20 Who Count: Christy George

By Cameron Montemayor

It‘s the fond memories of a sprawling Downtown that Christy George remembers, much like her grandparents before her, that drive her to create the same experience for residents and families through a variety of roles.

“I think downtowns are the heart of every city,” said George, president of Main Street Downtown St. Joseph and Downtown Liaison for Mosaic Life Care.

Whether its the smallest acts like planting flowers, organizing family events or securing grants for murals and building façade improvements, George’s talent, creativity and determination have become a driving force in Downtown’s beautification and its revamped holiday experience.

Petting zoos, photo-ops with Santa, scavenger hunts, free carriage rides and book giveaways now make up a growing number of holiday events that George organizes with her peers to foster community pride and create everlasting memories.

“It’s so fun to see not only the kids faces but the parents and grandparents faces too because they know the kids are having a good time and creating memories,” she said. “Even though it’s not the same Downtown they remember, it’s a new Downtown and it’s still fun.”

With the help of local sponsors, George’s latest work saw her build and paint buildings for the outdoor Christmas Village pop-up market experience that debuted at Felix Street Square this year.

“I watched too many Hallmark Christmas movies and I saw those little villages and we were like ‘Lets build some of those,’” she said with a smile. “We always try to bring something new every year.”

George’s community involvement extends beyond Downtown through volunteer work with the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and Habitat for Humanity, where also serves on their board of directors.