News from 450th Community Corps

Historic City News has learned from former Mayor George Gardner that the 450th Community Corps has begun matching up the interest of hundreds of willing volunteers to ideas submitted to their 450th Commemoration lists.

A period food festival tops the continuing voting on more than 50 ideas for the 450th, listed in the 450 Corps Idea Vault.

Among more than 300 volunteer applicants, St. Augustine’s History and Heritage rank highest for commemoration committees.

Idea vault’s top votes

A period food festival, featuring 16th century food, drink, arts and crafts, with vendors in period dress, tops the continuing voting on ideas for the 450th, listed in the 450 Corps Idea Vault.

Running close in the voting are U. S. Commemorative Stamps and Coins, Build a replica 16th century ship, Spanish Quarter Open Air Market, Bayfront Bandshell, Lincolnville, Recreate Cross and Sword play, Historic District Parade, Our military history, Rebuild Historic Properties, and The Clothes Closet

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Volunteers: History, arts

Among more than 300 volunteer applicants, St. Augustine’s History and Heritage ranks highest in interest for commemoration committees, followed by Arts and Culture, Signature Events, and Public Relations.

These were among 24 choices for “How do you see yourself participating in the planning of St. Augustine’s First America celebration?” listed on application forms filed during the 2009 First America series at Flagler College Auditorium.

Information provided by applicants shows the range of skills and talent in our community from master gardeners, grant writers, musicians, and playwrights to urban planners, air traffic controllers, and counter-intelligence veterans.

More than 300 volunteers are currently listed.

Committees taking shape

From maritime to military, thespian to tour guide, committees are coming together to tackle programs and projects for the 450th.

Here’s a current list. Check them out to volunteer or adopt an idea for your organization from the 450 Community Corps Idea Vault.

For committees without contact name, contact 450 Community Corps.

Military

To “recognize the critical role of the military in assuring the city’s continuous settlement through the centuries,” the Ancient City Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is leading the development of a military theme for the 450th commemoration of St Augustine. Contact Col. Ron R Radford USAF (Ret).

Tour Guides

A review committee for current training and testing of tour guides, who must be licensed by the City of St. Augustine.

Beautification

A program to brighten the streetscapes of the historic district, entry corridors, and neighborhoods.

Maritime Foundation

All things maritime, from building a 16th century ship to improvements along St. Augustine’s waterfront, are being developed by the non-profit St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation. Contact Maury Keiser.

Romanza

Drawing from the 450 Corps Idea Vault for a Spoleto-style annual music festival, Romanza was born and has grown to encompass the community’s arts and cultural organizations in a variety of events. Contact Albert Syeles.

Where’s the money?

The 450 Community Corps is a 501.c.3 non-profit.

Tax-exempt contributions can be made for general support of the 450 Community Corps efforts or earmarked for specific programs or projects.

450 Corps plans for task forces

Jamestown in 2007 celebrated its 400th anniversary with more than 40 committees and subcommittees reaching into every corner of the festivities.

The meat of it for the 450 Community Corps, ready to work in cooperation with federal, state, county, and city committees, includes three task forces: Logistics, Marketing, and Events/Programs.

Under these, all ideas and volunteers come together, to communicate and possibly collaborate on programs and projects.

Logistics

This includes guest services, security, and transportation – those areas City Heritage Director Dana Ste. Claire describes as, “If you don’t have the parking and the restrooms, the greatest event will fail.”

Marketing

This includes fundraising and public relations.

Fundraising in this economy will need some creative thinking.

Public relations, reaching the world with the story of our significant role in history, will be equally challenging.

Events/Programs

This task force oversees and coordinates program and project planning, and has subgroups including signature events, a creative advisory group, and heritage groups including African American and Native American advisory councils.

City Commission plans workshops

Monday, June 27, begins a series of City Commission work-shops to plan the city’s 450th anniversary.

Commissioners pledged to hold workshops devoted to the 450th before each of their regular bimonthly meetings the second and fourth Mondays.

Monday’s workshop is expected to be at 3 p.m. in the Alcazar Room at City Hall.