All Entries Tagged With: "Live Well Ferguson"

Bikes, houses, farmers & stars – Another fun NoCo weekend!

Live Well Ferguson's Twilight Ramble returns for its second year, offering cyclists the chance to tour some of Ferguson's many scenic byways. Photo: flickr/livewellferguson

NOCO fans, I sure hope you’re crossing your fingers for more of this beautiful fall weather, because there’s lots to do in North County this weekend! Which of these fun events are calling your name?

Live Well Ferguson Twilight Ramble – November 6, 3-7pm
In case you haven’t noticed, Ferguson is developing quite a vibrant bicycling community. The Ferguson Cycling Club just hosted a bike-in movie and a ghost tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery. Ferguson’s city employees are now using bikes to get around town. And thanks in large part to the efforts of Live Well Ferguson, the city’s healthy living initiative, we just became the first Missouri town to win national honors as a Playful City USA.

To help celebrate these milestones, Live Well is sponsoring another great two-wheel event: the second annual Twilight Ramble. Scheduled for Sunday, November 6, this casual bike ride through the streets and trails of Ferguson offers three options – 1 mile, 5 miles or 15 miles – all with gorgeous scenery. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required and you must wear a helmet. The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt. There’s also free food and live music. Plaza @ 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135

EarthDance Farmers Formal – November 5, 6-11pm
As most of you know, I’m a big fan of EarthDance, the progressive nonprofit that works the land at Missouri’s oldest organic farm, just two blocks away here in Ferguson. EarthDance is a regular at the Ferguson Farmers Market, and has also hosted numerous events in NoCo, including the annual Pesto Festo. But this year, founder Molly Rockamann decided to take a different route.

Pesto Festo, EarthDance’s biggest fundraiser, has now morphed into the Farmers Formal…..a slightly more upscale event that will be held at Washington University’s College Hall (as opposed to the Savoy in Ferguson). Tickets are $75 per person and that includes a full dinner courtesy of Bon Appetit, an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, and live music by the One Take Band and the Bottoms Up Blues Gang. Wear your best farmer duds and get ready to feast on local vegetables, meats and cheeses! You can get your tickets and more info right here.

Catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy at the UMSL Observatory's free open house this Saturday night.

UMSL Observatory Open House – November 5, 7:30pm
If you haven’t been to UMSL’s observatory yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the coolest attractions in North County. It’s just a simple metal shed sitting just beyond a softball field, but its high-powered telescope offers a brilliant view of the magnificent universe that surrounds us. This month, the observatory will offer viewings of Jupiter, Uranus, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well as the first-quarter moon. And the best part is, it’s all free! Just walk up and get in line, and if you have any questions about the stars, there will be an expert nearby. For directions and more info, look here. Kids welcome!

Discover Your Dream Home in Ferguson – November 6, 1:30 – 4pm
The real estate market may be down right now, but for many people in a decent financial position, the time has never been better to buy! Deals abound all across the metro area, but here in Ferguson you can really stretch your dollar. So why not learn more about the city’s housing stock at this free one-day event, where you can also hear about financing options and local schools and get a tour of various open houses. My own broker, Pearce Neikirk, will be participating. (Can’t wait to tell you about one of his newest listings tomorrow….)

Carmen Dence & Grupo Atlantico – November 5, 7:30pm
Finally, one last event to talk about….and this one is exotic! As part of UMSL’s upcoming Women in the Arts international conference, the university is hosting a very special performance by Carmen Sofia Dence, a Colombian-American folkloric dancer and choreographer who founded the St. Louis-based dance troupe Grupo Atlantico. Free and open to the public, “Bullerengue” is the name of the program, which celebrates the music and dance of Colombia and Panama and of course features beautiful costumes! Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, 63121

Hope to see you at one or more of these unique local events!

