Archive for the Blog Category

I am amazed and surprised every year by the “volunteers” in my garden. When I first moved into this house three and a half years ago it was winter and there seemed to be a million things to do at this old house. I had trees removed, installed new gutters, had a new roof put on, and had to put in an entire new septic system. I didn’t even think about a garden.

But one of the surprises and joys in my garden each year have been volunteer pumpkins and seeing how many pumpkins will appear. Last year I completely regraded the area and rented a stump grinder in order to build a garage so I thought those volunteers would not return this year. Thankfully, I was wrong and now I have a nice pumpkin patch.

Last month I was expounding about my unripened tomatoes and if I will get a harvest this fall.

Well that is all they needed to begin the ripening process because lo and behold I have been picking tomatoes almost daily. They might not be the prettiest or the largest, but they are tasty.

I have been blessed by my volunteers and I hope they volunteer again next year.

What volunteers have blessed your life?

-Papa Deau

I started my tomatoes from seed in late March. It is now late August and although the plants have grown quite large, there are only green tomatoes. I picked the only three cherry tomatoes that ripened and they were delicious but what is happening with the slicers? Climate change?

This summer has brought storms with high winds and heavy rain, falling trees, and power outages. We were fortunate last week when a tree came down across our road that the temperature and humidity were comfortable. The electric went out at 1:44 AM. Good thing I have my old Coleman stove. At least I could make coffee. When the electric goes out I try to act like I’m camping – just with my own bed and bath available. Two weeks before, we lost electric like most of north county and we were without power for a day and a half. I am lucky I have a large cooler that I could put ice in and keep milk cold.

When this happens I think of when I was young and like most in St. Louis, we did not have air conditioning. (This was in the 1950’s and most of the 60’s) We did a lot of camping back then so we were used to sleeping in the heat. I suppose being a kid we were resilient enough to be able to roll with the punches. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, we used to swim a lot to cool off.

Now that I’m a bit older, I have been thinking of getting a generator so I don’t have to get the camping gear out just to make a cup of coffee. I’ve been doing a little research via google.

We are blessed to be living in an age where we have information at our fingertips. My favorite is YouTube university. So far I’ve learned to build my own backyard pizza oven, rebuild small engine carburetors, and repair my washing machine. As Red Green says: “If the women don’t find you handsome, at least let em find you handy.”

Schools in and summer is coming to a close. Another season will be upon us starting the 23rd of this month. I just hope my tomatoes will ripen before the fall harvest.

Stay safe, cool, and handy. – Papa Deau

The one-mile, 5K, 10K, 10-mile, and inaugural FTR 13.1 races started and finished at the Plaza at 501. Individuals, families, friends, and teams gathered to enjoy the annual event that benefits local non-profits that provide healthy and active programs for North County residents. Even with the weather being hot, participants commented positively. “It was really just so much fun!,” said one race finisher in their survey feedback. Another commented that they “loved the crowd support from the neighborhoods and the route was interesting and fun.”

As in previous years (pre-pandemic), the festivities concluded with a live concert. This year, Top of the World Band, provided the energizing sounds as finishers, volunteers, and attendees celebrated. One attendee commented that “the band was very good. Love having that to listen to after that long run.”

More than 900 registered for the 2022 Ferguson Twilight Run including more than 100 individuals from 20 different states participating virtually; running at their home location and sharing their experience on social media. This year’s beneficiaries were Emerson YMCA, St. Vincent Home for Children, Girls on the Run, and A Red Circle. The profits from the race are equally distributed. Each organization received $2500 for their program. Peak Performance and Presenting Sponsors for this year’s race included Emerson, Negwer Materials, Christian Hospital BJC Healthcare, City of Ferguson and Big River Running. The planning committee thanks the City of Ferguson staff, all of the volunteers, sponsors, and especially the residents for supporting the event.

The 2023 Ferguson Twilight Run is scheduled for May 20, 2023. The committee wishes to hear the thoughts, comments, and suggestions from residents, business owners and other stakeholders as they evaluate the success, impact and future of the event. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2y4t28e8 to take the short survey.

