Run for the Hills invites you this September! by Wayne Myrick Friends of Francis Park and the St Louis Hills Neighborhood Association welcomes you to join us for our 28th Run for the Hills 5k run and 1 mile run/walk on September 21, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. What makes the Run for the Hills the best 5k in StL?
• Ted Drewes, Edibles and Essentials and StL Bread Company for breakfast • Surround yourself with great people excited to push themselves to run their best race and support Francis Park • Received the Best Neighborhood Support Award over all other St Louis metro area races in 2018 thanks to you
• A fast course winding through the beautiful St. Louis Hills neighborhood • The coolest and most comfortable t-shirt you own, which will pay tribute to our 2019 Stanley Cup Champs
Whether you run the 5k, walk the 1 miler, watch your kids compete in the youth run or register as a neighborhood supporter, please know that 100% of the money raised from the Run for the Hills is spent directly on Cont’d on page 3
Art in the Park returns on September 29 WHAT’S INSIDE by Jan Starbuck A 14-year tradition, Art in the Park returns to Francis Park on Sunday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists fill space on both sides of the lily pond to showcase their creative wares amid live music, delicious food and children’s activities. As always, admission is free and open to the public.
sculpture by local artist Carol Fleming. You can see her work at www.carolfleming.com.
In addition to our new art installation mission, we also have some maintenance tasks this season. Last year, a piece of one of our kinetic sculptures fell off. Thankfully, St. Louis Hills resident and garden club member, Please tell your friends! Evelyn Kuhn, found the piece in the park and returned it to us. We are extremely grateful. We will be posting updates to our website, We plan to soon have the sculpture repaired www.artintheparkstl.com as artists, sponsors and restored back to its original splendor. and food vendors are confirmed. Similarly, we will have a totem near the Assuming a typical profit, the Art in the Park children’s playground Cont’d on page 3 committee intends to commission a new
Grub and Groove Gateway Cup SLHNA Membership Donna Baringer Welcome Committee Brew in the Lou Summer in STL Hills Lawn & Garden Awards Newbie gardening project SLHNA Scholarship DuBourg Students Local safety resources The Sunflower 457
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association Board Members, Executive Committee, Chairs and Partners Officers President Nancy Vordtriede
Welcome Committee Kate Faust Corcoran
Easter Egg Hunt Kristen Miller
Treasurer John M. Scheller
Christmas Lighting Awards Caitlin Kremer Michael Kremer
Sergeant at Arms Ken Gabel Executive Director Gary Wells Past President Rick Palank
Executive Committee Advisory Mike Banahan John Burghoff Carol Wilson Business Coordinator Brad Arteaga Carol Wilson Marketing Sarah Seger Membership Gary Wells Safety Janice Starbuck Tom Scheifler Streets & Property Rick Palank Senior Liaison Open
Christmas Tree Lighting Rob Curtin Gateway Cup Gary Wells Holiday Party Jennifer Bettag Kim Heitert House Tour Michelle Cheli Rick Palank Nancy Vordtriede Lawn & Garden Awards Terry North Scholarship Joyce Bytnar Michelle Cheli Steve Cheli
Community Partners 82nd State Representative Donna Baringer 16th Ward Alderman Thomas Oldenburg 16th & 12th Ward Neighborhood Improvement Specialist Kathy Savage
Committees
SLMPD 2nd District Captain Michael Deeba
Advisory Mark Johnston Kevin Liddy
SLMPD 2nd District Officer Liasion Vince Stehlin
Ambassadors Open
Hampton Chippewa Business Association Carol Hofer
History Rick Palank
by Rich Fisher
Events and Programs You’re going to want to be in Francis Park on Saturday, August 10th!
Vice President Carol Pariani
Secretary Michelle Cheli
Grub and Groove to bring live music, local food to Francis Park
Art in the Park Michael Zensen
Social Media, Website & Communications Jesse Rehmer Sarah Seger
Friends of Francis Park Tom Byrne Joni Ott
Newsletter Chip Kastner
Grub and Groove Kevin Kozminske
Newsletter Advertising and Promotion Terry North
Run for the Hills Wayne Myrick
Grub & Groove, presented by Alliance Credit Union, is a free event taking place from 2 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. 2019 marks the 8th year of this free, annual event and includes something for the entire family. Take in live music performances throughout the day on the 4 Hands Brewing Company Stage, experience fun for kids of all ages in the Innovative Roofing Kids Zone, shop local businesses in the Retail Village, and bring an empty stomach so you can visit all of the neighborhood restaurants in the Food Row. The event is capped off with a fireworks finale at the end of the night! In 2019 you can expect yearly favorites and some new additions. A kids happy hour will be held from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. with music by Robot + BIke, plus the always-popular bubble bus, activities with Shock City Music School and an obstacle course in the Kids Zone. A wide range of music genres from country to rock to soul can be experienced, including Al Holiday and the All-STL Revue. Headliner Apex Shrine will play a tribute to KSHE-95. If you’re over 21, we invite you to check out the range of offerings in the 4 Hands Brewing Company ON TAP draft tent or grab a cocktail from 1220 Spirits. Volunteer led and organized, proceeds from Grub & Groove are returned to Francis Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.In past years, funds have contributed to upgraded lighting in and around the park, safety improvements, and support of the Friends of Francis Park mission. We ask that Cont’d on page 4
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
Run for the Hills (Cont’d from Page 1)
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Art in the Park (Cont’d from Page 1)
our treasured neighborhood centerpiece, Francis Park.
refreshed, as it was showing wear. Also, Art in the Park is proud to donate to Friends of Francis Park to help with the Register now online at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/51335 maintenance of the lily pond. or at www.stlhills.com, or you may fill out the registration form below and mail it in. Thank you for supporting our Run, our park Please put our event on your calendar and plan to attend to and our neighborhood! help us continue to put art in our park.
A crowd browses the booths around the lily pond in Francis Park during a previous Art in the Park event. Photo provided by Art in the Park.
RUN for the HILLS Years Running in St Louis Hills 28 Saturday, September 21, 2019
2019
8am – 5K Run • 9am – 1 Mile Walk & Competitive Youth Run • Awards Following Awards: 5K Run: 5 year age groups (top 2/gender) starting at U14 up to 70+, plus a Stroller Division (all ages). 1 Mile Competive Youth Run (14 & under only) top 3 finishers, male and female. The 5K first place finishers will be recognized with a $50 gift certificate and a 1st place trophy. Second and third place overall finishers, male and female, will be recognized with a trophy. No double dipping.
Location: Francis Park in St. Louis Hills. Use St. Gabriel Church on your GPS (6303 Nottingham, 63109). *5K–Starts at the intersection of Donovan & Itaska Streets and ends at Nottingham & Tamm Avenues. *1 Mile Walk & Fun Run–Starts & ends at Nottingham & Tamm Avenues. *1 Mile Competitive Youth Run–Starts on Nottingham midway between Childress & Donovan and ends near Nottingham & Tamm Avenues. Entry Fees: $25–Individual 5K ($30 if registering on Friday, 9/20 or Saturday, 9/21) $20–1 Mile Walk & Fun Run and Competitive Youth Run ($25 if registering on Friday, 9/20 or Saturday, 9/21) $60–5K Family registration (includes 3 unisex t-shirts)
Bib & t-shirt pickup: Friday, September 20, 5 to 7 pm at St. Gabriel the Archangel School Meeting Room (4711 Tamm Avenue, 63109) located off the back parking lot. Saturday, September 21, 7 to 8 am at the Nottingham/Childress entrance of the park. Shirt Sizes: Youth Small or Medium (specify sizes: YS/YM) Adult Small/Medium/Large/XL/XXL (specify adult sizes: S/M/L/XL/XXL)
Registration: Preregister with this form or www.stlhills.com or https://register.chronotrack.com/r/51335. Family registrants must complete this form and mail or register in person on Friday 9/20. Checks payable to: Friends of Francis Park. Mail entry to: Run for the Hills, P.O. Box 190314, St. Louis, MO 63119-6314. Questions: Call (314) 749-8661. Post-Race Ted Drewes, Bagels & Fruit+Awards+Microchip Timing By Big River Running+A Cool T-Shirt+You=Continued Beautification of Francis Park!
SINGLE PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION (1) Name:
Address:
Email: Age
M F Event:
5K
1M Walk
Birthdate
Age
M F Event:
5K
(2) Name:
Birthdate
Age
M F Event:
(3) Name:
Birthdate
Age
M F Event:
FAMILY REGISTRATION (1) Name:
Birthdate
Phone: Youth Run
Neighborhood Supporter
Shirt Size (see above for options)
1M Walk
Youth Run
Neighborhood Supporter
Shirt Size (see above for options)
5K
1M Walk
Youth Run
Neighborhood Supporter
Shirt Size (see above for options)
5K
1M Walk
Youth Run
Neighborhood Supporter
Shirt Size (see above for options)
Address:
Email:
Phone:
WAIVER: I know that running a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run unless I am medically able and properly trained. I also know that there will be traffic on the course route. I assume the risk of running in traffic. I also assume any and all other risks associated with running this event including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, the conditions of the roads, all such risk being know and appreciated by me. In consideration of the acceptance of my entry, I for myself, my executors, administrators and assignees do hereby release and discharge St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association, Friends of Francis Park, and all other sponsors and supporters and all agents, and persons acting for and on behalf of all such entities as a result of my participation in said event. PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE: (or responsible party if under 18)
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
Gateway Cup will be held early this year by Gary Wells Every Labor Day weekend, St. Louis hosts the Gateway Cup cycling tournament. This event covers four neighborhoods in St Louis. It starts on the Friday before Labor Day and finishes on the holiday. Our neighborhood traditionally serves as the site for the second day of this tournament – the Tour de Francis Park! This year, Labor Day falls on September 2nd. As a result, Tour de Francis Park will take place before August is even finished – on Saturday, August 31st.
