the latest from ST LOUIS!

In an earlier blog I told of two students at Wash U in STL who want to start a new market. They will be writing a "social change" grant to their university for support - it's due in one week!

Let me review their progress thus far...Last December (2008) they contacted me for support. During January 2009 they identified an initial location (lovely Lucas Park) and made appointments with various officials. How did that go?

First, they met with Alderwoman Triplett, who represents the district containing Lucas Park. She informed them that Lucas Park was not possible due to political reasons. She did agree that the Market could help the poor and might become a cultural amenity BUT she warned that middle class residents might not see the benefits. She did say she would respond to questions about city regulations.

Thus our intrepid adventurers needed another location - thus they met with Pastor Kathleen Wilder of Centenary Church. She generously offered the use of the Church's front parking lot (pending board approval). She also suggested outreach to potential vendors at the Church and permitted further research of the enviorns...ahhh, the sweet smell of tarmac and the tip tap of friendly feet meeting and greeting!

Here's the new location! (I hope you can see it!)

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=centenary+cares&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.847644,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=38.631145,-90.202378&spn=0.004073,0.006866&z=17&iwloc=A

Despite this success the Market is not YET ... thus there's more from our intrepid heros...further updates ahead!