Soulard renaiSSance

Transcription

Soulard renaiSSance

THE
Soulard Renaissance
Volume xL Issue 1
Living with History
2015 MARDI GRAS ISSUE
OUR FUNNY VALENTINE
Grand Parade and Valentine’s days combine for a one-two punch this Mardi Gras season
By Mack Bradley
With Grand Parade Day falling
on Saturday, Feb. 14, “All Things St.
Valentine” is being embraced as the
theme for the 36th annual Soulard Mardi
Gras. The always festive — and this year,
romantic — event is guaranteed to offer
something for everyone.
Joining in has never been easier, so
make your plans and follow the frivolity
on Twitter @STLMardiGras, on Facebook
at Soulard Mardi Gras, download the
Soulard Mardi Gras smartphone app
from the App Store or Google Play or visit
us at STLMardiGras.org.
Here are a few helpful suggestions to
make your day fun, safe and easy.
• Arrive early — You may even want
to book a nearby hotel room for Friday
and Saturday to eliminate parking hassles
and ensure that you are here with plenty
of time to spare. Several hotels are within
walking distance, offer shuttles to and
from, or provide access to plenty of cabs.
• No cans, no coolers, no bottles, no
backpacks. No exceptions — For public
safety reasons, these items are not allowed
in the festival zone. If you do somehow
manage to have these items in the festival
zone, you will be asked to dispose of
The Grand Parade will step off near Busch Stadium at 11 a.m. Feb. 14 and make
its way down 7th and Broadway to Soulard.
them immediately. Note that plenty of
food and beverage options can be found
throughout the festival zone.
• Dress for the weather — St. Louis
weather is notoriously fickle, so plan
appropriately. Mardi Gras events will
happen rain or shine and you’ll be on
your feet a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Use the port-a-potties – There are
thousands of portable restrooms located
throughout the festival zone. The police
will ticket you for not using them.
• Don’t drive — Take the Metro, a
shuttle or a cab instead.
• Respect our neighborhood — As one
of the oldest residential and entertainment
districts west of the Mississippi River,
Soulard is recognized as a national historic
jewel. Be respectful of the neighborhood
and its inhabitants. Remember, there is
a zero tolerance rule for vandalism, and
violators will be arrested and prosecuted
to the fullest extent.
• Why isn’t Mardi Gras the same date
every year?
Unlike most annual holidays, which are
a fixed date in the calendar, the date for
Mardi Gras is dependent upon the date of
Easter Sunday.
The season itself at least begins on a
fixed date, Twelfth Night, Jan. 6. This is the
day the three Magi arrived in Bethlehem
to see the baby Jesus. This is also the origin
of the King Cake tradition and the reason
for the toy baby inside the cake. One guess
as to who it is.
The end of the Carnival season, Fat
Tuesday, isn’t so simple. Easter always
falls on the first Sunday following the first
full moon of Spring. Why? Pope Gregory
XIII of course. He was a real stickler for
calendars — so much so that he threw out
Julius Caesar’s calendar and made his own.
So the real date of Easter also deals with
the difference between an astronomical
full moon and an ecclesiastical full moon.
Anyway, Easter is the key to determining
the date for Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday,
which is always the day before Ash
Continued on Page 10
Soulard’s retiring Alderman reflects on her tenure
By Phyllis Young
In 1985, I was first elected 7th Ward
Alderman. I had lived in Soulard since
1977 and was happily employed as a
teacher for St. Louis County Special
School District.
Along with a few of my neighbors I
participated in a “rump” Democratic
political
organization
because
newcomers weren’t welcome in the
longtime 7th Ward Democratic
organization. We were considered
the elite after having moved into the
neighborhood and expecting to have a
say in public policies impacting the area.
And we were considered insignificant
because there weren’t many of us. When
10-year Look at Crime
in Soulard
Page 5
Renaissance_MARDI_GRAS_15.indd 1
700 block of Geyer across from The
Franklin Room. That was a complex
that no developer wanted to undertake.
The Housing Corporation renovated
the historic trapper cottage that sits to
the rear of the lot and constructed new
homes to the west of it. They renovated
others throughout the neighborhood
until private entities began to complete
many more projects.
Another
focus
has
been
strengthening the historic codes of all
my neighborhoods and implementing
one to protect the integrity of the
McKinley Heights Neighborhood. That
not only protects the historic buildings,
the alderman at the time was indicted
for vote fraud and other crimes and
subsequently resigned, my neighbors
asked me to run.
The rest is history.
Soulard at the time was still an area
of primarily rental units, with many
vacant buildings and plenty of vacant
lots. Most of the redevelopment was
also rental, being completed by a
company called Mead-McClellan.
