A Conversation with Courtney on Community Theatre
A Conversation with Courtney on Community Theatre: We had SO much to talk about, we had to break this podcast episode into TWO Parts! SOO fun!
A Conversation with Courtney on Community Theatre: We had SO much to talk about, we had to break this podcast episode into TWO Parts! SOO fun!
Within the busyness of the holiday season, it can sometimes be difficult to connect. Perhaps music can help? “Music at its core is a way
May I shine the SPOTLIGHT on the BEST, most fun and creative community nonprofit organization: Spotlight Community Theatre. Am I biased about this group of
Shining the light on All For Family, Keeping Families Connected, One Visit at a Time: Learn more about the impactful local nonprofit organization, All For
Enjoy listening to, and watching, this 20-minute MyFESTUS.com Conversations Episode: First Responders Respond to Family Needs with Jeffco Shop with a Cop: a Conversation with
This time of year, with the holiday season upon us, it can bring up many conflicting feelings, personal to each of us… …excitement, stress, optimism,
Thank you to Mary Catherine Baragary (MCB) for being my guest as a phenomenal presenter at our local Twin City Area Optimist Club at Taytro’s
Ozark Food Pantry: It is Our Job to Feed People We provide healthy nutritious food & necessities to those in need who cannot afford them.
MY SHARE: Being a transplant to Festus, Missouri, I was craving the information to learn about the people and places to explore within this area.
Meet Ryan Sommerfeld, Owner/Designer of Groovy Web Pages + the Technical Talent behind MyFESTUS.com (oh, and Sara’s big brother): Ryan also started working within our
In this vulnerable episode, local resident, Nicole Tucker Ingram, shares a tender glimpse through her journey of finding her own voice as a woman in
I wanted to shine the light on a local non-profit organization, the Twin City Area Optimist Club, as they participated in two 2024 community events offering
Andy Held and Scott Seek have been partners in their advocacy for the community, cycling, and many other endeavors. Learn more about them on the
Introducing MyFESTUS.com Conversations: is a Powerful (and Playful!) POD/WEBCAST! Perhaps you’re curious… How can I learn about what is going on around here? Who can
The leaves are falling and the coffee is calling your name right into The Corner Cup Micro Bakery, located on our charming and historic Festus/Crystal
Updated Prior to the October 18, 2024, Atlas Youth Outreach Hosted a Teen Trunk-or-Treat. Check out what it, and they, are all about: Teenagers are
Community can have several definitions and meanings to different people; however, most can agree that community is a collaboration that one can count on. The
I cherish my old car. She and I have been through a lot together. While I may get an itty-bitty chuckle for continuing to cruise
LISTEN to THIS story on my NEW YouTUBE Channel…or keep reading:There is nothing like traveling outside of our local city, county, state, or country that
On September 26, 2024, from 3 to 7 PM, the public is invited to a Soft Opening of MeMa’s Finds, located on our CHARMING and
SHARE: Senior Care Solutions, privately owned and operated, provides temporary or long-term services to Elders in a setting that looks and feels like their own
I LOVE a good organizational system! In fact, to my embarrassment, my parents LOVE to tell people that I asked for a filing cabinet when
MyFESTUS.com is proud to partner with Live Stream STL to communicate stories on the BRAND NEW Live Stream JC (Jefferson County) TV Channel/Network (coming soon!). We
Are you a Festus-based woman in business curious about the NEW FESTUS chapter of: Little Black Book? While the informational meeting has passed, if you are
As the weather warms up, we feel fresh and are able to incorporate aspects of freshness in our life by getting outside to explore. The
People in Jefferson County are looking for referrals that go beyond a general internet search. We all want to know WHO we can TRUST to
Nicole Tucker Ingram is an Empowered Woman with a MISSION to help others FIND THEIR VOICE! We will learn more about her on the FUTURE:
Wondering where we are recording the MyFESTUS.com Conversations episodes? We have been so fortunate to use the gorgeous, clean space at Faith Community Church in House Springs
With a fresh new month and all this fresh back-to-school energy, most of us know how good it feels to have fresh new supplies as
It’s back to school time for many. Regardless if you are active in a school, or not, you are likely familiar with this kind of
Community is not just a group of people, it is an energy, a feeling, and a vibe of connection. Community is something the people build.
