[OMS_MANAGERS] Main Street News You Can Use

[STUART Sheri * OPRD]

In this Issue
1. Grants available for Oregon heritage and history projects
2. Nominations due Aug. 7 for 2016 List of Oregon's Most Endangered Places
3. Still time to sign up for one of the Oregon Main Street "Meet Ups" - Regional Network Meetings
4. Registration Now Open for the 2015 Oregon Main Street Conference


GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR OREGON HERITAGE AND HISTORY PROJECTS

The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants for the conservation, development and interpretation of Oregon's cultural heritage. Awards typically range between $5,000 and $20,000. The grant application deadline is Sept. 30.

Qualified projects include theatrical performances, collections preservation and access, exhibits, oral history projects, public education events, organizational archives projects and films - anything related to Oregon heritage. The Heritage Commission will give priority to projects that preserve, develop or interpret threatened heritage resources or heritage resources of statewide significance.

Simple grant applications are online. There is plenty of support for preparing them. Oregon Heritage grants programs staff is happy to discuss projects and review applications in advance. Oregon Black Pioneers received funding for its most recent exhibit. Cascade AIDS Project collected oral histories and made them accessible. Portland State University hosted the Archaeology Roadshow. Southern Oregon Historical Society completed seismic upgrades to its collections storage.

"We hope to see a variety of projects that engage Oregonians in heritage," states Kyle Jansson, Oregon Heritage Commission coordinator. "We encourage the documentation, preservation and exploration of all aspects of Oregon's heritage."

"Our goal is to support organizations of all sizes all over the state in their valuable work. We provide assistance in the application process," notes Kuri Gill, the grants program coordinator. To learn more about the grants, visit www.oregonheritage.org<http://www.oregonheritage.org>, email Kuri Gill<mailto:Kuri.Gill at oregon.gov> or call (503) 986-0685.


NOMINATIONS DUE AUG. 7 FOR 2016 LIST OF OREGON'S MOST ENDANGERED PLACES
Each year Restore Oregon publishes a list of Oregon's Most Endangered Places for the purpose of spotlighting their importance and rallying resources to save them.  If there is a significant historic place in your community at risk of being lost, get your nomination in to Restore Oregon by Aug. 7.

Criteria for listing include significance, urgency of the threat, community support, and long-term viability for reuse.  Those properties selected for the Most Endangered Places List receive direct consultative support from Restore Oregon along with a seed grant to kick off preservation efforts.  Restoration work is underway on the First Congregational Church Bell Tower, a saved property from the 2015 list!

Restore Oregon will announce Oregon's Most Endangered Places List for 2016, along with the DeMuro Awards during its annual Restoration Celebration on Nov. 13 in Portland.  For further information, visit Restore Oregon online<http://restoreoregon.org/oregons-endangered-places/>.

OREGON MAIN STREET "MEET-UPS"
We've just completed the first two regional Oregon Main Street "Meet-Ups" in Bandon and La Grande. We had good attendance and lively discussion from the participating communities. You still have a chance to participate in the upcoming meetings in either Cottage Grove or Newberg. The purpose of the regional network meetings are to:

  *   Meet fellow community members working on downtown revitalization efforts in your area
  *   Encourage conversation between communities
  *   Share information on project successes
  *   Identify challenges and opportunities affecting local downtown revitalization efforts
  *   Give feedback to Oregon Main Street on ways we can be of assistance to communities

The "Main Street Meet-ups" will be 1 to 3 p.m. followed by a downtown walking tour at 3 - 4 p.m. in each of the host communities. The dates/location/registration link for each of the Main Street Meet-ups are (Please register at the location for the Meet Up you want to attend - feel free to share this email with those you think might be interested in attending):

August 18: Cottage Grove
Location: TBD
Local Host: Shauna Neigh, Executive Director, Cottage Gove Main Street
Register at Eventbrite: https://eventbrite.com/event/17445279300/<https://eventbrite.com/event/17445279300/?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text>

August 25: Newberg
Location: TBD
Local Host: Mike Ragsdale, Executive Director, Newberg Downtown Coalition
Register for this location at Eventbrite:  https://eventbrite.com/event/17445314405/<https://eventbrite.com/event/17445314405/?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text>

2015 OREGON MAIN STREET CONFERENCE
Registration is now open for the 2015 Oregon Main Street Conference, October 7-9, 2015, in downtown The Dalles. Please register at http://www.omsconference.eventbrite.com  to reserve your space! Remember, attendance is free for communities participating in the Oregon Main Street Network.

