December starts off just right: Week 1 Recaps

Go directly to the December 2008 Events Calendar.

Wednesday December 3, The Fête Society kicked off the Holiday Party Season at the United Way GenNext Holiday Party at the new and very nice Big Brothers Big Sisters Headquarters at the corner of Olive and Grand... The event and people were very nice…and the food was delicious. Can you think of a better way to spend $20 (or $15 if you reserved in advance) that lets you have a great time, free beer, wine, and soda, and delicious num-nums AND you’re serving a great cause – The United Way. I especially like how the Steering Committee facilitated networking among the attendees. Our pre-printed name tags also included the name of a United Way Agency. People were encouraged to meet and greet and locate a Steering Committee Member whose Agency name matched the one on your name tag. No doubt, we met a lot of interesting and caring people that spend their free time serving others in our community. Plus I learned about some amazing organizations – such as the George Washington Carver Center. It is youth center near the Grand Arts District.

There are plenty of other Holiday Benefit Parties this month, but if you want a more direct way of helping, then check out GenNext’s Holiday Volunteer Guide.

More photos from the Holiday Party are here. Oh, I cannot forget to thank (BIG TIME), Mr. D. Gonzalez for saving my camera. Yes, I left it behind at the party. I must have had a good time. Thanks again or I would lost all of the memories.

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Friday, December 5, we capped the week off nicely. The Habitat for Humanity Holiday Party held at the headquarters building on Forest Park Ave was splendid. The upstairs space not only has individual classrooms, but the main hall as converted into this beautiful space…and they make it available for functions. I highly recommend the space. This even was free- free tasty food and drinks and candy. This celebration was a celebration of Habitat for Humanity’s best resource – people who volunteer; and I highly recommend HFH for a fun worthwhile community service event. HFH doesn’t just help people own their own home affordably, they build communities. In fact, we bumped into Alderman Marlene Davis of Ward 19. She is helping to re-build communities within her district with HFH help; there is a new construction project that begins (or continues) in the spring.

If you are interested in volunteering with HFH you could volunteer at a construction site OR assist staff at the ReStore. They always appreciate the assistance.

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Finally the night (December 5) capped off at Stress Free Fridays as they introduced us all to a new elegant venue – Thaxton Speakeasy – of 1009 Olive Street. It is everything the name implies. Art Deco, Back-alley entrance, a gangster at the door to check your credentials, and a well-stocked bar. It is a downstairs lounge – very 1920’s. I like. As I clear the stairs and enter this room with amber lighting, I greeted by SFF co-creator, MA Jones who informs me that he saw me in the St. Louis American that day. Wha.What? He was right. I found the online link to the article, but I still haven’t seen it in print.

But I digress…If you’re looking for new place to hang-suite then Thaxton Speakeasy is the place. The space is truly lovely and elegant. The owners are working on the upstairs space now and I cannot wait until it is unveiled. But it isn’t just the décor that makes it so nice, it was the whole vibe. The place wasn’t crowded; the people were nice and friendly. Did I mention the music? The DJs were on point. Oh Boy. Okay, I’m biased. I’m a fan of 80’s music so when they played Prince, by Evelyn “Champagne” Jones, and “Give Me the Night” by George Benson, followed by a nice mix of House Music I knew I was in Dance Floor Heaven.

Yes, that's a Soul Train line.

Be sure to check out the events for next week.
Until later.

December 2008 Events

Wed Dec 3
5:30 - 9 p.m.
GenNext Holiday Party
Big Brothers Big Sisters Headquarters Building
501 N. Grand
St. Louis, MO 63103
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres
Register online before December 2 at 4 p.m.
Official Fête Holiday Party Celebration

Thu Dec 4
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Voices For Children Holiday Party to Benefit Teens in Foster Care
Morgan Street Brewery
Laclede's Landing
721 North Second Street, 63102
Admission: A gift certificate ($20 or more) to help a teen in foster care have a happy holiday!Suggested Retailers:Target, Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Aeropostale, Hollister, Foot Locker, St. Louis Galleria, Westfield Shopping Centers, Movie Theatres
RSVP to friends@voicesforchildrenstl.org or 314/552-2454

Thu Dec 4
7:30pm
B Free Thursday Night Dinner & Conversation Series
Nubia Cafe
U City loop east of the Pagent).
Enjoy Caribbean & West African food, drinks, and conversation
RSVP on Facebook

Fri Dec 5
5:30-7:30
Humanity Saint Louis' 2008 Volunteer Appreciation Party!
HFHSL Administrative Office to help celebrate our MOST valuable resource...YOU!
For details click here.
To RSVP for the Volunteer Appreciation Party, call Mary at 314-371-0400 or email mary@habitatstl.org.

