Citizen of the Year Fell in Love with Chesterfield as a Softball-Playing Teen

This week, Patch introduces you to Joan Schmelig, Chesterfield's 2010 Citizen of the Year and president of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.

Joan Schmelig has served as the president of the since 1982. It would be fair to say she has raised the fledgling organization from its infancy. Now boasting more than 900 commercial, industrial, retail and professional firms, the chamber sponsors several events including the annual Concerts in Faust Park, the and the annual .

On a monthly basis, the chamber sponsors events to foster networking as well as professional development, all geared toward fostering the success of chamber member businesses. Their slogan, "Network, educate, communicate," sums up their mission.

Born and raised in Creve Coeur, Schmelig and her husband moved to Chesterfield in 1965. But Schmelig's attraction to the city began long before and for a surprising reason.

“I go back a long time,” Schmelig said. “I was asked to play on a softball team. I love softball. That's how I became acquainted with Chesterfield. My love goes back to my early teenage years and softball.”

The chamber works very closely with the city. Schmelig is quick to point out that the chamber's relationship with the City of Chesterfield is one of total cooperation.

“I believe in partnerships and we have a great relationship with Chesterfield,” Schmelig said. “Our communication lines are open. Not all chambers have that.”

The Citizen of the Year award recognizes residents that have helped the city through volunteertism, their work on community projects and their overall civic contributions. A selection committee reviewed several nominations before presenting their recommendation to city council. 

According to a city press release, Schmelig has served on the city's Beautification Committee since 1993 and is on the board of Chesterfield Arts. She's also a board member of the Faust Park Foundation and a past officer of the Chesterfield Athletic Association and Chesterfield Community Association. She worked on a committee to purchase the property for the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. 

The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Schmelig by Acting Mayor Barry Flachsbart. Many family and friends attended the meeting and several spoke of Schmelig's dedication to the city and her help in the flood of 1993.

While she is pleased to be recognized, she said the attention also makes her feel just a little uncomfortable.

“I'm not one to put myself on a pedestal,” Schmelig said. “There's a lot of people that do a lot of other things. I'm happy about it. I'm pleased by it. But I'm a little embarrassed by it. When you love what you do—I don't need to be honored—but gosh, what an honor. But when you have the backing of your family and your community, that's enough.”

There is another challenge on Schmelig's plate. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, but she's meeting the challenge head on.

“It's slowed me down some, but I have a lot of energy,” Schmelig said. “I believe in my job and my community, and my family really supports me.”

Each notable neighbor is asked a series of unrelated questions to offer us some insight into what makes them who they are.

What's your favorite movie of all time? We're not movie people. I can't even tell you the last time we went.

What's your favorite food? After losing 85 pounds with treatment, I can have anything. I love sweets and I love to bake.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what single thing would you most want with you? My family.

If you could have a conversation with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be? My sister who passed away a couple of years ago.

What did you have for breakfast this morning? Shredded wheat.

Who was your role model for life? Because of softball—even though he didn't play softball—Stan the Man. He's a grand old guy.

What's you favorite book? I like to read non-fiction, but I don't get a lot of time to read. I like to party!

What is your favorite kitchen utensil, tool, or machine? The whole kitchen. I love to cook.