Bond

On what promises to be another sweltering day in St. Louis, outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Kit Bond will be honored for — of all things — helping low-income families and seniors stay warm during the winter.

Heat-Up St. Louis will bestow Bond with the Founder’s Award — “the organization’s highest honor,” according to a news release — in a ceremony tomorrow at noon in the Jewel Box at Forest Park. (Midday. Summer. In a greenhouse. That’s an honor?)

Specifically, Bond will be recognized for his work in the Senate supporting the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The award will be presented jointly by Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. The recognition seems to be part of Bond’s farewell tour, which began earlier this year when the veteran lawmaker and former governor announced he would not seek re-election.

Heat-Up, which provides utility assistance around the St. Louis region, is better known this time of year by its seasonal moniker, Cool Down St. Louis, which provides air conditioning during the summer.

Wonder if they’ll need one tomorrow in the Jewel Box?