Volunteer Spotlight
Pam Hartmann, SOA Organization Committee and Downtown Fan!

"Even though I live on the river and teach Retrobics Dance and Fitness classes at The Rec Center,I love to come downtown to do my shopping, lunching,and volunteering.I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I understand the importance of preserving culture and history. The Square is the center of the culture and history in this community."

Married to her husband,John,who works for TVA, Pam loves to bring their adult children to downtown Athens, after a day on the river. According to Pam, one cannot find the same sort of unique downtown experience anywhere else. Pam enjoys the sense of place and belonging to the community that she feels in downtown Athens on ' The Square.'

She says that her love for community is only made larger by the passion she has witnessed in other volunteers with Spirit of Athens. " I have met some wonderful people working with Spirit of Athens. Having this challenge has given me fuller days when I get homesick for my kids and my homestate of Louisiana. Right now,the Organization Committee, is focused and working hard on the upcoming Athens Grease Festival; and although this is the first year,we are excited to see everyone having fun planning the Greek activities and the Southern fried foods."

Pam credits Trisha Black- S.O.A  Director with keeping her challenged and engaged in the Spirit of Athens projects. She enjoys the Organization Committee, which is tasked with attracting volunteers and resources to SOA. "Working with Spirit of Athens, I have been asked to write articles, choreograph dances, ask people to be major sponsors of events, encourage volunteers, and help set up a huge annual meeting and luncheon. I know that I am contributing toward making my immediate community a better place to live," Pam says. 

"Revitalizing a downtown district is important work. I encourage everyone to get involved with Spirit of Athens, in order to see the downtown lit up, literally and metaphorically."

Spirit of Athens, Honestly loves Downtown

By Diane Lehr
Guest Columnist,
The News Courier, Printed November 6, 2011

I serve as a volunteer and board member with Spirit of Athens, the downtown revitalization organization that follows the national Main Street principles for promoting and growing Athens' downtown.  I serve on this board with many dedicated professionals, young and old, who are volunteering their time and energy toward making downtown Athens a wonderful place to be for generations to come. Trisha Black works diligently as an extremely well educated and dedicated executive director for the nonprofit Spirit of Athens organization.

In spite of the opinion of some, I see great advantages to Athens having this downtown revitalization organization and in strategically looking at other cities that have successfully revitalized and grown their own downtown communities. Spirit of Athens recognizes that in order to preserve the historic downtown Square, the Square itself must be economically vibrant and viable. In order to be economically viable, development must be high quality, and historically appropriate. It must be welcoming, and safe and attractive to new businesses, new residents and new users. The historic Athens Square has all the components that new developments like the Villages of Providence in Huntsville are recreating in order to have the 'old town' feel and appeal. Having citizens in agreement and the proper plans in place will protect the downtown from becoming worn down and longing for community activity. The Main Street principles have a proven success record in growing downtown communities across the nation.

Athens' beautiful historic downtown Square is waiting for new residents who will be thrilled to have a loft apartment representing a distinctive place to live in Athens. To my knowledge, it has never been the intention of property owners interested in downtown lofts, to have the fire code ignored. To say building downtown lofts is not responsible, is to say that Athens isn't capable of doing what other cities have succeeded in doing.

Simply sitting back, watching the clock on the Courthouse, and playing armchair quarterback to every idea and effort that organizations like Spirit of Athens present, threatens the future success of the downtown, and Athens as a whole. The downtown Square is one of Athens' trademarks. We should do what it takes to ensure the long term success of this asset because it makes good sense.
I shop at Publix on Highway 72, and I appreciate what Publix offers. However, if you blindly put me in the center of the store, I would not know if I was in Athens or in Madison, or in Memphis, but I would know I was in Publix. Publix intends this familiarity in order to have a Publix identity. 

I also shop at several businesses on The Square from time to time, and I eat lunch or dinner downtown most every week. I travel the extra few blocks to go to downtown Athens for 'the experience' that downtown Athens offers. The independent businesses are unique and support an Athens' identity that is unmistakable. Being downtown gives one a feeling similar to appreciating original art or listening to live music. Downtown is the place where lots of locals bring their guests and the place where memories are built. This is not controversial. It is factual. Spirit of Athens is guilty of successfully promoting this message about the downtown. Spirit of Athens is also guilty of offering high quality ideas, hard work, extensive education and multiple projects in order to positively grow a community that is growing, one way or another.

