2 Great Photos

Hello all,

So that was indeed the single WORST weather I've ever witnessed for a
cleanup...and yet SO many people came out to help. Including some
people
who attended the RdP cleanup, it appears close to 30 of us were helping
clean the region's rivers. I know the organizers at the Trailnet
event were
impressed...they couldn't say enough about how thankful they were.

So thank you for being such a WONDERFUL group willing to give so much of
your time and energy to making a difference. NCS and River Kids are
lucky
to have such amazing people around!

And let's hope we never have to be that amazing again. :)

Ben

Trailnet Cleanup Tomorrow

In case you're wondering, it appears the cleanup is still a go, despite the forecast for cold rain...so wear raingear and thermal underwear! Brrrrrr....

Claire and I will be at NCS a little before 7am to meet anyone who plans to follow us or ride along with us.

Hope to see you there!

Ben

Cleanups

I'm sure you all know about the March 28 Trailnet cleanup...If you can't make it all the way up the confluence to help clean, there is an equally important cleanup/planting going on in University City with our friends from the River des Peres Watershed Coalition.

That event is at Mona Terrace, starting at the intersection of Groby Rd and Mona Dr. - a location that should sound familiar to some of you from earlier in the year.

There will be invasive species removal from 9am-1pm and native planting from 12-4pm.  So there's something going on there almost all day...

Also, mark your calendars for April 4, 18, and 25 as well for other events with River des Peres Watershed Coalition.

If you've been looking to get out to a cleanup or two but just haven't been able to make it so far, you couldn't ask for a better run of opportunities!

SYOTR,

Ben

Kennedy Event

If any of you are interested in attending the VIP Meet and Greet with Robert F. Kennedy on April 14 in the evening, tickets are on sale for $75 at the Science Center Website...go to their calendar of events and click on April 14.  You should be able to find the info and the button to click to purchase tickets.

I have confirmed with the Science Center that we will have a table that evening.  They are expecting 600+ so it will be a great way for us to get the word out about RK.

We'll also have a one-day booth at the Eco-Expo...there are so many groups wanting to have a booth that they thought they could share the wealth this way.

I have had great response from River Kids families and kids willing to help with one or both of these tasks.  I'll be in touch with people about operating the table and designing the booth.

Thanks to all!

Ben

Trash Bash Liability form

Claire and I will be driving to the March 28 cleanup and can take several kids with us.  I have heard from several River Kids that rides will be necessary.  That's fine.  These kids will need a signed liability waiver with them in lieu of a parent.  I will print copies and have them at NCS in the morning for those families who have kids catching a ride up to the cleanup.  If you want to print them early and sign, it would save a minute or two in the morning.  And if you are coming with your child, you'll still have to sign one when you get there.  This might save you a minute or two as well.

If you have not sent me a note and you know that your River Kid will need a ride, you are still welcome to contact me.

I am including a permission slip within this email for all parents with kids riding along with Claire or me.  A simple reply with your e-signature will reserve a spot in one of our cars.

I give permission for my child to ride with Claire or Ben in their personal vehicles from New City School to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to attend the Trailnet Trash Bash on March 28, 2009.  I understand that they will be leaving from New City by 7am and returning by 3pm.

Child's Name:
Parent signature:

I'll have River Kids t-shirts for anyone who joins our River Kids team for the day.

Thanks!  Don't' forget to spread the word about the cleanup...the more people we have together, the more fun we'll have!

See you soon!

Ben

View attachment here.


------ Forwarded Message
From: Barbara Maynard <bmaynard@nasw.org>
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:47:46 -0500
To: <bmaynard@nasw.org>
Subject: Trash Bash Liability form

Thank you for registering a group to participate in the Confluence Trash Bash on March 28. Registration is booming, and the event is shaping up to be a wonderful and fun way to make a difference for St. Louis' streams and rivers.

If you are bringing children whose parents will not be at the event (and therefore will not be available to sign liability waivers at the morning check-in), will you please ask parents to sign the attached liability waiver beforehand, so you can bring the signed copies with you on March 28?

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!

Barbara Maynard
AmeriCorps Volunteer with Missouri Stream Team, the Confluence
Partnership and the Watkins Creek Watershed Initiative
314-961-3360
bmaynard@nasw.org

Brief RK Update

I wanted the you and the kids to know right away that there has been a major change related to the benefit this year.  Chad Pregracke called and told me that they (Living Lands and Waters) need to back out.  They will not be able to be in town because of a schedule conflict.  He and Tammy had been planning to split their efforts between two groups and they decided that wasn't going to work out.

They were hoping that we would be okay with teaming up with them when they are in St. Louis in September instead.  They will have their whole barge here and a cleanup that will already involve hundreds of volunteers without us adding our connections.

