Patch Picks Five Plus Two in Frontenac and Ladue

Can you smell it? Can you feel it? Fall is on the way. Sure, the temperatures may be in the 90s, but if you notice the breeze, the clouds, the trees, you can feel the almost imperceptible difference. And with the coming Fall, some events are starting to sprout up. Take a look.

Monday, August 8– 12. St. Joseph Academy sports enthusiasts, take note. Fall sports tryouts begin today for cross country, field hockey, golf, softball, volleyball, and tennis at the school, 2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Those attending must have their MSHSAA physical forms completed by a doctor and ready to turn into the coach before tryouts. These forms are online at www.stjosephacademy.org, then click on athletics. For more information, visit http://www.stjosephacademy.org/athletics/falltryoutschedule.

Monday, August 8 – October 15. Area Macy’s stores are partnering with www.DoSomething.org, a nationwide organization looking to inspire two million young people to volunteer for causes they care about in 2011. Those interested can help raise money and spread the word, by joining Macy’s and www.DoSomething.org. “raise your phone and rock your cause” campaign. Visit Macy’s mstylelab departments to take part in the scan-to-donate program that celebrates and rewards youth activism. In return, Macy’s will donate $1, up to a total of $250,000, to www.DoSomething.org. Customers who scan the code will trigger the $1 donation and have the opportunity to find out ways to “do more” in their community. In addition to in-store efforts, customers can take part in a social media activation that helps youths "Raise your thumb. Rock your cause." For every "like" on the mstylelab Facebook page, Macy's will donate $1, up to $250,000, to www.DoSomething.org. For more information, visit www.DoSomething.org. or www.macys.com/mstylelab.

Tuesday, August 9. St. Joseph Academy, 2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd., will hold Freshman Day beginning at 10 a.m. in the gym with introductions and icebreakers, following by skits, videos, and pep rallies to welcome the new girls. After lunch, there will be a tour of the school with homeroom assignments, followed by Mass in the theater at 2 p.m. Dismissal will follow Mass. For more information, call 314-965-7205 or visit www.stjosephacademy.org.

Tuesday, August 9.  In celebration of the 85th anniversary of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade®, area Macy’s are holding the Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure Contest. Over 10,000 of Macy’s Parade’s elves have taken residence at Macy’s stores and at other locations in select cities. To find one, look for clues on Macy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Macys  and via Twitter @macysevents or #macyself. Each day from August 9th to August 24th, Macy’s will post a clue and password that will help reveal the location of elves. Once you have one of the elves, design what could be the newest member of the Parade elf family. After completion, submit a detailed front and back photo of your creation by “Liking” Macy’s on Facebook and then proceed to download the “Elf” application. Entries must be complete by August 24th. These entries will be posted on Macy’s Facebook page on Tuesday, August 30th for fans/friends to begin casting votes on their favorite. The design with the most votes as of September 6th will be announced in mid-September. From here, the design will be transformed into a helium wonder by the magicians of Macy’s Parade Studio. Besides designing the next elf balloon, the winning artist and three guests will receive a trip New York City to see the Parade and their creation. The complete entry rules/regulations are available in-store or at www.facebook.com/Macys

Thursday, August 11. St. Louis suspense writer Scott Phillips will discuss and sign his book, “The Adjustment,” at St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The free event, presented by the Library Foundation and Subterranean Books, will start at 7 p.m. Books will be available for purchase at the event from Subterranean Books. For more information, call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Thursday, August 11. Come and relax with a weekly yoga class held at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The class, taught by Jane House, promises health benefits and deep relaxation using classical yoga postures, breath work, visualization and meditation. Jane’s approach is more meditative (being aware of your breath while moving) than physically strenuous and is especially beneficial to those in the 50+ age group (and younger too). She will arrange a short introductory lesson for those new to yoga. Cost is $10 per class or 10 classes for $90, and that price is negotiable (or waived) for those who cannot afford it.  For more information, please contact Jane House, 314-965-3486 or jane_house@sbcglobal.net.or Kathy Kammien at kkammien@ethicalstl.org.

Saturday, August 12. The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Delta Dental will conduct a Family Read Night featuring young adult authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson who will discuss the fifth installment in their sensational Starcatchers series: “The Bridge to Never Land.” The program is free and open to the public. Doors will open and pre-show entertainment will begin at 6:00 p.m. Barnes & Noble will provide copies of the authors’ books for purchase and signing. For more information, call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.