Vote to Launch a Downtown Bicycle Station in St. Louis

Trailnet has been good to River Kids along the way..we have some common ground along the trails by the rivers…if you like the idea of more bikes downtown, there's a link in the email below that will take you to the Pepsi Refresh site where you can vote for Trailnet's proposal…If you hate the idea of more bikes downtown, you can go to Pepsi Refresh and vote for some other cool project.

Hmmm….we should make up a River Kids entry….any thoughts…?

Ben

Click here to view Trailnet email

Something Fun - A Glogster Poster for River Kids

For those if you who don't know what Glogster is, it's a free online tool for creating digital posters…5th grade will be doing a project soon in Computers and Performing Arts using Glogster…

I needed an example, so I created a poster for River Kids…Thought you all might like to take a peek…you can check it out at the following link -

http://mverick5.glogster.com/river-kids/

Regular meeting this Friday, 4-5pm.   We have our guests from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary coming to meet us and begin developing our paddling training program.  Parents and kids are both invited to attend.

Also, there will be a Board meeting from 5-6pm…dinner and drinks included as usual.

Ben

Vimeo: River Kids

Hello again!

I forgot to send out a link to the video footage we uploaded to the One Day On Earth project…Shannah handled the uploading and sent me a link.  I just forgot to send it on to you…until now…

We were only able to upload a portion of the footage…we're hoping they'll like what they see and ask us to send them the high-grade footage for inclusion in the full documentary…How cool would that be?

Keep your fingers crossed…many fingers in fact, since there were HUNDREDS of videographers out shooting that day…Sheesh, can you imagine the footage they have to wade through?!

Take care,

Ben

You can watch it here:
http://vimeo.com/16546815

Cancelled...

Hello, RK Families!

I apologize, but I need to cancel tomorrow's River Kids meetings…I'll have to pay you all back by scheduling 25 extra events and associated planning meetings in the coming months…okay, I'm kidding…sort of…  :)

We will have a regular meeting and Board meeting Dec 10.

I would like to invite all RK Family members to attend the December 10 meeting from 4-5pm…We have arranged to have the US Coast Guard Auxiliary work with River Kids over the next couple months to teach us all more about paddling safety.  Since there really isn't a paddling safety program for big rivers in existence, the USCGAux has agreed to develop a program with and just for River Kids based on our needs.  The December 10 meeting will introduce the kids to the USCGAux crew members and their resources.  It will also give the kids the chance to help develop the program by offering their ideas regarding what they want to learn from a paddling program.

This paddling safety training program is likely to be as unique as River Kids, and having such a program in place should allow us to continue to do the amazing river trips we've been doing with a blanket of safety techniques and standards to ensure all of our brave, adventurous crew members a safe return.

On that note, it is our intention to make participation in this new paddling safety a prerequisite for paddling with River Kids on the big rivers.  We are thinking that, while there's never a true guarantee that paddling a river will be perfectly safe, what we can control is what we know and how we approach our time on rivers.

Parents who would like to paddle with us will be asked to participate in the same paddling training, and all parents (those who intend to paddle and those who intend only to wave at us from the shore) are encouraged to attend training sessions, just so you are informed about what you're kids will be experiencing.

I have also arranged to have Mike Clark, the resident river expert and ever-amazing friend to River Kids, to come share some of his river experiences and a slideshow.  Mike will be able to give us insights that only he has…there are few people out there who know as much as he.  You are all welcome to attend that meeting as well.  I'll let you know when the date for that is set…

Sorry again, for the cancellation…I'll be seeing you all soon enough…

Rock on!

Ben

Support Missouri Stream Team License Plate

http://bit.ly/iahCbQ
Hello All!  Above is a shortened link to a page where you may take a look at the proposed MO Stream Teams license plate.  MOST is campaigning to get this specialty plate approved for purchase.  If you like the plate and the idea, there are some directions for how to support the push for approval with a simple email.  If you hate the plate or are categorically opposed to fun ideas, please leave this site …and perhaps seek help.

By the way, River Kids is an official MO Stream Team and has been for the past 4 years…it's a great organization that has some 4,000 or so teams around the state…and the list is growing.

See you all soon,

Ben

No Need for a Board Meeting

After remembering that 4th is gone today, I realized that the 4-5pm meeting will be just 5th graders, so we're going to treat it like a Board Meeting (and include non-Board 5th graders in the meeting as well.)

SO, there's no need for 5th graders to stick around for a 5-6pm meeting… we'll all be tired anyway after the performance from this morning… hopefully that will take a little load off this evening.

See you soon!

Ben

RK Update

Hello, RK Families!

Hope all is well with all the young world changers on our River Kids crew…

Regular Meeting this Friday, November 19 - 4–5pm – in the library as usual

Important Change - Board Meeting Rescheduled – there is a Board Meeting scheduled to follow this week's regular meeting.  We just had one last week, so I'm moving this one to Dec 3.  We'll still have one on Dec 10 as well since we won't meet again for a while.  Here's the meeting schedule again in case anyone still needs it or needs a refresher:

Dec – 3*, 10*
Jan – 7, 21*, 28
Feb – 11, 18*
Mar – 4*
Apr – 1, 8*, 15 (prep for Earth Day), 22, 29
May – 6, 20 (Final Meeting - RK Party - location/time TBA

*Asterisks mark dates of Board Meetings

I've been blown away by the work that's been done so far this year.  Our last few meetings have been used to push forward with the planning and development of a variety of projects and events.  Here's the scoop on what's in the pan:


 1.  RK Lock-in – this group has been working diligently to outline the details related to what they hope will be the 2nd annual River Kids Lock-in…They have begun to describe a budget and itinerary for the event.  They must still select possible dates, coordinate adult supervision, and secure permission for everything from NCS administration.
 2.  RK Annual Campout – The kids are formulating a plan for a possible 2-night campout along a local riverway in the springtime.  They are currently hoping to arrange the campout on Mosenthein Island (where they camped out last year.)  The kids are considering inviting Land for Learning crew along on the trip to connect those great folks with Mike Clark and the big rivers for the first time.
 3.  RK Annual Polar Bear Pickup – the group working on this event is working hard to figure out a few possible dates.  They are hoping to host the event at the same location as last year, with Mike Clark providing paddling opportunities for some, while most clean on land at North Riverfront Park.  The kids are hoping Orlando's catering might come through once again to provide lunch for volunteers.  The kids would like to add to the event by providing prizes for largest, strangest, and most valuable items found during the cleanup.  The kids will be seeking sponsors who might underwrite advertisements, pay for volunteer T-shirts, cover Mike Clark's expenses, etc.
 4.  Mural Project – there are several kids working on finding a new location for the mural idea that has been on the back burner for a couple years now.  They have several locations in mind and need to begin arranging meetings with the folks who have authority to approve painting.  They also need to secure the support of a local professional mural artist who will oversee the scaling process.  We have some leads.
 5.  Herbie Jr. - This kids would like to see Herbie finally find a home.  They came up with the idea that perhaps the car could find a home at River Kids Park.  More discussion needed.
 6.  T-shirt Design – it's time for a new T-shirt, so there's a group that is bouncing around ideas for a new T – they need to get some final sketches together and present them to the group.  Then we will proceed with purchasing the new Ts
 7.  No group on this one, but your codeword for proving that you read this is: Brrrrrrrrrrr!

Another group also worked on new ideas for how to spend meetings.  The list of possibilities was large and full of great thoughts.  We'll be discussing these ideas at this week's meeting.

There are still plans afoot to work on a dugout canoe…another back burner item that needs to have a flame  put back under it.

Also, know that Shannah uploaded the video footage from the 10/10/10 trip to the One Day On Earth website…As it stands, we sent in a low-quality version of the great footage Frank shot, and now we wait to hear if they are interested in receiving a high-quality version for inclusion in the main documentary.  We may be able to make our own short documentary from the footage as well.  Some ideas are bouncing about …I'll keep you posted…

So, we've been inside and busy working for a while…I think it's time to get out again…anyone else itching for some river time?  We'll be scheduling a winter paddle and a River des Peres cleanup to get folks a chance to keep that connection with the rivers alive…I'll let you know when there are some firm plans, but we're talking about early December…We'll also be scheduling a Boating Safety course with the Coast Guard soon. Looking at dates for that as well.

