TYBEE ISLAND is now A BETTER HOMETOWN COMMUNITY

A BETTER HOMETOWN – July 2010
By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

CONGRATULATIONS TYBEE!

Did you notice the headline?  That’s right!  Tybee is now officially a Georgia Better Hometown Community!  A HUGE thank you and congratulations goes out to the City of Tybee, business owners and residents for working together to see the fruits of our labor and commitment to preserve Tybee and be economically strong come to fruition!  I look forward to the continued successes we have with improvements for Economic Development within the context of Historic Preservation.  The Board of Directors and Committee members have been instrumental in this process and we will continue working with the community to maintain the quality of life through a healthy business corridor and to enhance the cultural experience while preserving this barrier island’s heritage.

Third Thursdays on Tybee took place again on July 15 at 5:30pm – 6:30pm and featured Jan Spillane. (below) She performed her bluesy, country style talents in the Lot at Tybee Oaks.  We will be taking a break this next month from our “Listener’s Delights” outdoors due to the heat, but will be picking them back up again in September.   We’re asking for community support to make them happen.  If you would like for Third Thursdays on Tybee to continue, and can lend your support to this effort, please contact me about a sponsorship or to learn how to contribute.

Also, mark your calendars for the next Historic Preservation Presentation – “Preserving Communities” on August 11th from 5:30pm until 6:30pm. It will cover Historic Tax Incentives and Local Preservation Planning. This presentation should be a valuable learning session for anyone attempting to restore historic residential or business property.  Look for more information soon!

Last month you read about the pilot ambassador program Better Hometown is launching –
“Tybee Island Information Providers.”  We still need local volunteers to assist visitors with questions about parking, shopping, dining, and sightseeing activities.   This is a wonderful way for you to volunteer, be social and share you knowledge of where you live.  Kids can even earn Community Service hours!  T. I. I. P. volunteers will work a three-hour shift, one time per week during peak season between 14th and 17th Street east side of Butler Ave.  An orientation will be held shortly so please call me if you can help!

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee”.  Tybee has over 35 cool spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger; more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from whimsical art to beach towels to traditional PB & Js, and personal services from banking to automotive care!  While you are enjoying the Island life, take advantage of the variety of natural and cultural experiences from the waterways to high in the sky. It’s all right here on Tybee!

Please, feel free to contact members of the Better Hometown Board of Directors or me
with suggestions, concerns, or to help. Names are listed here and contact information for the Board can be found on the City of Tybee Island’s website.

Here’s to you and the whimsy of Tybee!

Chantel
912.786-4573, ext.123
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

A BETTER HOMETOWN

May/June “Third Thursdays” Update

June’s Third Thursdays on Tybee was from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout featuring THE VIGUBA TRIO.  Peter Berquist on Bass and Bruce Spradley on guitar were joined by Jody Espina on sax / flute and brought their musical talents with an emphasis on jazz standards.

May’s concert also took place at the roundabout and listeners very much seemed to enjoy the performance by Savannah duo Darryl E. Van Horne and Megan Panther.

If anyone would like to be a sponsor or contribute to continue Third Thursdays on Tybee please. contact Chantel Morton for information.

Tybee Island Information Providers

Another exciting movement on the Island is the beginning of a pilot program – Tybee Island Information Providers!  This BHT start up program is designed for locals to share your Tybee passion and assist visitors in the Southern portion of the Business Corridor.  You’ll be helping with questions about shopping, dining, parking, and sightseeing activities during our busiest “in season” times.  What a wonderful way for you to volunteer and socialize at the same time!

Plus, kids can earn Community Service hours.  There will be an orientation soon with those wanting to volunteer, so let me know if you want to help share your Island knowledge with our guests.

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee”.

Tybee has over 35 cool spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger; more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from beach towels to whimsical art to sandwich fixings and personal services from dental care to banking and remember to take advantage of the variety of natural and cultural experiences from the waterways to high in the sky. It’s all right here on Tybee! Please feel free to contact members of the Better Hometown Board of Directors or me with suggestions, concerns, or to help.

Contact information for the Board can be found on the City of Tybee Island’s website.

Here’s to you and the whimsy of Tybee!

Chantel Morton
912.844.9771, EXT 123
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

Notices from the City Of Tybee Island:

1. Community Resource Committee Applicants sought: The Mayor and City Council of Tybee Island are considering applicants for the Community Resource Committee. Community Resource Committee members serve three year terms.

