Newsletter - Maryland Heights
Transcription
Newsletter - Maryland Heights
Newsletter February 2009 Become a World Citizen at Feb. 22 International Festival If the gray days of winter have got you down, you won’t want to miss the energizing sights, sounds and tastes of the 2009 “Celebrate the World” International Festival on Sunday, Feb. 22. From noon to 5 p.m., the Maryland Heights Centre will be a global melting pot of art, dance, music and food from more than a dozen countries. the globe: Peru Arts and Treasures, Chihuahua’s (Mexico), Princess Delights (Nigeria), Raj’s Rasoi (India), Extra Thyme (China), Foxy’s Red Hots (U.S.A.), Papaya Grill and Catering (U.S.A.), Tango Argentina, Tam Tam (West Africa), Serra’s Pizzeria (Italy) and Czech pastries by the American Czech Educational Center. “The festival is the largest event the city puts on, and every year it just gets bigger and better,” Director of Parks and Recreation Mary Vaughan said. “Attendance is usually well over a thousand people throughout the afternoon.” “The festival is the largest event the city puts on, and every year it just gets bigger and better.” Admission to the event is free, though guests will want to bring a few extra dollars for the international marketplace, featuring jewelry, crafts and other specialty items from various countries. And of course, no visit to the festival would be complete without sampling some of the culinary delights available for purchase in the food court. This year’s vendors represent all corners of The Czech Republic is this year’s spotlight country, and special emphasis will be given to Czech culture throughout the day. “From the moment guests enter the lobby, they will see Czech flags, cases of Czech crystal and Czech flower arrangements,” Vaughan said. “The opening ceremony will include a Czech song, a slide show of photos of the Czech See FESTIVAL, page 6 Where Life is Celebrated! International Festival Schedule of Events The following listing is a schedule of events for the International Stage, located in the Maryland Heights Centre auditorium. The Unity Stage, located in the Dance Studio, will also feature a full schedule of performances; visit www. marylandheights.com for details. Noon: Opening Ceremony Featuring the Willow Brook Elementary Singers and Maryland Heights Community Chorus 12:30 p.m.: St. Louis Czech Express Czech, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian and German music 1 p.m.: Afriky Lolo West African Dance and music 1:45 p.m.: St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Japanese drumming 2:45 p.m. Dances of India Classical and folk dances of India 3:15 p.m.: Mayer School of Irish Dance Traditional Irish dancing 4 p.m. Zydeco Crawdaddys Music of the Louisiana Bayou The Mayor’s Message planning and zoning to Host guest speakers Meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission will offer a little something extra this month. In addition to the regular discussion of agenda items, each meeting will feature a special presentation on a specific topic relevant to planning in Maryland Heights. The topic at the Feb. 10 meeting is “Active Communities.” Michael Mindlin of Suttle Mindlin will speak on wellness education and fostering active communities. “Development Opportunities” will be the focus of the Feb. 24 meeting, with Carol Waggoner and Robert Lewis of Development Strategies will discuss regional development opportunities in Maryland Heights. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at the Maryland Heights Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call (314) 291-6550. In his inaugural address last month, President Barack Obama called on Americans to be part of a new era of public service and perMayor Mike sonal responsiMoeller bility. This isn’t 878-6730 a new idea— many of you may remember President John F. Kennedy making a similar request at his own inauguration, delivering those now-famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” No matter what our political persuasion may be, I think we can all agree that at this time of great challenges in our nation’s history, it’s going to take hard work and shared sacrifice from all of us to move our country forward. And that effort begins on a local level. help make their residents’ lives a little brighter. Many of these seniors rarely receive visits from family or friends, and just spending a few hours chatting with them, reading to them or simply being present can often go miles toward relieving their loneliness. Each of us will play a critical role in the future we share as Americans. At the other end of the age spectrum, our young people need the support of our entire community in order to grow up to be healthy and productive citizens. Many schools need adults to help children with basic reading or math skills, and organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters provide much needed mentoring to kids growing up in at-risk situations. You might also consider getting involved with a local Scout troop or the youth group at your place of worship. Right here in Maryland Heights, there are literally hundreds of opportunities for citizens to do something positive for our community and the people we share it with. These are just a few of the opportunities all of us have to make our nation a better place, both today and in the years to come. For other ideas, you might want to visit www.usaservice.org or www.volunteermatch.org. We have several local organizations that help feed and clothe