Hello readers!

Are you  new to this page?  Check out our first entry to get a background on our mission and work.  This is an update of the effort to create a community center at 90 Windsor Street in Roxbury, Massachusetts.  This update begins with a list of upcoming events, then contains a detailed review of the happenings between the United Neighbors of Lower Roxbury and A Village at Work.  Finally, find a list of actions you can take to help our cause!

Thanks and enjoy reading!

Upcoming Events:

January 4, 2009 – A Village at Work Weekly Planning Meeting, 3pm, 998 Tremont St #2

January 8, 2009 – UNLR Monthly Meeting, 7pm, Location TBA

January 10, 2009 – Neighborhood Canvassing Drive

January 17, 2009 – Neighborhood Canvassing Drive

Center Updates:

The Latest Vote

The members of the United Neighbors of Lower Roxbury and A Village at Work have officially agreed to accept the proposal to turn the building at 90 Windsor Street into a community center. On December 4, 2008, the members of UNLR gathered for their monthly meeting. The membership agreed to give exclusive development rights to A Village at Work’s proposal and UNLR has the next 18 months to develop a community center at 90 Windsor Street. There will be presentations of the progress every 3 months. This vote gives us time to devote all our energies to the successful revitalization of the center without constantly fighting for our rights to develop the space. Now is the time to join this effort and we need all the positive energy and assistance we can get!

The New UNLR Board of Directors:

The December 4 meeting also allowed us an opportunity to vote on a new Board of Directors for UNLR. The new Board met on December 15 and picked officers. Here is a list of your new UNLR Board of Directors:

1. Michael Catino
2. Nataka Crayton – President
3. Bill Dellea
4. Beth Doriean – Vice-President/Clerk
5. Ian Doriean – Treasurer
6. Erica Pernell – Assistant Clerk
7. Kyle Robidoux
8. Bill Singleton
9. Bonita Walker

The UNLR Board can contain up to 13 members. As you can see above, we currently have 9 members. Between now and February 5, UNLR will accept nominations for the 4 empty seats on the Board. If you have a stake in our community and would like to serve a leadership position, please email avillageatwork@gmail.com or call 857-318-1049. Experience serving on a Board is not necessary at all. Everyone can bring something positive to the table, so please let us know if you are interested.

The first UNLR meeting of 2009 will take place on Thursday, January 8. This meeting will be the first under the new leadership of Nataka Crayton. The main agenda item for this month’s meeting is to discuss how UNLR relates to our lives, needs, wants, and visions for this community. Please join us and share your voice. We want to know what our community needs. We want to hear about your struggle and what keeps you going. Next month’s UNLR meeting will be a space for open discussion for all community members.

How Can I Help?

Help us get the word out. Talk about what we are doing to anyone who will listen! Talk to your co-workers, supervisors, friends, neighbors, and family members.
• Attend weekly AVAW meetings to help us plan, raise funds, and do outreach to the community. AVAW meetings take place every Sunday at 3pm.
• Join UNLR and attend monthly meetings. To be a member, you must be 18 years of age or older and reside or work in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood (defined by UNLR by-laws). Email avillageatwork@gmail.com for information or to get a membership form. OR show up to this month’s UNLR meeting on Thursday, January 8.
• Help us canvass the neighborhood. Join us for two canvassing drives on January 10 and January 17. We will pass out informational flyers and brochures and knock on doors to speak to people about the community center.

Yours in peace, justice, & community,

Erica Pernell

erica.pernell@gmail.com

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