Wednesday, Feb. 11, marks the first year anniversary of the Pontiac Women's Roundtable(PWR). The informal group looks for ways to advocate for the city's improvement. The name was chosen in recognition of a women's organization that was founded in Pontiac one hundred years ago. The first Round Table Club of Pontiac was founded to promote literacy and civic responsibility.
In the spirit of the original group, the Roundtable women have been meeting regularly for the past year at the Gallery on the Boulevard to discuss various civic projects and initiatives that could be advantageous for the community's development.
Pat David, owner of Gallery on the Boulevard and founder of the group explains, "Many people in this city aren't aware of the many positive changes that are currently underway. Our group has been meeting, because its members believe it is very important for residents to become involved in this process. We see positive change on the horizon for this community and as residents we need to engage with each other. We are calling out to other residents to actively participate in how this city develops. Only if we choose to participate can our voices be heard."
In its first year, members of the group attended City Council meetings to advocate for the adoption of the "Pontiac Livability Study" into the 2014 Master Plan, as well as participating in the Blight Survey Initiative. Future projects will include presentations and discussions on various models of urban renewal that could be applied to the City of Pontiac. The group plans to research appropriated models and share their findings with other residents.
Mona Parlove, Roundtable member, area Realtor and member of the City of Pontiac's Master Planning Committee states, "Right now there are several developers evaluating investments in the city. The potential for a resurgence of the downtown is possible, if we play our cards right. We encourage every resident to get involved with the city's growth plans."
It is the Roundtable's plan to be a "positive news network" for the exciting things happening in Pontiac's neighborhoods, along with its business and cultural community. The group feels advocating for the positive changes will support their fruition, and spread the good news of the city-which in turn will help turn the negative perception of Pontiac around.
Beginning in March, the group will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month for a shared potluck at the Gallery on the Boulevard, 53 Franklin Street, Pontiac.
The event is free of charge and open to all residents. For additional information, call 248-418-2460 or direct email to info@galleryboulevard.com.
Published: Wed, Feb 11, 2015
