Farmer's Markets Announced

At our January meeting, planning began in earnest for a series of Farmer's Markets. TMSP is looking for a volunteer manager for our newly announced Saturday morning festivals that feature crafts and art and music. We would like to find someone who is willing to give of themselves to bring a small festival to downtown for eight Saturdays in the spring and summer starting in July, 2010. This is an opportunity for an organized, dynamic individual to coordinate the markets, and participate in the fun. This person will have the full backing and resources of the Main Street Committee.

The Markets will be located on Cross Street between Route 360 and Prince Street, on the third Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Music performances are slated from 11am to 1pm. The planned dates are July 17, August 21, September 18, and October 16 of this year.

To respond email Forrest French at tappahannockmainstreet@gmail.com

Tappahannock Main Street Announces Priority Goals for 2009-2010

In a planning meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday September 24th, the Executive Committee of the Tappahannock Main Street program gained consensus on important goals for 2009-2010. From 237 projects identified in last spring's Revitalization Report, a list of twenty possible goals was selected to discuss at this meeting. The stakeholder group chose four important tasks for next year, aligned with the four categories of the Main Street program:

Organization
Obtain IRS 501c3 Status was discussed. A generous $400 contribution was made toward application fees at the meeting, and since work has been ongoing and the goal is almost met, this was designated as complete. Develop Long Range Strategy was the consensus decision. This task will be to provide a road map for the Tappahannock Main Street infrastructure, to reach out to local property owners, government officials and other stakeholders, recruit more volunteers, and to provide for the business aspects of the organization.

Design
The selected goal is to obtain an Historic Review of local properties, and to expand the Historic Overlay District, both of which will enable the TMSP to apply for important federal and state grants for historic preservation, property rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse.

Economic Restructuring
The consensus priority was to create a Farmer's Market. It was decided that this one high-profile task would enhance the quality of life for the people of Tappahannock in a very short time frame. TMSP will provide guidance and management, in cooperation with the town, the county and civic association partners.

Promotion
The selected goal was Downtown Events, such as concerts, street festivals, and retail merchants sales events. A planning session will be underway soon to schedule the events, based on residents' preferences from our survey conducted last spring.

Main Street Revitalization Plan Receives Award

Laura Baker's 2009 Studio II project: Revitalization Plan for the Traditional Business District in the Town of Tappahannock, has been issued an Award of Excellence by the Virginia Downtown Development Association, in the category of Commercial Revitalization Plans and Streetscapes.

The award will be presented to Laura during VDDA's annual awards of excellence dinner at its annual conference on Thursday, October 29 at Marriott hotel in Fredericksburg. The Tappahannock Main Street Program sends hearty congratulations and again expresses our appreciation for her very important work on behalf of the Tappahannock region.

Agenda for June 16 2009

We hope to see you tonight Tuesday 06/16, and every third Tuesday
from 7:15pm-8:30pm,
Water and Queen Studio,
207 Water Lane, Tappahannock

I. COMMITTEES
> Welcome New Volunteers / Introductions
> Brief Overview of Committees
> Assign New Members to Committee

II. TMSP GOALS AND PROJECTS
> Review Goals Set Forth in 2008 Planning Session
> Review Current Projects
- Farmer’s Market
- Beale Sanctuary
- DAW Theater
- Sidewalk Paving / Tree Planting
- Prince Street Pier & Park
> Prioritize Projects and Goals
> Establish Schedule

III. COMMITTEE BREAKOUT
> Establish Committee Structure
> Discuss Interim Meeting Schedule & Next Steps

TMSP to Host Presentation on Plan

"FULL STEAM AHEAD", A Revitalization Plan for the Traditional Business District in the Town of Tappahannock, VA will be presented Wed. Jun 3rd at St. Margaret's School. Doors open at 6:30PM, presentation at 7PM, questions and discussion at 7:45PM. The show presents the results of a study, based on the National Main Street Approach, the Town's Comprehensive Plan, and was written by Laura Baker, a graduate student at VCU, in cooperation with the people of Tappahannock and the Tappahannock Main Street Program. Please join us to learn more about the future of our town.

Regular Meeting Schedule

We'll have our regular monthly meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:15-8:30 pm, Water and Queen Studio, 207 N. Water Lane, Tappahannock

Survey Period Closed-Great Response

The survey period is now closed. Our great thanks to all who participated. Survey comments were plentiful, and many new volunteers decided they are ready to help create the Tappahannock that we all envision.

Results are being tabulated now and will be announced shortly. Watch this space for breaking news, and a refreshed vision for the Main Street Program, based on your priorities!