Dona Reynolds, Blog

The Missouri River Relief is a grassroots, volunteer and equipment-based organization dedicated to reconnecting people to the Missouri River through hands-on river clean-ups and education events.  The organization was formed in 2001 and since then has hosted 55 Missouri River clean-ups, bringing 12,000 volunteers to clean 537 tons of trash from 588 miles of the river.  They have participated in and hosted clean-ups in six states, from the Mississippi River to Yankton, S.D.

River Clean-ups accomplish a few things; they connect people proactively in stewardship of the Missouri River, often putting people on the river for the first time. They also educate people about the problem of solid waste on our streams and rivers and physically bring interested parties together to accomplish something real.

St. Joseph is on the 2010 River Clean Up list!  Volunteers are needed to make this a success!  Volunteers will get a free boat ride to locations along the river to pick up as much trash as possible in the morning from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.  Volunteers should wear sturdy boots or shoes and work and weather appropriate clothes.  Bring sunscreen and bug spray!  T-shirts, work gloves, drinking water, reusable water bottles, life jackets, trash bags, tools, boat rides to clean up sites, and lunch will be provided. 

For more information you can call the MO River Relief at 573.443.0292, email steve@rierrelief.org, or visit www.riverrelief.org. 

June 11-Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon--11am-Civic Arena-reservations required

June 11-Parties on the Parkway--5-8pm--SW Parkway & 28th Street

June 12-14-Midwest Art in the Park-5pm-Civic Center Park

June 12-Sounds of Summer Concert-6pm-Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square

June 12-Total Non-Stop Wrestling-7:30pm-Civic Arena

June 13-Dance Arts Center Recital-1pm & 6pm-Missouri Theater

June 19-20-Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival-5pm-Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square

July 9-Parties on the Parkway-5-8pm-SW Noyes & Messanie, Parkway A

July 17-18-RRT presents Fiddler on the Roof-7:30pm-Missouri Theater

July 19-RRT presents Fiddler on the Roof-2pm-Missouri Theater

July 25-1pm & 7pm-Darcee's Dance Recital-Civic Arena

for additional things to do in St. Joseph

 Home shopping in St Joseph and  community area

   St. Joseph's newest attraction booms with visitors, and I can see why!  WOW was I amazed when I drove up on the newly opened facility.  The building is so breathtaking even pulling into the parking lot.  The red, high standing structure has a modern, unique look.  Sitting along the Missouri River I assume the reason the building is built on what looks like stilts is to make it "flood proof".  Surrounding the building are beautiful trees, wildlife flowers, a butterfly garden, bridges, an outdoor classroom, a hike & bike trail, picnic tables and much more.  I couldn't wait to go inside!

As I walked in the front door I was taken away by the life-sized Mammoth!  I can imagine how the kids have fun with that!  Next on to the 7,000 gallon aquarium, the fish inside are natives of the Missouri River.  Through out the entire building I viewed taxidermy of animals that would have originated in the area.  The building is full wall to wall with amazing interactive exhibits, including the newly added full functioning beehive.  I camped in a fur trader tent and shopped for goods in the trader cabin, there was enough to keep me busy for hours.

 After walking the center before heading back outdoors to enjoy the scenery I just sat and watched, watched the many other visitors that were there.  It was fun to watch mom and dad take their toddler boy through to teach him about our history.   And fun to watch the faces of the 35+ children as they ran off the school bus, they were so excited to be there.  It was definitely a fun place to be!

 This facility competes with the biggest and the best.  And even better, I couldn't believe the price...an afternoon of fun for $3 or less!  I give props to those that spent years brainstorming and pulling this together, it is a great addition to the many wonderful things we have to offer in good ole St. Joe!

                                                         Remington Nature Center info

Shopping for a home in St Joseph and surrounding area, start here

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Traveling 1,966 miles is quite a journey traveling by plane or car; can you imagine traveling that on horse back?  Well, between the years1860-1861 this route between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California was traveled daily.  Although it was broken down into relay rides of 80-100 miles this is a journey people are still interested in today.  And the history of the Pony Express still remains alive.

Almost 150 years ago the Pony Express legend began.  This was the first type of mail service.  The destinations were located in St. Joseph and Sacramento with stopping points along the way.  A rider would take off and ride the trail taking mail for almost 100 miles, when meeting up with the next rider they would hand off the Mochila full of mail and off the next rider would go.  The other rider would return back to his original starting point.  The complete ride on average would take 10 days before the mail would reach its destination.  Then still having to sort and deliver to its addressee.  The Pony Express mail service ended after a year because it was too expensive to keep going.  But the memories still interest travelers from all over as they visit the Pony Express Museum (12^th & Penn Streets), which is located in the original building along with many original artifacts and wonderful stories.

In honor of the Pony Express each year the Pony Express Association does a re-ride, the starting point is rotated between St. Joseph and California.  This year the ride will begin in St. Joseph on June 9 at the Patee House Museum (13^th & Penn Streets) at 10:00am.  The ride will end in Sacramento 10 days later, riders will ride 24 hours a day. Nearly 500 horses and riders expected to participate.

I can't imagine with today's technology having to wait weeks for a simple hello.  Today we receive messages almost instantly with access to email, cell phones, etc...  I try to imagine where we will be in the technological world 5 years from now, but can't begin to fathom what it will be like in 150 years.  I find it amazing!

Additional info on the Annual Re-Ride

Start here to shop St Joseph and surrounding area homes

St Joseph home buyers here is the proof the $8000.00 tax credit is working!

Begin your home search for St Joseph and surrounding communities

Thanks to Shelton a realtor in NJ for allowing this reblog

                                         How about those Mustangs!!! 

One week and going strong the Mustangs are keeping the crowds impressed.                             

People love the newly renovated stadium and the nightly promotions keep the crowd entertained.                                          

It is exactly what St. Joseph has needed when it comes to baseball, and the                      Mustangs are doing everything they can to be our "hometownstars"!                                                      

With a lot of hesitation in the beginning, the Mustangs have proven a point.

They want to be here and they will do what it takes to stay!

                                           It is a great asset to St. Joseph! 

It gives us all something fun and different to do.  Entertainment for people of all ages,            inexpensive, fun entertainment!  Somewhere you can go for a package deal-                              activity, food and lots of fun!  And a great way to network!

    Bring your family out to check out the new stadium and embrace

                          YOUR hometown stars, the St. Joe Mustangs!

                                   More on the stjoemustangs

St Joseph is becoming national news for original cooking recipes across America.

Jessica Tingler was one of the five winners in the Good Morning America sandwich recipe contest this week.  Jessica created her winning sandwich recipe when her boyfriend balked at eating leftover chili.  

The winning sandwich named "Hot Dog Chili Cheese Sandwich", with the recipe appearing on the Good Morning America web site.

Jessica is a student at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Alexis Bremer of St Joseph was the winner of The St Joseph News Press Holiday Candy recipe in December, for her "Sweet Sensation" cherry topped cookies.

Mike Hendricks also from St. Joseph was the winner of the Cooks Country best holiday cookie recipe in December for his "Cranberry Pistachio Coconut Triangle" cookies.