Sun Dec 7
11:00am - 5:00pm
Green Living Expo
Showcasing local and eco-friendly products and services
Missouri History MuseumLindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Join us for the Green Living Expo, inspired by our George Washington Carver exhibit.
Admission, film and seminars are all FREE!
Featuring more than 25 purveyors of local, organic, and eco-friendly goods and services. Seminars and samples will take place throughout the day! Do your holiday shopping while saving the planet and supporting local green businesses!Arrive early for a free screening of the film "King Corn" at 11:00 am. Vendor booths open at noon.
RSVP on Facebook

Thu Dec 11
6 pm
The Friends of Ronald McDonald House host a Happy Hour Benefit
Miso Lounge in Clayton (16 N Meramac Ave)
Drink Specials, complimentary appetizers, sushi specials, and great raffle items
Contact Stephanie Stangl for more information.

Fri Dec 12
6:00pm - 8:00pm
i2 Holiday Happy Hour (The International Institute)
The Scottish Arms
8 South Sarah Street, CWE St. Louis
is a great organization that provides services to refuge populations, including tutoring.
To receive discounts on your drinks during this event, please donate a gift for the teens of the International Institute. To view their wish list, go to: http://www.target.com/lists/Z1MK09C8FBVC
RSVP for this event by e-mailing the social committee at i2reservations@gmail.com

Sat Dec 13
8:00 p.m.
Marlissa Hudson, Soprano Performs
Guest Soloist with St. Louis Civic Orchestra
William D. Purser Center - Logan Chiropractic College1581 Schoettler Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017-5529
Adults: $10; seniors, students and groups of 10 or more $5 each

Tue Dec 16
6:00 p.m.
Marlissa Hudson, Soprano Performs
Soloist for St. Louis Symphony Outreach Concert
Tower Grove Park Piper Palm House
St. Louis City
Free admission

Thu Dec 18
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Citizens for Shane Cohn - Aldermanic Fundraising Kickoff
The Feasting Fox
4200 Grand (Dutch town)
$25 Donation, Cash Bar
RSVP on Facebook.

Thu Dec 18
6 -9 pm
Roberts Hotel Indigo Holiday Party
4630 Lindell (Central West End)
RSVP at e-mail holiday@roberts-companies.com

Sat Dec 20
10:00pm
Live Vibes @ Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
3210 S. Grand
Yes! Blessed People! Its that time for some more tasty jams with Mario Pascal and The Roots Fusion Band!
RSVP on Facebook

Sat Dec 27
9:00-1:00
Griffin & The Gargoyles Perform
Cafe Eau - Chase Park Plaza

Mon Dec 29

6 p.m.

MIZZOU vs. NORTHWESTERN 2008 Valero Alamo Bowl Game

Sky Box Sports Bar & Grill

800 N. Third Street, 63102 (on Laclede’s Landing) • 314-241-5100 http://www.skyboxstl.com/

No cover charge

MU Alums and friends are welcomed!

Wear your Black and Gold, stroll down memory lane, and network while enjoying

Complimentary appetizers, while they last!
Food menu at a discounted rate

Bucket and cocktail specials

X-Box Gaming Stations

New Year’s EVE Night

Wed Dec 31
6:00 pm - past midnight
FIRST NIGHT®–SAINT LOUIS 2009
First Night is a community celebration of the New Year expressed through the arts.
A Kaleidoscope of activities, colors, lights, musical entertainment and performances unfolds on New Year's Eve in Grand Center for First Night®–Saint Louis as we dance, play, act, create and sing our way into 2009!
Opening Ceremonies 6:00pm
Performances 6:00pm to 11:30pm
Early Fireworks 9:00pm
Countdown to the New Year begins at 11:30pm
Fireworks Midnight!

Wed Dec 31
9:00pm - 1:00am
New Year’s Eve Nightcap with River City Professionals
Moulin Events - 2017 Chouteau AveJoin River City Professionals and make the “New Year’s Eve Nightcap at Moulin Events” your last stop this year. Enjoy a premium open bar and appetizer and dessert stations while you dance away the night to the Melvin Turnage Band. The evening will feature gourmet food stations paired with specialty cocktails and craft beer. This year we have partnered with Sam Adams beer and Bombora Vodka to make the night extra special. No one under 21 years old will be admitted.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/48925.

