We’ve already got a pretty packed calendar for April, and we’re always adding more! Check the calendar often, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest. You can also sign up for our mailing list and get an occasional (about once a month) update on neighborhood events.

Neighborhood Meetings

Tuesday, April 10th, both Gravois Park and Dutchtown West have their monthly meetings. Gravois Park meets at 6pm at 3353 California, just north of Cherokee, in the old Jefferson Bank building. Dutchtown West meets at 7pm at the banquet hall at Grbic. Both organizations hold their meetings at the same time and place on the second Tuesday of every month.

Marine Villa has their monthly meeting on April 23rd at 7pm at Sister Cities Cajun. They meet on the fourth Monday of the month. Martine Villa will also have a walk, talk, and cleanup on Wednesday, April 4th, beginning at 6:30pm at the firehouse on South Broadway.

The Dutchtown Community Improvement District has committee meetings throughout the month and a Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 26th. Learn more about the committees from our earlier post and get in where you fit in.

The Cherokee Street Business Association meets on Thursday, April 19th, 5:30pm at Nebula. Business and property owners as well as residents are all encouraged to attend.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center

As always, there’s lots going on at the Thomas Dunn Learning Center at Marquette Park. In addition to the usual open art and computer labs, HiSET study sessions, Southside Youth Council meetings, and parenting education, there’s many other events and programs, a few of which we’ll highlight below. Visit the TDLC calendar for a complete listing of their events.

With April 15th rapidly approaching, Thomas Dunn wants to help you with your taxes! Get free assistance preparing your taxes between 1pm–7pm the first two Wednesdays of April (appointment required). Then check out Money Mondays all month long to learn how to make the most of your refund, develop budgeting skills, and improve your credit score.

On Tuesday, April 10th, 3pm–6pm, Thomas Dunn will host an information session for Metro Reimagined, the new draft transit service plan from Metro. Come by to learn more about the plan, talk with planners, and provide your feedback. If you’re unable to attend, you can complete Metro’s survey or visit their page for a list of other information sessions outside of the neighborhood.

Every Tuesday evening at 7pm you can join the Laughter Club for an hour of laughter to relieve stress and increase positive vibes. If you come early you can get creative in the art lab or enjoy a meal from the TDLC kitchen.

Sip ‘n Sketch is a monthly life drawing session for artists of all skill levels. Participants draw each other using a variety of materials. Materials are provided, but you can bring your own as well. And BYOB! Sip ‘n Sketch is at 7pm on the second Wednesday of every month.

Dutchtown South Community Corporation

Dutchtown South will unveil their new Serenity and Meditation Station on Saturday, April 7th at noon. The station is located near the community garden at Virginia and Liberty and will feature upcycled pieces created by artist Shea Brown in conjunction with DSCC’s So Fresh, So Clean, So Creative project.

Also organized as a part of So Fresh, So Clean, So Creative is a Marine Villa cleanup on Sunday, April 29th, 11am, beginning at Perennial on South Broadway. For a list of other cleanups planned around the neighborhood you can always visit DutchtownSTL.org/cleanup.

The DSCC Community Empowerment Committee meets on Wednesday, April 25th, 6pm at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. The CEC implements DSCC’s programs and develops program ideas of their own. Dinner and child care are provided at the meeting.

Elsewhere in the Neighborhood

The Feasting Fox will host two of their popular five-course dinners with beer and wine pairings, on Friday, April 6th and Friday, April 27th, both beginning at 7pm. Reservations are required.

Also at the Feasting Fox, the South City Sipsters meet on Wednesday, April 18th, at 6pm. They’ll be sampling Chardonnays and beers from Destihl while enjoying the Feasting Fox’s new pub menu and music by the Torture Chamber Orchestra later in the evening.

Urban Eats Café is always combining great food with local art. This month, they’ll have their popular Art Brunch on Sunday, April 29th, featuring artists Thomas Park and Jenni Joerger. Reservations are encouraged. On Saturday, April 14th, 6pm, Urban Eats will host Art, Appetizers, and Cocktails, featuring the art of Pamela Schaffner.

Urban Eats will also be welcoming (and staying open extra late for) the South City contingent of the St. Louis Board Game Meetup Group. on Friday, April 13th and Friday, April 27th, from 6pm to 11pm. Learn new games or play your old favorites.

Strange Folk Festival‘s first Potion Party pop-up will be at the Marquette Park Field House on Saturday, April 28th, from noon to 6pm. Shop for self-care products from an array of local vendors and participate in hands-on workshops. It’s a great opportunity to get some Mother’s Day shopping done, and to check out the newly renovated Field House.

We’re always adding events to our calendar and sharing on our Facebook and Twitter feeds. If you have an event or anything else Dutchtown related you’d like to share please contact us or email info@dtstl.org.

Top photo credit to Paul Sableman.

Dutchtown South Community Corporation‘s So Fresh, So Clean, So Creative South Side program is ramping back up for summer 2018!

Right now they’re looking for both Junior and Senior Community Champions interested in developing leadership and community organizing skills. Champions will canvass and recruit neighbors for cleanups and trainings and help conduct the neighborhood cleanups and events.

Community Champions must be residents of Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Mount Pleasant, or Marine Villa. A commitment of about ten hours per month is required from May to October. Champions will receive an $80–$100 monthly stipend.

Complete a youth application or an adult application, or if you have additional questions contact Amber at DSCC at amber@dutchtownsouth.org or (314) 352-4865.

Celebrate 45 years of neighborhood development and community service in Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Mount Pleasant, and Marine Villa! Dutchtown South Community Corporation is hosting a Toast to the Southside on Friday, March 9th, at the renovated Marquette Field House.