Kids’ Race, registration is $7 and the Tour organizers ask that you consider an additional donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Don’t forget to sign up for the Lime Bike races at the end of the day – and wear your goofiest racing outfits!
At 10:00 a.m. there will be the “Unity Tour Recreational Ride Start” to kick things off. The races progress through age and skill brackets until the Pro Women start their pedals around 4:30 and Pro Men go around 5:30. Starting times for later races may Be prepared to cheer on cyclists with cow bells as they fly vary depending on weather and course conditions. around the park at fantastic speeds! We will be setting up tents again for refreshments throughout the day. Cow bells can be Our major partner in this endeavor is the Big Shark Bicycle purchased at the Neighborhood Association tent – where you Company. Urban Chestnut Brewery is the Tour sponsor. can also purchase flags, stickers and other items to show pride As this event draws athletes from around the country, and in your community. even some international cyclists, we sometimes have to find Registrations for racers can be made online at https:// temporary accommodations. If you have a spare room and gatewaycup.com/register/. Although they do normally allow like meeting new people, please let us know at membership@ for registrations the day of the race, spots may fill up. For the stlhills.com. We will be working with the Tour managers to make sure that every athlete has a place to stay while in St. Louis.
The women’s field stayed together during the 2017 Tour de Francis Park. Photo by Matt James.
Grub & Groove (Cont’d from Page 2) attendees support the event and vendors who help make the event possible by leaving coolers and outside food at home. Bring a blanket and some chairs, invite your friends, and come ready to play, eat, dance, and have a great time at the 2019 Grub & Groove presented by Alliance Credit Union! More info at www.grubandgroovestl.com and https://www.facebook.com/grubandgroove/.
Local bands will perform on the 4 Hands Brewing Company stage during Grub and Groove on August 10. Photo provided by Rich Fisher.
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
Don’t forget to support the Association!
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by Gary Wells
Hey, Neighbor! You know, there are a lot of things going on in our neighborhood. Bicycle races, foot races, drinking and eating while listening to music and enjoying art. A beautiful park with things to do year-round. We love having these things – don’t you? Seeing other people from around the neighborhood is fun, too. Not to mention the attention we get from terrific people who are thinking about moving here. Well, here’s how you can help make sure that we can keep these things going: Join the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association. It’s pretty easy to do and relatively painless. You can go to our website – https://stlhills.com – and look for the tab at the top that says “Membership & Benefits.” From the drop down menu, select “Join/Renew.” There you can sign in through PayPal to pay your very minimal annual dues of $30. If paying online is not your thing, then you can send in the dues with a completed membership card (provided at right) to St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association, PO Box 190314, St. Louis, MO 63119-6314. We may also have Membership Committee people at our tent for any of the major Francis Park events. You can stop by and talk to us about membership then. Keep in mind – your first year of membership is free when you register as a member, and membership is transferable if you move within the neighborhood. Membership is for the whole household. Thank you for your support!
State Reps team up to block bad bills During this past legislative session, House Bill 473 was heard in the Downsizing State Government Committee of which I am the Ranking Minority Member. This bill would’ve prohibited municipalities from restricting the operation of almost any type of “home-based business” to operate in a residential dwelling.It overrode all local municipal government zoning ordinances. It would have made the burden of removing a nuisance home-based business, that negatively impacted the quality of life in a residential area, on those residing around it.
by Donna Baringer Missouri District 82 Representative
and this state law would eliminate the entire process.
When this bill came to the floor, I again relayed in detail firsthand knowledge of the unintended consequences to all 162 members of the House. This did not fall on deaf ears, in fact it became apparent that in the new freshman class there are at least 11 former municipal or county elected officials, and they too had serious concerns. Because we worked as a team to keep this bill from becoming a law, we formed a Local Government Caucus. There are 15 representatives that are a part of this caucus to make sure that our cities and or counties are not harmed by legislation at the state level, and I was elected to serve as the Vice Chair.
There is an end of session report that will be sent out electronically and for some it will be mailed. While the In effect, a community with an engaged neighborhood and legislature is not in session, I am always here to help. If you have elected officials would have to spend their time and money any comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact being reactive to a nuisance residential home-based business. me at donna.baringer@house.mo.gov. In committee I explained the very thorough proactive approach Thank you for allowing me to serve you. the City of St. Louis has for approval for home-based businesses
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
Here’s what your new neighbors have to say by Kate Corcoran and Teresa Turin-Lis What’s better than moving into a new home? Moving into a new home and being welcomed by friendly, caring neighbors. That’s just what our Welcome Committee does for every new resident of a single-family home in St. Louis Hills, within three months of their move-in date. Part of that warm welcome is a gift bag full of goodies like these: • Gift cards, flyers, and coupons from local businesses • Lots of helpful information about the neighborhood: activities, amenities, safety, etc. • Contact numbers for local reps A group of dedicated neighbor volunteers visits each home to personally welcome the new residents and deliver the gift bag. 51 bags were delivered to new residents in the last year. We also gently encourage the new resident to fill out a survey. Why a survey? So glad you asked. As a neighborhood association, we’re interested in
Above: New residents had overwhelmingly positive feedback when asked about their general impressions of St. Louis Hills.
