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- Thu, Oct 14, 2010, 5:24 P
Solar sound and more
Turners Falls RiverCulture presents Sun Boxes: a Solar Sound Installation by Craig Colorusso. http://www.montaguem...?gpt=30&g=197&ID=259 Does this count as posting twice?
- Mon, Sep 27, 2010, 12:20 P
Fall events in the county
Here are some events going on in the rest of the county! http://www.mainstree...966e0fb3c904e30c0e87
- Thu, Sep 23, 2010, 2:56 P
This week and beyond in the TF
This October is going to be awesome!! See this week's RiverCulture Newsletter here. http://www.montaguem...?gpt=30&g=197&ID=253
- Fri, Sep 17, 2010, 4:37 P
Turners This Week
Lots going on this week! Make a film, watch a Soapbox Derby, catch a country art fest, mark your calendars for Confluence.... http://www.montaguem...7&ID=252&success=yes
- Tue, Aug 17, 2010, 3:33 P
August 30th Producers deadline!
Turners Falls Producers Series has chosen its first award recipient: Craig Colorusso and his Sun Boxes solar sound installation. Details TBA. Next submission deadline is August 30th. Submit an idea. if we like it, we'll pay you to make it happen!
http://www.turnersfa...ure.org/news/55/110/
- Fri, Aug 6, 2010, 3:00 P
Turners Falls Block Party!!!
TF Downtown summer bash! August 14, 2-8 pm on the Ave! All the details here. http://bit.ly/cmHTWu
- Fri, Jul 23, 2010, 8:02 P
Latest RiverCulture Newsletter
Upcoming events in Turners Falls. http://bit.ly/bg46sg
- Thu, Jul 15, 2010, 1:48 P
Block Party Music Line-up Announced!
TF's biggest downtown summer bash of the year. Check out the music line-up, plus info on the rest of the packed day. August 14th. Downtown. Avenue A. http://www.turnersfa...rg/arts/block_party/
- Wed, Jul 14, 2010, 10:34 A
Make Your Own Parade
Block Party is August 14th! One of the best parts of the event for the past 3 years has been our off beat and quirky Turners style parade. This year, if you want to take part, meet on the green at the corner of Ave A and 2nd Street (on the lawn of Gallery 38 - old cumbies building) at 1:30. Bring your pots and pans, bikes, lawn chairs, sculptures on forklifts, your best zombie outfit, disco roller gear, your noise band in back of a pickup, and any other personal forms of expression and get ready to start strutting at 2 pm!
Participants should be on foot/skates or pulling floats by bike. Well ok, if you are toting a 3,000 lb sculpture, you can have a forklift.
Respond to this post for more details or call Lisa Davol 413-230-9910 or check http://www.turnersfallsriverculture.org/
- Wed, Jul 14, 2010, 10:31 A
Call to Producers Deadline Tomorrow!
RiverCulture's call to producers deadline is July 15th. For details call Lisa Davol 413-230-9910 or check specs at http://www.turnersfa...ure.org/news/55/110/
- Thu, Jul 8, 2010, 11:09 A
Christmas in July Event
Always the last Saturday in July. This year it is July 31. Lighted boat parade and fireworks by the Franklin County Boat Club. Starts at dark. Viewing at the riverfront in Turners' Unity Park.
- Wed, Jun 30, 2010, 5:08 P
Lots going on in Turners
Call to Producers, Block Party, Franklin County Biennial, Peskeomskut Park Festival, Footprints! http://www.turnersfallsriverculture.org/
- Fri, Dec 11, 2009, 11:47 A
Holiday happenings, art openings and more
Check out this week's festive lineup! http://www.mainstree...gcheck=42BJJhBFeCFg6
- Sat, Aug 8, 2009, 6:59 A
Block Party Tables
In case you do not know where tables are, here is the list with approximate locations. Set up begins at noon. Find your number below and then find it marked on the street.