They would also have a lot of publicity worked up that we could tie into. So, while our June plans are shot, it makes for an even bigger and more powerful experience in the fall.

I'm sure many of the kids and adults who read this will be disappointed (as was I) in the change, for various reasons.  However, I'm hoping that the vision of perhaps the single largest river cleanup in St. Louis history tied to our event being one of the biggest ever in honor of rivers and river enthusiasts will entice everyone into being positive about the situation. Plus, some of the 6th graders (then 7th graders) will want to get some of their new schoolmates involved.  Could be a great way for these kids to continue their personal interest in helping protect our rivers whether they are still a NCS River Kid or not...

Please NOTE - I will need to speak with the Board about what they would like to do, but my initial thought regarding the June 13 date, was that we keep it and down-size it to become a RK Family party to celebrate the year.  We'd been talking about the idea already, so I thought it was worth considering...the space is already donated, so we can do this at little or no cost.  We could also use it as an RK fundraiser and sell tickets again...this time just to come celebrate River Kids specifically...It could be a really fun New City bash that would raise some funds for the Benefit expenses in the fall - or for the green roof project directly!  Just some ideas that we'll discuss at the next Board Meeting.  Input is welcome.

Hopefully I'll see many of you on March 28 at the cleanup.  If you or your RK would like a ride, meet at NCS a little before 7am.  Please make sure I know you're coming so I don't leave without your child!  I have been told by a couple families already, but if there are more, I'd like to make sure we have room!

Have a phenomenal break!

Ben

LATE ADDITIONS

If there is anyone who still wants to join us at Camp Sabra, this is your last call...We have made cabin arrangements so I'm not sure we could fit any more in cabins, but there is certainly room for more tent-dwellers.

If you are still interested, just let me know...

Ben

Amazing New RK Opportunities

I just received an offer from the Science Center to connect with them on the opening of their new Eco-Expo, a green living event, on April 14.  It appears Robert F. Kennedy will be the keynote speaker at the opening, so this is really a HUGE opportunity.

The offer is two-fold: 1) We will be allowed to host a table at the Kennedy event, similar to what we pulled together for the Omnimax showing of Grand Canyon Adventure: River At Risk.  2) We are being offered a booth in the Eco-Expo...there are a limited number of booth spaces for non-profits and we have been given the chance to host one.

This is big stuff.  While in my book, we can't pass up the opportunity, I'd like us to prepare well and have RK represented as well as possible.

So, for the first opportunity, I would like a few RK and some parents to volunteer to not just be there for the event, but to spend some time getting organized and preparing for the event.  I plan to be there as well, so I will work with this crew to make the table at the event a worthy endeavor. For the effort, I will make sure that volunteers get tickets for Kennedy's speech as well.  Kennedy's speech is entitled, "Our Environmental Destiny," so I imagine it will hit home with RK.  Please let me know if you are interested in working this event.

As for the booth as part of the Eco-Expo...I've asked for more information about what the booth will entail.  I will form a committee of kids to design the booth once we know the general expectations.

In the meantime, I've been asked to spread the word about the event.  You can buy tickets to the opening for $35 through the Science Center's website...I was told there are a few "Golden Circle" tickets at $75 a piece that will entitle holders to a special reception with Kennedy before the speaking event.  I have asked for the detail on purchasing Golden Circle tickets and will pass the info along ASAP in case you're interested.

Ben

RK Update

Hey RK Families,

Despite some confusion over whether there was going to be a meeting on Friday, many kids still showed up and we were able to discuss some of what makes RK tick, as well as share some dreams for the future of RK.  We even got to spend a little time outside enjoying the excellent weather.  Other than the shower this morning, and the clocks rolling forward, what a great weekend!

"Meetings" this week:

T, W, and Th - Sales, in the hallway from 3:30-4:15 - ANY RK are welcome to help.  We will host a table to sell RK Merchandise and drum up interest in the March 28 Cleanup.  If your RK is around and wants to join in, I would like to know ahead of time.  I was not able to have a sign-up at the meeting on Friday, so I'll be depending upon email replies with days your RK wants to help.

No other meetings this week due to the 6th Grade Show on Th night and it being the last day before Break on Friday.

There is still time to join the RK Trip to Camp Sabra...I've had quite a few responses, but there's always room for more.  Let me know if you're planning to join us that weekend!

Also, please remember to let me know if you are joining us at the Trailnet Cleanup March 28...I count about 20 people right now...It'll be a blast!

Earth Day is coming up fast - April 26.  Please note that the week before, there are work days at NCS for any kids who can be there to help prepare for the day.  We will need the help, so please mark your calendars and communicate about which day or days will work for your family.

Benefit Event Change - Also, there is a change related to the benefit event. We are no planning on having the event Saturday evening to help LL&W make it out of town in time for another event.  That means the whole event will be happening on June 13.  SAVE THAT DATE!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Ben

Possible Bus

I'd like to get some tentative numbers to give to the organizers of the
Confluence Trash Bash at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on March 28.

