All Entries Tagged With: "field trips"
Ah, it’s a Junk Lover’s Weekend in NoCo…
NOCO fans, I’m sure you know the old saying: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Well, I’ve been a proud treasure hunter for as long as I can remember, and I can’t recall a single weekend with more North County goodie-finding opportunities than this one.
To start, Ferguson is holding its annual Biggest Yard Sale in History, featuring dozens of garage and yard sales all over the community. I hit this event almost every year, and I always come away with something very interesting. Plus, it’s always fun to see some of Ferguson’s neat old houses up close.
If you want to check it out, the hours are roughly 7:30am to 2pm on Saturday, May 21, with maps available in five places:
- Online at the city’s website, after 5pm on Friday
- Paul’s Market, 1020 N. Elizabeth, after 5pm on Friday
- Ferguson Farmers Market, 20 S. Florissant, starting at 7am Saturday
- First Baptist Church, 333 N. Florissant, starting at 7am Saturday
- Paul’s Market, starting at 9am on Saturday
Coinciding with the Biggest Yard Sale, Blessed Teresa Parish is hosting a huge two-day garage sale starting tomorrow morning. Come by 1050 Smith Avenue from 7am to 7pm on Friday and 7am to noon on Saturday for a chance to score all kinds of secondhand delights.
Over in Hazelwood, it will be a junk-lover’s paradise on Saturday, with all the treasures in one place. The community is holding its annual Citywide Garage Sale at Hazelwood Community Center, 1186 Teson Road, from 8am to noon. You’ll be able to shop at numerous booths, rain or shine.
Another event with multiple vendors is the Twice is Nice Flea Market at the North County Rec Complex. I haven’t been to this before so I have no clue what to expect, but the hours are 8am to 3pm if you want to swing by. The address is 2577 Redman, 63136.
And if you’re willing to take a quick field trip, head to Mid-County, where Vinita Park is also holding its annual Citywide Garage Sale. No maps are available. Just drive around this tiny community and look for signs.
Happy hunting!
North County artist opens new gallery in Elsah IL
The Guanella Pass in Colorado, as depicted by local painter Daniel Fishback
When I first launched NOCO, one of my first articles was about Daniel Fishback, a very talented local painter who specializes in “plein air” landscapes. Daniel does most of his work in his NoCo garage (which is frequently open for visitors), but starting this Sunday, he will also have his own studio and gallery space in the adorable river town of Elsah, Illinois.
Since July, he has been rehabbing the first floor of the Mott Building, a circa-1894 storefront that used to be the home of the Elsah Landing Restaurant. Fellow North Countian Larry Hammer, best know for his delicious grass-fed beef, just happens to be the building’s owner, and he’s the one who convinced Daniel to give it a go.
On November 14, from 3-7pm, the Fishback Gallery will hold its grand opening reception, complete with live music. Guests will be able to peruse Daniel’s incredible body of work, which features impressionistic oil landscapes, streetscapes, waterscapes, still lifes, and abstract paintings, as well as digital photographs, giclée prints and greeting cards. The gallery is located at 18 LaSalle Street, Elsah, Illinois 62028. For more info, call (618) 374-9460 or visit Daniel’s website at danielfishbackfineart.com.
Field Trip: Reading Garden Series @ St. Louis County Library
Take a field trip to the County Library Headquarters this fall, where the Reading Garden Event Series will welcome 14 popular Young Adult authors.
If you saw yesterday’s Post-Dispatch story on North County public schools, you’ll know what I mean when I say, “oh my.” Clearly our community is facing a significant challenge, and we need to find creative ways to better educate our local kids and prepare them for the world. We also need to show them (particularly the kids living in poverty or barely getting by) that life offers countless options beyond what they see every day.
A few years ago, I was invited to be a “guest reader” at Ferguson Middle School, where I was asked to talk about my work as a writer. As I passed around an architecture book I’d written, several of the students started firing off questions, most of which basically amounted to the same question: “You get paid to write? For real?”
It was then that I realized…I live up right the street from these kids but I’m about as foreign to them as a Chinese acupuncturist. A professional writer who works from home, earning a buck a word from magazine editors she’s never even met in person? For most of these working-class students, that concept was absolutely mind-blowing. They truly had no idea that someone could grow up and earn a living as a writer. And that’s sad. How many other possibilities are these kids not dreaming of because they don’t even know they exist? And how many of them might be budding writers themselves, if only that seed was planted?
I honestly don’t know the answer to those questions or how to solve NoCo’s larger educational problems, but I do know that a great opportunity to expand some minds is coming up soon and I really hope some North County students can take advantage of it. Throughout the fall, St. Louis County Library is sponsoring 14 free lectures in its Reading Garden Event Series, all featuring popular writers who specialize in books for young adults. Many of these authors are known around the world and have sold hundreds of thousands of books.
