Invitation Only: Receptions at the History Museum and Big Brothers Big Sisters

Go directly to the April 2009 Events or May 2009 Events Calendar.

I must admit, I really enjoy being out and about. Last night, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, was a perfect example as to why.

The Missouri History Museum held an Opening Reception for the Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee’s Bend Quilts, and Beyond Exhibition. Quilters and members of the Gee’s Bend, Alabama community were in attendance as the press and Museum Members were treated to a view of the exhibit and a chance to meet the quilters and the curator of the exhibit. The exhibit is open until September 13 and I was amazed at the color and work of the quilts on displays.

I also recommend checking out the supplemental activities for this exhibition. Now until Sunday, April 26, 2009, Quilters, by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, is a dynamic performance at the Missouri History Museum.

Here are some pictures from the Reception.


















We were also treated to a performance. The ladies sang some spirituals.


Also that evening, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Missouri hosted a special thank you reception for ‘Bigs’ (a big brother or sister mentor). I’ve been a volunteer with BBBS for nearly 6 years. If you would like to make a difference in a child’s life, then BBBS would love to help you make a new friend. Sign up today. Here are photos from the reception hosted at the BBBS Offices at the corner of Grand Ave and Olive Blvd.

2009 Go! St. Louis Marathon

Go directly to the April 2009 Events Calendar.

The 2009 Go! St. Louis Marathon and Half-Marathon was a participation success despite the wet, soggy weather. Here's a photo essay of the day.

Pre-race

The Starting Line and Early Leaders

Mid-race, before the pain kicked in. I wasn't last and I actually passed 5 people during the race.

The Finish

I completed 9 and quarter miles. I was hurting bad and had a get a ride from sag. But I walked farther than the last time I participated in 2007.

Get ready for the Ten Toe Express!

Earth Day Freebies

I'm very excited about Earth Day! And so is St. Louis. The host of activities for the Annual Earth Day Celebration at Forest Park and throughout the city are bustling at the seams.

I'll post an exhaustive list of great things to do with your fam, friends or alone. In the meantime, check out this link to all of the great give-aways from merchants: Holidays Examiner: Earth Day Freebies

Go directly to the April 2009 Calendar of Events.

Community Service Events for this Spring and Summer

Go directly to the April 2009 Calendar of Events.

Serving the community is perfect way to spend time making our city better. Even if you’ve been affected by the recent economic downturn, service is a perfect way to stay busy and productive. Community service allows you to continue using your skills. It may also help you cultivate new skills to expand your work possibilities. Not only that, serving others gives most people a bright positive feeling inside which is important for fighting off any feelings of sadness or desperation which can occur when one is laid off.

Here are a few volunteer opportunities I know about. Maybe I’ll see you around the water cooler soon.

Saturday, April 18th & Sunday April 19, 2009
Volunteer Shifts: 11:00-2:30 & 2:15-5:00
15th Anniversary Grand South Grand House Tour
Tour begins in Tower Grove Park (inside main entrance @ Grand & Pestalozzi)
The South Grand Community Improvement District is seeking volunteers to work at the Fifteenth Anniversary Grand South Grand House Tour. This tour will showcase the architectural and personal styles of grand living in five neighborhoods linked by South Grand Boulevard: Compton Heights, Compton Hill Reservoir Square, Shaw, Tower Grove East and Tower Grove Heights and includes two of the areas best known homes. The event will also feature a wine tasting, delicious food and great music. Free parking and free shuttles will be provided to transport participants throughout the tour. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at: http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=volunteer@fuelforthecity.org.

Sunday, April 19 – Saturday, April 25, 2009
National volunteer Week
The Mission Continues, a Military Veterans Service Group, is asking everyone to perform an Hour of Service this week as a tribute to our veterans and active military personnel. You can lead a Veterans Tribute project or volunteer at your local veterans home or war memorial.
Register: Email Chris Martinez, our Director of Volunteer Outreach, at cmartinez@missioncontinues.org or call 314.588.8805

Ongoing
Volunteer Math Tutors Needed
The Roosevelt High School Community Council is looking for area residents, who enjoy helping young people, to volunteer to tutor high school students at Roosevelt High School (3230 Hartford Street). The subject areas are basic math, pre-algebra and algebra. Volunteers are asked to volunteer for two hours per day, one or two days per week, for a semester at a time. The tutoring sessions will occur during the school day. Tutors will be provided with a lesson plan for each session and all necessary materials for instruction. All volunteer tutors will be screened through the St. Louis Public Schools, which includes a background check. A flyer with more detailed information is attached. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends who might be interested in volunteering. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Katie Kappel at http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=katiekappel@gmail.com .

Ongoing – month of May
Design Ideas Charity Store
Home Décor and Home/Office Organization products for 75% off retail ALL of the PROCEEDS benefit Four great local charities, the Missouri Botanical Garden, The National Children’s Cancer Society, Character Pus, and Edgewood Children’s Center.
Volunteer Shift Workers needed.
Mon – Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat-Sun: 10am – 6pm
Shifts are 2-3 hrs in length, no heavy lifting.
Volunteers get a special sneak-peek shopping opportunity.
Sign up now. Contact Norma Fraser 314 577-0278 or norma.fraser@mobot.org

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Go Ape in Vegas at Trivia Gone Wild presented by Commerce Bank
The St. Louis Zoo Young Friends Annual Event
Volunteers are needed.
Setup shift: 2 – 6 pm shift as well as the
Event shifts: 4 – 8 p.m. and 6 – 11 p.m. event shifts
Light food and beverage will be provided for all volunteers.
Contact Lauren E. Kistner (314) 646-4516, kistner@stlzoo.org

Sunday May 3, 2009
4th Annual Spring for Strays at Harry's Restaurant
Live music, good food, silent auction and a female impersonator show. Well socialized dogs are welcomedand more details will be forthcoming.
Harry's Restaurant & Bar
2144 Market (Downtown)
St. Louis City

Wednesday May 6, 2009
5:00 pm - until
Muttini Night at Frazer’s.
$10 donation at the door goes to Stray Rescue. Frazer's will provide free appetizers from 5-6p. If you've never been to Frazer's, it's always tasty and great atmosphere! (http://www.frazergoodeats.com/)
Frazer’s Restaurant
1811 Pestalozzi StSt Louis, MO 63118

Sunday, June 7, 2009
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks for the Zoo
An annual fundraiser for runners and walkers of all ages presented by the St. Louis Zoo Friends
Volunteers are needed.
Registration shift: 6 – 11 a.m.
Event Shift: 7 – 11 a.m.
Activities & Awards Shift: 8 a.m. – 12 Noon
Light food and beverage will be provided for all volunteers.
Contact Lauren E. Kistner (314) 646-4516, kistner@stlzoo.org

St. Louis Events Examiner: What’s Happening this Weekend? April 16-19, 2009

St. Louis Events Examiner: What’s Happening this Weekend? April 16-19, 2009

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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in town to speak about Environmental Issues tonight

Noted environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will speak on Tuesday, April 14 at the St. Louis Science Center. Kennedy will present "Our Environmental Destiny", discussing the role natural resources play in the work, health and identity of Americans and his belief that all people have a responsibility to protect and preserve the planet for future generations. This is the kickoff event for this weekend's program - Eco Expo also at the St. Louis Science Center.

Kennedy wrote the very thought-provoking and compelling foreward of the New York Times Bestseller – The Green Collar Economy by now Green Jobs White House Advisor Van Jones. .

For more information including time and ticket prices read the full story Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in town to speak about Environmental Issues tonight.

Go directly to the April 2009 Calendar of Events.

April 2009 Events

Thu April 2
7:00 pm
Free Screening of Crips and Bloods: Made In America an Independent Lens film
Sponsored by KETC Channel 9 and the Missouri History Museum
Missouri History Museum (Forest Park).
Filmmaker Stacy Peralta hits the streets of LA to find out about the 40 year civil war in South Central Los Angeles that has lead to 15,000 dead. To explore the roots of this long-standing battle, Peralta speaks woth former and current members of the Bloods and the Crips, two of the most notorious and violent street gangs in America.
Free

Fri Apr 3 - Sat Apr 4

Bird Art by Jeff Kapfer

Birds @ Byrd
Wall Ball

***********

Sat Apr 4

NCAA Women’s Final Four SUPER SATURDAY!

