Renaissance FEB 2024

2 - The Soulard Renaissance - MARDI GRAS 2024 From the Editor I ’ v e a l wa y s been an editor of few words. While the edi- tor’s letter is an important point of communica- tion between the publication and the readership, it’s also my editorial philosophy to get out of the way and let the writers shine. The Renaissance is not my publication to edit; it’s your publication, and the neighborhood has entrusted me with its care. I fell in love with Soulard from the moment that John and I looked at our first house here. While we didn’t buy the building on Russell, I knew the property that did become our home was the right choice before I even set foot inside. We had to struggle to get this house, but as with so many challenges, the effort was worth the reward. I wake up everymorn- ing feeling lucky that I get to live here. This is a packed issue, so I’ll leave you with just one more bit of gratitude: thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of the Renaissance , for your patience as I’ve learned the ropes of this publication, and for your willing- ness to keep reading. Allyson Whipple Renaissance Editor Feb. 3 Run For Your Beads 5K MGI Feb. 3-4 Taste of Soulard MGI Feb. 4 Purina Pet Parade MGI Feb. 4 Tito’s Vodka Wiener Dog Derby MGI Feb. 7 Election Slate, General Membership Meeting SRG Feb. 10 Mardi Gras Bud Light Grand Parade MGI April 3 Voting Concludes, General Membership Annual Meeting SRG April 12 Registration Deadline for Rummage Sale SRG May 18 Soulard Rummage Sale SRG Monthly Meetings First Wednesday General Membership Meeting SRG Third Wednesday Board Meeting SRG Learn more: Soulard Restoration Group (SRG) www.soulard.org Soulard Community Calendar Development committee announces two fundraising programs By Jim Dallas The SRG Development Committee announced two new fundraising pro- grams at the January General Member- shipmeeting: the Brick Program and the Plaque Program. These programs are not just a great way to support the SRG; they’re also a chance to showcase your neighborhood pride and celebrate your life in Soulard. Brick Program A few years ago, the Soulard Station Committee conducted a highly suc- cessful brick program, in which for a $100 donation one could have a brick inscribed and installed on the patio at Soulard Station. The Development Committee and Soulard Station Com- mittee are bringing this program back. For a $100 donation, one can have up to three lines inscribed on a brick, with up to 20 characters on each line. Once the A sample brick from the brick program. Allyson Whipple program has been open for a month or two, and enough donations for bricks have accumulated to justify firing the kiln, the two committees will have the new bricks inscribed and installed at Soulard Station. Here is a picture of a sample brick. One can see all the current bricks at the patio on the south side of Soulard Station. They include bricks that people have purchased through donations, in addition to a brick for each of the past presidents of SRG. Continued on Page 8