Ald. Triplett to Serve as Commencement Speaker

(Meeting with students & staff at Construction

Careers Center)

I am honored to serve as the Commencement Speaker for the 2008 graduating class of Construction Careers Center located in the 6th Ward. The Construction Careers Center was the first charter high school school approved by the St. Louis Board of Education and is independently operated by the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis. The school’s curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for work in the construction industry, and on a recent tour of the school, I had the opportunity to witness students preparing for construction job interviews. As you can imagine,  the students were nervous but also excited about reaching the next step in their career.  The Construction Careers Center offers an alternative for high school students who are motivated and interested in the construction field. The staff, led by Principal Gina Washington,  constantly pushes the students to do their best, and they have made remarkable strides in the St. Louis community. Congratulations to the staff, parents, and 2008 graduates of CCC.

 

 

Happy Father’s Day

In memory of my dad, Johnnie L. Triplett, who worked so hard during my election campaign and was very proud to say that his daughter had recently become an Alderwoman at City Hall.

I am very grateful that I had the experience of running for office with my dad right by my side. He wouldn’t want me to get too sentimental on this blog post, so I will keep it short and sweet:

 Thanks Dad for everything. I miss you. Happy Father’s Day.

kst

Fundraiser for Lucas Park

The Friends of Lucas Park held a fundraiser recently downtown in the Railway Lofts to increase awareness about the organization and its ongoing effort to revitalize the park. You may remember that there was an organization a few years ago with this same mission but disbanded (maybe perhaps to being overwhelmed with the tasks?) Nevertheless, we have some new folks and new energy and are taking small steps to revitalizing the park and making it a place for everyone to enjoy.

Speaking with Job Corps Students

A few days ago, I was invited to speak to students participating in the Job Corps program in St. Louis City. These students were bright, optimistic and seemed intent on making the most of their Job Corps experience. One student acknowledged that her participation in Job Corps was like a “second chance” in life. Her comment struck a chord with me, because not everyone will attend college, nor graduate from high school in four years. Job Corps allows students from various backgrounds, the opportunity to learn a trade, obtain their GED, and have a job after they complete the program. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to ”spit some game” (as I told them) on life and achieving success regardless of the obstacles we encounter.

        

Scenes from STARR Fundraiser

Despite the rain and the clouds my host committee and friends put together a spectacular fundraiser for my campaign committee. Former Mayor Bosley commented that the food at the event was “the best.” Thats how we do it in the 6th Ward. Good food and good drink(Thank you “The U Restaurant”, Chaumette Winery and 33 Wine Bar) . Thanks to all those who came out to support, mix and mingle; a very special thanks to my host committee members and to Mr. Jimmie Miller, President of Miller Contracting for hosting the event at his office headquarters.

 

The U: Educating Stomachs in the 6th Ward

(Alderman Triplett and Adam Kustra, owner of The U)

The 6th Ward has a new group of restaurants that have opened up in the Midtown Neighborhood right in the heart of the Locust Business District (Pappy’s Smokehouse, Buffalo Brewing, and The U).

 I had the pleasure of recently visiting one of the restaurants, The U, which is a busy sandwich, soup and salad joint that has excellent fresh food great for either dine in or take out.  (I am assuming the name, “The U” is short for “The University” since the restaurant is conveniently sandwiched between both SLU and Harris Stowe). Owner, Adam Kustra, is hoping to make The U the new hotspot as they do food deliveries up until 3am and offer free wifi, tv, and veggie friendly choices. Check them out at www.ustl.com.

 

Alderman Triplett Presents Report of the 6th Ward

 Last night I had the pleasure of providing a “Report of the 6th Ward” to downtown residents focusing on my first year as Alderwoman of the 6th Ward. The report contained highlights of new residential and commercial developments in the ward,  announcements of new businesses that are in the process of relocating to the 6th, and several initiatives to combat crime and increase affordable housing in 6th Ward neighborhoods.  The report also provided a quick legislative update on the past 2007 - 2008 session.

