The RVMS Promotions Committee: Building the Community by Bringing People Together
By Mary Ellen Gambon, Roslindale Village Main Street Board Member

When people think about the accomplishments of Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS), their minds probably turn immediately to the influx of trendy restaurants and a revitalized business district. But many people don’t realize that there is another side to business development and retention. Roslindale would not flourish as a business district or a neighborhood if people didn’t know about what was in the business district and all the great shopping experiences offered. The RVMS Promotions Committee runs community events that not only instill local pride but also stimulate shoppers to visit our array of shops and eateries.

If RVMS is considered the body of business and community development, then the Promotions Committee would be its soul. This small but dedicated group of volunteers is involved in every RVMS public event in Adams Park throughout the year. These events include the annual Egg Hunt, summer concerts on Thursday evenings, the Farmers Market on Saturdays June through October, the Fall Harvest Festival, and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Also, whenever help is needed at other local events such as the Cooperative Bank Trick or Treat Trot and the Roslindale Day Parade, the Promotions Committee springs into action. These events serve as more than just a pleasant way to enjoy a couple of hours. They bring increased foot traffic into the Village, which leads to more customers for the local businesses and the events contribute to bringing resident together.

The Promotions Committee’s efforts are a catalyst that draws people into Roslindale. They increase Roslindale’s positive reputation as a great place for families to shop and enjoy themselves. The Promotions Committee jump-starts a cycle that keeps the Village strong and sparks more interest in Roslindale.

One of the biggest annual events is Annual Egg Hunt in Adams Park. A Promotions Committee favorite, this event involves making hundreds of children happy. Early in the morning, the committee, with the assistance of the Healthy Roslindale Coalition’s Rossie reps, places 4,000 candy filled plastic eggs throughout Adams Park. The committee and volunteer board members set up and run an arts and crafts table for the children. Other events that day include the parent/child egg toss. And you guessed it, it is the Promotions Committee who cleans up the park after the event.

Nancy Chausse has been instrumental in the success of these events since she joined the Promotions Committee in 1999. Chausse, a Brockton resident and employee of Hyde Park Savings Bank, was named Volunteer of the Year this past fall in recognition of her efforts. According to Chausse, “ I became involved in RVMS because all officers and employees are encouraged to become involved in a community organization,” she said “One of my co-workers knew about RVMS and said it was a great organization. I decided that the Promotions Committee sounded like fun.”

To learn more about Roslindale Village Main Street or to join a committee, please contact Executive Director Janice Williams at 617-327-4065 or at director@roslindale.net. The website is www.roslindale.net.