RVMS Celebrates Twenty Years of Success

by Cathy Slade

What’s twenty years old, has a lot of friends, is one of the first of its kind in the country, is known internationally, was in the running for a national award, and arranges visits from Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for the enjoyment of hundreds? That would be Roslindale Village Main Street (“RVMS”), one of the six original Main Streets started in the country and the only one located in an urban setting.

The twentieth birthday party for RVMS was held at its Annual Meeting in October at the Sons of Italy Hall. MJ’s Subs & Pizza catered the event with a variety of delicious “just-like-home-cooking” dishes to feed RVMS’ many friends and supporters.

Charlie McCarthy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, opened the meeting by thanking everyone within the organization, plus its other community partners and financial supporters, for their efforts in helping RVMS succeed in revitalizing the central business district. He took participants on a visual journey back in time to when the Village had no night life, grates on nearly every business, no supermarket, and sparse daytime pedestrian traffic. He said many people have worked hard over the years to transform the business district into an aesthetically pleasing destination point for shoppers and diners.

Now, people come from all around to dine at unique restaurants and shop for original creations at charming boutiques. This, combined with the mainstays of the district who persisted through meager times in the 70s, has made the thriving business district we have today.

Charlie McCarthy had words of high praise for RVMS director Janice Williams, complimenting her talents in promoting Roslindale businesses. He credited Janice with expanding membership, upgrading the RVMS website, and publishing an electronic monthly newsletter that goes to 1,700 people.

Main Street then bestowed an Apprecia-tion Award on Mayor Thomas M. Menino. He was a City Councilor twenty-one years ago when he approached the Roslindale business community with the idea of applying for a grant for a new national program to start a Main Street District here in Roslindale.

Winning support from local merchants, they began the process of applying to the National Trust for Preservation to take advantage of technical assistance and begin the journey of revitalization. Mr. McCarthy said, “Mayor Menino planted a seed twenty years ago. He has fertilized and watered that seed with his time and resources; and that seed has flourished into a vibrant business district.” The award was accepted on behalf of the Mayor by his longtime friend, businessman, Greg Laham.

The next speaker was City Councilor Rob Consalvo who congratulated everyone involved in the Main Street program. He said that his job is easier because of the many people who volunteer and give so much time to the community. Stating that Roslindale is envied throughout the city for its neighborhood character and lively central business district, Consalvo explained that business districts are the lifeblood of neighborhoods, just as neighborhoods are the lifeblood of the city. Rob expressed his gratitude to Janice Williams as a professional and a friend, and he echoed Mr. McCarthy’s eloquent words of praise for her.

The City Councilor said he was honored to present a special award to a special member of the Main Street Board of Directors. He summoned Tom Donahue to the front of the room and lauded heaps of praise upon him as he offered a Lifetime Achievement Award to him. The ever-humble and private Tom appeared as though he wished to be anywhere but where he was, receiving the recognition he so deserved. (See article on page 1.)

Councilor Consalvo noted that Tom’s signature is on nearly every event that happens in Roslindale, stating that Tom is involved in so many community groups because he truly cares about the community. As a result, Tom truly deserves this special recognition. His tireless effort, commitment, and dedication to the Roslindale Day Parade have made it one of the finest in the city, said Consalvo. With the presentation of a plaque and a Boston City Council Official Resolution, people rose to their feet in heartfelt applause. Then Mayoral Aide David McNulty presented Tom with a City of Boston Citation for Outstanding Service, at which Mr. Donahue received another standing ovation.

“Heart Beats” wishes Roslindale Village Main Street, a wonderful community organization, another twenty years of success and hopes that our local community will be fortunate enough to receive another twenty years of devotion by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Tom Donahue, and the many other dedicated residents and merchants who made all of this possible.