Below is the list with the storefronts tables are near
Table Numbers
Table Name Storefront it is near on the street
1. DCR Van – Pipiones
2. 2nd St Bakery – VFW
3. Round Here – Round Here
4. El Bohio – Seth + Evas
5. Rendezvous - Seth + Eva's
6. TF Pizza – TF Pizza
7. MCTV - Togniarelli
8. Barts Ice Cream –empty AV House storefront
9. Montague Reporter -empty AV House StoreFront
10. Donna Petersen – AV House
11. Sara Gallagher – Rist Insurance
12. TFHS Alumni – Rist Insurance
12A. NELCWIT - Rist Insurance
12B. Lotus of the Nile- Rist Insurance
13. Northstar – Booskas
14. Community Health Center – Booskas
15. Brick House Healthy Start – Dental Office
16. DiPaolo – DiPaolo’s
17. Dial Self – Powertown Near DiPaolo’s lot entrance
18. Rise – Powertown
19. Gill Mont School Partnership – Powertown office
19A G-M School Dist. - Powertown office
20. Julianne Rosewarn – Powertown office
21. Ayana Imports - Powertown office
22. Southworth - Powertown office
23. Sheffield sno cones corner of Powertown and 4th st
24. Riverculture/MBA Table - Right of Stage
25. Sweet Charlotte’s- Next to RiverCulture
26. N’field mountain - nxt to Sweet Charlotte’s in front of storefront apt - near 3rd st alley
27. Friends of Wissatinnewag – On 3rd alley on RC table block
28. Firemen’s BBQ next to 3rd st alley in front of Fabulous Hair
29. Skate park near Fabulous Hair
30. Grumpies – Arnies
31. MCSM – Arnie’s on corner
Call 413-230-9910 with questions
- Fri, Aug 7, 2009, 3:31 P
Lawn Chairs???
If you have any of the old fashioned, webbed kind to donate or loan, OR if you want to march with the Lawn Chair Brigade, please meet us in front of the old Cumbies where the parade will kick off. We'll be there at 1:15. For more info, you may contact Anne at 834-0777 or annejemas@verizon.net. Thanks!
- Fri, Aug 7, 2009, 12:42 P
Mucho help needed for Block Party!
Hello All!
The TF Block Party will be held this Saturday from 2-8 p.m.
Come join the fun, the food and the music.
and.........we really need help with set up at noon and clean up after 8 p.m.
if you are able to help stop by the riverculture table and ask for Pam or Lisa.
- Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:07 P
TFMA Culture Events this week
Great events lined up for this week including jazz at DiPaolo's, Photographer lecture at Discovery Center, Bastille Day BBQ parking lot party and more! http://www.montaguem...?gpt=32&g=197&id=193
- Sat, Jul 18, 2009, 8:30 A
Fashion on the Ave
Listen to a little preview with Rachel Teumim and Monte Belmonte about the Fabrication fashion show at the Block Party here!
- Fri, Jul 17, 2009, 4:22 P
Get involved with the Block Party!
Turners Falls Block Party is August 8th. We need volunteers, so if you are interested, please click here for ways you can help. http://www.turnersfa...y-and-Fashion-Show-/
- Wed, Jul 1, 2009, 5:27 P
TFMA 7.1.09
Happy Independence Day! Check out this week's happenings. http://www.mainstree...gcheck=42woGehPfdxeY
- Wed, Jun 24, 2009, 1:43 P
This week’s newsletter
TFMA Culture 6.23.09 http://www.montaguem...?gpt=32&g=197&id=191
- Fri, Jun 12, 2009, 3:09 P
TFMA Culture 6.12.09
Here's this week's RiverCulture newsletter... . http://www.montaguem...?gpt=32&g=197&id=190
- Thu, May 28, 2009, 6:24 P
Block Party - Reserve your spot
If artists, businesses or organizations would like to have a spot on the street at the block party, please reserve by June 25th for early bird discount. More info here http://www.turnersfa...s-Block-Party-2009-/
- Thu, May 21, 2009, 5:58 P
Artists at Block Party
ATTENTION ARTISTS - Would you like to have a table/tent at the Turners Falls Block Party on August 8th? Would any of you like to coordinate the artist section? Please get in touch with me by emailing back or calling 413.230.9910 or getting in touch with via RiverCulture website www.turnersfallsriverculture.org
Lisa
- Mon, Apr 27, 2009, 12:59 P
Turners Falls Block Party 2009!