The next stop for the “Report of the 6th Ward”, will be at the Lafayette Square Neighborhood meeting on May 13th at 7pm at Lafayette United Methodist Church and then at the Compton Hill Neighborhood Association at 7:30pm.

 

Marching for Peace on April 13th

Join the Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association and my office as we march for peace this Sunday, April 13th at 1pm.

 

 

Perhaps you may know that Tower Grove East is a special neighbohorhood for me (Okay, okay, a little disclaimer: All  6th Ward neighborhoods are special to me)  TGE just happens to be the community where I was born and raised and also graduated from high school. I also still reside in the Tower Grove East neighborhood, and tend to take it personally when a small faction of folk disrupt the fabric of community spirit and safety; especially when the neighborhood has worked so hard to be a safe and desirable community.

 

 

In agreement that we must constantly work to create a strong neighborhood, the Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association and my office are partnering together to sponsor An Afternoon of Peace to Reclaim Our Neighborhood” . Come join us as we express our support for a PEACEful Spring and Summer in the Tower Grove East community and throughout the City.

 

What: United for A Day of Peace — Reclaiming Our Neighborhood

When: Sunday, April 13th at 1pm - 4pm

Meeting Location: Corner of Juniata & South Grand

Route Details: The march will proceed east on Juniata, north on Lousiana, east on Arsenal, north on Compton, east on Magnlia, north on Michigan, west on Sidney, north on Tennessee and end at the Tower Grove Abbey at 2336 Tennessee for the Closing Ceremonies.  Refreshments will be provided.

 

**This event would not be possible without the leadership of Rob Ogden, Gary Bell and the Tower Grove East Board of Directors –  thank you for your support!**

 

 

 

 

Earned Income Tax — Get Your Money

Elyssa Sullivan, 6th Ward resident is working as a community development social worker with the Gateway Earned Income Tax Community Coalition. Below is a letter she wrote to my office about the need for residents to be aware of a tax credit that many families may qualify.

  A Tax Credit that can Really Help Your Budget this Year! The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that can give you a bigger refund.  The IRS estimates that 1 in 4 eligible individuals or families who should be receiving this tax benefit, which results in a larger refund, are not.   Last year in St. Louis, there were $30 million dollars that went unclaimed by area residents.  The maximum benefit for 2007 is $4,716.  Many of those who do not claim this tax benefit simply are not aware that it exists, or do not realize that they qualify.    . Grandparents who have custody of grandchildren may also claim the credit, along with relatives keeping children while parents are serving overseas.    A person may qualify for the EITC if that person is your child, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. who lives with you and is supported by you. To receive this tax refund, you must file taxes.  Even if you don’t earn much and don’t owe taxes, you have to file the taxes to get the cash refund.  There are many sites in St. Louis where you can get free tax preparation assistance from trained individuals if your family income is less than about $40,000.  The best way to find out where those sites are, and what hours they are available, is to call the United Way central assistance number at 211 or (800) 427-4626.  They maintain a comprehensive list of all free tax assistance sites in the St. Louis area.   Also, please keep in mind that paying to have your taxes prepared at a commercial office will result in a smaller refund due to the high fees they subtract from your refund.  Most of the free sites file the tax information electronically, and you will receive a quick return which can even be deposited directly into your checking or savings account.

Foreclosure Assistance on the Way

This morning, I was proud to vote for the passage of B.B. 516 out of committee which will provide immediate relief for the estimated 3,000  city residents facing foreclosure. These funds, matched by the Affordable Housing Commission, will partner city residents with organizations such as: Catholic Charities, Better Family Life, and Beyond Housing which will provide mortgage counseling and/or mortgage payment grants for city residents who earn at least 80% of the median income; with the average loan amount being $1,000.00. 

To those that have never been behind in a mortgage payment, count yourself extremely blessed; the numbers are startling surrounding the average homeowner behind in their mortgage payments.  I am pleased to see our city responding to this pressing crisis, and look forward to supporting additional programs that will enable homeowners to keep their homes.