July Newsletter.pub

Southwest Garden
Neighborhood Association
SWGNA
Communicator
Vol. 29, Issue 3
Summer
July 2007
A Quarterly Publication of the Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association
SWGNA MEMBERS MEETING
Everyone is welcome.
7 pm, Monday, July 16, 2007
— NEW LOCATION —
Senior Center
5602 Arsenal
(just west of Sublette)
National Night Out - August 7
Tuesday, August 7 is National Night Out. Talk to your neighbors
and plan a party for your block. There is no better way to get to
know your neighbors than by having a block party. Knowing your
neighbors is one of the best defenses we have against crime.
We need individuals to organize a party for their block. Contact
our office and we will provide a watermelon for your party and tips
on planning your event. Call the Southwest Garden Neighborhood office 772-6082 or email [email protected]
You can register for the event and apply to close your street on
the city’s website: http://stlouis.missouri.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
Children’s Concert Series
National Historic District Considered
Home & Garden Tour Review
Movie Nights
Area Developments / Community Dance
It Takes A Village / Good Neighbor Tips
SWG Property Owners
Calendar of Events
Botanical Garden / Area Updates
Membership Renewal Form
UPCOMING MEETINGS
SWGNA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: (quarterly)
July 16, 7pm, Senior Center, 5602 Arsenal
SWGNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (monthly)
(2nd Mondays, 7pm at 4950 Southwest Ave.)
July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12
SWG PROPERTY OWNERS: (quarterly)
(Wednesday, 7 pm at the Garden)
Aug. 22, Nov. 14
SWG HOUSING CORPORATION: (monthly)
(1st Wednesdays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.)
July 4, Aug 1, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7
GARDENSIDE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT:
(1st Mondays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.)
July 2, Aug 6, Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5
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Garden Contest
Get recognition for your beautiful gardens or those of your
neighbor’s in our Neighborhood Garden Contest. Winners
will be announced at our July 17 Neighborhood and Aug.
22 Property Owners meetings. Please let us know if a
garden in our neighborhood is worthy of praise. Already
this season, we noted a spectacular front garden at 5444
Columbia (photo above).
Landscaping not only improves the appearance of your
home, it is a favorite pastime of millions of Americans.
We have several public green spaces in our area that are
in need of care. Those median gardens are tended to by
volunteers who live in the neighborhood. If there is a public planter or green space that needs attention, please
don’t be bashful. We appreciate anyone who wishes to
contribute to the beautification of the neighborhood. If you
have questions or need materials, call 772-6082.
Children’s Concert Series
Neighborhood Considers Historic Status
Now entering its 21st year, the Children’s Concert
Series in Tower Grove Park has become a treassured summertime activity for children from surrounding neighborhoods and beyond. Each 1-hour
program is geared for children ranging from preschool to elementary school in age. Children enjoy
learning about different music styles and instruments from professional St. Louis area musicians.
Concerts take place every Wednesday at 9:30am
from June 13 through August 22 (with the exception
of July 4th) and are held in the Piper Palm House in
Tower Grove Park. Concerts are free and open to
the public—seating is first come first served. For a
compete schedule, visit the park’s website:
www.towergrovepark.org
Our neighborhood association is conducting a
study of how we may have portions of our residential area designated as part of the National Historic
Registry. By being part of a national (but not local)
historic district rehabbers may be eligible for tax
credits. The improvement project must cost at
least 50% of the property’s purchase price. The
tax credits vary from 20 to 45% of the development
cost depending on qualifications.
