Historical heritage of Towns should be preserved

Towns County Historical Society held their Annual Public Meeting on February 16, 2008 at the Courthouse. Historical Society President Lynne Marshall opened the meeting with several items of business for the TCHS members. She announced a Heritage Festival that is being planned for Saturday, May 24, 2008. More information will be released at a later date.

By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation will be changed in order to achieve Non-Profit status, i.e. IRS 501(c)(3). Members voted to unanimously approve going non-profit.

Nominating Chairman Mike Gora presented a slate of officers for the coming year, except for a Vice President; Bruce Sims said he was stepping down. Polly Simpson volunteered for the position.

Officers for 2008: President-Lynne Marshall, Vice Pres.-Polly Simpson, Secretary- Joan Crothers, Treasurer- Brenda Hunt, Membership Chair-Ina Kozesky. Nominations were asked for from the floor; there being none, this slate was accepted.

Chip Wright, Historic Preservation Planner with the GMRDC (Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center), was the speaker at the meeting. His PowerPoint presentation was entitled "How to Protect Your Historical Community."

He said we have "incredible resources here in Towns County. The Courthouse is now historical and represents an important era in history, a clas- sic interpretation of the "Atomic Age." It should be kept intact and funding can be obtained.

Some of Wright's suggestions: 1. Research drawing up an ordinance claiming the county to be a historical district; 2. Form a Historical Preservation Commission- made up of lawyers, doctors, Historical Society members- which would approve buildings, homes, etc. and land use management; 3. Take an inventory; 4. Offer incentives to protect these historical resources. He also suggested that one design should be decided on for the county, such as "Craftsman Design" which has already been started in the county. Wright will work with the county to accomplish all this.

Historical Society Public Meetings will be held each first Monday of the month at the Senior Center in Hiawassee. Everyone is invited.