Operating Model Train Exhibit

Food will be available from the American Legion while it lasts.  There will be a drawing for free Amtrak tickets to Chicago or Kansas City. 

 

Remember:  95 percent of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a crossing or a person on the tracks.  

Speaking of Safety
Reminder: Open Burning, Recreational Fires, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces - Rules and Tips  
 
It's that time of year again - the time of year when outdoor grills and outdoor fireplaces are back in use. If you have an outdoor fireplace and are wondering about the City's ordinances, please review Kirkwood Fire Department's brochure on this topic, currently available on the home page of the City Website.  The brochure includes information on outdoor fireplaces, firepits, bonfires, recreational fires, and other important information.
Gardening Tip of the Week
Frost May Be Gone: Time to Plant, Divide and Move! 

 

April 15 marks the last frost date (on average) for our area. It's a good time for planting, dividing, and moving perennials, shrubs, and trees.  The general rule of thumb is to dig the hole three times the diameter of the root ball and 66 to 75 percent as deep as the root ball.  The objective is to have the plant sit higher than the soil level, which will allow for some settling and avoid having water pool around the base of the plant.

 

For annuals and warm season veggies, it may be wise to wait a little longer before planting.  If plants have been purchased, you can "harden" them off by having them outside during the warmth of the day and sheltered inside during the cool nights.  Annuals and veggies do best when the soil is warmer.

 

 

The Kirkwood Garden Club writes a Gardening Tip for most editions of
Happenings.  For more information about the club, check out their Website at www.KirkwoodGardenClub.org.  New members and guests, both men and women, are welcome to attend their meetings and events.  Meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Kirkwood Community Center.

Earth Day in Kirkwood this Saturday!
Sixth-Annual Earth Day at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market This Saturday! 

 

Kirkwood Living Green presents its sixth-annual Earth Day at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market on Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This year's  theme:  Celebrating the Miracle of the Monarch: One of nature's great phenomena. From caterpillar to butterfly is only part of its amazing story.   Meet experts from more than 20 local organizations.  Learn about attracting butterflies and birds to your garden, bee keeping, native plants and wildflowers, growing herbs, organic gardening, composting, urban tree care, sustainability and more. Sponsored by Cornucopia, Kirkwood Living Green, and Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

 

Additional programs that day:

~ 9:00 a.m.  Kirkwood Arbor Day tree planting at the Kirkwood Library, by the Kirkwood Urban Forestry Commission

~ 10:00 a.m. Planting of the pollinator garden at the Train Station by Kirkwood in Bloom


 Above:  Earth Day 2014

 

Coming Up in Kirkwood
It Must Be Spring in Kirkwood!
  • Spring Nature Walk: Spring Wildflowers. Saturday, April 18.  Meet at Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Drive, at the trailhead kiosk by the creek, at 10:00 a.m.
  • 4th Annual Hook-In St. Louis Hook and Rug Show, at the Kirkwood Community Center.  Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 314-422-7771 for information or tickets.
  • Glendale-Kirkwood Kiwanis Wine Tasting. Friday, May 1, Kirkwood Train Station, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at the door. Wine, beer, appetizers. Proceeds benefit the Annual Kiwanis Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors.
  • City of Kirkwood Spring 2015 Electronics Recycling Drive.  Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  At the Public Works Building, 345 S. Fillmore.  For a full list of accepted items as well as exceptions and costs, please visit the City's Website Calendar and clock on the flyer on May 9.

Honeysuckle Removal Day
The Kirkwood Parks' Department will host its annual spring Bush Honeysuckle Removal Day at Emmenegger Nature Park, 111991 Stoneywood Drive, on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Meet at the kiosk by the creek. 

This is a family-friendly event.  Please bring your own work gloves, eye protection, and saw or loppers.  The Parks' staff will provide water, light snacks, and other tools as need.  You will need to sign a liability waiver before you begin working, and persons under 18 must have parental signature on the waiver.  Questions?  Call Pete at 314-984-6971 or email him at:  [email protected].  Thank you.
Have Fun with this Arts Contest!
Pots Just Want to Have Fun! 
 
The Kirkwood Arts Commission will hold its first-ever art competition at Downtown Kirkwood's Mayfest on May 9.  For the "Pots Just Want to Have Fun" contest, artists can "think outside the pot" by designing and creating a plant container of any size and material that is suitable for indoor or outdoor planting.

All designs will be displayed at the Arts Commission tent located at Station Plaza during the Mayfest festivities.

The public is invited to vote on their favorite creation.  Votes will be tallied at the end of the day, and the winner will receive a $50 Downtown Kirkwood Gift Certificate.

Also:  All planters, containers, or pots will be auctioned off at a silent auction that day to benefit the Kirkwood Arts Commission, whose mission is to promote arts in the community.  Silent bidding will end at 2:00 p.m., and the lucky new owners must pick up their new creations no later than 3:00 p.m., that day or make arrangements with the attending staff.  Any business, organization, or individual may participate.

To Participate:
~ Deadline to register:  Artists should register their submission by email or phone no later than Friday, May 8. Include name and a phone number.  Email: [email protected] or call 822-5894.
~ There is no entry fee to participate, but you must supply your own pot or container and artistic materials.
~ Drop off your decorated planter or pot between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., at the Arts Commission tent, in Station Plaza, on the day of the event: Saturday, May 9.
~ The City of Kirkwood will not be held responsible for the materials or items used to decorate the containers. Participants agree to donate their art work. Any unsold planters or pots become the property of the Kirkwood Arts Commission and may be sold at a later date.
~ Questions?  Call 822-5894.

