For Springtime Fun and Adventure*

ESCAPE ROOM OPENS AT CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER

In honor of this year’s 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Challenger Learning Center is debuting a new simulator experience: Escape Moonbase Alpha. Like other escape rooms, Moonbase Alpha will require participants to complete tasks and solve puzzles as they hunt for the key to escape. Unlike other escape rooms, those tasks will include using robotic arms, completing scientific/engineering tests, and more!

It’s the year 2069. When you arrive for your tour of Moonbase Alpha (the first permanent lunar habitat) you find that the crew has been detained by a meteor shower — and it’s headed your way! First, you must find the crew’s most prized possessions: rock samples from the Apollo 11 mission. Then, you must unlock their emergency ship to escape Moonbase Alpha, before it — and you — are destroyed by meteors.

The Challenger Learning Center is a nonprofit educational organization in Ferguson whose mission is to inspire the future generation of innovators and explorers. Its flagship programs are simulated space missions, in which participants take on the roles of astronauts, scientists, and engineers in our simulated spacecraft and mission control facilities.

 

‘PITCH, HIT, AND RUN’ AT KOCH PARK MAY 2

Pitch Hit and Run will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m. at Koch Park Field #4 .All children ages seven to fourteen are invited to participate in the Pitch, Hit and Run competition. Participants will compete in three stations; pitching, hitting and running and they will have the chance to advance to Sectionals, Team Championships!

This program is free but requires pre-registration by May1. To register, call the JKF Community Center at (314) 921-4250 or the James J. Eagan Center at (314) 921-4466.

 

70TH ANNUAL ST. LOUIS BOOK FAIR

KICKS OFF MAY 3 AT QUEENY PARK

Doors open at the 70th annual St. Louis Book Fair on May 3 at 4 p.m. Running from May 3-5 at Queeny Park’s Greensfelder Recreation Center, the St. Louis Book Fair is the Midwest’s largest charity book fair and benefits local nonprofit education and literacy programs.

Shoppers can purchase paperback and hard cover books, along with CDs, DVDs, and comic books, many for under $5. In addition, the book fair offers rare and collectible books including first editions, limited editions, out of print editions and signed copies. Prices vary on these special items.

General Admission is $10 on Thursday, May 3. Friday through Sunday

admission is free. Payment options for admission and all purchases include

cash, check, or credit card (Discover, Mastercard, or VISA).

As a nonprofit organization, the St. Louis Book Fair welcomes both volunteers and donations. Volunteer opportunities range from greeters to cart wrangler and a wide variety of shifts are available. The fair accepts new or gently used clean items such as books, comics, CDs and DVDs.

Presenting sponsors include: The Clark Fox Family Foundation, First Bank,

Hogan Transport Inc, Town Planner and West Newsmagazine. For more information about the St. Louis Book Fair including hours, policies, how to volunteer and where to drop off donations, visit their website at https://stlouisbookfair.org or call (314) 993-1995.

 

 

FREE ‘FIRST FRIDAYS’ BEGIN MAY 3

AT ST. LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

Geek out at the St. Louis Science Center on the first Friday of every month. Learn the real science behind science fiction and mingle with others interested in the geekier side of life. Each month, First Friday features a different theme, hands-on activities, pub-style trivia, engaging presentations, photo opps for showing off your costume, and food and drink specials.

The evening culminates with a free 10 p.m. screening of a classic science fiction movie in the OMNIMAX® Theater. First Friday favorites like public telescope viewings, a free 7 p.m. Planetarium star show, and special prices for regular OMNIMAX films are a staple at every event.

First Friday activities such as presentations, pop culture trivia, and the 10 p.m.OMNIMAX film are primarily designed for visitors 16 years and older.

The public telescope viewings and free 7 p.m. Planetarium show are recommended for all ages.

First Fridays are free – but some events are ticketed.

Check specific event listings for more information, or call 314.289.4439. Tickets for both the free 7 p.m. Planetarium star show and free 10 p.m. OMNIMAX® Theater film are available starting at 6 p.m. on the evening of the First Friday event and are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

 

 

17TH MARY MEACHUM

FREEDOM CROSSING MAY 4

The 17th Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration, slated for Sat. May 4, 2019, is an annual event held at Missouri’s first nationally-recognized Underground Railroad site. Event organizers have built this year’s theme around this 400-year milestone anniversary.

The “Africans to Americans: 400 Years of History” event will feature historical reenactments written by three St. Louis-area playwrights, a choir competition, and activities for children. The event will be held from noon to five at the Mary Meachum site on the Mississippi Greenway (Riverfront Trail) at 28 E. Grand, St. Louis 63147..