This year's party will be August 8th from 2-8 PM.
Music, food, art and more all on Avenue A in downtown Turners Falls. Stay tuned here for details on the music line up, street offerings and for opportunities to get involved! In the meantime, call Lisa for info. 413.230.9910 or email her.
- Tue, Dec 16, 2008, 7:46 A
Holiday Cheer with Steve & Lisa
Thursday December 18 at 8 PM.
Lisa Davol and Steve Alves host an evening of holiday songs at the Rendezvous in Turners Falls. Come join in the fun! Special quests include: Emily Brewster, Patricia Pruitt, JD Keating, Hillary Smith, and Captain Tim. Song lyrics will be provided.
- Mon, Nov 10, 2008, 2:44 P
Call for public art proposals!
Deadline to submit proposals is December 4th
The Turners Falls RiverCulture Project is requesting proposals from artists/landscape designers/groups/persons to design and implement a temporary art installation (lasting up to 3 years) for a public walkway connecting downtown Turners Falls to the residential hill section of Turners Falls. Project budget is $4,500 including a $1,000 design fee and $3,500 for construction materials, labor, delivery, and assembly and installation requirements. All persons interested in applying should call Lisa Davol at 413-230-9910 or email her at riverculture@montague.net. Deadline to submit proposals is Thursday December 4th at 4:00 pm. The RFP can be viewed from the homepage of the RiverCulture website.
The Turners Falls RiverCulture Project is funded by The Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Town of Montague, Western Massachusetts Electric Co., Fostering the Arts and Culture Partnership, Hillside Plastics, and Greenfield Savings Bank.
http://www.turnersfallsriverculture.org/
- Thu, Oct 23, 2008, 11:57 A
Halloween Performance?
Does anyone know anything about the performance that is supposed to be happening in peskeomskut park on halloween?
- Wed, Aug 13, 2008, 4:43 P
Block party Photos
If anyone has photos of the block party, please send them my way so i can distribute and post them on the RiverCulture website. Here are some on Janel Nockelby’s Flickr page. http://www.flickr.co...s/72157606656345092/
Lisa Davol
- Thu, Aug 7, 2008, 2:16 P
Block Party: Help Needed and Wish List
It’s almost here! This year’s Turners Falls Block Party is only two days away. We hope to see you downtown on Saturday during the party, which will begin with a parade at 3pm and continue until 10 with live music, food, and fun for all ages on Avenue A and beyond.
Many people, businesses, and organizations have contributed to making this year’s party happen, but it’s not too late to pitch in. On Saturday, there will be lots of opportunities to help. Just show up at:
8am - to help set up the tents that will protect music and equipment (we need lots of hands)
9am (and after) - to set up stage & equipment + green room for performers
noon - to block off streets, hang signs, set up another tent, and help vendors get situated
2:30pm - to help with or be in the parade
3pm (and after) - to staff tables, assist with kids’ activities, and run last-minute errands (Come to the RiverCulture table for an assignment.)
10pm - to help break it all down and clean up
We would also like people to take photographs of the event to have on file and someone to estimate attendance at various points during the day.
We’re also still looking for a few important items:
* Stakes for attaching signs to
* A truck to hold full garbage bags and drive to the DPW after the party
* Non-toxic art supplies suitable for collage and painting
* Lots & lots of duct tape
* Good weather!!!