By Rev. Larry Brown

Often, we choose not to step in or “act” because we feel that it is not our place, not our time, or not our issue with which to become involved. We are content to let someone else, who we predetermine is more appropriate for the situation, to become the channel for solving the problem or remedying the situation. (Sometimes, that person never materializes and therefore the issue continues)

Unless the particular situation involves us directly, we very often choose not to engage! This is either for convenience’ s sake, time involvement’s sake, or we decide that it is not our issue. Until we become directly affected, we choose to remain aloof.

I wish to ask you this age – old question: If not you, then who?

We live in an age where we become affected often, by the actions of others. We are affected sometimes physically, and many times emotionally; or other’s actions or words affect our thoughts and decisions. We, therefore, should assume some responsibility for making sure that the correct and right things are seen and done because we cannot isolate ourselves and those who we hold dear, from the actions of others. We, in fact, owe it to ourselves and our posterity. ‘ No man is an island, no man stands alone “ When we see that those responsible for handling a situation are not performing effectively or can’t manage the situation appropriately, then we should offer our assistance or to put it bluntly, become involved.

This is the only way that “ right” things can prevail and wrong things can fail! Inaction is not a solution that is desirable in a wrong situation. Often, if we decide to take a positive step, others will join us because they wish to see the right thing prevail for the overall good of everyone. Today, we see an alarming increase in the number of shootings and killings in our neighborhoods. People are afraid to leave their homes and often homes become the victims of random gunshots intended elsewhere. This affects adults and children alike. It is a shame for senior citizens to have to live this way, after all that they have endured in life. Young people should not have the idea that they will die early. People should not be afraid to go to the store or to church!

We believe that “ As a person thinks, is the way that person will act”. One of the first things we must do is to return Respect for Human Life!

Sometimes, people are reluctant to become involved because they don’t feel comfortable or think that their intentions may be misunderstood, or that they may be exposing themselves to some form of danger. A way to comfortably become involved is to support organizations that are addressing the problem. You are invited to visit our website at www.gracechapelministries.org or give us a call at 314-995-5013.

4th of July. America’s Birthday. Our Independence Day.

I don’t know about you, but to me the 4th has always been the culmination of celebrations. Personally, I love the fireworks. I just don’t enjoy them every night, all night.

So where are the best firework displays? Growing up in this area, I will say that January-Wabash was always awesome. Florissant also puts on a great display. When we were younger we would drive over to the Rock Road and watch the fireworks at Ritenour High School.

The 4th always invokes images of parades, swimming pools, bar-b-ques, pitching horse shoes, chasing fireflies, water balloon fights, running through sprinklers, smelling those bar-b-ques, making necklaces out of clover, brewing sun tea, getting sun-burned, over eating, and watching fireworks.

I was fortunate that my father had his office at the Mansion House Center. That was when the arch was being built. During that time St. Louis held the VP parade and fair with fireworks down on the riverfront. We could watch the fireworks from the top of the Mansion House. (Did I mention there was a swimming pool on the roof?) Leap forward 50 plus years: the veiled prophet parade and fair transitioned into fair St. Louis, the archgrounds have changed, but the fireworks are still absolutely the best in the nation.

I pray that everyone stays safe this year. Please, do not shoot off guns. Those bullets go up and they have to come down somewhere. Think!

Ferguson Needs Volunteers

Here we are, in the process of reopening some of our businesses.

In time, Ferguson will be back to how it was before the pandemic brought our world to a stand-still. Whoa, not so fast there fella! It will be a while before we get back to our pre-Covid-19 ways.

Before the shelter-in place-order went into effect, could you have imagined the joy you felt when parading past someone’s home to celebrate their birthday? How about seeing the B-2 fly over the hospitals in the St. Louis area? These little things are what really makes a difference in our lives now.

Now it’s time to get back out in the world, but not how it was before.