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Shannon Howard | Nov 02, 2011 | Comments 1

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Got fun? There’s lots to do in NoCo this weekend…

Inspired by "cycle-in cinemas" that are popping up all over England, Live Well Ferguson is hosting its own bike-in movie this Friday night. Photo: magnificentrevolution.org

Let’s all cross our fingers for some gorgeous autumn weather, because this weekend is jam-packed with fun events. Which one sounds good to you?

Cycling Cinema – October 21, 6:30 – 9pm
Ride your bike to an outdoor movie at Live Well Ferguson’s first ever Cycling Cinema. Admission is free. Non-glass containers are welcome. And food will be available for purchase. Legally, I can’t tell you what the movie is, but if you’re looking to “break away” for a few hours, this little shindig across from the Ferguson Brewhouse is sure to offer a good time. Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135

St. Ann Garage Sale – October 22: 8am – 2pm, October 23: 9am – 1pm
An annual tradition for ten years, the St. Ann Garage Sale in Normandy is a two-day junkers’ delight where you’ll find clothing, furniture, toys and all kids of gently used goodies. Proceeds benefit St. Ann School and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Prices are half-off on Sunday. You can also fill a bag for $1 after noon. St. Ann Parish Center, 7530 Natural Bridge, 63121

Arts for Life Musical Revue – October 22: 2pm & 7:30pm, October 23: 2pm
As you’ve probably noticed, there are quite a few people in North County who still haven’t fully recovered from the April tornado. The nonprofit group Arts for Life noticed this too and decided to host a benefit show, with all proceeds going to help tornado survivors in NoCo and Joplin. The performance, entitled “Love Lift Us Up,” will feature 25 songs and more than 100 singers, dancers, actors and musicians. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Bayless High School (in South County), 4530 Weber Rd, 63123

Ferguson Farmers Market – October 22, 8am – noon
There are only two Saturdays left in the market’s 2011 outdoor season, so don’t miss your chance to shop! The Northern Arts Council will be on hand from 9-11am with pumpkin decorating for kids. You can also get your bicycle cleaned and checked for safety from 8-12, and enjoy live music from the always entertaining Boeing Jazz Band (9-11am). 20 S. Florissant Rd, 63135

Trinity Treasures Dinner Auction – October 22, 5:30pm
If you’re an alum of Rosary/Trinity High School in Spanish Lake, here’s your opportunity to show your support. The school is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year this Saturday – a dinner auction just bursting with things to buy! There will be silent and live auctions, raffles and an open bar. The cost is $50 including dinner. To make a reservation, call Dan Grumich at 314-741-1333, ext: 223. 1720 Redman Rd, 63138

Variety Children’s Theatre: The Wizard of Oz – Oct0ber 21: 10am & 7:30pm, October 22: 1:30 & 7pm, October 23: 1:30pm
The magical land of Oz comes to life this weekend at the Touhill, featuring 17 local children who all happen to have a physical disability. This is the third annual show put on by the Variety Children’s Theatre, which seeks to showcase kids of all abilities, and it looks to be a real heart-warmer. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and you can purchase them on the Touhill’s website. Show up in a Wizard of Oz costume and you’ll get a free scoop of ice cream! 1 University Blvd, 63121

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Shannon Howard | Oct 20, 2011 | Comments 0

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Ferguson hiring manager for Live Well program

Do you have what it takes to manage Live Well Ferguson events like this?

I’ve never posted a job ad on NOCO before, but I know lots of people are looking for work and this is one very special opportunity…

As you may know, the city of Ferguson launched a new healthy and active living initiative in 2008 – a partnership with Trailnet called Live Well Ferguson. Since then, Live Well has hosted a number of popular walking and biking events all over town, including Sunday Parkways, the Twilight 5K and the recent Twilight Ramble. It has also overseen Ferguson’s Walkable/Bikeable Master Plan, which lays out a strategy for the city to become more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.

