NEWS

As the fall months are quickly approaching, we begin to prepare for kids starting back to school and all the fall activities in September and October. This would be a great opportunity to consider volunteering.

CityWalk has many events, festivals, and opportunities available for you to volunteer throughout the Ferguson community. Here are a couple of functions that you may want to consider:

• Ferguson StreetFest is North St. Louis County’s largest annual outdoor music festival that draws thousands of visitors each September. We are looking forward to a great turnout on September 24, 2016. Renowned for its great live music, crazy fun events and mouthwatering food vendors, the event has hosted some of the Midwest’s top musicians and performers.
• Everyone loves the annual Manly Man High Heel Keg Relay and the Girly Girl Combat Wench Relay.
• Don’t miss out on this year’s great live entertainment. There will be crafts, food, artisans, and activities for kids and delicious food galore. You won’t want to miss one second! Ferguson StreetFest is looking for sponsors and planning committee members. If interested, please email citywalk@fergusoncity.com or call 314-524-5197. More details are coming soon.

With the start of the school year fast approaching, you may want to pay a visit to Akers computers, one of our new businesses on CityWalk. It is important for parents and the community as a whole to set the tone for the start of the year. Let’s make sure that our kids have all the resources and support needed for a successful start to the year.

Volunteering at your local school not only supports our students, but strengthens our community as well. From collecting school supplies for children to providing school staff with educational resources, your volunteerism is essential. Let’s make certain that our children are provided with the academic stability that will ensure success. The Ferguson-Florissant School District will be hosting a Back to School Festival and Literacy Fair on August 6, 2016, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. For those interested, there will be a Back to School Run starting at 8:00am. We look forward to seeing you there.

One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.

― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth

I have been asked many times over the 20+ years of living in Ferguson, “why do I live in Ferguson?” I had a simple answer, “The people!” If you take the time to look and listen, great things have been happening and will continue to happen in our town. It is the power of community that beats like a strong and vibrant heart, in every voice, every sound, and every activity of our town.

You can feel the energy of our community while our neighbors listened and grooved to the Retro Boogie Band and Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers at 501 Plaza in June. The conversations happening at the Ferguson Farmers Market at the Victoria Plaza every Saturday. The words of encouragement from the runners of the BKM Fitness Bootcamp as they run up and down Florissant Road with the bright orange shirts that boldly state “you will survive.” The laughter from patrons of our many outstanding restaurants and bars. This is the energy of a strong community!

This month our town will continue its annual 4th of July celebration. The committee consists of citizens who share a common goal of giving and celebrating our community. The festivities will kick off the morning of the 4th with a parade. Last year the parade had 80 participants. The celebration will continue at January-Wabash Park with food, drinks and entertainment for the entire family. The City of Ferguson has once again sponsored the fireworks celebration and year after year is a crowd pleaser. I would like to tell everybody on the committee that they are doing a great job and we really appreciate their hard work. Thank You!

Lots of rain has not kept Ferguson residents inside this month. Hoping you were able to join the many who visited the Concerts at Plaza 501! Runners and walkers trained for months for the 7th Annual Twilight 5K / 10K on Saturday, May 14th.

Did you notice the car wash at 1000 So. Florissant Road has reopened. Tawania and Reggie Jackson promise a Grand Opening soon for their R.J.’s Total Hand Car Wash and Detailing Business. They offer on and off site services, so stop by or give them a call at 314-913-7393.

Another new business has moved to City Walk. Jeff Akers is now residing in Ferguson and has opened Akers Computers at 311 So. Florissant Road, with a Grand Opening on May 4th. He started the business in Normandy in 2012, and as the sole technician, promises competent and discretionary computer services. You can reach him at 314-873-9984.

At the other end of City Walk, the long-awaited Grand Reopening of Hidden Treasures Boutique, LLC was held on May 6th. Stop by and welcome back Jeneica Andrews and see what treasures she has found for her business at 2203 No. Florissant Road, or you can contact her at 314-757-2858.

If you were out and about on May 6th, you may have been part of the extensive coverage of City Walk, Our Town by Fox 2s Friday morning show and their crew as they visited many Ferguson businesses and community sites to showcase and promote their “Ferguson is a Great Place to Be and Visit” message.

Did you notice the utility boxes along City Walk? They have new, colorful and uplifting wraps for the enjoyment of all. The artwork was chosen from the many boardups that were painted in our town.

And lastly as they say . . . all good things must come to an end. After over 90 years of combined years of hair care service in Ferguson, Fran and Linda at Benton’s Hair Salon are announcing their retirement at the end of June. Stop by and visit as you pass by . . . and keep walking.