Vol. 11 - Oct. 2020 Special Section of the RepublicanAmerican Celebrating DDOWNTOWNOWNTOWN

Downtown Waterbury LLive,ive, WorkWork & Play!Play! 2 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 DOWNTOWN WATERBURY *at Rose Hill

1. Borus Bar & Grill 13. Pizza Express 2. Courtyard Marriott 14. Thirsty Goat 3. Diorio’s Restraunt & Bar 15. Seven Villages Restaurant 4. Domenick & Pia’s Pizza 16. Signatures 5. Dunkin Donuts 17. Subway 6. Golden Wok II 18. The Art of Yum 7. Jazzman Cafe at 19. The Bagel Exchange St. Mary’s Hospital 20. Cafe 475 8. La Cazuela 21. City Pizza and Esspresso 9. Louie’s Pizza 22. Turf Bar & Grill 10. Dresher’s Rest & Bar 23. Via Al Paraiso 11. China One 24. Zia’s Cucina 12. Palace Theater Poli Club 25. Spirit Cafe 26. Grand News Deli Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 3 CelebratingDOWNTOWN

On the Cover: Aerial view of Downtown Waterbury courtesy of Jason Vanasse Inside Photo: Waterbury Clock Tower by Derek L. Ward

www.mainstreetwaterbury.com

Officers: Vision Statement President: Shawn Whisenhant – "Downtown Waterbury, an easily accessible regional center and Vice-President: Fund Development: Kathleen Rush Natale neighborhood in which to live, learn, work, and play." Trinity Health of /St.Mary’s Hosp. Vice-President: Advocacy & Board Development: Bob Burns – Mattatuck Museum Table of Contents Recording Secretary: Zachary Keith – Waterbury Development Corporation A Letter From Main Street ...... 4 Treasurer: Jim O’Rourke -- Greater Waterbury YMCA Immediate Past President: Susan Sprano – Republican-American When Downtowns Stood Still ...... 5 Celebrating the Future of The Mattatuck Museum ...... 6 Board Members: Sgt. Jose Diaz– Waterbury Police Department Chamber Pivots to Provide Critical Services Virtually ...8 Joe McGrath – City of Waterbury Mike Conard – Post University A Message from the Chief of Police ...... 10 Dave Krechevsky – Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce A reflection on what lies beneath the look ...... 11 Lynnette Piombo – American Heating Service Robert Gardner – Nutmeg Fine Wines and Spirits Post University Recognized ...... 12 Mike Digiovancarlo – City of Waterbury Cheryl Wallace-Smith – Webster Bank OLLI at UConn ...... 13 Michael Batista Greater Waterbury YMCA ...... 14 Tony Omega- Uconn Waterbur y Downtown Waterbury Update ...... 15 Chief Executive Officer: Carl W. Rosa Time Restored On Bank Street ...... 1 6

Committee Chair: THE PALACE AND #BROADWAYWILLBEBACK ...... 18 Organization: Jeff Rouleau A High School Student’s Perspective ...... 19 Design: Anabela Maia Promotion: Paula Massey 150 Years of the Silas Bronson Library ...... 2 0 Economic Vitality: Zachary Keith Brass City Brew and Que Tour Book...... 2 2 4 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020

On behalf of Main Street Waterbury, we are pleased to presentThursday, the Octobereleventh 15, issue 2020 of Celebrating Downtown. Now in our 17th year, we continue to focus on projects and programs to make downtown Waterbury clean, safe, and friendly. We are a 501c3 not for profit organization and to date, our very loyal and dedicated volunteers have logged in close to 30,000 hours lending their talents for the betterment of our beautiful downtown district. We are proud to have achieved for our 16th consecutive year, a National Accreditation designation from Main Street America. This honor is bestowed upon Main Street programs from across the country who consistently demonstrate high standards in administration of the four-point approach of design, promotion, organization, and economic vitality to downtown revitalization. This designation means even more as we navigate in a COVID pandemic world. Carl Rosa Norms and the traditional way have been turned upside down. Yet, we adapt and CEO, Main Street Waterbury transition, as we look to help downtown businesses survive, thrive, and prosper. In fact, the services, partnerships, and support that Main Street Waterbury provide and encourage are needed now more than ever before in our lifetime. Of course, we can only operate with the consistent and strong support of our Board of Directors, volunteers, partners, generous donors, and downtown stakeholders. In particular, we’d like to thank the City of Waterbury, The Waterbury Development Corporation, the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce, Post University, the University of Waterbury Campus, the Connecticut Main Street Center, the Connecticut Community Foundation, The Republican-American Newspaper, and so many more organizations and businesses who continue to believe in us and our efforts for downtown Waterbury. We are still in a period of investment and progress for downtown as planned projects come to fruition and continue to excite. Hard work by so many does not go unnoticed and as you’ll see in this issue, the articles will inform you, update you, and hopefully continue to inspire you to help us with our mission and vision as we strive to make downtown Waterbury “an easily accessible regional center and neighborhood in which to live, learn, work, and play.”

Carl Rosa CEO, Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 5 When Downtowns Stood Still, Main Street Organizations Stepped Up

