There is no better way to begin this update than to congratulate the Monroe volunteers who were honored at the Wisconsin Main Street Annual Awards program this month.
Volunteers in any arena rarely receive adequate return publicly for the time and energy they give. But then, recognition probably is not the prime motivation for the dedication of these individuals in the first place. For all I know, their actions might be related to an as-yet-undiscovered gene that triggers a person to want to make a difference, endure countless meetings, work though ideas and plans with others holding equally passionate opposite views, and make the sacrifice of personal time to see through a concept or project until it comes to life.
I believe the recent recognition indicates that the Monroe Main Street Program has found its legs from the efforts over nearly three years of foundation building, and is ready to walk the talk. I might point out here, as a reminder, that the Main Street approach is not in its conception a fix-all program, but a blending of public and private investment to spur economic revitalization of the downtown for the benefit of our community overall. At its best, it serves as a catalyst for growth and a strong partner with other groups.
Evidence of the success of the Main Street four-point approach was apparent at the awards reception, where the Monroe awards were flanked by projects from across the state. It was inspiring to see the success of programs in communities as small as Tigerton as well as in the complex Broadway area of Green Bay.
The recognition given to our Design Committee for the Façade Improvement Grant Program that they labored over last year was well earned. But that's part of building a foundation. The legs that are sprouting are the two grant applications that already have been submitted for approval, as well as the half dozen applications in the hands of downtown building owners.
The streetscape planning also has been long in formation but will become a reality in the near future. Next week, the physical survey of the outer walk of the Square will be conducted. Taking precise measurements of the downtown area is the necessary first step to the physical changes ahead. Fehr-Graham & Associates will be conducting the survey work June 3-5. To accommodate this process, portions of the outer ring of the Square will be closed to traffic on these days and it is requested that street parking be limited to the inner circle, parking ramp or other public lots. Fehr-Graham has offered to conduct the survey from 3 to 9 a.m. to minimize the impact on residents and users. Cars that are parked on the outer ring Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will hinder their work, so the cooperation of downtown residents is requested.
On a final note, I invite you to a very special Concert on the Square from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 12. This opening concert will celebrate our sesquicentennial and the return of the canons with a special performance by the Monroe City Band. Director Randy Schneeberger has put together a program that will take us through time. Quite fitting, as the formation of a community band in Monroe pre-dates our 1858 Incorporation as a village. The featured piece is "King Moto," an orchestration of a piano work written by Earl Clark of Monroe in 1907. The Monroe Women's Club commissioned this piece and is graciously underwriting the first Main Street Concert on the Square this season. Thank you!
- 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.
Volunteers in any arena rarely receive adequate return publicly for the time and energy they give. But then, recognition probably is not the prime motivation for the dedication of these individuals in the first place. For all I know, their actions might be related to an as-yet-undiscovered gene that triggers a person to want to make a difference, endure countless meetings, work though ideas and plans with others holding equally passionate opposite views, and make the sacrifice of personal time to see through a concept or project until it comes to life.
I believe the recent recognition indicates that the Monroe Main Street Program has found its legs from the efforts over nearly three years of foundation building, and is ready to walk the talk. I might point out here, as a reminder, that the Main Street approach is not in its conception a fix-all program, but a blending of public and private investment to spur economic revitalization of the downtown for the benefit of our community overall. At its best, it serves as a catalyst for growth and a strong partner with other groups.
Evidence of the success of the Main Street four-point approach was apparent at the awards reception, where the Monroe awards were flanked by projects from across the state. It was inspiring to see the success of programs in communities as small as Tigerton as well as in the complex Broadway area of Green Bay.
The recognition given to our Design Committee for the Façade Improvement Grant Program that they labored over last year was well earned. But that's part of building a foundation. The legs that are sprouting are the two grant applications that already have been submitted for approval, as well as the half dozen applications in the hands of downtown building owners.
The streetscape planning also has been long in formation but will become a reality in the near future. Next week, the physical survey of the outer walk of the Square will be conducted. Taking precise measurements of the downtown area is the necessary first step to the physical changes ahead. Fehr-Graham & Associates will be conducting the survey work June 3-5. To accommodate this process, portions of the outer ring of the Square will be closed to traffic on these days and it is requested that street parking be limited to the inner circle, parking ramp or other public lots. Fehr-Graham has offered to conduct the survey from 3 to 9 a.m. to minimize the impact on residents and users. Cars that are parked on the outer ring Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will hinder their work, so the cooperation of downtown residents is requested.
On a final note, I invite you to a very special Concert on the Square from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 12. This opening concert will celebrate our sesquicentennial and the return of the canons with a special performance by the Monroe City Band. Director Randy Schneeberger has put together a program that will take us through time. Quite fitting, as the formation of a community band in Monroe pre-dates our 1858 Incorporation as a village. The featured piece is "King Moto," an orchestration of a piano work written by Earl Clark of Monroe in 1907. The Monroe Women's Club commissioned this piece and is graciously underwriting the first Main Street Concert on the Square this season. Thank you!
- 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.
