More than 1,100 people packed the Ferguson Farmers Market today, and 70 of them purchased tickets in our Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle! That's right - $700 in four hours! Not too bad!
If you still haven't bought a ticket, look for us next week at the market or head to Corner Coffee, Marley's, Ferguson Style & Spa or city hall. Remember, only 1,000 tickets are available and the drawing is June 12, so buy yours soon!
If you've already bought a ticket, THANK YOU and good luck!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The All-America City experience
Team Ferguson may be in for more than it bargained for! As you can read in this official description of the All-America City Awards, the three-day event that we're headed to is not just about competing. (Though we do plan to win!!) It's also about meeting people from other innovative communities and sharing ideas:
"The 2010 All-America City Awards is a three-day celebration of community solutions and successes. People representing finalist communities from across the country make presentations to a jury of national experts and connect to each other. A series of innovation forums enable finalist communities to discuss the most pressing issues of the day with each other and leaders from a variety of sectors. Several receptions and a Civic Action Fair will promote fun, camaraderie, and feature community pride.
"The All-America City Awards is in its 61st year. It is America’s oldest and most prestigious community recognition award recognizing exemplary problem solving and collaboration to meet local challenges. To date, more than 500 communities are All-America Cities. Some communities, like Kansas City, are five-time winners. This celebration of community spirit and success is a life-changing experience for the participants. It will be for you to. Join us and be inspired!"
"The 2010 All-America City Awards is a three-day celebration of community solutions and successes. People representing finalist communities from across the country make presentations to a jury of national experts and connect to each other. A series of innovation forums enable finalist communities to discuss the most pressing issues of the day with each other and leaders from a variety of sectors. Several receptions and a Civic Action Fair will promote fun, camaraderie, and feature community pride.
"The All-America City Awards is in its 61st year. It is America’s oldest and most prestigious community recognition award recognizing exemplary problem solving and collaboration to meet local challenges. To date, more than 500 communities are All-America Cities. Some communities, like Kansas City, are five-time winners. This celebration of community spirit and success is a life-changing experience for the participants. It will be for you to. Join us and be inspired!"
Meet Team Ferguson...part one
Here are just a few of our 30 Team Ferguson members. More coming soon!
Claim to Fame: mayor of Ferguson since 2005
Fun Fact: Brian and his wife, Linda, have spent the past several years restoring "Sunnyside," their circa-1902 Queen Anne Victorian home that was once used as a convent.
Claim to Fame: founding board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association and Northern Arts Council, former executive director of the Ferguson Special Business District, editor/publisher of the local online magazine, NOCO
Fun Fact: Shannon and her husband, Keith, maintain a large organic vegetable garden and love to can their own pickles! Shannon is also a writer for Better Homes & Gardens.
Larry Robinett
Years in Ferguson: 6
Claim to Fame: board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, founding director of the Old Ferguson West Community Garden
Fun Fact: If there's a neighbor in need, Larry is always the first to help! He and his wife, Heather, also rescued a historic Ferguson home and spent several years restoring it - all while parenting seven kids!
Dee & Andre Fuller
Years in Ferguson: 10+ years
Claim to Fame: Ferguson police officer, Community Service Officer for the Plaza Heights neighborhood
Fun Fact: As founder of the local Books & Badges program, Officer Dee stores dozens of books in her squad car and gives them out to local kids! She and her husband, Andre, will both be attending the AAC Awards!
Brian Fletcher
Years in Ferguson: 25Claim to Fame: mayor of Ferguson since 2005
Fun Fact: Brian and his wife, Linda, have spent the past several years restoring "Sunnyside," their circa-1902 Queen Anne Victorian home that was once used as a convent.
Dwayne James
Years in Ferguson: 13
Claim to Fame: founding board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, city councilman since 2006, lead organizer of the Live Well Ferguson Twilight 5K, which drew 900 racers in its first year!
Fun Fact: Dwayne is a civil engineer and world traveler who comes from a very active, community-minded family!
Claim to Fame: founding board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, city councilman since 2006, lead organizer of the Live Well Ferguson Twilight 5K, which drew 900 racers in its first year!
Fun Fact: Dwayne is a civil engineer and world traveler who comes from a very active, community-minded family!
The Dixon-Jones Family
Years in Ferguson: 17
Claim to Fame: resident partners in the Plaza Heights Initiative
Fun Fact: Charerious and Ladell are very excited to be participating in the All-America City Awards so they can talk about all the positive changes in their neighborhood!
Bev Walker
Years in Ferguson: 12
Claim to Fame: founding member and officer of Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, President of Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program (FNIP), graduate of Ferguson Citizens Police Academy, Volunteer in Police Services (VIPS)
Bev says: "The best way to meet neighbors, make friends, feel connected and establish ownership, and make a contribution that makes a difference is to volunteer in your community."
Steve Marsden
Years in Ferguson: 30
Claim to Fame: winner of the 2010 national Turner N. Wiley "Teacher of the Year Award" for space and science education, Boy Scout leader for 20 years
Favorite thing about Ferguson: "Going to the coffee house on weekends before the place opens to sit, drink and chat with a group of friends."
