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L-R: Sister Regina Strassburger, Maurice Lange, Sister Cheryl Kemner and Sister Colleen Olsen ride in Kirkwood's Greentree Parade on September 17, 2011.
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I've got the best job in the world-working for the "Green" Franciscan Sisters, AKA, the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help located in the heart of Kirkwood since 1999.
Saint Francis of Assisi saw all of Creation as "brother" and "sister." This belief of kinship and oneness facilitated Francis' sense of compassion and simple lifestyle. His life struck a chord with many and resulted in hundreds of thousands of "Franciscans." After more than 800 years, Francis remains the world's most popular Saint.
As Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, whose national headquarters are located in Kirkwood, these Sisters take their sense of direction from Saint Francis. In 2007, the Sisters decided to adopt their corporate stance of promoting care for Earth. This corporate stance has become known as "Franciscans for Earth." The work of Franciscans for Earth occurs through three realms: education, collaboration and advocacy.
One of the reasons I consider this "the best job in the world" is that as a member of the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, I get to represent our Sisters at many Chamber venues. The Chamber offers so many educational opportunities like Marketing Mondays, Boot Camps, First Friday Coffees and Eggs and Issues. In addition, there are networking opportunities such as Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Expos, monthly Membership Luncheons and more!
Another reason this is the "best job in the world" is that I'm so proud of our Sisters because in 2011 the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help sponsored the Chamber's Green initiative. In a sense, the Sisters are putting their money where their mouth is by sponsoring a wonderful Chamber program that ties into their work for Care of Earth! For more information about this program, contact Jim Wright at the Chamber.
Finally, because I work for the Franciscan Sisters, I have been privileged to be a Chamber Ambassador for three years. What a wonderful experience it has been: to meet and greet new members, to welcome people to the luncheons, to attend Ribbon Cuttings and to be a part of a wonderful group of business people who represent not only the Chamber but their own businesses as well. It's great way to "pay back" the benefits that the Chamber has brought to our Sisters in the last 12 years of being in the heart of Kirkwood-a welcoming, generous, "green" community! Thanks a bunch!
By: Linda Tierney
Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
335 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63122
(314) 965-3700
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Start your holidays in style at the Happy Holidays Boutique! The Boutique is a 90+ vendor, 9-hour shopping extravaganza for the whole family. Come and shop the best of Kirkwood and Des Peres for the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list. 
Kirkwood Florist celebrated their 60th year of serving the community at their shop located at 10515 Manchester Road in Kirkwood with a grand ribbon cutting celebration. Eric and Jon Kuhlmann and staff, hosted family, friends, the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Ambassadors, members and Mayor Art McDonnell at the festivities.
Smoothie King celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location at 465a S. Kirkwood Rd. by hosting the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Ambassadors at a grand ribbon cutting celebration. 