The company had started work in the
area using historic tax credits in the
late 1970s after Soulard was made a
historic district. Anne McDonnell of
BSB Development was just starting to
do renovation. The first members of the
Soulard Restoration Group handed out
m i m e o g r ap h e d
sheets to people
who
were
interested
in
purchasing
property in the
area. There weren’t
many
realtors
interested in the
neighborhood
Phyllis Young
because prices and
commissions were
extremely low. House tours were used to
introduce people to the neighborhood
as well as to raise money for the group.
American Legion Update
“Off the Island”
I Love Soulard
Page 4
Page 8
Page 11
Homeowners mean stability
The Soulard Housing Corporation
undertook the buildings along the
Continued on Page 6
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Dearest Reader,
Photo by Tom Borgman / Renaissance
OFF THE ISLAND: In January, Steve and I traded our chilly Soulard island for a
warmer one by taking a trip to Catalina Island off the California coast. We even
got in some golf cart time and showed off our new Soulard T-shirts. See Page 8 for
more “Off the Island” photos.
The neighborhood is all dressed up
for a big party. Purple, gold and green
fleurs-de-lis, wreaths, masks, lights
and banners are everywhere. I dare say
Soulardians decorate more for Mardi
Gras than Christmas.
We’ve got a lot to celebrate and share
with visitors to our neighborhood this
month, so let’s all take a collective deep
breath as we prepare for Soulard Mardi
Gras, otherwise known as That Annual
Visit from Thousands of Our Closest
and Newest Friends.
SRG MARDI PARTY: Your friends
at SRG will once again host a Grand
Parade Day gathering for members and
their friends at Soulard Station, 1911
S. 12th St. We’ll have a beer booth and
will need volunteers to help with Friday
setup and to sell brews and boozy coffee
on Saturday. I hear tell there might
even be homemade Jell-O shots for sale
at bargain prices. And what’s a party
without the song stylings of Jay Morris
and The Pedestrians? Let’s end that kind
of talk right here and now, shall we?
If you’re a volunteer, you’re in for free.
If you’re using the Station as your home
base for the day and not volunteering,
the cost will be $30 per person. The
party includes a wristband, adult
beverages, the warmth inside Soulard
Station and port-a-potty access.
SRG Board Member Sean Cochran
will be our Captain of Ceremonies. This
is not Sean’s first Grand Parade Day and
he’s savvy enough to keep the sign-up
sheet in the ever-capable hands of our
own Billy Tomber. If you’re interested
in attending, please contact billy@
soulard.org for more info.
SPRING
CENTER
GOURMET
OPENS: Jeff Dexheimer and Patrick
McGinnis recently opened their shop
at 1862 S. 10th St. Spring Center offers a
wide range of smoked and cured meats
and prepared meals to go; wines are
coming soon. The patio will be open
this spring, so look forward to relaxing
with a bottle of wine and charcuterie
board. Welcome to Soulard, guys!
HOWARDS IN SOULARD: Resident
rehabber and musician Judith Howard
bought the former Hi-way Bar property
at 2732 S. 13th St., and is doing a
complete restoration. Plans include oldschool cocktails, acoustic music and
small-plate bistro menu. Judith says she
is looking at a possible April opening
and the hours will be from 11 a.m. to
11 p.m. to respect neighbors and their
safety. We’re looking forward to seeing
this, her fifth rehab project in Soulard.
Way to go, Judith!
SHELLY’S IS SET: Much work has
been done to renovate the space at 2001
Menard St. before Mardi Gras. Shelly’s is
the name of the new upscale sports bar
and we’re looking forward to checking it
out, wish them good luck and welcome
them to neighborhood.
Happy Mardi Gras, Everyone!
Jackie Parker
Editor-in-chief
Soulard Renaissance
[email protected]
2 - The Soulard Renaissance - FEBRUARY 2015
2/2/15 6:46 PM
FEBRUARY 2015 - The Soulard Renaissance - 3
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Updates from American Legion Post 422:
We can help you with V.A. matters
By Mr. Bill Wirtel
NEED ASSISTANCE FROM THE
V.A.? Look no further than your local
BKZ American Legion Post. We could
be the only Post with a member, Bill
Hamilton, who also is a service officer
employed by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. Are you having claims
problems or seeking information
regarding disabilities? Hamilton says
all veterans and their families or friends
can call him 24/7 at 314-680-3244 and
he will set them up with the proper
individuals at the V.A.
AUXILIARY DOINGS: The last
shipment of 20 Christmas Boxes took
only seven days to reach Qatar Air
Base on the Persian Gulf. MSgt. David
Hinkley sent a signed photograph of the
33 Avionic Flight Members. The boxes
were much appreciated, generating
thanks that included: “It’s always good
to know there are people supporting
us” and “Meant more to us than you can
realize.” These are posted in our hall for
all to see.
