southwest gardensouthwest garden

A Quarterly Publication of the Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association Vol. 31, Issue 4 October 2009

SWGNA Fall

SWGNA Membership Meeting Mon., Oct. 19 @ 7 pm

Senior Center 5602 Arsenal

(just west of Sublette)Everyone is welcome!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE… New Members, Important #s 2 Reporting Nuisance 2 Energy Trust 3 Vandeventer Streetscape 3 Area Developments 4 Operation Brightside Grant 4 Treehugger Project 5 Calendar of Events 5 SWG Property Owners 6 It Takes a Village 6 Neighborhood Meeting Agenda 7 Membership Renewal Form 8

Ongoing Effort of Energy Trust The Department of Natural Resources and River Des Peres Watershed Coalition have started a program to promote water qual-ity by manufacturing and selling rain barrels at the very affordable cost of $72 per barrel. The rain barrels capture water coming down your downspout, this re-duces the amount of water inun-dating our aged sewer system during storm events.

In most of St. Louis we have combined sewers that mix runoff from roads, roofs, and parking lots with raw sewage. The sys-tem is designed so that when the sewers fill up Combined Sewage Overflows (CSOs) dump the com-bined mixture of polluted surface runoff and raw sewage directly into the River des Peres. By re-ducing the amount of runoff we reduce the amount of sewage Continued on page three.

Appreciation for Police, Firefighters, & EMT George and Sandy Grbac will coordinate an Appreciation Day for our Police, Firefighters, and EMT on Monday, October 26. Our local heros will be honored with a lunch and dinner buffet. Sandy Grbac will contact local businesses and restaurants for donations. George will manage the grill. Volunteers are sought to

help prepare the food, serve, and clean-up. The event takes place at the Southwest Garden Neighborhood office, located at 4950 Southwest Avenue as our organization is an event sponsor. If you see Southwest Avenue filled with police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances on October 26,

we have not had a catastrophe - we are serving up a delicious hot meal for those who serve and protect us each day. Please contact Sandy Grbac if you wish to volunteer or make a donation to this cause. Sandy can be reached at 771-8672. All contributions are appreciated.

Communicator

Block Party Visited by Bicyclists The 4900 block of Botanical celebrated National Night Out with some help from the St. Louis bicycle club, known as FBC. Members of FBC were bicycling around the city visiting various block parties. Pat Matthews, coordinator of this party, is a bicyclist, so the FBC members were given a warm welcome. Other blocks celebrating National Night Out included 4900 block of Columbia, Gurney Court, Tower Grove Place, and Dalton Avenue.

SWGNA FYI BOARD Page 2

HELPFUL NUMBERS SOUTHWEST GARDEN

Neighborhood Assoc., Ex. Dir., Dana Gray 772-6082 Property Owners Assoc. Pres. Floyd Wright 606-4713 Gardenside Subdivision, Pres. John Nash 664-8177 Housing Corp., Pres. Jennie Benoist 772-6082

CITY SERVICES Citizens’ Service Bureau (to request City Service) 622-4800 Neighborhood Stabilization Office 622-4628 8th Ward NSO, Michelle Boston-David 589-8169 10th Ward NSO, Mike Flood 589-8167 8th Ward Alderman, Stephen Conway 622-3287 10th Ward Alderman, Joseph Vollmer 622-3287

POLICE (2nd Dist., W of Kingshighway/ 3rd Dist., E of Kingshighway)

2nd Dist. Public Affairs Officer Don Veile 444-0168 2nd Dist. Problem Properties Ofcr Mike Dempsey444-0177 3rd Dist. Public Affairs Officer Don Re 444-0169 3rd Dist. Problem Properties Leonard Whitehead 444-0185 Non-Emergency Requests for Police Response 231-1212

Suspected Gang/Drug Activity (anonymous) 241-COPS

Report nuisance behaviors

Nuisance behavior can negatively impact residents and property owners of all surrounding properties. Nuisance behavior includes: public drinking; loiter-ing in front yards, sidewalks, or streets; using, distrib-uting, and/or selling illegal drugs; prostitution; playing music or conversing loud enough that your neighbors can hear you; over crowding. If you witness any of these behaviors call 911. Tell the dispatcher if you are calling from a cell phone, so the call can be documented. State the address of the property where the problem is occurring. Once a sufficient number of calls are recorded on that property, the city can take action. For continuing problems, please call our office 772-6082.

Communicator Published Quarterly by

Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association 4950 Southwest Ave St. Louis, MO 63110

The Southwest Garden Neighborhood Associa-tion is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization whose

mission is to improve the Southwest Garden Neighborhood.

