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Come See Me at the Tybee Farmer’s Market TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | OCT 2017 35 Main Street Musings Chantel Morton, Program Staff Director Ah, October on Tybee! Fall is in the air, getting around by vehicle, bike, and on foot is easier, and the bike path and your fav restaurant has just the right amount of space for you. From art shows and live performances to Pirate Fest and Halloween activities, there is constantly a lot of fun to be had on Tybee! As the temp cools and a semblance of “Back to Normal” returns, the nostalgic feeling of island living returns. This time of year is marked by spending even more time outdoors with neighbors as fall plans are made, gardens are prepped with fall colors, biking around the island to an appointment, for groceries, and/ or experiencing art at the Post and Arts Center and local galleries. Plus, relaxing at one of Tybee’s parks brings a renewed sense of calm. The list from above highlights a few attributes of being on Tybee.The tagline that the Program uses, Preserving Community, Commerce & Culture, represents the essence of why Tybee is a Main Street Community. A lot is covered with these four words and one ampersand! 1) Preserving… The City of Tybee Island became Georgia’s 88th Certified Local Government (CLG) in 2014 due in part to the overall commitment to preserving Tybee’s authentic look and feel by city officials and hard work of the Historical Society and Historic Preservation Commission. This designation made it possible to apply for and be awarded two grants by the Historic Preservation Division of Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The grants provided funding to complete a comprehensive Historic Resources Survey of the island. The survey was completed in two phases that identified 835 resources as being 40+ years of age that maintain a moderate-to-high degree of integrity. Each of these buildings represent Tybee’s unique architectural importance on the coast. The reports are available online, at city hall and the public library for everyone to view. City Officials, staff, the HPC, and preservationists will utilize the info for planning purposes, future local and national historic districts, design guidelines, and assisting property owners with information for preserving the Tybee’s coastal architecture in commercial and residential areas. 2) Community… This word encompasses the people, activities, and organizations that make a difference through the works by their volunteers! One example of celebrating community is Community Day where local groups showcase themselves while residents enjoy music, food and fun throughout the day. This year Community Day was postponed until next year. Our Promotions Committee and board liaison are planning on making a few changes to make it even more special for everyone involved! The sense of community is part of what makes Tybee Island so fabulous! The Local Lives videos produced last year with the help of expert videographers and many residents showcase why living on Tybee is preferable to other towns. Preserving community is an important aspect as Tybee continues to evolve. 2) Commerce… There are over 120 locations for you to stop in for shopping, dining, personal services, and recreational needs on the island. 99% of these are unique to Tybee and help maintain the authenticity of small town living. The Buy Local Tybee logo and Locals Appreciation Card program are just two ways the Program, with partners, work with you and merchants to support the local economy and provide what you need and want to make living here convenient and enjoyable year-round. Many of these businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors. Preserving this aspect is important for the livelihood of Tybee as a thriving city year-round. 3) Culture… Culture in this phrase refers to heritage and arts that compliment community and history. From Ft. Pulaski to the Tybee Light Station to the Marine Science Center, people are exposed to the history of Tybee and the abundance of natural resources. From the Arts Center to the Post Theater to the plethora of galleries, people are exposed to the craft of live performances, painting techniques, and more. The culture of Tybee has been important to maintaining that bohemian, quirky character for generations. Preserving these aspects that distinguish Tybee from any other town is important. For more information about the Tybee Island Development Authority / Main Street Program, upcoming city approved special events, “Door-to-Door News,” Business / Community Matters, and Historic Preservation Spotlights, sign up for the monthly Main Street E-News by visiting www.tybeeislandmainstreet.com or the Tybee Island Main Street FB page. As always, feel free to contact members of the Development Authority/Main Street Board of Directors (pictured below: Sarah Bernzott, Marianne Bramble, Angela Caldwell, Vicki Hammons, Diane Kaufman, Steve Kellam, Julie Livingston, Ted Lynch, Melissa Memory, Kelly Swope, Melissa Turner) or me with suggestions and/or concerns re: economic vitality and preservation. Take time to enjoy “Tybee time” and remember why those of us who live and work here are “lucky enough” and those who visit love returning. See you around town! Cati��’����Conf�������������� Too Good to be Good for You! Cakes, Cupcakes, Birthday Parties, Cookies & More! ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� WE DELIVER 304-216-5776


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