B & B: Fifth Friday meant Bingo and
Buffet for rehabbing military veterans
at Jefferson Barracks Medical Center
on Jan. 25. Auxiliary and Post members
team up for these events. Attendance
prizes include winter wear such as lap
blankets, gloves, knit caps, hooded
sweatshirts, socks, T-shirts, slippers and
coats. The Auxiliary is always in need of
donations or money to purchase these
items and other necessities.
MARDI GRAS: Before the Grand
Parade on Feb. 14, visit BKZ at 7:30 a.m.
for biscuits and gravy, a breakfast we’ve
been serving since 1996. By popular
request, brats also will be available for
the early morning folks. Bloody Marys
and coffee also will be available. During
the parade, we’ll be serving hurricanes,
Gus’ pretzels and brats and selling 2015
Mardi Gras shirts. And we are still the
home of the $1 hotdog. We are open to
the public.
MEET TED CZAPLA: A headline in
the Fayetteville, Arkansas, newspaper
July 1, 2014 read “Czapla Earns Gold.”
At the National Veterans Golden
Games held June 28 to July 2, our Mr.
Ted participated in the age group 80-84
finals of the V.A. Senior Rehabilitation
Program, which is designed to improve
quality of life for veterans. He proudly
walked away with two gold medals, one
in horseshoe competition and one in
air-rifle marksmanship.
He served in the Air Force from 1950
to 1953 during the Korean War. He was
stationed in Newfoundland, fueling
SAC bombers.
Thaddeus, better known as Ted, grew
up in the Kosciusko neighborhood,
where he attended Our Lady of
Czestochowa Polish Catholic grade
school. Polish is still his second
language. He graduated from McKinley
High School in 1949.
After his military service, he served
as a St. Louis firefighter until his
retirement. He joined Post 422 after
his military duty and has served in
all offices, including Commander in
1988. He has 62 years of continuous
membership.
He is one of our two flag bearers. You
will find him in the kitchen at our BBQs
and Mardi Gras, distributing flags on a
patriotic weekend at Soulard Market, or
at the popcorn machine during Mouse
Races and Happy Hours.
Three cheers for Ted, age 82. We are
proud of you!
A high 50/50 raffle payout made for
happy winners, plus there were many
attendance prizes. All night, we had
loaded nachos, hot dogs, popcorn and a
choice of six beverages for guests.
Thanks to the more than 200 people
who attended, that special group who
donated about 20 silent auction items,
plus those who provided attendance
prizes. And thanks to those volunteers
who aren’t members of the Auxiliary or
Post.
People exiting commented on how
fun the night was for them and their
children, all who want to come back
next year. We already have next year’s
event booked for Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016.
The funds raised will be used to
rebuild our outbuilding and pave our
parking lot this spring. Again, thank you
all for a very wonderful and successful
Mouse Race. See you in a year.
SECOND MOUSE RACES: Our family
event sold out Jan. 10. Fortunately, we
had a snowless evening. It was cold but a
warm crowd inside took away the chill.
Thank you, Father Ed and his staff at
St. Vincent’s Parish Hall. What a perfect
setup: lighted and secure parking, a
great kitchen, spotless and comfortable
facilities. Closed-circuit TV screens
were scattered about the hall. Between
races, mouse roulette was a favorite.
AMTRYKES BY AMBUCS: Post
422 veterans unveiled their most
recent project during the Mouse
Races. Post 422 is the first American
Legion Post in Missouri to donate
AmTryke therapeutic tricycles, which
create mobility and independence for
veterans with disabilities. Our efforts
are coordinated through therapists at
the Jefferson Barracks Medical Center,
who have 10 to 12 veterans who will
Photo by Jackie Parker / Renaissance
Kids and adults alike were eager to watch the Second Annual Mouse Races on
Jan. 10.
soon qualify for trykes. To our joy, four
people stepped up at the Mouse Races
and signed up to donate a Tryke. Trykes
cost from $800 to $1,200.
HAPPY HOURS: We will resume our
Happy Hour Socials on April 17. As
always, they will be held on the third
Friday of the month. Music will be
provided by Judith and Jessica, our J&J
ladies of song.
PARKING LOT UPDATE: The
contract has been let. Hopefully it will
be finished before our April 17 Happy
Hour Social.
WE WELCOME NEW BKZ POST
MEMBERS: From the Air Force:
Wayne Ferkel. And from the Army:
Cesar Millan, James Guittar and
Rodney Hampton.
LENTEN FISH FRYS: Watch the Blaster
for dates. Master chefs Michael Pastore,
Don Kirby and David Cornelius again
will take charge of our kitchen. The best
fish on the Southside is served at BKZ,
thanks to this crew of chefs.