~~ ONGOING EVENTS ~~

Through December 20, 2008

100 Years of Service: The Alpha Kappa Alpha Story

The Griot Museum of Black History & Culture(formerly The Black World History Museum)

2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

314-241-7057

Free with regular Museum admission

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Zoo - Family Fun and Volunteer Opportunity

U.S. Bank Wild Lights is the Zoo’s evening holiday event where guests can walk through the Zoo's holiday wonderland of spectacular light displays and go nose-to-beak with the birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast.

The event dates are weekends December 5 – 7, 12 – 14, and nightly December 19 – 23 and 26 – 30 -- 5:30-8:30 pm

Volunteers are needed each night during the 5 – 9 p.m. shift to assist with this outdoor event.More information on these events is available on the Zoo’s website: http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights.htm.

Contact: Lauren E. Kistner(314) 646-4516kistner@stlzoo.org

November 29, 2008 - March 1, 2009

George Washington Carver Exhibit

Missouri History Museum

Adults: $10; Seniors/Students: $ 8; Children (6-12): $6
Free Admission on Tuesdays

Free Sushi Wednesdays

5pm

Drunken Fish Happy Hour

Buy 1 drink and get free sushi.

Arrive early

Breakfast and a Movie at the St. Louis Science Center

Get a group of 10 or more together and host your own movie party.
Time and movie title arranged by you and full hot breakfast provided by the Science Center.

Weekdays only.

A great holiday party idea.

Cost: $13 per person

Tuesday Networking and Fun (November 18, 2008) Recap

Go Directly to the November 2008 Events Calendar.

Okay, I know the economy is no joke right now. And many people are scouting out new career opportunities, including trying out some entrepreneurial ventures in order to get through these unpredictable times. What does every job seeker/ new business owner need right now? A Socializing Networking experience, and River City Professionals provides such an opportunity and introduces thousands of St. Louis Young Professionals to new venues each month.

This month RCP partnered with Ronald McDonald House and collected a caddy full of toys! Sauce magazine sponsored the event and the delicious food proves they had a hand in it. And a special nod to David who really took care of us all night. Great Night. See you next month

The load of goodies collected for the kiddies.

We then headed over the Schlafly’s Tap Room to celebrate Tom Schlafly’s 60th Birthday. Lots of fun and beer…and Tom even passed out gifts – his very sturdy pilsner glasses. How did I hear about this party? NPR – yes, our very own KWMU 90.7 announced it (because Tom is such a great supporter of public radio) and invited everyone out. Membership has its privileges, and honestly if you 30 or older and you don't know about NPR you need to be throttled. Enjoy the pictures.

Happy Birthday Tom!

Live Band & Dancing

City of St. Louis Honors Tom

His table of gifts

Saturday Night Fever (November 15, 2008) Recap

Go Directly to the November 2008 Events Calendar.

The evening started light – a quick visit to Art St. Louis – one of the newer Art Galleries in the City located at 555 Washington, next door to the Convention Center. It is a lover-ly space. It was the Reception (Kick-off) of its newest Exhibit - Art St. Louis XXIV, The Exhibition. Very nice.

Then the Gotta Be There –Should Have Been There Event of the Fall – ZOOTINI
This is the other Young Zoo Friends’ flagship event. And this year’s them – Stayin’ Alive. Disco was indeed alive and well in the Living World.

Shake Your Booty!

We flashed the Metromix Flashers!


Party on!

DJ Andrew

Just more great people and fun times!

Friday Night in the City (November 14, 2008) Recap

Go Directly to the November 2008 Events Calendar.

The weather was icky, but the night was live!
Jack Daniel’s Art Beats + Lyrics was off the Hook! Live break dancing, DJing, drumming, e’ry thang as it is said here in the Lou. I’ll let the pics speak for themselves.

I recorded a few mini-videos of Break Dancing and Live Band Performances. Here's a taste. More uploaded on my youtube channel.


Also, State Rep Elect Tishaura O. Jones enjoyed “A Nite of Jazz”. Looked like a great turn-out and very nice people in the house.
But TOJ’s event ended at 9 and we all headed back to the Moto Museum to cap off the night.

I hate if you missed it.