• how and where people get information • why they chose St. Louis Hills and their general impression of it • what and how they think our association could improve • if and how the new resident is willing to get involved with SLHNA
Bottom: Two-thirds of new residents moved to St. Louis Hills from the county. New residents moved from Richmond, VA, Chesterfield, MO, Webster Groves, Dogtown, Affton and Dutchtown.
You’re probably interested, too. The images to the right show what new residents have said in the past year (since August 2018). Of the 51 bags delivered, 18% of recipients chose to complete the survey; this is a very good survey response rate. Our association keeps these and all other residents’ feedback in mind when putting together annual plans. More good feedback comes from our periodic association meetings. Be sure to participate as much as you can. Keep up with our neighborhood on social media and online! Facebook: facebook.com/stlhills Instagram: francis-park-saint-louis-hills Twitter: @stlhills Website: stlhills.com
Right: Francis Park dominated the list of reasons of why new residents chose St. Louis Hills.
Graphics by Teresa Turin-Lis.
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
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7th annual Brew in the Lou to benefit area Lutheran schools by Kit Auble and Brenda Kimberlin The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association’s 7th Annual “Brew in the Lou” Festival will return to the Lily Pond at Francis Park, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, from 1-5 p.m. Wristbands will go on sale July 1 at a special pre-sale price of just $35 through July 31 - a $15 savings over event-day admission. After July 31, tickets will increase to $40 advance/$50 day-of-event. “Brew in the Lou” offers one-stop tasting of St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits and food. Last year’s festival sold out for the third year in a row and raised a record $107,000 for Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area. More than 100 breweries, restaurants and craft artisans lined the banks of the lily pond, including 45 local and regional craft breweries. Wristbands include unlimited tastings and a commemorative glass. Children and pets welcome. To purchase a wristband, call (314) 200-0797, or visit https://lesastl.org/specialevents/7th-annual-brew-lou/?fbclid=IwAR2Jq JrxUrycPQVDfkdX8PAOPzUhrJFiV2rYZz9bJ dTho9HvQkORUm7jlkM Vendor applications are available at https:// lesastl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ vendor-form-2019.pdf More than 7,800 children attend LESA member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the BiState area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 34 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.lesastl.org.
Save the Date!
Join us for tea and local history! Your neighbors at Ascension Lutheran Church (Donovan and Eichelberger) would love to have you over for tea and refreshments on Sunday, November 10. Meet neighbors, learn more about St. Louis Hills, and hear a bit about Ascension’s architecture and history. Details to follow: watch our website and social media for updates.
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
Summer vibrance in St. Louis Hills It’s summertime! The sultry time of year lawn mowers and weed whips hum, barbecue pits sizzle, neighbors fence chat, lawn and garden awards are proudly displayed, block parties are planned, and our treasured Francis Park absorbs the sights and sounds of residents’ many activities. St. Louis Hills breathes vibrance!
by Nan Vordtriede, President, SLHNA
Register online at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/51335 Join lovely artists at Art in the Park on Sept. 29th. This 14year tradition returns with live music, art, food and fun, all featured around the beautiful lily pond maintained by our Lily Pond crew. Many Thanks to our Park Clean-up Crew for maintaining the park corners, middle section and lily pond for our events. We have an Executive Committee opening for a Senior Liaison. The Senior Liaison cultivates a close relationship with SLH members who are 50 plus, developing activities in the spirit of creativity, advocacy, and adventure. If you are interested contact Nancy Vordtriede at president@stlhills. com.
