Public Safety Director's Spotlight - 2014 Summer Weather Safety

2014 Summer Weather Safety

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy all the natural wonders that St. Louis and our region offer.  However, summer is also a time of dangerous weather.  Missouri will observe Summer Safety Week June 22 through June 28, 2014.  During this week, two weather dangers will be highlighted:  excessive heat and lightning. The City's Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) will be sending out via social media helpful information on these two topics.  If you haven't signed up to receive CEMA's emergency alerts through Nixle, I encourage you to text STLCEMA from your cell phone to 888-777 or log on to Nixle.com and register there.

Upcoming Events

June 20 -- Third Friday Free Party, Third Degree Glass Factory, 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to stop by the Third Friday Free Party this Friday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Boulevard in the trendy Central West End neighborhood.  Enjoy food trucks, glassblowing, fire spinning, bluegrass music, hoola hoops, an art exhibit by Lon Brauer and more.  Questions?  Call (314) 367-4527.

June 21 -- St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium, Brightside St. Louis' Demonstration Garden, 8:30 a.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening and conservation practices for urban gardens.  Local experts will be teaching classes on various topics from 9 a.m. to Noon.  Workshop topics include butterfly gardening, rain gardening, native plants, planting, pruning, lawn and tree issues, and insects and disease.  This last topic is particularly timely.  The Emerald Ash Borer was recently discovered in St. Charles County and is now considered a threat to the entire St. Louis region.  Learn what to expect and how St. Louis can address this destructive insect at the Symposium's workshop.   For more information on the gardening symposium, visit the brightsidestl.org web site or call (314) 400-2115.

June 21 -- I Love STL:  Bakeries on the Rise Bicycle Tour, start at 2201 Cherokee Street, 9:30 a.m.

This Saturday, take a fun bicycle tour of outstanding St. Louis bakeries.  Hear about all kinds of treats, from sourdough bread to gooey butter cake.  Meet the bakers, and sample some delectable goods.  Registration will take place from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Whisk:  A Sustainable Bakeshop located at 2201 Cherokee Street in the Benton Park neighborhood.  The group tour will depart at 9:30 a.m.  The route will be eight miles on City streets.  Need more information?  Visit trailnet.org or call (314) 436-1324 ext. 117.

June 21 -- Flicks and Foodies, Gateway Arch, 7 p.m.

The National Park Service is inviting visitors to a night of music, food and film under the Gateway Arch at its Flicks and Foodies event this Saturday.  The free outdoor summer movie night will feature a classic film favorite screening under this classic American landmark, offering spectacular views of downtown St. Louis and a unique motion-picture viewing experience.  Gather at 7 p.m. to enjoy live music and food trucks.  The movie will begin at sunset.  Visit www.gatewayarch.com/events for movie title and more details or call 1-877-982-1410.

June 21 -- Grub and Groove, Francis Park, 4:30 p.m.

The St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association and the St. Louis Hills Young Ambassadors are once again bringing Grub and Groove to Francis Park.  Invite your family and friends to join you for great music at this annual free concert event.  Food and beverages from Bartolino's Osteria, The Mack Bar and Grill, Mathew's Kitchen, Onesto Pizza and more will be available for purchase.  Grub and Groove will run from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The Park is located at Donovan and Eichelberger.  To learn more, visit the grubandgroovestl.com web site.  

June 21 -- Dutchtown Bazaar, Feasting Fox parking lot, 9 a.m.

The Dutchtown Bazaar will take place this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Feasting Fox parking lot and inside The Gretchen Inn at 4200 S. Grand Boulevard (at Meramec).  The event is being held in conjunction with the Sidewalk Sale at 3200-3300 Meramec.  Bargain hunters will find jewelry, crafts, arts, vintage goods and more.  For more details, call (314) 832-1740.

June 21 -- Soulard Garden Tour, begin at Mad Art Gallery, 9 a.m.

The Third Annual Soulard Garden Tour, "Art in the Garden," will take place in Historic Soulard this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tours will begin at Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th Street, where tickets may be purchased and pre-paid tickets picked up.  This self-guided tour will showcase private gardens at a variety of residences.  For more information, call (314) 773-7770.

June 21 -- Opening Reception for Pop-Up Art Exhibit, Duane Reed Gallery, 2 p.m.

Duane Reed Gallery is excited to present an impromptu exhibit featuring a large body of new functional ceramic artwork by Kevin Snipes.  A free reception and discussion with the artist will take place this Saturday from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Gallery located at 4729 McPherson Avenue in the Central West End.  The work will be on view through July 26.  Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  To learn more, call (314) 361-4100.

June 22 -- 2014 Sustainable Backyard Tour, 46 locations, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fourth Annual Sustainable Backyard Tour will take place this Sunday.  This free, self-guided tour will provide an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other and see firsthand how others are transforming their yards from energy intensive lawns to something more sustainable, that can provide food for our families, wildlife habitat, relaxation and visual appeal, all while minimizing impacts on the environment.  Everything you need to know about the tour is online at http://www.sustainablebackyardtour.com .     

June 22 -- Free Concert, Benton Park, 3 p.m.

Invite your family and friends to join you for the free concert in Benton Park this Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, pick your spot Lakeside, and settle in for the concert by the Wack-A-Doos.  For a complete schedule of activities in historic Benton Park, visit the bpnastl.org web site.

