Alderman Sartorius Comments

  1. Gregg Sartorius

    Dr. Gregg Sartorius

    Ward 2 Alderman
    Email Gregg Sartorius
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Count Your Blessings!

December 2023 UpFront newsletter

Mid-November through December is a very busy time of the year. It is also my favorite time of the year. Thanksgiving provides the opportunity to reflect and be thankful for the many things in our lives that bring us happiness. Whether it is visiting with family and friends or just having a few extra days off work there is much to be thankful for. December is packed full of fun family events in St. Peters. In the December issue of the UpFront newsletter, you will find a full listing of the City sponsored events going on this month. Beyond these events, there are numerous holiday happenings in the area, and amongst your own family and friends.

In St. Peters our motto is “In God We Trust.” As I reflect on my life, I have much to be thankful for. From my very early years I have worked to serve people in my community. From a clerk in a hardware store and a janitor at my church as a teenager, to working in restaurants from 1975 through the mid-80s. I eventually became a teacher, school administrator, adjunct professor and served thousands of individuals and families during my career as an educator. Upon retiring from the education field in 2016, I was unsure of what path was ahead of me. My faith and destiny led me to become an Alderman for the City, and so I continue my service to the community.

Believe me, I encountered many, many roadblocks, setbacks and struggles both personally and in my careers over my lifetime, and I am grateful for each and every experience I had, both good and bad. From early on in my life, I was developing resiliency and an attitude of overcoming and moving forward beyond challenges. Now in my “senior” years I have come to realize each event in my life was also an opportunity. I learned from the difficulties I overcame, and shared the glory of my accomplishments with my family and friends who supported me. Although I was raised going to church and believing in God, it was not until more recently that I realized how He had molded me into what I am today and led me through life’s twists and turns to get me to where I am now. So, as we come to the end of another year, be thankful for all experiences you encounter, pause and pray for insight to overcome challenges and be hopeful for the future. Above all, Count Your Blessings!

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Honoring Those who Serve Our Nation

November 2023 UpFront newsletter

In November each year we celebrate Veterans Day on the 11th day of the month.  Some may ask, why?  The major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

When my oldest brother was born in 1953, my father was overseas serving in the Korean War.  He didn’t get to see his oldest son until almost a year after he was born. With my son serving in his twentieth year in the Navy, I have personally witnessed the many sacrifices he and his family have made for him to help defend our country and our freedoms.  During the many months away during each of his seven deployments, his wife and children faced many, many challenges as she was a single parent during those times. They have all given up a lot to allow Michael this opportunity to serve, and I am extremely proud of them all for persevering through the difficult times, the good times and the many unwanted challenges.

Equally, I am proud of St. Peters for being a City that supports our veterans, both here and abroad, past and present.  St. Peters holds these special days throughout the year in reverence for those who have and continue to sacrifice to protect our civil liberties and those individuals and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  So much so that the Stars & Stripes national news outlet presented a proclamation to the City last year recognizing our commitment to our veterans.

This year, I am honored to be serving as the Board of Aldermen liaison to the Veterans Memorial Commission. I hope that each of you are committed to honoring those that serve as I am, and the City of St. Peters is. Our service men and women deserve the recognition and appreciation for their dedication and commitment to preserving our freedom and liberties. If you or a loved one who has lived in St. Peters for any length of time and have served, or are still serving in our armed forces, you can recognize them with a plaque in our Hall of Honor at City Hall.  The Hall of Honor application is simple and available online.  The cost is only $15. So, on Veterans Day this year, while barbecuing, and enjoying the holiday with your family and friends, please be safe and remember that it was due to the sacrifices of many of our citizens, and many who made the ultimate sacrifice.