The recently-completed (23rd Sept) trash clean-up event had a total of 60 volunteers throughout the clean up and collected 380 pounds of trash and 150 pounds of recyclables. It was definitely a success. Feedback was that the downtown area was cleaner than people were expecting which is amazing, as we know merchants do a lot on their own, especially around their buildings. Thank you to everyone able to take part. The attached image shows a group of people at the end of the litter pick in front of most of the trash collected!
David Reedy, Executive Director, Rio Grande Valley Casa said “As a parent, and as someone who works with nonprofits, I think it’s important to teach kids. This is what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to work a little bit to give back to your community. That was the biggest part of it to me— making my kids aware that it’s not about what your community can do for you, but doing what you can for your community.”
According to Cathy Mears-Martin, MainStreet TorC Co-Executive Director “Trash cans were also painted as part of this project and due to the success of the pilot painting project, we will be looking at expanding this across other trash cans, so stay tuned! I had people from out of town also complimenting the trash cans — which is amazing – hopefully you are all enjoying them too and look forward to seeing more around downtown.”
Cathy says there are a number of other projects in the works including:
Trick or Treat Downtown
This will take place on Tuesday 31st October between 6-7pm!
We want to share who is taking part and are working on getting Broadway closed for this event. While I have looked into Main Ave being closed, based on feedback and past events, this doesn’t usually occur, so I will make sure to highlight safety first as I will be directing people to the businesses on Main Ave.
If you are planning something for your store over the weekend before, for example a special sale, please let us know as we want to help spread the word and get people on the streets and in your stores. If you are interested in coordinating with other businesses on this, please let me know. I will update our Facebook event page with any relevant information supplied and include it on our website. We will also create a press release too.
• If you are giving out candy on 31st Oct, please sign up using the form to let us know some details by Friday 13th Oct (spooooky): https://forms.gle/fiG9Ai1eXiXRA4er6
• Facebook event page that will be updated: https://fb.me/e/3ZGN3lKBz
• Flyers will be created and shared shortly
Recycled Art Show
We are looking for artists to donate work and galleries to donate some space to showcase this work for the Recycled Art Show taking place 4th – 16th Nov. This is a collaboration between Sierra County Arts Council, The Bountiful Alliance Recycling Committee and MainStreet T or C. Money raised is going towards 2 scholarships for students in T or C – the Jan Thedford Scholarship and towards the Scat Cats. More information can be found here: Recycled Art Show 2023 | Torcmainstreet
Exhibitor form to display art: https://forms.gle/NXTjV2HWGxpoB8C57
Artist form to donate art: https://forms.gle/K2hrXHKQkvsAPG2L7
Old-Fashioned Christmas
We are in planning stages for this and will be closing Main Ave and Broadway as we are looking at bringing back hay rides to take people back and forth between the streets. Stay tuned for more!
Other upcoming projects and events:
• Deck of Cards
• Here’s Your Sign
• Ecommerce grant
• Small Business Saturday
Stay up to date on the events and projects we are working on here: PROJECTS | Torcmainstreet
Co-Executive Director
MainStreet Truth or Consequences
410 Main Street / PO Box 1602
T or C
NM, 87901
Director@torcmainstreet.orgTrash Clean Up event
Content for this article was provided by Cathy Mears-Martin of MainStreet Truth or Consequences.