All along, Live Well Ferguson has mostly been a volunteer-run project. But recently the city was awarded a grant from Missouri Foundation for Health, making it possible to hire a full-time program manager. Could that be you? Here’s the job description:

Job Title:	Live Well Ferguson Program Manager
Category:	Full-time
Status:	Open
Salary:	$40,000 per year. Missouri Foundation for Health grant funded position for 2 ½ years.
Application Available:	Apply Online

Description:

The Live Well Ferguson (LWF) Program Manager will work with City staff, elected officials, and the LWF Taskforce and the community to implement the LWF healthy and active communities plan in Ferguson. Funding for this project was provided in whole by the Missouri Foundation for Health. The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves. The Program Manager will facilitate community meetings, including monthly LWF Taskforce meetings, organize community events, educate community stakeholders, and serve as a catalyst for the successful implementation of the project plan.

Live Well Ferguson is a collaborative initiative between Trailnet and the City of Ferguson with the mission to encourage Ferguson residents to live active lifestyles and eat healthy foods. Obesity is a nationwide problem and Ferguson is aiming to reduce the health effects through its current efforts in the City. “LWF” focuses on enhancing the built environment, building healthy social networks and impacting policy including developing zoning codes to support a healthy lifestyle. The position will require an individual with strong facilitation, organizational, and communication skills.

The Program Manager will expand current LWF efforts and set the stage for sustaining efforts by cultivating new relationships with community organizations and community leadership to build broad-based buy-in of LWF activities. The Program Manager will coordinate and implement project activities through the Ferguson Parks and Recreation Department and will work closely with the Ferguson Planning and Development Department. The Program Manager will also coordinate with Trailnet staff for annual planning, project evaluation, and dissemination of successes and lessons-learned. Strong candidates will have a background with evidence-based obesity prevention, community facilitation/organizing, urban planning, and/or events management. The LWF Program Manager will work under the general direction of the Parks and Recreation Superintendent, but closely with Planning and Development, Administration and other departments. This is a grant supported position and will be funded for 2½ years.

Publication Date/Time:

11/5/2010 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:

Open Until Filled

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, public health, urban planning or public policy, or related field; Master’s degree preferred, but not required. Strong candidates will have working experience in urban planning, community development/organizing, public health, or public policy.
2. Must be highly computer literate—MS Word, Excel, and Power Point required; strong candidates will have working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, MS Access, and/or ArcMap.
3. Must be comfortable interfacing with a wide variety of stakeholders from elected officials to low-income community residents.
4. Must be comfortable facilitating meetings, public speaking and making presentations.

Special Requirements:

1. Knowledge of Complete Streets, street design standards and form based zoning as tools for creating livable communities that promote Active Living.
2. Ability to manage multiple projects with multiple contacts and differing deadlines.
3. Excellent writing skills.
4. Ability to think strategically, including systems-thinking, resource-based planning and long-term initiative development.
5. Ability to work independently and manage self and partners toward goals, while being a genuine “team player”.
6. Ability and interest in presenting case studies and success stories to local, regional and national level conferences.
7. Ability to connect non-traditional public health practitioners, such as city planners and school officials, to the larger public health issues, identifying opportunities for complimentary programs and policy.
8. Ability to work in a fast moving and at times intense environment; ability to work with fast-paced colleagues.
9. Strong candidates will lead by example.

Miscellaneous:

Flexible hours, casual work environment, office located in Ferguson. Requires some evenings and weekends. Company car available for some business related local and regional travel.

For more info, visit the city of Ferguson’s website: http://fergusoncity.com/

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Shannon Howard | Nov 15, 2010 | Comments 0

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Rain clouds couldn’t stop Ferguson’s Twilight 5K

Gray skies threatened to put a damper on Live Well Ferguson’s inaugural Twilight 5K yesterday, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from showing up. In fact, nearly 900 racers from all over St. Louis competed in the 5K and one-mile fun run! And fortunately, the rain held off just long enough to make the event a huge success!

I’ll be posting more than 400 event photos and several video clips ASAP. In the mean time, here’s a glimpse at the day’s festivities. (Photo credits: Keith Howard) You can also view the 5K results here.