2. Seeking Ethics Commission Applicants: The Mayor and Council continue to seek applicants for the Ethics Commission.

(Visit the City’s website at cityoftybee.org for more details about the position and how to apply.)

Please, submit resumes to Vivian Woods, City Clerk or assistant Denise Woodard – appointments will continue by Council until all vacancies are filled.

HAPPY NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH!

May is National Preservation Month! The theme this year is “Old is the New Green!”  Tybee has seen much change over the years and we all know preservation is good for the community and the bottom line.  Preservation also plays an extremely important role in long term development planning for sustaining the environment and economy.  All of the Island’s historic homes – whether officially on the National Register or not – should be appreciated for their original beauty and impact on keeping Tybee’s heritage alive.

Historic home / building owners are the front lines of protecting the places that matter.  So, when you see one of these individuals, share with them your appreciation for what they do to preserve their property and for reinvesting in our community.

The second Better Hometown Initiative Community “Visioning Workshop” was held in April.  Everyone that came was presented with what your Board of Directors and Committees have accomplished while focusing on the 4-points for Tybee’s businesses, residents and guests over the past year.  Economic Development within the context of Historic Preservation is an ongoing process which benefits your community.  By continuing to work together and pulling our resources, we can be even more effective.  Feedback we received from attendees and survey responders is helping us with the work plans for continued positive improvements throughout the corridor for the better of the Island.

Most recently, you have been introduced to “Keep Tybee Tidy!”  Fliers with this message are posted in store and restaurant windows to let people know litter is not acceptable.  Respect for our Island is important and getting the message out there will help keep litter off the streets and beach with your help.

April’s Third Thursdays on Tybee was another success with Lacey Caldwell performing at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout on April 15th.  Lacey’s award winning vocals entertained and amazed all that came down front to hear her.  The series, brought to you by Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative these past three months, was made possible by the City of Tybee, Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau and generous contributors.  Below, listeners gather at the roundabout on April 15th.

Because you have been sharing in the “Listener’s Delights” and wanting more, THIRD THURSDAYS ON TYBEE will continue!  That’s right, look for another listener’s delight at the Roundabout May 20th starting at 5:30pm featuring Megan Panther and Darryl Van Horne – a dynamic singer and producer/songwriter duo from the Savannah area.  If you would like to become a sponsor or contribute to see Third Thursdays on Tybee continue, please contact me for information.

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee.” Tybee has over 35 cool spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger; more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from beach towels to whimsical art to sandwich fixings and personal services from hair care to transportation and automotive care!  While you are enjoying the Island life, remember to take advantage of the variety of natural and cultural experiences from the waterways to high in the sky. It’s all right here on Tybee!

Keep enjoying the whimsy of Tybee, and we’ll see you at the Roundabout!

Chantel Morton
912.844.9771, EXT 123
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

A Better Hometown

Greetings!

Third Thursdays on Tybee Grassroots Arts Program continues this month.  This listener’s delight is brought to you by Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative.  These concert series are made possible by the City of Tybee, Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau and generous contributors.  In February, the VIGUBA Trio shared their string playing expertise with you.  On March 18th, Lauren LaPointe (and Bill DeYoung) amazed those that came out to the lot at Tybee Oaks to hear Lauren’s nationally recognized vocals.  April will be the final performance of this series and showcases young musical talent.

On April 15th Lacey Caldwell will amaze you from 5pm until 6pm at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout.  Lacey is an award winning teenage vocalist from Savannah Arts Academy and we are pleased she will perform for you. That’s right!  Tax Day this year will have a free musical performance while you are strolling around Tybrisa and The Strand.

Residents, merchants and guests are all encouraged to take advantage of this Listener’s Delight while enjoying the outdoors!  With support and assistance from a variety of sources, we hope to continue the outdoor music on Tybee and the awareness that Tybee Island is an inviting and thriving arts community.  For more information, visit http://www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.

Last July your Better Hometown Initiative hosted a “Community Visioning Workshop” for businesses and residents.  April 14th from 5pm – 6pm will be the NEXT Workshop.
Everyone is invited to receive an update about items on which the Board and each of the four-point committees have been working given the input received back in July 2009.  Your participation and continued input is crucial.  It will help the board update each committee’s workplan for the coming months and continue their positive work with the city to keep Tybee the whimsical paradise to live, do business and visit!