Several Events all weekend, many free

The 4Kay Run Presented by The Hartford

8 am

Registration is $20 in advance online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour, or

$25 onsite from 6:30 - 7:45 a.m.

Race begins at Memorial Drive and concludes beneath the Gateway Arch.

NCAA Youth Education through Sports (YES) Clinics

8 a.m. – noon

UMSL, SLU and the JJK Boys and Girls Club.

Boys and girls ages 10 to 16 will have the opportunity to learn and enhance their sports skills, conditioning skills and life skills with instruction from collegiate coaches and student-athletes in town for the Women’s Final Four.

Find out more information and sign up your child for one of the three by registering online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

Free

March to the Arch Fueled by POWERade

12:30 p.m

All ages are invited to join in the FREE March to the Arch Fueled by POWERade.

Dribblers between the ages of 6 and 16 will receive a FREE t-shirt and basketball (subject to availability).

Register online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

March begins at St. Louis Union Station and ends at Kiener Plaza.

Sat Apr 4 - Mon Apri 6

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NCAA Hoop City Refreshed by Coca-Cola NCAA

Interactive games and exhibits hosted by the NCAA’s family of corporate champions and partners, plus the POWERade 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.

America’s Center (Downtown St. Louis City)

For more information and to register for the tournament, visit www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

FREE Admission

****

Sat April 4
Upland Prairie Walk – presented by Trailnet
Fort Belle Fontaine County ParkIn partnership with: The Confluence Partnership, The Great Rivers Greenway District, Friends of Fort Belle Fontaine Park and St. Louis County Parks

Sat Apr 4
7:00 pm -11:00 pm
6th Annual WALL BALL Fundraiser and Celebration
One of St. Louis’ most notorious annual events, engaging an eclectic mix of artists, patrons and admirers. Wall Ball is live silent auction that features 45 artists working live on pieces of artwork that guests bid on throughout the evening’s festivities.
Entertainment includes DJ Mahf and KDHX's Rob Levy, savory appetizers courtesy of L'Ecole Culinaire and satiating cocktails from Cooranbong Vodka.
Third Degree Glass Factory
5200 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63108

Tickets now available and can be purchased at: UMA, Left Bank Books (CWE), Local Harvest Grocery or online http://www.wallball.eventbrite.com/ All proceeds benefit SCOSAG, including the cash bar.
Volunteers needed:
Day Shift Times (Light Set Up Duties): 10 am to 1 pm; 1 pm to 4 pm; 4 pm to 7 pm
Night Shift Times: 8 pm to 11 pm
SCOSAG is seeking volunteers to work at the Wall Ball. The South City Open Studio and Gallery provides free, supervised activities to inner City children. Volunteers will be assigned to Pre-event set up (no heavy lifting), registration, and serving. Those who sign up for pre-event set up will receive a free ticket to attend the event that night. Those who work the event are welcome to stay and play when their shift is done.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact: volunteer@fuelforthecity.org.

Sat Apr 4

11 am - 3 am

Crawfish Festival First Crawfish Festival

Lots of fresh boiled crawfish and all the fixins including Crawfish Mona,Crawfish bread, and Crawfish enchilidias.

Live Music featuring with three musical acts that day starting at 2pm and running till 3am. S

The Oyster Bar on Broadway

736 S Broadway (Downtown)

St. Louis, MO 63102

Sat Apr 4

8 pm - until

March Mustache Madness Party

Just a fun silly night of mustaches, drinks and good food.

Mustache contests and other give-aways

The Royale Food and Spirits
3132 South Kingshighway
Saint Louis, MO
Admission: Must wear a mustache - yes, Ladies, too.

Sun Apr 5
Flat as a Floodplain Bicycle Ride – presented by Trailnet
starting in Orchard Farm, MO

Sun Apr 5

4:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday Concert featuring Lyric Colortura Soprana Marlissa Hudson

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church

4673 Labadie Ave., 63115

Mon Apr 6

Opening Day for St. Louis Cardinals Baseball

You can bid on tickets online - NOW!

Wed Apr 8

7:30 - 9:00 am

St. Louis Business Journal Seminar: Infrastructure Opportunities

Come hear hear from St. Louis' leaders on infrastructure renewal priorities for the area's roads, bridges, sewers and other projects needed now and in the future. These projects represent long-term investments in economic growth and will create thousands of Missouri jobs and add billions to the state's economy.

Featured speakers are: Jeff Theerman-Exec. Director at MSD

Kevin Ferguson-VP at Kwame Building Group

Pat Kellett-Business Manager at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union No. 562

7:30 am Continental Breakfast

8:00 am Program

Missouri History Museum

5700 Lindell Blvd (Lindell & DeBaliviere in Forest Park)

For directions: http://www.mohistory.org/your-visit/maps

Admission to this informative seminar is free but reservations are requested.

To RSVP, fill in your contact info below or send an e-mail to stlevents@bizjournals.com.

For questions, call the St. Louis Business Journal at 314.421.6200.

Fri Apr 10

8 - 11pm
Gutbucket at Mad Art Gallery (live music)
Mad Art Gallery proudly presents Gutbucket with The Helium Tapes at Mad Art Gallery on Show begins at 9:00 p.m.

2727 S. 12th Street (Soulard, across from the A-B Tour Center)

St. Louis, MO 63118
Tickets are $10 and available through Metrotix.

Tue Apr 14

6:oo - 9:00 pm

Fuel's 4th Anniversary Party

@ 6:30 p.m. we will have a short presentation by Mayor Francis Slay to acknowledge Fuel's great volunteers!

Complimentary appetizers drink specials, and music will be provided. Bring your friends! Frazer's

1811 Pestalozzi St (Benton Park neighborhood)

St. Louis, MO 63118

$10 cover

****************

Fri Apr 17
6 – 10 p.m.
Third Friday Open House & KWMU Young Friends (radioACTIVE) Happy House
See glass blowers and their heat defying acts. Gallery presents mixed media prints by Dale Shannon and glass art by Jeremy Lampe. At 8 p.m. it’s rock - Americana style - by Last To Show First To Go! Make a paperweight - only $30 - or spring glass tile keepsake for $20. Earth Day Special: bring you fave wine bottle – NO Labels – and for only $5, we’ll make it a glass platter. Third Fridays are free and family-friendly.


Cash bar
Third Degree Glass Factory
5200 Delmar, smack dab between University City’s Loop and the Central West End. For
More info: http://www.stlglass.com/ or radioACTIVE or 314-367-4527
Free

Fri Apr 17 & Sat Apr 18
Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival
Featuring the John Pizzarelli Quartet, Jon Faddis, Lou Marini, Peter Erskine, and Chip McNeill.
$25 per ticket. Two-day event with a different talent lineup and tickets sold separately for each.
For more information: https://touhillpac.umsl.edu/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=2938

Fri Apr 18 – Sun Apr 19
Go! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend
Join us for a weekend of fitness fun! Events for all ages and fitness levels. Register now to guarantee your spot and save on registration fees.
Event applications are available online at http://www.gostlouis.org/ or call 314.727.0800 for additional information.

Sat Apr 18 – Sun Apr 19
9:30 am - 5:30pm
Eco Expo
Exhibits about Green lifestyle making
St. Louis Science Center

Sat Apr 18 & Sun Apr 19
12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
15th Anniversary Grand South Grand House Tour
Tower Grove Park (inside main entrance @ Grand & Pestalozzi)
The South Grand Community Improvement District is seeking volunteers to work at the Fifteenth Anniversary Grand South Grand House Tour. This tour will showcase the architectural and personal styles of grand living in five neighborhoods linked by South Grand Boulevard: Compton Heights, Compton Hill Reservoir Square, Shaw, Tower Grove East and Tower Grove Heights and includes two of the areas best known homes.

The event will also feature a wine tasting, delicious food and great music.
Free parking and free shuttles will be provided to transport participants throughout the tour.
Cost: $15 in advance and $18 the day or volunteer and attend for free.
Volunteer Shifts: 11:00-2:30 & 2:15-5:00
If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at: http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=volunteer@fuelforthecity.org.

