CLARION – Four additional community workshops are scheduled in August as part of the Blueprint Communities initiative, a Clarion Borough project in cooperation with Clarion University.
This free training is open to all who live and or work in Clarion Borough, or have a desire to see revitalization efforts enhance our community.
From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Aug. 11, two sessions will be presented by Stefan Klosowski and Rick Viglione, Pennsylvania Downtown Center field outreach specialists:
·         Organizational Governance: A Primer for Community Revitalization. This workshop will outline the critical role local governance plays in revitalization efforts. It will address the responsibilities and functions of local boards and indicators of good governance.
·         Building Community Partnerships. This session will introduce the types of partners that could assist in local revitalization efforts. It will also address how the right partnerships are formed, how they work and how to approach the individuals who can help make these partnerships happen.
From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Aug. 18, two more sessions will be conducted by Klosowski and Viglione:
·         Developing a Volunteer Program. This workshop will present strategy on how to develop or enhance a volunteer development program, considering a variety of demographics. It will outline the necessary leadership roles to cultivate a volunteer-driven organization.
·         Budget and Finance Issues for Community Revitalization. This session will show how strategic planning impacts the annual budgeting cycle, and how strategic planning can enhance the budgeting process.
All sessions will be held in rooms 250-252 of the Gemmell Student Complex, Clarion University. Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by contacting David Love by e-mail at dlove@clarion.edu or  by phone 814-393-2659.
Over the next several years, the Clarion Blueprint Communities core team will engage local residents and businesses in developing a clear vision and strategic plan for change in Clarion; work to develop stronger local leadership; and attract investments to build a healthier, sustainable community. The primary goal is to revitalize Main Street, Clarion.
The Clarion Blueprint Communities Core Team is comprised of: Tracy Becker, Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry; Elise Deitz, Clarion Farmers Market; Dr. Phil Frese, Clarion University; Eric Funk, Community First Bank; Dawn Kidney, community leader; David Love, Clarion University; Daniel Parker, Clarion Free Library; Dr. Brenda Sanders-Dede, Clarion Borough Council and Clarion University; and John Troese, local attorney. Carol Lapinto is an alternate member.
Draft vision will be presented to community Aug. 26 as part of town hall meeting
The next step for the team is to develop a draft vision for the community that takes into consideration the results of a recent community-wide survey.
In May and June 2014, the perceptions of 445 individuals who work, sleep, eat, shop, study, worship, or own businesses or properties in Clarion Borough were recorded as part of the Blueprint Communities Perception Survey. The draft plan will be presented as part of a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the American Legion, Clarion.
Directions to Gemmell Student Complex and free parking
From Wood Street: Take Wood Street at the entrance of Clarion University (the intersection where Wendy’s is located), turn right onto Wilson Avenue and turn right onto Payne Street. Once you are on Payne Street, free parking is available in the lot to your left and Gemmell is located on the right.
From Greenville Avenue: At the intersection where Wendy’s is located, go south on Greenville Avenue, make a left onto Corbett Street, a left onto Wilson Avenue and a left onto Payne Street. Once you are on Payne Street, free parking is available in the lot to your left and Gemmell is located on the right.
This community effort is in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