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee!”  There are many ways to enjoy Tybee.  Tybee’s varieties of natural and cultural experiences abound from the waterways to high in the sky.  Plus, Tybee has over 35 hot spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger, personal services just right for you and more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from whimsical art to sunscreen to deli meat.  It’s all right here on Tybee!

Please feel free to contact members of the Better Hometown Board of Directors or me with suggestions, concerns, or to help.  Contact information for the Board can be found on the link to the Better Hometown Initiative from the City of Tybee Island’s homepage.

Keep enjoying the whimsy of Tybee!

Chantel
Better Hometown Coordinator
City of Tybee Island, GA
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

Tybee’s BHT Vision Statement (adopted 4-14-09):
To improve the quality of life for those that live, work and visit Tybee Island through a healthy business corridor andenhance the cultural experience while preserving the community’s barrier island heritage. The Mission of the Tybee Island Better Hometown Program is to: 1. facilitate efforts to revitalize, redevelop and enhance the business corridor; 2. create a sense of place and improve the quality of life for residents, business owners and visitors using the Main Street Four Point Approach; 3. encourage quality economic growth and development while preserving Tybee Island’s unique architectural heritage; 4. support and encourage the arts as a cultural endeavor and economic engine on the Island.

Don’t miss the 2010 “Community Visioning Workshop,” Wednesday, April 14th, 5pm – 6pm, City Hall Auditorium

Better Hometown Board of Directors: Cullen Chambers, Judy Malins, Stephen Palmer, Monty Parks, Shirley Sessions, Dick Smith, Peggy Stone, Patricia Miller Wann, and John Yarbrough.

Visit: www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.

Building a Better Hometown

“Tybee Island… the whimsical paradise in which to live, to do business and to visit!”

Hello Spring Celebrators!

Hooray!  It is March already!  Hopefully everyone enjoyed all the activities in February and have your calendars marked for the fun in March with such activities as the Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration on March 13th, and the next “Third Thursdays” concert on Tybee with Lauren LaPointe.

Third Thursdays on Tybee is a Grassroots Arts Program brought to you by Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative, which is made possible by the City of Tybee, Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau and generous contributors.  The first Third Thursday on Tybee at Spanky’s with the amazing VIGUBA Trio, below, was a success and the one this month will continue the musical delights for all.  Lauren LaPointe, right, a nationally acclaimed contemporary folk singer/songwriter will astonish you with her vocals on March 18th in the Lot at Tybee Oaks from 5pm until 6pm.  April 15th will be the final performance for this series from 5:00pm – 6:00pm at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout.  Sixteen year old, Lacey Caldwell will make your tax day better this year!

Residents, Merchants and Guests are all invited and encouraged to take advantage of these mini-concerts while enjoying the outdoors!  With assistance from a variety of sources, Third Thursdays on Tybee will continue the awareness that Tybee Island is an inviting and thriving arts community.

Businesses are invited to the next Business Seminar – “Keeping your Customers” on Wednesday, March 24th from 8:30am until 9:45am in the Auditorium at City Hall.  Your Better Hometown Initiative is bringing Savannah’s Small Business Development Center to Tybee again.  A summary of the presentation that their Business Consultant will bring is…”Small businesses spend a large amount of time and money trying to get new customers.  But few stop to realize that it is easier and less expensive to create repeat customers.  Repeat customers also tend to spend more per purchase than new customers.  This seminar is designed to teach small business owners ways to establish profitable relationships that will keep existing customers coming back, including follow  up techniques, understanding and managing customer expectations, developing solutions and value for customers, and improving competitiveness.”

Businesses are asked to bring a business card or a promotional piece from their business for a chance to share information about your business with their peers prior to the start of the presentation.  March 20th is the deadline to RSVP to cmorton@cityoftybee.org or 786-4573, ext. 123.

Businesses, residents and guests make and keep Tybee remarkable!  Each person that experiences the island realizes there are many reasons to enjoy Tybee beyond the wonderful neighbors and community activities -  experiences abound from the waterways to 178 steps up towards the sky.  Plus, Tybee has over 35 hot spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger, personal services just right for you and more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from whimsical art to sunscreen to veggies.  That’s right; it’s all here on Tybee!

Please, contact members of the Better Hometown Board of Directors or me with suggestions, concerns, or to help.

C-ya soon!
Chantel
912.844.9771
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

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