Claim to Fame: president of PROUD (People Reaching Out for Unity & Diversity), Ferguson-Florissant School Board member, former board member for both of Ferguson's business associations, 2006 Ferguson Citizen of the Year
Fun Fact: Outside of his community work, Chuck is also an architect and talented musician!
Claim to Fame: city councilman since 2010, led the committee that raised $400,000 to save Blessed Teresa Catholic School from closing
Fun Fact: Mark has three beautiful daughters and works as a criminal defense attorney!
Claim to Fame: resident partners in the Plaza Heights Initiative
Fun Fact: Charerious and Ladell are very excited to be participating in the All-America City Awards so they can talk about all the positive changes in their neighborhood!
Bev Walker
Years in Ferguson: 12
Claim to Fame: founding member and officer of Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, President of Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program (FNIP), graduate of Ferguson Citizens Police Academy, Volunteer in Police Services (VIPS)
Bev says: "The best way to meet neighbors, make friends, feel connected and establish ownership, and make a contribution that makes a difference is to volunteer in your community."
Steve Marsden
Claim to Fame: winner of the 2010 national Turner N. Wiley "Teacher of the Year Award" for space and science education, Boy Scout leader for 20 years
Favorite thing about Ferguson: "Going to the coffee house on weekends before the place opens to sit, drink and chat with a group of friends."
Chuck Henson
Years in Ferguson: 30+Claim to Fame: president of PROUD (People Reaching Out for Unity & Diversity), Ferguson-Florissant School Board member, former board member for both of Ferguson's business associations, 2006 Ferguson Citizen of the Year
Fun Fact: Outside of his community work, Chuck is also an architect and talented musician!
Mark Byrne & Family
Years in Ferguson: 9Claim to Fame: city councilman since 2010, led the committee that raised $400,000 to save Blessed Teresa Catholic School from closing
Fun Fact: Mark has three beautiful daughters and works as a criminal defense attorney!
Shannon Howard
Years in Ferguson: 11Claim to Fame: founding board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association and Northern Arts Council, former executive director of the Ferguson Special Business District, editor/publisher of the local online magazine, NOCO
Fun Fact: Shannon and her husband, Keith, maintain a large organic vegetable garden and love to can their own pickles! Shannon is also a writer for Better Homes & Gardens.
Larry Robinett
Claim to Fame: board member of the Old Ferguson West neighborhood association, founding director of the Old Ferguson West Community Garden
Fun Fact: If there's a neighbor in need, Larry is always the first to help! He and his wife, Heather, also rescued a historic Ferguson home and spent several years restoring it - all while parenting seven kids!
Dee & Andre Fuller
Years in Ferguson: 10+ years
Claim to Fame: Ferguson police officer, Community Service Officer for the Plaza Heights neighborhood
Fun Fact: As founder of the local Books & Badges program, Officer Dee stores dozens of books in her squad car and gives them out to local kids! She and her husband, Andre, will both be attending the AAC Awards!
We love our sponsors!
Team Ferguson's trip to the All-America City Awards is going to cost about $500 per delegate, and we have 30 delegates! Fortunately, these fine local businesses and organizations have stepped forward to help cover our expenses:
Old Ferguson West Neighbors - proud sponsor of delegate Cortez Regans
Ferguson-Florissant School District - proud sponsor of delegate Steve Marsden
Sportsprint - official provider of our Team Ferguson t-shirts
A huge thank you to these three, as well as all the businesses that have generously donated prizes for our Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle:
Thanks again!
Shannon Howard
captain, Team Ferguson
(314) 359-5927
Old Ferguson West Neighbors - proud sponsor of delegate Cortez Regans
Ferguson-Florissant School District - proud sponsor of delegate Steve Marsden
Sportsprint - official provider of our Team Ferguson t-shirts
A huge thank you to these three, as well as all the businesses that have generously donated prizes for our Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle:
- Cork Wine Bar
- Hill Brewing Company
- Thyme Table Cafe
- Marley's Bar & Grill
- Ferguson Style & Spa
- Emerson Family YMCA
- The Whistle Stop
- Metamo4ic Math Center
- Challenger Learning Center
- Ferguson Farmers Market
- Hendel's Market Cafe
- EarthDance Farms
Thanks again!
Shannon Howard
captain, Team Ferguson
(314) 359-5927
Monday, May 24, 2010
Enter the Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle!
Between now and June 12, we're selling just 1,000 tickets in what may be the best Ferguson raffle EVER! A $10 donation gets you a chance at more than 20 awesome prizes - all exciting local "experiences" that showcase our great community!
Tickets are available at the Ferguson Farmers Market, Marley's Bar & Grill, Ferguson Style & Spa and Ferguson City Hall, or by calling (314) 359-5927. You may also purchase tickets online via the Old Ferguson West website.
We're still adding prizes so watch this blog for updates. But for now, here's what your $10 donation could get you...