 

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FESTIVAL

MAY 9-19 AT THE GRANDEL

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis—named the “Arts Startup of the Year” for 2019 by the Arts & Education Council–will present Tennessee Williams’ steamy and startling “The Night of the Iguana” as its main stage production at the Grandel Theatre on May 9-19.

Jim Butz, Lavonne Byers, Nisi Sturgis, Elizabeth Townsend, and Harry Weber headline as Americans who are hiding—or seeking—or both—at a seedy Mexican hotel during the run-up to World War II. Tim Ocel will once again direct, having guided last year’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” to a record 11 award nominations by the St. Louis Theater Circle.

The Festival will also feature the Williams comedy that inspired TV’s “The Golden Girls.” Set in the Central West End and featuring an all-female cast, “A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” will be directed by Kari Ely at Grand Hall, upstairs from the Grandel Theatre.

Bryan Batt, the SAG Award winner (“Mad Men”) and Drama Desk Award nominee (Broadway’s “Sunset Boulevard, “Cats”), will round out the theatrical productions at the Curtain Call Lounge with “Dear Mr. Williams.”

The Festival will also feature panel discussions curated by renowned Williams expert Thomas Mitchell, a bus tour of important Williams sites around St. Louis, a Mother’s Day Sunday jazz brunch, and a tribute featuring curated readings by an array of local actors.

 

 

 

LAUMEIER SCULPTURE PARK

SPRING ART FAIR MAY 10-12

St. Louis’ favorite Mother’s Day weekend tradition features local food and beverage vendors, hands-on activities for kids, live music and up to 150 juried artists from across the country. Rain or shine; no pets or outside food and beverage allowed. Event proceeds support Laumeier’s presentation of education programs, temporary exhibitions and public events.

The cost is $10 for ages 11 and up; ages 10 and under are free.

Friday, May 10 from 6–10 p.m.

Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Public event parking is free and located at 3636 South Geyer Road directly North of the Park. It is accessible from Southbound Geyer Road or Westbound Rott Road only.

ADA-accessible parking (with tag) is free and located at Laumeier Sculpture Park’s lower entrance at 12580 Rott Road. It is accessible from Westbound Rott Road only.

The City of Sunset Hills Music Festival is also Saturday, May 11 (free with art fair admission).

Vendors:

• 1220 Artisan Spirits by 4 Hands Brewing Co.
• Mediterranean Foods
• Mission Taco Joint
• Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery
• PokeDoke
• 4 Hands Brewing Co.
• Beer Outside
• Blues Fired Pizza
• Narwhal’s Crafted Urban Ice
• Noboleis Vineyards
• Olde Tyme Kettle Korn

 

 

 

TWILIGHT RUN IN FERGUSON MAY 18

The Ferguson Twilight Run will celebrate its 10th year on Saturday, May 18, kicking off the evening at Plaza at 501 (501 S. Florissant in Ferguson, MO), an open-air venue in downtown Ferguson.

Race distances include one-mile, 5K, 10K and new for 2019, a 10-mile distance. The race is professionally timed by Big River Race Management. Also new for 2019, the 10K and 10-mile courses will venture along the Ted Jones Trail after winding through closed courses on neighborhood streets.

DJ Big Papa G will energize participants during pre-race festivities. The Dirty Muggs, a crowd-pleasing local favorite, will entertain at the post-race concert. Top finishers in the 5K, 10K and 10-mile will earn awards, and finishers for all distances receive medals.

The post-race experience includes health and food vendors. Participants not able to be there in person can join the race virtually any time during race weekend and still receive the race shirt and race medal. The 2019 benefactors are the Audubon Center at Riverlands, the Emerson Family YMCA, Girls on the Run in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, Strength and Honor Mentoring and Tutoring, and The Fit and Food Connection.

Ferguson Twilight Run received Big River Race Management’s prestigious 2018 Runner’s Choice Award and is a five-time recipient of the Best Neighborhood Support Award. Visit www.fergtwilightrun.com or email racedirector@fergtwilightrun.com.###

 

 

 

*Mark Your Calendar is a regular feature in The Independent News each issue. Items of a general interest from non-profit and fraternal groups will be published if received at our office by mail, fax or e-mail by 4 p.m. Friday prior to the next edition.

 

Thursday, May 2

Quilting Group at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 315 Graham Road, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday. Call 314-837-9404.

Friday, May 3

Bingo every Friday at Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Fatima Council #4429, 1216 Teson Rd. Doors open at 4; games at 6:45. Call 314-731-9330.

Chair Yoga! At St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, every Friday at 1 p.m. with a certified aerobics instructor.

