All Entries Tagged With: "Sunday news clips"
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!
Sunday News Clips: 3/28
• April is just around the corner, so you know what that means: Earth Day! To commemorate this annual celebration, St. Louis Community College at Flo Valley is once again hosting The Green Fair, its fifth ever. On Wednesday, April 7, the campus will welcome a number of “green” companies and organizations who will conduct demonstrations and share information about their products and services. Exhibitors include the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ferguson Farmers Market, Sierra Club, Horti-Kids, Plowsharing Crafts, Trader Joe’s, Earth Ways Center, R Pizza Farm, and two that I’m especially excited about: La Vista CSA and Replenishing the Earth.
The Green Fair will be held outdoors in the Quad, unless the weather is bad and then it will move into the Student Center. Hours are 11am to 1pm. For more info about The Green Fair or St. Louis Community College’s ongoing sustainability efforts, look here.
• One of the world’s great composers, Frederic Chopin was a Polish-born piano virtuoso known for his distinctive style and technical mastery. He was also an odd and reclusive man whose beautiful, romantic melodies belied his own personal melancholy. To celebrate the 200th birthday of this talented and intriguing musician, UMSL’s Department of Music is hosting the All Chopin Piano Concert on April 8, featuring performances by the students of Alla Voskoboynikova, the college’s coordinator of piano studies. The show runs from 7-9pm at the Touhill and tickets are free.
A few days later, on April 11, Voskoboynikova herself will also perform a free concert at the Touhill, sharing the stage with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra violinist David Halen and guest soprano Miran Halen. Originally from Ukraine, Voskoboynikova once served as a pianist and vocal coach at the Kiev Opera and Ballet. She and Halen will perform works by Rachmaninov, Grieg and others.
• For those of you following the debate over the proposed Riverview Casino near the Confluence, you’ll be interested to know that the city of St. Louis isn’t giving up the fight for Missouri’s 13th and final gaming license, which was recently taken away from the President Casino. According to this article in the St. Louis Business Journal, city officials plan to prepare an official request for a new casino within the St. Louis city limits.
Special Olympian Justin Goolsby is one of several students learning guitar through Strings Attached.
• Congratulations to the good folks at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ferguson, whose innovative music program, Strings Attached, was featured on Show Me St. Louis this week. Reaching out to young people who might not otherwise be able to afford guitar lessons, the church provides all of the instruments for free while students pay just $5 per class. Strings Attached is one of many progressive ministries offered by St. Stephen’s, which I’m proud to say has just signed on as my newest PR client. To see KSDK’s segment on the church’s music program, click here.
• Also making the news this week was Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Ferguson, which was featured in the St. Louis Review for welcoming the Jim and Effie Morrison and their infant son into the Catholic faith. The entire Morrison family will officially join the Church during a special service on Easter Sunday, following months of preparation in OLG’s RCIA program. (Thanks to Nate Bennett at Hendel’s Market Cafe for tipping me off to this story! Speaking of Easter Sunday, Hendel’s is planning a very special brunch for that day. Don’t miss it!)
• For 28 years, the White Barn in Moline Acres has been serving up some of the best hamburgers in North County. And pretty soon, Barn lovers will have two locations to choose from: the original and a new spot in the former Rally’s building near the Florissant Post Office. Look for a full feature on this classic NoCo business in the next few weeks!
• Who says you can’t have fun at a grocery store? On April 10 from noon to 1pm, the employees at Schnucks in Cool Valley will be hosting Story Time for Kids, showing off the skills they’ve learned from master storyteller Loretta Washington. The event is free and open to all, and children can enjoy crafts, prizes and healthy snacks in addition to the storytelling. 1225 S. Florissant Rd, 63121
• It’s hard to believe but Florissant’s Valley of Flowers festival is just seven weeks away! If you want to participate in the parade, dog show, car show, craft fair, flea market, pretty baby contest or 5K race, the deadline for most applications is April 5! You can find the online applications here.
• Finally, a huge thank you to NOCO’s newest sponsors: David Naumann and Associates and Brian Duenow, The Wall Fixer! Dave is an attorney and North County native who is currently writing a book about the history of our community. He’s also an avid hiker who has shared some of his “secret” local trails with me, which I plan to pass along to NOCO readers very soon.
Brian, on the other hand, only recently moved to North County but he has already shared a great local tip of his own. A talented painter and plaster repairer by trade, he lived in Thailand for eight months and considers the food at Simply Thai on N. Lindbergh to be incredibly authentic. He says Simply Thai is the only restaurant in St. Louis where you’ll find Massaman Curry, a Muslim dish with strong Indian flavors.