Anything new in your lives?  Any new ideas for River Kids?  Any new questions?  (No old ones, please.)  Any boxes of hot chocolate lying around the house that you need to get rid of?  (We'll be using them when we head outside in December, that's for sure!)

Quote of the Week: "All the water that ever was or will be…is."  A. Nonymous

Take care…see you on the river or in the halls,

Ben

Board Meeting Tonight

To RK Board Members and Families:

Hello all,

This is a late follow-up to another email suggesting that there would be an RK Board Meeting tonight.  I only heard from one person who said she could not make it, so I am still planning on holding the meeting tonight from 5-6pm.  We will meet in the library at 5pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided as usual.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Ben

RK Update

Hey, RK Families!

It's been a while…I know you've missed receiving a good evening read from me for the last couple weeks…Seems like I've been on the move more than usual!  In the past few weeks, I've been to Southern Illinois near the Cache River with 6th Grade where I learned how to track down a wooly mammoth, Southern Missouri, near the Big River, with 5th grade where we had one of the best campfire's ever, to Gray Summit, Missouri along the Meremac River, where I made the curliest candle in history (only useful if you have a curly table upon which to set it), and to Tucson, Arizona (near apparently no river at all) – where I learned how to play a barrel cactus as a musical instrument.  (I also learned to play a saguaro, but it hurt, so I'm trying to forget that.)

Really, with all these fall adventures going on, it seems like forever since River Kids has been in action…yet it wasn't too long ago we ventured out together to Mosenthein Island for that great trash bash.  Frank Popper got all the footage to us and we are in the process of getting it all uploaded to the "One Day On Earth" website where the RK perspective will hopefully be immortalized forever.  What a great day that was!

So you might be wondering when the next great RK adventure will be announced…well, there is an opportunity on Nov 13  to help a friend of ours with a Riverfront Trail Restoration effort…if you're not already coming to the NCS Open House, you should consider chipping in.  Here's the text from the announcement I received:

Riverfront Trail St. Louis Bush Honeysuckle Removal Day
When - Saturday, Nov 13, 2010
Description - Bush Honeysuckle Removal Day: Riverfront Trail – 9 am – l2 noon.

 Check www.confluencegreenway.org or call 314-436-1324. Our honeysuckle hack will be on National Bush Honeysuckle Removal Day, meet at Humboldt Street where it intersects with the Riverfront Trail (you can MapQuest 1 Humboldt St, St. Louis, 63147) -- we're still needing certified chain saw volunteers. For more information or to register, please contact Doug Eller at douglase@gracehill.org

I will be at the NCS Open House, but you can contact Doug Eller and tell him your a River Kid who wants to help…Doug helped us set up the Polar Bear Pickup last year…he's a great guy and deserves help in return if you can offer it!

And have no fear…if you can't make it out to this one, there will be many more adventures to come…mayeb we need to do our own River des Peres cleanup!???  Whattya say???

Meeting this week – there is a regularly scheduled meeting Friday - 4–5pm in the library as usual.  We will be working diligently on the amazingly creative projects we started a bit ago…

Re-Rescheduling - I am working to reschedule the Board Meeting that was supposed to be this week, as there is a soccer practice Friday and also a soccer game Thursday that are preventing us from having many members there this week.  We are going to try for next Wednesday - 5–6pm…If you are a current RK Board member (or parent of one) please let me know if you can make this new meeting time work.

I've had several kids ask me what it takes to be a Board Member…anyone who has served as a member for at least one year is eligible to volunteer for Board participation.  It is expected that anyone who volunteers will make every effort to attend all the extra meetings and work in between meetings to help guide the organization.  This isn't an easy task, but it's certainly rewarding.  If there is anyone who wants to serve who hasn't already committed, please let me know.  New members are welcome.  New members with cookies are very welcome.  Codeword to prove you read this whole email – skizzemflop.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Friday!

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or cookies you're giving away…

Ben

Meetings Cancelled This Week

I'm sorry, but I need to go out of town this Thursday-Friday, so I have to cancel the River Kids Board Meeting for TH and the regular meeting for Friday.

I will reschedule.

Ben

Wow!

Holy Asian Carp!  (Mackerel just doesn't fit.)

What an awesome paddle today!  You all are amazing!  I can't wait to see all the film footage and the stills...

Thanks to all of you who were able to make it on the trip...can't wait for the next outing...anyone busy tomorrow?  :)

Thanks Giovanna for the food!  Thanks Big Muddy Mike for guiding!  Thanks Frank Popper for filming!  Thanks Shannah for the idea!  Thanks parents for being willing to get muddy!  Thanks kids for the energy, enthusiasm and the memories!  Thanks Mighty Mississippi and Mosenthein for being the perfect backdrop to our River Kids adventures...

This is the only pic I have to send right now thanks to Doug Finer and his phone...As soon as all the footage and pics are in, I'll find a way to post them and get you all access...

Rock on!

Ben

Directions to Cleanup

In case anyone needs help finding directions to North Riverfront Park (which doesn't actually show up on Google Maps) just search for "10100 Riverview Drive, St. Louis, MO" and that should pinpoint the entrance to the park...You should be able to get directions from wherever you are.



View Larger Map

Please let me know if you cannot find directions and I'll give you
directions personally.

Also, remember to call me if you have any issue between now and tomorrow afternoon...

Thanks!

Ben

Sunday Sunday...

Wow! By my count, there are 27 of us heading out Sunday to paddle the Mighty Miss...Could this be shaping up any better, REALLY?  Great group of people...sunny, high of 89...TONS of trash to be hauled...mudholes to be played in...free food and drink (Gotta love that...Thanks Giovanna and Orlando's catering!) and Frank Popper (Filmaker) on board as video-witness to it all!

Let me throw out a big thanks to Shannah Burton for coming to River Kids with the idea of contributing to One Day On Earth...What a cool opportunity to have!  Thanks to all the folks who've chipped in to plan the outing as well...

And a big thanks to River Kids' Karma for kickin' in some good weather!

On that note...it is going to be hot out there...do make sure you bring an unbreakable water bottle (in this case bigger might be better)...You may also want to wear swimwear under your outer layer...There may be a little time to play in the river as well...Oh, and perhaps a little sunscreen will be in order for folks with skin that's already forgotten about summer sun...

Is anyone meeting at NCS at 2pm?  There are some people who might like to have their kids ride along with someone...if you are driving and can meet at NCS to shuttle some kids, let me know...

Everyone - please be at N. Riverfront Park by 2:45 to get geared up and hear a safety talk...ESPECIALLY if this is your first outing with Mike Clark and Big Muddy Adventures. Mike will have a waiver for you to sign there as well.

If you have any issues and need to reach me between now and the paddle, please feel free to call me. Here's the list of people I have down as paddling - Please let me know ASAP if you communicated with me and I've left you off the list! And if you're on the list and not attending, let me know that as well...

We're right at the max for boating configuration right now, so every change in numbers could affect things big time...sooner I know, the better...

• Max P
• Nick K + 1 adult
• Lawrence
• Sean + 2
• Rachel S + 1
• Gerald
• Ella McC + 1
• Jake F +1
• Elena T
• Fran C-N
• Ali S-H + 1
• Ella P + 1
• Dylan C + 1
• Lizzie B
• Elizabeth K
• Frank P
• Shannah B
• Ben G

See you on the river if not before!

Ben

Dinner and a Paddle?

To all those planning to paddle with us this weekend...make sure you've sent in your waivers or bring them with you on Sunday. A waiver is necessary for everyone...permission slip is only necessary for kids attending without parents. 

Make sure I've heard from you with a number of people you're bringing by this afternoon.  I'll tally up and send numbers to Mike tonight after conferences. 

Also, Giovanna Cassilly got Orlando's Catering to donate a meal to us hardworking River Kids!...so there will be some camp-style food and drink at the finish for all of us...I don't think there is a vegetarian option though, so please consider bringing something if you think you'll be left out... 