If you can help, please let me know -- or just come down to Avenue A and stop by the RiverCulture table on Saturday. See you there!
Lisa Davol
RiverCulture Coordinator
For more information about the 2008 Block Party and other events in Turners Falls, see www.turnersfallsriverculture.org
- Thu, Jun 26, 2008, 5:35 P
MarKamusic Rain Location
In case of rain, RiverCulture’s MarKamusic concert this Saturday at 6 pm will will be held inside at St. Kazimierz. (across from Peskeomskut Park and Carnegie Library at the corner of Ave A and 7th Street in Turners Falls) Click here for details http://www.turnersfa...ure.org/news/32/110/
- Sun, May 18, 2008, 11:26 A
African Dance Performance Today!
African dance performance also today at the Great Hall of the Discovery Center at 2 pm.
- Fri, May 16, 2008, 12:21 P
Mead tasting at the Voo during Arts & Blooms this weekend
Yes, of course, the Sunday night poetry reading and music jam at the Rendezvous is open to the public. It’s a benefit for the Montague Reporter, and we want everyone to come.
Bring a poem, bring a friend, hoist a few, have a blast, support independent media in Montague. Open mic sign up from 7:45 on; music starts at 7:30 sharp with Banish Misfortune (Celtic traditional) followed by the lower case g’s and the Ghost Quartet. See you there.
- Fri, May 16, 2008, 7:58 A
Mead tasting at the Voo during Arts & Blooms this weekend
dude,
is the sunday night event open to the public..? will you be there?
- Wed, May 14, 2008, 2:07 P
Sense of Place Forum
You are invited to attend a community visioning for the Turners Falls Pathways Project
With Special Facilitator: Annaliese Bischoff
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Great Hall, at the Discovery Center.
Why should I go? Be part of your community, meet new people, and positively contribute to our collective sense of place. Light refreshments & beverages provided
About the Turners Falls Pathways Project
The project aims to involve community members in a collaborative and creative process to redesign part of our community space. We will be transforming two town owned sidewalks into artistic and landscape designed pathways through the woods. The Pathways will serve as a unique and artistic feature of Montague as well as a pleasant and inspiring path to encourage people to walk downtown. The Pathways is a collaborative project of Turners Falls RiverCulture, Brick House, School Based Services and Franklin Hampshire Career Center
Ms. Bischoff is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and a Faculty Advisor with Commonwealth College with 28 years of teaching experience. Professor Bischoff has published numerous articles and book chapters on community and open space design. Her work has received merit awards in research and design from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) Professional Awards Program. Her research focuses on the cultural influences that shape the landscape with an emphasis on historic identity and landscape character.
Questions? Contact Turners Falls RiverCulture, at 413-230-9910, Dianne Ellis at 863-9843, or Desiree at the Brick House, 863-9576
- Wed, May 14, 2008, 9:17 A
Mead tasting at the Voo during Arts & Blooms this weekend
12-5pm on Sat (and likely Sunday as well). Your local neighborhood meadery (Green River Ambrosia) will be sampling our first release of our "Summer Sparkler" honey wine. Lightly effervescent with a nice honey bouquet (but not to thick or sweet...think champagne, not port).
Also remember the Montague Reporter fundraiser event at the Voo on Sunday night.
See you there!
-Garth
- Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 12:45 P
Block Party Meeting
Block Party meeting today at 5:30pm in the Responsive Classroom Center of Northeast Foundation for Children, which is 66 2nd Street, Turners Falls (across from the 2nd St. Bakery).
Come to this and other planning meetings if you want to help shape what this summer’s Block Party will be like! Or, if you can’t make it, be sure to let Lisa or me know of your interest.
If what you really want to do is just help out when the party happens in August, that’s fine, too. We need people like you, so let us know you’re out there! You don’t have to come to today’s meeting (unless you want to.)
Jen Audley
TURNERS FALLS 2nd Annual BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, August 9, 2008
3 p.m. to 10 p.m. – rain or shine
Downtown Turners Falls, MA
Avenue A between 3rd and 5th Streets
- Mon, Mar 24, 2008, 4:03 P
Block Party Planning Meeting Thursday 27th
Turners Falls Block Party! August 9th. Help Make it Happen! Planning Meeting March 27th, 6 PM @ Montague Town Hall
We need help with: Entertainment, Kids activities, Marketing, Creative Fundraising, Food, Set up, Parade, Community Art Project, Signage
If you would like to be involved in any of the above categories please come to the planning meeting on the 27 th. If you would like to help in another way, please call Lisa 413.230.9910 or email riverculture@montague.net
- Fri, Mar 14, 2008, 6:40 P
acoustic bass player
Amateur pianist/vocalist looking for acoustic/ upright bassist for casual (musical) fun. Jazz standards and such. If interested, please call Lisa 863-9296 or post or email back.
- Wed, Nov 28, 2007, 7:24 P
Art Walk this weekend
Get a start on your holiday cheer. Come to Arts & Icicles and other Turners Falls events. More here: http://www.montaguem...?gpt=34&g=197&ID=150
- Sun, Sep 9, 2007, 9:49 A
Turners in Sunday Boston Globe
Wow, that is a very cool article ... beautiful photos too! I took that geology walk w/my sons last Columbus Day weekend (I think) ... highly recommended!! We really do live in a great area and LIsa, I know you have worked very hard to raise its profile. Thank you for all your hard work.
- Sun, Sep 9, 2007, 8:11 A
Also in today’s Globe
Today there is also a Globe editorial about keeping Nestle out of Montague.
- Sun, Sep 9, 2007, 6:24 A
Turners in Sunday Boston Globe
Check out the great travel piece on Turners Falls in today’s (Sunday) Boston Globe. Interesting to note is the "loiterers" were seen as adding vibrancy to the village as evidenced by the prominent picture of them in the print version. Here is the web version which includes a photo gallery. http://www.explorene..._but_not_traditional
- Tue, Aug 28, 2007, 6:48 P
Loitering
Wow.
I agree with some of what you say, but that type of cynical viewpoint isn’t healthy.
The Town is comprised of many different types of people, and for those that are proactive, no stance should be ignored. They should all be considered as we move forward towards positive development.
As for the folks by the Cafe, whatever it’s called, they might look back on these days with joy and longing as they become productive members of our taxpayer society who, in general, despises the concept of what they are doing because it appears bohemian or lazy.
I have made the argument off this site that the regenesis of this town will come at a price, an economic price, and that will be largely determined by the people that open their hearts and wallets to a new Montague, either by moving here, spending here, or by opening businesses here.
It doesn’t have to be NOHO, and will never be. But it might be a happy medium.
PCD
- Tue, Aug 28, 2007, 6:20 P
Loitering
It amazes me how out of touch the so-greatly-concerned citizens of Montague are. Turners Falls has all of a sudden become "a great cultural mecca" while at the same time turning into a typical Northampton where diversity is judged upon by the thickness of one’s wallet.
"Oh dear, what must we do of the loitering on the Avenue?" A funny question since most of those asking this come from the baby boomer generation that flocked to Haight-Ashbury back in the 60’s. Such a big disruption on my way to the Avenue A cafe hint hint Greenfield Recorder it’s no longer called Cup O’ Joe for those who only pass through downtown on your way to work you may have totally overlooked this.
I happen to be one of those kids who used to drum in downtown Greenfield. I played the same snare drum as I proudly paraded in the Block Part y parade. Alot of people seem to forget that in their teen years and early twenties people are going through the most experimental time of their lives. That’s why I don’t freak out about the kids loitering because I know in a year or two a majority of them will be productive taxpayers that will probably look down upon what they are doing right now. But people seem to forget what being a teenager is like.