June 22 -- Party on the Patio, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Noon

Everyone is invited to stop by the Party on the Patio at Holy Trinity Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church this Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m.  Enjoy barbecue pork steaks or barbecue chicken, plus delicious side dishes, dessert and soft drinks for only $10 per plate.  The church is located at 1910 Serbian Drive in the McKinley Heights neighborhood.  For more details, call (3134) 776-3263.   

June 22 -- Free Concert, Ivory Perry Park, 6 p.m.

Kreative Pandemonium will jump start the 2014 Whitaker Ivory Perry Park Concert Series this Sunday at 6 p.m.  Join your neighbors from 6 to 8 p.m. for the fun, free concert. The Park is located at 800 N. Belt.  

June 22 -- Lindenwood Live, Lindenwood Park, 6 p.m.

The next Lindenwood Live free concert in Lindenwood Park will take place this Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.  Gather up your neighbors and friends and come enjoy the sound of the Yessir Band.  Food Trucks will have items for purchase beginning at 5 p.m.  The Park is located at Jamieson and Pernod.

Now through June 22 -- Circus Flora, Big Top behind Powell Symphony Hall, 7 p.m.

Experience the game of chess through the journey of the Pawn in Circus Flora's 28th production -- a mythical tale of knights, bishops and other chess pieces set in the mystique of ancient Persia and India.  For tickets and more information, visit the circusflora.org web site or call (314) 534-1111.

June 26 -- Free Concert, St. Louis Place Park, 7 p.m.

The Whitaker Urban Evening Series of free concerts at St. Louis Place Park on Thursday evenings is in full swing.  Visitors not only enjoy great music, but free children's activities take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  FatPocket will be performing on Thursday, June 26.  The Park is located at Rauschenbach and St. Louis Avenue in the St. Louis Place neighborhood.  Call (314) 584-6904 for more information and updates.  

June 26 - 29 -- A Night at the Oscars, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, 7:30 p.m.

The talented theater group from Our Lady of Sorrows will present its cabaret style show, A Night at the Oscars -- a fun-filled musical that will have you singing along and tapping your toes.  Travel back in time to enjoy songs that were nominated for or won an Oscar for best original song over the past 80 years.  Come join us Thursday, June 26; Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. -- or on Sunday afternoon, June 29 at 2 p.m.  Refreshments will be available before the show begins and again at intermission.  The production will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall at 5050 Rhodes Avenue and tickets are only $5 for all ages.  You can call to place reservations at (314) 651-8745 Monday through Friday up to June 20.  After June 20, plan on getting tickets at the door.

June 28 -- Trivia Night 2014, St. Louis Police Officer's Association Hall, 6 p.m.

The St. Louis Police Wives Association will hold its Annual Trivia Night on Saturday, June 28 at the St. Louis Police Officer's Association Hall, located at 3710 Hampton Avenue in the North Hampton neighborhood.  Doors will open at 6 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7 p.m.  The cost is $160 for a table of 8.  Bring snacks and your super trivia smarts.  Participants will also be able to buy chances on the 50/50 raffle and more.  Reservations are due by Friday, June 20th.  Email stlouispwa@yahoo.com to reserve your table.

 

Save the Date

June 27 -- Open Studios STL Kick-off Party, Contemporary Art Museum, 6 p.m.

June 27 -- Fourth Friday Happy Hour Concert, Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 5:30 p.m.

June 28 -- The Macklind Mile, South City YMCA, 8 a.m.

June 28 -- Open Studios STL:  East of Grand Boulevard, Contemporary Art Museum, 11 a.m.

June 28 -- St. Louis All City Boxing, Koken Exhibition Hall, 5:30 p.m.

June 28 -- BBQ Concert with Non-Stop Reggae, Greg Freeman Four Corners Park, 6 p.m.

June 28 -- I Love STL:  Invested Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour, Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners, 9 a.m.

June 28 & 29 -- PrideFest, Soldiers' Memorial Park, Noon

June 29 -- 5th Annual Pride 5K, Soldiers' Memorial Park, 7 a.m.

June 29 -- Pride Parade, Market Street, 11 a.m.

June 29 -- Open Studios STL:  West of Grand Boulevard, Contemporary Art Museum, 11 a.m.

June 29 -- Family Fun Days, Ballpark Village, 1 p.m.

June 29 -- Sunday Serenades, Francis Park, 7:30 p.m.

June 30 -- Musical Mondays, Tower Grove Park, 7:30 p.m.

 

Promoting Your Neighborhood Activities

Is there a neighborhood event on the schedule that you would like noted in the Spotlight? If so, you may email the information about it to me at  GrayR@stlouis-mo.gov or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouis-mo.gov for consideration.  You may also post it on the City's Calendar of Events on the City's web site:  http://stlouis-mo.gov.  The link to submit an event is at the very bottom of the home page.  The listing is free.  I encourage you to take advantage of this free way to promote your event.

Nominations for Awards Open

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Community Preparedness and Resilience Awards.   These awards recognize the contributions of businesses, schools, organizations or individuals in building a resilient community.  Winners will be chosen based on their work improving the capacity of our region to withstand, quickly adapt to and successfully recover from a disaster by improving the community's response physically, psychologically, socially or emotionally.  Whether natural or man-made, thanks to those efforts, the St. Louis area is better able to recover in a healthy and timely manner.  If you know a potential award winner, complete the American Red Cross' nomination form (http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m31540260_st-Louis-awards_nom_form_1r02.pdf) and send it to Deane Adam at Deane.Adam@redcross.org.  The deadline to apply is July 15, 2014.

Col. Richard Gray

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis