EarthDance Farmers Formal is November 5th. Get your tickets now.

EarthDance Celebrates its Season with Farmers Formal!

On Saturday, November 5th, EarthDance FARMS will host its fourth annual fundraiser and celebration, Farmers Formal, at Washington University’s College Hall. The evening will include a dinner catered by Bon Appétit that features vegetables, meats, and cheese from local producers including EarthDance; complimentary cocktails, beer, and wine; silent and live auctions; and live music and dancing. All proceeds will go towards EarthDance’s sustainable farming education programs. Tickets for Farmers Formal are $75.00 a plate. Tables of 8 and 10 are available. Tickets may be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets or by contacting Meg at 314-521-1006. College Hall, Washington University Saturday November 5th, 6-11 p.m.

EarthDance is a non-profit organization, with 501c3 status through a partnership with The Open Space Council, whose mission is to grow and inspire local FARMS—Food, Art, Relationships & Music, Sustainably! EarthDance farms at the historical Mueller Organic Farm in Ferguson, MO.

Since 2009, EarthDance has operated a season-long educational apprenticeship program which trains participants in sustainable agriculture from seed to market.

EarthDance is all organic - fresh veggies, fresh ideas, and inspiring people!

 

 

The Farmers Formal is the annual fundraiser to support the apprenticeship program to support more Urban Organic Farming practices in the Metro St. Louis region.

To show my fandom of EarthDance, I'm giving away two tickets to the 2011 Farmers Formal.

 

 

All you have to do is become a fan of EarthDance FARMS, too.

1. Like EarthDance FARMS on their Facebook Fan Page and leave a note on the wall tell everyone your Favorite Fresh Veggie! And be sure to say you want to attend the Farmers Formal on November 5th.

2. Follow @EarthDanceFarms on Twitter. Then Retweet this message:

I'm fan of @EarthDanceFARMS because they are fresh. Get your tix to Farmers Formal now! #STL http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200090

Then be sure to leave a message in the comment thread letting me know you did this. Each new like or follow and comment will be an entry.

Winners will be notified Wednesday, November 2nd 8 pm. Be sure you include a link back to you in the comment (or FB/Twitter thread) so that I can contact you.

Or if you just can't wait, get your tickets to Farmers Formal now! It will a root-tootin' good time.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200090

Darcella Craven named YWCA Leader of Distinction 2009

The Fête Society's very own, Darcella Craven is once again making headlines. Featured in the Employment News section of the November 12, 2009 edition of the St. Louis American weekly newspaper she discusses the excitment of her newsest achievement: The YWCA of St. Louis Leader of Distinction Award. Ms. Craven , will be honored with the Nonprofit Management award at the annual Luncheon Event on Thursday December 3rd. Details here.


If you see Darcella out and about this weekend, congratulate her and buy her a drink.

Weekend events

Saturday
- 25TH Anniversary Celebration: Women United for Change Luncheon Hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Metropolitan Saint Louis Chapter
- MEET THE ARTISTS – Gallery Talks at Art St. Louis Gallery

- Art, Life & Culture Entwined - Belas Artes Fundraising Gala

Sunday
- Hayride through Historic Fort Belle Fontaine County Park
- Marlissa Hudson, soprano performs at the Soul Esteem Center
- Cranksgiving: Cycle & Charity Food Drive

Details for this weekend's Events here.

More events for November 2009 and Winter 2009/2010.

This just in...More weekend events October 9-11, 2009

This month is Connect With... Month with several local organizations hosting get-togethers, seminars, service events, and happy hours to introduce some and re-acquaint others to this fine city and their missions of making the region attractive to Young Professionals.

The St. Louis Area Real Estate Professionals (SLAREP) are hosting a Networking Reception, tonight - Friday, October 9, 2009.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Complimentary food, drinks, & music while connecting with NAREB President Vincent Wimbish & other professionals from across the region.

With kind support from Wells Fargo

Regional Arts Commission

on Delmar Loop across from the Pageant

More information about the Connect With... Kick-off and events for this weekend can be found here.

Plus, more fun and affordable events for the weekend and beyond are posted here; and don't forget about the Soulard Oktoberfest this weekend. Details are here.

Tell them your hostess, Danielle Lee, told you all about it.

Go directly to the October 2009 Events calendar to see a full list of upcoming events.

October 2009 Events

Thursday, October 1, 2009
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Smoke-free Happy Hour
Presented by Smoke-Free St. Louis City – join the movement to make St. Louis City and Metro bars and restaurants smoke-free.
Pi Restaurant
6144 Delmar Blvd (in the Loop)
More info: smokefreestl@gmail.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Isms in the Workplace
A Career Forum presented by The CiTY Forum
A town hall discussion about counteracting "-isms" in the workplace--those subtle and overt demographic differences in our work environments, including discrimination based on age, gender, race and sexuality. Come discuss the difficulties of and solutions to "-isms" on the job.
Moderated by Sonji Young and Reena Hajat. Light refreshments will be served.
Missouri History Museum
Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 746-4599 TheCiTYForum@gmail.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
A Heart for the Homeless... Night at the Cucina
Racanelli's Cucina
St Louis, MO
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Residents and Fellows Diversity Program and the Washington University School of Medicine Department have joined forces with Racanelli's Cucina for an unforgettable event benefiting Gateway Homeless Services, the largest, most comprehensive shelter for women and children in the state of Missouri.
Price: $25 - $50
More info: (314) 546-9684

Thursday, October 1, 2009
10:00 pm - 2:30am
Da Mix Addicts L A Concert Jam starring DJs - FLAT OUT
The Foxhole @ Atomic Cowboy
4140 Manchester Ave (the Grove)
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 775-0775 djneedles76@gmail.com

Friday, October 2, 2009
6:30 pm
Bacchus at the Basin: Wine Festival Preview
Presented by the Young Friends of the Saint Louis Art Museum
Enjoy this special preview of the St. Louis Wine Festival, featuring unlimited wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and live music by Teddy Presberg.
The Grand Basin - At the bottom of Art Hill in Forest Park
Tickets are $50 (Young Friends Members get a $10 discount)
More info: www.slam.org/youngfriends 314 655-5416

Friday, October 2, 2009
7:00 pm
jessica Care moore LIVE! – Spoken Word Event
Hosted by Soulternative's Selena J
Come experience the internationally celebrated poet and CEO of Moore Black Press. She has appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam and is well known for her history making appearances on It's Showtime at the Apollo.
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd (Forest Park
Tickets: Advance $10, $8 for Museum Members; $15, $13 for Members
More info: 314-361-9017 for more information. Pdf flyer

Friday October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday: 4 pm -11 pm
Saturday: 11 am -11 pm
Sunday: 11 am -9 pm
Taste of St. Louis 2009
Soldier’s Memorial
Downtown St. Louis
Free Admission

Saturday, October 3, - Sunday, October 4 2009
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
18th Annual “Best of Missouri Market”
Over 145 Missouri food producers and craftsmen offer fresh produce, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and more. Live music and a Kids Corner with cow milking, pumpkin decorating and barnyard animals.
Outdoors under tents, rain or shine.
$12 adults (13-64), $10 seniors (65+), $5 children (3-12), $5 Garden members
Buy tickets in advance online at http://www.mobot.org/
MoBot Members-only early bird shopping: Saturday 7 am –9 am

Saturday October 3 & Sunday, October 4, 2009
The St. Louis Wine Festival
Saturday 12:00 - 7:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Forest Park
St. Louis, MissouriTickets: $20, $10 for Designated Drivers (non-drinkers)
A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park, a not-for-profit volunteer organization that maintains the gardens at the Jewel Box and Pagoda Circle.
For more information about the Wine Festival, visit http://www.stlouiswinefestival.com/

Saturday, October 3, 2009
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Morgan Ford in Motion Music & Street Festival
The festival will feature interactive performances, street art & music--a festival designed for all ages. Featuring Art Saint Louis hits the Street, Javier Mendoza, Steve Ewing, the Funky Butt Brass band and more
Morgan Ford at Juniata (near Tower Grove Park)
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 241-4810 christine@artstlouis.org http://www.morganfordinmotion.com/

Saturday, October 3, 2009
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis-Playing in the Dark: A Collision of Art and Chess
This event invites visitors to watch and play live chess matches with Grand Masters from the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship. The defending U.S. Women’s champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Anna Zatonskih, will kick off the day by playing five players blindfolded.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
3750 Washington Blvd
St. Louis, MO
Sign up to participate at http://www.saintlouschessclub.org/

Saturday, October 3, 2009
11:45 pm - 2:30 am
HIP HOP YA DON'T STOP! PT2
The Delmar Lounge (The Loop)
6235 Delmar Blvd
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 725- 6565 djneedles76@gmail.com

Saturday, October 3, 2009
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Howard vs. FAMU HBCU Game Night – The 2009 HBCU Challenge!
The alumni of Howard University and Florida A&M University host a game night fundraiser.
Proceeds from this event will go towards the respective schools’ scholarship funds.
Morgan Street Brewery
721 N 2nd Street (Laclede’s Landing)
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 843 364-7321 oluchi.uwah@wfadvisors.com
Donation: $10

Sunday, October 4, 2009
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Carnival: Opening exhibit of Artist, Gena Brady Allen
The Urban Arts Collective at Urban Eats Cafe
3301 Meramec Street (Dutchtown)
Saint Louis, MO
More info: arts@urbaneatscafe.com

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Connect With...St. Louis Happy Hour
This is THE event for St. Louis young professionals to find out how to get connected. This is a signature Connect With... event. Learning about the more than 45 Connect With... member organizations and make new friends. From arts and culture, to volunteering, to social networking to leadership development, there is something for everyone to “Connect With…”
Hotel Indigo
4630 Lindell (Central West End near Forest Park)
Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 622-1250 X102 nikkiw@focus-stl.org
RSVP at this link.

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2009
5 pm - Midnight: Friday

11 am - Midnight: Saturday

11 am - 6 pm:Sunday

Soulard Oktoberfest
America’s fastest growing Octoberfest Celebration
Live Music each day – the schedule here.
Lots of delicious food and drink (brats, rotisserie chicken, & beer) for purchase
Crowning of Miss Oktoberfest
Kid’s Karneval - $5
Festival entry fee: $5 which include entry into the tents.

Saturday, October 10, 2009
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
GenNext Service Day
Volunteer for one of these projects:
1. Wesley House: Wesley House provides youth, family support, and economic development programs in north St. Louis.
4507 Lee Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63115
2. St. Vincent Home for Children: St. Vincent Home for Children provides residential treatment center for disturbed children, 5-12 years old.
Volunteers will participate in a variety of recreational activities with the children that currently reside at St. Vincent’s.
7401 Florissant Road
St. Louis, MO 63121
3. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic school for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Volunteers are needed to help paint classrooms at this North County school.
17 Hawkesbury Drive
St. Louis, MO 63121
A thank you reception will take place immediately following the projects.
Sign up for one of these projects online: email gennext@stl.unitedway.org

Saturday, October 10, 2009
7:00 pm
St. Louis Blues Hockey Game to benefit the United Way of Greater St. Louis
Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
The night will include a special auction and mystery bag sale to benefit United Way, as well as an information booth. Discounts on St. Louis Blues tickets are available to fans and for each ticket purchased through this offer, $5 will be donated to United Way.

Click on this link to purchase tickets.

Sunday, October 11, 2009
3:30pm - 6:00pm
Racial Profiling Community Forum
Viewing of the 2004 Dateline Episode titled "A Pattern of Suspicion" a program about racial profiling across the country, followed by a panel discussion.
Vaughn Cultural Center
3701 Grandel Square (Grand Arts District)
More info: 314 615-3631 imfilms2007@gmail.com
Light Refreshments provided

Friday, October 16, 2009
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fest-of-Ale
Presented by the Young Friends of the Garden
Enjoy tasting specialty fall beers generously donated by Anheuser-Busch. Move and groove to the American folk, classic rock, and vintage country sounds of regional artists "The Dusty Bottoms".
Stroll through the Garden and enjoy the fall season.
$15 Members/$30 Non-members
*Free admission and automatic entry for a grand prize drawing with purchase of a new or renewed Garden membership.
Seasonal appetizers included with cost of admission.
Click here to register for this event

Friday, October 16, 2009
6:00 – 10:00 pm
Third Friday Seven Scorching Hot Years Birthday Blowout Open House
Put on your party shoes and let’s boogie down. Enjoy live art performance, glass making, and make some great Halloween Crafts, too. Third Fridays are free and family-friendly
Cash bar
FREE
Third Degree Glass Factory,
5200 Delmar, smack dab between University City’s Loop and the Central West End.
For more info: www.stlglass.com or 314-367-4527

Saturday, October 17, 2009
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Carver Day
Carver Day highlights the life and legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver, a native Missourian and one of the world’s foremost scientists and educators. Join Dr. Carver (as portrayed by Paxton Williams) for a stroll around the Carver Garden, learn about the native plants and flowers that inspired him, and enjoy a special menu at the Garden's cafe.
Missouri Botanical Garden

Saturday, October 17, 2009
12 noon - close
OYSTER FESTIVAL
Featuring over 10 special oyster dishes, including BBQ & char grilled oysters CHAR GRILLED OYSTERS
Live Music
$5 cover after 9 pm

Saturday, October 17, 2009

12:00 pm -4:00 pm
FRESH HOP ALE FESTIVAL
Schlafly Bottleworks
Celebrate the harvest with an autumn beer festival . Schlafly will feature plenty of Schlafly brews, plus great food and live music. Also, enjoy beers from other fine St. Louis breweries: Amalgamated Brewing Company, Mattingly Brewing Company, Square One Brewery, Morgan Street Brewery and O'Fallon Brewery.
TICKETS are $25 in advance and $30 day of event. Advance tickets are available now. Purchase in person at The Schlafly Tap Room or Schlafly Bottleworks through October 16th, or online until October 15th. Day of event tickets can be purchased at festival beginning at 11:30 a.m.
This event will likely sell out – get your tickets early!
Purchase advance tickets online HERE.

Saturday, October 17, 2009
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hops Art 2009
An evening of fabulous art, tasty beer, scrumptious food & fascinating artists.
This is the 3rd annual Hops Art event presented by the Art Saint Louis Gallery. It is a totally unique event that combines an art exhibition, a digital image presentation, delicious beer & food, and great people.
Art Saint Louis
555 Washington Avenue, Suite 150
Downtown Saint Louis, MO
More info: 314 241-48103 christine@artstlouis.org

Saturday, October 24, 2009
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
United Way’s 5th annual Servathon
Volunteer with hundreds of others on National Make a Difference Day.
To volunteer, sign-up by October 20 by calling 314-539-4063 or online here. T-shirts will be available for purchase for $5 to help support United Way.
Free.
For more info visit the United Way of Greater St. Louis

October 31, 2009
9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Saints & Sinners Halloween Party
A Costume Party
The Old Ziegenhein Livery & Funeral Home
2723 Cherokee Street
Saint Louis, MO
Price: $15, includes open bar
More info: 314 750-1736 info@bfreepaparazzi.com

~~~~~ Ongoing Events ~~~~~

Daily until Oct 31
EarthWays Living the Green Life Exhibit
9 am -5 pm
Learn more about sustainable living from displays showcasing goods, services and information with an environmental edge.
Family fun exhibit
Brookings Interpretive Center
Missouri Botanical Garden

Jammin’ at the Zoo

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 and Wednesday, August 26, 2009
6:00 – 10:00 pm
6:00 – 8:00 pm: Beer and Wine Tasting
Jammin' at the Zoo
Live music featuring local acts such as Arvell & Co, DJ Greasy, Urban Groove Project, Kim Massie, Mario Pascal, and My Own Medicine.
Beer, Wine, and Food available for purchase
Ages 21 and up
General Admission
Free for Zoo Members, $10 for non-members
Tasting Package – to get unlimited wine and beer tasting while supplies last
$10 for Zoo Members, $20 for non-members

But the format has changed some, visit this link to learn the new details.
Jammin’ at the Zoo – Singing a slightly different tune this year

Posted using ShareThis

Win Free Tickets for B. Free Paparazzi Night to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

B. Free Paparazzi hosts another sure-to-sell-out and be-talk-about movie night this weekend with the opening of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Would you like to win free tickets? No, this isn't a fake-out. Seriously you could win free tickets to attend the movie this weekend.

How?

Check out the article:

B. Free Paparazzi is Transforming movie night for young urban St. Louis professionals, and make a comment sharing your favorite B. Free memory or your favorite childhood Transformers (cartoon or action figure) memory.

The selected commenter will win a pair of tickets to attend the Transformers Movie Night on Friday, June 26, 2009, at 9 pm, Moolah Theater.

One additional winner, drawn randomly from the comments, will win two (2) passes good for any show good for anytime at any AMC theater.

That's exciting! Want to increase your odds? Then, Subcribe to or Follow the The Fête Society and the St. Louis Events Examiner pages and earn additional entries.

1) Join the St. Louis Events Examiner and The Fête Society Facebook Fan Page. Leave a comment on the wall letting me know you have joined and are entering the movie ticket raffle. Existing fans are eligible, too.

2) Follow me on Twitter - @FeteSociety and leave a comment saying
"I want see Transformers 2 with B. Free Paparazzi"

3) Shoot me an email FeteSociety@gmail.com, Subject: Transformers 2 w/ B. Free .

For each entry briefly recount your favorite B. Free Paparazzi moment or childhood Transformers memory.

Winners will be notified by email Thursday night (technically Friday at midnight).

Best of luck and I'll see you out and about!

Your Hostess, Danielle

**********UPDATE********UPDATE**********

Winners announced.

A pair of Transformers 2 Movie Tickets for Friday, June 26 at Moolah is....

Ms. Amina Terry

A pair of AMC movie passes - good for any theater, any future time is....

Ms. Darcella Craven

Prizes courtesy of B. Free Paparazzi.

Have fun and B. Free!

Go directly the June 2009 Events Calendar.

Two Fête Society Members making waves

Go directly to the May 2009 Calendar of Events.

Two of Fête Society's Members have been making waves in their respective professional arenas.


Darcella Craven, Executive Director, Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) of St. Louis was recently honored by the St.Louis Small Business Association as their 2009 Veteran Small Business Champion. She will recieve her award at the Annual SBA Award Dinner as apart of the Small Business Week St. Louis May 11-16, 2009.

Read more about her accomplishments in the St. Louis Small Business Monthy Magazine.







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

You may recognize Danielle Lee as your hostess who keeps you abreast of local events and activities, but she is also a biologist. On May 18, 2009, Danielle will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the Annual American Institutie of Biological Sciences and receive their 2009 Diversity Scholars Award. She recieved this award for her science outreach efforts to under-served audiences and youth. She was recently profiled in the St. Louis American People on the Move.

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

Organization Spotlight: B. Free Paparazzi