state and nation rush to help each solutions to meet the community’s Forums for the 21st Century other. From the federal, state and needs and drum up business. educational series will focus this Christine Schilke local government to our Main CMSC member CityCenter year on the theme of Recovery & Connecticut Main Street Center Street member communities, to Danbury shared how a Main Street Resiliency. Under this umbrella, we Marketing & Development Director families and individuals, everyone dress shop quickly pivoted from created a Small Business Resource Let’s face it, 2020 has been a year wanted to help small businesses in selling prom and wedding dresses to Library which includes a series of like no other. No one could have any way they could. making masks for neighboring videos for small business owners to predicted the way it would unfold, businesses, while Simsbury Main navigate Covid safely and the shuttering of businesses and At CMSC, this meant supporting Street Partnership said they were profitably, from setting up schools as a pandemic, invisible and our Main Street members by having particularly good success in e-ecommerce to utilizing social insidious, raced across the globe. making sure they had the advising local restaurants to sell media. We’ve also lined up a series Balancing the need to be prudent information and resources they family meal kits and worked with of webinars featuring national and with the need to be productive was needed to help their town centers local grocers and markets to sell local experts to advise municipal a tightrope we all walked as we survive. Initially, this meant individually portioned meals from and downtowns leaders on how they collectively shifted to working, virtually convening our members to local restaurants. In Manchester, can creatively reactivate their learning and socializing from home. share with each other their the Special Services District guided downtowns, and even take All of us were impacted both concerns, questions and best shopkeepers on what they’d need to advantage of opportunities for personally and professionally, and practices for assisting local do to make patrons feel safe once positive and lasting change created from our statewide perspective as businesses. Many local merchants they reopened, from hand-sanitizer by Covid. the state’s leading downtown relied on their Main Street to PPE to reduced capacity. Many resource, the impact on our Main organization to help them navigate CMSC members also actively Even though Covid-19 has Streets was devasting, albeit Covid-specific financial aid collaborated with municipal presented challenges unlike any necessary to protect our citizens and applications, find Personal governments on temporary zoning other we’ve faced, it’s also shown businesses in the long-term. Protective Equipment (PPE), know changes to accommodate the new how vital our downtown ecosystems and understand social distancing business models necessitated by are, and how much they’re Still, the lingering effects of social requirements, and move their Covid. Things like changing strengthened by active, engaged distancing can’t be understated. businesses online. ordinances to allow for outdoor downtown organizations like Main Our downtowns, the heartbeat of dining or reallocating funding to Street Waterbury. While we’ve our communities, stood still and Several members also spearheaded purchase PPE were advocated for hated to see our Main Streets silent as non-essential businesses “eat local” campaigns to bolster and facilitated by our Main Street hurting, we’ve been inspired and were forced to close. Those that local establishments. For instance, members. energized to see the passion and remained opened fared little better Main Street Waterbury’s dedication of our members and the as customers stayed home to keep Downtown Happy Hour virtual While CMSC provided constant resiliency of our downtowns. It’s themselves and others safe by campaign encouraged people to updates during the height of the why we continue to love what we venturing out as little as possible. order from local restaurants, gather crisis to our members on what state do, helping our members create virtually on their porches, and post and federal resources were available great downtowns, Main Street by Despite the worry and fear we all the revelry to Instagram. Main to support them, as we look Main Street. And it’s why we know experienced, Covid-19 has also Street organizations like forward, our focus turns to ensuring that although the road in front of us provided some positives. At the Waterbury’s also provided vital our downtowns and Main Streets may be a tough one, if we stick Connecticut Main Street Center lifelines to their local merchants by return as healthy and robust as ever. together, our downtowns will come (CMSC), we saw people across the helping them come up with creative To that end, CMSC’s Main Street back, better than ever! 6 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating the Future of The Mattatuck Museum

has continued to gain momentum through the Stephanie Harris inevitable changes COVID-19 Director of Operations & Marketing has created for all workplaces. [email protected] The Mattatuck Museum brings “The expansion of The MATT its year-and-a-half-long is a much-needed and well-timed construction and renovation move. The construction project project to a close this fall. Since is impressive and speaks to the June 2019, the community has dedication of the Museum to watched as the construction draw visitors to downtown process unfolded from the Waterbury to benefit the City groundbreaking to the erection and the surrounding area. of new steel framing, and now Kudos to Bob Burns for making the installation of the large glass it happen!” remarks Donald windows and zinc siding. Taglialatella, a longtime Changes to the building, both supporter of the Museum and View of entrance to roof terrace. inside and out, have generated a donor to the collection. space to match the vision of the get behind-the-scenes glimpses at Board of Directors. “I invite you Mattatuck; producing a Over the next seven weeks, the renovated and new spaces. to learn more about the project gathering place that nurtures Waterburians can expect to see The public engages with an and see how your support can creativity and learning through the Museum’s construction site interactive site that provides contribute to the future of the transformative experiences. even busier than usual as the opportunities to unlock exclusive Museum.” crew finalizes ABA’s plans. With content at mattmuseum.org/ The $8 million capital project, construction now in its final unlock. On the campaign’s Within the maps, rooms are committed to re-envisioning the stages, the Museum has website, a depiction of the divided into square feet through Museum, was announced in announced a fundraising effort Museum’s exterior greets the an interactive grid. For every November of 2018. The to help them cross the finish viewer, boasting an outdoor roof $25 donation made, the Museum Museum engaged the line. The Campaign for the Last terrace overlooking Waterbury’s will unlock one square foot of architectural firm of Ann Beha Million was created to invigorate historic green and artwork the building on the map. As Architects (ABA) to develop a the last of the fundraising through the windows. Further soon as all of the square feet in plan to reimagine the Museum needed to complete the down the page, guests can see each room are unlocked, while continuing to be a Museum’s expansion and the floor plans from the exclusive videos, images, and welcoming, inclusive, renovation. Basement to the Third Floor, other special content from the stimulating, and enriching and even take a Virtual Tour of Museum staff will be revealed. community anchor. “Watching “I am honored to play a role in the rendered space including two Watch the blue squares turn the Museum take shape through the success of The MATT’s new educational studio spaces, yellow as more of the building is this process has been remarkable transformation into a museum allowing for a 25% increase in unlocked and the Museum gets and inspiring,” says Museum for today and for generations to school tours, family programs, closer to their fundraising goal. Director Bob Burns. “Hearing come,” says campaign donor and adult studio classes; a café from community members and Valerie Friedman. “Donors at and community spaces; “Despite many challenges over donors who’ve watched the any level can take ownership in additional exhibition space; and the last 18 months, we look progress and can’t wait to see the success of this project, an a more welcoming exterior that forward to welcoming the the final result has spurred us on impressive cultural asset for the invites the community and greater Waterbury community and helped push us to the finish City of Waterbury. Please join visitors into the Museum. to the new Mattatuck Museum line.” The construction team led me; let’s show our support and “These renovations will allow in spring 2021,” says Bob Burns. by Downes Construction Co. finish the task.” the Museum to serve more “We have been saying all along broke ground in the Spring of students, improve exhibitions, that every donation makes a 2019 and the Museum plans to The Campaign for the Last and better care for the difference, and The Campaign open its to the public in Million allows the public to collection,” notes Charles for the Last Million provides an the Spring of 2021. The project track the Museum’s progress and Monagan, President of the opportunity for everyone in our Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 7

Vew of construction progress of upper Museum floor. community, from the $25 donor visitors during the COVID-19 to the $25,000 donor, to help us Pandemic, including what to unlock the future of the expect on your visit, cleaning Mattatuck Museum.” and safety protocols, and frequently asked questions. As construction moves forward, the Museum continues to reside The Museum plans to continue at their Rose Hill location, at 63 to host programs in-person at Prospect Street. The latest Rose Hill and virtually through exhibition, Moises Suriel: December 11th, when they will Waterbury Greats, opened on close their doors to the public as Thursday, September 17 to the they begin the transition to the excitement of the community, re-envisioned building at 144 and will remain on view through West Main Street. The move November 1. Waterbury Greats and reinstallation will take three is a collection envisioned by Dr. months. At the end of February James H. Gatling to honor Black 2021, the Museum will begin a Waterburians who have made soft reopening featuring the significant contributions to the work of two artists and the Black community. Dr. Gatling’s newly reinstalled collection vision is brought to life through gallery and an expanded forty-eight portraits drawn by installation of Presidential Waterbury-based artist Moises Signatures. Suriel. The Museum has been The Museum is open by overwhelmed by the appointment only, Monday- community’s continued support Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm and enthusiastic response to the (and 12:00-5:00pm the first project. The Board and Staff weekend of the month). hope that new friends and long- Admission tickets can be time donors will assist in the purchased online at www. final phase of the campaign, to mattmuseum.org/visit. The make the new vision for the website also outlines the Museum a reality for downtown Museum’s updated guidelines for Waterbury. 8 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 Chamber Pivots to Provide Critical Services Virtually Krechevsky. “The ability for business owners and professionals to ask questions about the issues directly affecting their businesses and employees has been helpful for those who participated.” On October 7th, the Chamber hosted a debate for candidates in the 5th Congressional District, which was streamed live for participants to view. Incumbent Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D) and challenger David X. Sullivan (R) discussed their views on key topics, including education, health care, regulation, social justice, taxes, and trade. Wanting to recognize the CT Gov. Ned Lamont addresses regional business owners on a Zoom call with Chamber members. dedicated healthcare workers who have been on front lines of CEO. “All of our efforts at the waterburychamber.com, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber continue to focus on continue to be updated with Chamber also shifted the how we can deliver these COVID-19 and Business format of its annual Health Julie Pesce critical services to our business Reopening information. Care Council Awards event, Membership Services and Communications Director community.” More challenging than keeping recognizing outstanding Waterbury Regional Chamber Obtaining and sharing the businesses informed was members of the industry most up-to-date information on shifting gears to provide virtually. Keynote speaker Dr. One of the Waterbury state and federal directives, programming and events in an Peter Hotez, an internationally Chamber’s signature attributes financial assistance programs online format. Utilizing video recognized expert on viruses – and a core tenet of its for businesses, and best conferencing services, the and vaccines, joined the mission – is providing practices to Chamber has created discussion to provide some When times of powerful networking protect opportunities for insight on infectious disease crisis pull apart opportunities for members of employees and members to listen and the likely timeline for a and isolate us, a the business community. When customers was a directly to, and ask COVID-19 vaccine. sense of COVID-19 made meeting main focus for questions of, elected In addition to these online membership, face-to-face nearly impossible the Chamber officials, including events, Chamber members community and earlier this year, the Chamber, from the Waterbury Mayor Neil have taken advantage of online belonging serve like so many businesses and beginning of O’Leary, Governor Ned seminars on a wide variety of as powerful tools organizations, was forced to the pandemic. Lamont, Senator Chris topics, ranging from human to bring us switch gears and get creative With Murphy, and Senator resources issues and sexual together. to continue delivering its regulations Richard Blumenthal, harassment prevention training services. changing daily, among others. to discussions on funding “What businesses have needed Chamber members received “The opportunity to connect programs, marketing, public most – and continue to need as email blasts and personal with key decision-makers has relations and more. we all move forward in this phone calls, ensuring they had been extremely valuable for All past virtual events are new normal – is information, access to the latest information. our members,” said Chamber recorded and available to view resources, and connections,” Dedicated pages on the Public Policy and Economic on the Chamber’s website at said Lynn Ward, the Chamber’s website, www. Development Director David www.waterburychamber.com/ Chamber’s President and Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 9 covid19 for those interested in watching and gaining insight from these videos. Looking ahead, the Chamber will continue to provide virtual opportunities for learning, training, interaction and networking, including a virtual job fair later in the fall. The Waterbury Regional Chamber has welcomed new members throughout the past year and looks forward to serving even more businesses with its content, resources, and support. When times of crisis pull apart and isolate us, a sense of membership, Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary reviews city data related to the COVID-19 pandemic during the Chamber’s virtual event that community and belonging allowed members to participate in Q & A with the Mayor. serve as powerful tools to bring us together. Business The Waterbury Regional membership of about 1,000 Chamber can do for you, visit professionals are encouraged Chamber is the largest businesses with which our us online at www. to explore the upcoming events business-membership members can connect and do waterburychamber.com or call and resources the organization organization in our region, business. If you’re interested in us at (203) 757-0701. Office offers online to see where they serving 14 communities in the growing your business or in hours are currently by might be able to benefit. area and showcases a strong what the Waterbury Regional appointment only. 10 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 A Message from the Waterbury Chief of Police

