Wiscasset's downtown is already a gem. Make it shine.

That was Roxanne Eflin's message on November 12 to a room full of town officials, business owners, school, church and historical group leaders and others.

Eflin is senior program director for the nonprofit, Maine Development Foundation. Its Maine Downtown Network program could help a group of volunteers make the most of the downtown village's assets, including its architecture and walkability, she said.

“Wiscasset is such a remarkable place .... You are Maine's prettiest village,” Eflin said.

The many aspects of town represented in Tuesday's audience will all be needed to help attract more businesses and tourists, she said. “Who cares about Wiscasset's downtown, if not you?”

Eflin called the program volunteer-heavy. “A lot of boots on the ground is what the program's all about,” she said.

Tourists notice details, such as a weed in a sidewalk, according to Eflin. “If you're going to put benches up, make sure they look great,” she said.

Wiscasset groups and the town government are already doing some of the things Eflin cited to help a downtown: Summer art walks and concerts promote the local arts and culture; ribbon-cuttings are held at new businesses; a beautification committee plants flowers; and the town has an online, get-started packet for people wanting to open a business.

Eflin had the more than 30 attendees break into small groups to brainstorm possible steps for the next 12 months. Ideas included a downtown craft show; more parking; a grocery store; services for elderly residents; bathrooms; incentives to attract businesses; a January meeting to get organized; and a group name for the volunteer effort.

“Heart of Wiscasset” would fit better than calling it a coalition, Selectman Pam Dunning said. “We're down home here,” she said.

Fellow small group member Deb Schaffer of DebraElizabeths’ suggested calling it “Charming Village.”

No commitments were made Tuesday night to the foundation’s program or anything else; but participants interviewed had a positive reaction to Eflin’s presentation and the concept of an organized effort.

“This is something that could interest people of many ages and some diverse groups,” Dunning said. “I think it sounds really exciting.”

“I'm very intrigued,” Wiscasset Middle School Principal Linda Bleile said. “I think it has a lot of potential.”

Bleile said she and Wiscasset High School Principal Deb Taylor, who also attended, were interested in suggestions Elfin made for involving students in the work. They could walk the downtown to assess how easy every part of it is to travel on foot, Eflin said.