Loft Development Presentation Online Now!

Developer and preservationist Chris Chain, Renovations of Mississippi, Inc., made public presentation on Thursday, October 20 in Athens, AL.  Click to watch the video.

Ully Fest - Good, Ole Fashioned Fun

Ever tried to explain to your children or grandchildren what life was like without texting, tweeting, skyping or gaming?  On Saturday, October 15, you can experience some good ole fashioned “unplugged” fun at U.G. White Mercantile’s Open House and UllyFest.   From 9 AM to 4 PM, the store will have free family activities, in store demonstrations, refreshments, door prizes, and live entertainment. 
   
“We want to celebrate new product lines and reintroduce the store to those that haven’t been in awhile,” said owner Derrick Young.  “Our schedule that day includes many nostalgic activities for every member of the family.”
 
Activities include pumpkin carving contest, Penny farthing, shooting Red Ryder BB guns and whittling contest.  There will be soap making demonstrations and a honey making presentation.  Weather permitting, there will also be a free dog wash provided by Peace, Love and Animals and live entertainment by Barron River Trio.

Door prizes will include Tilly hats, Red Ryder guns, Case knife, and other store favorites totaling more than $2500 in giveaways.  The winner of the pumpkin carving contest will receive a $300 shopping spree.  Participants for the pumpkin carving contest need to bring their own tools and can purchase a pumpkin on site.  Judging will begin at 3 PM.
   
Ully Fest is in honor of the original owner, Ulysses Grant White a farmer and business owner that founded the store in 1917.  Born in 1876, he tragically lost his right arm in a gin accident in 1902.  In an Alabama Courier article from October 22, 1902, his friends and family stated that “U.G. White, with one arm, is worth more than lots of fellows in a community with two.”  White persevered until his death in 1952.  
   
Young and the U.G. White Mercantile staff are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the store and hope that UllyFest will become an annual celebration.
   
For information on Ully Fest, visit U.G. White on Facebook or call the store at 256-232-4540.

Start of a New Year

Welcome 2010!

Despite this dreadful weather, SOA is kicking off 2010 in a big way.

First by spreading the news of downtown businesses reporting increased and in some cases record sales during the holidays. I wish I could indulge percentages--it would blow your mind--but I was told by some of the businesses not to flaunt actual numbers. (Southern grace, you can't beat it). You can read what businesses had to say in an article in today's News Courier.

Also, the Organization Committee met last week and has a lot going on. This month, the Organization committee will launch the first printed newsletter, S.O.A.P (Spirit of Athens publication). This will be a great tool to communicate with more people in the community. Hopefully, it will be printed and inserted in the local paper quarterly. So be checking out the News Courier or looking in your mailbox. (If you are not a member and would like to have a copy mailed to you, email me at tblack@athensal.us). Other projects planned for this committee is organizing the annual meeting January 28, and kicking off a "healthy downtown" campaign due to kick off this Spring. Organization committee members include Diane Lehr (Chair), Amanda Romine (Membership Coordinator), Pamela Hartmann (Volunteer Coordinator), Wyn Heisler (SOA Treasurer), Teresa Higgins, and Lisa Milby. This is a hard working group and I am grateful to their dedication to SOA.

Also this month, you'll see a "Park it Free" campaign kicked off. You often hear that there isn't enough parking, well Brent Hobbs (webmaster and graphic design guru) has designed post cards showing all available downtown parking spaces and lots. This is due to launch in the next few weeks.

So much...and it's only JANUARY. Stay tuned...

Trisha

ALABAMA HISTORICAL COMMISSION AWARDS SPIRIT OF ATHENS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) has awarded a 2009 Distinguished Service Award to Spirit of Athens. The Distinguished Service Award is awarded annually to individuals and groups whose contributions demonstrate excellence in historic preservation.

Alabama’s Main Street organizations are demonstrating that historic preservation plays a key role in downtown revitalization and economic development, in tourism, and in overall community health. At the same time, these volunteer led organizations are saving hundreds of downtown commercial buildings, with ripple effects that extend to nearby historic homes and neighborhoods, and outlying farmhouses and former plantation homes. The volunteer leadership of these organizations have persevered in the face of the economic downturns, profound demographic changes, and shifting political winds at the local level. The work they do is not only helping use historic buildings as assets, but is helping to make Alabama a better place to live and visit.