I’m so proud to have both of these great guys as NOCO sponsors! Please support their businesses if you can!
Sunday News Clips: 3/14
• Well, it looks like there won’t be a new Ferguson CVS after all. Following months of opposition from a citizen group, which fought CVS’ proposal to tear down seven vintage homes at the corner of Hereford and N. Florissant, the pharmacy chain has officially scrapped plans to build a store on that site, Mayor Brian Fletcher reported at Tuesday’s council meeting. Word has it that CVS has also decided not to move forward on a proposed location in Florissant, but city officials from there and Ferguson are encouraging the developer to consider other sites.
NoCo's own Gabrielle Kniery
• If you’re not a fan of America’s Next Top Model on the CW, you may want to consider tuning in this season. Gabrielle Kniery, a 2009 Hazelwood Central graduate, is competing for the title in cycle 14, and already the judges are impressed by her unique look and extensive knowledge of the modeling industry. Born to a black father and German-American mother, Kniery has also appeared on local billboards promoting the Scholarshop. In vying for a spot on ANTM, she beat out thousands of other women to win first place in the runway competition. Go, Gabrielle!
• Are you a woman who has considered running for elected office? If so, don’t miss the “Statehouse Sisters” lecture coming up this week at UMSL, featuring an insider’s look at women in public life. Missouri state reps Rachel Storch, Sally Faith and Tishaura Jones will join state senator Robin Wright-Jones to discuss their experiences, as well as explore what the future holds for women in politics. The event, co-sponsored by the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life, will be held March 19 at noon in the Century A room of the Millennium Student Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
• Since its founding in 1960, the Florissant Rotary Club has donated more than $4 million to local and international charities and granted “Dream Come True” wishes for 25 critically ill children. To celebrate its 50 years of distinguished service, the organization is hosting an anniversary party on April 10 and everyone in NoCo is invited. Buy a ticket for $60 and you’ll enjoy a full dinner at Yacovelli’s, an open bar, valet parking and music by local oldies band Sh-Boom. For more info, call (314) 921-2917.
• North County Incorporated is gearing up once again for its annual breakfast, where awards will be given to people and organizations who’ve made a positive impact on North County. NCI is asking the public to submit nominees for four different awards, and the deadline for nominations is Saturday, March 20. If you’d like to suggest someone for an award in Business Development, Community Development, Public Service or Leadership, just complete the form here. You can also follow the link to learn more about each category.
• Shattering the absurd notion that St. Louis Mills is a “dying mall,” Cabela’s there recently beat out 29 other locations nationwide to become the company’s Store of the Year AND Customer Service Store of the Year. Cabela’s founder and CEO both visited the Hazelwood location recently, rewarding two lucky employees with a truck and a boat. They also gave out thousands of dollars in other prizes. The Store of the Year award is given to the store that leads the company in operational efficiency.
• Congratulations to Laura Kasak, manager of the Florissant Valley branch of St. Louis County Library, for receiving the prestigious Mover/Shaker designation from the Library Journal. This is the second national award that Kasak has received in two years, and it recognizes librarians who have used innovative strategies to deal with challenges in the profession. Under Kasak’s guidance, the Flo Valley library has implemented a number of positive changes, leading to a 26% increase in circulation over the past year – more than any other branch in the library system.
• Jim Widner, director of jazz studies at UMSL, has performed in the renowned big bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Glen Miller, but this week he’s showing off his prowess as a conductor and teacher. On March 18, his UMSL Jazz Ensemble will perform a free concert at the Touhill, featuring standards by Kenton and Count Basie, among others. If you want to hear some great live music, the show starts at 7:30pm.
Ashley Rainey and her father, Joe
• Finally, a very touching story from the Hazelwood School District: Ashley Rainey, a third-grader at Cold Water Elementary, recently got a wonderful surprise when she returned to her classroom and found a special guest sitting in her desk: her father, Army Sergeant First Class Joe Rainey, who had just returned from Iraq! SFC Rainey, who serves with the 90th Sustainment BDE out of Little Rock, AR, hadn’t seen his family since July 2009 and initially wasn’t expected to return until May. But when he arrived at Lambert Airport last week, he and his wife decided to surprise Ashley, who, of course, was over the moon at being able to see her dad again. Welcome home, SFC Rainey!
