Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett issued a sharply worded letter to Little Caesars Pizza corporation expressing disappointment  and disapproval with the pizza’s company policy of discarding unclaimed pizzas after 30 minutes.

“Given the thousands of hungry individuals in the city of Saint Louis alone, it is unfathomable that Little Caesars has chosen to discard their excess pizzas rather than committing to donate them to a local food bank or homeless care provider”, says Triplett. “In light of Little Caesars’ public commitment to ‘give back to the communities in which it serves’, this policy is both surprising and disappointing.”

In her letter, Triplett specifically mentions the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, a federal law that protects food donations from civil and criminal liability when donating perishable items.  Triplett also recommends Operation Food Search, a local food bank operating in the Saint Louis area, that receives donations from several local restaurants, caterers and food manufactures, including Little Caesars’ competitor, Pizza Hut.  While Operation Food Search has attempted to obtain donations from Little Caesars in the past, Little Caesars has yet to contribute to the food bank.

Alderman Triplett is currently in her first term at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.   She represents the 6^th Ward, which includes part of Downtown St. Louis where several homeless shelters and social service agencies are located, in addition to south side neighborhoods Tower Grove East, Fox Park and Lafayette Square neighborhoods. Ltr to Little Caesars Pizza

The title phrase is what Rachel Jackson-Bramwell envisions each day in her capacity as executive director at Project Compassion, NFP. The work of Project Compassion begins in Illinois and travels over the bridge to St. Louis through the delivery of sack lunches, winter supplies and personal hygiene items to 7 low-income shelters as well as homeless out on the street. The target population is women and children who often are left feeling less than human after setbacks related to chemical inbalance, physical, mental and/or sexual abuse. Future plans include transitional housing, job training, life skills training, soup kitchen with a pantry and many other programs that can assist and empower individuals to break the cycle of chronic homelessness.

We had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Jackson-Bramwell to discuss ways in which Project Compassion could join in our efforts to provide more hope to the homeless. No matter how hard the times are it is important that those who are unable to attend neighborhood meetings and events are included in the legislative process and that their needs are being met. It is our intent that this collaboration as well as others can assist in improving access to services and a more clear path to permanent housing.

On Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 Alderwoman Kacie Starr Triplett (D-6th Ward) will attend the Gatumba Refugee Survivor’s Foundation Memorial Event in conjunction with the anniversary of the massacre at the United Nations refugee camp in Burundi, known as Gatumba where 166 men, women and children of the Banyamulenge Tribmen were murdered as the result of the onset of genocide against the Tutsis. The event will feature an academic panel featuring speakers from St. Louis and Central Africa on issues such as African affairs, genocide and mass atrocity crimes. Dr. Joseph Sebarenzi, a vocal peace advocate, former speaker of the Rwandan Parliament and author of “God Sleeps in Rwanda” will provide the keynote address.

“It is an honor to be invited to attend this event and be in remembrance of this tragedy alongside the Banyamulenge Tribe and to be a part of the healing process. ” Ald. Triplett states. “I am also very eager to hear the Tribe’s stories and learn more about their community and culture.”

The event will be held this Saturday and Sunday, August 14th and 15th at 10:00am at St. Louis University Busch Student Center in the Woll Ballroom. For more information contact April Houston at (314) 650-4398 or visit www.gatumbasurvivors.org.

Have you ever wondered what Girl Scouting is all about? Do you want to have fun? If so, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has an exciting opportunity for you! A new troop is being formed at Trinity Christian Fellowship Church located at 2906 Magnolia Avenue, 63118.

The troop is enrolling girls grades K-12 on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 6:00pm. An adult must be present to register any girl. If you have any questions contact Frances Fenner at (314)773-2484.

Oprah Magazine has since lived by its motto “Live Your Best Life” and has focused on empowering and inspiring women throughout the world.

Alderman Triplett is featured in the August 2010 issue alongside nine other successful ”power players.” Also profiled are Julie Greenwald the Co-chairman and COO of Atlantic Records; Nancy Dubuc the President of History and Lifetime Networks; and Ifeyinwa Offor, Vice President for Teach for America. The magazine highlights Triplett’s advocacy work with the homeless community and her revitalization efforts in spurring economic growth in downtown St. Louis.

