WILTON — The second in a series of three programs on Community Revitalization will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 17 at the Baker’s Market Cafe.

Members of  The Wilton Group recently attended the “Revitalizing Maine Communities” conference held by the Maine Development Foundation. The group was able to attend the workshops through a grant from Franklin Savings Bank, and will be sharing what it learned with the community through three programs in August.

An Aug. 17 date was chosen for the second program, that will focus on business and economic development, to coincide with the town walking audit, which will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Concepts Head Start Conference Room in the Bass Building. There will be a PowerPoint presentation by Joan Walton, from Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments followed by an approximate 1 mile walk, mostly along Main Street, then back to the conference room.

Wilton is looking for residents, business owners and community organization representatives to join in the walk as it looks at ways to improve the downtown area for walking.

The first program, focusing on community branding and heritage tourism, had a good turnout and generated some enthusiastic conversation. Wilton Town Manager Rhonda Irish shared information on the town receiving a Community Development Block Grant for planning, a town walking audit, and a Routes 2 and 4 access management study to begin soon. Information was also shared about regional initiatives such as a plan to map local assets and promote them, and efforts to create a guide about how to start a business locally.

The Wilton Group will be working with the town to invite representatives from Wilton community and civic organizations, businesses and town government to attend. If interested in attending, e-mail info@wiltongroup.org or call 779-9026.

The final Community Revitalization program, Aug.31, will focus on leadership and partnership of organizations within the community, as well as funding and grant opportunities.

 The Wilton Group was formed to bring together people, businesses and organizations to work together to stimulate more interest in community-based involvement, support local business owners, and project a positive image of the town and region. Its mission is to “preserve, enhance, and promote the unique character of Wilton by facilitating communication, engagement, and cooperation within our community.” It can be reached through its website www.wiltongroup.org, or via e-mail info@wiltongroup.org.