There is still time to renew your memberships! Membership is $30.00/per year. As you turn in your memberships, meet new people by volunteering for an event. You can sign up and volunteer at https://stlhills.com/membershipbenefits/slhna-membership/. Include your email so we can keep you up to date on ongoing activities. A huge “thank you” to all of our partners, chairs, and Grab a picnic dinner, blanket, friends, and come listen to the volunteers who make these events possible in support of Compton Heights Band for their concert series in Francis Park, the neighborhood, the surrounding community, and Francis which began July 7th and runs every Sunday through July 28th. For Park. To our residents, we are grateful for your devotion in making St. Louis Hills wonderful. Have a safe and wonderful more information, visit www.chband.org. summer! On August 10th, Grub and Groove kicks off their 8th Annual musical and food sensation. This presented by Alliance Credit Union. Lastly, our new Facebook page is “St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Experience music, food, and other activities while conversing with Association” - https://m.facebook.com/stlhills. neighbors, friends, and newcomers to the community. On August 31st, grab a Ted Drewes stroll or bike over and gear up for one of the best bike races in town, Tour De Francis Park. Watch top bicyclists compete as they spin around the park. See the bicyclists beforehand in other areas of the city too, including Lafayette Square, The Hill, and Benton Park. The fun continues in September with Run for the Hills on September 21st. Continue supporting Francis Park by surrounding yourselves with the best people excited to push themselves to run or walk the best race. This is an excellent opportunity for homeowners around Francis Park and throughout the race route to have a morning coffee and Danish party in their front yards. This year’s T-Shirt is a tribute to our 2019 Stanley Cup Champs.
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St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
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90th annual St. Louis Hills Lawn & Garden winners announced by Terry North 2019 marks the 90th year of awards for Best Lawn & Garden in St. Louis Hills, remarkable to say the least! I guess Ted Drewes and our award were started simultaneously. Maybe it was the custard as residents walked through the young tree-lined streets that started it all, and the fragrance of all those knock out roses Cyrus Willmore made available to new home owners -- truly a St. Louis Hills tradition.
I want to explain how the voting process works in the event anyone felt slighted or dismissed; this is never our intent. I know how hard most of us work in the yard only to “come in second.”
We have 10 volunteer judges that canvas the neighborhood from Hampton to Willmore and from Chippewa to Willmore Park, seeking out what is in their opinion the best example of landscaping in the neighborhood. We cover the entire This year we had a number of new winning addresses, glad to neighborhood starting in mid-May and finishing the last weekend see that! in June. That gives us about 6 weeks to check out what’s going on with the plantings and the lawns; who’s mulching and who’s working in the yard. This year was such a challenge due to the rain, cold and delayed Spring but we worked through it. Thank you to all the judges who put in the time! The judges’ selections, pictures and notes are sent to me and I put together a spreadsheet by street, listing the addresses from each judge. Then I add up the consistently nominated houses and determine the winners by the most votes per address. It is a complete democracy: the homes with the most votes win. The one rule we have is that an address cannot win 2 consecutive years. It is the goal of the Judging Committee to have the yard signs placed early in the morning on the Sunday prior to July 4th, a goofy tradition but it works! The corner of Donovan and Eichelberger was voted the best corner of Francis Park. Photo provided by Terry North.
If you have an interest in becoming a Judge for 2020, please contact me and I will put your interest in my file and contact you early next year. You can reach me at tcnorthdesignlines@ sbcglobal.net or on my cell at 314.494.4959. Finally, please notice the new signs this year, a nice fresh update! Cont’d on page 11
Ascension Lutheran won this year’s award for best-landscaped church. Photo provided by Terry North.
One of this year’s ten winners for best single-family house. Photo provided by Terry North.
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
A container garden for gardening newbies by Teresa Turin-Lis Eye-catching container gardens are everywhere. Want one of your own? You could buy a ready-made one, of course, but if you feel like being creative, why not have a little fun putting together a container full of plants you’ll love? Here’s a recipe for a container you’ll love.
Ingredients 3 to 7 plants, depending on their mature size and the size of the container. Potting mix—NOT garden soil. Never garden soil. You can get potting mix that’s plain, has fertilizer, and/or has moistureretention crystals. Moisture-retention crystals are magic and Left: This is a 16” to 20” pot. It’s hard to tell which of the plants is the showstopper. Right: A single variety of plant looks great in a pot. Photos by Teresa Turin-Lis. wonderful and I highly recommend them. A container whose size fits your space. Better Homes & 7. Water thoroughly—that means until water runs out the drain holes at the bottom of the pot. Gardens gives this guideline: 8. Put a little mulch between plants, if you want. • 10” to 12” pot can hold 3-6 plants • 14” to 16” pot can hold 4-8 plants Water your container regularly. You’ll probably need to water it • 16” to 20” pot can hold 6-12 plants every day when it’s hot.
Instructions
Confessions
1. Water the plants in their nursery pots. This will help their roots hold on to the soil from the pot. 2. Place the container where you want it to live when it’s full of plants. 3. Fill the container to the rim with potting mix. Moisten the mix with water. The mix will compact a little, but you’ll top it off later. 4. Before you put plants into the soil, set them in their pots on top of the soil in a configuration that looks pleasant to you. Tallest in the center, then medium/small and trailing toward the outside. 5. Remove the plants from their nursery pots and place them in the spots you’ve chosen for them. Make sure their soil line is about 1” below the top of the container. 6. Fill in with potting mix around the plants to about 1” below the top of the container.
