Communicator - Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association

SWGNA
southwest garden
Communicator
Vol. 32, Issue 2
Spring
April 2010
A Quarterly Publication of the Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association
TreeHuggers Unveiled
Take part in unveiling an environmental art installation 6pm,
Friday, April 23, at the corner of
Shaw and Vandeventer. Artists
Agnieszka Gradzik and Wiktor
Szostalo, titled this installation,
“Critical Mass - Midnight Ramble”, and it will feature two TreeHugger figures with their bicycles
by their side. All are welcome.
The TreeHugger
pictured is
from the
2008 UN
Climate
Change
Conference.
port from the Regional Arts Commission
Volunteer to Clean Your Block
SWGNA
Membership Meeting
Mon., April 19 @ 7 pm
Senior Center
5602 Arsenal
(just west of Sublette)
Everyone is welcome!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
New Members, Important #s
Reporting Nuisance
Vandeventer Update
Board Elections, New Directory
Area Developments
Energy Report Review
Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Calendar of Events
SWG Property Owners
It Takes a Village
Neighborhood Meeting Agenda
Membership Renewal Form
We suggest walking, carpooling,
or riding a bicycle to the event.
One of the artists will be at our
April 19 neighborhood meeting to
share history on this art project,
as well as photos of presentations given to local schools on our
neighborhood sustainability initiative. This project was accomplished with sup-
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Every spring, Operation Brightside
coordinates a city-wide clean up
effort. For residents in Southwest
Garden that live east of Kingshighway, your Blitz day is Saturday,
April 17. Residents living west of
Kingshighway, your Blitz Day is
Saturday, April 24. Call 772-6082
to volunteer or organize your block.
Your effort can make a difference.
SWGNA FYI BOARD
Page 2
Report nuisance behaviors
Nuisance behavior can negatively impact residents
and property owners of all surrounding properties.
Nuisance behavior includes: public drinking; loitering in front yards, sidewalks, or streets; using, distributing, and/or selling illegal drugs; prostitution; playing
music or conversing loud enough that your neighbors
can hear you; over crowding.
If you witness any of these behaviors call 911. Tell
the dispatcher if you are calling from a cell phone, so
the call can be documented. State the address of the
property where the problem is occurring.
Once a sufficient number of calls are recorded on
that property, the city can take action. For continuing
problems, please call our office 772-6082.
HELPFUL NUMBERS
SOUTHWEST GARDEN
Neighborhood Assoc., Ex. Dir., Dana Gray
772-6082
Property Owners Assoc. Pres. Floyd Wright
606-4713
Gardenside Subdivision, Pres. John Nash
664-8177
Housing Corp., Pres. Jim Schriefer
772-6082
CITY SERVICES
Citizens’ Service Bureau (to request City Service) 622-4800
Neighborhood Stabilization Office
622-4628
8th Ward NSO, Michelle Boston-David
657-1358
10th Ward NSO, Mike Flood
657-1360
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
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.
Member Recognition
Thank you to the new and renewing members. It is never
too late to join our organization. Membership follows the
calendar year. This reflects members paid by 3/22/2010.
