Friends of Main Street Moving

Martha P. Rein is a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Main Street.

Our organization began with former Town Planner Mike Molicca, Attorney Charlene LaVoie, Sue McGoey, and many other members of the community. When the town's first application to the Connecticut Main Street Center was denied, Ernest Wolff, the current President of The Friends of Main Street, was instrumental in continuing the coordination of the group, which is now known as The Friends of Main Street (Friends). Our current Town Planner, Ray Carpentino, and many members of the community, with the assistance of the town's administration, worked diligently to ensure our town's acceptance as a Main Street Community. Sue Ann Marolda and Ernest Wolff of Rory Operating, LLC generously contributed office space to Friends at 10 Bridge St. All of these people, and their sponsors, should be applauded for their contributions to the program.

Since Winsted's acceptance into the National Main Street Program on June 11, 2001, our fledgling group of Friends has grown significantly. We have spent the last two months searching tirelessly for available and affordable space on our Main Street, to no avail. Recently, Attorney Richard Lavieri has generously offered Friends the use of office space at 51 Elm St., free of rent and utilities, until we can locate appropriate, alternative office space. We will have our own office and Attorney Peter Lawrence will graciously share his conference room with us.

Friends' four committees—Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotion and Organization—have been formed and are currently developing work plans for various projects to be performed within the downtown district. One project is currently underway—the group needs a logo, and our Promotion Committee is sponsoring a local art contest to achieve this goal. Specifications will be made available to the public shortly.

Effective Saturday, April 27, Friends is relocating its office from 10 Bridge St. to 51 Elm St. in Winsted. Volunteers are needed to help move our offices; interested persons should meet at 10 Bridge St. at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. Volunteers are also needed on Friday, April 26 to help prepare the office for moving.

Our new offices are open to all members, past and present, as well as to the public. We welcome visitors and hope you will stop by to meet Marlene Dougherty, our Program Manager, and learn more about the progress that Friends is making. Our office telephone number is 860-738-3351. We welcome your input, your creativity, or the gift of your time. Hope to see you on Main Street!