community came to the aid of each prior with some community being other in the midst of the PPE partners. The review training the host of the second town hall. (personal protective equipment) session for officers has now been This four-hour block included shortages which made protecting increased annually, and the length some implementations of new each other and the members of the of the review training sessions policies and procedures, and police department difficult. increased from 3 to 5 days. The included an opportunity for Throughout it all, the citizens of following training has been added feedback from residents, such as Waterbury have shown great to the already required basic the suggestion of creating a civilian resolve, stepping up to help each training: Below 100 Officer Safety review board. These subject-based other and us with donations of Training and Awareness; Police town hall forums were a much equipment to keep each other safe. and the Public; Problem Oriented needed effort to ensure strong two- Fernando Spagnolo Presently, we have resumed some Policing. The latter provides a way communication between city Chief of Police in-person meetings following the component that includes a residents and the police and were a social distancing guidelines community panel, a question and way to help better understand the “To protect with vigilance recommended by the CDC, with answer period, and includes residents of the community. and serve with impartiality, the option to teleconference. We feedback from police officers, while engaging in a strong have also partially re-opened the community members and leaders; I have led my department with a partnership with the lobby of the police department and and Cultural Awareness and philosophy of community oriented community” resumed fingerprinting. Overall, Diversity and Crowd Control/Civil policing, to include is the mission of the Waterbury under the direction of Mayor Disorder. This in-depth experience interaction with all members of the Police Department, and the latter O’Leary and cements the fact that community, with a focus on the has never held more truth than Governor Ned communication inside impoverished black and brown with the trials and challenges we Lamont, and outside our communities. With the Community have faced this year. I would like Waterbury and agency is critical to Relations Division and PAL, we to Connecticut has continuous continue to strengthen our desire first acknowledge the excellent fared much than operations. I, along to help and enhance our police work that our officers other cities and with the members of communities by inviting residents continue to carry out daily. The states. We are the Waterbury Police to take part in a series of Waterbury Police Department, first carefully Department, take the community group meetings and dealing with the novel coronavirus optimistic as we commitment of the discussions on crime prevention, in March, has immersed itself in continue to press health and safety of addressing quality of life issues and an even deeper and stronger forward. its citizens and the providing a vast array of services, engagement with the community community seriously. outreach and support to those who and city partners during this In May, we dealt with the killing To help our officers and civilians need assistance. pandemic. In addition to of George Floyd, sparking cope with these stressful issues, I answering basic calls for service, nationwide protests -bringing to met with everyone in a series of In an effort to maintain some officers have taken on a light some needed changes in internal small group discussions transparency and open further change in their roles with purpose police procedures throughout the regarding local and national lines of communication, I have and fortitude, helping the country. It has been our duty to current events. I have always been recently released discipline handed community recover by dealing examine our policies and in favor of an open policy out in complaints against officers with food shortages, assisting procedures in dealing with citizens. with the public and invited the to the public. With the senior citizens with help getting Although Waterbury Police community involved in the protest development and passing of the medications, delivering meals, and Department is always at the to come in and speak with me in Police Accountability Bill, the assisting in various roles we have forefront of our training and police an effort to open lines of Waterbury Police Department has to take on to get the job done. In procedures, it has invited us to look communication and in doing so I and continues to maintain our addition to officers working outside at taking on different reforms -such have created some working legacy of impartiality, integrity and with the public, I thought we had as reinforcing de-escalation and relationships. In addition, Mayor strong partnership within our to be creative in our enhancing decision making in high O’Leary created what would be a community and create an effort to communications with one another, risk environments. Subsequently, four-part series of Town Hall reach common ground amongst holding internal and external we have instituted some changes, events to help people communicate our citizens and achieve goals to meetings became conference calls enhanced officer training, and and better understand the events help create a community of peace throughout this pandemic. The shared changes we’ve already done going on in the nation, with myself and understanding. Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 11 A reflection on what lies beneath the look of our Downtown Waterbury – The People, The Businesses. that would be like cleaning up our 6-year old’s toys and saying we’re done. That hardly ever happens. Anabela Maia That was the “Look” – Now, we know the Look is outward facing. Chairperson MSW Design Committee What’s under the “Look” is greater. The look can be buttoned up and tidy but what lies beneath is greater, the Heart. Physiologically speaking, As a marketer at it relates to the function of the larger community and sub-communities heart with a of downtown. In the Heart of Downtown Waterbury are the small mom passion to help and shop businesses. 2020 is a year of reflection, of priorities and of new businesses grow, it growth. As businesses began to shutter closed in late March 2020, we was no wonder I wanted to be able to help them and allow them to tell their story. The gravitated to Main Street story, the people and how together we develop an interwoven Waterbury in its early years and community that relies on each other for support, encouragement and back again in 2012 to volunteer growth. for the Design Committee. One of We invite you to hear more about the following businesses as they share the things that attracted me to their story on who they are, what they do, how COVID-19 has impacted their business and what they are doing to stay strong and more Main Street Waterbury was the importantly what you can do to support local opportunity to network with local downtown businesses at a time when looking beyond leaders, make new connections, be the outside and inside of hearts is how we design a part of the community and what our downtown looks like. more importantly contribute to Heart of Waterbury – a Video series featuring the the advancement of downtown. Diane Gorman, owner of Signature’s people and businesses of downtown Waterbury. While I grew up in Naugatuck and Restaurant recording her Heart of frequented downtown at every Waterbury video HEAR FROM: opportunity. I knew that the people Matt Bryne of MinuteMan Press of the city of Waterbury carried the same memories for their downtown, as I do for mine. A city that is full of history and at its located at 170 Grand St. core, is the center - the heart of Waterbury filled with emotions and Diane Gorman of Signature’s Restaurant & Bar memories of what still remains a beautiful place we call downtown located at 29 Leavenworth St. Waterbury. Did you know that JFK spoke from the of the Vic Buselli of Mar-Vic Cleaners & Tailors located Elton Hotel across from the Green? There is so much more and if you at 186 Grand St. haven’t yet explored the area, you can with a walking audio tour that Michael Dixon of One Touch Repair located at in conjunction with Mattatuck Museum and Main Street Waterbury 99 Bank St. is now available online. Use your mobile phone with a QR reader to Bob Burns of Mattatuck Museum located at Rose Hill scan this barcode and start listening for free on soundcloud. You can Jesse Pacyne of Thirsty Goat Bar located at 23 Scovill St. also visit www.soundcloud.com/mattatuckmuseum Mike Finan of Prestige Superstore Auto located at 1200 Wolcott Rd. Now, let’s talk Design committee and what this group of volunteers do Waterbury for downtown. By definition the word “Design” means “to decide upon the look and functioning of a building, (garment, or other object), by David Aldorondo, Christina Arroyo, and Lily Burgos of Post making a detailed drawing of it.” University located at 140 Bank Street While we aren’t drawing up building Efrain Torres of Brown Building Living located at 20 East Main St. schematics, we are developing Plus more coming soon. Visit our Youtube page or programs that facilitate the look of www.mainstreetwaterbury.com for new videos. our downtown with standards of store fronts, awnings, façade grant The business landscape has changed, and will continue to do so. Our funding, removal of old metered mission is to create a clean, safe and friendly downtown. It has its parking stations, placement of bicycle challenges. It has hurdles. It has vision. Those who wish to join us can racks, enforcing clean areas in front do so in person every third Tuesday of the month at 4:30pm on the 4th of businesses and working with local floor of the Waterbury Regional Chamber located at 83 Bank St. or groups to plant flowers in pots. virtually online while we are under covid safety protocols until further Many of these initiatives are often notice. Reach out to amaia@mainstreetwaterbury for more details. If with the support of city officials, city you would like to support but do not have the time to volunteer, please departments and agencies to ensure consider making a financial contribution on our website at www. that our downtown is clean. By no Planter located on Bank St. decorated mainstreetwaterbury or a check can be mailed or dropped off at 83 by the Waterbury Garden Club means is our work ever complete, Bank St. 4th Fl, Waterbury CT. 12 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 Post University Recognized by the CT Main Street Center Beyond supporting local eateries and businesses, the University has opened its doors and welcomed Joan Huwiler community partners to use the Director of University Communications renovated space. Waterbury School System, YMCA, Post University was recognized by Workforce Development, the the Connecticut Main Street Waterbury Chamber, and many Center, for its transformation more civic and private institutions of the historic former Howland- have used the building for Hughes Department Store and its meetings, events role in helping to and receptions. revive downtown The University Waterbury. hosted a Veteran’s The University Day program as received a 2020 well as holiday Connecticut Main festivities on Bank Street Award of Street. Excellence. The university, Last year, Post recognized for its customized the stewardship, was building’s lobby one of eight to reflect former companies Yuletide glory honored. synonymous with “We the old Howland- are committed to Hughes downtown department store. Waterbury and For the first time care deeply about in nearly 30 this area and its years, Santa legacy…it’s our Claus was back home,” said John on Bank Street L. Hopkins, CEO for local children & President of Post to meet. The University. “We lobby was are honored with transformed into a winter this recognition and look forward wonderland while one of the to strengthening our history with building’s windows featured the downtown community for original marionettes from the years to come.” department store’s mid-20th Under Hopkins’ leadership, the Century holiday décor. The event updated Howland-Hughes brought hundreds of visitors to building has transformed into a downtown during the holidays. state-of-the-art technological hub “Post University didn’t just for the associates who serve re-open the doors and windows to the university’s growing the building, they opened avenues population of distance learning to connection and community students through its online stewardship,” said Carl Rosa, programs. The University Main Street Waterbury CEO. occupies three floors of the “Not only did we see a beautiful building. The nearly 500 and historic building get the care associates who work in the it deserved, its new function is for building all enjoy and support such a great reason: supporting downtown Waterbury’s array of members of our community who local businesses and offerings. want an education.” Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 13 OLLI at UConn: Where Learning Never Retires - Lifelong Learning Online hour where students can connect, chat, and de-stress. Further, many BY FIONA de MERELL Director, Osher Lifelong Learning of OLLI’s social interest clubs, Institute (OLLI) at the such as Book Club, continue to University of Connecticut meet virtually. The much-loved During this strange time where OLLI Garden at Fulton Park, social isolation is a very real funded in part by the Connecticut concern, older adults across Community Foundation, has Connecticut can rest assured that flourished, even with social there are still learning and social distancing among the crops! opportunities available for them – in the comfort and safety of their Some OLLI students expressed own homes. UConn Waterbury’s concern about shifting to a fully- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute online learning modality, (OLLI) has pivoted to fully-online wondering if their social OLLI Ukulele class fall and spring semesters during connections or ability to learn the 2020-21 academic year. effectively would suffer compared so uncertain, wondering whether lasting bonds and find intellectual OLLI membership is open to to the in-person program. But we’ll be able to fulfill the OLLI and social engagement.” She anyone aged 50 or above, and its after the pilot online summer mission of lifelong learning and continues, “While our fall fall 2020 semester features over session, those concerns were social engagement is not one of semester feels different, the 30 course offerings in various quickly calmed. One student those uncertainties. We’re thrilled essence of our community areas of study including painting, shared, “Zoom seems to be the to see familiar faces on our Zoom remains the same. We will cooking, literature, writing, only answer to learning since we screens, and to welcome new continue to search for music, and film appreciation. cannot attend classes in person. I students who might not have been opportunities, we will keep am grateful these Zoom classes able to join us before now. And in learning, we will explore new All classes are held via the video- were set up for us.” Another finding creative ways to maintain ways to stay connected, and we conferencing app, Zoom. OLLI noted, “As I don’t want to be our relationships with downtown will continue to laugh together. If provides open orientation sessions exposed to Covid-19 by being partners, we’re all learning we remain flexible, focused and for students and instructors to inside a building, I’m glad that together and supporting each involved, this pandemic learn online learning basics and Zoom exists. It must have been other.” experience, ultimately, will ask questions in a low-stress really boring in 1348 and 1918!” strengthen the OLLI community environment. In addition to OLLI President, Mila Limson, and lifelong learning.” online classes, OLLI offers a OLLI Director, Fiona de Merell, said, “We now live in a world weekly Wednesday evening social said, “In a world where things are where a sense of community is For more information about more important than ever. OLLI OLLI, or to register for is our community. It is a classes, call 475-222-6232 or go community where we create to www.olli.uconn.edu

