Neighborhood Leadership Awards

After receiving a wide variety of strong applications, the following for projects were chosen to receive the first round of Neighborhood Leadership Award mini-grants during the Summer of 2006 (check back soon for the fall 2006 recipients).

Arts in Gateway Park Performance Series: This series included “Stories from the Stump” literacy readings, “Splash Alerts” where physical activity were encouraged through creative movement while running through sprinklers on hot summer days, and poetry readings, dance performances, and music on the open stage in Gateway Park, located on Sagamore Street. The first event was Friday, July 7, from 7-9 p.m.

Wall Plaza Human Diversity Project: The diverse participants of the adult literacy program Operation Bootstraps joined with senior citizens from Wall Plaza for a day of multi-cultural activities. The project increased understanding and respect for the increasing diversity of the Lynn community. The project and took place on August 15, and is coordinated by the Lynn Housing Authority.

Growing Community through Garden: The project began by first creating a community container garden in the Sloan Machine Lofts, then reached out to other areas to create similar gardens. “Growing Community” used gardening as a way to bring people together while beautifying the community.

Coming Together on the Common: On August 6, 13, 20, and 27, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church hosted afternoon parking lot events that involved food (cookouts, make-your-own-Sundaes, popsicles, ice cream bars) and art projects for children. They had children design and paint murals for the church parking lot fences and create smaller works on wood to take home.