Tickets are available at the Ferguson Farmers Market, Marley's Bar & Grill, Ferguson Style & Spa and Ferguson City Hall, or by calling (314) 359-5927. You may also purchase tickets online via the Old Ferguson West website.
We're still adding prizes so watch this blog for updates. But for now, here's what your $10 donation could get you...
- a private pool party for 75 at the Splash at Wabash
- a wine tasting for 6 at Cork Wine Bar
- a private party for 10 at Hill Brewing Co
- Sunday brunch for 4 at the Thyme Table Cafe
- an ice cream social for 8 at the Whistle Stop
- a birthday party at the Metamo4ic Math Center
- 3 family admissions to the Metamo4ic Math Center
- dinner for 4 and a bottle of wine at Vincenzo’s
- dinner for 4 at Marley’s Bar & Grill
- lunch for 4 at Marley's Bar & Grill
- a fire truck ride in the Ferguson 4th of July Parade
- a mini shopping spree & gift bag at the Ferguson Farmers Market
- a “yappy hour” doggie party at the Ferguson Dog Park
- a day of pampering (massage, facial, manicure & pedicure) at Ferguson Style & Spa
- a three-month individual membership at Emerson Family YMCA
- a public mission for 4 at the Challenger Learning Center
- a custom tour & fresh-picked tasting for 10 at the oldest organic farm in Missouri, courtesy of EarthDance
All-America City Award Q&A
What are the All-America City Awards?
Sponsored by the National Civic League since 1949, the All-America City Award is a prestigious competition that recognizes communities for their innovation and collaborative effort in solving local challenges. For 2010, Ferguson is one of 25 cities vying for 10 awards, and it was chosen based on three community projects that best exemplify the ideals of the competition.
What are Ferguson's three community projects for the competition?
1) Community Gardens
In the past year, Ferguson has created two thriving community gardens - one in the Robert-Superior neighborhood and one in Old Ferguson West. Both have taken rundown parts of the community and made them vibrant again, drawing gardeners and volunteers from all over the city.
2) Plaza Heights Initiative
Working in one of the poorest and most troubled corners of Ferguson, city officials have worked closely with area residents to build trust, encourage more active involvement, and find creative ways to reduce crime and improve the neighborhood's appearance.
3) Challenger Learning Center
A joint project of the Ferguson-Florissant School District and the national Challenger Foundation, the Challenger Center takes math and science education out of this world, allowing kids to experience the wonders of space exploration.
So how do we win an All-America City Award?
On June 16-18, a team of 30 Ferguson residents (both youth & adults) will travel to Kansas City, where they'll do a 10-minute presentation followed by a ten-minute Q&A with the judges. The team will spend several weeks working on this presentation, while also raising funds for the trip.
Who is on the Team Ferguson delegation?
We have elected officials, school board members, representatives from each of the three projects, and a number of other residents who are active in the community.
How much do you need to raise?
With registration fees, hotel rooms, meals and travel expenses, the cost is approximately $500 per delegate, and we have 30 delegates total. The city of Ferguson is funding a portion of the overall cost, but we're looking to sponsorships and raffle ticket proceeds to make up the rest.
How can I help?
Buy a ticket in the Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle! Tickets are $10 and you'll have a chance at more than 20 great prizes! Only 1000 tickets are available, and you can buy them at the Ferguson Farmers Market, city hall, Marley's, and Ferguson Style & Spa. If you'd like, you can also help us sell tickets! To sign up, call Shannon Howard @ (314) 359-5927.
Sponsored by the National Civic League since 1949, the All-America City Award is a prestigious competition that recognizes communities for their innovation and collaborative effort in solving local challenges. For 2010, Ferguson is one of 25 cities vying for 10 awards, and it was chosen based on three community projects that best exemplify the ideals of the competition.
What are Ferguson's three community projects for the competition?
1) Community Gardens
2) Plaza Heights Initiative
3) Challenger Learning Center
So how do we win an All-America City Award?
On June 16-18, a team of 30 Ferguson residents (both youth & adults) will travel to Kansas City, where they'll do a 10-minute presentation followed by a ten-minute Q&A with the judges. The team will spend several weeks working on this presentation, while also raising funds for the trip.
Who is on the Team Ferguson delegation?
We have elected officials, school board members, representatives from each of the three projects, and a number of other residents who are active in the community.
How much do you need to raise?
With registration fees, hotel rooms, meals and travel expenses, the cost is approximately $500 per delegate, and we have 30 delegates total. The city of Ferguson is funding a portion of the overall cost, but we're looking to sponsorships and raffle ticket proceeds to make up the rest.
How can I help?
Buy a ticket in the Ferguson Food & Fun Raffle! Tickets are $10 and you'll have a chance at more than 20 great prizes! Only 1000 tickets are available, and you can buy them at the Ferguson Farmers Market, city hall, Marley's, and Ferguson Style & Spa. If you'd like, you can also help us sell tickets! To sign up, call Shannon Howard @ (314) 359-5927.
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