OLLI Ukulele class 14 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 The Greater Waterbury YMCA protocols to fit in line with new dozens of fitness classes for camaraderie. health and safety procedures. people to participate in at home Like most local non-profits and Staff wore masks, continued to as well as videos demonstrating small businesses, The Greater Allison Reklaitis make cleanliness a priority, healthy cooking and nutrition Waterbury YMCA has faced an Director of Development limited group sizes to ensure tips. Additionally, kids were uphill battle since March 2020. The Greater Waterbury YMCA proper cohorting, and adapted engaged in craft and storytelling Budget constraints and has seen a year unlike any other, new drop off and pick up activities. membership traffic limits the and while 2020 is not quite over, procedures to ensure social When the Y’s doors opened back number of hours the facility is the feats of the Y and its impact distancing. This is where the up in June, members were open. Reduced in person on the local community continue purchase of the Rose Hill treated to the YMCA they know programming also hinders the to make it an organization that property became crucial, as the and love, albeit with a few ability to produce additional remains a pillar of strength and Y was able to use two of the changes. Cardio machines were revenue. However, the Y is a beacon of hope for Waterbury. three buildings to provide this spaced farther apart for use, extremely thankful to a In the beginning of March 2020, critical childcare. The group fitness classes were held in multitude of individual donors, the Y secured a new phase in the Emergency Child Care initiative the gym, and of course everyone corporations, foundations, as well expansion of their child care ran for 14 weeks, serving nearly was asked to wear masks when as City and State government for programs by purchasing from 50 children per week. traveling throughout the helping to keep staff employed, the City of Waterbury the Rose Beyond child care, the Y building. Still this did not deter programs running, and the Hill property located at 63 continued to serve its members the faithful from returning. community well served. As 2020 Prospect. Preceding this by creating virtual content to Camps Mataucha and Oakasha draws to a close, the Y will purchase the Y had raised a engage individuals and families also opened at the end of June to continue to do what it does significant amount of funds to who were homebound during the give local kids the opportunity to best…help the people of renovate and rehabilitate the quarantine period. Our Health be outdoors and experience a Waterbury lead happier and three buildings located on the and Wellness team created summer full of fun and healthier lives. property, and operating through a lease to purchase agreement opened and expanded Preschool and School Age programming on the site in late 2019. The purchase in March solidified the Y’s commitment to the community. However, not two weeks after the purchase of Rose Hill the world was turned upside down. The Y saw its preschool programs close, and shortly thereafter the doors to the West Main Street facility closed as well. Faced with difficult decisions regarding staffing, programming, and facility maintenance, the Y got to work. Called upon by City and State officials, the organization was immediately asked to provide emergency child care services to the children of hospital workers and first responders in the area. Knowing that these families were critical to aiding the community and armed with the institutional knowledge of providing high quality child care on a daily basis, they upgraded their current preschool and school age Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 15 Downtown Waterbury Update continues to elicit positive year old water main, the renovation that will provide the feedback from downtown creation of an aesthetically city additional capacity to pedestrians, businesses, students, pleasing corridor which will enhance our already rich arts churches, non-profits, and include new pavement, printed and culture scene. visitors. UConn, Post University, cross walks, new benches, new The Mayor and the Office of the Mattatuck Museum, the lighting, and new bus shelters. Economic Development will Palace Theater, Waterbury Arts These improvements will ensure continue to work with private Magnet School, Seven Angel that the services provided will and public investors who are Theatre, along with various be reliable for years to come. convinced that Waterbury is a seasonal events contribute to a The construction to the newly prime location for future substantial arts, culture and designed parking lot at the opportunities. Our city is education scene enjoyed and Metro North Train station is centrally located between Boston appreciated by many who live or complete. The entire lot was and New York and offers visit the City of Waterbury. repaved, new lighting and historic building stock, improved The Freight Street renovations granite curb cuts were installed, rail and bus lines, downtown Joseph McGrath funded by a federal and new landscaping was student housing, and an Director of Economic Transportation Investment completed. The Board of affordable cost of living. Development Generating Economic Recovery Alderman approved the design Mayor O’Leary will be sure to Mayor O’Leary and the Office (TIGER) grant has been of the new Prospect Street keep you informed of updates of Economic Development completed and includes bike surface parking lot; construction through the newspaper, social continue to work with private paths, bio swales, new lighting is scheduled to start shortly. media, and his monthly radio and public investors to meet the and street scape improvements Library Park is under extensive show. objectives of “The City of designed to complement future Waterbury’s Downtown mixed use development. Phases Strategic Plan.” Strong 2 and 3 are well underway leadership, careful planning, which will include improvements and input from residents, to Meadow and Jackson Street. businesses, students, and elected As you drive through downtown officials enabled us to make you can’t help but notice the positive strides in bringing jobs City of Waterbury’s continuing to the city’s central business investment in critical district while improving current infrastructure improvements. property values. The East Main Street Mayor O’Leary’s strategic plan streetscape project continues to to renovate the green and move ahead. Ongoing work beautify downtown Waterbury includes replacement of a 100 16 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020