families in need, including Loaves and Fishes and Community Helping Ministry. You can donate food, clothing or a few dollars, and these groups often need individuals to help stock the pantry, do office work or assist with other tasks. As we begin a new chapter in our nation’s history, let’s all strive to focus less on what benefits us as individuals, and more on what builds us up as a community. Each of us will play a critical role in the future we share as Americans. What will yours be? Maryland Heights also has a number of senior care facilities, and most of them welcome visits from volunteers to 2 / februarY 2009 / www.marylandheights.com Study Finds Challenges Facing Some Commercial Areas As part of an ongoing effort to update the comprehensive plan for the Westport Planning Area, city staff and the Planning Commission recently conducted an in-depth analysis of the commercial and industrial building stock within the area. They found that these buildings met users’ needs when built several decades ago, but that most of them no longer meet current market demands for floor area, ceiling height, accessibility and parking. Much of the commercial and industrial space within the city is concentrated around the I-270/Page Avenue interchange, but not all of it falls within the boundaries of the Westport Planning Area. In the northeast quadrant, and within the planning area, is Westport Plaza. In the southeast quadrant, and within the planning area, there are a variety of commercial uses, including hotels, warehouses, and offices. The health of those sections directly affects the commercial uses in the southwest and northwest quadrants, which do not technically fall within the planning area. “While I-270 serves as a convenient boundary line for a planning area, it does not represent a true on-the-ground segregation of uses or issues facing the city as a whole,” Director of Community Development Wayne Oldroyd said. “As the city strives to ensure that development is integrated, sustainable and connected, it is most logical to consider an area extending beyond boundaries drawn for analysis purposes, such as the western quadrants of the I-270/Page Avenue interchange.” Likewise, the commercial corridor along Dorsett Road does not stop at I-270—it continues westward beyond the McKelvey See PLANNING, page 4 Municipal Calendar march FEbruary 2/5 10:00 a.m. Traffic Court 2/5 7:00 p.m. 2/9 2/10 City Council 3/2 5:30 p.m. Community and Public Relations Committee (MHC) 6:00 p.m. Municipal Court (sentencing) 3/5 10:00 a.m. Traffic Court 5:30 p.m. ommunity Development and C Neighborhood Preservation 3/5 7:00 p.m. City Council 3/9 6:00 p.m. Municipal Court (sentencing) 3/10 5:30 p.m. ommunity Development and C Neighborhood Preservation Planning and Zoning 2/10 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning 2/11 6:00 p.m. Public Improvements Committee 2/11 6:30 p.m. Beautification Commission 3/10 7:00 p.m. 2/12 7:00 p.m. Traffic Court 3/11 6:00 p.m. Public Improvements Committee 7:00 p.m. Traffic Court 2/16 Presidents’ Day (city offices closed) 3/12 2/17 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee 3/18 6:30 p.m. 2/18 6:30 p.m. arks and Recreation P Advisory Commission (MHC) arks and Recreation P Advisory Commission (MHC) 3/19 7:00 p.m. City Council 2/19 7:00 p.m. City Council 3/23 6:00 p.m. Municipal Court (trials) 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning 7:00 p.m. Traffic Court 2/23 6:00 p.m. Municipal Court (trials) 3/24 2/24 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning 3/26 2/26 7:00 p.m. Traffic Court Meeting details subject to change. Verify at www.marylandheights.com. www.marylandheights.com / februarY 2009 / 3 Baking Workshops Make a Sweet Addition to Parks Programming Things are heating up at the Maryland Heights Centre, thanks to a new series of hands-on cooking classes being offered to the public this winter. The one-day workshops, which focus primarily on baking, are open to both residents and non-residents age 16 and older. Leading students in their culinary adventures will be resident and Cultural Arts Committee member Paul Notaro, whose passion for cooking inspired him to take his family dinner duties a step further. “About five years ago, I decided to make a career change from teaching child psychology to the culinary arts,” he said. “So I enrolled in St. Louis Community College at Forest Park and earned two certificates—one in restaurant management and one in baking and pastry arts. I also undertook extra coursework in culinary arts and dietetics.” During his coursework and continuing after graduation, Notaro continued to hone his skills at several well-known St. Louis establishments, including Sugaree PLANNING, continued from page 3 Road intersection. Although the corridor is generally retail-oriented, its continued health is dependent upon development and redevelopment throughout the city. Immediately adjacent to the city’s commercial core are several large multifamily residential developments, such as Camden Trace, Colony, Whisper Hollow and Wood Hollow apartment complexes. While not intuitively thought of as “commercial,” these properties are, in fact, large, income-generating ventures. They also help buffer single-family residential areas from commercial and industrial buildings. Baking Company in Dogtown, the Club level of the Savvis Center and most recently, as pastry sous chef at the St. Louis Country Club. The new classes are held on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Senior