All of the lectures will be held at library headquarters, just south of Highway 40 on Lindbergh, so NoCo folks will have to take a field trip. But, wow, just look at all the great creative role models you and your favorite young person can meet! Talk about inspirational!! Maybe even life-changing. And did I mention it’s FREE?!
Reading Garden Event Series:
Friday, September 17, 7:00 p.m.
Sixth Annual Family Read Night with Eoin Colfer, Author of “Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex”
Join international bestselling author Eoin Colfer for the Artemis Rocks! Show. Eoin will perform a monologue, interview Artemis Fowl (that’s right, Artemis Fowl in the flesh!), and sign copies of the seventh book in the blockbuster series, “Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex.”
Monday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.
Ellen Hopkins, “Fallout”
“Fallout” is the stunning conclusion to Hopkins’ bestselling “Crank” trilogy about teenage addict Kristina Snow. Written from the perspective of Kristina’s children, “Fallout” is a transfixing, vivid look at teenage drug abuse and a testament to the harsh reality that addiction is never just one person’s problem.
Monday, September 27, 7:00 p.m.
Sara Pennypacker & Marla Frazee, “Clementine, Friend of the Week”
Bestselling author Sara Pennypacker and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Marla Frazee visit the Library to celebrate the fourth book in the popular Clementine series. When Clementine is picked as ‘Friend of the Week’ by her third-grade class, she comes up with all sorts of crazy plans to prove she’s a good friend. Who knew that being a friend could be so hard? Books for signing will be available for purchase from Pudd’nHead Books.
Thursday, September 30, 7:00 p.m.
Cinda Williams Chima, “The Exiled Queen”
Popular young adult fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima discusses “The Exiled Queen,” the highly-anticipated second book in the Seven Realms series. “The Exiled Queen” is an epic and entrancing story of wizards and princesses, uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.
Friday, October 1, 7:00 p.m.
Muppet Master Dave Goelz & Special Guest
Learn Muppet history at a program hosted by Dave Goelz, the performer of everyone’s favorite Muppet, Gonzo. This program, a special event presented as part of MUPPETS, MUSIC AND MAGIC: JIM HENSON’S LEGACY touring series which will screen at select SLCL locations in November and December, features Muppet material you won’t see anywhere else: early TV appearances, commercials, and much more. Q&A with Mr. Goelz and his special guest round out the evening.
Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.
Mem Fox, “Let’s Count Goats!”
Daniel Boone Branch; 300 Clarkson Rd.
Early reading specialist and beloved author of “Time for Bed” and “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes,” Mem Fox offers offers a fresh twist on the classic counting book using delightfully expressive goats and playful rhymes. “Let’s Count Goats!” is sure to inspire the youngest readers.
Wednesday, October 6, 7:00 p.m.
Michael Buckley, “N.E.R.D.S.: M is for Mama’s Boy”
“N.E.R.D.S.” hilariously combines all the excitement of international espionage with the awkwardness of elementary school. A group of unpopular fifth graders run a spy network from inside their school. With the help of cutting-edge science, they transform their nerdy qualities into incredible abilities! Michael Buckley is also the author of “The Sisters Grimm,” a New York Times bestselling series.
Monday, October 11, 7:00 p.m.
Jon Scieszka, “Spaceheadz”
Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn’t hard enough, the kids he’s made friends with apparently aren’t kids at all. They are aliens who have invaded our planet with a hamster as their leader. And they have a mission to complete: to convince 3,400,001 kids to be Spaceheadz. But with Michael K as their first convert, will the Spaceheadz be able to pull off their assignment? Jon Scieszka is the author of the Caldecott winner “The Stinky Cheese Man” and the “Trucktown” series.
Tuesday, October 12, 7:00 p.m.
Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, “Beautiful Darkness”
The second book in Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl’s breathtaking young adult thriller/romance series returns readers to the small Southern town of Gatlin, where mystery and dark magic hides in plain sight. Ethan used to think of Gatlin as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena, who revealed a secret world. Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts keeping secrets that test their relationship.
Thursday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.
Rick Riordan, “The Lost Hero”
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)
McDonnell Athletic Center (Entrance 1)*
101 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63124
Free tickets available at select Library locations and MICDS. Call 314-994-3300 for more information.
After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Percy Jackson and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must prepare for an epic quest.
Wednesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m.
Jennifer Donnelly, “Revolution”
From the author of the award-winning “A Northern Light,” “Revolution” weaves the stories of two girls born centuries apart, but inextricably and dangerously linked. When Brooklyn teenager Andi discovers the antique diary of an 18th century Parisian girl, she finds distraction from her own troubles—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.
Friday, October 22, 7:00 p.m.
Wendelin Van Draanen, “Flipped”
“Flipped” is a classic romantic comedy of errors told in alternating chapters by two fresh, funny new voices. Popular young adult author Wendelin Van Draanen is at her best here with a knock-out cast of quirky characters, but underlying the humor are two teens in transition. They are each learning to look beyond the surface of people, both figuring out who they are, who they want to be, and who they want to be with.
Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
David Wiesner, “Art and Max”
Multiple Caldecott Medal-winner David Wiesner is beloved by children and adults for his whimsical and sophisticated wordless picture books such as “Flotsam” and “Tuesday.” In his latest masterpiece “Art and Max,” Wiesner depicts two friends with a shared interest in painting: one an accomplished artist and the other an enthusiastic beginner.
Tuesday, November 16, 7:00 p.m.
Laurie Halse Anderson, “Forge”
In this compelling sequel to “Chains,” a National Book Award Finalist, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson brings to the page the story of runaway slaves during the American Revolution. During the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter, runaway slaves Curzon and Isabel must sort out the tangled threads of friendship while figuring out what stands between them and true freedom.
The Reading Garden Event Series is free and open to all ages. It will take place at St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, 63131. For more info, call (314) 994-3300. You can also visit any library branch to check out all of the books above.
The Music of NoCo: the Mad Titans
If there’s one secret about North County that I wish more people knew, it’s that this area is absolutely brimming with artists and musicians. Far from being a “cultural wasteland,” as a city hipster friend once called it, NoCo is actually a goldmine of characters and creative types, most of whom live here because it’s laid back and cheap.
A lot of these folks are lone wolves, just doing their thing in private. But every once in a while, somebody from our little neck of the woods makes a name for themselves. That’s the case with the Mad Titans, an eclectic band from the Ferguson area that has carved out a unique niche in the St. Louis music scene with its heart-pumping, retro-inspired instrumental surf rock.
Tim LaBeaume (left) on bass and Justin Pfeifer on guitar
Of course, surf music may seem like an odd fit for the Midwest. What’s even odder is that the Mad Titans are actually the second instrumental surf band to come out of Ferguson in the past decade.
Band members Tim LaBeaume, Justin Pfeifer and Gregory Taylor, all NoCo natives, spent the late 90s and early 2000s listening to the Honkeys, Ferguson’s original surf rock band headed up by guitar maestro Jeff Thomas. Now living in Chicago and playing in the fabulously raucous “circus punk marching band” Mucca Pazza (returning to St. Louis on May 22!), Thomas inspired many local musicians with his innovative style, but none more so than the fine lads of the Mad Titans.
“When Jeff moved to Chicago, it just seemed reasonable to try and fill his shoes,” Pfeifer, 27, says. “We loved the music, and nobody else was playing it, so we thought what the heck.”
“Actually, we can’t sing and we hate to write lyrics, so instrumental seemed perfect for us,” LaBeaume, 31, adds.
That was in 2005. Since then, the Titans have played at clubs all over town and built a steady following, despite all three members working “real” jobs outside of music. In January, they performed at Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge. On March 25, they played a live show on KDHX. And coming up on April 10, they’re hosting their first official CD release party.
Gregory Taylor on drums
Consisting of 16 original tracks spanning 45 minutes, the CD – Journey to Earth – is a collaborative effort featuring a few songs written by bass player LaBeaume and even more composed by guitarist Pfeifer. “Justin likes to keep his songs secret until he’s done,” teases Taylor, 32, a married father of two who joined the Titans as drummer two years ago. “Usually he finishes and then presents the song to the band, then we sort of make suggestions and work out the kinks and let it flow from there.”
“What’s great is that we have a lot of influences outside of surf music, so it makes our sound pretty versatile,” Pfeifer says. “We all bring a wide range of styles to the table.”
“Really, we like everything from Primus to Calexico,” Taylor adds. Other favorites include the Huntington Cads, Man or Astroman?, Satan’s Pilgrims and Los Straitjackets – a mixed bag of bands that reflect the Titans’ varied musical backgrounds.
Growing up in Florissant, LaBeaume started playing piano in first grade then switched to guitar in high school. Pfeifer, originally hailing from my own neighborhood of Old Ferguson West, was a longtime cellist until he too learned guitar. In his Ferguson basement, where the group practices every Sunday, a vintage organ and a rarely played accordion also share the space with the “regular” instruments, in a room lined with DIY sound-proofing cleverly made from packing materials discarded at Pfeifer’s job. “My attempt at appeasing the neighbors,” he says with a grin.
So the band lives in NoCo, practices in NoCo and first learned to play music here, but do they ever perform locally? Unfortunately, no.
“There are very few venues in North County for original music,” Taylor laments. “Unless you want to do four hours of cover songs, it’s hard to find a place to play.”
“We would love to play around here. We did actually play one show at Just Bill’s in Overland,” LaBeaume says. “But really, there’s just no consistent venue up here that supports original bands.”
As a result, when the Mad Titans hold their CD release party on April 10, performing along with Abstract Artemis, Stellar Remnants and the Alabama surf band Daikaiju, it’ll be at the Way Out Club in South City. Anybody up for a field trip?
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K