I would guess we are all happy for this January to come to an end with hopes of a February thaw. For Main Street, there was a very welcome escape from the ice and cold that occurred by way of a Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held on Jan. 21. It was most certainly a "bang my hand against the head" experience for me - leaving me wondering why we haven't we done this before.
The Turner Hall Ratskeller was alive with conversation and smiles at 8 o'clock that morning. This enthusiasm certainly surprised me, and I imagine surprised the serving staff, as well. Volunteers met other volunteers, including board members, and were exchanging stories, enjoying the gathering long before any recognition awards were presented. These Main Street volunteers and supporters were there to enjoy the coming together and the sharing of their personal interest and involvement with others while enjoying a great breakfast buffet.
It was a good event, and one that may prove most significant in tying the four committees and board together for the first time, significant in meeting the Streetscape challenge ahead.
Plans continue to move forward this year with the makeover of the sidewalks and street on the Square. Terry Heffron and Jay Schlinsog, both streetscape veterans, will be in our community this week, as a service provided by Wisconsin Main Street. Their mission is to give professional technical support for the planning and execution of our downtown reconstruction project. After a full day on Thursday working with various focus groups comprised of public and private individuals directly involved with the Streetscape, they will present to the public at a noon gathering on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Monroe Arts Center. Their presentation, from noon to 1 p.m., will be followed by open dialogue to address the "what if's" that may be on the minds of community members present.
Thank you to those who are taking time out of your work world to engage in providing input and I welcome all who can attend this Friday noon gathering to bring questions or concerns to the table. There is no doubt a Streetscape project of this magnitude will be an inconvenience to normal activity, but there also is no reason to fear that an extreme makeover can't be survived, and even be fun, if we all work together.
Main Street has partnered with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our UW Extension Office to provide an opportunity for interested individuals to participate in live webinar sessions. The monthly programs are presented on the third Thursday of each month with the exception of July and August from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Community Bank. The next session, on Feb. 19, will focus on "Maintaining Downtowns in the Current Economy." There are webinar locations throughout the state, and being live and interactive provides a large pool of perspective. Pre-registration is requested and should be made through the Extension office by calling 328-9441.
For a complete list of the future topics, click on the Main Street icon from the front page of The Monroe Times online (www.themonroetimes.com), or give me a call at 328-4023.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
The Turner Hall Ratskeller was alive with conversation and smiles at 8 o'clock that morning. This enthusiasm certainly surprised me, and I imagine surprised the serving staff, as well. Volunteers met other volunteers, including board members, and were exchanging stories, enjoying the gathering long before any recognition awards were presented. These Main Street volunteers and supporters were there to enjoy the coming together and the sharing of their personal interest and involvement with others while enjoying a great breakfast buffet.
It was a good event, and one that may prove most significant in tying the four committees and board together for the first time, significant in meeting the Streetscape challenge ahead.
Plans continue to move forward this year with the makeover of the sidewalks and street on the Square. Terry Heffron and Jay Schlinsog, both streetscape veterans, will be in our community this week, as a service provided by Wisconsin Main Street. Their mission is to give professional technical support for the planning and execution of our downtown reconstruction project. After a full day on Thursday working with various focus groups comprised of public and private individuals directly involved with the Streetscape, they will present to the public at a noon gathering on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Monroe Arts Center. Their presentation, from noon to 1 p.m., will be followed by open dialogue to address the "what if's" that may be on the minds of community members present.
Thank you to those who are taking time out of your work world to engage in providing input and I welcome all who can attend this Friday noon gathering to bring questions or concerns to the table. There is no doubt a Streetscape project of this magnitude will be an inconvenience to normal activity, but there also is no reason to fear that an extreme makeover can't be survived, and even be fun, if we all work together.
Main Street has partnered with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our UW Extension Office to provide an opportunity for interested individuals to participate in live webinar sessions. The monthly programs are presented on the third Thursday of each month with the exception of July and August from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Community Bank. The next session, on Feb. 19, will focus on "Maintaining Downtowns in the Current Economy." There are webinar locations throughout the state, and being live and interactive provides a large pool of perspective. Pre-registration is requested and should be made through the Extension office by calling 328-9441.
For a complete list of the future topics, click on the Main Street icon from the front page of The Monroe Times online (www.themonroetimes.com), or give me a call at 328-4023.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