“The Communicator” is funded by members dues and a

HUD Community Development Block Grant via the St. Louis Community

Development Administration

Member Recognition Thank you to the new and renewing members. It is never too late to join our organization. Membership follows the calendar year. This list reflects members paid by Sept 17, 2009.

AB Agency Barb Anderson Dan & Barbara April Andrew Balsarotti Mary Balsarotti Colleen & David Barbero Eddie & Joan Barmer Cathy & Josh Bauer Barbara Beck Gary Behrman Jenny Benoist Antoinette Berta Robert & Wanda Bowen Judy Bozikis Ron & Theresa Bozikis Chuck Bradburn Kathy & Mike Buckley John & Peggy Cassani John Charlton Ann Contarini Shelly & Michael Coulter Jeff Day & Associates Joe & Bonnie Devoti Rita & Wendy Duran Torri Loyd During Nathan Durnell Sharon Everett Rich & Jerry Fair Willis Carl Fararrio John Fink Ross Finley Reno Garavaglia Nancy Gorla Jennie Gravagna

Dana & Jerry Gray Basye Sandy & George Grbac Jen & Dutch Guidici Ellen Hicks Martin Ivancic Linda Jackson Norm & Delores Guittar Kathrene Harnacker Michelle Heitmann Hideaway - Al Coco Nancy Hightshoe Michelle Hyde Susan Ingham Theodis & Juliette Johnson Mimi Katzman Robert Kessel Jeff Krull Sam LaBarera Jeannine Mark Lamb Schade Jodi Lane Rosemary Lightfoot David & Ruth Madalon Leonard & Carol Madalon Kevin & Cindy McCueVahle Lynn McQueary Kay Mantia Pat & Steve Matthews Kelly Ron Matejka Margaret Miller Pam & Alan Mitchell Virgil Moore Laura Morton Earl & Anne Nelson

Kim Norton Gloria Openlander Gene Ott Debbie Ousley Jesse Owens Mary Ann Owens Terri & Mark Philippi Richard Rubin Norah Ryan Jack & Sharon Sanders Michelle Sauer Jana Scharnhorst Bob & Kathy Shelli Donna Small Pamela Shephard Kevin & Nancy Sigillito Jack & Carol Stelzer Mark & Erin Stoff Tom & Christine Stoff Carol & Ben Stratton John & Joyce Tanurchis David & Jan Tarantola Elaine Tillier Mary Tissi Henry Torretta Pete Traina Trophy Room,Herb Krishke Adelaide Vogel Jeanne Whalen Rick & Valerie White Floyd Wright Janie Wright Dana Wurdack

Join SWGNA E-mail List Events and issues frequently arise that do not allow enough lead time to publish in our newsletter. To fill the gap, we have a neighborhood email list. Those who opt to participate receive notices of up-coming meetings, security concerns, area events, and news of lost pets. Email addresses are kept private and not sold to third parties. If you would like to be included, please let us know. Simply send an email to: director@southwestgarden.org

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Conservation continued from page one

that overflows into the River des Peres and Missis-sippi River further downstream. There are a couple properties that have already installed rain barrels in our neighborhood. You can check them out at 4646 Shenandoah or 4921 Co-lumbia Avenue. The water collected in a rain barrel is excellent for watering gardens because, unlike tap water, it doesn't contain chlorine which can be harmful for plants. You can significantly reduce your water use during the summer by using rain barrels to water your lawn and garden. Another way to reduce storm water runoff is a rooftop garden. A local company makes the mois-

ture protection system util-ized in rooftop gardens and they have a garden on their roof. You can check it out, Shield Systems Inc., at 5205 Bischoff Avenue. Want to learn more? Register for the Energy Trust at: www.southwestgarden.org

You may have seen civil engineers surveying Vandeventer in the past month in preparation of our streetscape improvements. Alderman Steve Con-way, SWGNA President Floyd Wright, our architect / intern Christopher Rehwoldt, and director Dana Gray met with the hired streetscape project man-ager Noel Fehr of Planning Design Studio and Roy Bachmann, engineer with the Board of Public Ser-vice. Ralph Elgin Wafer, a planner, architect, and neighborhood resident, made an appeal for specific lighting fixtures that will reduce glare and light pollu-tion, yet increase lighting in the pedestrian and driv-ing areas. Components of the project include upgrades to the pedestrian signals, crosswalk, and traffic signal timing at the intersection of Kingshighway and Van-deventer, implementation of a road diet along Van-deventer (reducing traffic lanes from 4 to 3, except at the main intersections), installing new street lights with cut-off fixtures (which will reduce light pollution and increase lighting for the pedestrian), increased plantings of low maintenance ground cover and hardy tree species, reduced curb-cuts, and ADA

compliance. We are seeking advice from the bicy-cling community regarding bicycle routes. Watch for postings on our website and email list for notices of public meetings concerning updates to the streetscape design (www.southwestgarden.org) Subconsultants include Engineering Design Source, Inc. a civil engineering and surveying firm and Webb Engineering Services, Inc. a consulting engineering firm. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2010.