ST. ROCH SCHOOL
6040 Waterman
314-721-2595
Pre-School Currently Enrolling
Ages 3, 4, & 5 year olds-Full/Half days
Kindergarten through Grade 8
Accredited by the Missouri Chapter of the National
Federation of Nonpublic Schools
Before/Extended Day Care
Junior High Accelerated Math
Junior High Spanish Classes
Fine Arts, Computer Program and School Band
HELPFUL NUMBERS
For Your Reference
SOUTHWEST GARDEN
Neighborhood Assoc., Ex. Dir., Dana Gray
772-6082
Property Owners Assoc. Pres. Floyd Wright
771-3271
Gardenside Subdivision, Pres. John Nash
664-8177
Housing Corp., Pres. Jennie Benoist
772-6082
CITY SERVICES
Citizens’ Service Bureau (to request City Service) 622-4800
Neighborhood Stabilization Office
622-4628
8th Ward NSO, Michelle Boston-David
589-8169
10th Ward NSO, Mike Flood
589-8167
8th Ward Alderman, Stephen Conway
622-3287
10th Ward Alderman, Joseph Vollmer
622-3287
POLICE
(2nd Dist., W of Kingshighway/ 3rd Dist., E of Kingshighway)
2nd Dist. Public Affairs Officer Don Veile
444-0168
2nd Dist. Problem Properties Ofcr Mike Dempsey444-0177
3rd Dist. Public Affairs Officer Don Re
444-0169
3rd Dist. Problem Properties Leonard Whitehead 444-0185
Non-Emergency Requests for Police Response 231-1212
Suspected Gang/Drug Activity (anonymous)
241-COPS
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Property owners in a National Historic District are
not restricted in any way in their property improvements. Only those applying for tax credits are
regulated at the time of their tax credit project. After the tax credit project is complete, those participating properties may be altered in any fashion.
Both private houses and investment property could
qualify for the historic tax credits. Only those who
apply for the program would have restrictions on
their development, but all residents would enjoy
the prestige of having our homes on the National
Historic Registry.
Many residents have heard of all the countless restrictions and “red tape” involved with “local” historic districts, under the watchful eye of Kate
Shay’s Cultural Resources Department at City Hall.
For example, Shaw Neighborhood to our east, is
such a local historic district. Shaw neighborhood is
not on the National Historic Registry.
Southwest Garden Neighborhood is proposing to
study whether portions of our neighborhood would
qualify at the national level. Our neighborhood association wants to avoid the pitfalls of regulations
associated with the local designation. We must
research the history of each property in our proposed district. Professional consultants will lead
our National Historic District committee through the
process. Please call our office at 772-6082 to join
this committee.
We have learned that only a few city neighborhoods have applied for the national designation, as
it is a one to two year process. At our October 15,
2007 meeting, Kris Zapalac of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will take all questions
concerning the National Historic designation process and the tax credits available.
Variety is Key for Home & Garden Tour
This annual event is essential for promoting improvements
in the neighborhood and for building cohesion and friendships. This year’s tour highlighted a tremendous variety of
architectural styles, new and older construction, single and
multi-family properties. We were delighted to experience
Charlie Houska’s rehabbed townhouse and artist studio,
Busy B’s Preschool, Michelle and Steve Pona’s Victorian
home, the diverse garden of Michel and Chuck Fuhry, the
newly constructed three story home of Debra Johnson and
Daryl Nobel, the completely rehabbed home of Mary Swanson, the newly terraced front garden of Norm and Delores
Guitar, Beth and Michael Lee’s newly built home, the mod
apartment of Chuck Fuhry, the new Tudor style home of
Melba and Richard Aguilar, Pete Beckette’s converted
townhouse, and Jim and Marie Wohlert’s new two story
house. All the properties were beautifully staged for the
event. Thank you to all of the tour site owners for inviting
us into their homes.
Free Movie Nights in Tower Grove Park
Grab a lawn chair, pack a picnic and bring your family and friends for the classic film series in Tower
Grove Park. On July 14, see The Wizard of Oz (1939) staring Judy Garland. Dorothy Gale and her
dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to a magical land and embark on a quest to see the Wizard who
can help them return home. On August 11, see Casablanca (1942). Set in unoccupied Africa during
the early days of World War II: An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Arrive at 7:30, Aug. 11, to see a live performance
by the Bishop DuBourg Swing Dancers. The last of the film series will be on September 22, with To Kill
a Mockingbird (1962). Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck, a lawyer in the Depression-era South,
defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice. Arrive at
7pm, Sept. 22 to partake in a community folk dance, known as Contra Dancing.
Sponsorship opportunities are available beginning at $50. Sponsors can provide a business card or
other greeting which will be presented before and after the movie in a slide show format. Call Martin
Casas at Frontyard Features for sponsorship information: 664-4330
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Villas at Parc Ridge Estates
Display Now Open
Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 pm
Call (314) 413-0162
www.parcridge.com
Neighborhood Fireworks Fund
An annual fireworks display is enjoyed by many residents and guests, free of charge, at Sublette Park.
