By Karen L. Weber
As a resident of Roslindale, mom of triplets in the Boston Public Schools and co-founder of Foundation for a Green Future Inc., I have been writing articles in this guest column for several years. An annual program that the foundation runs takes place the third week of August in the center of our city, Boston GreenFest. It involves hundreds of volunteers, exhibitors, vendors, entertainers and many thousands of attendees from across greater Boston.
Boston GreenFest 2010 has come and gone. It was an amazing outpouring of neighborhoods, energy, entertainment, learning and fun at Boston City Hall Plaza at the end of August. There are many small events across Boston that are teaching people sustainable ways and helping us better understand our environment. However, Boston GreenFest has become an all-encompassing event that serves to unite people, nonprofits, companies, schools, universities, financial institutions, government agencies and more with a common goal of sharing information, products and networks. This helps as a catalyst and showcase for things “green.” Now it is time to turn to local ways of working together to make things happen and bring some of those ideas back to our neighborhoods.
Here in Roslindale there is a new group called GreeningRozzie. It was created by a group of residents believing that Roslindale is a perfect community to pioneer innovative and comprehensive community activities to improve our environment, reduce our impact on global warming, and ensure a greener world for our children and grandchildren.
Everyone in Roslindale is encouraged to play a role, and GreeningRozzie’s monthly planning meetings are open to all on the second Wednesday of every month at the Roslindale Community Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (next one is Wednesday, Oct. 13). Its mission, activities and identity were drafted and endorsed at open community meetings this past spring. Already nearly 300 people have signed on to this effort! There are many events, workshops and entertaining gatherings to join.
The next big event is one we all love to watch, the Roslindale Day Parade. This year for its 35th anniversary, why not think of walking or biking with us! Wear green, carry a recycled shopping bag, put on a fun hat and join the fun. Bring your family and get the kids involved! It’s coming up soon on Sunday, Oct. 3. Meet us at Adams Park at Roslindale Square at noon. Call Ken Phillips at 508-221-3598 or e-mail Ken@GreeningRozzie.org to sign up ahead, help with ideas and with organizing (for more info: www.roslindaleparade.org).
Every Saturday until Oct. 30, check out Roslindale’s Farmers Market. This week, on Saturday, Sept. 26, there will be several special events at GreeningRozzie’s info tent, including a wood-turning demo and kids’ art. Bring friends and family! Later the same day, from 1-3 p.m., Eric Lewandowski will do a free canning demonstration at 4320 Washington St. in Roslindale Village. Reservations are required due to limited space. Make a reservation with Eric at info@GreeningRozzie.org.
Finally, to bring this full circle, the Boston GreenFest committee will be presenting a special award to Mayor Thomas M. Menino on Saturday, Oct. 23, at our Roslindale Farmers Market. This event will be televised so please mark your calendars and come out in force at 11:30 a.m. to support the city of Boston and Roslindale’s green efforts. Look forward to seeing you!
This article first appeared in the Roslindale Transcript.