I've only heard from one person that they are planning to meet at NCS for carpool...anyone else? 

Ben

RK Videos and the Trip This Weekend

For some of you folks who are new to the RK scene, and for some of you who've forgotten about this little gem that Theresa Biggs threw together so gracefully, check out the following Youtube link to the video that wound up being installed as part of a video kiosk at the National Mississippi River Museum: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ss34cvsVbo 

If you search for River Kids, you may be able to dig up some other videos from KMOV...There's a great video from Show-Me St. Louis somewhere out there as well...And oh yeah, there's that section on River Kids in the documentary "A Sewer Runs Through It" that hit the big screen for a while...I have copies if you're interested in a viewing...no autographs, please...okay a few wouldn't hurt... 

So, what will be the next big attention getter for River Kids????  I'm thinking a submission to the One Day On Earth documentary being accepted in the main film would do the trick...agree??? 

We are set to film this weekend...After the meeting on Monday, it was clear that everyone wants to get some images of River Kids cleaning a river - imagine that!...SO, we will be paddling from North Riverfront Park over the Mosenthein Island (as we did several times last year) and hike in to one of the biggest natural trash depositories anywhere along the river...We'll have at least a few Flip cameras and still cams for everyone to use...We are hoping to have a professional videographer as well...I'll let that be a bit of a surprise... 

We'll trash bash for an hour or so and make the biggest pile we can on high ground (to be hauled out later)...then we'll head back across the river before dark. 

If you would like to participate, I need to know ASAP.  I need to provide Mike with fairly definite numbers by Thursday afternoon so he can pull together all the right equipment and staff. 

Though not all the pieces to the puzzle are completely in place, here's the basic scoop on what you would be in for: 

• 3-4 hour excursion - 30-minute gearing up session, 30 minute paddle each way and cleanup between, 30-minutes of putting gear away, extra time is for "river time" (total time - 2:45pm-6:45pm)
• Weather - partly cloudy - temps starting in the high 70s and ending in the low 60s as the sun drops
• dinner won't be provided during the paddle, but we can stop for pizza somewhere on RK after to celebrate
• Necessary Gear - boots, long pants, work gloves, water bottle, snack and layers of clothing so you can adjust to temps
• Age restriction - up to you to decide as parents if you're coming along. Usually best to leave anyone under 7 at home on paddling days.
• Mike is bringing a 14-16 passenger dugout and a 8-10 passenger Clipper canoe, as well as a 21-foot 4-man support canoe for our video crew
• Mike will provide all other paddling equipment and safety gear.
• Permission Slip Below - email reply is sufficient and only necessary for River Kids attending without a parent
• Waiver attached - print and fill out, then bring it to me or scan it and email it back - everyone must fill this one out
• Possible carpool/van - Those wishing to carpool should plan on meeting at NCS by 2pm. (let me know if you are interested in carpooling and I will try to connect you with the others who are also interested)

So, are you in?  I have already heard from about 15 people...We can take about 24 total (including adults, also leaving room for guides and gear), so there is still a little room.  Please reply to this email with the number of people (including yourself) that you plan to bring along.  Please don't forget to count yourself...that's just sad...You're important too. 

If you have any questions, let me know...I'll find someone who knows the answers... 

Ben

One Day On Earth Meeting

Just a reminder that there is a meeting after school for kids and/or parents regarding next weekend's River Kids filming adventure with Shannah. 

If you are interested in shaping the content of the footage we shoot or getting more detailed information on this wonderful opportunity, please either send your ideas via email or come to the meeting. 

As noted before, you do not need to attend this meeting in order to participate in the filming. 

We will meet in Shannah's room from 3:45-4:30.  See some of you there! 

Ben 

Still Seeking Volunteers (Oct 1-3)

In case any of you are interested in a cool volunteer opportunity, this should be a great event and a great way to be involved...

Ben

Hello! St. Louis Earth Day is still trying to round up as many volunteers as possible for this weekend (Oct 1-3). We still have about 40 to go. Do you know anyone who is looking to fulfill service hours? This is a great opportunity for middle school, high school, or college students to learn about reducing waste and composting on a large scale. Taste of St. Louis (downtown) generates 30 tons of waste in 3 days. If you are not familiar with waste tonnage, that is A LOT (about 15 times the average event in St. Louis). Please help us spread the word by informing students and colleagues about the opportunity. Thank you! Registration and more info at: http://www.stlouisearthday.org/2010/09/taste-of-st-louis-volunteer-challenge/


Cassie Phillips
Executive Director
www.stlouisearthday.org

10/10/10

Hello, future movie stars... 

I've heard from a few people regarding participation in the documentary filming October 10...More are welcome.  If you are interested in participating, there will be an informational/planning meeting on Monday October 4 during which we will discuss options and develop the full plan for the filming experience. It's right after school in Shannah's Room - 3:45-4:30.  Parents and kids are encouraged to attend.  You may also help with the planning and not be involved in the filming. 

You do not need to attend this meeting to participate in the filming.  Only if you want to be involved in the planning process. 

Ben 

RK on the River - What's NEXT?

Way to go River Kids Families! There were about 35 River Kids folks out there Saturday helping clean the Mississippi...it was a blast for sure...just imagine (insert harp gliss here)...River Kids scurrying about in the woods filling bag with plastic bottles, tin cans, glass bottles and scraps of paper or Styrofoam...mounds bags of trash, tires, deep freezers, coolers, 55-gallon drums...5 shovels digging up a Johnny-On-The-Spot...yeah, it was that fun.

Thanks to everyone for making it a fantastic day!

Here's our next RK opportunity...Our Art Specialist extraordinaire, Shannah Burton, came across a great opportunity and thought of River Kids...In short, we would be contributing a short film segment to the One Day On Earth documentary for inclusion...Shannah sent me this invitation to pass on to all of you:

Calling all River Kid artists! This is your chance to share your message with the world through video and photography. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in doing a river clean up on October 10th and working with digital media to tell the River Kids story. We will have a meeting or two before 10.10.10 to work out the theme and practice using the camera equipment. We welcome any parent cinematographers too!

Here's some info on the documentary itself:

From the onedayonearth.org http://www.onedayonearth.org/ website: Join us on 10.10.10 for an unprecedented event. Every Nation, 24 hours, and You. On October 10, 2010 (10.10.10), across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period and contribute their voice to the largest participatory media event in history. Founded in 2008, One Day on Earth is creating an online community, shared archive, and film. Together, we will showcase the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occur in one day. We invite you to join our international community of thousands of filmmakers, hundreds of schools, and dozens of non-profits, and contribute to this unique global mosaic. Through the One Day on Earth platform, we will establish a community that not only watches, but participates.

If your schedule allows and this interests you please let us know as soon as possible.

And if you want to help in the creative process (planning, organizing, filming, paddling) please indicate that as well.

See you on the river!

Ben

Update on Cleanup

Hey River Kids Families!  If you are planning to attend this weekend's cleanup, you will need to read the following... please feel free to call me if you have any questions. 

See many of you tomorrow! 

Ben 

"Dear St. Louis Volunteers, 

Due to the river rising the parking has changed a bit for the Great Mississippi River Cleanup tomorrow. I have linked a new map along with the parking pass that you will need to have on Saturday. Please forward this information along to any other volunteers that you know are coming! 

If you have any questions or concerns before then, give me a call on my cell phone (the number is below).

Thanks!
Nora

Nora Coyne-Logan
Program Coordinator
Living Lands & Waters
nora@livinglandsandwaters.org
www.livinglandsandwaters.org"

Details on Cleanup

For those of you attending the cleanup this weekend:

It's exciting to know that we'll be out on the river again this weekend with the river crew that inspired River Kids...they helped make river cleaning cool.  We keep it that way.  :)

Note - I am traveling to Southern Illinois to go camping with the 6th graders for the next three days.  I will have limited access to email and phone.  However, I will be back in town Friday afternoon in time for the RK meeting.  If you have any questions about the cleanup, or anything else for that matter, I'll be around then...

