If you'd like to connect and talk over coffee -- instead of social media -- I'll be at Espresso Bueno this Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30. Stop by, support an outstanding local business, pull up a chair and say, "Hi". Let's start a conversation.

Last coffee hour I spoke with a local farmer, our hardworking State's Attorney Michelle Donnelly, an Orange Street neighbor picking up a hot breakfast sammy, a new-to-Barre couple fixing up an older house, and three St. Monica's parishioners gathering during the Lenten season who shared concerns about the vacant storefronts downtown and downtown cleanliness.

Next week, I'm also attending the Main Street America conference in Boston at no cost to the City to learn more about ways Barre can attract Main Street businesses and fill underutilized office space. I'm excited to join people committed to strong downtowns across America. Strong downtowns are built on welcoming entrepreneurs and businesses, like the warm welcome Emslie's Florist extended to a well-attended Chamber of Commerce event Thursday night -- showcasing makers who supply one-of-a-kind gifts, like tarot card laser cut wooden earrings made by Fern!

One thing that really makes for clean downtown 'floors' and clean waterways is street sweeping, which will begin as Barre's crews have temperatures above freezing before the overnight parking ban is lifted. You may have noticed that they've also been doing a lot of pothole patching around the city.

Last, we all know a lot can accumulate in the snow over the winter. If you'd like to help tidy up downtown, join the clean sweep trash crew picking up litter downtown this Saturday from 9:30 to 11AM. Meet at City Hall Park, and carry forward former Mayor Herring's commitment to 'greening up' year round. Bring some good gloves, a bag to fill, and smile for the spring weather just around the corner.

Apr 20, 2024, 9 AM to 4:04 PM

Apr 20, 2024, 9 AM to 12 PM

Apr 24, 2024, 6 to 7 PM