St. Stephens Annual Spring Rummage Sale Fri May 3: 5-7:30 p.m.; Sat May 4: 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m. Located @ 33 N.Clay, Ferguson 63135. “The Church with the Red Door.” All proceeds support local women and children’s charities.

Monday, May 6

Men of Harmony Barbershop Chorus practices Mondays at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Rd. (the first house on Uthe Ln.) The group is always looking for new members. For info, call Al 993-6134.

Staying Fit! at St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, every Monday and Wednesday 1p.m. Exercise with a certified aerobics instructor from ENVISION Home Health.

Tuesday, May 7

Bingo at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., games start at 6. For more information, call 314-921-2316. Offered every Tuesday evening.

Chair Zumba at The Bridge, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr., every Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. Free and exciting chair Zumba class hosted by a certified instructor of Manna Wellness.

Wednesday, May 8

The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr., is having a Senior Resource meeting every second Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and pastries. Call 314-831-0988

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105 every Wednesday, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support Veterans. (314) 831-6121

Thursday, May 9

St. Mark’s Fashions for Food clothing sale, 315 Graham Rd., 8:30-11 a.m. All proceeds go to local food pantries. Sale is held second Thursday of each month. 314-837-9404.

Northside Art Association meets on the second Thursday of each month to paint together at the Hazelwood Community Center, 1186 Teson Rd., at 10 a.m. Call J. Frericks 314-837-5816.

Music and Movement Class! at St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine at 1 p.m. A relaxing hour of strengthening May 9 & 23.

 

Friday, May 10

Meatloaf or Country Fried Steak at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 4-7 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. (314) 831-6121

Saturday, May 11

Flea Market at VFW Post 4105, 410 rue St. Francois from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tables are $10. Call Rich at 837-7057 to reserve a table.

Home-cooked breakfast at VFW Post 4105, 410 rue St. Francois at 8-10 a.m. $5 per person.

Tuesday, May 14

Jazz Night at The Bridge, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr., the second Tuesday of the month at 6p.m. featuring Wendy Gordon as seen on Fox 2 News.

Cardinals Celebration! At St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, with “Bryan Foggs.” Complimentary lunch with entertainment at 10:30 a.m. RSVP by May 10 to 314-838-3877.

Wednesday, May 15

Bingo at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Road. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., games start at 9:30. For more information, call 314-921-2316. Offered every Wednesday morning.

Thursday, May 16

Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 123 Carson Rd, Ferguson.

Quilting Group at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 315 Graham Road, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday. Call 314-837-9404.

Community Bingo every third Thursday from 2 p.m. at The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive, RSVP 314-831-0988. Bring a friend and get a special prize.

“Summer Trivia” at St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, with ENVISION HomeHealth at 9:30 a.m. Complimentary breakfast at 9 a.m. RSVP by May 10 to 314-838-3877.

Friday, May 17

Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant, holds a Bingo Afternoon the third Friday of the month at 2 p.m. Call 314-831-3752 for info.

Bingo every Friday at Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Fatima Council #4429, 1216 Teson Rd. Doors open at 4; games at 6:45. Call 314-731-9330.

Pork Steak at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 4-7 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. (314) 831-6121

Summerfest Carnival at St. Martin de Porres Church, 615 Dunn Rd, Hours: Fri 5-11, Sat 3-11, Sun 12-7. $25 all day ride arm bands, games, Sat. night chicken dinner, raffles, and food/drink from Pueblo Nuevo. Call 314-895-1100 for more information.

Chair Yoga! At St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, every Friday at 1 p.m. with a certified aerobics instructor.

Monday, May 20

Northside Art Association meets on the third Monday of every month 7-9 p.m at the Prairie Commons Branch Library.

Men of Harmony Barbershop Chorus practices Mondays at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Rd. (the first house on Uthe Ln.) The group is always looking for new members. For info, call Al 993-6134.

Wednesday, May 22

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105 every Wednesday, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support Veterans. (314) 831-6121

Staying Fit! at St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, every Monday and Wednesday 1p.m. Exercise with a certified aerobics instructor from ENVISION Home Health

Wednesday, May 29

Bingo at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Road. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., games start at 9:30. For more information, call 314-921-2316. Offered every Wednesday morning.

Friday, May 31

Bingo every Friday at Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Fatima Council #4429, 1216 Teson Rd. Doors open at 4; games at 6:45. Call 314-731-9330.

The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr., is hosting a Community Birthday Party every last Friday of the month. 2:30-4 p.m. Come celebrate your birthday with cake and entertainment. Call 314-831-0988.

Chicken Dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 4-7 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. (314) 831-6121

Chair Yoga! At St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine, every Friday at 1 p.m. with a certified aerobics instructor.