Barb Anderson
Barb & Dan April
Mary Balsarotti
Colleen & David Barbero
Richard & Marilyn Barr
Cathy & Josh Bauer
Barbara Beck
Virginia Benoist
Gary & Karen Berkbigler Hoff
Flora Bertani (honorary)
Mgnsr. Vince Bommarito
Judy Bozikis
Chuck & Marilyn Bradburn
Susan Breck
Fran Brusatti
Kathleen Buckley
Bob & Bernie Busher
Loretta & Roy CalcaterraTaylor
Christie & Matt Cange Erker
Al Coco
Peggy Cruse
Erin Daniels
Eric & Kelly Deen
Joe & Bonnie Devoti
Shawn Dooley
Janice Drake
Sharon Everett
Ross Finley
Rob & Bridget Garavaglia Rush
Frank & Kathy Gianella
Micki & Mark Gilligan Keklikian
Dana & Jerry Gray Basye
George & Sandy Grbac
Gene & Deb Hacker
Norm & Michelle Heitmann
Pat & Lonnie Hewitt
Hide Away Piano Bar
Matthew & Christine
Hoehner
Peter & Sally Hovey
Erin Ives
Allen & Kristina Jackson
Kingshighway Library,
- Joe Sedey
Jacqueline Juras
Johnson Family
Mimi Katzman
Rosalie Knight
Dave & Marlene Kren
Jeff Krull
Patty Lee
Judy & Steve Lewin
Light of Love Fellowship
- Ryan Hildebrand
RoseMary Lightfoot
Leonard & Carol Madalon
Ruth & Dave Madalon
Ron Matejka
Bob McGeehan
Lyn McQueary
Virgil Moore
Benjamin Moramarco
Gayle Morris
Larry Mueller
Elizabetb & Jerry Nicolaus
Candice Orlando
Tom & Jene Patrick
Marty
Terri & Mark Phillipi
Madeline Pisani
Judy Ronzio
Bart Saracino
Jana Scharnhorst
Barbara Schlatter
Rosemary Schriefer
John Servais
Kathi & Bob Shelli
Pamela & Ronald
Shephard
Donna Small
Jack & Carolyn
Stelzer
Chris & Tom Stoff
Marc Stoff
Dave & Jan
Tarantola
Toni Temporiti
Mary Tissi
Henry Toretta
Sandrina’s
-Trish Erwin
Adelaide Vogel
Rick & Valerie
White
Floyd Wright
Janie Wright
Dana Wurdack
Join SWGNA E-mail List
Events and issues frequently arise that do not
allow enough lead time to publish in our newsletter.
To fill the gap, we have a neighborhood email list.
Those who opt to participate receive notices of upcoming meetings, security concerns, area events,
and news of lost pets. Email addresses are kept
private and not sold to third parties. If you would
like to be included, please let us know. Simply send
an email to: [email protected]
“The Communicator” is funded
by members dues and a
HUD Community Development Block
Grant via the St. Louis Community
Development Administration
Page 3
Vandeventer Construction
NB West was the winning bidder for the Vandenventer Streetscape project, at $612,405.40. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2010. Noel
Fehr, of Planning Desing Studio, has shared the
detailed schematics for the project. They are now
posted on our website. Come hear about construction status at the April 19 meeting. Detailed drawings of the construction plan are available on our
website: www.southwestgarden.org
Board Elections April 19
Our neighborhood association has annual elections for board members, as each position has a two
year term. The election is uncontested. Returning
members to be re-elected this year include 1st Vice
President Chuck Fuhry, 3rd Vice President Danny
Daniele. New members are Corresponding Secretary Ben Moramarco, and Member-At-Large Jana
Scharnhorst. We have representation from all geographic areas of our neighborhood through our
board members.
We wish to thank our retiring board members,
Peter Hovey and Judy Lewin for their dedicated service. We hope Judy and Peter will continue sharing
their talents with our organization.
Community Directory
Over the past twelve months, we have had several interns preparing a new community directory.
The directory will include local businesses that are
within walking or bicycle distance. We believe that
our community is more viable because of our local
business community and we want to support their
efforts by promoting them to our residents. Intern
Rachel Menzinis, a graphic design student at St.
Louis University began the project in 2009, compiling the list of licensed businesses in our area and
creating the directory cover (shown right). Intern
Joanna Heinrich, a marketing student also at St.
Louis University, has focused on soliciting display
advertisements and refining the list of businesses to
be included. Yirui Pan helps with the layout.
If you are a business owner, landlord, or resident
wanting to support this endeavor, please contact
Joanna at [email protected]. Email soon, because we will go to press at the end of April.
Display ads start at $50 for a 1/4 page ad, $100
for a 1/2 page ad, $175 for a full page. The Directories will be distributed at all our neighborhood
events and at area businesses.