Vandeventer Streetscape Project Updates

Are Costly Utility Bills Getting you Down? The Urban League Can Help!

FREE Weatherization Assistance for St. Louis residents may include: Insulation - Window & Door Caulking

- Dryer Venting - Furnace Repair/Replacement - - Hot Water Tank Repair -

Income Guidelines Size of Family Eligibility Income Level 1 $21,660 2 $29,140 3 $36,620 4 $44,100 5 $51,580

Call Today for more information: Shelly at (314) 615-3612

Or April at (314) 615-3646

This program is funded by the Department of Natural Resources, Ameren UE and Laclede Gas.

PROUDLY SUPPORTS SWGNA

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Area Developments ⇒ Light of Love Fellowship church has opened at

2206 So. Vandeventer, for details visit www.lightoflovefellowship.com

⇒ 4974 Reber Place was renovated by Bill & Beka Gooden

⇒ 5508 Southwest was renovated by Sean & Melissa Kessler

⇒ 4933 Odell was renovated by Brian Schlueter ⇒ Renovations are underway at 4975 Arsenal by

George Brier ⇒ LUXE Designer Resale Boutique, has opened at

5400 Magnolia Ave, 645-2232. The store fea-tures men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes.

⇒ 4557 Flad was purchased by Southwest Garden Housing Corp and they are entertaining propos-als from reputable developers for converting this four family to owner occupied unit(s).

⇒ Amigo Joe’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina at 5901 Southwest now offers patio dining

⇒ 2700 Macklind has a 1100 SF renovated com-mercial space available for rent, call 520-3293

⇒ 3135 SF of commercial space is available at 4640-42 Shenandoah, call 571-7654

⇒ Vandeventer Streetscape improvements are an-ticipated by spring of 2010.

Many of these projects would not have been possi-ble without the support of our 10th and 8th Ward Aldermen - Joseph Vollmer and Stephen Conway.

Operation Brightside’s Gardening Grants

Sublette Park Playground area is focus of grant

This four family at 4975 Arsenal is presently being improved by George Brier.

This two family at 4974 Reber Place is presently being im-proved by Bill & Beka Gooden.

Our neighborhood association has been awarded a grant by Operation Brightside for a public garden-ing project in Sublette Park. Earlier this summer, St. Louis City’s Urban For-ester, Jamie Frank, completed a Tree Inventory and Tree Planting Plan for Sublette Park. Our neighbor-hood office consulted with Jamie Frank concerning the master plan and we are coordinating efforts on grant applications, tree and shrub selection, plant-ings, and maintenance. Through the guidance of the Tree Planting Plan, our office submitted a grant application to Operation Brightside. Plantings will be focused around the playground area, as a water source is nearby. We will begin implementing tree and shrub plantings with the help of volunteers in early November. If you would like to help with this project, call 772-6082 or email director@southwestgarden.org Thank you to Operation Brightside for funding this project to help beautify our neighborhood. If you want to learn more about the long term Tree Planting Plan for Sublette Park, visit our web-site, to view the report online: www.southwestgarden.org

UPCOMING MEETINGS SWGNA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: (quarterly) October 19, 7pm, Senior Center, 5602 Arsenal SWGNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (monthly) (2nd Mondays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Ave.) October 12, November 9 SWG PROPERTY OWNERS: (quarterly) (Wednesday, 7 pm at the Garden) November 11 SWG HOUSING CORPORATION: (monthly) (1st Thursdays 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.) October 1, November 5 GARDENSIDE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT: (1st Mondays, 6:30pm at 4950 Southwest Av.) October 5, November 2

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All Year, 7 -12 Wed & Sat Early Morning Walking, at MO Botanical Garden - FREE

Sat, Sept 20, 8:30pm, Movie Night, Tower Grove Park Lady and The Tramp - FREE

Saturdays, thru Oct 24, Tower Grove Farmers Market, 8:30-12:30, just west of the Pool Pavilion

Oct 3 - 4, Best of Missouri Market, Botanical Garden

Oct 3 - 4, Historical Shaw Art Fair, Flora Place

Tues, Oct 12, St. Louis Symphony Chamber Concert, Piper Palm House, doors 6:30, concert 7 pm, free

Mon, Oct. 19, 7 pm, Neighborhood Meeting, at Senior Center, 5602 Arsenal, FREE

Mon, Oct 26, Appreciation Day for Police, Firefighters, & EMT, 4950 Southwest Ave.