At this point, there are still a few spots available for folks to join the
cleanup effort.  We are limited to 40 and we have 35 going.  If you are still interested in coming along, let me know.

Be at the cobblestone parking area in front of the Arch between 8:30 and 8:45 to register and sign waivers...Chad usually gives a speech to kick off the cleanup, then we're out and about until noon.  We eat (hand cleaner and lunch are free) and share stories of the ridiculous amounts of trash we cleaned (trash is also free) until around 1pm...then the party's over...until the next cleanup.

Attached you will find a copy of the Living Lands and Waters general liability waiver.  LL&W will be collecting these before the cleanup.  They will have hard copies for you to sign if you do not bring a copy of your own.

Anheuser-Busch will also have a waiver for all participants.  I do not have access to that waiver ahead of time, so you will need to sign it on Saturday.

Parking - parking is free for cleanup volunteers...you are supposed to have a parking pass in order to park for free; however, we can usually get away with telling the attendant that we were not given passes...If I receive passes ahead of time (which I'm supposed to) I will let you know and distribute them Friday afternoon in the library at the RK meeting.

How to Prepare for a Cleanup Event (from the LL&W website)

Please wear:

• Boots or old athletic shoes
• Long pants
• Light colored, loose clothing for hot weather
• Layers of warm clothes during early spring or late fall cleanups

We will provide (unless you care to bring your own):

• Gloves
• Lifejackets
• Bottled Water
• Insect Repellant

Do not wear:

• Open-toed shoes
• Shorts
• Dangling jewelry

View the LL&W release form here.

No Impact Week

Tom is putting a little blurb in this week's PL about a No Impact Experiment at New City School...I'm co-organizing the experiment with several people.

Knowing who many of you are, you should take a look at Colin Beavan's site and check out the concept...I think you'd really appreciate his experience. And we are hosting a one-week version of Colin's year-long experiment from October 10-17.  I figure many of you might like to join in the fun.

I actually get to interview Colin next week, and I'm hoping some of the River Kids might give me some questions (about his experience living "no-impact" for a year) that I can ask him...we're going to record the interview (with video) and share at least a portion at an assembly Oct 1...

So, check it out...talk with your kid about it...and if any River Kids
parents or kids have any questions you think I should ask, send them my way!

Ben

Details

So what the hayday are we doing tomorrow?!  I apologize for the detail delay...Here's the scoop:

We will be meeting at NCS at 8:30am...we'll travel to Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area up north where we'll meet with a presenter from the CBCA...She'll be dressed up in a beaver suit... yeah, no kidding... really... a beaver suit... and she'll be presenting to us on some of the beaver habits and habitat in the area...

After that, Steve and the MO River Relief crew will be taking us out on their plate boats (the large, flat-bottom, motorized boats they use all the time to transport folks at cleanups).  We plan to tour up the MO a bit, then head up to the lock and dam...We will stop there for a visit to the museum and a possible tour of the lock and dam.  A Corps of Engineers member should be there to work with us.

Next we'll lock through and head up to the Alton area to find a fun place to eat our lunches.  We'll cruise back down and stop on Duck Island before heading back to CBCA where we'll be dropped off about 2pm.

We will be back to NCS about 3pm...

So, essentially, we get to be river rats for a day and experience a bit of what the MORR and LL&W crews get to see all the time...

Please send/bring a lunch and water bottle.  You should dress like you are going to a river cleanup...old clothes, rubber boots, and hat.  Also dress for the weather and dress in layers...these days the mornings are chilly and the midday sun is potentially brutal...

Right now, I have the following folks listed as attending:

• Nick K
• Gerald M
• Rachel S
• Max P
• Corbin R
• Shawn R
• Nicholas T
• Lawrence J
• Elizabeth K
• Sean M
• Cody K

Am I missing anyone?  Is there anyone who still wants to join in?

If you are attending, I need a permission slip and waiver signed... I'm attaching the waiver. I will have them available to sign Friday morning when you drop off as well if that's easier.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Ben

View the permission slip here. It may be filled out, attached, and sent to Ben Griffiths via his email address, or given to him in person.

RK Update

Hello all!

Incredible weekend!  I spent Saturday on the Jack's Fork near Eminence, MO...if you're ever in the mood to drive three hours to paddle, I highly recommend visiting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.  Fall colors are just around the corner!

Great kickoff meeting Friday!  We spent some time getting to know each other and what it means to be a River Kid.  Then we visited the green roof, where the Board presented some of the big ideas they'd like the organization to pursue.  This is not an all-inclusive or must-do list, but it gives us an idea of what might be in store.  Here are the projects/ideas the RK Board set afloat Friday:

• Mural Project - seeking location for design
• Herbie, Jr. - interested in finally finding a home for the VW
• Paddling Trips with Mike Clark and/or Land for Learning
• 2-day Camping Trip
• Host 3rd Annual Polar Bear Pickup
• Possible Trip to DC to clean the Potomac in 2012
• River Quotes on the pump stations along the RdP
• River Quotes along the trail by the RdP
• Build a Dugout Canoe at NCS
• RK Lock-in as fundraiser
• Earth Day Participation in 2011
• Big Party for Ben's Birthday

Thanks to the Board for latching on to some older projects and coming up with some wonderful new ideas.  Okay, I added the last one...can't blame a guy for trying.  New RK members will have their shot at adding to the list soon.

MO River Relief Trip this Friday - Please let me know who is planning on coming along with MO River Relief for a day out and about Friday.  I've heard from 5 or 6 people.  I'd LOVE to get a bunch more going! (Bueller?....Bueller?....)  How about this - If you join us, you're exempt from buying me a huge birthday present at the big party.  Of course little ones will still be expected.

Living Lands and Waters Cleanup - 37 signed up! Yahoooooo... we'll make up more than 10% of the crowd at this rate.  And if history repeats, we'll about 20% of the food...gotta feed those growing kids!

Attached you'll find an updated copy of the RK Meeting Dates for the year...we'll have lots of optional events hit the calendar as the year continues.  I know you were worried your calendar wouldn't fill up...have no fear...

As always, send me new email addresses to add to my list...or let me know if you are no longer interested in receiving emails about River Kids.

See you soon!

Ben

View the attached document here.

RK Board Meeting

I apologize for the late notice!

We're going to have a River Kids Board Meeting TONIGHT!

We'll meet in the Library (or my room if that's taken) from 5pm - 5:45.

I'll order pizza and drinks, to make it a little easier to get everything in tonight.

If you have a River Kid who has already served one year as a member, they may attend as a Board Member.

We also have our first regular River Kids meeting of the year TOMORROW from 4 - 5pm in the Library... kids should all go to Extended Day first for snack. They will be sent to me at 4pm.

Thanks!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Ben

Me Again...

Fingers don't fail me now...I've got another opportunity to throw out there at all you River Warriors...I just got off the phone with Steve Schnarr with MO River Relief.  You know that Confluence Watershed Festival we were invited to participate in on September 17 (No School Day at NCS)?  Well, it's been cancelled...booooooo!

Apparently there were some serious issues within the Hazelwood School District and they decided to pull out...That left them without any students to which they might present.

I know...sounds sad.  But wipe away the tears...one school district's political firestorm is another River Kids' incredible opportunity.  You see, Steve called to see if River Kids would like to throw aside our plans to operate a booth and, instead, join them for a day of adventures on and around the rivers.  They already have presenters from around the state booked and boats ready to roll.  They have connections to all kinds of folks who want nothing more than to share some river time with the River Kids.

If we want to join them, we could spend the day boating the MO, touring a water plant, touching live river animals, cleaning up a section of the river, and on and on...Bottom line is, we'd get our own personal watershed festival of sorts.

Here's the topper, Chad Pregracke and Living Lands and Waters are already in town for a cleanup that weekend in Alton, so we are going to try to get them involved in whatever we do as well.  And if they come along, so might the Discovery Channel crew that films them in action...and it's all about face time on the DC.. oh, wait... it's actually all about the rivers, but it's sure fun to be on TV.