SUBMIT APPLICATION AT 4/19 MEETING
Are Costly Utility Bills
Getting you Down?
The Urban League Can Help!
FREE Weatherization Assistance for
St. Louis residents may include:
Insulation - Window & Door Caulking
- Dryer Venting - Furnace Repair/Replacement - Hot Water Tank Repair Income Guidelines
Size of Family
Eligibility Income Level
1
$21,660
2
$29,140
3
$36,620
4
$44,100
5
$51,580
Call Today for more information:
Shelly at (314) 615-3612
Or April at (314) 615-3646
This program is funded by the Department of Natural
Resources, Ameren UE and Laclede Gas.
Page 4
Area Developments
⇒ Frank Schwaiger, artist & SWG resident, re-
cently installed a large steel sculpture entitled
“Leaf Pavilion” at the Laumeier Sculpture Park in
St. Louis. This large sculpture (36 x 32 x 32 ft) is
now part of the park’s permanent installation.
⇒ Debbie Rizzo opened Station Pizzeria at 2130
Macklind, pizza available whole or by the slice.
⇒ Lance Omar Thurman Photography Studio will
be opening this spring at 2601 S. Kingshighway
⇒ Favazza’s has razed a building and is creating
an outdoor dining area at 5201 Southwest Av.
⇒ Exterior improvements are underway at the
Shaver home at 4975 Reber Place.
⇒ 5107 Columbia will soon house STL Pro, for
internet sales of toys & electronics
⇒ Missouri Botanical Garden’s east parking lot
with permeable surfaces, is slated for completion later this spring. MOBot is also submitting
grants to fund a sidewalk along Alfred.
⇒ 2700 Macklind has a 1100 SF renovated commercial space available for rent, call 520-3293
⇒ 3135 SF of commercial space is available at
4640-42 Shenandoah, call 571-7654
⇒ Vandeventer Streetscape improvements are anticipated to begin spring of 2010.
Many of these projects would not have been possible without the support of our 10th and 8th Ward
Aldermen - Joseph Vollmer and Stephen Conway.
Thank you gentlemen!
Energy Report Review
In early March, AmerenUE mailed energy usage
summaries to all customers. The electric utility is
committed to providing clients with ways to cut energy usage and lower costs.
The majority of our electricity is generated at
Ameren’s Labadie Power Plant, which typically
burns 8.5 million tons of coal annually. Our electric
usage is measured by kilowatt hour. To produce
one kilowatt hour, take approximately one pound of
coal, which can then power ten light bulbs for one
hour. Take a moment to review your Energy Report
sent by AmerenUE. Using the equation above, how
many pounds of coal were burned to supply your
home or business with electricity last year?
Electricity generated at coal burning power plants
is among the cheapest source of energy, but is also
our greatest source of pollution. Those costs are
not reflected in our monthly utility bill, but we all pay
the costs of pollution.
Learn about reducing energy usage and lowering
utility bills at a free screening of the documentary
Kilowatt Ours - A Plan to Re-Energize America, on
Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 pm, at our neighborhood
office. Bring a snack, along with your personal
Energy Report for comparison with others. This
event is coordinated by Southwest Garden resident,
Jane Gramlich. Jane will lead a roundtable discussion, sharing ideas for future documentary screenings, and seeking input from other residents at the
April 20th event.
Beautification effort
on Reber
Place, pictured are
Dylan
Hewitt and
Dana Gray
The Leaf Pavilion, an architectural feature located in the
Children's Sculpture Garden at Laumeier Sculpture Park,
was designed by Frank Schwaiger, Photo courtesy of
Mike Venso / Laumeier Sculpture Park.
PROUDLY SUPPORTS SWGNA
Page 5
UPCOMING MEETINGS
SWGNA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: (quarterly)
April 19, 7pm, Senior Center, 5602 Arsenal
SWGNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (monthly)
(2nd Mondays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Ave.)