Go directly to the March 2009 or April 2009 Calendar of Events.

Do you love movies? Do you hate going alone? Well, I'd guess that Teddy Blackett feels similarly.

When he arrived to St. Louis from Chicago, he wanted to bring something fresh and new to the Mound City’s social scene. But instead of promoting nightclub parties, so cliché, he did something different yet obvious. He established a movie night group. B. Free Paparazzi is a pre-arranged movie release meet-up group for eager-to-socialize young urban professionals in St. Louis. In his own words, B. Free Paparazzi is “Just a lil group who get together to go catch flick as they come out. Why go solo if you can do it big. We pick a movie, then a theatre, find out what the minimum is for a group rate and we try and see how many people we can get to the show.” After the show, people continue to hang out and socialize. How grand is that? B. Free has become a very popular social group – showing up en masse at various local movie houses. Teddy’s even been able to leverage the movie meet-up into something more – forums and evening soirees.

His very first venture was May 2008 when B. Free ‘went to the movies’ to see Iron Man starring Robert Downey, Jr. Since then, B. Free Paparazzi at the Movies to see Iron Man.B. Free has pre-sold tickets to some of the most anticipated movies such as The Love Guru, The Family That Preys, and Watchmen. This weekend B. Free goes to the movies to see an animated flick for children audiences, a first for the group, to DreamWorks Monsters vs. Aliens.

You can join Teddy and the rest of the B. Free crew this Saturday, March 28th at the AMC West Olive 16 Theater to see Monster vs Aliens. This is a family friendly outing so bring the whole gang. You can purchase adult and children tickets online now. Visit here for details. Look for the gentleman with the smiling face and camera in hand.

Visit the B. Free Paparazzi website to learn about more upcoming movie release events.

Connect With...A Purpose Recap

Go Directly to the November 2008 Events Calendar.The Connect With...month end with service. On Saturday, November 1, twenty volunteers from a number of local professional and social networking groups met on Pine Street to get dirty. The service project benefited, Stray Rescue - a local no-kill stray animal rehabilitation and service organization.

Thanks to the $1 million award from Zootoo, Stray Rescue was able to get this great and huge building. And we were all there to help with the landscaping. We pulled weedy vines, manicured the ivy -which was growing everywhere and going away, trimmed bushes, and took down a very nice juniper tree I was admiring. We swept the side walks of debris and fallen leaves. Upon departure, we we good and sweaty, but we got it all done...and under schedule, too.

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

At the end we learned more about Stray Rescue and their upcoming plans. If all goes well, then they should be able to move into this building the first of the year (2009). The demolition was recently completed and now construction proper can begin. This facility is a gazillion times larger than the existing ones in Lafayette Square or on Manchester. I got a chance to look over the plans -- it's gonna be nice: Dog Kennels as well as Cat Kennels (they don't have them now), an obedience training area, a nice lobby, and a Veterinary clinic area. I didn't get a chance to ask, but I hope that clinic will be open to private clients as well. It would be a great way to generate revenue for the organization and having a Downtown area Vet would be great for all of the pet owners in the City.

Later..the After-set, sponsored in part by Ray Hill's American Pilsner. Hats off to Dave, Scott, and Pamela for their preparation efforts for the BBQ after the service event. The BBQ was hosted on the patio of the Blu CitySpaces Condiminiums Downtown St. Louis. Good eats and great company. I am so glad I'm connected.

The commemorative Zootoo Shelter Makeover Crew T-shirt.

Connect With... is going to the Dogs - Another Good Deed (& Organization Spotlight)

Connect With... the organization that brought you a host of socializing and networking opportunities now gives you an opportunity to connect and serve - benefiting Stray Rescue.

Saturday, November 1, 2008
10:00am - 2:00pm
Stray Rescue new building
2320 Pine Street - Downtown
Saint Louis, MO

View Map

More info: email johnwendling@fuelforthecity.org

or RSVP on Facebook.

Connect With... a Purpose is a volunteer opportunity. We will be assisting Stray Rescue with renovations of its new downtown animal center located at 2320 Pine Street. This is a hands-on experience to move the building closer to accepting new strays.

