Dear Mission Hill residents and businesses:
For those of you who have been participating in the Community Alliance of Mission Hill (CAMH) meetings—thank you. Thank you for wanting to drive positive change in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood is vibrant, diverse and, as identified by many of you in an earlier meeting this year, comfortable and welcoming to one and all.
Since 1995, the role of the CAMH has been to bring together Mission Hill neighbors, facilitate positive change, and increase the quality of life in our neighborhood. Through a voluntary board and monthly meetings, CAMH hears about important issues in our neighborhood. From zoning and licensing, to information and education about initiatives going on in the city, to community improvement goals and objectives, we provide feedback to the City and the State House on a broad range of topics on behalf of Mission Hill. Our collective voice drives change in our neighborhood, our city and our state.
In 2013, the Alliance had three very important goals: to increase membership and community participation; to work towards becoming a 501(c)(3); and to work with neighborhood partners to identify important issues and create an action plan to direct our efforts. I believe we have been successful in these goals—and beyond. Do we have more work to do? Yes, of course—and with great pleasure and enthusiasm. There are items on the list that need a lot of attention moving forward, but the commitment of the CAMH board and the Mission Hill residents is strong and will ensure that this work is done.
In the coming weeks, CAMH will distribute an online survey that will ask members, residents and local businesses to tell us about their concerns in the Mission Hill neighborhood. The board will use this information to invite speakers to the CAMH meetings, to target specific conversations, and to focus efforts to create positive change. We will use this feedback to continue to achieve our 2013 goals and to shape our 2014 goals. We look to you to provide feedback and to help us build a plan.
In closing, I would like to personally thank the CAMH board—Jim Burke, Kevin Cabral, Rich Johnson, Marc Meeks, Peter Muise and Sylvia Welsh—for their commitment and dedication, the Mission Hill businesses for their continuous support, and the Mission Hill residents—short-term and long-term—for shaping the story of Mission Hill and always wanting to drive forward with positive change.
CAMH meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at the Harvard School of Public Health in the Kresge Building, Room G-2, 7-8:30 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.
CAMH will host a holiday party and can drive for a local charity at The Crossing (1592 Tremont St.) on Wed., Dec. 18, 6:30-9 p.m. Please join us for a social get-together with friends, family and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there!
Happy Holidays.
Jessica Casey
President
Community Alliance of Mission Hill
Mission Hill