So what I need from you all is to check the calendars...see if you can throw everything out for the day and commit to spending the day on the river.  It will definitely be worth your while!

Yes, parents are welcome...yes, kids may come without parents as well. You'll just have to sign one of those awesome RK waivers and we'll arrange transportation/supervision.  We'll work out those details as necessary.

For now, please let me know if you are interested in this opportunity. Steve is getting back to me in a couple days...I would like to be able to offer him some numbers.

Thanks!

Ben

Another River Cleanup THIS WEEKEND

Hello all!

Thanks for all the replies to my last email regarding the September 25 cleanup with Living Lands and Waters.  Looks like we'll have at LEAST 25 people there!

Some folks reminded me that there is another cleanup this weekend in St. Charles with an equally impressive organization called Missouri River Relief.  I am planning to be out of town, but I figure a River Kids group could still be arranged.

This cleanup is from 8:30am (signing in) to about noon.  It will be a lot like the LL&W cleanup I described.

If you are interested in the details, check out the following link:

http://www.riverrelief.org/event/st-charles-missouri-river-clean-up-2010/

You can certainly register on your own and attend; however, if you'd like me just to count you in the River Kids number, I'll take care of the registration for you.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW TONIGHT OR TOMORROW if you would like me to count you in the River Kids number as I register.  All I need is the number of folks you'll be bringing.

Thanks!

Ben

Living Lands and Waters Cleanup Info

Hello there RK Families!

If you are planning on joining the River Kids (and about 300+ other good folks) at the Living Lands and Waters Cleanup on the Mississippi September 25, please:

1) Sign up on the sheet hanging just outside the PA room

or

2) Email me (include the number of people in your group)

or

3) Go outside and dance down the street playing air guitar - actually, this won't get you signed up at all, but it will help spread the word about the event when people ask you what the devil you're doing.

I need to hear from you by Wednesday afternoon.  If you do not get your information in by then, you may still be able to join in, but you won't be guaranteed the free parking pass for the riverfront lot, cool t-shirt/water bottle, or lunch) (A/B sponsors, so there's beer/energy drinks/soda as well.)

More details on the cleanup:

We will meet at 8:30am on the riverfront (cobblestone parking lot) in front of the south foot of the Arch.  We will sign waivers and be assigned to groups there.  We may also meet some of the LL&W crew who usually speak at the beginning to get everyone revved up.

The actual cleanup usually lasts from about 9am-12pm.  We will be traveling out onto the Mississippi in motorized plate boats to cleaning locations along the shoreline chosen by LL&W in the days prior.

We will return to the Arch at approximately noon for lunch and celebration of a highly successful outing.

A little advice for the newbies and reminders for the river-wise -

1. Your health and safety should come above and before ANYTHING ELSE! Do not touch or attempt to move anything that makes you nervous.  Do not venture into areas that seem dangerous.
2. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temp as it changes from morning to midday
3. Know that you will be working physically hard the whole time we're out and about, and you may be walking through wooded areas with mosquitoes, chiggers, and itch-causing plants.
4. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting REALLY dirty.
5. Wear rubber boots that come up calf-high or higher.
6. If you bring a small backpack, you can carry a camera, water bottle, and snack with you - however, water bottles will be available where we are working, so you do not NEED to bring anything.
7. Work gloves are provided.
8. Do not try to do too much - if you've never been on a cleanup, it may shock you to see all the trash.  That can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.  Some of you may want to get it all in one trip, and that's not realistic or even necessary - we will be back!  Also, bigger items can be moved with machinery that LL&W have.  If we let them know there's something we can't get, they will mark it on GPS and come get it later.
9. Plan on having fun - no mudball fights will break out, but we do like to joke around and have a good time.  We'll have a little contest amongst River Kids to find the most interesting item and (if possible) bring it back!

So, I thought this email wasn't long enough, so I'm adding in this line just to make it even longer.  You don't really need to read it.  There's absolutely no reason to read it.  In fact, it's kinda silly that you still are reading this.  I'm starting to think that you need to get out a bit more if all you do is sit around and read pointless lines in emails like this. Seriously, there's absolutely nothing else of value in this paragraph.  Well since you're still reading, My favorite color is purple; I have a cockapoo named Ollie. My kids are named Gavin, Jackson, and Bella...Two of them think it's really funny that some people might still be reading this.

Really, because of who LL&W is (and who we are), this will undoubtedly be an amazing event.

Oh, and FYI - We are limited to bringing 40 people, and 16 are signed up already!

Looking forward to the first cleanup of the year!!!

Rock on, RK!

Ben

Meeting Dates

I know you all were hoping to have more to add to your calendars.  I'm here for you.  Here is the list of meeting dates for RK this year.  Note that some dates are for Board Members only.  Some additional dates for Board meetings and events will be added as the year continues.

All meetings will run from 4-5pm in the library.  All members who are currently attending NCS should go to Extended Day at 3:30pm for check-in and snack.  There is no charge for this time in Extended Day.  And who doesn't love free stuff?

All members who are not picked up by the end of the meeting will be sent back to Extended Day until pickup.  Regular Extended Day fees will apply for this time period only.

RK Meeting Dates ­

Sept ­ 10, 24
Oct ­ 1,15
Nov ­ 5, 19
Dec ­ 3, 10
Jan ­ 7, 21, 28 (Board Meeting)
Feb ­ 11, 18
Mar - 4
Apr ­ 1, 8, 15, 22 (Board Meeting), 29
May ­ 6, 20 (Final Meeting - RK Party - location/time TBA)

Additional Important Dates to Note -

Thursday, September 2 - RK Open House - RK Board Members asked to attend

Friday, September 17 - Confluence Watershed Festival - No school that day so I will get a bus for all those who want to join in the fun
Saturday, September 25 - Living Lands and Waters Cleanup at STL Riverfront
Sunday, March 27 - Annual participation in Confluence Trash Bash
Sunday, April 17 - Annual booth at STL Earth Day Festival in Forest Park
August 10 - Ben's birthday

I have checked all of these dates against the school calendar (avoiding days off and early dismissals) and most religious holiday calendars...however, if you think I've missed something important (still possible) and there remains some avoidable conflict, please let me know.  Of course we can't foresee the inevitable sports team practice schedule conflicts right now, but I'm sure we'll work those out as they happen...

Let me know if you are in need of even more dates to place on our calendar. As I said, I'm there for you.

I'd love to hear from some of you about summer adventures and such!  See you at school soon!

Ben

RK Distribution List...

Hello all!

This email list is due for it's annual update...as of right now, this
distribution list contains the emails of last year's active members plus anyone who has not requested removal from the list.  If you are receiving RK updates and would no longer like to do so, please simply email me with your removal request.  Otherwise I'll assume you are either:

1) Still interested in reading my amazingly witty emails
2) Uninterested but too lazy to remove yourself
 or
3) Completely annoyed by my emails yet too kind to insult me with a blunt removal request

In any of these situations, you will remain on the list and receive the
general emails I send out about events, activities, latest news, code words for entry into the secret RK Yacht Club, yada yada...

Let me take this moment to invite all graduates to stay in contact with RK and participate in meetings/events as you are willing/available.  Though I know many of you will find it challenging to attend all meetings, you may still choose to visit occasionally or serve on the Board and maintain your connection with the  organization.  Still others may choose simply to show up at cleanups and such.  I want it to be clear that graduation from NCS does not at all mean you need to graduate from RK.

Now on to business...

Here's the official ALL CALL for this year's RK Board...I am aware that many RK would like to serve on the Board.  Board membership is voluntary.  The only requirements are that you must have been a member the previous year and be willing to meet one additional meeting per month throughout the year.  It is in these meetings where many of the guiding decisions regarding the organization are made.  It's where new projects are conceptualized, old projects are revitalized, poorly contributing members are ostracized... kidding... sort of...

RK who are planning on serving should send me an email, stop by my classroom this week, or show up at the first Board meeting of the year to express commitment.  I will then create a separate RK Board email list for emails that concern only Board Members.