This event is hosted by a group of neighborhood
gents, who call their organization Neighborhood Fireworks. They seek donations to cover their expenses
for the show and associated costs of insurance, permits, and licensing.
The Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association
donated $250 to the cause and encourages individuals and businesses to also make a contribution. Any
and all donations are appreciated. Donations can be
delivered to: Neighborhood Fireworks, c/o Southwest
Auto Parts, 5345 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, MO
63139. Thank you to Neighborhood Fireworks and all
the gentleman responsible for organizing this great
tradition.
Area Developments
⇒ Charlie Houska has completed renovation of
his town home and artist studio on Alfred
⇒ Renovation has begun at 2901 Macklind,
which will soon be home to CLC Photography. The business is currently located
above City Diner on South Grand.
⇒ John Tanurchis is nearing completion on a
rehab of a four family building on Shenandoah
⇒ Laura DeRigne & Todd Hobart have finished
the rehab of a carriage house in the 5400
block of Arsenal
⇒ Local Harvest Grocery has opened at 3148
Morganford, Tues-Fri 8a-7p, Sat 10a-5p,
Sun 10a-2p, brought to us by the organizers
of the Tower Grove Farmers Market
⇒ Parc Ridge Estates has completed construction on an attached villa along the 5700
block of Arsenal.
⇒ Several new homes have appeared in the
Magnolia Square development.
Many of these projects would not have been
possible without the support of our 10th Ward
Alderman Joseph Vollmer and 8th Ward Alderman Stephen Conway. Thank you.
Community Dance at Tower Grove Park September 22
Take part in community dancing on Saturday, Sept. 22, before screening of the movie, To Kill A Mockingbird. We will begin dancing at 7 pm, near the Pool Pavilion. The style of dance is called Contra
Dance. (www.childgrove.org) It's a communal-style folk dance that is fun and easy to learn. No partner
or experience is necessary. A caller leads the dancer through a series of moves and the sequence repeats itself - but each time you dance with new neighbors. The patterns are very easy to learn and it's
more like walking to music.
An evening consists of 1012 dances, each with a different combination of a few
simple moves. You can enjoy dancing in a friendly, fun
environment. Singles and
couples are all welcome.
After the dance we can bring
out our lawn chairs and
watch the classic film To Kill
A Mockingbird. We hosted
two community dances last
summer which were tremendously successful. We hope
more residents will join in
the experience.
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Prevent West Nile Virus
It Takes a Village
Homage must be given to those who contribute to
our community. Special thanks go to the following individuals and businesses for their contribution: Thank you to all the Home & Garden Tour
site owners: Mary Swanson, Charlie Houska,
Bridgit and Barry Gale, Steve and Michelle Pona,
Debra Johnson and Daryl Nobel, Norm and
Delores Guitar, Michael and Beth Lee, Chuck
Fuhry and Michel Krevenas, Richard and Melba
Augilar, Pete Beckette, Marie and Jim Whohlert.
Thank you to the tour committee members and
volunteers: Bill Hays, Kevin Sigillito, Joe O’Connel, Rose Mary Schriefer, Mary Ann Owens, Barbara Beck, Kay Mantia, Floyd Wright, Chuck
Fuhry, Ron Matejka, Kelly and Liam Butler, Rita
Good Neighbor Tips
Long, Nancy Johnson, Fran Brusatti, Virgil
Here are some tips on being a good neighbor.
Moore, Jeff Krull, Mike Waldo, Diane Sempek,
Bring your barking dog(s) inside. Play your music Stephen Conway, Anna Vani, Madelaine, Lucy
at a volume that can not be heard by your
Moorman, Nancy Hightshoe, Heather Johnson,
neighbors. Place your bulk trash (including bulk
Barbara Anderson, Jennifer Norris, Sharon,
yard waste) behind your house if you have a rear
Danny Daniele, Susan Dawson, Marilyn Dismney,
alley or on your curb lawn if you have a roll-out
Shayla Bailey, Bob and Bernie Busher, Fred
cart. Do not put your bulk trash in the alley behind Cossman, and Fuel for the City. Thanks the Troyour neighbor’s house. Pick up newspapers and
phy Room and Mary Ann Owens for hosting our
any debris or litter in your yard, street, or alley. Do parties. Thank you to Paul Brockman and Misunto others as you would have them do unto you. souri Botanical Garden for granting free admission to Southwest Garden residents May 17 & 24
for Chapungu Nights. Thanks to Forest Park
Community College and Creative.com for designing additional pages for our website. Thank you
to Lana Trezise Azar for hosting and loading our
website updates. Thank you to AmeriCorps for
distributing the first round of Vectolex in our area.
