Cambridge Main Street honors volunteers

    Cambridge Main Street recently held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening at Bella Pizza in Cambridge to honor its volunteers and celebrate another successful year. 

    About 24 Main Street board and committee members were present for the celebration marking the beginning of the organization’s 13th year.  The volunteers were recognized for the countless hours they contribute annually. 

    "We have been fortunate that the community continues to support the program through fundraising efforts and membership fees," said Deb VanDeWoestyne, Cambridge Main Street director.  

    Turn out this past year was above average at most events making 2010 a huge success overall. 

    "We had over 154 cars and trucks at our 8th Annual Fest and Auto Show in August, and our Christmas on the Square with our Tour of Homes drew record crowds," said VanDeWoestyne.

    It was also noted that the recent auction held in January at Stenzel Auction Service provided much needed funding for the organization. 

    "We will now be able to offer two mini-grants of $500 each to downtown businesses wishing to make exterior storefront improvements on their historic buildings," VanDeWoestyne said. 

    These limited grants are available for the 2011 calendar year and applications for a façade or awning grant are now available at the Main Street office.  To be eligible for funding a business must be a current member of Main Street.  A business owner may only receive one mini-grant per calendar year.

    Committee members are currently working on this year’s calendar of events. 

    Upcoming activities include Senior Citizens Bingo at Bella Pizza beginning Thursday, March 17, from 5 to 7 pm.  Plans for the 9th Annual Main Street Fest and Auto Show to be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, are also underway. 

    "Each event takes a great deal of planning and funding and without the support of this community we would not be celebrating our longevity and our many successes as an organization," stated VanDeWoestyne. 

    To learn more about Cambridge Main Street or future activities, call 937-2633 for more information.  Residents may also visit www.cambridgemainstreet.org to learn more about future dates,