By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

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.

By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

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.

Third Thursdays” RETURN! May 20th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout Featuring MEGAN PANTHER & DARRYL VAN HORNE Come out and enjoy! (A TBHT Presentation)

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

By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

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.

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

By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

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

By Chantel Morton,
Better Hometown Coordinator

February 2010

Chantel Morton

Happy February, Tybee!

Spring is right around the corner and Tybee has so much to look forward to this year! As we look forward to warmer and hopefully dryer weather, we anticipate the crowds to return, especially with “the movie” being released in April. Residents have been preparing for the season as have businesses by sprucing up their locations inside and outside.

Better Hometown Start up members continue to facilitate and assist with revitalization efforts and to work with businesses. Have you seen the new turtle wayfinding signs? The City of Tybee has been working with the President of the Tybee Arts Association who partnered with Tybee Island Customs for the design and creation of these signs. The Tybee Turtle signs will help people find their way around the island more efficiently. Banners messages hanging from the turtles will also assist people visiting and the City.

One banner message is “Show Respect. Don’t Litter.” This is a concern for many as we continue working together to keep Tybee clean. In another effort to help keep the Island clean the Design Committee implemented a trash container donation program a few months ago. Through generous donations made and city assistance, the Island will have a few additional trash containers in the corridor by March. Another banner message is “Pay for Parking.” Tybee is a pay to park community in order to keep critical island services available. This message will help with one of the parking concerns many have conveyed. Additional parking concerns continue to be addressed.

As we build a Better Hometown, members of the Design Committee and I have been meetings with City Officials and staff to seek and implement positive solutions before the season begins. Tybee only has so much capacity and we must work with what we have while preserving the sense of community and quality of life for Islanders. On another note (the pun IS intended!)…Mark your calendar for the Thursday following the Mardi Gras and Tie the Knot event filled weekend! Thursday, February 18 at 4:30pm will be the first “THIRD THURSDAY” ON TYBEE near the Tybrisa / Strand roundabout! February 18 is the first of three free family-friendly outdoor music concert series made possible through a Grassroots Arts Program grant awarded to Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative.

Beginning at 4:30pm on February 18, the astonishing Viguba Trio will perform. This Trio will bring an enjoyable mix of jazz, tango, classical & pop music arranged for violin, guitar & bass. The music will serenade you until 5:30pm near the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout! Then on March 18 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm, nationally known contemporary folk artist, Lauren Lapointe will amaze those joining the musical celebration in the lot at Tybee Oaks. The final performance for this series will be April 15 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Enjoy Tax Day this year with this free musical performance. The amazing vocals of sixteen year old Lacey Caldwell will charm those strolling around Tybrisa and The Strand!

Residents, merchants and guests are all 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. Look for the posters around town soon! For more information on these events, visit: www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.

Music. Artwork. Nature. These are just a few ways everyone enjoys Tybee. Tybee’s variety of nature and cultural experiences abound from the waterways to 178 steps up towards the sky. Plus it’s easy to BUY LOCAL TYBEE with 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 vegetables.

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.

See you around town!
Chantel
912.844.9771
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

January 2010
By Chantel Morton,
Tybee Island Better Hometown Coordinator

Happy New Year Everyone!

Chantel Morton

There is much to be thankful for as we reflect on last year and look forward to 2010.  Throughout 2009, working together has proven to be beneficial.  Even with the economy not faring well, we were able to have a number of successful events – including two Sale-ing Days, Lights on for Tybee and the Christmas Parade.  2009 was the first year for “Tybee for the Holidays” and with all of the coordinated events, Tybee was a bright spot even with all the rainfall!

Generous contributions were made for Tybee for the Holidays banners and promotion.  These added to the festive flare of the island and are greatly appreciated.  All month long, BHTI was able to promote Tybee, the businesses and the excitement through a variety of media, press releases and Facebook-ing.

In addition to events, a variety of enhancements were made along the corridor with organizations and you participating in clean ups and plantings.  Plus throughout 2009, businesses were provided valuable resources through webinars, seminars and an informative market study presentation.

Now that the holidays are over, our focus turns more to what 2010 has in store.  The year ahead will bring even more opportunities.  BHT Start up members will continue to facilitate and assist as revitalization continues through enhancements and we will also provide even more resources for businesses while preserving Tybee’s uniqueness.

The next Island-wide Sidewalk Sale will be January 30th!  Last January’s Sidewalk Sale was a hit and if you want to participate as a business or a resident, give me a call.

Beginning February 18th, Third Thursdays on Tybee will kickoff for three months!  We are proud to announce that The Grassroots Arts Program (GAP), a partnership between the Georgia Council for the Arts and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau (which manages the funding initiative) awarded a grant for this Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative community arts program.

These funds combined with local contributions will allow these programs to reach their full potential.  Third Thursdays on Tybee will provide free family-friendly public concerts within Tybee’s Business Corridor in the late afternoons.  These concerts will feature local Tybee musicians and one month will feature young Tybee musicians.  Musicians will be asked to submit a sample of their music and biographical information.  A panel of invited professionals will select the performers for the concerts.  The call for submissions, which are due by January 12, can be found on the BHTI page within the City’s website.  The performances are intended to welcome local residents and guests into the Business Corridor to enjoy music and encourage interaction with local businesses.  More details can be found on the City’s website.  Working with a variety of businesses, organizations and the Tybee Island Tourism Council Third Thursdays on Tybee, will help to brand Tybee Island as an inviting, and thriving arts community that residents and attracts visitors to the Island.

In addition, TBH continues to seek solutions to the island’s parking and trash issues.  All of us want 2010 to be an even better year and it can be with continued passion and appreciation for Tybee.

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

The economy continues to struggle, but it will get better.  Please remember how important it is to support your local economy.  Tybee is fortunate to have so many shopping, dining and cultural choices and services.  When you see the Buy Local Tybee stickers we started distributing in July, you support where you live.

I will see you around town!

Chantel
912.844.9771
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

The Better Hometown Community Development Department Website: www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometown

For more information about Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative, or to find out how you can volunteer for any of the BHT committees, please call Chantel Morton at 786-4573, ext *123