Mr. Bill Wirtel is chaplain, former
commander and event coordinator of the
American Legion BKZ Post 422, 2601 S.
11th St. He can be reached at mwirtel@
charter.net.
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Despite substantial improvements,
Soulard still facing crime issues
By Bill Clendenin
Over the past 10 years, Soulard has
experienced a substantial decrease in
crime. Despite this improvement, crime
is still an issue in the neighborhood.
In 2014, we saw increases in both
armed robberies and burglaries. The
increases are of concern because these
types of crimes can greatly affect the
neighborhood’s sense of security
and can cause residents to leave the
neighborhood.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police
Department makes crime statistics
available on its website and through
its Neighborhood Liaison Officers.
The SRG Safety Committee recently
collected and compiled the Soulard
statistics in order to obtain perspective
on how the neighborhood was doing
Ten-year look at crime in
Soulard
Auto Total
theft crime index*
Armed Burglary
robbery
2014 17
201313
20129
20118
201031
200920
2008 29
200723
200622
2005 19
37
25
31
27
28
53
42
44
61
65
43320
41 303
51 339
51 439
79 460
85 477
90 441
68 442
139 565
118 528
Source: St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept.
*Total crime index also includes larcenies,
assaults and other types of crimes.
with respect to prior years and to
identify Soulard’s current crime issues.
In 2014, Soulard’s crime index, or
total numbers of crimes, was 320. For
comparison, in 2006, the crime index
was 565, which is about 77 percent
higher than in 2014. Soulard had
approximately the same amount of total
crime in 2014 that it had in 2012 and
2013. About 88 percent of the crime in
2014 was property-related crime. With
respect to crimes against persons, 2014
had the lowest total in the past 10 years.
While crime overall has decreased,
there are certain crimes that are pressing
issues in Soulard. In 2014, there were 17
armed robberies, as compared to 13 in
2013. Soulard had 37 burglaries in 2014,
up from 25 in 2013
It’s important to note that there is
often not a one-to-one ratio of offender
to crime. In Soulard, one offender often
commits the same crime over and over
again. After an arrest is made, we as
residents have a significant role to play
in ensuring that the offenders are not
able to return to Soulard to commit
additional crimes.
For information on how you can
get involved in safety efforts, email
[email protected] or come to one of
our monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the
last Monday of the month at Soulard
Station, 1911 S. 12th St. Our next
committee meeting is scheduled for 7
p.m. Feb. 23.
Bill Clendenin is chairman of the SRG
Safety Committee.
Wrap up in your own Soulard tapestry
Get your very own Soulard Tapestry to keep you warm this winter or give as a
gift. Jill Weissgerber and Beth Bennett show off the quilt that includes familiar
Soulard landmarks, such as Ripple Row, Soulard Market, Soulard Station and
others. The price is $40 and can be ordered by contacting Luann Denten, SRG
Residential Promotion chairman, at 314-852-2771 or [email protected].
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Phyllis
from Page 1
it provides a financial incentive to
developers to renovate them using the
tax credits that are available.
Early on I used block-grant monies
to write down the cost of some of the
developments, particularly when the
buildings were so deteriorated and
yet valuable to the neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, that money hasn’t been
available for many years. Fortunately,
value has been created so that it isn’t as
critical as it once was.
Established private security
In the ’90s, I worked with the Soulard
Safety Committee to establish the
Soulard Special Business District, which
charges a real estate tax to provide
funding for the private security that you
see driving the neighborhood. Ours
was one of the first such districts. It was
made permanent after a few trial years.
A Board of Commissioners appointed
by the Mayor with the approval of the
Board of Aldermen makes decisions
on how the money raised is spent to
provide additional security for the
neighborhood. It is another vehicle that
makes Soulard a special place.
There have been numerous choices
that have been made through the years
that have provided pathways to the
successes of our neighborhood and our
ward. Although we may call Soulard
“the island,” it is easily impacted by its
surroundings.
One of the first controversies I
encountered was trying to stop the
state plans for a highway to cut through
Lafayette Square. First, Marit Clark,
then the 6th Ward Alderman, and I
closed 18th Street, forcing traffic onto
the nearby Dolman Street, which had
many fewer residential buildings. That
protected the residential quality of
both 18th Street and Lafayette Square
by forcing traffic eastward. I was a
new alderman and had no idea of the
conflict that would cause! Marit and I
worked with local and state officials
to finally kill the highway. Later, the
Truman Parkway was designed as a
feeder for traffic into downtown. It took
several years to obtain funding and get
that constructed.
Rehab of City Hospital
When City Hospital was closed, it
became a huge eyesore for the area. The
City solicited proposals from developers.
