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Community Life

Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Meets

October 1987

Historical October 1987 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

The Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council met on August 31, 1987 at the home of Georgi Fox. Present: J. McLeod, P. Kurtz, K. Hoerr, G. Fox, J. O’Neal, B. Dowgwillo, R. Mahon, K. Wobus, N. Vatcha, L. Magyar, G. Klevorn, N. Farmer; guest, Maryann Shickman, Kingsbury Kiosk librarian. Meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm. Minutes were approved as read. J. McLeod introduced Maryann Shickman.

She was invited tonight to tell directors about Kiosk activities and programs. Shickman reported circulation and the number of patrons at the Kiosk have fallen off compared to last year.

On Saturday, 8/29, Shickman hosted a party for children who read 15 or more books over the summer; she thanked Farmer and SDCC for helping with and supporting the party. Shickman would like to sponsor other programs.

She currently picks up and delivers books to a couple of patrons when they are unable to get to the Kiosk.

She feels there are others in the area who could use this service. G. Klevorn stated this could be a project for the social service committee.

She will follow up with Shickman about the idea.

The Kiosk is open 9:30-6:00, Tuesday-Saturday, closed daily 12:30-1:30 for lunch. Shickman also commented on increased patrols by the 7th District Police around the Kiosk; she feels security is improved.

Treasurer’s Report:

McLeod addressed several expenditures authorized by the executive committee since the last board meeting: purchase of air conditioners when the old unit quit working the last week of July; purchase of helium and balloons for National Night Out; $50 donation to West End Neighbors annual picnic; and $25 toward the renting of a booth representing SDCC, CWE Assoc., and Arts Council at the DeBaliviere Brick Party. Kurtz moved the report be accepted as read; second by Wobus and approved.

Rosedale Neighborhood Association:

B. Dowgwillo reported RNA is busy planning Rags to Riches which is slated for Saturday, 9/26.

The association will hold its fall pot luck meeting 9/15/87, 6:30 pm, at 28th Ward Headquarters.

Safety Committee Report:

The committee did not meet last month; next meeting scheduled for 9/28/87.

Social Service Committee Report:

G. Klevorn reported project proposal forms have been sent to block captains.

The committee will invite Shickman to its next meeting.

Home Improvement Loan Program:

J. McLeod reported we have a grant proposal at HUD.

They should notify us if we receive an award by the end of September.

Director’s Report:

Fred’s Liquor Store,

3 a.m. license application: The second protest hearing was held July 20 and the application was denied.

The excise commissioner’s office investigated the petitions and determined that Edwards had neither a majority of property owners or first floor tenants’ signatures from within a 500′ radius of his business. Mr. Edwards picked up new petitions to begin the process again at the end of his hearing, but as of today he has not filed a new application.

Trash Cans:

Nearly two years ago, Farmer submitted a proposal to Step Up St. Louis for the Skinker beautification committee requesting trash cans, trees and flower planters. Mid-July, Step-Up St. Louis notified SDCC they could fund part of the proposal to purchase trash cans.

We requested 18, but they may only be able to purchase 12. Farmer hopes to get the commitment confirmed and the trash cans ordered in the next couple of weeks.

Even with 12, there should be a trash can at almost every bus stop in the neighborhood.

Beautification Committee:

Also a long standing project, the CWE Association is coordinating a beautification project for the entire West End from Vandeventer to the City Limits. It’s divided into three areas; Area I is the Council’s primary service area. Dowgwillo and Farmer are the contact persons.

The first step is a needs assessment. Suzanne Goodman has developed a Neighborhood Appearance Checklist form to use in a block by block survey. Farmer has asked block captains to complete the form, but cross-references would be helpful. Farmer asked directors to complete one for their block so the assessments can be compared.

Kingsbury Square Residents’ Association:

The association was formed the first of the year and there was discussion at that time about their joining the Council. Farmer thinks it has taken them some time to get organized and get going, but Martin Jaffe called last week to say they have appointed Chuck Havner as a contact person for us. Farmer has not talked with him yet, but hopes to get together with him soon; there is definitely an interest in working with SDCC. J. McLeod asked if the board still wanted to pursue involvement with their association, and directors unanimously responded yes.

National Night Out:

Tuesday, August 11, was the best yet; 14 blocks participated and all of the parties were well attended.

The event generated lots of good publicity—radio interview on KXOK, story on page 3 of the POST, spots on channels 2,4, & 11. O’Neal, Sanders, Largen and Farmer filled close to 500 balloons with helium and passed them out to blocks having parties.

Neighborhood Liaison Officer:

Jane Rund has been appointed to serve the 28th Ward.

They are not going to replace Kate Hart, her wards were divided among other NLO’s. Rund came and toured the neighborhood a couple of weeks ago; she expressed a lot of interest and concern for our area.

She will attend our October board meeting.

River Faces:

As decided at the July meeting, SDCC is paying the $100 fee and WENAC is organizing the workshop, October 3 & 4, 1-4 p.m. Pat Kohn is helping coordinate it. Weather permitting, it will be held outdoors at Four Corners Plaza.

In case of rain it will be held in the gym at Delmar Baptist Church.

UMSL Training Session:

Saturday, September 19. Farmer would like to attend. P. Kurtz moved SDCC pay $15 registration fee, second by K. Hoerr and approved.

Concert Series:

The first of the six concerts was yesterday afternoon at Four Corners.

The weather was beautiful and the concert was well attended. Farmer thanked directors Hoerr, Sanders and O’Neal for attending and helping.

Neighborhood Commemoration of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

O’Neal shared a preliminary proposal for a civic commemoration program.

He suggested SDCC could sponsor the event on or near Dr. King’s birthday in January. Discussion followed about the cost and content of the event. McLeod asked O’Neal to chair a committee which can explore the idea further and report back to the board next month.

Letter from Karleen Horr:

McLeod read the following letter to the directors:

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you all for the hours of time and support you gave during my tenure as the President of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council.

It has been a rewarding experience working with all of you.

I feel the Council has a mission and through our team effort this community, “our home, is a safer, more beautiful and more enriching place” to live. I will always cherish the pottery bowl you gave me as a good-bye present.

It has a special place in our home, as do my many fond memories. Thanks, too, for the send-off party and proclamation.

It was very thoughtful. Again, many thanks to all of you and best wishes in the future.

Most fondly,

Karleen Meeting adjourned 8:40 pm.

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1987.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times1987_10.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.

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MORE TO EXPLORE

A $4,500 tax liability, the resignation of the Council’s project manager, and a way forward for the Westminster 1035 Garden highlighted the September meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council held on September 7.
November–December 2026

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