Back to Main Street

If you missed last week's impromtu Main Street meet-and-greet, Joel Kaddy is trying to rally the troops again this Friday. Nothing overly complicated, just come on down, walk around, maybe check things out.

Last week's first-time deal drew a small crowd, but Kaddy didn't the word out until Thursday night that this thing was happening. I would say at this point, consider it a Friday afternoon/early-evening tradition unless notified otherwise. Heck, if nothing else, it's a good excuse to park the car, walk a block or two, and finish off the week with a coffee or soda (or other appropriate beverage of choice) at the end of the work week.

While we're on Kaddy and business development, I'm intrigued by his comments regarding Local First (now at fitchburgpride.com, tomorrow in the paper), which is a business organization that encourages people to shop and eat at local establishments. His message is sort of, It's up to you. People complain all the time "no one goes downtown," and many of those people don't go downtown. Chances are there's something -- even that aforementioned beverage -- that would catch your attention for 10 or 15 minutes.

So, for those who like the old "How can show up, I've never been asked," well, you've been asked. Invited, even.

A Busy, Busy Friday

A day off has turned very busy.

The Fitchburg Police Department announced this afternoon that it has made an arrest in last night's shooting death. Sadly, it's the first murder of the year. If there's a silver lining in this kind of thing, it's that the police caught the guy in less than 24 hours. Very well done. More on this later at Fitchburgpride.com.

There was a groundbreaking today at the TD Banknorth building. Big doings. There will probably something on that later today at Fitchburgpride.com.

I know what you're thinking, what IS at Fitchburgpride.com? Right now, a little Pride exclusive on MOC and Meals on Wheels cutting back daily hot meals to three days a week (with frozen meals dropped off for off days) due to budget constraints. Meals on Wheels does 900 meals a day in the area, so that's a significant change.

Finally, don't forget, 4:30 on Main Street today. We'll be there eventually. Little boys are having naps (sadly, big boys aren't)

A Ridiculously Good Idea

Ward 3 City Councilor Joel Kaddy is floating around an e-mail encouraging folks to come downtown this afternoon around 4:30. Park your car, walk around, and say hello. Sure, it's short notice, but why not. I've got some babysitting issues to contend with (I'm on duty), but every effort is going to be made to be there. Hopefully Kaddy's idea can get a few people downtown on a nice Friday afternoon. If you're not doing anything, stop no by.

Lord, Bring Me a Casino and a Block Party. Thank You.

Two things you should know about this afternoon:

First, Gov. Deval Patrick unleashed his budget recommendation today. You can see the details at the Fitchburg Pride website, and I'll probably write more about this tomorrow, but for now all you need to know is that the city's financial fate might rest on casinos. Ugh.

Second, Mayor Lisa Wong unveiled a new idea today: The Fitchburg First Thursday program. Block parties downtown, once a month. You can probably figure out the timing. Great idea for starters. You can read a lot more at the Pride website, right now. And nowhere else.

We're wicked busy, as they say, or we'd write more. I'm sure you're all disappointed. Enjoy, and more tomorrow. Maybe.