One of my favorite quotes for this time of year is from Albert Camus. He said that "Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower."
As we watch the beautiful leaves make their descent, let's think of the bare trees as the promise of growth and a better tomorrow.
I've got just a few suggestions for us this month. Take a look, I hope that you find value in it. Let's do our best to continue to work towards emerging from these current challenges stronger than ever!
All the best. -Nate
Trailnet, whose mission is to lead in fostering healthy, active and vibrant communities where walking, biking, and the use of public transit are a way of life will be hosting their virtual 2020 Movers and Shakers Gala - Making Shift Happenon Thursday, October 29th. I have the great honor to be a board member and the emcee for the event! I hope that you'll join me in supporting this great organization, and if you get your tickets early, you'll be entered into a drawing each week up to the gala!
Oct 2nd-4th
If you are looking for a few things to do this weekend, you might want to start today, Friday, and grab some BINGO cards, your friends, and your favorite drink for an evening of Virtual Bar Bounce BINGO fun! This is event is more than for fun, of course, it will benefit Angel's Arm's , which is dedicated to providing and supporting loving homes for foster children by keeping brothers and sisters together within a nurturing family until a forever home is found.
Also tonight, Jazz St. Louis’ 25th Anniversary (Virtual) Celebration, is upon us! Artists from across the country will join in for performances and birthday messages as they focus on the impact of jazz on the St. Louis community and our Jazz St. Louis Family throughout the years. Feel free to make a donation, but the event is free and open to all!
We all have to eat, so let's support local restaurants, stay safe, and order something to go. Perhaps you'll want to swing by the amazing Yemanja Brasil for a some sangria and great food! You can grab it curbside, or enjoy it socially distanced in the minipark. There may even be some live music, there will certainly be a heated patio!
The Historic Shaw Art Fair starts on Saturday and has moved online this year! You'll still have the ability to view great work purchase it directly from the selected artists. There are many returning favorite artists as well as exciting newcomers who bring fresh ideas, styles and smiles.
Grant’s Farm is excited to welcome guests and ghouls for its first-ever Halloween Drive-Thru Experience! Through October 31st Grant’s Farm will offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive through both the Tiergarten and Deer Park in their own vehicles, something we’ve never done since opening to the public in 1954. Reservations are required and spots are limited, so sign up today!
The Start Here St. Louis Area Resource Directoryis a website that provides general information for dozens of agencies, shelters, employment resources, food pantries and other organizations throughout the St. Louis area. Someone you may know may find it valuable during this challenging time.
Oct. 9th-13th
Get ready to be amazed on Friday October 9th by an At Home Magic Party that is uplifting, motivational, and funny! You'll see this and more all from the comfort of home on zoom! This is not the type of show you're used to seeing on tv.
On Saturday, October 10, Circus Harmony, the nonprofit social circus school will present a free event for our viewing pleasure. Join me, virtually, in checking out The Balancing Act: Walking the Pandemic Tightrope, featuring Circus Harmony students and alumni sharing how they are keeping their balance in this unbalanced time. This is a show unlike any they have done before for a time unlike any we have ever been in before.
Go take a hike! Perhaps Sunday will be a good day to head to Castlewood State Park in the beautiful City of Ballwin to enjoy the splendor of nature. The falling leaves will also be lovely in Maryland Heights at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park too! While you're in the area, you might want to check out this great home that we are offering for sale on Ladue Estates in Creve Coeur. Check out All Trails for a nice list of the top trails in Missouri.
The Sheldon will be hosting a variety of free educational concerts in the month of October and November. It kicks off the Drums & Dances of Africa with Afriky Lolo and the sounds and movements of West Africa in this high energy education program on Thursday, October 15th! Diadie Bathily and Afriky Lolo take audiences on a journey to another culture, with music and dance that celebrate history, nature and community.
On Sunday, the 11th, join the Bach Society, virtually, as they kick off their 80th season! You will hear exciting details about their upcoming season while also enjoying a musical performance by select members of the Bach Society Chorus. This event is free, but registration is required to get your Bach on!
Join Courageous Conversations on Tuesday Oct. 13th at 2pm. The St. Louis Business Journal will convene a community-based conversation to build empathy and common understanding of what must be done to build inclusive economic growth in St. Louis. This virtual event is free, but you must register to attend.
Oct. 15th-18th
St. Louis Earthday Festival will be celebrating with a series of half-birthday week events! Grab your tickets now for the Green Curbside Hop on October 15th. This socially distanced treasure hunt through the streets of Maplewood in search of delectable treats from a variety of Green Dining Alliance restaurants is sure to please. Give back on Earth Day's Half Birthday on the 17th and 18th by participating in one or more of three socially-distanced volunteer clean-ups around the St. Louis region! Disposable gloves and bags will be provided, and each volunteer will receive a Festival Gift Bag. Of course, masks are required. Finally, on the 18th, you can connect, virtually, for an afternoon of environmental thought leaders and activists addressing the impacts of climate change and what you can do about it at the Climate Change Speaker Series.
Oct. 23rd-25th
On Friday, October 23rd, the Voice of the Region's Speaker Series will present Jeanet Wade, Business Alchemist at Jalapeno Consulting. I have worked with her and am looking forward to hearing her “Accountability Formula,” where you'll find out the essential skill sets your leadership and management teams must learn to achieve a higher level of accountability in your organization.
Also on Friday, Trick or Trivia, a virtual trivia night to support the Center for Women in Transition. This "spooky" event will be a chance to come together, unwind, and celebrate the Center’s mission of assisting women in the criminal justice system! The event will include an online silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, a chance to learn about and celebrate the Center's mission, and, of course, trivia!
Trivia is also on the mind of the International Instituteon Saturday as they will be hosting Around the World From Home where you can test your knowledge with eight rounds of around-the-world themed trivia, play some mini games, and enter to win a 50/50 raffle!
Oct. 29th-31st
Trailnet will be hosting their virtual 2020 Movers and Shakers Gala - Making Shift Happenon Thursday, October 29th. I have the great honor to be the emcee for this great event and I hope that you'll join me as we help connect our region’s communities and people by supporting Trailnet's work to enhance street designs, create safe connections, and bring people together. This year, Trailnet is rolling the red carpet right into your living room!
Perhaps on Halloween you'll kick back and enjoy Schlafly's Full Moon Fest which they are throwing at your house this year! Pre-Order your Full Moon Fest Bundle and honor the harvest moon in your own backyard. Bundles include all the fixings for 4 pulled pork sammies & sides, 12pk of Patio Pack, and a bundle of wood to get the fire blazing.
Once again, we have another great month in St. Louis! Let's stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy. I look forward to seeing you soon.