Sunday News Clips: 2/28
• Vacant since late 2008, Ferguson’s former Circuit City building may have a new owner soon: St. Louis Community College. The school’s board of trustees is currently weighing a proposal to purchase the $2 million property, which is adjacent to the Flo Valley campus, and convert it into a job training center. Recently the college has received $3.2 million in grants for “green jobs” training, and officials there are looking to expand existing workforce development programs and possibly introduce others, which the new building would allow them to do.
Just around the corner from the old Circuit City, another exciting real estate development is coming soon. The Ferguson Wal-Mart is being converted into a Supercenter! Groundbreaking for the demolition and re-build begins March 20.
• In an effort to spur economic development and revitalization along Natural Bridge Road, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments is working with several local municipalities to develop a long-range improvement plan for the street. Elected officials and other area stakeholders have been meeting with consultants to hash out design ideas and potential upgrades as part of the Natural Bridge Great Streets Initiative, and for the first time this Thursday, the public will have a chance to participate.
Focusing on the 3.8-mile corridor between 170 and Lucas and Hunt, the project will develop a land use plan that incorporates ways to beautify Natural Bridge and make it more pedestrian-friendly. If you’d like to learn more about phase one of the initiative and contribute your input, be sure to attend the public meeting: Thursday, March 4, from 4-8pm in UMSL’s JC Penney Auditorium.
Dividing Natural Bridge into three distinct zones, the Great Streets Initiative aims to build on existing assets while also adding new improvements.
• The Old Ferguson West Community Garden recently won a competitive grant from Gateway Greening to cover the cost of building five new raised garden beds. Coordinators Larry and Heather Robinett plan to build a total of 15 beds this season, and already 12 of those are spoken for. In less than a year, garden volunteers have installed a water tank at the site, built a compost bin, and planted hedges, grape vines and apple trees. Look for even more progress in 2010! Congratulations and awesome work, OFW Garden!
Adam Sturgeon
• Looking to have fun and support some great local causes at the same time? Then head to one (or both!) of these upcoming fundraisers:
First up is the Adam Sturgeon Benefit on March 6, a day of games, good food and live music to help a 26-year-old NoCo man who’s fighting a rare form of lymphoma and will soon need a bone marrow transplant. To be held at VFW Post 4105 at 410 rue St. Francois, this event will feature a BB shoot, raffles, 50/50 draws and pot shot cards. And of course, proceeds go toward Adam’s rising medical expenses. For more info or to make a donation, contact Greg and Joan Lohman at (314) 703-1737. The benefit runs from noon to 7pm.
Two weeks later, on March 20, get ready for a swingin’ evening of dancing and fine drinks as Ferguson’s historic Savoy theater is transformed into “Club Savoy” for one night only! Guests at this nightclub-inspired fundraiser benefiting Blessed Teresa of Calcutta School should come dressed to impress and ready to dance to three decades worth of groovin’ music. Light snacks and a martini bar will also be available, along with silent auction items. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and you can purchase them at Ferguson Style & Spa, Thyme Table Cafe and BTC School or by calling (314) 521-2545. Doors open at 7pm. The Savoy is located at 119 S. Florissant Road.
• Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative, highly marketable product or service? If so, you can enter the 2010 St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition for a chance to win up to $50,000 in seed money. Only companies with $100,000 or less in annual revenue are eligible, and you must enter soon! The deadline for submitting business plans is March 9.
• Kudos to the St. Louis American for being the only local news outlet (until now) to cover a story that has the potential to affect every single person in North County. Earlier this month, the paper followed a group of residents and St. Louis City aldermen as they toured the West Lake landfill at St. Charles Rock Road and 270, where illegally dumped radioactive waste threatens to contaminate the local drinking water.
The radioactive material originally came from Mallinckrodt Chemical, which once produced uranium for atomic bombs, and it was dumped just a few miles upstream from the intakes that supply ALL of the drinking water in North County and some in St. Louis City.
My grandfather worked at Mallinckrodt for 45 years, longer than almost any other employee, and he was there during the Manhattan Project days when uranium was being made. He has told me many times about chemicals and other toxic materials being carelessly dumped, and in fact, he and other longtime workers have received financial settlements to compensate for the cancerous tumors and other serious health issues they’ve endured as a result of working at Mallinckrodt and handling these substances.
In other words, these are very dangerous materials we’re talking about, and unfortunately, they are already in contact with our groundwater. Let’s hope that elected officials in Bridgeton, where the landfill is located, can work with other North County leaders to address this problem before it gets even worse.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K