Board of Directors
Ron Suchanek-President
Brian Newcomb-Vice-President
Pat Trout-Secretary
Thomas Brouster, Jr.-Treasurer
Tish Corcoran
Patrick Jugo
Pickett Lema
Rev. Steven Moseley
James Reynolds
Ben Stotler
Diane Watkins
Ex-Officio
Marty Corcoran
Dr. Linda Henke
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Maplewood Community Betterment Foundation
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The Mission of the Maplewood Community Betterment Foundation is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Maplewood by creating a positive community environment.
The Maplewood Community Betterment Foundation (MCBF) is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that includes an equal mix of Maplewood residents and Maplewood business people. It was formed in May 1982, to revitalize the community, to improve its image, and to unite government, residents, and business in a common spirit for the good of Maplewood. The Board of Directors meets quarterly to plan programs that help achieve its goals. Day to day activities are managed by the Executive Director that MCBF shares with the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce.
Programs that MCBF sponsors, or has sponsored, include:
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Free monthly concert series in Junior High Park May through September |
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A retail loan program by which qualified businesses can borrow up to 25% of funds needed to start a business in Maplewood or expand an existing one. |
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Sending media releases which bring positive attention to Maplewood activities, its residents, schools, or businesses. |
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Coordinating a beautification committee to plan gardens or other projects that beautify high visibility areas in Maplewood.
On Monday Ferbruary 11th, Bill Ruphert, founder of Kirkwood in Bloom met with Ron Suchanek, MCBF Board President, John Openlander, Assistant City Manager of Maplewood, Bettye Woolsey, Executive Director, Lou D'Agrosa, owner of Garden Heights Nursery, Cheryl Robinson and Debbie Tolstoi, residents, for a preliminary meeting of the Beautification Committee. Bill shared his experiences with the group.
The Beautification Committee is in the planning stages for creating committees and projects for the Spring and Summer of 2008. If you are interested in participating in the Beautification Project, please contact Bettye Woolsey at the Chamber/MCBF office at 314-781-8588 or Debbie Tolstoi at 314-644-1707.
We have applied for an $8,000 grant for the Beautification Project.
2008 is the Maplewood Centennial.
It is proven that shoppers will be more likely to walk into a store that is landscaped than one that isn't. This project will stimulate economic development as well as beautify our city. Click on the Hamburger Helper image below to add your comments and show your support for the project!
Let's work together to beautify our city!
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The Maplewood-Richmond Heights Seventh Grade Class kicked off the first beautification project in November, 2007. Students and volunteers planted Spring bulbs in front of the Maplewood City Hall. Keep your eyes open for Daffodils and Crocus! (Click here to see photos.)
Read the City of Maplewood's September Newsletter to read about the neighborhood beautification project.
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Coordinating a history committee to research Maplewood's rich history and document it for its residents. Current projects include a history book celebrating Maplewood's Centennial 1908 -2008.
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Community socials where neighbors come together to meet informally. |
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Partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on a variety of projects. |
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Recognizing the good community work provided by Maplewood schools, churches, social, civic, and service organizations. |
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Block Party entertainment and promotion.
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Coordinating a forum where Maplewood voters may hear from and meet political and school board candidates. |
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Partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to organize Maplewood's first Town Hall Meeting to hear public opinion and suggestions. |
MCBF looks forward to sponsoring more programs in the future and the community's enthusiastic response and attendance shows their support. MCBF have been instrumental in inspiring positive change and in promoting a healthy self-image among Maplewood residents and business people. There is a wonderful spirit of cooperation in the community, which will contribute to it's bright future. If you would like to learn more about the work MCBF does or if you would like to make a charitable contribution, please call 781-8588.
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