Time Restored/restarted to/on Bank Street

The story of this old clock 1922-1936 his store was located Hartford, CT as Lux, Bond, begins a century ago with at 71-73 Grand Street in and Green. It was at this point Morris A Green. Morris Green Waterbury. Morris Green that in 1993 the Lux, Bond, BY Zachary Keith Project Manager, of Waterbury was born in Poland in 1867 ordered the clock from Seth and Green Jewelry store Development Corporation and immigrated to Waterbury Thomas on August 17, 1921 and donated the clock to the City of in 1883. He founded M. A. the clock was shipped to Waterbury. Robert Green, On October 23, 2019, the clock Green Jewelers in 1898 and Waterbury on November 4, chairmen of Lux Bond and that was only right, twice a day started by repairing and 1921. Morris retired from active Green, wrote a letter to Mayor was removed stirring concern selling jewelry out of a horse work in 1923 and remained the Bergin on December 21, 1992 about its fate. Worry not the and carriage until he saved owner of the store until his offering the clock to the City of clock was brought to Old enough to open his first passing in 1943. Waterbury. The Board of School Antiques in Peacedale storefront, which was located Aldermen accepted the clock as Rhode Island where Peter at 167 South Main Street. In 1932, the family purchased a gift at its January 14, 1993 Nunes fully restored the case From 1902-1904 his store was Lux, Bond, and Lux Jewelers meeting and the City became and movement back to its located at 213 Bank Street and and renamed the store Lux the owner of the clock, subject original glory when Bank Street in 1905-1906 he was operating Bond, and Green. In November to certain conditions. was home to numerous Jewelry out of 224 Bank Street. From of 1936, the store and clock stores and fine clothing stores. 1907-1921 his store was at 200 were moved to its current The clock is a 17-foot tall two The clock was returned to its Bank Street in the location at 117 Bank Street. The dial Seth Thomas clock. Bill location April 16, 2020(my Buckingham Building, as the store remained in Waterbury Goldstein, Ideal jewelers, and birthday, what a great gift). building’s first tenant. From until 1993 when it relocated to Hank Paine, Howland Hughes Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 17

Photos by Zachary Keith, Project Manager, of Waterbury Development Corporation

helped the city wind the clock. The Waterbury Green was City employees now wind the recently renovated with Wi-Fi, clock once every eight days. seating, lighting, and sidewalks. The clock always had the East Main Street is currently wording “M. A. Green” on the undergoing a water main top”. Peter Nunes fully replacement and will then dismantled the clock and undergo a complete streets removed the old layers of paint renovation with paving and rust. He then restored the sidewalks lights etc. All of this clock exterior and interior fully. downtown restoration projects work together to create a better The restoration of the historic city and by restoring the clock M.A. Green clock was a vital that will continue the work. The step to the revival of the rest of clock now sits on a raised the downtown historic district. footing and once again, the face The Brown building has been lights up Bank Street at night. renovated converting the upper There may not be the same sort two floors for student housing. of retail downtown as when The Howland Hughes building Seth Thomas unloaded the has been renovated and now clock in 1921, but one thing is houses 450 Post University certain this clock will be here employees. for the next hundred years. 18 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020