Alot of the new breed moving into this community have this illusion that they are so open minded but at the same they are being selective in their ways of improving the town. Everyone complains about the VFW but no one cares to discuss how they went under in the first place or why no one owns the property yet. From what I heard the first people interested in buying the property backed out on it.
- Tue, Aug 28, 2007, 9:53 A
Loitering
I like the idea of dialogue with the teens or with each other for that matter. When I drove by Cup o Joe’s the other day and saw a crowd of teens and adults together playing it warmed my heart. Teens are a wonderful asset to our community. My son started a trend in Greenfield of drumming on the common over 12 years ago. It was a place for them to gather, they were visible, and staying out of trouble. I know that my son has carried on the tradition on Nantucket Island where he now lives with his family. He still plays music and has an art studio. I am not sure that without the encouragement of the greater community that he would have continued along that path. While I know that it is important to not interfere with the business community’s ability to do their business, I also know that our young people are struggling and need to feel a part of our community. I like the idea of them having space in some of our lovely parks. I also like the idea that they are out in the open so that the community can assist in ensuring their safety. Everyone’s safety in our community is important, store owners, shoppers, and teens alike. In as much as teens rally against authority they are very much still in need of our support and guidance, to know that we care about them and that they are important.
I do love how downtown Turners is looking these days. I have been here all of my life and have seen it go through many transformations. I know that it is with caring, connection, and communication that our community is transforming to a safe and wonderful place to be/ live again. My Great Grandparents lived in Turners all of my life. My Great Grandfather (they called him Zephy) would "loiter" with his friends on the park benches that used be on Avenue A. He bought his "Chew" at Equie’s and brought us there for a treat every now and then. It was a great place to be as a kid, I played on the boardwalks. I think if Zephy were visiting downtown and ran accross the teens on the street he would stop and talk to them and offer them a pepermint (he always had them in his shirt pocket). I wish that I had more time to get to know my "neighbors". I work in downtown Turners now and am happy to be back here and impressed with what people are doing in terms of making the community a better place to be.
I also want to say that the block party was wonderful!!! Great Job on all who organized and all who attended!! It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event. I hope there are more to come.
I say, Yeah to everyone and what is being done for good. Yeah to peace and community. I love it here and hope it continues to move in a positive direction.
- Tue, Aug 28, 2007, 9:28 A
Loitering
Jared,
I agree completely. 100%
So, as you say, back to square 1. How to get people to come to Turners and reignite the downtown?
Well, having something to go to is important. The eminent opening of the Rendezvous, with the later hours of the cafe, are very helpful. Hopefully David can do something with the old VFW to add to the mix.
What is downtown Turners missing? Another eatery would be great for people who work in town (as I sometimes do) or some other business that people would find useful in walking distance. If we all think about it, what else would be useful to have right there? A deli / minimart / bodega of some kind? A family-style restaurant?
Has anyone done a study of the current store-front businesses in Turners and compared it to other thriving downtowns? This is not rocket science.
Lastly, a nice friendly sign on Route 2 welcoming drivers to Turners, and perhaps a business listing sign touting some of the businesses? We need to market the strip to passers-by and remind residents and local workers what they have.
I think the bookstore missed the blob by a year.
- Tue, Aug 28, 2007, 8:38 A
Loitering
Many of you know me as the Youth Programs Coordinator at The Brick House on Third St. I’ve been following this thread since it started, and have read every single post. This is an issue very close to my heart since most of the loitering youths in question are frequent visitors of The Brick House. I have been both saddened and heartened by the comments on the issue of loitering.
First of all, cheers to Patrick for daring to take a minute to sit with these folks and talk to them. It is clear from his post, that a brief conversation was all that it took for him to learn that these individuals are respectful, thoughtful, talented, and kind. I have known many of these folks for years, and I am constantly impressed with how intelligent and articulate they can be. Most folks never get to know them in this way, since the first impression made by their appearance often keeps people away. If you politely ask them to move so you can walk down the street easier, they will be respectful and courteous, and apologize for blocking your way. If you sneer and look down your nose at them, they’ll give you the same looks in-turn. There is no need to fear them, they are friendly and by no means dangerous. Next time you walk past them, think about how you present yourself to them.