Sun April 19
10:30 p.m.
Airing of "Taking Root" - A Documentary of the Environmentalist & Human Rights Activist Dr. Wangari Maathai
St. Louis KETC Channel 9
I attended a pre-screening in March, read my comments here.

Wed Apr 22
all day
Earthday
Be sure to check out my other blog about Environmental Science/Education and Outdoor Recreation for all of the great fun stuff you can do with your family and friends and to dave the planet.



Thu Apr 23
7 pm -until
ALIVE Magazine's 6th Anniversary Party
Dance all night to music by St. Louis' hottest DJs, and enjoy complimentary Pearl Vodka cocktails, Blue Moon beer and appetizers from Onesto from 7pm-9pm.
Plus, guests will have the opportunity to win ALIVE's Favorite Things: Over 50 of the staff's must-have swag!
SOL Lounge

4241 Lindell Blvd

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Fri Apr 24
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Opening Reception for MFA Thesis Exhibitions Molly Douglass and Jessica May
Mad Art Gallery

2727 S. 12th Street (Soulard, across from the A-B Tour Center)

St. Louis, MO 63118 (directions)

Free
Cash bar

Sat Apr 25

all day

Wings of Spring Confluence Birding Festival (an Earthday Event)

A host of outdoor recreation and wildlife observation events for the whole family (and great exercise, too).

Kayak Clinic

Canoeing

Hiking

Geocaching

Bird Watching and more

Check the online schedule for detailed information including costs (if any) and recommended gear to bring.
Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area

U.S. 67 ( just this side of Alton, Il)

West Alton, MO

Sat Apr 25 – Sun Apr 26
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chinese Culture Days
Missouri Botanical Garden
Event Schedule
Purchase tickets online

Sun Apr 26
10:00- noon
Pedal for the Planet (an Earthday Event)
Missouri History Museum and Forest Park
Presented by Confluence Greenway and the Missouri History Museum
Free with Service & Gear support until noon
Registration begins at 1o am







Sun Apr 26
11 am- 6 pm
ST. LOUIS EARTH DAY FESTIVAL (an Earthday Event)
Forest Park on the Muny Grounds
Family Fun, lots of activities, and take home project ideas
Free


Apr 29 -May 2
30th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival
More than 60 storytellers and their audiences gather for the telling of tales.
More than 40 locations around the metropolitan area and in St. Charles, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Arch, Missouri History Museum, local bookstores, and local landmarks, parks, and public areas.
Check the full schedule here.
The Storytelling Festival is coordinated by the University of Missouri–St. Louis Continuing Education and the College of Arts & Sciences, Special Programs, in partnership with various organizations throughout the St. Louis area.Free and open to the public.

Thu Apr 30
all day
16th annual Dining Out For Life to benefit Saint Louis Effort for AIDS
Participating restaurants and bars donate 25% or more of their earnings for the day to benefit St. Louis Effort for AIDS, a United Way agency.
All you have to do is assemble a group of hungry thristy friends for a luncheon, dinner or happy hour gathering and spend money and get a full belly.
StEFA has raised over $1.9 million since 1990 to provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for those affected by the disease.
I've been a dinner captain for 3 years running. Think you can raise more money than me? It's on.

~~~ On-going Events ~~~

Sundays
Sunday Spin at Schlafly Bottleworks (Maplewood location)
6:00 pm - close
Enjoy your favorite Schlafly brews while listening to music provided by DJ Argyx of Musical Geeks.

No cover, great beer, friendly service, and lively music!

Tuesdays
HALF- PRICE WINE At Houlihan's!
All Day Every Tuesday
Houlihan's Restaurant

Saturdays
Premium Open Bar All Night on Saturday Nights
Ladies are FREE, Gentlemen are $20
Harry's Restaurant & Bar
2144 Market (Downtown)
St. Louis City

Now - November 8, 2009

Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance Exhibit
Missouri History Museum
Adults: $7; Seniors/Students: $5; Children (6-12): $3; Free on Tuesdays