Proposals came in from Larry Rice to
establish a homeless facility there, along
with other proposals for corporate
headquarters facilities. The selection
committee awarded the development
rights to Pantheon, a successful local
developer at the time. Despite many
efforts, nothing happened for years.
The area around the hospital was
the site of Darst-Webbe, a high-rise
public housing development. That
complex was largely vacant due to high
crime rates and lack of investment
by the federal government. The city
was selected to participate in a federal
grant program called HOPE VI, which
was designed to demolish the existing
buildings and to build a mixed-income
complex that would better integrate
into the fabric of the City.
After years of planning that involved
residents of Darst-Webbe, ClintonPeabody, LaSalle Park, Lafayette Square
and Soulard, the outcome is the area you
see today between the Truman Parkway
and Tucker — new low-rise and singlefamily housing and the redevelopment
of City Hospital into the Georgian
condominiums. Along with that is now
commercial development on the south
side of Lafayette, and a new dental
school will open in the fall at the corner
of Park and Truman. Former residents
who visit the area will not recognize
the area, other than the former City
Hospital building.
Beautification in Soulard
Tree planting and beautification have
been of utmost importance to Soulard.
I’ve worked with the neighborhood to
plant as many trees as possible each
year. Soulard didn’t have many trees
in 1985, and many were the Bradford
pears that looked beautiful in the
spring. Then their brittle branches
would unexpectedly break and damage
parked cars or the trees would die after
just a few years. We’ve tried for diversity
in species as well as larger trees since
then.
Parks also have been a focus through
the years because they provide a safe
place for families and residents to meet
and play. I’ve always supported new
playground equipment to meet current
safety requirements for parks. In recent
years, I’ve provided the rubberized
surfaces that cushion falls, eliminating
the problem of glass and other
hazardous objects being hidden in the
pea gravel or mulch that was previously
used on playgrounds.
Another significant development in
Soulard has been the establishment of the
Frenchtown Dog Park, which provides
another amenity for neighborhood
residents and their companions. The
Wendling family donated the land, and
I donated $10,000 of campaign funds
to support the establishment of the
park. The Dog Park board has worked
through the years to make the park the
place it is today — a safe refuge for pets
to run together while humans socialize.
Magic wand for Soulard Market
Soulard Market is the iconic symbol of
our neighborhood, however, its needs
haven’t been met. I paid for some lead
removal, the installation of an elevator,
the renovation of the restrooms to
accommodate the handicapped, and
some wiring upgrades. But there is so
much more that is needed. There have
been plans for renovation twice during
my tenure.
The first time there was much
opposition from vendors and their
allies due to concerns about the impact
of change. The second time there was/is
no money to do renovations.
This is a challenge for the future of
this complex and for the neighborhood.
It needs to remain viable, but the city
has no money to make the structural
changes needed to keep it safe. Wiring
in the building will take much money to
update. Water must be available to each
stall for sanitation purposes. Heating
and air conditioning have never been
addressed other than with the individual
heating units each merchant provides.
And there are many other items needed.
If I had a magic wand, I’d use it on the
Market!
I have been honored to serve as
Alderman for such a long time, and
I’m proud of the many things that
have been accomplished in Soulard, in
the 7th Ward and in the City. Now, I
look forward to watching the progress
continue, led by some of the young
people competing to take my place.
I’m often asked: “What will you do
in retirement? Will you move away?”
Definitely, NO! I like my neighborhood,
and I’ve made lots of friends. I hope
you’ll say “Hi” when we meet.
Meet the candidates for the 7th Ward
Jack Coatar
Samuel
Cummings III
Three candidates for 7th Ward
Alderman are on the March 3
Primary ballot, all Democrats:
Jack Coatar of Soulard. He is a
former assistant circuit attorney in
St. Louis. He is a graduate of Saint
Louis University, where he also
earned his law degree.
Samuel J. Cummings III of
Soulard. He is an entrepreneur/de-
Chelsea Merta
veloper who works in the high-tech/
startup industry downtown. He is a
graduate of Saint Louis University.
Chelsea Merta of McKinley
Heights. She is a civil rights attorney and social justice advocate. She
is a graduate of the University of
Indiana and has a law degree from
Saint Louis University.
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OFF THE ISLAND
Photo by Maureen Parry
Roger Power wears his Soulard T-shirt at Av Armenia y Costa Rica. Believe
it or not, Roger and Maureen found a Budweiser bar in their Palermo
neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Photo by Martha Everett
Rick Dungey gets 2015 off to a great start by wearing his Soulard T-shirt at
Branson Landing on New Year’s Day.