About the Conference: Get ready to be inspired! Make new connections and get new tools to keep your downtown vibrant and competitive in today's market. The 2015 Oregon Main Street Annual Conference will offer proven ideas and strategies for preservation-based revitalization that is relevant to rural, mid-sized, and urban communities. This conference is a great way to look at the "big picture" of downtown revitalization by discovering fresh ideas and learning numerous ways to turn your historic downtown or neighborhood commercial district into a bustling center of activity. Sessions cover a variety of topics for both beginners and those with experience. The format includes bus and walking tours, lectures, and networking time. Join us for this very special, one-of-a-kind conference!

Our Host Community: The Dalles is one of Oregon's most historic cities and was known earlier in its history as the town at the end of the Oregon Trail.  Downtown is a designated National Historic District and features many fantastic architectural treasures. Now undergoing a revival, downtown The Dalles is home to many unique stores and dining experiences. The Dalles Main Street has lined-up historic venues for breakout sessions, cast a colorful bunch of local characters to lead walking/driving tours, inspired the business community to roll out the red carpet, and much, much more!

Opening Plenary: Old St. Peter's Landmark provides a perfect backdrop for the Opening Plenary of the 2015 Oregon Main Street Conference. Built in 1897, and saved from demolition in 1971 this Gothic brick Landmark is owned by a non-profit. The opening includes a warm welcome by the host community, presentation of the coveted Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Awards, and an inspiring and provocative keynote address by nationally known revitalization consultant Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington D.C.- based real estate and economic development consulting firm. "Main Street Right from the Start" is the title of his remarks, and no one knows Main Street communities better than Don.  He has worked with the National Main Street Center since it was first established in 1980. His presentation will focus on the immeasurable impact that Main Street has had on downtown revitalization approaches and the importance of historic preservation in economic development strategies.

Opening Reception: Join your counterparts from around the state for an early evening social gathering sponsored by the The Dalles Main Street and The Dalles Art Center at the historic Carnegie Library immediately following the Opening Plenary, October 7, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Social Mixer: Enjoy checking in with old friends and meeting new ones at the fantastic Sunshine Mills hosted by The Dalles Main Street and sponsored by Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Sunshine Mills, & Copa di Vino, Thursday, October 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Walking Tours: Explore The Dalle's downtown business district for ideas to bring home and implement in your own community. Participants will have an opportunity to take various walking tours offered during the conference. On-site registration for tours available at check-in.

Conference Sponsors:
Mid-Columbia Medical Center
The Dalles Main Street Program
The City of The Dalles

Attire: Please dress comfortably. Casual or casual business attire is recommended for the entire conference.

Special Needs: Conference sites are fully accessible. Sign language interpreters and materials in alternate format are available. Please call Oregon Main Street at 503.986.0679 at least two weeks in advance to request special accommodations.

Lodging: There are many lodging options in the area. Special arrangements have been made with the following hotels - let them know you are with the Oregon Main Street Conference:
The Dalles Inn - 1.888.935.2378
112 W 2nd St *$85 qn/$89 double qn "main street"

Cousins Country Inn - 541.298.5161
2114 W 6th St *$89 plus tax

Fairfield Inn & Suites - 541.769.0753
2014 W 7th St *$112 plus tax/king or double qn
To make a reservation online go to www.fairfieldthedalles.com<http://www.fairfieldthedalles.com>, enter dates of 10/7 & 10/8, choose special rates drop down, and enter one of the following codes:
omsomsa= queen/queen or omsomsb= king

Questions: please contact sheri.stuart at oregon.gov<mailto:sheri.stuart at oregon.gov>

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