“I’ am honored to be recognized for my work on behalf of city residents,” said Triplett. “Oprah Winfrey is a dynamic, inspirational woman. Without a doubt, her tireless contributions to the world are well-renowned and respected. Inclusion in her magazine alongside such high-profile and amazing women is truly a blessing.”

Triplett was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen at the age of 26. Her progressive platform advocates inclusiveness and accessibility in local government. Triplett has worked to build coalitions and relationships with diverse groups throughout the city. Her commitment to working with the homeless community and her ability to secure $80 million for economic development in downtown St. Louis prompted O Magazine’s feature.

You may be interested in this!!

Microsoft has a FREE 3-day camp, which will be held August 9-11, 2010 at the St Louis Science Center.

Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. One of their signature programs, “DigiGirlz High Tech Camp” for girls, works to dispel stereotypes of the high-tech industry.

During the camp, the girls listen to women in technology executive speakers, participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network and learn with hands-on experience in workshops.

Girls also get a chance to experience some of the most cutting edge technology. They get to interface one-on-one with women who are successful in science, math and technology careers. They receive invaluable information and also get goody bags, attendance prizes and good eats.

Spaces is limited and there are several registration forms that will need to be completed.

Please REGISTER Today at: www.microsoft.crgevents.com

* Girls must be in grades 7th – 9th for the 2009-2010 school year.

Boy, is it hot outside!

Speaking of air-conditioning, there hasn’t been much “coolness” inside the Board of Aldermen chambers. In fact, things have been quite heated as we have discussed several issues that impact you directly. I am sure by now, you have heard about the proposal to charge for bi-weekly trash collection. For the first time in its history, the City of St. Louis will now charge residents for refuse collection.

As one of eight members who voted against the trash fee, I am very concerned about the negative impact the trash fee will have on the low-income and elderly residents in our community. As you are aware, the economy has been tough, and many residents have found themselves out of work or seeking additional employment to make ends meet; I am concerned about what an extra $132.00 will do to their pocketbooks.  Additionally, for many years we have all enjoyed “free” trash pick up due to our willingness to pay local taxes, such as the earnings tax. Despite all of these things, the trash fee legislation has passed and we all must make adjustments to accept this new change. …read more about Talkin’ Trash

(ST. LOUIS) –Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett (D-6th Ward) will host a forum for homeless citizens on Tuesday, July 13th at 12:30pm.  The forum will be held at The Bridge at Centenary United Methodist Church located at 1610 Olive Street.
The forum will be titled “Know Your Rights” and is intended to inform Saint Louis residents of local laws and to ensure every member of the community has a complete understanding of their legal rights.  Local attorneys, police, and elected officials will be on hand to facilitate questions from the audience.

“This forum is important because it allows homeless residents to hear from their community representatives about issues that directly affect them” says Triplett.  “Many of these individuals are not able to attend ward or community meetings to get the information they need.  The “Know Your Rights” forum is a chance to bring this information to them.”

Triplett has focused on fostering community involvement and input since first being elected as alderman of the 6th ward in 2007.  She hosted a downtown residents meeting addressing homelessness during her first 100 days in office.  This forum is intended to serve as an opportunity to hear from individuals within the community who are normally without a voice.  Triplett currently serves as the youngest elected official in the city of St. Louis, and represents part of downtown St. Louis and several south St. Louis neighborhoods.

Calling ALL 6th Ward Teens!!! Please join me this Saturday, July 10th for Pizza &  Politics with Alderman Triplett.

If you are a teenager living in the 6th Ward, I want to hear from you! Let’s discuss your thoughts and ideas on ways to improve the neighborhood. What should the City do to include the thoughts and ideas of city residents?

Come meet other young residents in the community and come learn about what is taking place right in the neighborhood. Good food, good discussion, lots of GOOD fun!  Make sure you attend.