The businesses are in the process of reopening, but not in the capacity of how it was before. Limitation on the number of customers will be part of our new normal. Stores will have less product because they will be making more room for social distancing. Restaurants will have fewer tables in order to safely take care of their customers. As last month’s Financial Focus pointed out, “As part of our economy shrinking, perhaps everyone should expect less – a 20% cut across the board. Rather than raising prices to keep up with what was previously considered a nice profit for a restaurant – serving fewer people and buying less food may reap pretty close to that same net profit. Who knows, it might work?”

I’m not suggesting that I know what it takes to run a restaurant or a retail store and still be rewarded with a profit. I do want to talk about how we can help our community get to a place where we, as citizens, see a profit. Not necessarily a monetary profit, but a profit in how we view and see our community.

I know what you’re thinking . . . get out and patronize our local businesses. Yes, we need to get out and support our businesses in Ferguson. Doing this will help our city revenues start to rebuild the coffers through sales tax. But I want to tell you of another way how we can help our community.

If you have been following us here on Main Street, you would know that these past few months, we have been talking about volunteering and making our city beautiful. Now is the time that each and every one of us need to take ownership of our community and pitch in to help make our Ferguson the place where we want to live.

Get together with some friends and get involved with the Ferguson Volunteer Flower Department and help beautify our downtown. You can contact them at knoelker@sbcglobal.net If that doesn’t work for you, you could organize a group of friends and head out on West Florissant Road by the Urban League and help them clean up an area and get some nice gardens growing. You could find an empty lot, clean it up and plant some flowers. It’s up to you, get out there and make a difference.

You can also volunteer to help at the Farmers Market. They can be contacted at farmersmarket@fergusoncity.com They are always looking for folks that can help with set-up and breakdown of the market on Saturday mornings. Who knows, you may even meet some new friends there. With last month’s article, I’ve noticed a lot less litter. Or have more of you been out there picking it up? Remember, don’t forget to carry your LDI with you when you go out on your walks. With the nice weather quickly ascending upon us, Operation Clean Ferg-Nation is in full swing. We’re all counting on all of us to keep this going.

I’m sure you have been hearing how these shelter-in-place restrictions and the actual coronavirus pandemic has affected our mental health. If you have been experiencing any negative effects of what we have all been experiencing, you’re in luck. It has been noted that if you get out and get involved in your community, professionals have seen a 62.8% reduction in poor mental health. This fact (if you choose to believe it), was a few years back when another community lived through a local catastrophe. Remember how we felt when we had our tornado in 2011? I don’t know about you but I felt pretty good while pitching in and helping with getting everything back in order.

In closing, I want to share a quote from the Executive Director of The Missouri Main Street Connection: “If we lose our downtown, we lose our community. If we lose our community, we lose our identity.” –Gayla Roten

Get involved. Stay involved. Make Ferguson a community you want to call home.

Ferguson Needs You!

Get involved with the community groups that add so much to our quality of life.There’s something for every interest and schedule, with activities inside or out; on Saturdays, evenings or during the week; family or adult oriented; one-day events or ongoing programs. Tape this list to your fridge! Make a commitment and, even better, bring a friend along.

Volunteer Flower Department – Matrimonii suffragarit parsimonia catelli. Victorian Plaza; beginners are welcome; contact

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta parish, Food Pantries – Vincent de Paul volunteers pick up and distribute food in 2 weekly pantries, sometimes making deliveries for the homebound; they also work with those needing other help; leave a message at the parish office (524-0500) and a volunteer will return your call

City Government – chart Ferguson’s future on 22 committees including traffic, police oversight, finance and architecture; for a full list, descriptions and contacts go to www.fergusoncity.com, then to ‘government’, then to ‘boards/commissions’

Twilight Run – Ferguson’s family-friendly race through historic neighborhoods; to access the numerous job descriptions and volunteer application go to www. fergtwilightrun.com, then to ‘sponsor and volunteer’, then ‘volunteer’

Farmers Market – North County’s outdoor market relies on volunteers to set up and take down vendor booths as well as to help at the information table, run cooking contests and staff the craft booth; contact

FLIERS – The Friends of the Ferguson Library support it and the community with annual book and craft sales; contact Janie Norberg at 521-4663

4th of July Activities – Volunteers are needed to line up the parade, block roads, and assist during the festival for one of the area’s most fun celebrations; contact 521-4669.

