Historical February–March 2012 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Skinker DeBaliviere community and the Council had a great year in 2011. Under Katrina Stierholz’s leadership, the Council completed its Strategic Plan (published in the April-May 2011 issue), strengthened its staffing and operations, and operated with transparency and within a balanced budget – despite midyear reductions in our Community Development Block Grant funding.
The hiring of Jessica Eiland, in June allowed the Council to engage and communicate more effectively with the residents.
The SDCC website was redesigned and expanded, the monthly E-newsletter has a new look and broader distribution, we have an active Facebook page with more than 200 followers, and a new Twitter account. And we continue to create the event flyers that the block leaders faithfully deliver to your doorstep. SDCC committees and the West End Arts Council presented more than 15 events throughout the year.
From the MLK Commemoration in January, to a full concert series and a youth arts workshop through the heat of the summer, to a Roaring 20’s Homecoming celebration, and a spectacular Wintermarkt – Skinker DeBaliviere residents enjoyed more community sponsored opportunities to socialize than any City neighborhood. Our neighborhood continued to become a more sustainable place to live – with two community gardens, a community supported agriculture (CSA) program, blitz day, planting day, electronics recycling fair, and recycling dumpsters throughout both wards. We’re one of St. Louis’ most “walkable” neighborhoods; and of course, we’re the only neighborhood with three MetroLink stations. Our neighbors were generous with their time and money in 2011 – by volunteering countless hours to make the events successful; and by contributing financially to the Friends Campaign, Homecoming and other fundraising activities. For 2012, the Council has new and dedicated leadership and has adopted ambitious, but attainable, goals. New officers elected at the January 9 Board meeting are Alice Stanley (5700 block of Waterman) – President, Karin Hagaman (6000 block of McPherson) – Vice President, Deborah Cooper (5700 block of Waterman)– Secretary, and Shelly Conley (Branch Manager, Pulaski Bank)– Treasurer. Major initiatives for 2012 include the completion of a marketing plan to position and promote Skinker DeBaliviere as a desirable community in which to live and work, beginning a comprehensive master planning process for the continued improvement and development of the community, connecting our senior and income eligible residents with home repair resources, and working with the committees to develop and present educational programming for the community. (Please see “SDCC Strategic Plan Update – 2012 Goals” in this issue for details.) The Council has been presented with a balanced budget proposal for 2012, but will again face financial challenges with uncertainties in our Community Development Block Grant funding. SDCC relies on the generous support of its Member Institutions (Washington University, Grace United Methodist Church, New Cote Brilliante Church of God, St. Roch Church), its Member Neighborhoods, Pulaski Bank, and dedicated neighbors like you.
A “Friends of Skinker DeBaliviere” letter is included with this issue of the Times.
Please consider a gift to support the ongoing work of the Council by returning the form included with the letter, or by calling the SDCC office at 862-5122.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2012.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source says Strategic Plan appeared April–May 2011; printed plan actually found February–March 2011. Referenced Strategic Plan Update–2012 Goals not printed in this issue. No missing goals invented.
Original source: SD_Times2012_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