Center kitchen. Each course is $30 for residents and $36 for non-residents, which includes copies of each recipe and samples to take home and enjoy. Students should wear a hat, apron and non-skid shoes to class, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and jewelry and bring a container for class “leftovers.” Each class lasts about four hours and covers a wide range of information. “We take time to review kitchen hygiene and safety, learn about and practice mixing methods and techniques and bake or chill the product so that it can be tasted,” Notaro said. For more information or to register, visit www.marylandheights.com or call (314) 738-2599. Multifamily housing in the city consists mainly of low-rise, moderately-priced garden apartments built in the ’70s and ’80s. Reasonably well maintained, and with vacancy rates on par with the region as a whole, the bulk of this housing stock is in relatively good shape. However, continued aging, along with changing land values and the construction of newer housing elsewhere in the region, may eventually spur the redevelopment of some multifamily housing in the city. Because of their proximity to commercial and industrial areas, it makes sense to consider these multifamily residential areas when evaluating the possible redevelopment of the former. 4 / februarY 2009 / www.marylandheights.com valentine’s day desserts (Feb. 8) This Valentine’s Day, why not impress your sweetheart with a delicious creation you made yourself? You’ll learn the secrets of making silky crème brulee and fluffy soufflé in this fun course. intro to baking bread (Feb. 15) Students will enjoy making pizza and rolls from scratch while learning the fundamentals of working with yeast and bread flour. healthy baking (March 8) You may be trying to lose those holiday pounds, but you don’t have to ban baked goods from your diet! Learn tips for cutting out fats and sugars in your favorite dessert recipes while adding beneficial fiber and whole grains. You’ll also learn how to adjust recipes for those people with common milk, egg or nut allergies. italian desserts (March 15) Spice up your spring dinner parties with the authentic Southern Italian recipes you’ll learn in this session. The Planning Commission concluded that in order to ensure interconnectivity and sustainability throughout the city, planning for individual areas should include adjacent areas and the city as a whole. “As we seek public input and develop a vision for these areas, we have an opportunity to plan for integrated, connected and sustainable development,” Oldroyd said. “Whether we are looking at vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian interconnectivity, regional transportation development or housing and commercial development, it is critical that we plan in a holistic manner, considering the interrelationships between all of the pieces that make up Maryland Heights.” Changes at Metro to Have Direct Impact Here Due to a projected operating deficit of $45 million by the 2010 fiscal year, Metro— which operates the regional public transportation system—recently announced a series of cost increases and service reductions that will directly affect Maryland Heights residents and businesses. Metro had initially sought to cover the budget shortfall through a proposed 1/2cent sales tax in St. Louis County, which would have raised about $80 million a year for operations and further expansion of MetroLink. On Nov. 4, county voters rejected “Prop M” by a small margin. After the measure failed, Metro announced that it would instead raise fares and eliminate most bus service outside I-270. The increased fares on MetroLink and MetroBus took effect on Jan. 1. A oneway pass on MetroLink went from $2 to $2.25, while a two-hour pass increased from $2.25 to $2.75. A one-way trip on MetroBus will now cost riders $2, up from $1.75. center, Harrah’s, Riverport and Earth City. While all major destinations within Maryland Heights will remain on the route, service hours and the number of trips will be reduced. Effective March 30, Metro will implement the following changes in the Maryland Heights service area: Route #33 (Dorsett-Lackland): This route currently serves Normandy, Pagedale, Overland and Maryland Heights. After March 30, service will no longer be provided on McKelvey, Ameling, Lackland or Craig roads, and buses will no longer serve the Westport Doubletree Hotel, Westport Residence Inn and Progress Parkway office area. Route #33 (Earth City): This route currently serves St. Louis Mills, Macy’s call Route #94 (Page): This route currently serves downtown St. Louis to Maryland Heights near Westport Plaza. The revised route will not serve Warson Road, Bauer Drive, Schuetz Road or McKelvey Road. Frequency and service hours will also be reduced. In addition to MetroBus and MetroLink, Metro also operates Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 136 vans; the St. Louis Downtown Airport; and the Gateway Arch Revenue Collections Center, Gateway Arch Transportation System, Gateway Arch Riverboats and Gateway Arch Parking Facility. For a complete listing of service changes, including updated schedules and fees, visit www.metrostlouis.org. New City Web Site Set to Launch this Month Hang on to your mouse—the new www. marylandheights.com is about to go live! The city’s updated and expanded web site is expected to be available to the public on Feb. 12. The site has been redesigned for a fresh look and feel, and pages have