• I don’t always moisten the potting mix before I put the plants in. When I don’t, I end up with so much room between the top of the soil and the rim of the container that crouching squirrels are invisible as they plant the sunflower seeds they stole from my bird feeder. I know this, yet I still fail to moisten. • Since I started gardening in 1995, I’ve overplanted 90% of the containers I’ve put together. Each August I curse the lack of self-control I showed in May at the garden center. • I ran out of potting mix this Spring as I was planting caladium bulbs, so I used part of a bag labeled “Garden Soil” that my mother, who found the bag in her garage, gave me. The garden soil in the container looks like concrete when it dries out. Sure, I could put mulch over it, but I’m too lazy to go to the store and buy some. I’d rather wait for the caladium leaves to fan out and hide my mistake. And the soil makes that container uber heavy. • This year I’ve had to ask strong men in my family to move two fully planted containers for me. Plant fever hit me hard in May and temporarily obliterated the knowledge I passed on to you in Step 2 of the instructions.
A Word about Plants Flowers and plants with decorative leaves look good in containers. If you want flowers, use annuals. If you want decorative leaves, you can use Cont’d on page 11
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
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Lawn & Garden Awards (Cont’d from Page 9) Below are the winners for 2019.
• 6000 Guilford / Matt & Teri Borowiak
Best Single Family • 5901 Highfield / Gregory & Karen Divis • 6374 Devonshire / Edward & Judith Longinette • 5021 Donovan / Patrick & Emily McGinnis • 6512 Eichelberger / Vasilios & Hrisoula Makos • 6744 Neosho / Gene & Barbara Brantley • 6614 Neosho / Jim & Sharon Wiseman • 6446 Westway / David & Briana Saunders • 6200 Itaska / Ryan & Emily Bury • 6579 Murdoch / Katherine Swaller • 6450 Murdoch / Juan Carvallo & Carol Perry-Carvallo Best Backyard • 5809 Delor / Donna McEvoy
Best Multi-Family • 5843 Robert / Diane Scott • 5627 Jamieson / Claude Denis Best Corner of Francis Park Donovan & Eichelberger Best Church Ascension Lutheran Best Block • 5800 Delor • 6200 Walsh
Gardening project (Cont’d from Page 10) annuals or perennials.
A Word about Mulch
Make sure all the plants you choose for your container need You probably won’t need to mulch. Your plants will grow and the same amount of sun. In other words, don’t put plants that cover the top of your container in a few weeks. like sun and plants that like shade in the same container. If you do want mulch, stuff like this looks good and it’s The tag in the nursery pot will tell you about the plant’s sun and inexpensive because you can pick it up from your yard: grass water needs and how big it will get. clippings, finely chopped leaves, compost, pine straw. If none of that appeals to you, you can always find finely shredded mulch Find plants you like online or elsewhere, then buy them from a in bags at the garden center. garden center. If you’re unsure what to choose, take advantage of the experience that people who work at garden centers have. Gardening Resources I Use These combos are good for newbies and experienced gardeners alike: • One variety of plant—A big pot of petunias or daisies or marigolds or cosmos or any other annual, flowering or otherwise, that tickles your fancy • Three varieties of plants—A showstopper, a supporting player and a trailer.
• Bayer’s Garden Shop on Hampton • Colors of Spring on Watson • Garden Heights Nursery in Richmond Heights • www.missouribotanicalgarden.org • www.whiteflowerfarm.com • www.bhg.com/gardening • www.pinterest.com (Search for “container gardening flowers”)
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
SLHNA awards scholarships to four area students by Michelle Cheli SLHNA awarded the annual one-year scholarship to four deserving eighth grade students who live in our neighborhood. The recipients are Campbell Cornett, who attended Chaminade and will be going to St. Louis University High School; and three students from St. Gabriel the Archangel School. Sarah Richars will be attending Cor Jesu Academy, Katie Roeder will attend Bishop DuBourg High School, and Luc Woolbright will attend St. John Vianney High School. We congratulate these students on their hard work and thank them for the value they add to our community. The scholarship is offered to eighth graders whose parents have a history of membership in SLHNA. Student applications are judged on scholarship, leadership, and service by submitting a current report card, an essay with the title “Why I am deserving of this scholarship,” lists of neighborhood volunteerism and extra-curricular activities, and a letter of recommendation. Numerous judges read each blind application and award points in each category. Scores are tallied and the highest scoring students are awarded the scholarships. Each year the judges are impressed with the applications. A message announcing the scholarships is sent each year to the neighborhood grade schools: Busch Middle School of Character, St. Gabriel The Archangel School, St. Raphael The Archangel School, and Word of Life Lutheran School. The application information is sent in March with a deadline for all submissions by mid-April. Children of members who do not attend local schools can find out about the scholarships in church bulletins or online at the SLHNA website, www.stlhills.com.
Clockwise from top left: Campbell Cornett, Katie Roeder, Sarah Richars and Luc Woolbright were the winners of this year’s high school scholarship, provided by the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association. Photos provided by Michelle Cheli.