Please let me know, via email reply, how many people you will be bringing to
the cleanup.

NOTE - If your River Kid is in need of a ride, that's not an issue...please
just ask me, and we'll make arrangements for transportation.

Here's a link to the photos from last year's event...you can tell that the cold
weather that day didn't hinder our fun! Link

Ben

Bring a Friend or 10

As for the March 28 Cleanup...

The Trash Bash at the Old Chain of Rocks is for EVERYONE, so spread the word to friends and family, especially non-River Kid families who might skim past the blurb in next week's Parent Letter from Tom, or miss the umpteen flyers going up in the hallway this weekend...or (Heaven forbid) those who might not read all my emails...tsk tsk

And feel free to bring friends along with our group!  We'd love the group to as big as possible!  We can bring people last minute too...I just want to let the organizers know if they need a bus just for us or if a mini-Cooper will do the trick.

If there's someone non-NCS who needs more info, give them the River Kids email address - riverkids@newcityschool.org - as a way to contact us.  We'll gladly help anyone and everyone find their way to the event!

Thanks!

Ben

Trash Bash Flyer!

Hey River Kids! The flyer for the Trash Bash is out, feel free to post it up!

Link

Another Smaller Cleanup Opportunity

Got this message about a small group heading out to cleanup the RdP this weekend...if you're free, consider helping out. We were that small group 6 years ago, so I know what it feels like to have even a few people take an interest in helping out with an event...These kids would no doubt get a kick out of knowing that they caused some other people to get off their duffs and do something...The event appears to be in Heman Park...

Ben



Hi folks,

The UCity Varsity Soccer Team is planning a River cleanup along the banks of the river, on Sunday, March 8 from noon til 2 pm.

We welcome the participation of any volunteers who would like to join us there.

We'll meet at the compost pile in the park at Noon and work our way along the river banks to the new footbridge on the west side of the park.

The City has endorsed our volunteer project and is providing trash bags, and pickup service.

Please pass this along to any and all who might be interested!

Thanks,
Amy Ziegler
314-727-1903

Camp Sabra Weekend for RK

If you're interested in attending the River Kids outing to Camp Sabra the weekend of March 20-22, please reply to this email with:

1) The number of people total in your group (Kids may attend alone, but ALL family members are welcome.

NOTE - If you're child needs to attend alone, you will need to make the arrangements for travel by carpool with another family. Arrangements for food should also be made. If you need help, please contact me directly and I will do my best to help arrange a way to keep Junior fed.

2) Cabin or Tent - If you are tenting, there will be no direct charge to you. (RK will pay the nominal site fee.) If you would like a cabin, the charge will be $25. Cabins must be reserved ahead of time.

Here is the general plan of action for the outing -

Every family is responsible for coordinating its own food. If you are in need of a tent, contact me. I have several of my own and could access more if necessary.

Friday - Travel Day -
- Make your way to the camp at some point during the day (~3 hour drive), set up for your stay and enjoy the time you have to spare by exploring on your own. No scheduled activities until dinner.
- 5pm - Cooking Fires lit - do your own cooking as you wish
- 6:30 - Dinner Gathering
- Later on...night hike, campfire gathering by the lake, stories, songs, snoozing...

Saturday - Times TBD - Breakfast on your own. Meet at 9am. We have arranged to have a professional crew to manage times on the high ropes course and a fishing experience. There may be time for paddling on the lake a bit as well. Lunch and Dinner gathering times will be offered. Cooking fires lit by 5pm again. More night-time fun.

Sunday - No scheduled activities. No rush to leave; everyone can get up, explore, pack up, and filter out as they please.

If you're interested in learning more about Camp Sabra and the facilities, check out their website at www.campsabra.com It shouldn't take you long to figure out that there are TONS of things to do on your own as you explore.

Let me know if you have any questions. And please RSVP as soon as possible.

Thanks!

Ben

Details for March 28 Cleanup

Here are the details for the March 28 Cleanup with Trailnet:

Confluence Trash Bash
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 8:00 AM ­ 12:30 PM

Location: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, 10950 Riverview Drive, St. Louis, MO 63137
Description: Help bring back the splendor of the river at this clean-up event. You can help by volunteering! Lend a hand by participating in the Trash Bash based at the Missouri entrance to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Missouri River Relief, one of the program partners, will take volunteers by boat to pre-determined sites along the Mississippi River to pick up trash and debris. We will also be working with Stream Teams at Watkins Creek, Maline Creek, Cold Water Creek and Creve Coeur Creek. Some of the trash collected will be recycled into art during the event by trash artists. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.
Fees: FREE
Registration: 8:00 AM

I'm thinking anyone who wants to carpool should meet at NCS a little before 7am. Otherwise, we will meet you up there at about 8am for registration. It's likely there will be tons of people there, so registering early is easier...

