International Men’s Day on Missouri’s Main Streets
November 19, 2024 | Logan Breer
Eighty countries around the world, including the United States, celebrate International Men’s Day on November 19th. Thomas Oaster, the director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies, and Dr. Jerome Teelucksigh, University of the West Indies, are the two pioneers who advocated for a specific day to celebrate the importance of positive male role models, positive masculinity, and importance of men’s physical and mental health (International Men’s Day Archive).
This year International Men’s Day organizers in Australia choose the theme “Men’s Health Champions” that includes four subthemes of building healthy communities: look out for your mates; take action, stay healthy; and creating a healthier future (https://www.internationalmensday.info). These are great ideas to bring into our celebration of the people behind the positive impacts in our country as well as our local communities. MMSC chooses to recognize the achievements and contributions of Missouri’s men during this time in honor of International Men’s Day and every day of the year. Every person should be recognized for their impact on our country as well as their local community. The board and committees of each Main Street program work best when it reflects the unique walks of life found in their community as the capacity for leadership is inside everyone.
The following businesses and individuals were nominated by MMSC and local Main Street programs for their role in building a healthy community within their historic commercial districts across Missouri through their business and volunteer commitment. The men featured in this article represent a sample of those who leave their mark in the places they reside.
Men of Missouri’s Main Street programs
Steven Hoffman, Old Town Cape
Steven Hoffman is a champion for Main Street in many spheres, whether it be locally with Old Town Cape, at the state level with Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC), or in the classroom at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). His optimism, deeply collaborative spirit, friendliness, and unwavering commitment to the Main Street Approach™ have encouraged people to undertake preservation to make Cape Girardeau and the state a better place to live as well as led to many successes for Old Town Cape and MMSC.
Since the inception of Old Town Cape in 1998, Dr. Hoffman has been a leader as a board member in many roles. His skills as an excellent and diplomatic negotiator have led to successfully bringing together multiple parties to make projects happen, such as the regeneration of Cape Girardeau’s Broadway and Esquire Theaters, the renewal of an old hotel, and the creation of Cape Girardeau’s Community Improvement District.
For over a decade, he has served on MMSC’s board in a variety of roles including President, Immediate Past President, and Executive Leadership Trustee bringing his vision to each position. As a superb fundraiser, he helped MMSC raise over $300,000 to host the 2018 National Main Street Conference and helped Old Town Cape finance a statue representing the Civil War’s U.S. Colored Troops that now stands proudly in Ivers Square outside Cape Girardeau’s City Hall.
As the head of SEMO’s Historic Preservation program, Dr. Hoffman is preparing and mentoring the next generation of Main Street managers and historic preservationists through learning in the classroom and first-hand experiences. His student’s education around urban design, building materials, and architecture is enriched with regular visits to Old Town Cape; participating in “crappy building” tours; preparing National Register of Historic Places nominations; conducting neighborhood building surveys; and attending Historic Preservation Commission and City Council meetings. Some students also work as interns with Old Town Cape or volunteer for events.
Russ Volmert, Laclede’s Landing Main Street
Russ Volmert is an active community member for the good of St. Louis and Missouri. Russ contributes his critical thinking, decision making, community building, preservation, and design skills to Laclede’s Landing Main Street as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Design Committee, Missouri Main Street Connection as Treasurer of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Financial Development Committee, and other community initiatives.
Russ played a pivotal role in bringing MMSC’s St. Louis Main Streets pilot program to Laclede’s Landing, which rallied together property owners and investors for the betterment of Laclede’s Landing through strategic implementation of the Main Street Approach™.
His leadership and guidance are vital components for keeping Laclede’s Landing Main Street moving forward, always with a focus on developing their organization’s effectiveness and improving the district. During meetings when discussions get a bit far afield, Jan Sandweiss shared that she can “count on Russ to bring us back to the point.” Brandyn Jones, the Executive Director of Laclede’s Landing Main Street, further added that the organization appreciates Russ’ continued presence, “We are extremely grateful to have Russ’ knowledge, expertise, and wonderful sense of humor on the Laclede’s Landing team!”
Over the past 30 years, Russ’ other community engagements include projects on the Arch Grounds, the St. Louis Zoo, and in Forest Park. Currently, he works as the Capital Projects Manager at Forest Park Forever where he maintains and improves St. Louis’ crown jewel, Forest Park, every day.
Nathan Warson, Warson Media - Downtown Lebanon Main Street
Nathan Warson is a member of Downtown Lebanon Main Street’s organization committee and a drone pilot with Warson Media. In this role with Downtown Lebanon Main Street, Nathan maintains, alongside his fellow board members, committee members, and Executive Director, the strong leadership that won their organization the Outstanding Community Empowerment Grant Organization award from Missouri Main Street Connection in 2022.
