May 2007 Meeting Minutes

No Place for Hate® (NPFH) Advisory Committee
Meeting Notes
May 16, 2007

The May NPFH Advisory Committee met jointly with the Ward 5B Neighborhood Association at Three Pyramids, Inc. Chairperson Yvette C. began the meeting at 6:15P.M. Thank you to Leona S. and Adrian F. for providing a wonderful meal.

No Place for Hate® Program
Yvette described the origins of Fitchburg’s No Place for Hate campaign, which began in June of 2006. Yvette and HRC staff attended the Anti-Defamation League’s Annual NPFH Community Conference. It was at this meeting that ADL explained that cities can be certified as “No Place for Hate”® if they accomplish 3 activities in a year which address bias, hate incidents and/or hate crimes. It was noted by guest speakers at the 2006 Conference that the police are being granted more rights when it comes to civil injunctions in this area of law enforcement.

Yvette mentioned that Fitchburg’s No Place for Hate® Committee wants to bring their meetings to as many city neighborhoods as possible, therefore the committee will be rotating its meeting locations. This will enable more Fitchburg residents to attend the NPFH meetings.

Erica T. created a Web Blog for NPFH. The address is: http://www.noplaceforhate.blogspot.com/ The Web Blog contains recent NPFH meeting notes and other events of interest that relate to the work of the NPFH Advisory Committee.

Yvette mentioned that the Fitchburg Human Rights Commission has two vacancies. If anyone is interested in joining the board they should call: 978.345.9565. A board member must live in the City of Fitchburg. Appointments to the board are made by the Mayor and approved by City Council.

Ward 5B Report
Councilor Steve Hay introduced himself and explained what he, as the Ward 5B Councilor, can do for his constituents. If neighborhood residents have concerns, i.e., drug activity, installment of berms, lot permits, etc. Councilor Hay can look into these matters and report back to the neighborhood association.

Adrian F. asked if the owner of JR’s owns the parking lot adjacent to his building, or did the owner pay for the new paving in exchange for using the parking lot anytime.? Can other people, who are not patrons of JR’s, use the adjacent parking lot? Why is this business able to shut down an entire street each week? Councilor Hay will look into these matters and report back to the group.

Wanda A. told the committee that she followed through with the License Commission about the activities at Hooligan’s bar. She addressed the issue of inappropriate behavior by the bar’s patrons. Wanda’s follow-through paid off in that the bar is taking more responsibility for the actions of its patrons.

Family Day – Health Fair
Adrian F. said this activity will be held on June 9th from 12 noon to 5:00P.M. between Cherry Street and Union Street. The street will be closed off for this event. Besides Three Pyramids and NPFH Committee, other participants include: Fitchburg Community Connections, Neighborhoods and You Coalition, Ward 5B/College Neighborhood Association, neighborhood centers and social service agencies. There will be entertainment for children, ethnic foods and health screenings. Mike A.’s band will be playing at the event. Adrian said three youth have joined Three Pyramids board of directors. The youth will have a table of their own.

Mike B. said that Police Athletic League (PALS) will be meeting at Green Street neighborhood park at the same time as the Health Fair. Those registering for PALS will be encouraged to walk down to the Health Fair.

The No Place for Hate Committee will have its own table on June 9th. Ethnic foods will be available and NPFH literature will be distributed. The volunteer list is as follows:

STAFFING THE TABLE TO DISSEMINATE “NO PLACE FOR HATE®” LITERATURE AND OFFER FOOD TO THE PUBLIC ARE THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:

1. 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. – Haywood H. and Carlos C. (help setting up tables)
2. 1:30P.M. to 3:30P.M. – Mark G. and Kao H. (banner)
3. 3:30P.M. to 5:30P.M. – Erica T. and Matthew D. (help taking down tables)

FOOD: EACH DISH SHOULD SERVE APPROX. 50 PEOPLE:

Egg Rolls – Kao H.
Meatballs and Sauce – Mary M.
Rice and Beans – Adrian F. and youth

Mary L. said she would make a dessert.

FITCHBURG CIVIC DAYS
The No Place for Hate Committee decided that it would like have an information booth only at the International Food Court on July 3rd. This event will be held from 5:00P.M. to 11:00P.M. on Main Street. We will discuss a volunteer schedule at the June 20th committee meeting.

Erica T. said she and Matt would look into getting NPFH buttons or other promotional items that could be distributed at the Civic Days booth.

OTHER BUSINESS
Yvette will ask Jennifer J. from the School Department to attend the June 20th meeting. The committee can begin to discuss having a mural designed and painted by Fitchburg school students. In this way, youth can participate in the No Place for Hate Program.

Yvette will contact Glenn F. to see if he can use the June 9th event for public service announcements on FATV.

The Anti-Defamation League’s 2007 NPFH® Conference and Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 6th starting at 12:30P.M. This year’s event will cover Immigration Issues. If you need more information or would like to register, please call Myriam Zuber (617) 406.6368.

The next NPFH Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 20th from 6:00P.M. to 7:30P.M. at the Fitchburg Senior Center. The front door will be open and the back door with a handicap accessible ramp will be open. The meeting will be held in the dining room.

The meeting ended at 7:30P.M.

Submitted by,

Mary McCaffrey
HRC Staff Liaison