St Johns Tiger Bay is a small example of the determination and commitment by Bryan and Marianne to their community. Let’s learn more about Marianne and her family and why the Tiger Bay project was important to her.

Marianne and Rob started their family and careers in Colorado where they lived for 22 years. In 2015, Rob’s new position in IT at Firehouse Subs brought them to the Jacksonville area, and they’ve been here ever since. They have three children, Jake (26), Max (24), and JaimeMarie (11). On the weekends, you’ll find Marianne living her best life with her husband and children, on the beach, cooking dinner, playing games, or engaging in philosophical debates!

Tiger Bay – A New Adventure

Beginning anything takes courage and dedication, whether it is a new relationship, new job…or a new club like Tiger Bay. At the very start, it was important to Marianne to have a partner, and this turned out to be Bryan Rendzio, who was very enthusiastic about the project. Marianne’s motivation “was to create a space for civil discourse of political issues that would encourage community engagement.” It was also important that the club remain nonpartisan. According to Marianne, “There is both safety and power in nonpartisanship. It is good for the larger community we serve with respect to the diversity of political opinions. Approaching community issues in a nonpartisan way allows us to become problem-solvers and educators. In doing so, we can earn the public’s trust and increase our effectiveness as an organization.”

And that’s exactly what the club has done so far. They’ve hosted meetings with speakers like Vicky Oakes encouraging members to get familiar with the county’s election process. December’s meeting will be at K9s for Warriors opening the eyes of members to nonprofit organizations and ways they can help.

I asked Marianne where she sees the club in five years, and she said, “I see us prolifically promoting community understanding of current political and social issues, through public discourse and the free exchange of ideas. I see robust meetings where we are known for our in-person, face-to-face exchanges and confrontations with key policymakers. St. Johns Tiger Bay is the “go to” group to understand today’s complex issues. I see our group encouraging the young people of St. Johns to be involved in current issues and share their thoughts openly.” Like Marianne, Bryan also deeply cares about mentoring the next generation of community leaders. They encourage both high school and college students to join and become an active member of St Johns Tiger Bay.

Marianne serves as the Administrative Officer and Secretary of St Johns Tiger Bay. You’ll see her at the meetings engaging with members and speakers as well as answering questions from prospective members.

I speak for the membership when I say a big thank you to them both for taking this on and creating a club that we can all be proud to belong to.