The Friends of Wiscasset Village announced that two subcommittees met over the past month. The first discussed extra amenities such as benches, trash cans and planters; the second discussed overall goals and objectives for the group.

Peter Wells, who has contracted with Massachusetts Department of Transportation as a landscape architect, said the Friends would have to raise about $18,000 for materials to add the items. That does not include installation. Each bench or trash receptacle would require a concrete pad to level it, since the downtown is on a fairly steep slope. The plan is to get onto an upcoming select board agenda.

Will Truesdell discussed the group's goals and objectives, including creating maps to provide to businesses for downtown parking, and an electronic version for websites. As the summer season begins, a plan to have volunteers dressed in bright t-shirts with large Ps (for Parking) and the Friends’ logo would serve as parking docents to help people find parking. The docents would also promote the town, point people to interests, and discuss plans. Signs, such as those used during the holiday marketfest, would be in strategic places downtown.

Elizabeth Palmer said she would take charge of a plan to visit businesses to bring them into the Friends' plans, including getting stories about each business to use in publicity on social media and for news articles. A website is also planned.

Lucia Droby discussed the benefits of establishing an “umbrella” nonprofit to include other organizations such as Museum in the Streets and the ArtWalk.

Michelle Peele offered to pay for holiday lighting that would match, and to arrange for volunteers to string lights on trees she hoped to have donated. She will outline her plan at an upcoming selectmen’s meeting.

The group has raised $1,100 since the last meeting, and hopes to raise more funds privately. Right now, the funds are in a special account handled by the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jean Beattie said she is in talks with Concord Trailways and it is considering a bus stop at the Irving Station on Route 1. While further from downtown than Huber’s Market was, it is one of the best options given the size of the vehicles and their turning radius. The bus company is in discussions with the corporate office at Irving.