Any community organization which wants to be included in a future list email: fergusonmainstreet.org

Every one of us knows why we came to Ferguson. We saw Ferguson as a community that had it all. Stately homes, a vibrant downtown, convenient location, and a down home feel. Ferguson became your community because you made it the place you wanted to live. We can’t slow down. We need to pick up the pace and show all of North County, all of St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and all of the surrounding counties, that Ferguson can bounce back and become the example of what a community’s citizens can do to make their city theirs.

Make the Commitment; Ferguson needs You!

And don’t forget to bring along a friend.

<fergusonmainstreet.org>

314-882-1337

Why Volunteer?

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find new friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

• Volunteering connects you to others
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body
• Volunteering can advance your career
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Source: HelpGuide.org (Your trusted guide to mental health & wellness)

Tips to get started

First, ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do.

For example, do I want…

• …to improve the neighborhood where I live
• …to meet people who are different than I am
• …to try something new
• …to do something with my spare time
• …to see a different way of life and new places
• …to have a go at the type of work I might want as a full-time job
• …to do more with my interests and hobbies
• …to share something in which I’m good

The best way to volunteer is to find a match with your personality and interests. Having answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search. Source: World Volunteer Web

How to find the right volunteer opportunity

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

Where to find volunteer opportunities

• Community theaters, museums, and monuments
• Libraries or senior centers
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues

How much time should you volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits—to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

Getting the most out of volunteering

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

• Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.
• Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.
• Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.
• Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.

Source: HelpGuide.org (Your trusted guide to mental health & wellness)

Next month we will suggest a few organizations here in the Ferguson community that would appreciate your time and support. We’ll also give you a few ideas of opportunities you can do on your own or with your family.

<fergusonmainstreet.org> 314-882-1337

It’s December. That special month where everyone dreams of bigger and better things. The month where miracles do happen. This month, I would like to dream of what I would like to see my downtown look like. If I was looking to move into this community, how would our downtown and Ferguson Main Street encourage me to make Ferguson my home.

Since we’re dreaming, let’s dream big. If we could have anything we want, what would that look like?

When driving into our downtown, the first impression I would want to see is a bustling area. People walking, riding their bikes, sitting at a sidewalk café enjoying their meal. Tree lined streets with flower pots adding that splash of color along the sidewalks.

Bistros and bakeries wafting the smell of their fare onto the streets. Cafes and diners where we could find a small meal for breakfast or lunch. A corner grocer where we could pick-up something to take home to make for supper or stop and have dinner in a nice restaurant.

On special occasions, we could enjoy music at a local establishment or at an outdoor venue. Maybe even a cultural arts center where we can enjoy a play or a songwriter showcasing their new music. Maybe take in a comedy show or even go dancing to a Big Band Orchestra.

People could be seen just sitting on a bench enjoying the day. Restaurants with outdoor seating where people could enjoy their meal with a beer or a glass of wine while doing a little people watching.

The new modern buildings blend in with the historic architecture of our downtown when it was a destination. Office space and small manufacturing jobs draws people, young and old, to a place where there is not much of a commute. Mixed-use buildings where people can live and work in a business at street level. Young people living downtown making our Main Street the street where it’s happening.

What are these young people looking for in a community? Farmers markets, galleries with rotating exhibits, storefronts with beautiful displays and art, restaurants, craft breweries, and a source of entertainment. The streets and sidewalks would be free of litter. Flower pots lining the sidewalk. Windows in the stores decorated and showing off their ware. Flags would be waving in the breeze. The local business owner out on thessidewalk welcoming new patrons and enticing them into his place of businesss by showcasing the quality of their ware.

These are some things that come to mind when I dream of my perfect downtown. What about you? What are your dreams? What would you like to see as the miracle of our downtown?

Yes, as you know, Ferguson already has a lot of the offerings that I have mentioned in my dream downtown. I hope you make good use of them, because if we don’t frequent these establishments, they won’t be here long. And, if we can’t help a business stay in business, will more businesses be flocking to our door?

Main Street 314-882-1337