been reorganized to make information easier to find. In the next several months, video clips will also be added to the site, allowing users to watch highlights of city events, informational pieces and interviews. A new tool for creating forms will allow staff to make most forms and applications interactive, making doing business with the city more convenient for residents and businesses. “With most of the forms on the current site, people have to print out the form, fill it out and either fax it in or bring it to the Government Center,” Communications Manager Sara Berry said. “The new site will reduce the time and effort it takes to conduct business with the city, whether an individual is applying for a job, applying for a permit or communicating with elected officials or city staff.” When visiting the site for the first time, residents will also want to be sure to sign up to receive eNews updates from the city. Users can opt to receive email updates on a variety of topics, such as parks and recreation programs, planning and zoning issues or employment opportunities. City news will be delivered right A new tool will allow staff to make most forms interactive, making doing business with the city more convenient to your inbox, and you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in Maryland Heights. Current subscribers should note that they will need to sign up again in order to continue receiving updates from the city. So post a reminder by your computer to check out www.marylandheights.com on Feb. 12. It’s your one-stop source for everything you need to know about living, working and having fun in Maryland Heights! www.marylandheights.com / februarY 2009 / 5 New K-9s Join Police Department After saying goodbye to two dogs in the last year, members of the Maryland Heights Police Department are excited to welcome two new K-9s to the force. Ronja (pronounced “Ron-ya”), a threeyear-old Dutch shepherd, arrived in Maryland Heights from Germany in August 2008. She and her handler, Officer John Wilson, spent 12 weeks in intensive training at the St. Louis County Police Academy. Officer John Wilson and Ronja pause for a photo after a demonstration at the Jan. 15 City Council meeting, where Wilson led Ronja through a simulated drug search. “Ronja has been trained to detect the odor of marijuana, heroin, meth, cocaine and crack cocaine,” Wilson said. “When she completes a succesful search, she gets a tennis ball as her reward.” “Training is in obedience, tracking (either suspects or missing persons), narcotics, building searches, article searches (like guns or drugs) and handler protection,” Wilson said. “The dog has to pass each phase in order to be certified, and recertification is done every year.” Wilson’s training included learning commands in German, the language in which he communicates with Ronja. “There is a lot more to being a handler than I thought, but having a great dog like Ronja makes it easier,” he said. “Learning to read and trust the dog is an important part of the training.” Wilson, a 15-year veteran of the MHPD, has worked in a variety of roles during his law enforcement career, including four years as a patrol officer, nine years in investigations and two years working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The pair graduated from the academy on Dec. 14, and within a month, Ronja had already completed 20 searches of vehicles, hotel rooms and even a plane. “She can search a large room in about 30 seconds,” Wilson said. According to Wilson, Ronja’s personality makes her an excellent ambassador for the department: “She is very social and loves to be around people, but when given commands, she gets into ‘work’ mode quickly.” In a few months, Ronja will have a four-legged peer in the department: Zeus, a second Dutch shepherd. Zeus and his handler, Officer David Johnson, will begin their training on Feb. 23 and should be ready to hit the street by the beginning of the summer. questions about renovation efforts following last year’s devastating floods. FESTIVAL, continued from page 1 Republic and comments from the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic, Sharon Valasek.” The festival schedule will also feature Czech accordion music from Joe Pollock, a fashion show displaying costumes from different regions of the country and Czech crafts and games in the children’s area. In the demonstration room, Gail Naughton, executive director of the National Czech and Slovak Library and Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will present some pictures and answer At the 2008 International Festival, members of the Phillipine Arts Foundation demonstrate traditional cane dancing from that country. 6 / februarY 2009 / www.marylandheights.com This year’s festival is sponsored by the Maryland Heights Cultural Arts Commission, the Maryland Heights and Parks and Recreation Department and Edward Jones. Children’s art activities are being provided by Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital, Pattonville Parents as Teachers and the Saint Louis Art Museum. A complete performance schedule and vendor listing is available at www.marylandheights.com. Arts Events Calendar through feb. 15 Art at Maryland Heights Centre Quilt show by Thimble & Thread Quilt Guild of Greater St. Louis. Visitors may view artwork during business hours. Lobby, Maryland Heights Centre. Free. through may 4, mondays Community Chorus The Maryland Heights Community Chorus is looking for singers of all abilities to join our growing group. We are also interested in people who play musical instruments, want solo singing opportunities or want to earn high school volunteer credit. The chorus will perform at Celebrate the World (Feb. 22), the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon (March 15) and the Spring Concert (May 4). No audition necessary. Ages 14+. 