Alderman Townsend Comments

  1. Joyce Townsend

    Joyce Townsend

    Ward 1 Alderman
    Email Joyce Townsend
    More Information

Merry Christmas!  

December 2023 UpFront newsletter

The flower beds are empty, the leaves have left the trees and carpeted the lawn, and the grass is now turning a light tan. It’s been a beautiful fall!  Snow and ice and freezing cold are just around the corner.  I’m looking forward to sitting by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, and staring out the window at the bare branches covered with sparkles!  Kudos to our City street crews who will do such an amazing job of keeping our streets clear and drivable on these winter days to come.

Please remember to support our local businesses as much as you can as you gear up for gift-giving this holiday season.  We all love the convenience of home delivery, but getting out and shopping has its own accompanying rewards.  We want to have a thriving economy going into the new year, and the only way to get that is to support our local merchants.  

Enjoy your holidays, however you may celebrate, and may peace find us all in the coming year.


  1. Previous Message from Alderman Townsend

Saving the Smoke House

November 2023 UpFront Newsletter

By the time you read this, work will be underway to move the old Smoke House in Old Town from its original place to its new home, next to the log cabin on Gatty Road.  We’ve worked hard to save this piece of our history, and I’m grateful for the work the Parks Department is putting into the foundation it will rest on; to the Board of Aldermen for funding the project which will keep the oldest building in St. Peters alive; for the patience of Mr. Terry Kaufmann, who owns the Smoke House’s original lot; and for the support of the Historical Focus Group and so many in our community.  We set a goal, and are achieving it!

As the year starts to wind down, and the Thanksgiving holiday rolls in, I usually start to review the goals I set for myself when the year was new. Overall, I’m happy with how I did – except that I didn’t lose ten pounds!

I’m thankful for so many things – my God and His faithfulness, my family and their love, a new knee that doesn’t hurt, and work that I enjoy.  During this special time of year, I hope you have bountiful gifts in your life to be grateful for, and that you have plenty to share with others that may not be as fortunate.  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our City and you.  Please call me any time with your questions or concerns.  Happy Thanksgiving!