With the start of this new school year in Festus, Missouri, I am thinking about all the kiddos who will be riding the buses, many
The time that we have all been waiting for is here! The Contrarian Concert Hall & Theater on our charming and historic Festus Main Street
MyFESTUS.com is a website that creates an opportunity for individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations to be more visible by shining the light on what
Sometimes we feel stagnant. Despite the busyness that consumes us, or the open space in our schedule, we feel empty. Even if we are always
MyFESTUS.com encourages and supports people to enjoy all there is to explore and experience within OurFESTUS-area community. We are on a mission to help people feel
Camels and birds and sloths, Oh My! It is incredible to think that animal lovers of all ages can take a short, scenic 25-minute ride
SHARE: Our customers desire to decorate their homes with unique home decor and furniture. By sourcing items from several local artists and small American businesses,
SHARE: Granite Pros has a personal approach for your next project. We specialize in granite & quartz countertops for kitchens, baths, outdoor grills, fireplaces –
Sometimes we feel stuck in situations that feel heavy. Whether we feel like our legs are trudging through quicksand, or we have bulky bricks on
SHARE: We are a local lawn and landscape service that does a bit of everything, from mowing lawns, to full landscape design and installation! We
My children and I felt cool and free on Independence Day with the magic of the movies at our favorite local movie theater, B&B Theatres,
SHARE: We offer self-storage options for people or businesses who need a place to store their items. This industry is centered around people who are
Many of us naturally, subconsciously, operate with a negativity bias. While this can keep us safe, we often tell ourselves to keep believing in negative
This summer, many people are looking for outdoor adventures, particularly with their teens, while they still have summers together. If this sounds like you and
My pampered pet princess, Evita, recently had her annual vet exam with Dr. Early. The ever-so-sweet and charming veterinarian proudly proclaimed that he will be
The glorious, fresh 70-degree weather in Festus, Missouri has been marvelous this week. Savoring the sun and spring air is rejuvenating. Our family has been
It is that exciting time of year, full of hope and energy for a summer ahead. My kiddos are pumped for another month of summer
Given the Mother’s Day holiday, SOOO many upcoming celebrations, and the START of the new season of the Herculaneum Farmer’s Market, I wanted to highlight
I am continually impressed by courageous leaders who continue to step up, show up, and give back for the greater good of our community. Andres,
When it comes to reading books, watching movies, or listening to podcasts, are you a science fiction fan? Are you into thrillers? How about someone
The word champion has multiple definitions. One can be a champion within their own identity, to persevere with strength and power. Someone can also be
Regardless if you are new to living in an area (like me), or new to a role, or position, or identity, you likely know that
I was sad to read the following Facebook post from Twin City Car Wash on March 30, 2024: “We are very sorry to have to
LaChance Vineyards is THE destination in DeSoto, Missouri to relax, unwind, and fall in love with your life, and serenity. I believe in creating a
We ask young children, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” We encourage youthful minds to dream about their future self and
Do you set annual or monthly “themes” goals? Do you have a word or a concept that you focus on for a period of time?
Congratulations to the Waites Financial Services team on their recent relocation. They shared on Waites Financial Services: “We are excited to announce that 1552 Natchez Dr.,
The MyFESTUS.com Mission is to: SHARE all there is to love about the fantastic Festus, Missouri area. CONNECT by providing a trusted, robust platform for
Growing up in a small, rural, agricultural community in Southwest Wisconsin in the 80’s and 90’s, our local weekly newspaper was our primary source of
Brenden’s Friday Backpacks is an impressive local non-profit organization. The creation, implementation, and mission is the epitome of an itty-bitty idea making a real big
Creating a culture is much like creating a story. A culture is a collaborative collection of thoughts, ideas, personalities, talents, and specialties that move a
February Family Fun at Cactus Pete’s Family Fun Center: February in Festus, Missouri is far different than February in Wisconsin, where I grew up. Here
✨This MyFESTUS website has been up and running for over a year now.✨ ✨Whoo hoo!✨ While there are even more stories about sharing, connecting, and
Within your busy, bustling schedule, do you leave space for serendipity? Do you leave margin for mini miracles to unfold within your day? Doing so
Appliances are kind of like our minds and bodies. We use them, sometimes abuse them, and take them for granted…that is, until they stop working.
I love small businesses. I really love when small businesses are creative. I really, really love when small businesses collaborate with one another. I really,
At the end of 2023, I shined the light on an incredibly talented local Music Therapist, Anne Gegg, with True North Music, sharing pictures of where we
Regardless if you create New Year’s resolutions, or just have intentions to shift your thoughts and/or behaviors, leaning into a local library can help you
MTV…the “Music” television network influenced the lives of at least three generations of teenagers and young adults. Most Gen X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z-er’s are
Regardless of what roles you are responsible for in your life, all of us can relate with the need to create a feeling of balance
I love staying connected by exchanging Christmas cards. There is something charming and exhilarating about this old-fashioned way to stay in touch. Reconnecting in this
Within this busy, bustling moments of our lives, I invite you to take a break from reality and treat yourself to the magic of the
There is a difference in mindset when we are doing something for the short term versus the long term. It is kind of like the
Anyone who has worked with others knows and feels the difference between working with someone who manages a group of people, versus someone who leads
Puzzle pieces are unique shapes, valuable in their own right, but even more valuable when they are connected to collectively create a piece of art.
