The bright side of Winsted

Throughout my tenure here in Winsted, the town has repeatedly been subject to mockery, scorn or disdain. Officials from other communities and state agencies often roll their eyes or offer sly comments to colleagues when I am introduced as the town manager of Winchester. After, of course, the short description of the Winsted/Winchester thing which other local officials and state agencies still do not understand. Even worse, some of our own residents continue their unceasing bleating of how bad the town is.Despite their self–flagellation, I am often pleasantly surprised by the comments and perceptions of others who have not previously had the opportunity to visit Winsted. Their thoughts on Winsted have been shaped by the pessimism and negativity, and those thoughts subsequently shape their actions, whether it be foregoing a simple visit to town or, more disheartening, opting to move their family or develop their business in a different community.When I do invite friends, family, associates and investors to town, it is an opportunity to debunk the downtrodden perception of Winsted. We have many little treasures that many of you likely take for granted, but in the eyes of others, are wonderful facets to the quality of life in our community. I can offer a few examples.First, we have a nice array of restaurants scattered throughout town. I have enjoyed visiting and eating at them. The latest addition is Primo, located in the former Blimpie’s site on Main Street on the east end of downtown. The proprietor of Primo’s has a long history of restaurant development, in Winsted and elsewhere. When I visited Primo’s a short while ago, the comment offered was, “This is in Winsted?” The food, the service, and the atmosphere were all wonderful and engaging, as it has been in every restaurant I have visited: Mario’s, Monaco’s, McGrane’s, Sophia’s, Noli’s, the Tributary, Cackleberry’s, Kelly’s, Kent Pizza, the Diner, ABC Pizza, Padre’s Place, the Flippin’ Grill, the Swinging Parrot and a few others.• • •The restaurant crowds provide a glimpse into the vitality of the community, and my guests are routinely surprised at the variety, excitement, and service in each place. They wonder how a town can support so many good eating places.Second, I attended the Boar’s Head Festival for the first time last weekend. Again, the comments directed to me were along the same lines of “This is in Winsted?” The costumes, the music and the singing were exceptional. I had a special affinity for the Scottish dancers, having long ago myself, while attending a Scottish-oriented college, danced the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance — pleasant memories for me, but Lisa’s vision of me in a kilt and dancing were more humorous.This long-running annual event has dozens of community sponsors and hundreds of spectators. It is another cultural and community gem that evokes surprise because the beauty and tradition of the event runs so counter to the widespread perception created by the local purveyors of doom (who, by the way, you’re not likely to see at this, or many other, promotional events). The Boar’s Head Festival, hosted by the First Congregational Church, received coverage in several state and regional media outlets. I will be sure to attend the event at least once each year from now on, if not twice, and I will encourage others to attend, as well, to showcase Winsted.Third, Whiting Mills continues to be a stunning surprise to many, including local residents. The owners and artists of the renovated mill host an Open Studios weekend at least twice each year, including a holiday event in December. The crowds were thick throughout the weekend, and more comments resonated: “This is in Winsted?”Our town, of course, has its blemishes — we still have a lot to overcome. But if we don’t tout the goodness of our own community, I doubt that residents or officials of other towns will step up in our stead. Many communities are often mostly critical of themselves, and rarely take the time to step back and appreciate the quality of life that attracted and retains them.The year 2015 should be an exciting one to add to the quality of life in town with new developments and traditional events. I hope, with your assistance, to have more people be surprised by “That’s in Winsted?”Dale Martin is the town manager of Winsted.