Main Street is a community-driven program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that is used to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts throughout the United States.

The AHC presented the award on Friday, October 9 during this year’s Alabama Preservation Conference in Auburn.

Visit Spirit of Athens website for more information on the organization.

To protect, preserve, and interpret Alabama’s historic places is the mission of the Alabama Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office.

What's up with Southern Shorts in October?

Next month, filmmakers, directors, writers, and talented Athenians will be walking the red carpet at the Southern Shorts Film Festival. Crazy thought? Not at all.

Earlier this year, Alabama passed film incentives that will encourage and compete for independent film production in our state. After doing a little research, it became clear that North Alabama, particularly Limestone County, was not represented on statewide film websites and marketing materials. Well, we are about to change that. Look around and picture your surroundings through a camera lens. Can't you see it now? Our historical downtown the backdrop of a major film? It could happen. In Limestone County, you also have the farmlands, the rivers and other unique southern towns. Can you imagine the economic impact to our community?

Late spring, I was encouraged to meet with Alissa Rose-Clark, a talented artist, photographer and visionary. Alissa talked about the art of film and her interest in hosting a "short film" festival in Athens. Although I saw the impact and importance of marketing our “hidden gem,” I didn’t have the technical expertise to make it happen. So what did we do? We talked, we met, and we dreamed. Now a month out, we are ready to put on our “big girl shorts” and jump in with both feet. Don’t think this is a two-woman show though...it’s far from it. The Southern Shorts Film Festival is part of Art on the Square with Spirit of Athens mainly focusing on organizing the Premiere Party to be held at the Clubhouse October 16. The festival will be at McCandless Hall at Athens State University on October 17.

Diane Lehr, media guru, AOTS Board member and SOA Organization committee member, is tracking the festival and party details. She’s a “sweet” task-master and is doing an excellent job keeping us focused and assigning duties. A Festival Planning committee comprised of interested volunteers, SOA Organization members, and AOTS board members are pounding the pavement, marketing the event, selling tickets, ordering food, etc. At the end of the day, “when the red carpet is rolled up,” proceeds will be split between the two organizations. SOA to continue their downtown revitalization efforts, and AOTS to continue offering art experiences in the community.

What’s next? After the October 1 deadline, local film experts will judge the applications. Winners will be selected from a youth and adult category. Entries can be made in the “Secret Athens” theme or open category. Entries must be under 15 minutes and the grand prize winner will receive $500, additional cash prizes will be awarded to the runners-up.

On October 16, the public is invited to attend a Premiere Party at the Clubhouse. The theme is “all things Southern.” Complimentary food-including your local favorites, and beverages will be available. Those attending will be able to watch the winning films and rub elbows with those behind the camera. Tickets purchased before October 1 will be $25. After October 1, tickets will be $35 each or $60 for guest plus one. Seats are limited.

The next day, selected film submissions will be shown in the historic McCandless Hall from Noon - 10 pm. A synopsis and film descriptions will be available prior to the event. All day tickets are $8.

Anyone can enter a film, so bust out the camcorder and start filming.

For more information, visit the Art on the Square website at www.aots-athens.com. Southern Shorts Film Festival information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and blog.

TONIGHT!

Concert & Street Party

Zachary Kale (Atlanta)
Sister Grace (Athens)
The Gnomes (Tuscaloosa)
DATE: TONIGHT
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: East Side of Square, Downtown Athens
MORE: Bring Lawn Chair and friends for an awesome time!
Zack is releasing his CD "Only Chance" tonight--Sister Grace is opening.
Food, drink, music-- We want to see you there!

myspace.com/zacharykale
sistergracemusic.com

Downtown Map

I found this cool site wayfaring.com that allows you to make a map! I did this one of our awesome downtown eating and shopping. If you zoom in really close, you'll see I didn't hit the nail on the head very well of the locations. It's kind of hard to do, but from a distance, as usual--things look pretty well in order. It was something fun to do....You can click on it, then go to a link that allows you to send it via email to someone. So if someone wants to know where to go for some fun in the downtown area of Athens, then email the map! Simple!

Spirit of Athens Website Coming Soon!

Spirit of Athens' site is being designed as we speak! Soon, people will be able to see lots of photos and gather lots of information about what is going on in our great city. While you wait here is a sneak peek from Carole Foret Design--the website package provider.