Following a gloriously sunny Saturday, the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council (NHNAC), renowned for its organizational expertise, prepared for another successful community celebration — the 47th annual Village Day on Sunday, June 9. The event would also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NHNAC – the oldest of the four Newton Area Councils.
As the day began, community organization members greeted one another as they set up tents to be ready for the scheduled 11AM opening. Colorful tents with a wide range of social, political, commercial, and community connections lined both sides of Lincoln Street. A large tent in front of the Highlands Congregational Church awaited musical groups and their audience. Village Day sponsors — the Village Bank, the Brookline Bank, and others — were ready for people to snap up freebees, including tote bags.
Then the rain came pelting down.
Puddles quickly accumulated in the middle and along the sides of Lincoln Street. A few hardy people, wrapped in raingear, braved the heavy downpour and falling temperatures. The view down Lincoln Street was largely devoid of people. People in the booths used umbrellas to poke at puddles accumulating on their tents, and sounds of splashing water competed with the music.
Undeterred by the unfavorable weather, members of the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council patrolled the street, encouraging vendors and the few visitors. NHNAC President Jeremy Freudberg, Vice President Barbara Darnell, Treasurer Groot Gregory, and Secretary Srdjan Nedeljkovic offering support, as well as cupcakes rich in whipped cream and sprinkles.
Waban Area Council President Chris Pitts was the producer responsible for the musical entertainment. The Newton Highlands Conservatory led with entertainment for children. Gaby Cotter and Timba Messengers competed with the most intense rains, as Ms. Cotter plaintively sang “Let The Sun Shine In.” Eli Cash and his band added their lively sounds to the afternoon. But it was the Newton Highlands Conservatory Jazz group that finally outplayed the rain and welcomed a spectacular reappearance of the sun. The crowds of visitors appeared.
Political candidates were on hand to greet voters. All three candidates in the 12th Middlesex House District race to succeed Rep. Ruth Balser — Bill Humphrey, Rick Lipof, and Greg Schwartz — had booths and talked with constituents. Amy Sangiolo, running for the 11th Middlesex House seat to replace retiring Rep.Kay Khan, was the only one of three candidates in that race with a booth. City Councilors Alison Leary, Tarik Lucas, Julia Ann Malakie, Rena Getz, Martha Bixby, Vicki Danberg, Alan Lobovits, Marc Laredo, and Stephen Farrell came to support the Area Council and to participate in the special George Mansfield Day celebration.
Commenting on the day, Dr. Nedeljkovic said:
It was a Village Day to remember! Heavy rain, temperatures falling to the 50s, but then ending with brilliant sunshine. Thanks to all who worked very hard to make it happen, especially Area Council Treasurer Groot Gregory. It was also wonderful to be part of the commemoration of former Alderman and Newton Highlands resident George Mansfield and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Area Council.
NHNAC Secretary Srdjn Nedeljkovic
