Optimist-Outlook 10/24/08

By Don Jones
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
"New Broom Sweeps Clean," as Marianna’s New Main Street Redevelopment Director, Ms. Charlotte Brunner Takes the Reins.
Although Ms. Brunner only recenAtly assumed the Directorship of one of the City’s most important Advisory Boards, Main Street, she is no stranger to the many needs and short comings of Marianna, one of the South’s most charming and historic; although, yet unpolished jewels. Brunner has been a member of that board for the past ten years, and has seen many improvements and restoration of the city’s charming buildings and historical downtown area during that time. Although, ten years may seem like a long period of time for the few tangible rewards realized within the past ten years, one must think back, as few as, ten years ago to recall the path of destruction the city found herself. Much of the city’s historical buildings were in deteriorated, and in some cases even dilapidated and unsightly condition. The city was headed for the same fate of many charming and historical cities of the south; it was headed for the wrecker’s ball, and modernization. Many of the historical buildings were becoming low rent harbingers of Tattoo Parlors, and Pawn Shops. Fortunately, the city woke-up before it was too late and fought back against the trend of self destruction by forming the Main Street Reconstruction Board, and appointing someone with vision to direct that reconstruction that has been so important to the city’s survival with her charm and history in tact.
Ms. Brunner is very motivated and has the experience and training to pick-up the gauntlet from her predecessor, and charge ahead to victory in the fight against the city’s enemy. That enemy is time, and lack of concern by her citizens. It will take everyone’s effort to accomplish complete restoration of Marianna’s historic buildings, and homes, while bringing the city up to meet the standards of a modern, and vibrant city of the future. Currently, there are a few major projects under construction, such as, the recently, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, (FRDAP) funded Performing Arts Park going in on Madison Street and Lafayette.
There are many projects that should be put to paper, and additional grants written to provide the necessary funding in order to bring them to reality. That means that Ms. Brunner needs volunteers to put the plans on paper, and volunteers to write the grants, and volunteers to make recommendations to the board, and volunteers to work on the board. As motivated and experienced as Ms. Brunner is, she cannot do it alone. Won’t you help?