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
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Bishop DuBourg students study and work in St. Louis Hills by Keith Bethea, Bishop DuBourg High School Class of 2019 Many of the students who attend Bishop DuBourg High School on Eichelberger not only study in St. Louis Hills, but also contribute to the neighborhood with part-time employment here. There are a multitude of reasons students take up a job in high school. Some students help with paying for tuition, others are saving for college and still others are earning income while building up a resume.
me then from other students because Dubourg is a school with a good reputation of leadership and has a history of producing well formed young men and women,” says Kosta.
Joey Kosta, Bishop DuBourg class of 2019, is one of several of the school’s students who work at Panda Express on Hampton. “I know I represent Bishop DuBourg while I am on the job by the way I talk, treat, and serve people at the restaurant,” he says. Kosta says he enjoys working in the neighborhood because he gets to experience the diversity of the community by age and race. “When I tell people I go to Dubourg they expect more from
schedules, and others miss school-sponsored events because they can’t get off work.
Another Bishop DuBourg student, Shannon Leisure, class of 2019, works at Palm Beach Tan on Hampton. “I witness some crazy things on Hampton,” she says. “Cars flying by, people riding bikes while singing... you name it, I have seen it on Having any sort of job while in high school looks good on a Hampton. One way DB has really helped me in my job is that I resume. It tells employers you can balance an intense schedule have learned to have good manners and be polite even if I am while also taking care of your studies. Working students can in a bad mood.” also gain contacts that assist them as they come to need Working a part-time job while going to school can cause some recommendations or networking opportunities. They learn how scheduling conflicts. Some students go straight to work after to manage their time and balance competing responsibilities, school, cutting into time needed for studying (not to mention and they learn important life skills. sleeping). Some students have to balance athletics and work
Holding a part-time job while going to high school has plenty of benefits, and gives Bishop DuBourg High School students the chance to contribute to the neighborhood where they go to school.
Take advantage of local safety resources There are many resources available to help residents avoid becoming a victim of crime. Did you know that the St. Louis Police Department will conduct home security surveys and robbery prevention training? They also provide safety training for businesses and fraud prevention seminars. Crime prevention tips are available on the SLMPD website, www.slmpd.org. Our police department sells motor scooter and motorcycle locks, steering wheel clubs, license plate covers and fasteners, and personal vehicle safes at two locations. Want to anonymously report a crime? It’s easily done through Crime Stoppers: www. stlrcs.org. The Crime Stoppers’ website also offers links to information on victim advocacy, identity theft, missing and exploited children, Amber Alert and more. Check it out. Just about everything you need to know about living safely is available to you at www. safehome.org/resources. Another interesting website is that provided by the National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org/ resources/home-neighborhood-safety.
by Pat Talley, Crime & Safety Education
These resources are available to you, free of charge, so take advantage of them to better educate yourself. No matter where you live crime can impact your life. Avoid becoming a victim – arm yourself with information.
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Summer 2019 / St. Louis Hills News and Views
The sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) The sunflower is native to North America with the earliest signs of existence going back to 1000 BC. Evidence by archeologists suggest the sunflower was cultivated before corn by Native Americans. Tribes in the areas now known as Arizona and New Mexico domesticated the sunflower for many uses including flour for cakes, mush or bread. There are also references of non-food uses such as medicines made by extracting oils from the flower to aid in the treatment of snake bites as well as making ointments and other personal products for the body, skin and hair. Other uses include using the stalks as building material and seeds in ceremonial processes. After the discovery of the Americas, the Spanish introduced the plant to Western Europe where it was used ornamentally and later developed into their own medicinal purposes. The sunflower gained popularity in Russia after Peter the Great brought sunflower seeds back to his home land for cultivation. By the 18th century, sunflowers were being used as a food source by most of Russia. By the 19th century, Russian farmers had 2 million acres of sunflowers planted and they soon discovered two types, one as a major food source and the other harvsted
by Jeff Lesher
for its oils. Somewhere around 1880, the sunflower returned to the Americas, brought here by Russian immigrants as Mammoth Russian Sunflowers. One of the original uses was poultry feed and the Mammoth Russian name was kept until 1970. Canada got in the game in 1930 as oil demand increased and moved to northern states as more and more uses were discovered. Sunflower acreage increased in the U.S. due to the demand for its oil. It was North America that changed plant genetics and did most of the hybridization that made the sunflower and all the uses we enjoy today possible. The next time you are at a ballgame and see a bunch of kids having a great time playing ball and spittin’ seeds, you can take a minute to thank Native Americans and the Russians for some of this fun. The sunflowers we use at Lesher’s Flowers are ornamental and do not produce seeds. Some are still grown in California, but the bulk of the ones we use in bouquets Cont’d on page 15
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard turns 90 Ted Drewes Frozen Custard celebrated its 90th year in business on April 25th with a party at its Chippewa location. Right: The celebration featured an array of vintage cars, symbolic of the many changes that have been witnessed by the famous frozen custard stand. Bottom right: Travis and Christy Dillon, the son-in-law and daughter of Ted Drewes Jr., currently own the business. Bottom center: Ted Drewes Jr., son of the original owner and namesake, participated in the event. Bottom left: St. Louis radio legend Ron “Johnny Rabbitt” Elz was in attendance with other local celebrities. Photos provided by Nan Vordtriede.