Thanks to Cenveo for printing our newsletter.
If you would like to help control or just kill
mosquitoes please join a group of volunteers
Tuesday, July 10, at 6 pm at the SWGNA office, at 4950 Southwest. We will divide up the
neighborhood by blocks and drop the larvicide packets into the sewers. The product
Vectolex is bagged, but gloves are recommended. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen.
To make reservations for this once in a lifetime chance to get back at those pests
please call 772-6082. If you would like to
participate in this activity at a different time
during this week, just let us know.
Rehabbers’ Club Founder Passes
Communicator
Published Quarterly by
Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association
4950 Southwest Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
The Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association is a
501-C-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to
improve the Southwest Garden Neighborhood.
Page 5
In our last newsletter, we reported on The St.
Louis Rehabbers Club touring properties in the
Southwest Garden Neighborhood. It is with
great sadness that we share of the club’s organizer passing. Marti Frumhoff was a tremendous advocate for the City and rehabilitation
efforts. Marti was an incredible volunteer, donating countless hours of her expertise, organizing events to promote city living through the
Rehabbers Club, The Big, Big Tour, and Revitalize St. Louis. We hope that as a memorial to
Marti, her organizations and events continue.
Property Owners Association
Wed. Aug. 22, 2007, 7 pm
MO Botanical Garden Beaumont Room
4300 Block of Shaw
Come to meet the great stabilizers ! The Property
Owners Association is a property improvement
advocate that assists members with marketing
and development ideas for their properties.
Everyone is welcome.
We will recognize several new developments of
homes, townhouses, and apartments, as well as
winners of the Garden Contest.
Dana Gray will give a follow-up report on the
Multi-family Window Replacement program. Hear
a presentation on an apartment placement service for college and university students. We will
vote on whether to pay the for the cost of this service for our organization.
Take part in a discussion on how a National Historic Registry designation (not local) may save us
thousands of dollars in tax credits when we substantially rehab a unit or house.
We will introduce two of our members who have
just been added to the Security / Taxing District
board. Bring any concerns or compliments about
Hi-Tech Security for a question and answer session.
John Nash who has made amazing efforts to improve and stabilize our neighborhood will be on
hand with a report. Alderman Conway will give
an update including an exciting development on
Maury.
Call Floyd Wright, 771-3271, with any comments.
PROUDLY SUPPORTS SWGNA
“The Communicator” is funded
by members dues and a
HUD Community Development Block
Grant via the St. Louis Community
Development Agency
Printing is donated by Cenveo
(formerly Plus Communications)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All Year, 7 -12 Wed & Sat Early Morning Walking,
at MO Botanical Garden - FREE
Wednesdays 7:30pm June 6 - Aug 8, Whitaker
Music Festival at MO Botanical Garden FREE
Saturdays thru Oct, 8:30 - 12:30 Tower Grove
Farmers’ Market, with yoga class at 8:30am
Tues - Sun, thru Sep 3, Wading Pool Open
11am to 4pm at Tower Grove Park FREE
June 23 & 24 Pride Fest at Tower Grove Park
Sat June 30 Neighborhood Fireworks at Sublette
Park, Donations appreciated for this FREE event
Mondays in July Compton Height Concert Band
7:30pm at Tower Grove Park FREE
July 3 & 4, Fair St. Louis, downtown
July 6 & 7, Live on the Levee, 6-10pm, downtown FREE
July 13 & 14, Live on the Levee, 6-10pm, downtown FREE
Sat. July 14 Movie Night at Tower Grove Park FREE
Mon. July 16, 7pm SWGNA Members Meeting
at St. Louis Senior Center
July 20 & 21, Live on the Levee, 6-10pm, downtown FREE
July 27 & 28, Live on the Levee, 6-10pm, downtown FREE
Aug 3 & 4, Live on the Levee, 6-10pm, downtown FREE
Sat. Aug 11Movie Night & Swing Dance Performance at Tower Grove Park FREE
Wed. Aug 22, 7pm, SWG Property Owners Meeting
At MO Botanical Garden Beaumont Room
Aug 25 & 26 Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park
Sept 1 & 2 Big Muddy Blues Festival, 3 - 11pm
Laclede’s Landing FREE
Sept 1, 2 & 3 Japanese Festival, MO Bot Garden
Sat. Sept 22 Movie Night & Community Dance
at Tower Grove Park FREE
Sat. Sept 29 Garden District Commission
10th Anniversary Celebration FREE
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Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association Meeting
July 16, 7 pm at the St. Louis Senior Center on Arsenal at Sublette
We will have reports from our Aldermen. The St. Louis Department of Health will have an Emergency
Preparedness presentation, so in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, flood, tornado, etc.
