Pick Five Plus Four in Frontenac and Ladue

Spring is springing and so are area events

March is on the horizon, and that means an upswing in the event calendar. Schools, organizations, and retailers are busy putting all their ducks in a row. The seeds for events planted last fall and winter are beginning to bloom, and a host of activities are going on this week. Where to begin?

 Wednesday - February 23. John Burroughs School will hold its annual American Red Cross Blood Drive in Cissell Center on the Burroughs campus, 755 S. Price Rd., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those wanting to donate are asked to RSVP to Casie Tomlinson at 314-993-4045 or e-mail ctomlin@jburroughs.org so she will be able to give the Red Cross an approximate number. Donors will get juice boxes, water, cookies, and a free t-shirt. www.jburroughs.org.

 Wednesday – February 23. The Ladue School District will host a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. in the Ladue High School cafeteria, 1201 S. Warson Rd.,to discuss the district’s financial issues and the steps being taken to address them. Residents are encouraged to come, learn about the issues, ask questions, and share their concerns. For more information, call 314-994-7080 or visit www.ladue.k12.org

Thursday – February 24. Wine. Chocolate. Music. Interested? Sponsored by Fresh 102.5, the third annual Wine and Chocolate Event will take place in Plaza Frontenac’s Center Court, 1701 S. Lindbergh Blvd., from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Attendees will leave with “stuff” and heart information from Missouri Baptist Medical professionals. Tickets will be available at the door for $15.00 with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Heart Association. For more information, call 314-432-6760 or visit http://fresh1025.radio.com/2011/01/24/3rd-annual-wine-chocolate-event/#ixzz1DyJTca2e

Thursday, February 24, Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26. The JBS Players at John Burroughs School will present “Cabaret,” at 8 p.m. at Haertter Hall on the Burroughs campus, 755 Price Rd. Tickets are $12 and are available in the bookstore or at the box office 30 minutes before the performance. For more information, call 314-993-4040 or visit www.jburroughs.org.

 Friday, February 25. The St. Louis County Library presents bestselling children’s book author, Laura Numeroff, who will discuss her new picture book, “Ponyella,” at 7 p.m. at the Library Headquarters, 1640 Lindbergh Blvd.  Books will be available for purchase at the event from Pudd’nHead Books, 37 S. Old Orchard Ave. For more information, call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

 Friday, February 25. Before the “Cabaret” Performance at John Burroughs School, 755 S. Price Rd., a soup/chili dinner, served in student-crafted bowls, will be served in the dining room for a minimum donation of $10. The proceeds benefit “Let’s Make Salad,” an organization committed to improving school lunches. 314-993-4040. www.jburroughs.org.

 Saturday, February 26. The pubic is invited to attend a reception at 6:30 p.m. before the performance of “Cabaret” at John Burroughs School, 755 S. Price Rd. The restaurant, Robust, 227 S. Lockwood Ave., will cater the reception which will be in the dining room. Cost is $25 a person, and $20 per person under 21. RSVP by e-mail to Laurie Garland, lgarland3@aol.com. For more information, call 314-993-4040 or visit www.jburroughs.org.

 Saturday, February 26. The St. Louis County Library and Left Bank Books present bestselling cookbook author and “Pioneer Woman” blogger Ree Drummond for a discussion and signing of her new memoir, “The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels-A Love Story.” The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Library Headquarters, 1640 Lindbergh Blvd. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and books will be available for purchase from Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid Ave. in the Central West End, or 321 N. Tenth, Downtown.For more information call 314-993-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Saturday, February 26. St. Joseph’s Academy, 2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd., will hold “Evening in Paradise With The Angels,” a fun-filled night with music, dinner and both a silent and oral auction offering items such as Cardinal tickets, dinners at elegant restaurants, weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks and much more. The event begins with a 4:30 p.m. Mass. Cocktails and silent auction will start at 5:30 p.m., dinner and oral auction at 6:45 p.m., with music by the Hula Poppers following at 9 p.m. For more information, go to http://stjosephacademyauction.maestroweb.com/  RSVP to 314.965.7205, ext. 231 or auction@stjosephacademy.org