July 2019 @ MPDC
A fabulous 4th of July with MPDC!
MPDC's Fourth Annual 4th of July Celebration at Hope Community Garden welcomed over 130 residents from all over the Boston area for an evening of activities , healthy BBQ , and fireworks ! This multi-generational & multicultural event is one of the highlights of the summer in Roxbury. Families in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the 'Kids-Zone' with one parent noting, "Our son, despite his autism, is interacting with other kids and having a great time.' Thank you to all who joined us for this gorgeous evening!
A jubilant July at The Dewitt Center
As The Dewitt Center celebrates one year since it opened it’s doors to the Roxbury community , it is busier than ever with everything from dance classes ( Dancing with Tayquan ) to welcoming folks to The Tech Lab.
 
We have lots of exciting programs , workshops , activities , and events planned at The Dewitt Center during the summer and we are ready to  #DoItAtTheDewitt !
 
Through the summer, we are looking forward to hosting returning programs such as  OneLove Sports Academy  and welcoming new ones such as  Why I Move’ Liturgical Dance . We also have lots of special events planned such as Movie Nights  &  Video Game Nights . You can view the latest catalog  here & the full schedule of Dewitt Center programs & events  here .
 
I nterested in hosting a community event or program at
The Dewitt Center?
Fill out our inquiry form  here  or contact  Erica Davis  / 617.541.3900
for more information.
Pilar Tucker, Founder & CEO of Empower Our Crown , welcomed 75 women to celebrate self-love through a masterclass on “Loving Yourself into Your Purpose." Attendees
were encouraged and challenged to identify steps on how to become more confident and self-loving . Guest speakers shared their personal stories on their own inspiration to manifest their confidence, self-worth, and purpose.
The Dewitt Center hosted its first Senior Paint Day for residents of MPDC. Twelve senior residents created their own one of a kind masterpiece led by paint instructor Kristin Chin. Join us for the next Senior Paint Day on August 19th to create your own work of art!
Winn Management hosted its annual Father’s Day Dinner for residents of MPDC. The evening included giveaways, delicious food, and a boxing ring photo booth. Thank you to all the families who joined us for this fun event!
Over 50 Dewitt Center program vendors & MPDC youth leaders participated in a 3-hour Trauma-Informed Training provided by Mass Mentoring Partnership . The training focused on identifying signs of trauma and implementing trauma-informed practices in child and youth-serving programs.
Stay connected by following the
Dewitt Center Facebook & Instagram pages!
MPDC at Metro Area Planning Council
In July, MPDC's Resident & Civic Engagement Manager, Beya Jimenez moderated a panel at Metro Area Planning Council in Boston . This event is part of a series highlighting equity and inclusion in the planning and community development field . The lunch series was well attended and included Wendell Joseph from the City of Cambridge, Elijah Romulus from the Town of Bridgewater, and Jim Pereira from the Old Town Planning Council. Thank you to the MAPC for hosting!
MPDC cheers on the Boston Red Sox
MPDC staff, residents, and program participants are thankful for the Boston Red Sox and The Red Sox Foundation 's continued generosity as they share the experience of America's pastime with Roxbury . In July, MPDC enjoyed a beautiful night out watching the Boston Red Sox defeat the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park .
Upgrades at Hibernian Hall
Hibernian Hall was dark for the month of July while we   worked on capital improvements to the ballroom. In addition to refinishing wood ballroom floors, MPDC remodeled the green room and public bathrooms. The conference room has new carpeting, light fixtures, and art.  We are excited for guests to see our fresh new look in the fall! 
Stay connected by following Hibernian Hall!
MPDC celebrates another successful OSHA-10 class
This summer, MPDC continued to provide OSHA-10 training alongside Dellbrook JKS. Recently, we welcomed our largest OSHA-10 class to date at The Dewitt Center. Since the training, MPDC assisted with the placement of three graduates into full–time positions with contractors in the Greater Boston area. MPDC is excited to continue hosting OSHA-10 classes throughout the year!
 
