pg. 17
It’s hard to believe that the Countdown to Christmas is on already.
Where has another year gone? Here at Sterling Main Street we
have so much to be thankful for in 2018. The most exciting has
been that we became part of a new Illinois Main Street program
and became the first of 15 participating communities in the state
to receive our annual accreditation as part of Main Street America™,
a nation-wide network of more than 1600 communities who share
both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities
through preservation-based economic development. Having
originally received accreditation from the State in 2009, we look
forward to celebrating this milestone throughout 2019 as we reflect
on our accomplishments of the past decade and refine our vision
and goals for the next ten years.
Speaking of the next decade, here in the office we’re diving in full
force to planning for 2019. Beyond just our schedule of community
events, which will include favorites such as our Car Show, Movies at
Grandon and Hops on the Rock, we will be exploring other ways to
help make Sterling the best it can be – a great place to live, to work,
to raise a family, to come home to. As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before,
the downtown belongs to all of us. It’s everyone’s neighborhood.
What can we be doing to make it a better place? Our door is always
open for your ideas and suggestions – and your time and talent if
you’re looking for ways to volunteer!
In the meantime, planning for our Seasonal Sights & Sounds festivities
is underway in partnership with the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of
Commerce. Our downtown Christmas Walk will be held on Friday,
November 30th. There is a whole host of holiday activities scattered
throughout November and December. Additional information can
be found in our ad elsewhere in this magazine, on our website,
www.sterlingmainstreet.org, or by following us on Facebook.
As always, for additional detail on all of Sterling Main Street
activities, please visit our website, www.sterlingmainstreet.org, or
find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’d love for you to
get social with us - tag us in your photos and show us how you’re
enjoying Downtown Sterling.
-Janna Groharing
Sterling Mainstreet Executive Director