The vibrancy of American artistry has grown thanks to the contributions of multi-cultural American artists of all venues and in all forms. Artwork and music have impacted and invited Americans beyond languages to experience new perspectives and paradigms. Writing this with the idea of helping and accepting each other, starting this past Saturday, September 28-October 4, is Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Bowling Green can earn status as Most Neighborly City in Missouri for 2024 by: reporting acts of neighboring from the community by contacting Jennifer Prophete at [email protected] or contact her at 833-343-1509. For example, those that were blessed by the Love Thy Neighbor project could contact Jennifer and report on the examples of being “neighborly.”
The number of these type of nominations submitted helps to determine the recognition. Please take a moment to call or text and recognize someone that did a neighborly act. I hear good reports all the time about BG citizens that paid for this or that, transported someone to the doctors or dentist, eye doctors or pharmacy. If someone helped you with yard work, carried packages, held a door open for you, or helped a senior adult in some way, please contact Jennifer. Encourage your neighbors to reach out to shut-ins or disabled or the needy and then report such. Many are blessed by our Hope Center and the Resale Shop. Please take a moment to express your appreciation for these programs. Many churches have come to the rescue in paying for gas, electricity, and water bills. Please acknowledge and recognize this by texting or phoning. Winning cities will be announced nationwide, receive a plaque, and a digital badge. Let’s not do it for awards but let’s be a Good Neighbor because that is who Bowling Green is – helpful and caring!
A great deal of thanks and appreciation to Glen and Bev Wolfgram for organizing and heading up the Senior Citizens Gathering at the BG High Rise these past several months. They have organized ancestry exploration, provided music, food, and entertainment, as well as card games and bingo. However, due to lack of participation currently, we are closing the Senior Adult program at High Rise. A survey was sent out with only 8 responses so the program will be in a holding pattern for now. Later plans may include evening meetings twice a month with potluck dinners.
Our Pike County Commissioners and I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the new Ameren substation in Bowling Green off Business Highway 54. By Ameren building this, and their projections and studies, Bowling Green is on their radar for progress and expansion. This updated technology prepares us even more for 21st century development! However, there is a lack of buildings and properties with the additional challenges of over-pricing of what is available. I’ve talked with several potential Bowling Green start-up business owners who have gone to other cities due to over-priced and/or lack of facilities. This is sad when we have buildings around the Square that are standing empty, warehouses where no business is exchanged, and/or is not affordable, saleable or in usable condition.
Written by Mayor Jim Arico