Stay tuned for MPDC's upcoming OSHA - 30 Class coming this fall!
For more information contact Katrina Conrad , MPDC Workforce Diversity Project Manager   / 617.849.6226.
SummerRox is a slam dunk!
SummerRox is an introductory summer basketball league for youth ages 6 to 13. The mission of the league is to teach youth basic basketball skills, teamwork, and communication & positive interaction skills . The league is facilitated by Village In Progress & MPDC staff and MPDC Summer Youth Employment Program participants.
NeighborWorks America honors
MPDC CEO Jeanne Pinado
At its July Northeast Region Executive Forum in Providence, RI, NeighborWorks America recognized Jeanne Pinado’s many years of dedication and commitment to the NeighborWorks network . Joanie Straussman, Vice President, Northeast Region, Katie Watts, Senior Vice President, Field Operations, and Michael Williams, Relationship Manager presented a beautiful glass award that is now proudly displayed in MPDC’s reception area.
Updates from MPDC's Real Estate Team
Marketing is underway for Roxbury’s newest condominiums at 2451 Washington Street . The 16-unit property features a mix of affordable and market-rate homes . Nearby Roxbury residents will have a preference for affordable homes in a fall/winter 2019 lottery consistent with our Fair Housing plans. The bright and airy living spaces include open-concept kitchens with, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and glass or mosaic tile backsplashes, while the bathrooms are appointed with high-end finishes and tile. The first floor includes the lobby, community room, mailboxes, and garage parking. Click here (this should take you to broker’s listing) is you’re interested in a market-rate condominium. The affordable 1-3 bedroom homes will be priced for families earning between 80% to 100% AMI (area median income) and sold through an affordable housing lottery. HUD median income limits apply.
MPDC completed construction of two multifamily buildings along Melnea Cass Boulevard in late July and  welcomed the first families to their new homes in early August. We developed the 76-unit Madison Melnea Apartments in partnership with the Boston Housing Authority and Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. as part of the Whittier Choice Neighborhood Initiative , a HUD program which helps redevelop public housing and the surrounding neighborhood. The 1-4 bedroom units range from deeply affordable to market rate.  Stay tuned for news of a September ribbon cutting event!
In July, MPDC hosted a First Time Homebuyer Class for Roxbury residents at The Dewitt Center in partnership with Financial Education Associates . Over 50 residents participated with 11 participants presently residing in MPDC properties.
The class provided training in identifying housing needs, connecting with effective real estate professionals, specialized mortgage programs, and budgeting.
 
Stay tuned for MPDC's upcoming First Time Homebuyer Classes!
For more information, contact Dwayne Watts , MPDC Resident Engagement Coordinator   / 617.849.6226.
2020 Census Job Opportunities
The Census Bureau currently has openings for Partnership Specialists, Census Field Managers, and Regional Technicians. A Supervisory Partnership Specialist position just opened as well.
 
Click  here   to view the current job postings on the USAJobs website . The closing dates vary -- be sure to review the announcement details carefully so you don't miss your chance to apply!
 
Additionally, the Census Bureau is seeking applicants for the field positions needed to conduct the 2020 Census. There are plenty of positions available and the Census Bureau will hire locally in every corner of the state, so  apply now and share with friends and family too!
MPDC Staff Spotlight:
5 Questions with Javier Gutierrez
As a way for our community to learn more about our staff members, we have started the '5 Questions' series. These monthly interviews in our newsletters feature five random questions with a new MPDC staff member.
This month we are chatting with Director of Health Equity and Resident Engagement , Javier Gutierrez .

1. Where did you work before you came to MPDC?

JG:   Before joining MPDC, I worked at Massachusetts Department of Public Health leading institutional efforts to equip staff to understand racial and health inequities and implement strategies to address the impact of racism and other systems of oppression.

2. What are some projects you are working on this summer at MPDC? 

JG: I am looking forward to working at MPDC this summer! It is a busy season for our work with the gardens and special events. I am looking forward to our Get and Out the Vote campaign which will kick off in the fall.

