Issuu

May 2026

Quen Agnew

Community Outreach Liasion

The Energy of May

There’s something about the month of May that just feels different. The weather begins to break, the days stay lighter a little longer, and you can feel communities coming back outside again. After months of cold mornings and gray skies, spring brings a fresh energy that reminds us to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the people and places around us.

This time of year also brings back some of the simple things that make our communities special — farmers markets reopening, outdoor events filling community calendars, and local spaces welcoming people back together again. Spring is the perfect reminder to support local businesses, neighborhood venues, and hidden gems throughout the region. Places like Rustic Roots Sanctuary continue creating spaces where community, creativity, and connection can grow naturally.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to continue meeting with residents, organizations, and leaders throughout the region. Whether attending community events, having conversations in neighborhoods, or simply enjoying the change of season alongside others, it’s been a reminder that real connection still matters. Sometimes the best ideas, partnerships, and moments happen just by showing up and being present.

As we move further into spring and closer to summer, I hope this edition of The Connection continues to highlight the people, projects, and progress helping move our region forward — one conversation and one connection at a time.

Inside This Issue Spotlight

on Pine Lawn Around the Community Resources and Events

Community Hidden Gem

Columbia Bottom is for those who love wide, open spaces. It’s located in a floodplain at the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the two largest in North America. A premier hidden gem for flowers in North St. Louis County is the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, featuring extensive sunflower fields and native wildflowers.

Tip of the Month

Stay cool with your community! Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes heat. It is important to check in on your community during hot months, especially at-risk populations like seniors, young children, and pets. For older adults, temperatures as low as 80 degrees can be dangerous. Tips to keep cool include wearing loose-fitting clothing, drinking at least 1 cup of water per hour, and never leaving pets or children in parked vehicles for any amount of time.

Did You Know?

St. Louis consumes more barbecue sauce per capita than any other city in America. St. Louis residents purchase almost twice as much BBQ sauce annually as the average American. St. Louis was home to the first commercially bottled BBQ sauce, a product called Maull’s which took off in 1926.

Next time you’re at a summer cookout, be sure to brag on St. Louis’s saucy history!

Community Spotlight

Located in North St. Louis County, Pine Lawn carries a rich history, strong community pride, and a vision focused on growth and revitalization.

Originally developed in the early 1900s during the expansion of the region’s historic streetcar lines, Pine Lawn became one of several connected North County communities tied

City of Pine

Community

closely to the growth of St. Louis through transportation, neighborhoods, and commerce. Today, the city remains home to generations of families who continue shaping the identity and future of the community.

One unique piece of Pine Lawn history includes the Barack Obama School, which became one of the first schools in the region named after President Barack Obama while he was still serving in office — a reflection of the pride and inspiration shared throughout the community.

Under the leadership of Mayor, Terry Epps, the city continues moving forward through its vision of “Rebuilding and Rebranding Pine Lawn.” Over the past several years, residents have witnessed major improvements throughout the city, including the demolition of long-vacant and dilapidated buildings along major corridors to make way for future development, new housing opportunities, and business growth.

The city has continued investing in neighborhood improvements through street repaving projects, pothole

MAYOR TERRY EPPS, PINE LAWN & QUEN AGNEW

PINE LAWN COMMUNITY

Pine Lawn

repairs, speed humps, updated street lighting, and infrastructure modernization projects involving sewer systems, water mains, and lead line replacement. Pine Lawn has also worked to create safer and healthier neighborhoods through park renovations, community gardens, and recreational spaces located throughout each ward of the city.

Community wellness and resident support remain central to Pine Lawn’s continued progress. Through the city’s monthly FREE “Food on the Move” distributions, more than one million meals have been provided to families throughout the community. Partnerships with healthcare organizations and regional agencies have also helped provide access to wellness resources, mental health services, COVID-19 support, and Narcan Life boxes placed throughout the city to help address the opioid crisis and support public health awareness.

Additional revitalization efforts are already underway along the Natural Bridge corridor, including plans for stamped sidewalks, raised crosswalks, pedestrian lighting, beautification improvements, and safer walkways designed to create a stronger and more connected corridor for residents and visitors alike.

Federal grant funding has also supported public safety initiatives, updated street signage, hazardous tree removal, and future renovations to City Hall that will include ADA accessibility improvements and community gathering space.

PINE LAWN COMMUNITY

Fun Facts About Pine Lawn

Community Spotlight

• Pine Lawn was incorporated in 1940 and remains one of the historic municipalities of North St. Louis County.

• The city sits along Natural Bridge Road, one of the region’s historic transportation corridors.

• Pine Lawn continues supporting new homeownership initiatives through programs such as “Mow to Own” and community housing efforts.

• Each ward within the city includes a park or recreational gathering space for residents and families.

• The city continues building strong partnerships with local businesses, clergy, nonprofits, and regional organizations to strengthen community collaboration across North County.

• As Pine Lawn continues investing in development, wellness, infrastructure, and public safety, the city remains focused on creating opportunities that honor its history while building a stronger future for generations to come.

A Little Fresh Air at Rustic Roots Sancturay

What a great day of community engagement at Rustic Roots Sanctuary celebrating fresh food, nutrition, wellness, and the importance of healthy living. The day brought together community members to enjoy nature, learn more about sustainable food practices, and connect in a welcoming outdoor environment.

Owned and operated by Janett Lewis Founder and Executive Director, Rustic Roots continues to create a unique space where community, education, and wellness come together naturally. From the animals and fresh air to the conversations shared throughout the day, it was a reminder of how valuable spaces like this are to the region.

Boeing Supports Kinloch

On Friday, May 8th, The Boeing Co. (Boeing) announced a $1 million grant to support ongoing cleanup efforts in Kinloch, Missouri. The announcement was made at a check presentation ceremony at a park in Kinloch where previous cleanup efforts have been made.

The grant will go towards paying for machinery that can remove the 300 tons and 100 acres of trash and debris in the city, as well as covering landfill costs. It originated from the philanthropic and community investment arm of Boeing, Boeing Global Engagement.

Cleaning up Kinloch has been a focus of not only the city and citizens of Kinloch, but also a myriad of partners since March of 2025. Those community and corporate partners include the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Boeing, PARIC, Greater St. Louis, Regional Business Council, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, and many others.

Resources & Events

ServMO Announces America 250 Missouri Mini-Grants Application Cycle

Get ready to celebrate the spirit of service!

The America 250 Missouri Mini-Grants application cycle will open on June 1, 2026. Applications are due by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Applicants should contact ServMO@ded.mo.gov with any questions.

Mini-grants of up to $3,000 will be available to fund eligible projects taking place on or around 9/11 Day of Service (September 11, 2026) and/or Missouri Good Neighbor Week (September 28, 2026 – October 4, 2026).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility entity requirements, and

• Have an active MOVERS account with the State of Missouri.