IT’S WORTH THE WAIT THE PALACE AND #BROADWAYWILLBEBACK

that only a live performance the horizon. And although we events and other curated experience offers. would love to do so programs and gatherings. Our crown jewel of downtown immediately, the safety and Waterbury, the Palace Theater health of our customers is a top As capacity restrictions slowly BY Sheree Marcucci Marketing & Public Relations over the last fifteen years since priority. get lifted and we are allowed to Officer Palace Theater re-opening, offered so much incrementally increase the magic – national tours of While we patiently await the number of patrons , we will Have you felt it? Have you felt Broadway shows, headline gradual return to normal, our continue to investigate other the something missing in our musical artists and comedy acts focus now as we abide by state ways of utilizing our beloved community since March when and more, that brought close to regulations, (which as of press Palace, such as for Jazz, Trivia, the COVID -19 virus became 2,000,000 people to our city time is limited to 25 people and other types of presentations a full blown Pandemic and center. That’s what’s missing. who can enter the building), is until we can return to offering forced a shutdown of life as we The marquee, which not too considering new and unique the full productions presented knew it? long ago heralded all the ways to engage our loyal from the majestic Palace stage. The Pandemic made sweeping exciting shows coming to customers. changes in many things we Waterbury, now offers messages When we do reopen fully, at took for granted and none more of hope and gratitude instead. Some of the activities planned our 2,600 person capacity, for so than the live entertainment We’re missing the sounds of following current safety stage productions, you can be industry, specifically theaters traffic and people hurriedly protocols of masks, social assured we will be in and other performance venues. rushing into the theater on distancing and the 25 person compliance with all required No longer could you shrug off show nights. There’s a hushed limit, include our ever popular state, local and industry health the stresses of everyday life by quiet that now blankets the monthly guided tours of the regulations to ensure the safety going out and enjoying a show landscape, yet we remain Palace which will resume in of all patrons, performers and and losing yourself in the magic optimistic that re-opening is on October, small Fundraising staff. That new normal will Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 19 A High School Student’s Perspective

BY Viola Flowers On Thursday March 12th, I sat in my AP Language and Composition class bright and early at 7:20 in the morning, ready to start another day at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School. My teacher was reviewing our homework assignment from the previous night, and we all were smiling and laughing as she was virtual classroom with a real one, reviewing the material, thinking it instead of reviewing lessons and last was just another Thursday morning night’s homework. at WAMS. Why wouldn’t it be? Academics aside, the arts have I spent the rest of my day putting been severely impacted as well. together the final details of a Dance classes are taken within a six school-wide basketball tournament foot box on the floor with a mask I had organized as a fundraiser for on. All performances, for any my junior class- collecting department, are indefinitely on permission slips, selling tickets, and hold. It truly is a challenge to be in promoting the event to every an arts school where the arts can student that would lend a listening barely be practiced. We were once ear. The school was bustling with overflowing with creative projects, energy- the major production of bursting at the seams with ideas for The Wiz was about to finally take outlets of our artistic expressions. the Palace stage the next night, Now, our ideas are constricted to a after months of preparation and screen. If it can’t go online, it can’t rehearsals from our students and go on. teachers. Everyone was walking The high school atmosphere feels with their friends, talking about the extinct. Meeting up with friends in upcoming events, laughing as the halls, walking to class together carefree as ever. It was a normal side by side, pushing through the high school day. crowds, trying to beat the sound of The next time I was in WAMS, it the bell- all the little, youthful was Tuesday September 8th. I saw things that contributed to the high maybe just a third of the same school experience- are all gone. It’s students, between the senior class the simple interactions like these that had just graduated and the that I took for granted my entire high percentage of students high school career, failing to fully attending the Virtual Academy appreciate the value of the from their homes. I could barely education I was receiving and the hear people talking, let alone relationships I built with my peers laughing. If people were smiling, I and teachers. couldn’t see it behind their masks. I hope that more advancements are The entire high school dynamic made in terms of our reopening, for my time at WAMS should not have likely include mask wearing, and hope is to be back to the has changed. Education is not the same anymore. Teachers that have to end like this. With teams of staggering entry times, more old normal and operating at had decades of experience are lifelong professional educators, I adaptive customer service 100% capacity by then, teaching as if it were their first year, hope the district can continue to policies, and ongoing sanitizing bringing the community the trying to navigate teaching to both develop better schooling plans that and cleaning protocols while excitement, energy and yes a classroom and a computer. have both students’ safety and the building is fully occupied. hope, of those live theatrical Learning as a whole is different, quality of learning at heart. But experiences you’ve been with most of the material being until then, I’ll have to continue to Optimistically as we look missing. taught independently. Class time is go to school with my mask on and forward to our 100 year It’s Worth the Wait. spent troubleshooting Internet say hi to my classmates from my anniversary in 2022, our goal #Broadwaywillbeback issues and trying to connect a computer. 20 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 150 Years of the Silas Bronson Library