The next time you take a trip outside the St. Louis metro area, be sure to take
a selfie and include something “Soulard” in the photo, like a T-shirt, hoodie,
even a koozie. Email your photo, including the names of the people in it and
the location of your trip, to [email protected], and we will do our best to
publish it in the next issue of the Renaissance and in the weekly email Blaster.
2/2/15 6:46 PM
SRG presidents pay tribute to Phyllis Young
By Nancy Kelly
As the sitting president of the Soulard
Restoration Group, I am forever grateful
to my predecessors for establishing the
foundation of this great community and
making my tasks easier because of all
the precedents they set and goals they
accomplished. While board members,
fundraisers and events come and go,
the one constant every SRG president
has shared over the past 29 years is a
working relationship with Alderman
Phyllis Young.
Despite her lofty reputation among
the city’s movers and shakers, Phyllis
has been first, last and always a caring
Soulard resident who has contributed
beyond measure in making this such
a great neighborhood in which to live,
work and play.
The following are some tributes from
former SRG presidents who got to see
Phyllis in action.
federal and local public officials, leaders
of Soulard, LaSalle Park and Lafayette
Square neighborhood associations, and
the professionals who were designing the
area. During this process Phyllis made
arrangements for the committee to
travel to Boston to tour similar HOPE
VI neighborhoods in that region. The
government officials, neighborhood
leaders as well as active residents from
Darst-Webbe made the trip in January.
We landed in Providence, Rhode Island,
with snow and wind pounding us, the
weary travelers. It was quite an excursion
around Boston with all of us traveling
together in a van — one I will never
forget. We had a lot of laughs, met some
amazing people, toured burgeoning
neighborhoods and learned a great deal
about ourselves and our neighbors.
Thank you, Phyllis, for teaching me so
many things!
Lisa Otke, 2005
I lived in south city before moving
to Soulard and never knew the name
of my alderman or any other political
representative. But then I moved to
Soulard and, in no time, I was recruited
to serve on the Plan Review Team and
had the opportunity to work with the
City’s Cultural Resources office, and I
also got to know Phyllis.
It wasn’t long before I ran for a seat
on the SRG Board and moved up
to secretary and then to president.
Phyllis and I met periodically to discuss
current issues, events and goings-on in
the neighborhood. My knowledge of the
workings of the City was expanded as
she shared her vast knowledge and also
the history of the neighborhood. I still
love to hear the stories of the early days,
but mostly I appreciate the progress that
she helped make happen.
I have enjoyed having my alderman as
a resource, a neighbor and a friend, and
now I will look forward to seeing her
around the neighborhood, in the garden,
at the Market, and maybe spending some
time over coffee or a glass of wine chatting
and knitting! She was my inspiration to
get involved and to work toward a better
Soulard and to share information to help
others do the same.
Michael Pastore, 2011
My first week as president, Phyllis came
to my house for coffee. That was the start
of a very open and honest relationship
between us. I sought her counsel often
and always appreciated her insight,
honesty and integrity.
Sean Cochran, 2012
Phyllis was always willing to work
with the SRG and the neighborhood
as a whole. She was very good at
listening to different opinions from the
neighborhood organizations and doing
what was best for everyone.
Richard Eaton, 1991–92
It was Phyllis Young’s initial door-todoor campaign when I accompanied
her to a house on Shenandoah Avenue,
and she turned to me and said, “This
stop will not be an easy one.”
It wasn’t.
Phyllis was challenged by the
occupant about several uncomfortable
issues. It was at this moment that I
realized that Phyllis was assertive and
determined to confront any challenge
while seeking to become the Alderman
of the 7th Ward.
The ability to be courteous, decisive
and fair-minded are personality
traits that allowed her to become the
productive rational and highly respected
alderman for St. Louis’s 7th Ward.
So many accomplishments in the
Soulard neighborhood are the direct
results from Phyllis’s influence. Her
involvement with the Soulard Housing
Corporation, Pontiac Square Park,
Soulard Station, alley pavements and
Soulard Restoration Group are some
examples.
When I reflect on that campaigning
evening on Shenandoah Avenue, I
realize what a gift Phyllis Young has
been for the 7th Ward and St. Louis. Her
assertive and insightful style changed
Soulard. Today, Soulard has become one
of the most desirable neighborhoods in
the City of St. Louis.
Thank you, Phyllis Young.
Kathy Siddens, 1997
During my tenure as president of the
Soulard Restoration Group, I had the
honor of working with Alderman Phyllis
Young. Her leadership, dedication and
commitment to not only her ward but to
the City of St. Louis as a whole stretched
beyond the technical duties of her job as
the alderman of the 7th Ward.
I was fortunate enough to work with
her during the HOPE VI project — a
unique opportunity to create a new
neighborhood that had previously been
plagued with unstable and unhealthy
housing. Phyllis was a stalwart leader of
this residential project which included
current residents of Darst-Webbe,
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Mardi Gras
Continued from Page 1
Wednesday, 47 days before Easter Sunday.