These youths are not a blight on Ave. A keeping businesses from thriving. I paid close attention to the streets of Northampton this past weekend and noticed far more loiterers, homeless people, people clearly under the influence, and folks generally matching the complaints posted about this group. Clearly that hasn’t affected Northampton businesses.
Back to the drawing board...so what is it that keeps business from thriving in Turners? One thought is that Turners isn’t really on the way to anywhere, meaning that folks need to decide to go to Turners as opposed to just stopping by on their way through. Perhaps more could be done to encourage traffic from Route 2 to detour through. People need a reason to visit Turners, otherwise it’s just a scaled down version of Greenfield or Brattleboro--and why go to the scaled-down version when the full version is easier to get to? Local arts events are helping, Arts & Blooms, Arts & Leaves, etc. The Hallmark Museum is something else that folks can only find here. Businesses need to have a customer base as an incentive to open, or stay open; and customers need to have access to a variety of goods and services (preferably unique) as an incentive to come to town. Without one, we can’t have the other. Thus, we have a chicken-or-the-egg situation. I think that folks who are frustrated with this have chosen to lay some of the blame on these "loiterers," who really have nothing to do with the situation. After all, the book store certainly didn’t close because of folks hanging out on Ave. A, nor did the Bellybowl.
Thanks for reading,
Jared
- Sun, Aug 26, 2007, 9:59 P
Loitering
I took the initiative today to stop by the Cup O’Joe and hang out with the kids on the street. The following are my observations and recollections of my conversation, which may be summarized.
10 young folk, dressed in alternative type garb, playing 2 guitars, a ukilalie (SP!) and some sort of drum.
Cigarettes in hand, drinking coffee and eating food clearly purchased from inside Joe’s....conservative estimate, 60.00 worth.
So I sit, and I ask, "So, is this loitering?"
The conversation ensues.
Bottom line: Good people, very intelligent and articulate; solid grasp of a world perspective, considerate and respectful.
They talk about the re-genesis of culture and arts in downtown Turners like it was their idea....so passionate! Committed to a greater sense of community awareness. No littering, no foul language, no drugs or anyone visibly impaired by the like. Very peaceful, tight knit group of friends, but open to outsiders as well.
Aware of the challenges of Downtown Turners; they point out the drug culture, alcohol abuse, poverty; just trying to make some music and bring some light and laughter to that "side" of the street.
Paints the "other" side of the street as negative, infested with drugs and violence. Thinks it’s wrong and a "shame".
Beg the question of why if, in places more developed culturally like NoHo or Bratt ("where it’s ok to hang out and drink coffee and play music") they get such a "hassle" by the local Police department.
90% college students; UMASS or GCC. Enrolled for fall semester.
Likes Hallmark and the new downtown vibe, like River Culture activities and a more communal sense of downtown.
PLEASED beyond control that I stopped to talk and ask...very discursive, engaging and honest; polite.
They asked me what I thought they could do to help, and responded:
Make a sign that says "positive change starts here" and put it up when you guys are downtown.
Continue to be respectful, but find new and more vocal ways to demonstrate that you are in fact so.
Become an active, vocal voice on this site and share your downtown experiences.
Campaign for aggressive change and monitoring of the negative parts of the culture of our downtown area.
Continue to contribute to the dialogue in a positive, cooperative manner, even when attacked or questioned.
Foster openness, play music, and pray for the the changes they all hope are happening.
Verdict: Good kids, artistic, and working hard to make a life for themselves. They love downtown TF, and hope to see it become everything they would like it to be.
Hearing some of those ideas, I’d like it to be so too.
I enjoyed my time today, and will be paying close attention in the future to what these kids do for our community.
Patrick