3. Where is your favorite place to visit in Roxbury?

JG: I really enjoy walking in Roxbury whether visiting a restaurant or a barbershop. Most importantly, I enjoy feeling the pulse of Roxbury!

4. What are some of your hobbies?

JG: In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and dancing salsa.

5. What do you hope for the future of Roxbury?

JG: I hope that Roxbury will continue to be a vibrant community where all residents have access to health care and social services regardless of one’s race or ethnicity.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MPDC's 2019 National Night Out
Join us for FREE games, food, music, art, and more!

WHEN:  Friday, August 9
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

WHERE:  Edna V. Bynoe Community Park , Roxbury

Madison Park Development Corporation invites you to join us for our 18th annual National Night Out event!
Black Womxn & Marginalized Genders Conference
Join Violence in Boston & Black Lives Matter Cambridge for a celebration of Black Womxnhood!

WHEN: Saturday, August 10
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

TICKETS :  $22.03 - 31.46

A full-day conference celebrating and exploring Black Womanhood and gendered empowerment.
MPV Back to School Event
School is back! Need school supplies or a cool new backpack?

WHEN: Wednesday, August 14
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Winn Residential will be giving out free school supplies and backpacks to MPV residents who register! Visit the management office to register.
Senior Paint Day
Seniors are invited to join us for a creative day of painting!

WHEN:  Monday, August 19
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Everyone will leave with their own one of a kind masterpiece – no experience needed!
Space is limited, first come first serve.
Video Game Night
Do you think you're the best video gamer?

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 21
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Enjoy an evening of fun competition between Dewitt members to see who is the best video game player! Ages 13+ & all Dewitt Center members welcome.
Movie Night
Enjoy a movie at The Dewitt Center

WHEN:  Friday, August 23
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Watch ' Sing ' while enjoying popcorn & refreshments!
Chocolate Milk Documentary Screening
Join us for a free screening of the documentary 'Chocolate Milk'

WHEN: Thursday, August 29
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Chocolate Milk which explores the racial divide in breastfeeding and seeks to understand why more black families are not breastfeeding. The screening will be followed by an open discussion on what we can collectively do to uplift Boston’s Black breastfeeding families. Local organizations will also be present to highlight what is already being done to support Boston families. Refreshments will be served. This event is in celebration of the nationally recognized Black Breastfeeding Week .
MPV Multicultural Festival
Madison Park Village's FREE annual Multicultural Festival

WHEN: Saturday, August 31
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Rain Date: Saturday, September 7

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

There will be a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including music performances, a bouncy house, free food and much more!
Teni Live in Boston
See Teni LIVE at Hibernian Hall!

WHEN: Saturday, August 31
8:00 pm - 2:00 am

WHERE:  Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS  :  $30 - 550

Live performance by Teni with DJ 4eign from JAM’N 94.5.
Cookout with Candidates
Meet the 2019 At-Large Candidates before the Primary!

WHEN:  Friday, September 6
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

WHERE:  MPDC Parking Lot
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

Meet the Boston City Council At-Large candidates & incumbents while enjoying a meal with your neighbors!
SAVE THE DATE: Stick Fly
How does a wealthy man host a reunion at his summer house on Martha's Vineyard, even though both his wife and housekeeper are too ill to attend? He hires the housekeeper's young daughter as a substitute maid, and the gathering begins with the arrival of his two sons and their girlfriends. But old family secrets have been suppressed too long , and before the weekend is over, all the dirty linen has been laundered and hung out to dry.



See it all unfold in 'Stick Fly' written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Ciera-Sadé Wade at Hibernian Hall.

WHEN: October 17 - 27
Various times

WHERE:  Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS :  $15 - 30
SAVE THE DATE: Sparks for Arts
Sparks for Arts – November 1, 2019 – SAVE THE DATE!
Be sure to mark your calendars for MPDC's Annual Gala celebration where we will celebrate arts , culture , & community and support MPDC . You don’t want to miss it!