In all the years I've lived in SRQ, this has been one of my favorite neighborhoods. I started out living in Riverside Cottages, an old fishing camp located on Cocoanut Avenue and Riverside Drive where MLK Park is now. I take food the Second Chance every couple of months just to get a chance to drive the old neighborhood once again. I feel a bit of a conflict with the new "gentrified" buildings closer to the art school in contrast with the older buildings closer to US 301. You can imagine which ones I prefer. And I've been looking for a new church since the one I attend is refusing to open up to its members. A friend keeps telling me that I need to start my own. Maybe there is a building available?
I love that you wrote this and had the opportunity to walk these historic and meaningful neighborhood streets. I very much hope and look forward to seeing continued progress, development and support of Newtown. I wish that I could have joined you for this stroll! Thank you for sharing your experiences, stories, and putting a voice to conveying our values as a community, to the history, current experience, as well as the optimistic yet clearly obtainable hopes for Newtown.
Thank you for sharing your insight and observations about Newtown. I was surprised that you didn’t comment about the lovely purple building on MLK, Second Chance Last Opportunity. April Glasco, the executive director, has rallied dozens of volunteers who are donating hundreds and hundreds of pounds of food weekly that are now helping to feed about 500 people a week. Recently we added twice a month deliveries from All Faith’s Food Bank, about 2000 pounds delivered each time, and every bit goes out to help feed all those in need. What happens out of that little building is totally amazing! It is a gem in Newtown!
Wendy, thanks for your feedback. The Sunday strolls are not meant to be comprehensive, nor to feature or highlight particular organizations. I know Second Chance very well, and since April is an excellent promoter of her work, there has been a great deal written about the organization already. I intend no slight when I say that the strolls are meant as an overview, not a deep dive into any one thing.
This reminds me of why I deeply miss your columns in the Herald Tribune. Beautifully presented. I love the pictures. Dick Bragaw, Dartmouth class of 1962
I really enjoyed your photos and narrative from your stroll through Newtown. I am especially impressed with your understanding and instinctive manner in relating to residents who might be suspicious to your motives in their neighborhood. Your love shines through and your insight is a blessing to all of your readers. Thank you!
Thanks again for an interesting article about an unvisited part of town. For many years my husband has taken his pressed dress shirts (that have shrunk in the closet) to the park and shared them with the gentleman there rather than donating to Goodwill that charges for them.
That was really interesting! I greatly appreciate your giving this view of areas most of us don't know about or get to. That was a truly great stroll. :-)
Love your rambles. I see a lot and learn a lot!
In all the years I've lived in SRQ, this has been one of my favorite neighborhoods. I started out living in Riverside Cottages, an old fishing camp located on Cocoanut Avenue and Riverside Drive where MLK Park is now. I take food the Second Chance every couple of months just to get a chance to drive the old neighborhood once again. I feel a bit of a conflict with the new "gentrified" buildings closer to the art school in contrast with the older buildings closer to US 301. You can imagine which ones I prefer. And I've been looking for a new church since the one I attend is refusing to open up to its members. A friend keeps telling me that I need to start my own. Maybe there is a building available?
Thoughtfully written.
Enjoyed!
I love that you wrote this and had the opportunity to walk these historic and meaningful neighborhood streets. I very much hope and look forward to seeing continued progress, development and support of Newtown. I wish that I could have joined you for this stroll! Thank you for sharing your experiences, stories, and putting a voice to conveying our values as a community, to the history, current experience, as well as the optimistic yet clearly obtainable hopes for Newtown.
Thank you for sharing your insight and observations about Newtown. I was surprised that you didn’t comment about the lovely purple building on MLK, Second Chance Last Opportunity. April Glasco, the executive director, has rallied dozens of volunteers who are donating hundreds and hundreds of pounds of food weekly that are now helping to feed about 500 people a week. Recently we added twice a month deliveries from All Faith’s Food Bank, about 2000 pounds delivered each time, and every bit goes out to help feed all those in need. What happens out of that little building is totally amazing! It is a gem in Newtown!
Wendy, thanks for your feedback. The Sunday strolls are not meant to be comprehensive, nor to feature or highlight particular organizations. I know Second Chance very well, and since April is an excellent promoter of her work, there has been a great deal written about the organization already. I intend no slight when I say that the strolls are meant as an overview, not a deep dive into any one thing.
Thanks for your reply. I guess because I am so involved in their food program that I always look for a way to promote the great work.
This reminds me of why I deeply miss your columns in the Herald Tribune. Beautifully presented. I love the pictures. Dick Bragaw, Dartmouth class of 1962
I really enjoyed your photos and narrative from your stroll through Newtown. I am especially impressed with your understanding and instinctive manner in relating to residents who might be suspicious to your motives in their neighborhood. Your love shines through and your insight is a blessing to all of your readers. Thank you!
Thanks again for an interesting article about an unvisited part of town. For many years my husband has taken his pressed dress shirts (that have shrunk in the closet) to the park and shared them with the gentleman there rather than donating to Goodwill that charges for them.
Another great and informative article - Thank you!
That was really interesting! I greatly appreciate your giving this view of areas most of us don't know about or get to. That was a truly great stroll. :-)
This is a remarkable journey. Project awaiting completion. Why?
If you mean Miss Susie's, they are trying to fundraise the cost of construction.