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, and in Jefferson County. When people talk about this region, I witness a similar consensus of a shared contradiction. While people are excited about the growth and expansion of this community, they are also grasping to be united.
It is a unique paradox, to desire something to evolve to be bigger, while craving to stay small, interconnected, and aligned.
How might a county like Jefferson County address and foster this cultural paradigm shift for the people?
Within today’s early morning hours at the vibrant Villa Antonio Winery, 75 people gathered to discuss this exciting conundrum. They also celebrated the progression over the last 35 years of the Jefferson County Growth Association (JCGA).
Those 75 people, all of diverse professions, industries, ages, and personalities gathered to share, connect, and support the mission of JCGA: “To provide coordination of professional leadership to promote and support new and existing growth throughout Jefferson County, Missouri.”
Board President Dan Govero with Govero Land Services kicked off the event by welcoming and thanking everyone for attending. He spoke about the different phases of the association and smiled as he declared positive changes, both within the association, and in Jefferson County, particularly over the last decade.
Marie Stelling with Autumn Ridge Residences – Independent Living & Residential Care was next to grace all of us with her sweet, uplifting energy. She compassionately spoke about her personal and professional need to seek out a safe, supportive, and loving group of people to enhance her life. She expressed her gratitude for the members of the JCGA who have fulfilled this need for her.
Sue Curfman with Compass Health Network passionately praised the good people of Jefferson County. She shared how powerful this community is, specifically in the collective efforts of those who stepped up to help and support the implementation of Mary’s House of Hope Transitional Housing.
Sue reminded us that behind every business and nonprofit organization, there are individuals who show up to fulfill their mission. She encouraged mindful interactions, inviting people to listen with genuine engagement to learn about the motivating mission that drives that individual.
The driven individuals who attended this morning’s event were then dismissed to follow Sue’s encouragement to interact with one another and listen for the sake of connecting and authentically engaging to strengthen existing relationships, and spark new ones.
Personally, while a part of me is sparked with anxiety before attending large group gatherings like this, all of me calms down once I am absorbed in conversations with people who are a lot like me…feeling a paradox of nervous, yet enthusiastic emotions when meeting new people. We all are comforted when we can paradoxically connect and bond over our similarities, while honoring what makes us different.
As someone who still considers myself a new kid on this block, I appreciate opportunities like this JCGA event to allow me to meet, connect, and bond with new people.
I am continually inspired by all who take time out of their busy schedule to authentically show up, despite the itty-bitty obstacles, or big challenges, that they may be facing in their personal or professional life.
They take time to be IN our community, for the greater good OF our Jefferson County community.
They are leaders who are dedicated to ensuring we have a thriving AND connected county.
Thank you to the JGCA members who show us how we can come together to integrate what seems like paradoxical concepts: cultivating a captivating culture that merges curiosity and hope WITH honor and respect for the charming connection that makes Jefferson County an enchanting place to explore and experience.
Thank YOU for taking time out of your busy schedule to read and share this to further connect into this energy and to support our growing AND connected community.
I invite you to explore and experience more about the Festus area through the events, education, establishments, and encouragement right here on this MyFestus.com website.
This is a non-paid endorsement, privileged to share, connect, and support the captivating culture within our growing AND connected community, and all that the Jefferson County Growth Association stands for.
Please share the love on social media and tag yourself/your business if you were there, and/or to invite another to learn more:
Facebook: MyFestus.com
Instagram: my_festus
To learn more about the leaders in our community check out:
Jefferson County Growth Association
314-210-0211
jcgaorg@gmail.com
3660 Linhorst Road, Hillsboro, MO, 63050
636-475-5008
info@villaantoniowinery.com
Today I was able to reconnect with the man, the myth, and the legend, Mr. Andy Held. He is a local leader/celebrity, (he is kind of a big deal around here) who allows us to be HELD within our community. Learn more:
Interview with Festus Resident: Andrew Held, a Leader Who Holds Space for All of Us
Check out another past JCGA event:
