Come raise money for St. Louis’ oldest neighborhood newspaper, The Times of Skinker DeBaliviere, and hear the soulful tunes of Music In Common – one of PorchFest’s hottest bands – from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
All of the fun will take place at Four Corners at Des Peres and Kingsbury. Kids of all ages are more than welcome! Food and drink will be available, along with other fun activities. Watch this space – and others – for more information.
And if you’d like to volunteer, we could really use your help. Click on the button below or email davidpowell@sdtimes.online to donate or volunteer.
Hamilton families question proposed school closure
About eight families attended a Family Information Session hosted by St. Louis Public Schools last Tuesday, October 20, at Hamilton Elementary to discuss the SLPS proposal to close the school and consolidate its students with Dewey International Elementary in fall 2027.
“I hate it, they’re making it hard for people like us that live in the area,” said Shakeema Walker, mother of two Hamilton students.
Superintendent Myra Berry is expected to recommend the consolidation October 27. The seven-member elected Board of Education is scheduled to vote November 10.
District representatives discussed transportation and transition assistance; families raised continuing concerns about access, staffing and the future of Hamilton’s building.
The Tax Liability That Wasn’t – In an update to an issue raised at the September meeting (and reported on in the upcoming issue of The Times), the Council is up to date on all taxes, according to Council president Mike Stephens.
Project Managers Hired – Neighborhood residents Jordan Bouchard Hessel and Maria Coxon will handle project manager responsibilities for the Council going forward. You may reach them at: projects@skinker-debaliviere.com.
Historic Committee – Chair Anne Marie Bliss reported the committee is exploring the placement of signs to designate neighborhood entry points. Sign design is being refined as the group explores budget and placement.
All aboard while you still can! The Loop Trolley wraps up its 2026 season Sunday, October 25, offering one last chance to ride the vintage-style streetcars before their winter break. The free trolley travels a 2.2-mile route between the Delmar Loop and Missouri History Museum, with 10 stops, including three along DeBaliviere Avenue.
Service runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with no reservations required. The seasonal shutdown allows time for maintenance, inspections and certification of the trolley cars. So grab a seat, enjoy the autumn scenery and take one more ride before spring.
Halloween Symphony Concert at SLAM: A Dance with Death
Halloween gets a classical twist this weekend at the Saint Louis Art Museum when the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra performs Totentanz (German for “Dance of Death”). The Halloween-themed concert promises an evening of musical chills, with orchestral sounds providing a suitably spooky soundtrack to the season.
The performance will offer a festive alternative to the usual Halloween haunts by combining classical music with a touch of the macabre. For concert details and ticket information, visit …
Cooler weather is here, making this weekend the perfect time for a fun run paired with hot apple cider and caramel apples! The Hot Cider Hustle returns to Forest Park this Saturday (October 24) with 5K and 10K options for runners and walkers.
Race-day packet pickup starts at 7 a.m. and the races kick off at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Muny Lot. Finishers earn seasonal treats and commemorative mugs. Participants can choose a quarter-zip pullover or T-shirt. Whether chasing a personal record or simply earning a caramel apple, this is the perfect time to enjoy fall in Forest Park.
MetroLink will be testing additional service between the University City-Big Bend and Grand stations, including stops at Skinker and Forest Park-DeBaliviere, from October 24-30.
The extra trains are expected to operate during morning and evening commuting hours, approximately between 7 and 8 a.m. and between 4 and 5 p.m. Citizens for Modern Transit report that “riders traveling within this area will see trains every 5-10 minutes during times with extra service.”
The test could offer a welcome improvement for neighborhood commuters. Check Metro’s latest schedules and service alerts before traveling.
Early Voting Now Underway for Nov. 3 General Election
Early voting is now underway in the city for the November 3 general election, giving you a chance to cast your ballots without waiting until Election Day. No-excuse absentee continues through Monday, November 2. Registered voters can visit designated voting locations, including Schlafly Library at 225 North Euclid Avenue in the Central West End.
No excuse is required but you must bring an acceptable form of identification. With election season in full swing, voting early is a great way to avoid Election Day lines and let your voice be heard.