After filling out the form, you will receive an email with your temporary password, at which Raechel Guest Director of the point you can start using your Silas Bronson LIbrary card for all of our online services, including ebooks. Yes, we are open! But we have After you apply online, we will made a few changes. Our goal call you to schedule an is to continue to provide you appointment for you to pick up with the library services you your physical card. Anyone who rely on, in new ways that keep lives in Waterbury, no matter everyone safe through the how young, is eligible for a Silas pandemic. One new feature Bronson Library card. Children everyone loves: in accordance must have permission from their with state guidelines, we are legal guardian to receive a card. waiving late fees for any items returned during the pandemic. eBooks & Downloadable However, please note that if an Audiobooks item isn’t returned, it will be you to choose from – and if we online catalog, give us a call at marked as lost, and the Your library card lets you don’t have want you want, we’ll 203-574-8225 and our replacement fee will still be download ebooks and get it for you. librarians will help you over the charged. audiobooks to your smartphone, Like many other libraries phone. Make sure you have Generally speaking, the library tablet, or Kindle. We have two throughout Connecticut, we your library card with you is open by appointment to limit free apps for you to choose have implemented an when you call. the number of people in the from. Libby gives you access to appointment-based system for Don’t know what you want? building at the same time. You the OverDrive collection of borrowing library materials, Give us a call! Our librarians must wear a mask that ebooks shared by Bibliomation very much like restaurant take can make expert completely covers your nose and libraries as well ebooks out service. Here’s how it works: recommendations based on mouth when you are inside the purchased just for our patrons. You can place your “order” what types of books you like to library. Touchless hand Libby also allows you to online by logging into your read. If you’re looking for sanitizer dispensers are located connect to Amazon’s website to account at silas.biblio.org or by material for adults, call 203- at the entrance and at the read our ebooks on your using the Acorn Catalog app on 574-8225. If you’re looking for computer center. Disinfecting Kindle. SimplyE gives you your smartphone. Search for material for children and teens, wipes are available for use access to OverDrive as well as the items you want to borrow, call 203-574-8213. If you prefer between patrons at the the State Library collection. then select “Request Item.” to use the Branch computers. You can also access our ebooks You’ll be prompted to verify Library, call 203-574-8240. Our Wi-Fi reaches all the way and audiobooks from your your contact information – to Grand Street, so you can sit laptop or desktop computer. please make sure it’s correct. Computers & Printing comfortably in your car to use it Visit bronsonlibrary.org/digital After you place your request, at any time. to get started. our staff will gather your items Whether you are applying for a together and call you to job, writing a resume, or just Library Card Online Borrowing from the schedule a time for pickup. checking your email, our Signup Library We’ll have everything ready computers are available for you when you arrive at your to use. You can schedule a If you need to get a library If you prefer print books, appointment time, making quick appointment for 20 card, you can now apply online DVDs, CDs, or even VHS, we pickup go quickly and smoothly. minutes or less, or a full two at bronsonlibrary.org/digital. have a quarter million items for If you don’t want to use the hour appointment by calling Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 21 203-574-8225. You will need to a grant from the Connecticut for repair and maintenance of where the full program roster is your library card to log onto the Community Foundation. cars and small engines, giving available. computer. Please note that, due you access to repair manuals for to social distancing guidelines, Online Resources everything from lawnmowers to 150 Years of the Silas we may not be able to assist you cars from 1974. Bronson Library with the computers. We have a variety of resources Looking for a news article? Our If you need to use the copier, for you to use online or on your online resources let you search This year marks the 150th you are welcome to drop by smartphone, free with your for articles from the Republican anniversary of the Silas anytime. Copies fifteen cents library card. For the kids, we American newspaper from 2004 Bronson Library, and it is per page. have the World Book, which to the present, as well as articles certainly an unusual year. We includes more than just an in national magazines. had planned to hold a number Chrome Books and encyclopedia – there are of celebrations this year, but Hotspots educational games, books, and Free Programs everything has been put on hold more. thanks to the pandemic. This is New this fall – you can borrow If you want to brush up on your Although we are not holding not the first time that the a chrome book computer and a job skills, the Lynda Learning any in-person programs for the library has seen a change in its Wi-Fi hotspot from the library! database includes thousands of time being, we are offering free operations – we’ve changed Chrome books and hotspots will tutorials for computer-based online programs via Zoom. We quite a lot over the past century be available to borrow for one work, as well as tutorials on have several book clubs that and a half. week at a time starting in photography, drawing, and meet monthly, chess club which If you’d like to learn more about October. They have been made music. meets every other week, a the history of the library, please possible thanks to the Mango is an easy way to learn genealogy tips program, and a visit our website at Connecticut State Library and a new language. A free app can variety of special educational bronsonlibrary.org/ the federal CARES Act. be downloaded to your phone programs. Advance registration libraryhistory, where we have Starting this winter, we will and offers short lessons you can is required for the programs – posted a series of articles and have a set of chrome books practice any time. you can sign up by visiting our images about the library over available just for seniors, thanks We also offer resource centers website, bronsonlibrary.org, the years. 22 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020 Brass City Brew and Que Tour Book similar Executive orders. discounts from your favorite including facebook and Main Street Waterbury’s Brass Connecticut craft beer Instagram. If you haven’t City Brew and Que is among breweries. We’re providing an already, I encourage you to Carl Rosa CEO, Main Street Waterbury these festivals. September 12th adventure and experience “like” our Brass City Brew and would have been the 15th where you can take a tour Que facebook page where It’s 2020 and a pandemic is annual Brew Fest, certainly a around CT visiting brewers, you’ll get all the updates about upon us. In an effort to curb cause for great celebration. sampling their product and the Tour Book, The Brew Fest, the spread of COVID-19 and But alas, like so many others, having a great time at your and of course the recent keep people safe, the State of we’ve had to postpone and own leisure and schedule addition of the barbeque Connecticut rightfully and reschedule to the Spring of throughout the year. Of competition. prudently put a limit on the 2021. What a celebration that course all safety and social You can also visit CTBeer.com allowable outdoor event crowd will be when we can all come distancing protocols will be in for specific details. sizes. This has essentially put out and play once again. I affect according to Executive Just think about what a great the kibosh on multiple large- encourage you to stay tuned for order mandates until such time gift this Tour Book will make. scale festivals and fairs, many event details as they develop. as they are no longer You and I both know friends, of which occur in the fall and That being said, critical funds necessary. Brewers are finding relatives and neighbors who are run by non-profit for our Main Street Waterbury great creative ways to be in enjoy good craft beer and organizations that rely heavily organization are needed Now! compliance and still provide a appreciate creativity along on the funds generated by Like many other non-profits, fun experience for their with funky and inspiring these events. In fact, this is a we’ve had to pivot, be creative, patrons. indoor/outdoor spaces. They scenario being played out and seek a way forward. We’ve teamed up with CTBeer. also enjoy a variety of both across the U.S as numerous So, what does one do when you com who’s vast network of complex and simple flavor Governors have enacted can’t bring numerous brewers Connecticut’s finest craft profiles to keep things fun and to Waterbury who feature over breweries is impressive and interesting. Get them the 270 craft beer varieties for exciting! Many of these Brass City Brew and Que Tour hundreds of loyal fest goers to breweries and brewers have Book and don’t wait. Believe sample? You bring our loyal been so supportive to the Brass me, they’ll appreciate it. patrons to the brewers! City Brew and Que over the We’re counting on you to help Introducing the Brass years. They too have been us spread the word. Don’t City Brew and Que struggling during this forget to visit Tour Book! That’s pandemic. Our way to say brasscitybrewandque.com, right! For the price thanks is to bring our Brew CTBeer.com, of an “at the gate Fest audiences to them. mainstreetwaterbury.com and Brew Fest VIP The reaction from the Brewers also like us on the Brass City Ticket”, you can has been tremendous. They Brew and Que facebook page. purchase a love the approach, they love If you need additional details book loaded the opportunity and they want you can email my office at with to be involved. We can’t ask crosa@mainstreetwaterbury. vouchers for more than that! com or brasscitybrewandque@ and The Tour Book will be gmail.com. A special thanks released this fall and available goes to Nutmeg Fine Wines & for sale through our MSW Spirits for their many years of website, and Brass City Brew support in hosting the Brew and Que website. Details for Fest and recruiting brewer purchasing will also be participants. A daunting task available through all of our worthy of a good craft beer! social media platforms Cheers!! Thursday, October 15, 2020 Celebrating Downtown! 23 24 Main Street Waterbury Thursday, October 15, 2020