we are not caught off guard. Beautification awards and projects will be announced. A spokesperson
from the police department will talk about graffiti and what we should watch for. We will have a report
from our newly formed Historic District Committee. More members are sought especially to research
the age, development information and other history of the homes on each block. Hear a realty report
on sales and development of homes and condos in the area.
Garden District Commission Celebrates
Neighborhoods surrounding the Garden District are invited to join in a 10th Anniversary celebration on Sat.,
Sept. 29th, on Thurman (between Folsom and Lafayette).
Enjoy BBQ lunch, snow cones and popcorn, mechanical
bull rides, basketball, carnival games, cake walk, face
painting, live music, vendor tables, and guest speakers.
To learn more call 577-0896.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Chapungu Nights continue on Thursdays through
Sept. 27, 5 to 9 pm. Enjoy music and artist demonstrations. Admission is $10 / $5 for members.
Wednesdays July 4 through Aug. 8 come enjoy
free concerts during the Whitaker Music Festival.
Labor Day weekend is the Japanese Festival with
sumo wrestlers, a geisha presentation, traditional
tea ceremonies, and candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden. Visit www.mobot.org for more information.
Free Kids Camp July 18 - 20
Jubilee Church is hosting three free kids camps
July 18—July 20. Camp options include soccer,
basketball, or the arts. Each day from 1 to 4 pm
various community members will coach the individual camps. The camp site is located at Jubilee
Church, 4228 S. Kingshighway. Find out more at:
www.jubileechurchstl.org or call 832-9033.
We Rent It, Inc
“On The Hill”
Zak Wampler
Manager
7am – 5pm Mon – Sat
2616 Brannon Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 772-4227
(314)664-RENT
Fax (314) 772-5773
Become a member of our organization ! Every contribution is appreciated. SWGNA works with residents,
businesses, elected representatives, city offices, and other community organizations for a better neighborhood.
Programs and volunteers beautify the community, improve public safety, fight crime, provide fun things to do, and
keep you informed. Membership follows the calendar year and entitles you to voting rights at general membership
meetings; two votes per family membership; one vote each for an individual or business. Dues must be received by
March 16, in order to vote at the April 16 election.
SOUTHWEST GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC. (SWGNA) 2007 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Family $20
Business $25 Individual $10 Senior $6
Please provide your name, business name (if appropriate), address, phone, and email, along with a check made payable to SWGNA. Mail to: Southwest Garden Neighborhood Assoc., 4950 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
An added donation to your membership is much appreciated and will be used to enhance SWGNA programs.
NAME: ____________________________________
PHONE: _______________________________________
BUSINESS: _________________________________
EMAIL: _______________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to get involved in the neighborhood? Let us know. : ____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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SOUTHWEST GARDEN
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
4950 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
Tel: 314-772-6082 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.southwestgarden.org
Board of Directors
Floyd Wright………..….………….President
Chuck Fuhry… ………....1st Vice-President
Ron Matejka…………….2nd Vice-President
Danny Daniele………….3rd Vice-President
Barbara Anderson……..…….Rec. Secretary
Kathi Barthel ….……….…..Corr. Secretary
Barbara Beck…………….………..Treasurer
Judy Lewin…..…………....Member-at-Large
Kevin Sigillito.…………....Member-at-Large
Dana Gray……………….Executive Director
Postmaster: Please deliver before July 11, 2007
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
St. Louis, MO
Permit No.279