Municipal Leaders Encourage All to “Be Kind” This Fall

From the Desks of Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis, Mayor Gary Christenson, Town Manager Dennis Sheehan, and Town Manager Beth Rudolph 

(MEDFORD) — Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis, Mayor Gary Christenson, Town Manager Dennis Sheehan, and Town Manager Beth Rudolph released the following joint statement on encouraging stewardship of the Middlesex Fells Reservation: 

As local government leaders, we can have a lot of competing priorities from moment to moment. But, even on our most stressful days, we are driven by a deep belief in the power of kindness to do good. Caring for what makes our communities special is a great part of any Town Manager or Mayor’s job, especially including standout assets like the Middlesex Fells Reservation.  

The Middlesex Fells is the jewel of our region with gorgeous vistas, thrilling hikes, and opportunities for nature-lovers of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. We are thankful to the DCR for the care they take in preserving this unique space and know they can’t do it alone.  

We are joining together with DCR to encourage ourselves, and our fellow residents, to “Be Kind!” in the Fells this fall. Stewardship, or the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care, is a practice that everyone can be a part of. Our friends at DCR have a few easy tips to follow that make it simple to Be Kind! 

• Listen for other people on trails and make space for others to pass; 
• Keep dogs leashed outside of designated off-leash areas; 
• Leave no trace of litter or waste; and 
• Stay on the trails – on foot, paw, or bike. 

Be on the lookout for more information about this campaign from official city and town social media, and don’t be afraid to get involved! With #BeKindMA or #SeAmableMA, it’s easier than ever to share with others how easy it is to brighten someone’s day with kindness. You can also volunteer to be a Trail Adopter, attend an official Be Kind event, or learn more at https://www.mass.gov/guides/be-kind-massachusetts  
 
It’s no secret that a little kindness can go a long way. We’re lucky to be the leaders of cities and towns known for their deep community roots and friendly neighbors. It’s our hope that no matter where our residents roam, they take that signature welcoming attitude with them. We are proud to be ambassadors along with the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s new campaign that encourages us to “Be Kind!” when out in nature. 

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