To give you a taste of some of the early decisions the Board will be making, we'll be discussing all of last year's projects and decide what projects we will maintain and which we might table or abandon altogether.  We'll also discuss new ideas, so bring on the brainstorm...Will there be an RK Benefit Concert????

We will follow the same format as last year in general - meetings twice a month on Fridays from 4-5pm in the library.  Snack will be provided in Ext. Day (at no additional charge to RK members) before meetings.

Upcoming events already on the calendar:

Aug 30-Sept.3 - First Week Back - RK Enrollment Forms available in Ext. Day Office for all returning members.

September 2 - 3:45-4:30pm - Open House for potential RK families - 4th-6th grade families who have not participated will be given the opportunity to check out what we have to offer. RK Board Members are requested to attend this Open House.

September 4-11 - River Camp???? - Mo River Relief is interested in working with us to arrange some unique educational outings along the Missouri River. They can offer us the chance to spend the afternoons and evenings with some of the amazing folks at MO River Relief - Actual activities and timing to be determined.  No plans for missing out on school.

September 11 - St. Charles River Cleanup with MO River Relief - Big one...tons of fun.

September 17 - Confluence Watershed Festival - Special Invitation - In certain situations, RK Board Members are invited to take part in outside events during school hours.  In this case, there is an educational festival near the Confluence of the MO and Miss Rivers all morning.  RK has been invited to provide a booth with hands-on activities related to rivers.  This is a large educational festival hosted by Missouri River Relief involving fantastic river folks from all over the bi-state region.  RK members and parents interested in participating should contact me so we can arrange participation.  This would involve obtaining special permission from teachers and admin.  Missed school work will need to be made up of course...nothing in life is completely free.

September 25 - 9am-1pm - Living Lands and Waters and A-B team up annually for one of the biggest cleanups in the region AND RIVER KIDS IS INVITED...(This is the rescheduled event from June.)  This is a great opportunity for RK to show it's river pride...This event is not open to the public, but we get invited because of our connection with LL&W.  We love to bring out tons of people, so let me know ASAP if you're interested in attending.

Is that enough to keep you busy for a while?

I'll keep you in the loop and on the river,

See you soon!

Ben
Your RK Captain

Yacht Club Code Phrase of the Week - River Time

Thanks!

Thanks for another incredible experience this year...we have a long list of accomplishments to be proud of, including hosting a successful benefit, paddling the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers 9 times, camping on the Mississippi, participation in cleanups and plantings, the creation of many new projects and revival of some old ones...It's been amazing to work with so many talented kids and parents.

I'm proud of all the current 6th graders have done to move River Kids forward during their time.  I wish them all well as they move on to secondary school.  They are all welcome to come back and work with River Kids at any time in the future!  To me they will always be River Kids...Heck, I'm the biggest River Kid of all, so the age cap just keeps getting higher.

I'm also incredibly proud of the new 4th/5th grade members this year who stepped up to every challenge and worked hard to establish themselves.  The enthusiasm, intellect and energy abounds in these younger individuals.  I know they are absolutely ready to take the reigns of this organization next year and continue to demonstrate that kids are a force to be reckoned with in the fight to preserve and protect our waterways.

As I look forward to upcoming River Kids events, I can't help but feel some excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead.   With a new River Kids park in development, a mural in the making, River Kids camp June the World's Largest River Cleanup ever on June 19, a river festival at the Confluence in September, and a dugout canoe on the way, this next year is surely going to be as exciting as ever!

Housekeeping - I have a yellow drawstring bag of belongings (including a Spongebob pillow) left with me after the RK campout...I can't remember who they belong to, so if it sounds like it might be yours, come on by my room and pick it up sometime.

Summer Fun - I will keep in touch with you all over summer.  There are already some great cleanup opportunities cropping up.  Please plan to join me at the riverfront on June 19 for the largest river cleanup in history. 22 cities up and down the Mississippi will be coordinating their efforts. Plus, our great friends from Living Lands and Waters will be heading up the effort.  We always have a blast with them!  We're thinking about camping out after the cleanup.  I'll keep the chatter rolling on that one.  We'll see what we can arrange depending on who's interested.

Board Members - Though current Board Members are invited to maintain a connection with River Kids upon entering secondary school, there will be many vacancies on the River Kids Board that will need to be filled.  All River Kids who were members this year are now eligible to volunteer for the Board.  The RK Board meets about one extra time per month on top of the regular meetings.  It can mean that RK becomes an even more substantial time obligation, but the rewards are numerous.  The Board is where many of the projects are developed and major decisions about the organization are made. If your River Kid wants to be on the Board, all they need to do is communicate that desire to me, and plan to meet in late August before school starts.  We will likely have a Board Retreat (perhaps a day trip or overnight paddle) to get things rolling at that time.  I will announce more info as we get closer to that time.

Happy summer!  Keep in touch...I love to hear about summer adventures.  I'll certainly invite you all to come create some summer adventures along the way with River Kids.

See you all soon!

Ben

Pics

I'm collecting photos from the year...if you have any pics that you think I ought to keep in the RK archives from this year (or previous for that matter) please send them my way.  I'd love to put together a rockin' slideshow for the party on Saturday...

Also, a long time ago I tossed the idea of going in on an end-of-the-year thank you for Mike Clark.  While he does get paid for his time with us, he gives us a HUGE discount simply because he is who he is, and he loves what we are doing.  He won't let me pay more, but he would have to accept a gift.

So, if you are interested in donating some cash for the "Mike's A River Kid Hero" fund, please stop by my room in the next couple days...I'll present the offering to Mike on Saturday.

Ben

RK Party Reminder

The RK Party is on for this Saturday at the Cassilly's House.  Right now I have about 50 RSVPs...Is there anyone else who forgot to RSVP?  Last chance...

NOTE - There will be a special presentation in honor of the graduating River Kids and an additional surprise announcement!

Reminder on the details:

Email me for details on the party's location.

From Giovanna:

Driveway is at the corner of Riverview and South Chambers Rd. It does sneak up quick.

Please carpool if possible.

Park cars along the grass next to the mail box.

It is also Dylan's B-day...If any one would like to bring a birthday gift, we ask that they contribute to the River Kids on behalf of his 10th birthday.

No need to bring anything other than bathing suit, change of clothes, towel, sunblock, swimming goggles or pool toys.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Ben

RK Summer Opportunities

Two great opportunities have been tossed at us.

June 4 - Last day of school - Anheuser-Busch is hosting a World Environment Day...they want us to host a booth there.  They really like what we are up to and think others should hear about it.  I am checking into timing...this may not be possible on our last day.  I'll keep you posted.

June 19 - World's LARGEST RIVER CLEANUP EVER!  Mark you calendars...I'll be asking for RSVPs soon, so check and see if you can be involved!

Ben

School Picnic

I announced in a previous email that River Kids will be hosting a booth at the School Picnic on June 1.  The picnic runs from 4-7pm.  I've attached a copy of the sign-up sheet that will be hung outside my door today.

We do need at least 2 volunteers for each time slot.  You may sign up for more than one slot.  Parents may also sign up to help if you so desire.

Note - In case it helps you avoid a conflict, know that the 6th grade rock band PXB is playing at 5pm.  The 5th grade is stepping at 5:15.  Concert band is playing at 5:30. The Driffin awards ceremony is at 6pm.

Also, 6th graders have been asked to volunteer selling food before.  I assume that will happen again.

Take care...see you soon!

Ben

View attached file here.

School Picnic

Good news! At the last Board meeting, Peter Hamilton suggested that since we didn't get to host our Earth Day booth, perhaps we should host a booth at the school picnic. Peter wrote the organizers and they approved of the idea. So we will be putting up our stream table and a beading activity for picnic goers.

We will be looking for River Kids to work at the booth during the picnic. We'll keep the shifts short so everyone will get the chance to enjoy the picnic.

I'll have a sign-up sheet at our last meeting May 21...

Way to go River Kids!

Ben

RK Party

The RK Party is for RK FAMILIES, not just the kids!

Also, RSVP to me with the number of folks you are bringing by May 15.

Thanks!