April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug 9, Sept 13, Oct 11
SWG PROPERTY OWNERS: (quarterly)
(Wednesday, 7 pm at the Garden)
May 12, August 18, November 10
SWG HOUSING CORPORATION: (monthly)
(1st Thursdays 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.)
April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug 5, Sept 2, Oct 7, Nov 4
GARDENSIDE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT:
(1st Mondays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.)
April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 13, Oct 4, Nov 1
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All Year, 7 -12 Wed & Sat Early Morning Walking,
at MO Botanical Garden - FREE
Sat, April 10: Go St. Louis Family Fitness Day,
beginning 7:30 am Forest Park
Mon, April 12, Cardinals Opening Day, 3:15 pm game
Mon, April 19: SWGNA Meeting 7 pm Senior Center
Fri, April 23, TreeHugger project unveiling, 6 pm
Sun, April 25, EarthDay Celebration Forest Park
April 30-May 2, MicroFest, Forest Park
Sat, May 8, Farmers Market Open for Season
Tower Grove Park (May 8 - Oct 23)
Wed, May 12, Property Owners Meeting 7 pm
Sat, May 15, Movie Night, Tower Grove Park- FREE
Sun, May 16, SW Garden Home & Lifestyles Tour
May 28-31, RibFest, downtown
Mon, May 31, Compton Hts. Band Concert, 7:30pm
Tower Grove Park - FREE
Wed, June 2, Whitaker Concert, MOBot, FREE
Sat, June 5, SW Garden Architecture Tour by Bike
Wed, June 9, Whitaker Concert, MOBot, FREE
Sat, June 19, Movie Night, Tower Grove Park FREE
Wed, June 23, Whitaker Concert, MOBot, FREE
June 26-27, Pride Fest, Tower Grove Park
Wed, June 30, Whitaker Concert, MOBot, FREE
Sat, July 3, Neighborhood Fireworks, Sublette Park
Mon, July 5, Compton Hts. Band Concert, 7:30pm
Tower Grove Park - FREE
Sat, July 19, Movie Night, Tower Grove Park -FREE
Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo (Wednesday, May 5)
at a block party hosted by Amigo Joe’s Mexican
Restaurant on the corner of 59th Street and Southwest. The block party will feature food & drink available for purchase, along with traditional Mexican
music and dancing.
Pictured are Judy & Steve Lewin, with Janie Wright at our
Friend Raiser at Amigo Joe’s Mexican Restaurant.
Page 6
It Takes a Village
Homage must be given to those who contribute
to the community. Special thanks go to the following individuals and businesses for their contribution:
Thank You to interns Joanna Heinrich and Yirui
Pan for donating their talents on several projects.
Thank you to Dylan Hewitt for tidying our office and
the planters on Reber Place.
Thank you to artist Agnieszka Gradzik and Earthways Center rep, Katy Mike Smaistrala, for partnering on Sustainability presentations to area schools.
Thank you AmerenUE for loaning us an Energy
Demonstration Unit.
Thank you to Amigo Joe’s Mexican Restaurant
and Hide Away Piano Bar for their hospitality during
our Friend Raiser. Thank you to all our friends who
attended the event.
Thank you for the realtors participating in the Big,
Big tour, helping to promote our area’s homes.
Thank you Gayle Van Dyke of Van Dyke Designs
for donating graphic design services for promotion
of the TreeHugger Project. Thank you Lorin Crandall of MO Coalition for the Environment, for partnering on a grant application for Rain Gardens.
Thanks to the Senior Center for giving us space
for our meetings. Thank you to Jeff Krull, Ron
Matejka, Virgil Moore, and Danny Daniele for helping set up and break down displays at our meetings.
Thank you to the Bushers and Hoppes for feedback on the Vandeventer Road Diet.
Thank you to Ron Matejka for managing our office recycling. Thank you to Lana Trezise Azar for
hosting and updating our website.
Property Owners to Meet
May 12 - Botanical Garden Beaumont Rm.