Sun, Nov 1, Classic99’s Fall Concert Series, noon, Botanical Garden, FREE

Sun, Nov 8, Classic99’s Fall Concert Series, noon, Botanical Garden, FREE

Wed, Nov 11, 7 pm, Property Owners Meeting, at MO Botanical Garden, FREE

Fri, Nov 13, 10am - 2pm, America Recycles Day, City Hall Rotunda, 1200 Market St. , FREE

Sun, Nov 15, Classic 99’s Fall Concert Series, noon, Botanical Garden, FREE

Sun, Nov 22, Classic 99’s Fall Concert Series, noon, Botanical Garden, fFREE

Nov 25 - Jan 3, Gardenland Express, Botanical Garden, annual holiday flower & train show

Sun, Dec 6, Chanukah: Festival of Lights, Botanical Garden, noon to 4pm

Sun, Dec 6, Classic99’s Fall Concert Series, noon, Botanical Garden, FREE

Tues, Dec 8, St. Louis Symphony Chamber Concert, Piper Palm House, doors 6:30, concert 7 pm, FREE

Dec 12-13, Christmas Carols in the Garden, 1 - 5pm

Missouri Botanical Garden Partners with Treehuggers

The Treehugger Project was outlined n the last newsletter. To recap, the Treehugger Project is a site-specific, environmental art installation by artists Agnieszka Gradzik and Wiktor Szostalo, who have been internationally recognized and commissioned to install Treehuggers at various sites, most recently the International Climate Change Conference in Po-land (Dec. 2008). Our community art project will be realized through support from the Regional Arts Commission, our neighborhood association, and donations from the community. This project will be presented to area schools and civic groups in partnership with the Missouri Bo-tanical Garden’s Earthway Center. AmerenUE’s Energy Bike will be utilized to demonstrate energy efficiency. The Energy Bike rider will be able to choose to light up either standard incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs and determine which requires more energy. As the bicyclist is gen-erating electricity while turning the pedals. The presentations will focus on sustainable life-style choices, mass consumption, and climate change. We are booking presentations for the spring of 2010. Neighborhood walkability, our public green space, housing redevelopment, our Energy Trust, and our sustainably designed streetscape project all foster the Southwest Garden Neighborhood’s Green identity and further our effort to create a model for other communities to duplicate. We are seeking contributions to purchase addi-tional Treehugger figures. Donations in any amount are appreciated and tax deductible. Visit www.TreehuggerProject.com for more images of the Treehuggers.

Energy Bike exhibited at Missouri Botanical Garden

It Takes a Village Homage must be given to those who contribute to the community. Special thanks go to the follow-ing individuals and businesses for their contribution: Thank You to Trish Erwin of Sandrinas for host-ing our neighborhood association Members Party. Sandrinas donated the food, drinks, and the space. Thank you to Barbara April for leading a Mem-bership Drive for the neighborhood association. Thank you to Virgil Moore for collecting raffle prizes for our members party. Thank you to our intern, Christopher Rehwoldt, an architect, for developing a neighborhood archi-tectural guide for exterior facades. Thank you to the hosts of our Rehabbers Club Tour: Jesse Owens, George Brier, Sean & Melissa Kessler. Thank you to the block captains who hosted par-ties on National Night Out: Kim Norton, Sol Rabushka, Pat & Steve Matthews Kelly, Dana & Jerry Gray Basye, Bob & Bernie Bucher. Thank you to Linda Schreier for coordinating our Contra Dance at Tower Grove Park. Thank you to the hosts of our Gardeners Tour: Chuck & Michel Fuhry Krevenas, Susan & Roger Dawson Trietley, Laura & Brendan Granich Smith, Sandy & George Grbac, Jack & Carol Stelzer, Jenny Benoist, Mary Ann Owens, and Jerry Basye. Thank you to SWG resident, Ralph Eglin Wafer, an architect & planner, for sharing ideas on property lighting for aesthetics and security. Thank you to Ron Matejka for managing our of-fice recycling. Thank you to Lana Trezise Azar for hosting and updating our website.

Looking for an apartment?

