I love being involved in this community any way I can. It makes me feel like I have something to contribute, no matter how small. Luckily, our local community theatre group has allowed me to do just that. It has played a big part in my life for many years. I’ve been performing since I was a freshman in high school. I wasn’t ready to give it up after graduation and that is where The Riverside Players came into my life. 

Theatre was always something I aspired to do, even as an extremely shy child. Never did I realize what a huge impact it would have on me as an adult. It has brought me out of my comfort zone, given me better social skills, and most importantly, has given me the confidence I need. When reality becomes difficult to deal with at times, theatre is a way of dealing with it. I can escape and be in someone else’s world and have fun. Theatre is my own personal form of therapy.

​The first show I performed with The Riverside Players was Godspell in 2009. I loved every minute of that show. I had never gelled so well with a group of people, other than my family. From then on, I knew I wanted to continue my love of theatre with them. There is never a moment where I take them for granted. They have become an important part of my life and I will be forever grateful. 

​​Looking back to where I was when I began, it’s important to have ​something to hold on to. Whether it’s community theatre, sports, a local organization, etc. If you are someone needing a way to become involved, there’s something for everyone. I always encourage people to audition with The Riverside Players. More times than not, they become lifelong members. Our local community theatre group is open to everyone. You will always be welcome. 
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​Theatre is more important to our community than people realize. The problem is people aren’t always sure where to look. You can ask, go on social media, or visit their website. There are many ways to become involved. All you have to do is give it a try.

​Growing up in Washington, I always felt safe and never had the desire to leave. While there are so many places to explore in this world, being a part of such a wonderful and unique community has made me feel like I am where I am meant to be. My family, friends, and everything I know is here. 

Living in Washington my whole life, I have witnessed so much growth. This community has welcomed many new additions, but what really makes it special is its ability to stay loyal to our long-time local businesses. You can never go wrong with a gooey cheeseburger and Sun Drop from Dairy Delight. Maybe even indulging in a classic, glazed donut from Schulte’s Bakery on a Sunday morning. There’s something for everyone. 

Since I was a child, there has been one building I’ve been infatuated with. The Calvin was home to entertainment, both on stage and screen. Although it has remained empty for several years, I do have memories of sitting in the theater enjoying what was being played out in front of me. I truly believe it is one of the many gems which makes our town so special. A good portion of my summers were spent at the pool. As well as playing softball at one of the local fields, running around Lion’s Lake, and of course, The Washington Town & Country Fair. There is never a shortage of fun in this town. 

​​​I cannot imagine having these kinds of experiences anywhere else. Living and working downtown with my significant other, I know how truly blessed I am. I’m able to encourage people to explore and appreciate what is here. From the Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Factory to Elijah McLean’s, I’ve found enjoyment in the exposure of WASHMO. I will never fault anyone who chooses to venture beyond their own backyard. However, I hope that in doing so they appreciate where they came from. It’s true what they say, home is where the heart is.

Growing up one of my favorite pastimes was watching my dad create realistic and detailed model train displays. From carving mountainsides out of foam to adding tiny trees and buildings, every detail slowly came together to form its own little world. 

Now as an adult, I get to share the love of model trains with my own children at the Iron Spike Train Museum. After our first visit, it quickly became one of our favorite spots in Washington! Iron Spike has a variety of different sized model trains running throughout their building; we could spend hours watching the little engines chug around the expansive warehouse. As a homeschool family, it’s the perfect backyard field trip for my eight year old to learn about pieces of our American history while looking through their large library of books. The miniature landscapes really bring to life the information we are learning about. For my four year old, it’s hard to get him any further than the “Thomas Room,” as he calls it - an entire room dedicated to children’s wooden train tracks that he would stay in for hours if I let him. It allows him to get hands-on with the trains and use his imagination to the fullest.

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After exploring and studying all that Iron Spike has to offer, they even have a retail area to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip or a gift for an upcoming birthday. The items they have are high quality and unique; we still play with our little Lego train frequently! 

Outside of the museum, they have even begun restoring an old caboose. We can’t wait to see what’s in store as our little hometown museum keeps improving and expanding! ​

From Front Street up to Main and over to 5th, parties of people were seen in matching green shirts, with green wigs, beads, hats, and other fun St. Paddy’s Day attire during the Young Professionals Fake Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl.