By, Darlene Mae Nowell O’Connor
While it appeared as though the world stopped turning for some time due to the corona virus, municipalities and their employees were busy behind the scenes making plans for economic recovery and revitalization. Fortunately, in Jamestown, these hard-working individuals were not alone in their efforts. With the assistance of Civic and Community Service Organizations, our city is more than just recovering, Jamestown is experiencing a Renaissance. If you haven’t been downtown lately, it’s about time to come check out all that is new.
Having hosted music, art and comedy festivals rivaling the attendance and excitement of much larger metropolitan areas, downtown has been buzzing with energy. Thanks are to those committed businesses and organizations like the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) for helping to bring to life the Artful Nature born of Tree Spirit that we all share.
While the JRC does not single handedly make all the great experiences and improvements possible, without their involvement many events and infrastructure projects would not get off the ground. As Frank Besse, the Executive Director likes to say, “We exist to connect the dots”. Whether making event space available or offering financial assistance for creating green spaces, or to businesses for storefront improvement and increased foot traffic, this organization is ready with the assist. Frank is not alone at the office; Mary Maxwell is the Neighborhood Project Director and she specializes in providing access and information that will help our beautiful neighborhood gardens grow. Genuine and engaging her smile reveals her character and she will brighten your day.
How does the JRC do all that it does, you might ask, I did. As a not-for-profit, they are eligible to receive funds from public and private organizations of larger scale and they write for Civic Grants made available by State and National programs that support the Arts, Urban Renewal and Educational efforts. Most of what the JRC contributes to assist with financial efforts is in the form of matching grants that are designed to ensure recipients and investors share in the responsibility of making improvements and increasing employment and economic opportunity within the community. Frank and Mary serve as liaisons between the municipalities, businesses, citizens and investors. They are the connective tissue that bring all the different parts of the apparatus together. They Connect the Dots.
It is easy to confuse the Jamestown Renaissance Corp. with that of a municipal operative, but they act independently and outside of politics. Frank and Mary answer to a board with members representing both the public and private sector. My own understanding and support of this independent agency has grown as a cosponsor with them and the Wine Cellar, to bring Third Thursday Music events downtown this year. Miki Girts, of the Whirlybird Festival had this to say, “The JRC is one of our city’s greatest assets. Frank and Mary are awesome”.
Look out for what’s new downtown like the Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, The Art Gallery’s improved store front, and reparations to the Saint Luke building and façade. Fringe Hair Salon has moved to Main St, and on Pine and Second, Sprinkle Cone is under new ownership. Jungle Skate Park has expanded and new businesses are popping up. One big win for us and the environment is Reishore, an environmentally conscious business that will be making revolutionary recycled plastic products for national distribution, here on Cherry St. and we will follow their stories of success. Whether it is help with hosting an event, getting a great idea off the ground or growing your local business, you have a friend at JRC.
Follow the JRC and learn more about the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and upcoming events like: Third Thursday on August 17th and the Big Car Show this weekend. They are on Facebook or connect on their website.
Frank Besse can be reached via email frank@jamestownrenaissance.org or by phone at 716 708~6761 and you can chat via email with. Mary Maxwell At mary@jamestownrenaissance.org.
Journey with me and meet the JRC! The best is yet to come!
Change changing places, root yourself to the ground.