Call the Southwest Garden Apartment Hotline (314) 772-7661

Or submit your specifications to the Southwest Garden Apartment Search:

www.southwestgarden.org

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The Southwest Garden Property Owners Asso-ciation is a property improvement advocate that as-sists members with marketing and development ideas for their properties. Everyone is welcome. Greg Wiley, publisher of Repair, ReStore, Re-model, a new monthly home improvement guide, will discuss how he was inspired to create the publi-cation. Copies of the guide will be available at the meeting. ReVitalize St. Louis representatives will share insights on property improvements that bring the most reward for landlords and homeowners. Exam-ine the factors that bring new renters and investors to the city. Kraig Schnitzmeier, executive director of St. Mar-garet’s Housing Corporation, will share progress on development in the Shaw area. Hear an update on the real estate market from Matt Kastner, a local realtor specializing in invest-ment property. Check out Matt’s informative blog: http://thresholdstl.com/ Members’ recommended contractors, vendors, and trades people will be introduced. We will recognize development projects on Re-ber Place, Magnolia, Southwest, Arsenal, and King-shighway, among others. The association markets apartments for mem-bers through the website and message center. The final tenant screening is up to the property owner. The Property Owners Association is always eager to photograph and showcase your recently renovated home or apartment. Call Floyd Wright, 606-4713, with any comments or suggestions.

Property Owners to Meet November 11

Community residents enjoyed Contra Dancing and Waltzing at Tower Grove Park on Aug. 15

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30 Soulard 90 Hampton 8 Bates Macklind 95 Kingshighway

-- Updated 6/09 --

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Southwest Garden , a historical walking tour book and postcard collec-tion is now available through our office. You can also order copies on our website and pay by credit card: www.southwestgarden.org A portion of proceeds benefit the Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association.

Neighborhood Meeting October 19

Aldermen Vollmer and Conway will share up-dates on city government as relates to SW Garden. Aldermanic President Lewis Reed will share up-dates on the city budget, pending bills, and revisions to the building codes to allow for Green renovations. Kate Shea, of the St. Louis Cultural Resources office, will discuss progress on our designation as a National Historic District. Learn more about utilizing historic tax credits on major renovation projects. Hear about progress on the Vandeventer Street-scape Project and plans for a road diet. Conceptual drawings of the project from Noel Fehr, of Planning Design Studio, will be presented. Debra Pottinger will talk about the AmerenUE Pure Power Program and the benefits of supporting local renewable energy resources, through the pur-chase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). A Public Affairs Police Officer will address secu-rity concerns and answer your questions. Enjoy seeing images of neighborhood events, such as the Gardeners Tour, Members Party, vari-ous development projects, and block parties. ALL ARE WELCOME! The neighborhood meet-ing takes place at 7 pm at the Senior Center, located at 5602 Arsenal. Come meet members of your community.

Neighborhood Public Transit Map

World Class bicyclists participated in the Gateway Cup Bike Race on The Hill Sept. 6, 2009

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid St. Louis, MO Permit No.279

SOUTHWEST GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

4950 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Tel: 314-772-6082 Email: director@southwestgarden.org Web: www.southwestgarden.org

Board of Directors Floyd Wright………..….………….President Chuck Fuhry… ………....1st Vice-President Ron Matejka…………….2nd Vice-President Danny Daniele………….3rd Vice-President Nathan Durnell … …..…….Rec. Secretary Peter Hovey ….……….….....Corr. Secretary Barbara Beck…………….…….…..Treasurer Judy Lewin…..…………....Member-at-Large Virgil Moore.………… ....Member-at-Large Dana Gray……………….Executive Director

Become a member of your neighborhood association! Every contribution is tax deductible and very much appreciated. We work with residents, businesses, elected representatives, city offices, and other community organizations for a better neighborhood. Programs and volunteers beautify the community, improve public safety, fight crime, provide fun things to do, and keep you informed. Membership follows the calendar year and entitles you to invitations to special events, voting rights at general membership meetings; two votes per family membership; one vote each for an individual or business.

SOUTHWEST GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC. (SWGNA) 2010 MEMBERSHIP DUES Family $20 Business $25 Individual $10 Senior $6

Please provide your name, business name (if appropriate), address, phone, and email, along with a check made pay-able to SWGNA. Mail to: Southwest Garden Neighborhood Assoc., 4950 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

An added donation to your membership is much appreciated and will be used to enhance SWGNA programs. NAME: ____________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________________ BUSINESS: _________________________________EMAIL: _______________________________________ ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________ Would you like to get involved in the neighborhood? Let us know. : ___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________