The Southwest Garden Property Owners Association is a property improvement advocate that assists members with marketing and development
ideas for their properties. Everyone is welcome to
our 7 pm, May 12 meeting.
Members’ recommended contractors, vendors,
and trades people will be introduced. Call our office
if you have someone you want to refer. Virginia Lee
Hunter, property owner, will share information on a
new apartment marketing opportunity. A local mortgage broker will share information on loan products
for investment property and renovation projects.
Jim Zirngibl installed a solar reflective insulating
membrane on a roof last year. He will share information on the energy savings realized. Chris
Archer will provide insurance comparisons. We will
recognize several development projects in our area,
including the projects by Dan Schaffer, Christian
Wessling, and Diane Urzi.
The EPA has mandated regulations for the prevention of lead poisoning. Come learn more. Is
there a topic that interests you, or a recent discovery you could share with fellow property owners?
Please let us know. We want to keep our meetings
relevant and educational.
The association markets apartments for members through the website and message center. The
final tenant screening is up to the property owner.
The Property Owners Association is eager to photograph and showcase your renovated home or apartment. Call Floyd Wright 606-4713 with suggestions.
Looking for an apartment?
Call the Southwest Garden Apartment Hotline
(314) 772-7661
Images from our Friend Raiser at Hide Away Piano Bar
and Amigo Joe’s Mexican Restaurant. Top image: Bob
and Bernie Busher & Son. Lower image: Ron Matejka,
Ben Moramarco, Jeremy Stephenson, & Pat Hewitt
Or submit your specifications to the
Southwest Garden Apartment Search:
www.southwestgarden.org
Page 7
Images from our
Friend Raiser at
Amigo Joe’s, pictured are Nathan
Durnell & Tara, Trish
Erwin & friend, Mark
Keklikian & Micki
Gilligan
Southwest Garden ,
a historical walking tour
book is now available at
our office for $19.99.
You can also order copies
on our website and pay by
credit card:
www.southwestgarden.org
A portion of proceeds
benefit the Southwest
Garden Neighborhood
Association.
April 19 Meeting Agenda
The City Collector of Revenue, Greg Daly, will
share new services and information regarding the
revue department.
Noelle Wyman, an AmeriCorps member working
with Missouri Coalition for the Environment, will educate us on the benefits of Rain Gardens.
Artist Agnieszka Gradzik will present a history of
the Treehugger Project, images of SWGNA’s Sustainability presentations given to area schools, and
info on our neighborhood TreeHugger installation.
Charles Zidar will discuss Community Emergency Response Training, and training available in
our area.
Helen Yane, assistant to Mayor Slay, will inform
us about “Open Streets” opening approximately five
miles of City streets to cyclists, skaters, pedestrians,
joggers, residents, and tourists - car-free!. Open
Streets will begin May 1.
Learn about a neighborhood Architecture tour by
bicycle on June 5th, coordinated in partnership with
the St. Louis Bicycle Federation. Hear about a June
26 Pet Parade down Morgan Ford, coordinated by
the Tower Grove Business Assoc.
Free weatherization assistance is available
through the Urban League. Applications will be accepted at the meeting.
Aldermen Conway and Vollmer will provide updates on city business.
Neighborhood Public Transit Map
8
30 Soulard
90 Hampton
8 Bates Macklind
95 Kingshighway
8
-- Updated 6/09 --
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SOUTHWEST GARDEN
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
4950 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
St. Louis, MO
Permit No.279
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
Nathan Durnell … …..…….Rec. Secretary
Peter Hovey ….……….….....Corr. Secretary
Barbara Beck…………….…….…..Treasurer
Judy Lewin…..…………....Member-at-Large
Virgil Moore.………… ....Member-at-Large
Dana Gray……………….Executive Director
Become a member of your neighborhood association! Every contribution is tax deductible and very
much appreciated. We work 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 invitations to special events, voting rights at general membership
meetings; two votes per family membership; one vote each for an individual or business.
SOUTHWEST GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC. (SWGNA) 2010 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. : ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________