Embracing a “beginner’s mind” is available to all of us. It means internally showing up as a student, ready to learn and participate. It requires
Sometimes we are so driven and distracted by what we “should” do – to feel or be a certain “something,” we stray away from our
I am continually fascinated by the talents, and impressed by the kindness of others. Recently, Jessica, owner of Rural Cute Creations made my daughter and
We all have partners in our life. Whether they are within our personal or professional realm, we partner with others who share similar beliefs, perspectives,
We have all charged through trauma. We all heal and recover from different things, at different times of our life. Some of us are living
Throughout the 2023 year, I have been intentional with how I spend my time, actively connecting with both residents and establishments within the Festus area,
The impressive thing about humanity is how varied each of us are within our skills, talents, abilities, and personality types. All humans are created differently.
The Historic Tanglefoot Association is a group of people who care about the Festus and Crystal City community. It is not just for business owners.
This is the prime time of year when many are planning fall family photoshoots for holiday cards and gifts. The coordination of all that is
There is power in sharing, connecting and supporting each other to enhance so many aspects of our life. 💪🏼 By sharing and uniting to celebrate our itty-bitty
After experiencing the loss of someone we love, the grief often makes us want to tighten, curl up and hide away. Sometimes we want to
Time is our most valuable and least renewable resource. Identifying how we spend our time, as it relates to our real priorities, helps to put
Do you ever find yourself feeling frustrated about a relationship in your life that is not jiving? Maybe it is with a coworker, friend, sibling
Everyone has a need to be seen and heard. All of us. At every age. As school is approaching, it is easy to feel invisible
“Therapy is expensive. Get a haircut instead! We’re great listeners.” This was the saying on the chalkboard at the doorway of Vivian James American Beauty,
When a child grows up in an underprivileged home, where money is not abundant, and they lose both their parents at a young age, this
Have you ever been in between appointments in the Festus area and you just need to take a moment to pause? Or, perhaps you are
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to learn more about the nonprofit organization: Champ Assistance Dogs when their Director of Education, Jacqui Zancanta, spoke
Food, and how we nourish our body, is a starting point for so much more. When we can be real about what we need for
When someone has a bird’s-eye view, they have a perspective of observing people and places from a higher place, from a widened scope to see
L.E. may stand for the initials of Lisa Ellison, who owns the DYI ceramic paint studio in Crystal City; however, after spending time within her
I am aware that there are often no “weekend or holiday relief” when you give your time and energy as a caregiver, in any capacity,
Travel. What comes up within you when you hear that word? Excitement? Stress? Curiosity? Hope? Travel, and the experience of travel, can have different meanings
Some words, phrases and concepts just speak to me. I was originally invited to attend a Twin City Area Optimist Club meeting to learn more
Over the last couple years, I have learned that people receive IV treatments outside of the hospital, outside of dire medical requirements. It was a
With school being out, there is a liberating energy that only summertime brings. A hankering to be sassy, spontaneous, risky, daring and adventurous! As you
We are worthy of feeling balance in our life. We do not have to be miserable and sick and tired all the time. Balance is
Do you ever notice how things around our home speak to us? Books are asking to be read. Shelves are requesting to be dusted. Our
I met and wrote about Lauren earlier this year. With this season warming up to be busier, many of us more active. Learning about convenient,
Festus Soccer will be hosting another Festus Youth Soccer Camp this year from May 30 – June 1. My children have loved this short and
With your personality, do you identify as someone who knows what you want and need? Or, do you find yourself more curious and open to
I believe in supporting our local small businesses. I believe in our brave entrepreneurs and all they represent in our community. I am also aware
Spring is a distinctive time of renewal. It is a period when we observe a pure representation of the Earth, and our souls, encouraging a
Everyone needs music in their life. Music transcends us, allowing us to access a wide range of emotions. Everyone also needs a musician in their
When I was a little girl, I had a colorful jewelry box with an itty-bitty silver crank on the back. When you would wind up
Some people coordinate all the behind-the-scenes details to make life seamless and easier for others. In an imaginary world, we would clone these people to
Anna Mayer with Revival INK has recently elevated her business to a new level by opening up a new space in a new location, on the
Last night, my children and I had a blast bonding over an entertaining and sweet cookie decorating class. Conveniently held in the historic Heuby E.
Despite my cleaning and disinfecting efforts, I feel like living with young children is similar to living in a cesspool of germs and we are
Proudly CONNECTING PEOPLE and CREATING COMMUNITY One Story At A Time.