The event will be hosted by St. Mary’s High School President Mike England. Neighborhood champions will be honored during the Spirit of South St. Louis award ceremony.

Enjoy live art from artist and Dutchtown resident Sarah Paulsen, jazz music from Jenna Bauer, Dave Black, and Willem von Hombracht, and craft beer and specialty cocktails.

Purchase your tickets today! Tickets are $45 and include two complimentary beverages. The celebration runs from 5:30–8:30pm. Here’s to many more years of service with Dutchtown South!

Winter weather is still here and it seems like everyone’s cooped up at home, but you still have plenty of opportunities to get out and get involved with the Dutchtown community in February. Check our calendar or follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Association Meetings

Gravois Park Neighborhood Association

The monthly Gravois Park Neighborhood Meeting is Tuesday, February 13th at 6pm. Gravois Park meets every second Tuesday at the old Jefferson Bank building, 3353 California just north of Cherokee.

Dutchtown West Neighborhood Association

Dutchtown West’s monthly meeting is also Tuesday, February 13th. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the banquet hall at Grbic.

Marine Villa Neighborhood Association

The monthly Marine Villa Neighborhood Meeting is Monday, February 26th at 7pm. Marine Villa meets on the fourth Monday of every month at Irish Corner Pub. Update: February’s meeting will be at Sister Cities.

Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Association

The quarterly Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Meeting is on Wednesday, February 28th. Mount Pleasant meets at 7pm at the Gretchen Inn at the Feasting Fox.

Dutchtown CID Meetings

As we talked about in our last update, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the Dutchtown Community Improvement District. Committees are forming plans as the Board of Directors gets ready to submit their first budget. Learn more about what the committees and board do, then check out the committee and board meeting dates.

DSCC Events

Plarn Parties

In conjunction with Dutchtown South Community Corporation‘s So Fresh, So Clean, So Creative Southside initiative, local artist Shea Brown will teach you how to crochet using plastic bags to create upcycled yoga mats and poofs. All materials are provided. Come to Thomas Dunn Learning Center for one or both Saturday dates, February 10th or February 24th.

Community Empowerment Committee

DSCC’s Community Empowerment Committee implements the programs of the organization and works to address issues in the neighborhood through their own program ideas. CEC meets Monday, February 26th, 6pm at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. Please note: the meeting date has been changed to Monday instead of Wednesday for February.

Save the Date: A Toast to the Southside

2018 marks 45 years of service from DSCC, and on Friday, March 9th you can join DSCC at the Marquette Field House for A Toast to the Southside, their anniversary celebration! Tickets are on sale now.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center Events

There’s always something going on at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. Visit their website or Facebook page to find listings of open lab and studio times, HiSET (GED) classes, parent education, tax assistance, and more. Below are just a couple of TDLC’s events for February.

Sip-n-Sketch

This month’s Sip ‘n Sketch is on Wednesday, February 14th, and the theme is “Be Your Own Valentine.” Sip ‘n Sketch is a drawing studio for all skill levels. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own as well. And also BYOB! Sip ‘n Sketch meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6–9pm.

Laughter Club

Laughter Club uses laughter as a tool to reduce stress and boost positive vibrations. With techniques from laughter yoga and playful improv you’ll laugh your way to health. All ages are welcome. Join them on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for ROTFL, a hilarious hour of intentional joy. Additionally, Laughter Club hosts a Laughter Lunch on the third Thursday of every month (the 15th in February) from noon–1pm.

Feasting Fox Events

Beer and Wine Dinner and Valentine’s Day Dinner

The Feasting Fox has two special dinners this month: their five-course beer and wine dinner on Friday, February 9th and their special Valentine’s Day dinner on Wednesday the 14th. Both dinners require reservations. Visit the Facebook event pages (February 9th and February 14th) for more information on menus, pricing, and reservations.

South City Sipsters

The South City Sipsters‘ monthly meeting is Thursday, February 15th at 6pm. Join them to sample beers from Sudwerk Brewing and/or an assortment of pinot noirs while enjoying half-price appetizers and beer and wine specials. You can just come to one meeting, or purchase an annual membership and receive special deals throughout the year in addition to the monthly meet-ups. Visit the Facebook event page for more info and to purchase tickets or memberships, or just pay when you get there.

If you have an event you’d like us to share, please contact us through or contact page or by emailing info@dtstl.org. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and check our calendar often for neighborhood events!

If you’re looking to become more involved in the Dutchtown community this year, one way to start is by attending the committee and board meetings of the recently formed Dutchtown Community Improvement District. You’ll have the opportunity to help craft the mission of the CID and be a part of its growth and success.

The Board of Directors and three committees generally meet monthly. Come to one or more of the meetings below to learn how you can participate.

Beautification and Maintenance Committee

The Beautification and Maintenance Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30pm. Meetings are usually held at the studio of Anthony Duncan in the old Stork Inn building at Virginia and Idaho. The committee will determine how to maintain and improve the physical environment within the CID through enhanced trash services, landscaping, etc.

Marketing and Development Committee

The Marketing and Development Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm at Urban Eats Cafe. The committee works to inform and engage stakeholders within the CID and the neighborhood, support economic activity, and attract and retain businesses.

Safety and Security Committee

The Safety and Security Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at the Original Crusoe’s Restaurant. The committee aims to reduce crime and improve the perception of public safety in the neighborhood.

Board of Directors

The Dutchtown CID Board of Directors meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at Urban Eats Cafe. The board further discusses the activities of the committees and votes on various matters. While voting is restricted to board members, all are welcome to attend the meetings and learn more about the CID in general.

Meeting times are subject to change. Check our calendar or the Dutchtown CID Facebook page for the most up-to-date meeting times and locations.