Dear Resident:

As the first signs of spring are slowly arriving, I am sure you are ready to welcome warmer weather with open arms like I am. I am always thrilled to see the first Robin of the season as well as those first flowers peeking out of the ground. It may just be my imagination, but the birds seem to sing more as if they too are celebrating the arrival of spring.

Just as a new season is arriving, there are some new things happening in Foristell.

The ANIMAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION of Warren County now has an office in Foristell! The AWA can be reached at startingover@centurytel.net or by calling 636-297-0486. The office at #10 Hwy T was established as their headquarters for introducing pets and potential adoptive families to each other so appointments are necessary. You can view the animals they currently have in foster care at http://www.animalwelfareassociation.org. If you find a pet you are interested in, call them to set up an appointment. It’s just that easy.

OUR SHEPHERD’S PANTRY AND CLOSET – The Foristell Christian Church located at 1051 S. Service Road West has opened a food pantry adjacent to their church. The pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 1:00 p.m. If you are in need of assistance or have nonperishable food items you would like to donate, you can call coordinator Barb Mauer at 636-579-9864 or Pastor Rich Paton at 314-494-7044. The pantry is currently not accepting donations of clothing, but would welcome your donation of food items or items not covered by food stamps such as toilet tissue, paper towels, or personal hygiene items. With a down-turn in the economy, there are many people who need a helping hand and are very grateful for the help.

RECYCLING - We all talk about doing our part, but never seem to take that extra step to recycle. We are offering you the opportunity to help the environment. If you are interested, the City can offer you a recycling program. If enough residents sign up for the program and are willing to pay a modest fee of $3.50 a month, our trash hauler Grace Hauling will give you the use of a 95 gallon recycling container at no cost. As long as the items you place in the recycling container are all accepted items, you don’t even have to sort them. You can let us know if you are interested in this program by sending a response to sstokes@cityofforistell.org or by calling 636-463-2123.

WHAT’S NEW – The City welcomes MFR Tire Service, Inc. at #1 E.A. Hood Drive, and Cheap n Cheap a tobacco and alcohol establishment located at 3235 N. Service Road. The building at 100 South Main Street that formerly housed CJ’s Pizza has been leased by new business owners that plan to put in a pizza/pasta restaurant. Watch for their grand opening in late April or early May!

WATER - Last May Public Water Supply District #2 brought the new water tower located on Schultz Road on line. Over the past year, you may have noticed a difference in your water pressure. Our old tower will be used as an emergency backup.

CENSUS – City Hall, located at 121 Mulberry Street, has Census Forms available for any resident that did not receive one in the mail. It is important to be counted!

LEAD SAFETY DURING RENOVATION – New rules for contractors performing work that disturbs lead based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be EPA certified, and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. You can pick up a free copy of the Lead Safety During Renovation brochure at City Hall.

Also, I think you will notice if you ever stop in City Hall what a nice welcome you receive and how everyone is always very willing to assist you with whatever you need. We are so fortunate to have a professional staff employed at our City from the city employees to our dedicated police force. I would also like you to welcome our newest court clerk, Carla Fulk, who has been with us since January.

Just as I have always said I would like to inform you of a little bit of Foristell history in each newsletter. Did you know that the first mayor of Foristell, Roger Cox stills resides with his family in our city? Roger is still serving our city as Chairman of the Board of Adjustment and we appreciate his dedication to our city!

Sincerely,

Wanda M. Donnelly
Mayor