Dear Arlington Dad,
According to a recent survey by Niche, Arlington ranked in the Top 50 Massachusetts suburbs to raise a family. Niche, a insight website of rankings and statistics, reviewed several factors to compute its score. Among others data, it includes statistics on crime, education, library, community, housing, day cares, grocery stores, and demographics. Despite some alarming grades - C+ in crime and safety as well as access to libraries- the overall score of the town is gratifying. Arlington received an A+ when Niche measured residents’ actions in building a strong community.
Everyone in Arlington- residents or visitors- plays a role in shaping our town but, on Father’s Day each Arlington father deserves a special pat on the back : the Coach dad, who leaves work early to train an Arlington soccer team; the Stay-at-Home dad, who leans in his kids’ social activities and attends sing-alongs at Robbins and Fox Library, the Handyman dad who creates a neighborhood tool coop and teaches newbie homeowners how to tame their new duties; and beyond any stereotypes, any man, who has ever been somehow involved in a community building project. You all merit praises for your efforts and contributions towards making Arlington a better place to raise a family. Thank you!
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That being said, there are still a lot of issues to tackle. Dad and anybody else can help. Several incidents - early June, a double shooting bringing attention to the homeless population living around the Route 2 bridge in East Arlington and late March, a tragic car accident killing a 91-year-old Arlington resident while at a crosswalk on Massachusetts Avenue- remind us that although being charming, Arlington is not a free crime zone. While leaving policing to Police, residents can help by supporting the homeless prevention program at the Housing Corporation of Arlington, changing driving habits on Arlington’s main arteries, and supporting our libraries by donating to the Arlington Libraries Foundation or volunteering with the Friends of the Robbins Library.
Small actions, incremental changes, big impact on our community. You read it right, although Arlington received an excellent grade on community, you are asked to give even more of your time or money. When does it stop? When we get rid off these C+ that are killing our GPA.
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Sincerely,
After 8 in the burbs
“After 8 in the burbs” is a website with information and videos about local places to go eat, drink and have fun after 8 pm in the Boston suburbs, starting with Arlington and surrounding communities. “After 8” - for people in-the-know- which arose from a series for Arlington Public News, the news production of Arlington Community Media to become an independent website including features like the Burbs’ Interactive Maps - a must-see for last-minute planners- a calendar of upcoming evening events in the suburbs only, and a newsletter service putting spotlight on local residents. Community business is in “ After 8”’s DNA.