7 to 9 p.m. Maryland Heights Centre. $20/ residents; $30/non-residents. feb. 12, thursday Bilingual Story Time (Hindi/English) Stories and an occasional craft. Ages 3-5. 10:30 a.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Call (314) 291-7570 to register. Free. Feb. 14, 15, Saturday, Sunday Missouri Winefest Featuring 14 Missouri wineries and live music. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Noon to 5 p.m both days. Entrance fee of $20 includes wine glass and tasting. Westport Plaza. For additional information visit www. westportstl.com or call (314) 576-7100. feb. 17, tuesday Bookworms feb. 18, 25, march 4, 11, wednesdays Story Time Songs, stories and activities. Ages 9 months to 2 years (with parent) and 3-6. 10:30 a.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Free. feb. 18, wednesday African Dance Tiffany Scott and the African-American Ensemble show the rich history and traditions of the people of Africa through live drummers and traditional African garments. Ages 7+. 10 a.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Call (314) 2917570 to register. Free. feb. 20, friday The Early Show: “Life With Father” William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor, Edmund Gwenn star in this fun movie about a Wall Street broker. Adults. 10 a.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Call (314) 291-7570 to register. Free. feb. 20, march 6, fridays Star Gazing Public astronomy night. 7 p.m. Pattonville Heights Planetarium. Free. feb. 25, wednesday Book Bites Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. Ages 7-10. 4:15 p.m. Thornhill Library. Registration required. Free. Feb. 28, saturday This Side Up Journey back to the era of the Underground Railroad in this theatrical reenactment. Emmy Award-winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk breathes life into the amazing tale of a heroic slave and other ordinary people taking extraordinary risks in the name of freedom. Ages 5-13. 10:30 a.m. Thornhill Library. Free. Westport Plaza Winter Wonderland Features live music and performers as well as ice sculptures, an ice slide, ice maze, games, prizes, giveaways, food and drinks, a Snowman mascot and real snow! An appearance by Fredbird is also expected. Noon to 5 p.m. $5 entry fee benefits Pujols Family Foundation. For additional information visit www. westportstl.com or call (314) 576-7100. feb. 22, sunday Celebrate the World International Cultural Arts Festival presented by the Cultural Arts Commission. Maryland Heights Centre. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. See article on page 1 for more details. Book discussion group. Grades 5-7. 4:30 p.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Free. Craft Night march 4, thursday Trip to St. Louis Art Museum Enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing and other arts and crafts. Adults. 7 p.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Call (314) 2917570 to register. Free. Bridgeton Trails Book Discussion Group for Adults Slavery by Another Name, by Douglas A. Blackmon. 7 p.m. Bridgeton Trails Library. Call (314) 291-7570 to register. Free. Adults. Bus departs the Maryland Heights Centre at 9:15 a.m. Fee of $25 for transportation and docent-led tour. Lunch at Puck’s (not included). feb. 23, monday Thornbirds Book Discussion Group Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Adults. Thornhill Library. Free. march 5-6, friday - saturday Hansel and Gretel Ballet presented by Dayspring School of the Arts. All ages. Desmet High School. www.marylandheights.com / februarY 2009 / 7 City Hall ward 2 ward 1 Phone Director of Finance 291-6550 David Watson FAX Director of Community Development 291-7457 City Administrator Mark M. Levin City Clerk Marcia Jones Ken Gold 434-2543 Don Hunt 878-8579 Judy Barnett 878-0056 Ed Dirck 878-9001 Wayne Oldroyd Director of Public Works Bryan Pearl Municipal Court Phone Court Administrator 291-6036 Gerald Durfee Police ward 3 Emergency ward 4 911 Community Policing Bulletin Board Non-Emergency 298-7655 298-8700 Chief of Police Tips Hotline Thomas O’Connor 209-TIPS (8477) Maryland Heights Centre and Aquaport 2344 McKelvey Road Dan Johnson 739-4646 Mary Nichols 770-9992 Norm Rhea 739-0096 Carol Turner 739-5086 738-2599 Director of Parks & Recreation Mary Vaughan PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 2715 FEE FEE Road 298-6800 Sportport 12525 Sportport Road City Website www.marylandheights.com 738-2599 EMAIL [email protected] We will provide superior municipal services in a safe and appealing setting in order to attract and retain residents committed to our city, thriving businesses and premier hospitality venues. Mission www.marylandheights.com 11911 Dorsett Road Maryland Heights, MO 63043 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 3252
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Newsletter - Maryland Heights
Visitors packed the house for the eighth annual “Celebrate the World: An International Festival,” held Feb. 22 at Maryland Heights Centre. At far left, the Czech Republic-this year’s “spotlight” co...
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