In 2015, that puts Fat Tuesday on Feb.
17, making Bud Light Grand Parade Day
Saturday, Feb. 14.
• Who runs this party, anyway?
Mardi Gras Inc., a 501(c)(4) not-forprofit organization, is responsible for
producing the Mardi Gras celebration in
St. Louis, recognized as one of the largest
pre-Lenten celebrations in the United
States. The Regional Chamber and
Growth Association estimated the festival
economic impact to businesses and public
coffers across the entire St. Louis region at
more than $21 million.
A census of downtown St. Louis hotels
determined that more than 20,000 hotel
room nights are sold the weekend of
the Grand Parade. The six-week festival
consists of a dozen “official” events and
draws thousands of revelers.
For a complete list of activities, please
visit www.mardigrasinc.com.
What’s happening at Mardi Gras
Missouri Lottery 5k Run for
Your Beads
9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Soulard Market
Park
Registration: $30 through day of race,
www.mardigrasinc.com
Get your exercise, St. Louis Mardi
Gras style. Show up in your best purple,
gold and green costume, and race your
way through the historic streets of
Soulard. In true Mardi Gras spirit, pit
stops along the race route will feature
beer and hurricanes. Prizes will be
awarded in several age categories and
all registrants will receive a limited
edition T-shirt and complimentary beer
and hurricanes for runners and walkers
ages 21 and older.
Southern Comfort Taste of
Soulard
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, Saturday,
Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8
Participating restaurants and bars in
Soulard
Tickets: $25 for a book of tickets that
includes one drink voucher and six
food vouchers, mardigrasinc.com or at
restaurants
This unique self-guided tasting
and pub crawl through more than 30
Soulard establishments has become
one of the most popular events of the
Mardi Gras season. On Saturday, enjoy
complimentary trolley rides from one
establishment to the next.
Beggin’ Pet Parade
Sunday, Feb. 8
Registration: 10 a.m. at 12th Street and
Allen Avenue
Parade: 1 p.m. at 12th Street and Allen
Avenue
Tickets: $10 donation for entry; free
general admission
Grab your furry friends and join us
for the world’s largest costumed pet
parade – the 22nd Beggin’ Pet Parade.
Note the new registration location.
Crowning the King and Queen of
Barkus
Pets deemed best dressed are selected
as members of the Court of the Mystical
Krewe of Barkus. These lucky pets are
invited to the Coronation Pageant on
South 9th Street and Lafayette Avenue,
where the King and Queen of Barkus
are crowned.
The party continues after coronation
with a free concert at South 9th Street
and Lafayette Avenue next to Soulard
Market.
Wiener Dog Derby
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8
Registration: Opens at 10 a.m. in Rudy
Commons (the brick plaza in front of
Soulard Market on Lafayette Avenue)
First Heat: 2 p.m. in Wiener Stadium at
Rudy Commons
Entry Fee: $10; free general admission
The longest-running dachshund
derby in America is back! Hundreds
of dachshunds descend upon Wiener
Stadium (a.k.a. Rudy Commons) to
determine the fastest dachshund in all
the land.
If you own a dachshund, you can
enter your pet in the respective age
category for $10. Non-dachshund
owners are welcome, too. Grab your
free spot on the bleachers overlooking
Wiener Stadium or along the sidelines
to get an up-close view of the slowest 30
seconds in all of sports.
Pooches Unleashed
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8
Frenchtown Dog Park
Near South 10th Street and Emmet
Street
This is the seventh year for this
neighborhood event in which a king and
queen of the dog park will be crowned.
It’s a great after-party stop for you and
your pet after the Pet Parade. Visit
frenchtowndogpark.com or check the
Facebook page for more info, including
admission prices.
Mayor’s Ball
Friday, Feb. 13
The Rotunda of St. Louis City Hall
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $150 general admission; $3,000
reserved table of 10
The Mayor’s Ball is one of the year’s
most anticipated social events. Hosted
by Mayor Francis Slay and the Mardi
Gras Foundation in the Rotunda of
St. Louis City Hall, this black tie gala
features food, cocktails, dancing and
spectacular entertainment by That ’80s
Band.
Mayor’s Ball proceeds benefit the
Mardi Gras Foundation, which has
made community grants to improve
Soulard and downtown since 2003.
Purchase
tickets
online
at
mardigrasinc.com or call Lindsay at
314-771-5110.
Bud Light Grand Parade
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Starts at Busch Stadium and ends at
Anheuser-Busch InBev Brewery
Street Party and Post-Parade
Celebration in Soulard
The parade begins just south of Busch
Stadium and winds through the streets
of Downtown South and Soulard to the
Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Krewes from
more than 100 floats will toss more than
10 million strands of beads and other
sought-after goodies to celebratory
masses gathered along the route.