Ben

Pics from the RK Camping Trip

Here are some pics from this weekend...after all the weather hype Friday, it wound up being one of the most beautiful weekends yet...the storms stayed clear of us until about 11:15pm...by then we were happily lying in our tents; the sound of the rains and the river lulling us to sleep...

I'm sorry not everyone could make it on this outing...I hope the weekend went well for all!

Details about the RK End of the Year Party coming soon...

Ben

Camping Updates

The trip is definitely on...I know a few of you are concerned about the weather reports...I am reading that there will be storms tonight, a mostly cloudy day most of tomorrow with a chance of storms, possible thunder storms, later on in the day...50% chance of rain.  This does not alarm me...we will be prepared to deal with these conditions.

In the event that weather conditions do become dangerous during the trip, we will watch radar closely, listen to reports, and then evacuate to North Riverfront Park (where we will have a van) and head to Betsy Tribble's (river guide) house right across the road.

MAKE SURE YOU SEND PROPER RAIN GEAR...INCLUDING WATERPROOF BOOTS.

I have heard that I am taking Cody and possibly Alex in the morning...

Julie Stone is driving also...we can fit everyone.  I just need to know who's meeting us, so we don't leave anyone behind. Please let me know if you are meeting us there.

I understand Ky may need to be picked up at 2pm...anyone else meeting us at the midday rendez-vous?

Any other questions?

Ben

Camping

Hello all!

Yup...it's long.  But there's a ton of VERY important information locked up in this bad boy.  So please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and read carefully and thoroughly. :)

If you have not replied to my email about the camping trip this weekend, please reply as soon as possible.  I need to have a final number by tomorrow (Wednesday) in order to finalize the details of the trip.

If your child is NOT attending (and if you haven't already done so), please send me an email saying that your River Kid is NOT going.  This will help me figure out numbers as well.

I also need to know exactly who is planning on coming late.  I've heard that there is some secondary school testing and perhaps some baseball going on Saturday morning.  I am willing to work out a meeting location where those kids can join the trip, but I need to know for sure who needs this to happen and the earliest time each person could make it to North Riverfront Park (by Mosenthein Island).

Assuming numbers do not change much from here on, Mike and I have worked out a tentative plan for what could be one of the most amazing river trips possible.  Here is the tentative plan for those who need some more detail right now:

I will meet everyone who wants a ride at NCS at 8am on Saturday.  (I will secure a bus if necessary, but again, I need to know numbers.)  We will drive to Columbia Bottoms where we will meet up with Mike, pack all the gear into the canoes and set off.  We will paddle to Duck Island (where we have sent substantial time cleaning this year) and enjoy some hiking and
exploration.  We will then paddle on down river.  (We could pick folks up at the Columbia Bottoms kayak access here if timing fits.)

The river is high enough that the Chain of Rocks rapids are not rapids, but flatwater...so we will paddle right on down to Mosenthein Island.  (This is the second option for pickup for latecomers.)  Once we've connected with latecomers (if necessary), we will proceed to the east side of Mosenthein Island to our campsite.  We'll set up camp and then explore Mosenthein until dinner time.

We'll wake up, explore, eat breakfast, spend a little more time on Mosenthein, then paddle across to our take out at North Riverfront Park.

We will take care of all group camping/paddling gear.  However, each child must bring the following personal gear:

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• 2 full changes of clothing
• Outer layer - jacket/coat (nighttime temps will be around 60)
• Rain wear
• Waterproof boots for paddling
• Dry Shoes for land
• Hat
• Head lamp
• Water bottle (unbreakable)
• Lunch/Snacks for Saturday
• Optional entertainment - frisbee, ball, book, sketchpad, etc.

NOTE - For one night, toiletries are not necessary.  Of course if there's anyone who really feels they need them, that's fine.

All personal gear should be packed in a dry bag and MARKED IN SOME RECOGNIZABLE WAY...tying a bandana or placing a sticker can make it easy to spot your bag in a pile of 15 RK bags.

I have dry bags for loan or purchase ($18) in the Performing Arts room.

Weather looks reasonably good.  Forecast suggests isolated showers, but sun in between...highs in the upper 70's. I will have access to weather radar and reports at all times via cell phone.

I will have access to email and calls as well in case you need to contact us for any reason.

If numbers grow much beyond what they are right now, I would love to have an additional adult paddler or two join the outing.  If you are interested in coming along, please let me know.

FOOD - We will have a basic camp food menu, with the regular hot dogs and s'mores, cold cuts and chips, etc...as well as some vegetarian options. However, if you have any special dietary needs that we should address, please sent them my way pronto...we'll make sure everyone eats and eats well!

Questions?  Anything I should include in my sequel?

Ben

Permission For Camping

It's almost River Time!

Here's the waiver for the camping/floating trip this weekend. Please fill out this form and return a hard copy to me by Saturday morning.

I will send out an informational email with more details, but please reply to this email offering your permission for your child to attend the trip.  I need to collect numbers ASAP for Mike:

I give _________________ permission to participate in the River Kids Camping/Canoeing Trip on Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2.  I understand that my child will be paddling Saturday morning from Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area down river to Duck Island where he/she will camp overnight.  I understand, the group will paddle to the kayak access ramp the next day and return to NCS for pickup in the afternoon.

Parent e-Signature:_______________________

Earth Day and the Weather

After a lot of looking at radar and listening to weather predictions for today, I've decided that we should not participate today in the Earth Day Festival.  I just can't imagine anything good coming from standing around in cold, windy, wet conditions all day with no way to get out of the elements. To me that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Beyond the safety and comfort issues, I believe attendance at the Festival will be very low.  It doesn't seem worth all the energy, effort, discomfort and risk to present to the few folks who attend in spite of the conditions.

So stay home today, and stay healthy and dry.  There will be other Earth Days!

See you all soon!

Ben

Earth Day

Please do stop by my room and sign up for a shift at Earth Day this weekend...right now, there are only two folks signed up...I'll have lots of

snacks to eat.  :)

Ben

TED Talk with 12-Year-Old Author

I told the River Kids about this 12-year-old author and her speech about valuing kids' perspectives and contributions...it's worth the 8 minutes it takes to watch.

Ben

http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html

RK Earth Day

Hello all!

First, before I forget to mention it...at one point there was a paddling trip scheduled with Mike Clark for April 24...that trip is canceled in light of Earth Day and the camping trip being moved to May 1-2.

Second, though some of the 4th graders had baseball practice and had to miss out on some of the fun, many of us spent Friday doing very Earth-friendly activities around NCS...We planted some trees, weeded the green roof, and organized gear for our Earth Day presentations coming up this weekend...As
much as we need to be sitting around planning our projects at times (much to the chagrin of the more active portion of our crew - me included), it was certainly nice to be moving about taking action!

Third, all the juicy Earth Day details:

While Earth Day is officially April 22, the St. Louis Earth Day Festival is this coming Sunday, April 25.  Weather permitting, there will be some 2000-3000 people in Forest Park enjoying the Festival!

River Kids is, for its 5th year in a row, hosting its very own educational booth where our kids will use a stream table and other activities to grab the attention of passers-by and hopefully open some eyes to the major issues facing our rivers today.

Did you know that approximately 50 times per year, the River des Peres reaches levels high enough that raw sewage flows freely into the river and down to the Mississippi...

That's the kind of information that our kids will pass on to their audience as they present on the factors affecting the health of our local waterways.

In addition to running stream table presentations, the kids will be selling merchandise and talking with festival-goers at our information table or around our beading table - where participants may create a necklace with 100 beads, each representing 1% of the Earth's water...97 green and blue for
salt water, 2 clear for freshwater trapped in ice caps, and one silver representing the precious freshwater that isn't frozen.

The festival is open to the public from 11am-6pm...Rachel Stone set up the attached sign up sheet - I'm sending it for your viewing.  I will hang the actual sheet just outside the door to the PA room...Please stop by and sign up officially on that sheet. (That way you will also be able to see where there are empty slots.

NOTE - All-day volunteers are certainly welcome (both parents and children). You may also stay for longer than a shift indicates...Basically, if it feels crowded, some people simply take a break and enjoy the festival for a little while.  I've never felt there were too many people at the booth helping!

