July 2020
Green Team: Engaged, Excited, And Ready to Go
Summer Green Team (GT) is in full swing! As we finish up week 2, our youth are learning about the importance of self-care as it relates to productivity - so important right now - and are also doing work at either Costello Farm, parks along the Spicket River Greenway, or Den Rock Park in carefully scheduled and social distanced blocks of time. Keeping our GT busy and active, this is all happening in combination with zoom groups for icebreakers and online work focusing on job skills, career exploration, and service learning. This mindfully crafted mix of in-person and virtual experiences keeps our Green Team safe while making sure their summer is all that it can be!
Your Voice Matters: Storrow Park Renovations
As planning continues for the renovation of Storrow Park , GWL is preparing for the next community meeting in partnership with the city of Lawrence. The meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22nd at 6:00 at Storrow Park and will take place while adhering to safety and social distancing guidelines. During the meeting, we will work together as a community to make important decisions about the basketball court, new playgrounds, pathways, and gathering spaces. With over 7.6 acres, Storrow Park has the potential to become a great park offering opportunities to increase physical activities for all ages. The park was last renovated in 2001 when five existing tennis courts were replaced with a playground, basketball court, lawn area, and a parking lot. Read more about the park and our work here .
Ed Talk with Ed Team
Have you seen our newest online video series? Every week we post a new video with one of our Education Team members leading you through a fun lesson and activity that you can do at home. All of our Ed Talks can be found on YouTube here . Check out one of our videos below, where Vallary teaches the life cycle of a seed while making a flower craft. While there, take a moment to appreciate our new YouTube page layout and playlists, and be sure to subscribe !
Standing Together We Stand Stronger
Last week, GWL was proud to join with over 100 organizations across Massachusetts to support police reform and civil rights bills that have been introduced in the State Legislature. We are happy to see that many provisions from those bills were included in a larger bill that passed the State Senate on Monday. The work continues, as we hope to see this legislation pass the house and be signed by the Governor. Although one bill cannot solve all the issues and fix the systemic racism that permeates our society, we are honored to help with this step in the right direction.
Urban Adventures: Learning to Help the Community
Our Urban Adventures summer program began two weeks ago, kicking off at Youth Development Organization, Esperanza Academy, and the Boys and Girls Club. This summer, students in Urban Adventures will learn about environmental stewardship, social and emotional learning, and human impact on the environment. During their four weeks together, students will participate in a service-learning project that will help to mitigate a problem present in our community. In their first week, students and councilors developed shared values for the program, shown above. Meet the counselors and read more about the program in the first of our weekly Urban Adventures newsletters:
Welcome to our Newest Board Members
Over the past few months, we've added a few new faces to our Board of Directors . We're excited to have them join us as part of the Groundwork Lawrence team!
Andreina Viera, Founder and CEO of The Vieras
Analuz Garcia, Assistant Director of Community and International Relations at Northern Essex Community College
Jess Colcord, Vice President, Senior Branch Relationship Manager, Enterprise Bank
Making the Merrimack Valley More Bike Friendly
The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is putting together an Active Transportation Plan and needs your help! Using their interactive map, you can tell them what bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure you think is needed in the Merrimack Valley. Your input will help them determine:
  • Where bike racks are needed
  • What bike routes are your favorites
  • Where you would like to ride, but don’t feel safe
  • Preferred on-road connections to off-road trails
  • Pedestrian transit access points
  • Challenging intersection for cyclists and pedestrians
Learn more here and fill out your input in the interactive map here
Mark Your Calendars
While there have been some adjustments, some of our - and we hope your - favorite community events have started or are not too far off! Mark your calendar now:
Every Wednesday (North Common), Friday (Nevins Memorial Library), and Saturday (Lawrence Catholic Academy) from 10:00-3:00. July 6-October 30.

Join in our revamped virtual walk/run by completing a 5K course on a route of your choosing, and then post about it on your favorite social media! The event is happening over 10 days in late August.

We may not be able to gather in a group, but we can still "keep it clean!" Join the community in a "virtual" city wide cleanup on Saturday, September 26 and cleanup around your home. We will provide materials and equipment.

November will be here before you know it! Stay tuned for updates on this year's Glow Gala. It may have a new look, but it's sure to be the Glow gathering of good friends and good times you've come to expect!