For this newsletter we'd hoped to tell how wonderfully well the chairs on Union Square have been received.  

 

Sponsored by residents and area businesses, Union Square Main Streets purchased 20 chairs in June and placed them on the Union Square Plaza, Somerville.  The initiative was spearheaded by volunteer Samantha Kattan.   The idea was to provide light-weight, movable chairs that would allow visitors to make themselves comfortable in Union Square - whether that comfort is solo or in a group, under a shady tree or in the sun.  Similar efforts across the country have been well-received, from Portland to Times Square, even as close as Harvard Square.

 

The Somerville Journal published an article about the theft which has precipitated a lively discussion.  Some call our attempt foolhardy, others are calling for us to regroup.  

 

Thankfully, seven of the twenty chairs not yet been placed on the plaza were spared.  We're going to take another try at moving these remaining chairs outside in late July. A lot depends on how this second attempt goes.  As of now there are no plans to launch another round of chair-related fundraising.

 

Our thanks to the generous donors who facilitated this project. 

Ground - sponsored two chairs
Cambridge Naturals - sponsored two chairs
Community Cooks

JJ Sullivan Plumbing & Heating
Shellie and Ryan Kerrigan
Daniel Kamin and Scott Rankin
Ruth Faris and Don Meglio
Ava & Simone Parsons
Katz-Gritz Mishpokhe
Somerville Community Access Television
Naomi & Stephan Slagowski