Bud Light Party Tent
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Bud Light Party Centre in Soulard
Market Park
Tickets: $125
Bud Light Concerts
Saturday, Feb. 14, following the Bud
Light Grand Parade
(approximately 2 p.m.)
7th Street and Geyer Avenue
Free after-parade concert by Dr.
Zhivegas and music all day by Funky
Butt Brass Band.
Supplement Superstores HighHeel Drag Races
3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
South 12th Street and Allen Avenue
The free High-Heel Drag Race has a
new location at the corner of South 12th
Street and Allen Avenue. Watch young
men race down the street in their high
heels.
Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday
Parade
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Pre-Party starting at 3 p.m. on
Washington Avenue and at the Old Post
Office Plaza
Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.
2/2/15 6:46 PM
I Love Soulard
By Ryan Brockschmitt
It’s that time of year again, folks. Jan.
6 marked the beginning of this glorious
Carnival season and the 2015 edition
will end on Feb. 17, with a parade down
Washington Avenue.
In between, Soulard will be on
display in all of its Mardi Gras glory.
Thousands upon thousands of people
will descend on this great island to
celebrate a tradition that was born in
this neighborhood long ago.
It’s hard to imagine Soulard before
Bob Brinkman, Hilary Clements, Bill
Coleman, Jim Rabbit and Bill Stubbs
decided to throw that fateful party.
That one party grew into the biggest
celebration in the region with multiple
events that features something for
everyone. Mardi Gras, along with the
hard work of those who rehabbed
buildings in this neighborhood, helped
make Soulard what it is today.
We’ve got young and old, buyers and
That’s how many raffle tickets?
renters, residents and business owners,
liberals and conservatives, among
others. Soulard’s biggest challenge is to
get all of these factions working together
for the neighborhood.
Soulard is not a magical utopia filled
with rainbows and unicorns.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Soulard,
as the title of this column and my little
blog suggest. My love is not completely
blind, however. Our different factions
have to work together for the good of
Soulard. Crime recently touched our
island in a way that we haven’t seen in a
few years. As the saying goes, that’s not
good for business.
People react in different ways and
seek different solutions to problems that
arise. No matter your view, this is our
neighborhood and it’s our job to keep it
that way. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Keep them open to look out for your
neighbors. Keep them open to engage
with your neighbors. Keep them open
to welcome a visitor to Soulard. Keep
them open so you don’t hit anything
with your golf cart.
For more of me, check out iLoveSoulard.
com. Thanks for reading, folks.
Stay fly, y’all.
Vices & Virtues Mardi Gras Ball
Paul Crowe stretches his arms to buy who knows how many raffle tickets for
$20 at Smarty Gras on Jan. 17 at The Franklin Room. Only volunteer Julie
Price knows for sure. BTW, Crowe was once again on the winning team.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who came out to play and support
SRG trivia night.
Soulardians showed they were more than ready to have the first Vices &
Virtues Mardi Gras Ball on Jan. 31 at Mad Art Gallery. Janet Neuhaus, John
Durnell and Dave Mundy were there with a few hundred neighbors to help
kick off what we hope will be an annual event.
2/2/15 6:46 PM
Marybeth Bradford Wallace
Selling all of St. Louis
1223 Victory Soulard
$199,900
Charming, updated Historical home in Soulard. Open,
natural lighting, hardwood flooring, pocket doors, special
millwork and trim, newer insulated windows on the front,
Sunroom on main level (many multi uses breakfast room,
activity room), walks out to a fenced private yard with patio.
Living room w/gas fireplace. Sharp kitchen with stainless steel
appliances, custom Fenced private back yard.
800-802 Geyer Avenue &S 8th Street
Commercial or Multi family Soulard
$629,000
Prestigious campus-style location. Geyer bldg., 2067 sq
ft (back porch & 2nd flr balcony/porch overlooking the
courtyard), that can be used as commercial and/or 2 br home.
The adjacent 1909 S 8th St. (2450 sq ft.) is separated by a
landscaped brick courtyard & was recently office space, but
still can easily converted back to 3 separate apts. 2 br. apt.
1st flr, w/h 2 multi-story large units on 2nd & 3rd flr. (one
w/large porch/balcony overlooking courtyard). All separate
metered utilities & wired for phones & computers. Each
building has full basement Both have potential state and
federal historic preservation tax credits.
Realty Executives of St. Louis
314.759.9100 {office} • 314.550.7250 {cell}
mbstlhomes.com {website} • [email protected] {email}
2/2/15 6:46 PM

Soulard renaiSSance

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