👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🗳️ Teens Tackle Local Issues

• 🏠 County Shelter Staffing Shakeup

• 🚲 Pedaling Brews for Cancer Research

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🗳️ Teens Take on Local Gov't Challenges

Councilman Mark Harder recently met with new members of the Youth Advisory Council. The group, which includes students from various high schools in St. Louis County, will work on identifying key issues affecting young residents. Their goal is to investigate these concerns and consider how local government might play a role in addressing them.

🏠 County Shelter Staffing Shakeup

The St. Louis County human services department is seeking temporary workers to fill vacancies at a domestic violence shelter. This request is part of a larger pattern of outsourcing in the county, which includes medical care at the jail and facilities maintenance. The strategy has raised questions about the best approach to staffing county services.

🎅 Santa's Helpers Wanted: Red Kettle Call

The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Starting this November, 12,000 bell ringing slots need to be filled across St. Louis County. These volunteers play a crucial role in collecting donations that support local families through various social service programs. The campaign is an important part of the holiday season. Learn more here.

🏀 YMCA Fall Sports Sign-Up Closing Soon

Fall sports are just around the corner at Wildwood YMCA. Sign-ups are open for youth basketball and volleyball leagues until September 30th.

Business

🚲 Pedal to the Finish: Dierbergs' Brew-tiful Cause

Dierbergs' partnership with 4 Hands Brewery and Pedal the Cause is coming to a close next week on September 30th. Until then, each case of City Wide beer sold contributes to cancer research funding. Dierbergs Rewards members can still donate points to the cause. The local initiative supports Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

🍖 Valley Park's BBQ Gem Sizzles

Sauce Magazine has turned its culinary spotlight on Valley Park's Dalie's Smokehouse. In their recent profile, the publication highlights the restaurant's standout Ultimate Reuben, praising its house-smoked meats and perfect balance of flavors. Sauce also notes Dalie's impressive array of sides, positioning it as a must-visit destination for local barbecue enthusiasts.

🌮 Street Tacos Coming to Eureka

La Finca Coffee is expanding its menu options in Eureka. Starting today, the local coffee shop will begin serving street tacos at their Eureka location. This new food offering is a response to community support and aims to provide more dining choices for local residents.

🏥 Mercy Day: Celebrating Hospital History

Yesterday (September 24th) was a special day for Mercy Hospital St. Louis. It marked the anniversary of Catherine McAuley opening the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in 1827. The hospital commemorated the day by engaging staff in a quiz about Mercy's history and its mission to serve those in need.

School District Highlights

🚔 Parkway Joins Effort to Stop Hoax Threats

Parkway is actively addressing the recent increase in hoax threats against St. Louis schools. In collaboration with the FBI and local law enforcement, the district participated in a news conference to discuss the issue. Greg Wagener, Parkway's Coordinator of Student Discipline, emphasized the negative impact on students and teachers, and outlined the serious consequences for those involved in making threats.

🍎 Rockwood Teacher Wins National Award

Rockwood South Middle School is celebrating a major achievement. Language arts teacher Kristen Engle has been named the 2024 AMLE Educator of the Year. Engle's teaching philosophy centers on being a "champion" for every student, fostering a classroom culture that encourages a love of learning and confidence in tackling new challenges.

City Highlights

Chesterfield

🎸 Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Amphitheater

Chesterfield Amphitheater is hosting a night of classic rock this Friday. Big Love, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, will perform, bringing the sound of the iconic band to local audiences. Doors open at 6pm, and the music begins at 7pm. The event offers a chance to enjoy live versions of Fleetwood Mac's timeless tracks.

Ellisville

🍂 Ellisville's First Fall Hayride Thursday

Tomorrow (Thursday) marks the start of Ellisville's fall hayride season. The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the rides and spaces are filling up. Those interested in participating should pre-register here.

Eureka

📺 Eureka's New Center Stars on News 4’s Great Day

News 4's Great Day recently put Eureka in the spotlight, featuring the town's new public safety and government center. Viewers got an exclusive look at the modern facility, with Eureka’s Assistant Police Chief explaining its importance. The center, a response to Eureka's rapid growth, promises to enhance local government and law enforcement capabilities.

Manchester

🎨 Manchester Hosting Annual Plein Air Event

Manchester Parks and Recreation is organizing its 2nd Annual Plein Air Event on Saturday (September 28th). This outdoor painting event encourages artists to capture the city's scenery. The day will conclude with a public reception featuring live music and refreshments with an awards ceremony at 6pm that will distribute cash prizes to selected participants.

Town and Country

🩸 T&C Blood Drive at Longview Farm

The American Red Cross is organizing a blood drive at Longview Farm House in Town & Country on Friday (September 27th) from 10am to 2pm. The Red Cross is offering a $15 e-gift card to each donor as a gesture of appreciation for their life-saving contribution.

Twin Oaks

🎪 Twin Oaks Family Fun Day This Saturday

Twin Oaks Park is hosting a Family Fun Day this Saturday (September 28th). The event, organized by the Park Committee, will run from 1-4pm. Activities are set to include bounce houses, games, and snacks. All families in the community are invited to attend and enjoy the afternoon together.

Valley Park

🍎 VP Educators Attend STL Curriculum Event

Valley Park educators recently attended an important regional event. Eleven district representatives joined the inaugural STL Collaborative Curriculum Conference at Francis Howell, alongside educators from 16 other public schools. The day-long gathering focused on curriculum and instruction, featuring discussions on grade-level content, curriculum development, and classroom evaluation methods.

Upcoming Events

Visit our full community calendar here for a comprehensive list of events.

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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