CRUCIAL DETAILS:

- Kids may be dropped off to work...however, you MUST accompany them to the booth and pick them up from the booth.  The crowds are just too big and security too light for me to trust sending a kid in or out on their own.  I must also be given a current CELL PHONE NUMBER to call in case of emergency.
- RK will have a water cooler on site and cups.  It would be best if kids BRING A WATER BOTTLE, instead of using up several cups.
- If there's a parent willing to bring a cooler or bag of snacks, please let me know.  Not necessary, but can be fun to have around.
- Please plan for your child's lunch by either sending lunch or planning to buy lunch.  (Note - With parent permission, I will send a child with a friend to the food vendors nearby if you send money.  (If I haven't heard from a parent, I will not allow any child to leave the booth area except to go to the bathroom.)
- SUNSCREEN - enough said.
- Kids should WEAR RK T-shirts or NCS Green Roof T-shirts and any other RK gear they would like to wear.
- YOUNGER SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME to come help at the booth.  They can help out at the stream table or beading table or just wave and smile.

PARKING - is often TERRIBLE the day of the event.  Cars are not allowed in after 10am, so You should plan to arrive a half-hour early in order to park and walk to the booth.

A map of the festival is attached...we are in the NATURE NEIGHBORHOOD and will be setting up in sites 10 and 11.  (In general, we are across the circle dive from the front of the MUNY on the large grassy field.)

You may find out more general information on the Festival at
stlouisearthday.org

So after you've read all the details, please stop by the PA room and sign up for a shift.  Though I know there are always lots of other things to do on a Sunday, this is a big deal for RK and we hope every member will show up for at least an hour or two...

Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have about this event.

Thanks a ton!  Rock on River Kids!

Ben

RK Schedule - Latest Edition

Here are the remaining River Kids meetings and events for the year:

General RK Meetings:

April 16 - Dedicated to Preparing for Earth Day
May 7 - Cancelled (I'm in Memphis with 5th Grade)

Board Meetings:

April 30 - Final Board Meeting

Mike Clark Trips

May 1-2 - RK Campout with Mike Clark (for all RK members)

Additional Dates:

April 25 ­ Earth Day in Forest Park
May 22 ­ RK Family Party

If you prefer a linear approach:

Friday, April 16 - General Meeting to prepare for Earth Day
Sunday, April 25 - Earth Day in Forest Park
Friday, April 30 - Final Board Meeting
Saturday-Sun, May 1-2 - RK Campout
May 22 - End of the Year Party at the Cassilly's House


Please keep in mind that there are cleanups that will pop up.  I will
announce those dates as I hear of them.

Also, I will send out additional info on Earth Day as well as the RK Party
soon.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ben

--
Jack Biggs

Extra Trees

Apparently, though there was a great effort on Saturday to help out at the Trash Bash, there were few volunteers at the U-City tree planting over at Mona Terrace on Sunday.

I'm wondering if there's anyone who might like to go out there this Sunday and put some of the remaining trees in the ground???????????  If so, I'll tell Linda Fried that we'd like to save the day and keep 300 trees from going to waste!  Anyone game?????

Ben


Hi

We've gotten through possibly 1/2 of the 600+ plants we ordered: not many volunteers (other than Theo, Leslie and Suzanne), one washed out Sunday, maybe too many ordered.  At any rate, Theresa is leaving town tomorrow and I just can't give too much more time to this - not before the end of April.  SO:  Any suggestions about what to do with the extra plants?  Could Deer Creek use them? Any other sites you can think of?

I can heel in some of them at the Vernon nursery for a later date.  I can also offer them to the U.City Forestry head, although I'm not sure he can use them.

Please let me know what you think ASAP.

Linda

Results from the Trash Bash

Thanks to all you incredible folks who made it out to the Trash Bash last
weekend!  Attached is an email with all the results of the cleanup...40+
TONS OF TRASH!!!!

Also, sorry I wound up missing out on the fun...Jaime has fully recovered
and I'm hoping that's our last trip to ER for a WHILE! (For those of you who
didn't know, she got dehydrated as the result of having a severe stomach flu
and we spent that day at Barnes...yuck!)

See you all soon!

Ben


Trash Totals: 40.9 tons of trash and scrap.

What a great number!  I am waiting for a tire number from Mitch so this is not the "final" number.  Please review and let me know if what I have is the same as what you reported.  Great job everyone!  I feel like celebrating! Talk to you soon.

Dona

Cleanup Tomorrow

Hello all,

I hope break has gone well for all of you!

As of right now, I've only heard from Alex P., Gerald M., and the Fee family regarding the cleanup tomorrow.  I'm sure some of you are out of town, but if you're around please consider joining me tomorrow. For the past 3 years, River Kids has been able to provide at least 10-15 volunteers, and I'd love for our tradition to continue.

The cleanup runs from 8:30am-12pm with lunch provided for all volunteers. In addition, there are prizes (usually gear from REI) being given away for interesting items found at the cleanup.

All ages are welcome!

Also, Alex and Gerald are the only ones who have signed up to paddle with Mike Clark...If "sunny, 63 degrees, and paddling the Mighty Miss" sounds like a great way to end your break simply email me to let me know how many you're planning on sending...

I will gladly take any kids who do not have transportation to the event.  I can even pick someone up if necessary...just let me know.

I hope to see some more of you out there tomorrow!

Take it easy!

Ben

River Time!

For those of you in town looking to get in some river time, there are two major ways to get involved this coming weekend. Please take a look at the details and let me know if you will be at either or both. A quick email will suffice.

On Saturday, March 27, one of the biggest cleanups in the region is being hosted up at the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Missouri River Relief, Trailnet, Confluence Greenway and many more organizations are teaming up to bring out the masses for their annual Trash Bash. If the weather is good, there are likely to be more then 500 people out cleaning the banks of the two biggest rivers around. Last year the weather was horrible, and there were still more than 300 volunteers braving the elements!

By the way, thanks to the organizers and the people involved, this cleanup is always not only one of the biggest, but one of the most fun for all!

River Kids is registered as a volunteer group, so if you would like to take part in this cleanup, check out the details and plan to come join me for the morning. I will be at the Old Chain of Rock Bridge site, but there's a Creve Coeur site as well if that's easier for some of you. Here are the details:

Prepare to get wet and dirty, have some fun and meet other environmentally conscience individuals at the Confluence Trash Bash, one of the region's biggest river clean-ups.

Volunteers will meet on Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00p.m. at your choice of starting sites:

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

10950 Riverview Drive

St. Louis, MO 63137

or

Creve Coeur Park

2143 Creve Coeur Mill Road

St. Louis, MO 63146

The Trash Bash will end with lunch and prizes at noon at both locations.

Also - River Kids are set to paddle with Mike Clark this day. Any River Kids and family members will be allowed to paddle (Ages 7+) as long as all permission forms are completed and turned in that morning. I will send a separate email with permission forms and more information on the paddling.

The second way to get involved is to come join the River des Peres Watershed Coalition at Mona Terrace (where we removed oodles of honeysuckle in the fall) for a native planting session on Sunday, March 28...if cleaning rivers isn't your thing, or if you've got more to give after Saturday, please come out and help this wonderful group place over 600 new plants in the ground. If you have been to this site before, but haven't gone lately, you'll be amazed at how much it has changed - for the better - thanks to the dedicated volunteers who keep showing up. Here are the details on Sunday's event:

The River des Pères Watershed Coalition

invites you to help out this spring at

Mona Terrace in University City

Native Plant Restoration

Sunday, March 28, 2010

From 12:00-3:00

*      Open to the public

*      Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

*      Dress for the weather.

*      Boots needed if entering water.

*      Gloves will be provided

Directions:

From I-170 : about one mile east on Olive St. Rd. to Groby

or...

From North and South Ave. about ¼ mile west on Olive St. Rd. to Groby

Then south on Groby about two blocks to the bridge over The River des Pères at Mona

I hope Spring Break has been a break for you all...Let's hope for some more of last week's weather soon!

Ben