As part of the Organization Committee, Nathan uses his videography and drone skills from his day job with Warson Media to capture and showcase Lebanon’s’ beautiful downtown through unique perspectives and to promote Main Street events. He shared his perspective on why he participates in Downtown Lebanon saying, “It is an honor and privilege to volunteer my skills, at no charge, alongside the work of others who share my passion for Lebanon and its people because I believe in giving back to a place that has given so much to me.” Collaborators like Nathan are great board members as their efforts empower others to make an impact on their community as well.
Men of Missouri’s Main Street Businesses
Cameron Schmitz, Lighthouse Marketplace - Main Street Chillicothe
Cameron Schmitz uses his faith and community-driven efforts to inspire and uplift those around him. With a deep connection to his faith and a passion for serving others, Cameron is committed to making a positive impact in Chillicothe. In 2023, he founded Lighthouse Marketplace, a non-profit thrift store in Downtown Chillicothe. Through this venture, he has partnered with the local Salvation Army and Foster Adopt Connection to provide essential resources for families in need. According to Cameron, “there are many kids in Missouri’s foster care system and adults aging out. We want to ensure they have the support to thrive.”
Schmitz continues to give back to his community with unwavering dedication. He plays an active role in Chillicothe’s Abba House, a ministry that helps men overcome life-controlling challenges. In addition, he helped establish the Gap House, an initiative focused on providing support for women facing similar struggles. Through these efforts, Cameron is creating opportunities for transformation and growth in the lives of those most in need.
Carlton Mitchell, Exodus Art Gallery - Delmar Main Streets
Photo by Spencer Peck, courtesy of artbeatstl.com & delmarmainstreetstl.com.
Carlton Mitchell took a leap of faith in 2014 when he opened Exodus Art Gallery on Delmar Boulevard. At the time in Carlton’s words “this part of Delmar looked rough” and there was only one other creative space in the area, Third Degree Glass. Carlton focused on his mission to create a place to encourage artists and other creators within his community to pursue their God given purposes and creative talents. As a creative space, Exodus Art Gallery provides artists with the opportunity to display their gifts and talents emphasizing artistry that provides insight into the African American journey from a spiritual perspective. Since opening, the gallery has hosted many events and exhibits including popular local artist’s “Art Doll” in 2017, inspirational book signings, product launches, nonprofit initiatives like Destiny of Diagnosis, and more.
Today, the Delmar district, where Exodus Art Gallery is located, is in a better position with community partners and Delmar Main Street working to create people-centered places and promote entrepreneurship and equitable development leading Carlton to say, “choosing this location is one of the best decisions of my life. There are now multiple creative spaces and more business to come, and not to mention five new restaurants.” Currently there are works by approximately 25 artists displayed in Exodus Art Gallery. If you find yourself in St. Louis’ Delmar district, make sure to stop by to soak in the artwork inspired by artists’ lived experiences in a wonderful gallery that encourages others based upon Carlton’s life while learning about the African American journey from a spiritual perspective.
Brian Hash, Boat Town Brewing - Downtown Lebanon Main Street
Brian Hash, the owner of Boat Town Brewing, is a great example of Downtown Lebanon’s many engaged business owners who are invested in Downtown Lebanon and/or volunteer with Downtown Lebanon Main Street (The Hive by Honey Creek and Jude’s Cafe). He sees his role in his community as more than just a business owner with his commitment to downtown revitalization and the preservation of Lebanon’s commercial heritage as a board member and Economic Vitality committee member of Downtown Lebanon Main Street.
As part of his dedication, in 2023, he moved his restaurant and brewery into the heart of Downtown Lebanon at 214 West Commercial Street. According to Brian, moving to Downtown Lebanon was part of his plan as he “knew that when Boat Town Brewing was relocated that Downtown Lebanon would be our new home because of the revitalization efforts of Downtown Lebanon Main Street.” Part of the process of moving into Downtown Lebanon involved investing in the vacant building at 214 West Commercial Street through exterior façade work and interior work to transform it into a space where friends could come together.
Since the move, his business has grown. Brian shared that “the move has been all we hoped for, and business is booming! We love being a part of downtown, and I’m glad to be a part of it.” With engaged business owners, like Brian Hash, stepping up to restore Downtown Lebanon as a vibrant commercial district by opening businesses downtown, there are now more options for people to enjoy on a regular day or during downtown events. The future is very bright for Downtown Lebanon. If you ever find yourself in Lebanon, Missouri stop on by their downtown and check out the vibrancy they are cultivating through invested business owners and enjoy some really good food.
These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg. Across the state, individuals contribute their unique talents and businesses for the success of their dreams. As a result, they have a positive impact on the overall success of Missouri’s historic commercial districts. We are truly better when we come together. If your business or organization is located in a Main Street community that has an agreement with MMSC, contact Logan Breer at logan@momainstreet.org for information on how to be highlighted in future #Mainstreetmonday posts or articles as they are relevant.
1 thought on “November 19, 2025 – International Men’s Day on Missouri’s Main Streets”
Great article highlighting many Main Street men Missouri. Especially proud of Russ and Stephen who serve in MMSC board leadership.