The organizers are great about keeping us all together if we get there and sign in on time...they will have to assign volunteer leaders to us and make arrangements for appropriate transportation to the cleaning sites based on numbers.

NOTE: I am aware that there is a local invasive species removal going on in University City as well, so if it's easier to be there, that's fantastic as well...The Trailnet organizer called us and asked if we were going to be there way back in early fall, so I'm going to make the drive up north...

Let me know if you have any questions specifically about this cleanup. And if this is your first cleanup, I'd be glad to fill you in on what to expect.

Funny story from last year - one fellow found a set of car keys...HIS OWN that he'd lost the year before at the cleanup. NO KIDDING!

I look forward to finding a safe to go with our bag of jewels from last year...

Ben

RK Update

Man, time is flying!!!! Spring Break is rolling up fast! It's March...where have I been?

Anyhoo...here are some quick updates:

Meetings -

Merchandising - This Wednesday 4-5pm in the PA room...we will work on organizing the gear and creating a current pricelist. We will need a ton of help on this. If your RK is interested in helping but hasn't been on this committee, please let me know.

Publicity - Thursday - 4-5pm in the Computer Lab - We may move to the library if the computer lab is needed by Ext. Day.

Full Group Meeting - Friday - 4-5pm -library. We will meet despite the early dismissal. With spring break around the corner, this is our only March meeting. Maddie and Jack will be presenting about their experience in Iowa at the youth conference on sustainability.

Next Week - The only RK activity will be merchandise sales in the hallway after school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:15...There will be a sign up sheet at the meeting on Friday.

Important Dates:
- March 20-22 - Spring Break adventure for RK families at Camp Sabra.
- March 28 - Biggest cleanup of the year besides our benefit cleanup. Trash Bash at the Chain of Rocks Bridge...This is a "Don't miss it!" cleanup in connection with Trailnet. We need to show up BIG!
- April 26 - St. Louis Earth Day - All Day event
- May 2-3 - RK Annual Camping/Canoeing Trip with Land for Learning
- May 16-17 - River Sisters Camping/Canoeing Trip with Land for Learning
- June 8-12 - Prep Sessions possible for Benefit - as necessary
- June 13-14 - RK BENEFIT - Living Lands and Waters will operate a HUGE cleanup on the Mississippi on Saturday. Then we will be hosting a benefit party on Sunday to celebrate the money raised for RK and LL&W. Keep your calendars clear for that weekend...we will need EVERY family involved as much as possible. We'll need friends and businesses involved as well, so get other people to mark their calendars as well. If all goes well, this may be the single largest cleanup event in St. Louis...ever....or at least until next year.

And some slow updates...

Benefit Info - We are tied to the June 13-14 dates because of LL&W's schedule...I'm hoping the timing may work to our advantage, in that everyone will be more free from academic pressure at the time...However, we need to make sure the event gets the maximum amount of publicity in school and out.

Fundraising - We are attempting to raise more money this year. We haven't set a goal yet, but we are saving much more money on the event and should be able to direct that money to the fundraising. All the money will be split between River Kids and Living Lands and Waters for programs to bring kids out to the rivers. RK will use part of the money to support the development of satellite programs in St. Louis schools.

Entertainment - We have secured Chad Dunn (www.chaddunn.com), Illinois native and phenomenal percussionist, to perform at the event this year. Chad is known for his work in creating instruments from recycled materials, some of which are collected from rivers. He will be hosting a workshop at New City later this year for River Kids. The goal will be to create a short number that is performed at the benefit as part of the show.

Trash to Art - we are working on securing an artist to turn some of the rubbish from the cleanup into art for the benefit. We may even auction it off.

Education at the Event - We will have some help from local organizations to create educational activities for people of all ages at the event.

Toning It Down - In case you hadn't heard, the RK Board made it their mission this year to revamp the benefit to become a more river-centered and less flashy experience for all. It will likely still be at the City Museum and there will be food and drink as well as entertainment, but it will not be a big sit-down dinner, there will be less of a focus on celebrating RK with speeches that many people may unfortunately ignore, and there will be a conscious effort to keep expenses down overall.

Connections - If you have any connections and are willing to use them to support RK this year, please email me. We will need help from many sources
to make this event as amazing as it can be. We are interested in pledges for the event, donations to fund the event, auction items, connections to potential environmentally active guest speakers, etc...

Ideas - if you have any ideas for how to make the benefit the best it can be this year, please send them my way. The kids will be discussing the details of the event in the coming weeks and solidifying their plan of action.

Note, I am not accepting ideas for how to shorten my RK Updates...I love to write.

See you all soon!

Ben