In the Huddle: John Landwehr's Next Play

Goodbye to an Imaginary Friend

We have used Quality Cleaners on Leslie Boulevard for many years.It's a Saturday morning ritual. Mary Ellen, the nice lady on duty, presides over the front desk. There are no cleaning operations going on. It's very peaceful. 

As I leave the store, a male voice always says, "Thank You." I know the owner. I presumed he was in the back room doing books, there to help Mary Ellen if necessary. I always said, "You're welcome," loud enough so he could hear it in back. Truly a Mayberry RFD moment.

Last week I realized there is no one there on Saturdays except Mary Ellen. The "Thank You" was generated by the cash register every time Mary Ellen entered a transaction. 

I still enjoy going by Quality Cleaners every Saturday. It's still a Mayberry RFD experience even if my Imaginary Friend is no longer there. I do wonder what Mary Ellen thought about me talking back to the cash register all those years. 

 

A Little Piece of Heaven In California MO

Learned last week that most Friday afternoons a few friends get together at "The Sweet Buy and Buy" antique/flea market store in California, Missouri, to play a few tunes. It was a nice break from law business at the Moniteau County Courthouse just three blocks away. They joked between songs about what key one of them thought they were in. 

I suspect these folks have burdens to carry like us all. But they've carved out a little piece of heaven very close to home.  

 

Bike/Ped Bridge Will Open NEXT Friday

What if someone said, "Let's leverage federal dollars that would otherwise go somewhere else, extend our greenway system with parks dollars and raise the rest from private contributors to connect the most beautiful Capitol in the United States with the most popular outdoor tourist amenity in Missouri . . ."

What would you say?

Well, several years ago some people with a vision said "Yes" to connecting the Katy Trail to Jefferson City with a bike/bed walkway, complete with overlook stations high above the Mighty Missouri. 

Friday morning at 10:30 join us at Noren Access NEXT FRIDAY 4-8  (north side of the river) to celebrate The Vision. 

 

 

Important Message from Moniteau County Missouri

Occasionally you find a treasure as you drive through small towns. This one is located on the front lawn of the County Courthouse in Moniteau County, Missouri.

Mission Accomplished: Waveland Trailer Returns

When Katrina hit in 2006, Jefferson City responded. Based on an affiliation with the Catholic parish in Waveland, various local efforts were directed to that town and St. Clare Parish. You can see a diary of their courage on the web.

Last week, Ron Medin and friends brought back a trailer donated by Playmor Trailers (the Willibrand family) that served the parish and community well. The trailer was used initially for showers and beds. Eventually it became the church office while they dug out of the destruction. They're ready to move into more permanent quarters and the trailer is now back home, possibly to be used for other relief efforts closer to home. 

It's a testament to Waveland, and to Jefferson City. Check out My Parking Lot for some pics of the trailer "on location" and the new church building. I like the sign.

 

Kolb & Rollins: Statewide Recognition For JCMO Project

Wednesday two local gentlemen will receive statewide recognition for their local redevelopment project. Larry Kolb and Steve Rollins will join just a handful of other honorees at the Rotunda at 11:30 to accept a Preservation Honor Award from the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation for their work on Dunklin Street.

Here's the takeway: Preservation must make economic sense and engage developers who have the skill sets to make it work. And it helps to have a community that's ready to step up to the plate.

Update on MO River bike/ped project @JCMO

Two months ago MODOT supervisor Chuck Sullivan gave an update on the progress of the bike/ped attachment to the Missouri River Bridge at Jefferson City -- shown second below.  Chuck's video covers the tower on the north side to connect with the Noren Access. Last week I caught the progress on the south side.  Looks like things are moving ahead nicely. They're talking about an early April dedication, but the traffic may start sooner.

 

          

Visit the Virtual Viet Nam Wall

If you knew anyone who did not come home from Viet Nam, you can find them at The Virtual Wall. The heroes are organized by their home town and each is assigned his or her own memorial page. Here is the list from Jefferson City.

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI:
SGT JOHN ROBERT BAMVAKAIS Jr	CPL VICTOR PAUL CASSMEYER Jr	CPT CHARLES WILLIAM CHANDLER
LCPL DALE LEE CLARK	CAPT ROBERT DEAN DAVENPORT	PFC MICHAEL RICHARD FORCK
CPL ROBERT JOHN HARRIS	CAPT CLARENCE JOSEPH HEMMEL	SGT JEFFREY LYNN HICKS
CAPT EUGENE PHILLIP Mc KINNEY	SP4 LARRY DEAN SMITH	1LT RONALD WINSTON THOMPKINS
1LT RUSSEL EARL VORIS

 

First Glimpses of New Federal Courthouse

The Central Division Judges, the Chamber and local attorney Michael Berry arranged for a preview of the new federal courthouse, still under construction and scheduled to open early to mid 2011. Nice reception in Housing Unit 4 in the historic MSP campus next door.

Click on MY PARKING LOT for some pictures of today's tour. 

My favorite view was between the very new and very old structures -- the extension of Lafayette all the way to the river. The words inscribed on the floor of the foyer will be "Justice Flows Like the River."

 

JC Group Invites Volunteers to Greet Amtrak Trains

Last week the Capital City Amtrak Friends, Inc. celebrated seven years of hospitality. Ever since Amtrak unmanned most of their stations in Missouri, communities either stepped up to the plate or allowed their stations to go dark. 

With a little help from the state and city, Judy Towson and friends have been greeting Amtrak passengers in Jefferson City with smiles, snacks and information about the community.

Call Judy at 573-634-4252. She will teach you everything you need to know, and provide support as you learn the ropes. It's fun, easy and a great service to the community. Bring a spouse or friend. Twosomes work nicely.