Sunday News Clips: 4/11

• Just as Bridgeton is about to complete its brand new city hall, paid for with airport expansion funds, the city of Berkeley has announced that it will soon break ground on a $13.5 million municipal complex and fire station, paid for with the help of NorthPark. To be built at the corner of Airport Road and Washington Avenue, the new 29,500-square foot facility will replace Berkeley’s existing city hall, which dates to 1972 and is currently in poor condition. Once construction is completed, the old building will temporarily serve as the city’s police station, until officials can decide whether to renovate it or demolish it and build anew.

Weber does his signature move: the crotch chop

• A big fat “crotch chop” to NoCo’s own Pete Weber, who shook up the world of professional bowling this week by upsetting top-seeded Mike Scroggins to win his 35th career title! Known for his flamboyant style and numerous superstitions, Weber, the son of late bowling legend Dick Weber, now holds third place in the PBA Tour’s all-time title count. He was inducted into the U.S. Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in 2002 and was also featured in A League of Ordinary Gentlemen, an intriguing and sometimes heart-breaking documentary about the many ups and downs of life as a pro bowler. Raised in Florissant, Weber now lives in St. Ann. Go Pete!

• The Hazelwood School District took a pioneering step this month, becoming the first district in the St. Louis area to utilize electronic textbooks. Starting in the 2010-11 school year, students taking advanced placement courses in U.S. history and government will be able to use an e-book reader, purchased by the district, that will already have the text loaded. They’ll also be able to use to device for taking notes. Compared to traditional textbooks, which often cost more than $100 (and many trees), this new technology could allow the district to save money, be more “green” and update content more frequently. Let’s hope the pilot program is a great success!

Kris "DJ Vodu" Hatten of Pro Jocks Entertainment

• Calling all aspiring young DJs! If you’ve always wanted to learn how to be a disc jockey, don’t miss the Saturday Morning Music Academy at the North County Rec Center. Taught by the experienced beat masters of Pro Jocks Entertainment, who’ve been playing at top local events since 1992, this eight-week class will focus on equipment set-up, playlist selection, the math of music and much more. During the last session, all students will also have a chance to DJ a live event! The Music Academy is open to anyone ages 13 to 25, and the cost is just $40. Classes run every Saturday, April 17 through June 5, 10am-noon. To register, call (314) 615-8840.

• There’s a lot of positive news coming out of Cool Valley these days! I ran into Mayor Viola Murphy yesterday and she told me that nearly 100 people showed up for the city’s newly revamped neighborhood watch/town hall meeting recently – pretty impressive for a community of just 1,000. On top of that, every single block in Cool Valley now has a block captain and co-captain, and the city is working to build a resident phone chain. Just yesterday, dozens of residents showed their support for the community by sponsoring a 2010 Census rally, which they hoped would encourage more people to fill out their census forms. “We’re definitely moving forward,” the mayor says.

A scene from last year's Ferguson Sunday Parkways

• If you’re looking for a fun way to be healthy and active while enjoying this glorious weather, why not stop by Ferguson Sunday Parkways on April 25? This ongoing community initiative, hosted by Live Well Ferguson and Trailnet, will kick off its 2010 season with a full day of family-friendly activities at Jeske Park. You can take in a zumba or tai chi class, get your face painted, learn to hula hoop, watch a BMX demo or even snag a free bicycle helmet! The event runs from 1-4pm next Sunday and all are welcome. For more info and a map, look here.

• The past year has brought an avalanche of controversy at the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District, where ethical violations, outrageous spending and blatant corruption have put the former “Normandy Fire District” in very hot water. Now under close supervision by the St. Louis County Court, Northeast AFPD, which serves 50,000 North County residents over nine square miles, is struggling to keep up with its tremendous workload. The St. Louis American recently produced a video feature on the district’s crews (the busiest in St. Louis!), showing that despite the poor management of their now-ousted “leaders,” Northeast’s fire fighters and EMTs have continued to do an incredible job. Don’t miss this eye-opening story and clip from the American’s Rebecca Rivas:

• Following the city of St. Ann’s recent selection of GJ Grewe as the new developer of Northwest Plaza, the Crestwood-based real estate firm has expressed a desire to hear feedback from the community. What would you like to see at the revitalized mall site? Call GJ Grewe (314) 962-6300 and share your ideas! The company is best known for its Gravois Bluffs development in Fenton but it also manages several North County properties: the Shoppes at Koch Park, Overland Plaza on Page, and the largely vacant Orchard Bend at St. Charles Rock Road and McKelvey. Personally, I’ve got one word for GJ Grewe: IKEA!!

• KPLR covered an inspiring story this week about 19-year-old Florissant resident Melissa Clynes, who will soon receive a life-saving kidney from a 22-year-old Chicago woman she has never met. Clynes’ kidneys were destroyed by a medication she has taken since infancy, following a heart transplant. And until now, doctors have been unable to find a compatible kidney donor. To learn more about Cynthia’s battle and the Pay It Forward organ donation program that is giving her a second chance, watch the video clip here.

Please design a beautiful mural for my neighborhood's community garden!

• If you’re a talented local artist, why not consider submitting a design in the Old Ferguson West Community Garden’s “Growing Together” mural contest! Both groups and individuals are invited to enter the competition, which will yield two 4×8-foot painted MDF panels that will serve as a backdrop to the garden. Judging will be based on which design best represents what a community garden means in a diverse neighborhood, and you should be prepared to explain your concept in those terms. The application deadline is April 23. For more info, visit the garden blog, maintained by NOCO super fan Heather Robinett!

• Another opportunity for local artists is coming up on May 2, when Hill Brewing Company, Cork Wine Bar and the Northern Arts Council will be joining forces for an art show from 2-6pm. If you’d like to have your work included, call Mike Lonero at (314) 495-4168 for more details.

• Finally, a huge welcome to my newest NOCO sponsors: Ferguson Wellness & Chiropractic and Karla’s Pet Sitting Plus. Ferguson Wellness is run by Dr. Robyn Lawrence, D.C., a NoCo native and bright, shining light of a woman whose chiropractic services I’ve personally used with great success. Robyn is very active in the Ferguson community and is truly committed to helping people lead healthier lives.

Karla Ure of Karla’s Pet Sitting Plus is also committed…to keeping your pets happy and healthy while you’re away. Based in West Alton, she serves the entire North County area and has many years of experience in working with animals of all kinds. If you need someone to trust your pets to, call Karla!

In other sponsor news, be sure to listen to KMOX this Thursday, 4/15, from 10:30-11pm. Nathan Bennett of Hendel’s Market Cafe will be on the radio to promote his fabulous restaurant, as well as all the great reasons to call North County home! Don’t miss it!

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