St. Louis Hills News and Views / Summer 2019
Four hundred fifty seven When I volunteered to edit this newsletter in late 2017, we were printing 5,000 copies a couple times a year and handdelivering them to every residence in St. Louis Hills -- that’s 3,924 households. I would hand out big stacks to a handful of volunteers in Francis Park and we’d walk the neighborhood, dropping them off at everyone’s home. I gained a whole new level of respect for our mail carriers. But the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association (SLHNA) membership numbers kept going down, as they had for years. While a dozen local businesses are kind enough to take out advertisements in this newsletter, it doesn’t cover the complete cost of production. We rely on annual dues from members to pay for various SLHNA activities, including printing of this newsletter. And since I’ve been trying my darndest to get four issues a year printed, our costs were going up. Somebody pointed out to me that we used to only print enough copies for SLHNA members and mail it to them. The mailed newsletter therefore used to be a benefit of membership. Maybe, they reasoned, our decline in membership was due in part to there being no obvious, tangible benefit of joining. Their reasoning made some degree of sense. People who weren’t members and still wanted to read the newsletter could always get it online. So we put a notice in the following issue of the newsletter that the issue after that would only be mailed to paying members of the SLHNA.
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by Chip Kastner, Editor
But our membership numbers kept going down, despite our efforts. We had a fair number of surplus newsletters, so we gave out gigantic stacks to any local business who would take them. We ensured that articles promoting membership were put in every issue and given prominent placement in the newsletter. We’ve mailed this issue to everyone in the neighborhood, in part to promote all of the neighborhood’s great summer/fall events but in part to remind everyone of the newsletter’s existence. But our membership numbers kept going down. As I write this, the number stands at 457 -- less than 12% of neighborhood households, and a third of our historical average. I realize that not everyone enjoys this newsletter; I’m pretty sure my wife just skims it to be nice to me. But in addition to paying for this publication, your membership dues also help pay for popular neighborhood events like the Easter egg hunt, Christmas tree lighting, lawn and garden awards, holiday lighting awards, and annual scholarship. These activities are part of the reason that St. Louis Hills remains such a great neighborhood to live in. I know it’s easy to forget to pay your membership dues. In fact, as I wrote this article, I did my part to increase the number of paid members to 458; it took me about two minutes to visit www.stlhills.com, log into PayPal, and click submit. I get physical copies of the newsletter regardless of whether I pay my dues, so it’s harder to tell when I lapse!
The sunflower (Cont’d from Page 14) come from either South or Central America. They are cut before they are fully developed, and packed in a way to prevent damage during shipping. When we receive them, we remove all the leaves, give them a fresh cut of the stems and place them in water with preservatives added. They then remain at room temperature for two to three days to develop or open. Then they are refrigerated until being placed in different types of arrangements. Sunflowers have what we consider a good vase
life. In good conditions you can expect them to last a week to two weeks in some cases. The price is also a plus, as they are not too expensive for the size and the lasting quality. The many uses of sunflowers make it a pretty impressive plant. Whether eating seeds out of a bag, cutting some you’ve grown in your backyard to put in a vase for your kitchen table, to hundreds of other uses, the sunflower is quite a plant.
St. Louis Hills News and Views
DON’T BE A VICTIM! Lock your doors
Publication of the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association newsletter@stlhills.com PO Box 190314 St. Louis, MO 63119-6314 Editor and Layout Chip Kastner Advertisements Terry North Printer
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NOTABLE DATES July 21, 7:30 p.m. Compton Heights Band featuring Abbey Road Warriors Francis Park July 28, 7:30 p.m. Compton Heights Band featuring guest soloist Hugh Kash Smith Francis Park August 10, 2:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Grub and Groove Francis Park August 17, 5:30 p.m. St. Raphael the Archangel Watermelon Festival St. Raphael church grounds August 31st, 10:00 a.m. Tour De Francis Park Francis Park September 21, 8:00 a.m. Run for the Hills Francis Park September 26, 7:00 p.m. St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association General Meeeting Bishop Dubourg Cafeteria September 29, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Art in the Park Francis Park October 12, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Brew in the Lou Francis Park November 9 Annual Marcia Matreci Trivia Night St. Raphael the Archangel November 10 Tea and Local History Ascension Lutheran Church December 1, 7:00 p.m. St. Louis Hills Christmas tree lighting Francis Park