From the Kirkwood Arts Commission
Arts Programming in Kirkwood in April/May

Art at the Station.  In April, the work of Kirkwood High School Advanced Placement art students runs through May 4 at the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 W. Argonne Drive. Exhibits are free and open to the public, and art may be viewed when the Station is open for passengers.  Featured at right: A sample of student work from the April exhibit.

Art at the Station, in May:  The watercolors of Amalia Lottes will open May 4 and run through June 1.  Opening reception will be Thursday, May 7, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Train Station.

Laumeier Sculpture Park.
~ May 3:  Free Docent-Led Walking Tour. 2:00 p.m.  Meet at Tony Tasset's Eye.
~ May 8-10:  Annual Art Fair.  Friday, 6:00-10:00 p.m.  Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 11, free for members and ages 5 and under.  Visit www.Laumeier.org for additional information.
From Kirkwood Public Library
April 2015 Events and Programs 

 

Programming for Children:

  • Celebrate Eric Carle. April 18, 10:00 a.m. "The Very Quiet Cricket" by Eric Carle turns 25. Join us for a celebration of this beloved author's books.
  • Bedtime Stories. April 21, 7:00 p.m.  Story time and activities in your PJs.

 

May 2015 Events and Programs

 

Summer Reading Kick-Off:

Summer Reading Kick-Off for ALL AGES:  May 16, 10:00 a.m. to noon.  Games, crafts, activities, and music for the entire family. Read to win prizes!  Featuring the music of River Bound, a St. Louis-based bluegrass band. 

 

Programming for Adults:

  • Romance Through the Ages. May 4, 7:00 p.m.  "It Had to Be You," by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • World War I Book Discussion Series. Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 p.m.  World War I, 1917. Suggested reading materials include "The Zimmerman Telegram," by Barbara Wertheim Tuchman and " A Storm in Flanders," by Winston Groom, among others (see Website for full details).
  • Saturday Morning Perks Club. Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.  "Aviator's Wife," by Melanie Benjamin.
  • Books on Tap.  2nd Wednesday of the Month at Kirkwood Station Brewing Company.  May 13: "Let's Pretend This Never Happened," by Jenny Lawson.
  • Mortgages and Refinancing. May 14, 7:00 p.m. Featuring:
    • Brokers, bankers, credit unions
    • Interest-only vs interest and principal
    • 30-year mortgage vs 15-year mortgage
    • Mortgages that increase your wealth
    • Common mortgage misconceptions
    • Reducing mortgage fees
  • Mystery Readers:  Wednesday, May 20, 2:00 p.m.  "Death Stalks Door County, A Dave Cubiak Door County Mystery," by Patricia Skalka.
  • Three Women:  The Treacherous, the Bold, and the Brilliant.  Tuesday, May 26, 2:00 p.m. Bev Schuetz from History Talks presents three diverse but equally unique women from history and literature - Peggy Shippen, Nellie Bly, and Marie Curie.
  • Adult Craft Series. Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m. Monogram Tote Bag.
  • World War I Book Discussion Series. Thursday, May 28, 1:30 p.m. "Marching with the 83rd Infantry Across Europe."

Programming for Teens:

  • Tiny Heroes. Tuesday, May 5, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Using Peg People, you can paint your favorite superhero, or make up one of your own. 
  • Game Night.  Thursday, May 7, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Board games in the Teen room.
  • Anime Afternoon. Friday, May 15, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Minecraft NIght.  Friday, May 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Programming for Children:
  • Story Times:  Regular story times resume June 2. Until then, join us for:
    • Books & Blocks.  April 28 and May 5, 6, and 7, 10:00 a.m.  Hear a story and build with your child.  Ages 6 months to preschool.
    • Champ Reading Dogs: First Sunday of the month, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Come red with a furry friend.
    • St. Louis Story Telling Festival at KPL. April 29, 30, and May 1, 10:00 a.m.  Call 821-5770, ext. 1015 to reserve a spot.

 

Kirkwood Public Library is located at 140 E. Jefferson Avenue in Downtown Kirkwood.  Contact them at 314-821-5770 for additional information, or visit their Website at www.kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org. 

The Finish Line...
Happy Spring!
 
You can't tell it from the photo at right with my son, but it's been an allergy-and-migraine kinda week around our house.  Despite that, so far it's been a great spring season.  Just this week, I crossed off a bucket-list item when I attended my very first Cardinals' Home Opener (photo below of the Hall of Famers).  Coming up: Earth Day this weekend, tennis, planting my garden, planning for the Great Race (more details to come), the Arts Commission's booth at Mayfest on May 9 (and the "Pots Just Want to Have Fun" contest - see details above), and then Mother's Day, vacation, and the start of the summer Shakespeare series in Forest Park. Did I mention it's my favorite time of year?

It looks like we are in for some sunshine with scattered thunderstorms over the weekend.  Such a great combination.  Ah well, enjoy the weather come what may.  See you on May 7!


Beth von Behren
PIO/Happenings Editor