Sue Grossman Still River Greenway Fund Drive

The Sue Grossman Still River Greenway Fund Drive is raising its final $150,000 so that construction of the recreational path between Torrington and Winsted can begin in June 2003. Individuals who have expressed an interest in the walking-hiking path are being encouraged to join an initial donor drive.

The Greenway Fund Drive committee is hopeful that individuals will step up now to add to corporate pledges in order to make the path a reality next year. The 10-foot wide paved trail, which will run along an abandoned railroad bed parallel to Winsted Road (old Route 8), has been in the planning stages since September 1996.

Well-known Torrington resident Molly S. Oddo is serving as chairperson of the fund drive. Oddo and her committee have been soliciting funds from area businesses and organizations. Those funds, combined with money from community organizations and individual contributors and various fundraising events, total $200,000 of the $350,000 needed in matching funds. Local contributions need to equal 20% of the $1.8 million federal grant set aside for the project.

The idea of a greenway between Torrington and Winsted was first proposed in 1996. Art Mattiello, former Torrington city council member, has served as the Greenway committee's chairman and main spokesperson since the group organized. The trail is named for the late Sue Grossman, whose husband, Paul, and other members of the Grossman family made a sizable contribution to the Greenway to launch the fund drive.

The trail will become part of a growing number of free outdoor recreational paths that crisscross the country. The abandoned rail lines are popular for trails because they are long and narrow and provide a good base for non-motorized transportation. The path will be ideal for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, roller bladers, cross-county skiers, and for those with wheelchairs.

Donations to the Greenway may be made to the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving (TAFPG), PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790; "Greenway Fund" should be noted on the check. TAFPG has supported the greenway plan since 1999 by serving as the temporary holder of funds for the path until construction begins. Donations to TAFPG are tax-deductible.

Any organization or individual wanting to learn more about the trail may contact Art Mattiello at 860-482-8792, or Ted Barlow at 860-489-1016.