Why you should help:

1. It's a quick and dirty way to help a great organization. It's a short period of time. You get to move around, meet great people, and that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

2. Stray Rescue is the best non-profit, no-kill, grass-roots, community-organizer animal advocate group ever. They recently won a grant to get the building but they still need lots of volunteers and money to meet their mission of helping poor animals and making St. Louis a safe and healthy place for every person and animal.

3. Stray Rescue rehabilitates stray dogs and cats until they find a forever home. It is a no-kill shelter. They take the hard cases including very sick and injured animals and those abandoned by home foreclosures, taken by animal authorities, and affected by natural disasters.

4. Even if you're not a big animal lover, do it for the greater good. Getting stray and feral animals off of the streets is just good public health and public safety. Your assistance to Stray Rescue helps to minimize your contact with these animals.

5. Immediately after the volunteer opportunity, Blu CitySpaces will host a BBQ at their location at 210 N. 17th Street downtown. How many chances do you get to hang-out and eat well for free these days? C'mon.

6. How can you say no to that cute face?

Getting Connected with St. Louis’s Finest

I hope no one forgot that Ocotober is Get Connected Month in St. Louis. And if it slipped your mind it is not too late to get involved and learn more about the young professional organizations that help make St. Louis such a fabulous city -- or meet the great people who make St. Louis go!

The Connect With…Happy Hour Kickoff on October 1st was incredible. Several dozen Young professional organizations and over 200 Young Professionals were on-hand to connect with you, you, and you. And did I do some connecting.

Young Friends of the Missouri Botanical Garden. They have an upcoming event – Fest-of-Ale on October 22. I will be there. I love beer. Beer is great. And you might be thinking – Beer and the Botanical Garden. And I say to you – heck yeah! Beer is the product of the greatest botanicals, ahem plants, in the word – barley and hops, and sometimes rice and corn. So you MUST be there. I will. In fact, I’m going to go on and join. Science and Socializing – you know I love that.
Young Literati….Sponsoring another event I must attend – Fright Night. Admission gets you all of the tricks and treats and sippable spirits, if you know what I mean. First of all, how can you not love the Public Library? It is the one best public resource that benefits everyone. Even if you’re not a bibliophile, you can’t knock having a good time around the Halloween Holiday. The Fête will be there. Come if you dare!

And State Representative-Elect Don Calloway was there. He and Tishaura Jones (also State Rep Elect) attended the Candidate Forum on the Environment. You all would have been proud to have them represent the city and us. They presented their positions and legislative commitments to make Missouri a leader in Clean Progressive Energy Policy.

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Missouri History Museum was there and giving away free passes to their upcoming Urban Stories Series Featuring Jazz Pianist – Jason Moran. Oh my goodness, the show was a delight.

The opening jazz ensemble featured St. Louis’ own Peanuts Whalum. I had never heard him play or sing before and now I feel deprived for being in St. Louis for so long and never having done so. My head was turned so I thought it was a digitally re-mastered recording of Nat King Cole. I looked up and realized it was him singing, LIVE! This man’s voice is so smooth and he plays the saxophone, too. I can’t believe he’s 80 years old!

Now on to Jason Moran – this is jazz piano like none other. He started with his rendition of “Life Every Voice and Sing” followed by Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”. Between songs he explains the history of the song and why he interprets each song the way he does. He is also a conceptual musician. Fascinated by the sounds of languages he played recordings of people speaking – in Turkish and Mandarin – and interprets their words and rhythms on the piano. And his finale - Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” on the piano – with no accompaniments. What else can I say? I didn’t post this event because I didn’t know about it. But I won’t make that mistake again. Be sure to attend the final event in the series on October 23rd.