Published March 6, 2020
MELROSE — The entire community is invited to celebrate healthy relationships while enjoying the talents of Melrose.
On Sunday, March 15, the Safe Steps for Melrose Project is hosting the 7th annual Community Coffee House, called “Voices Against Violence.” This event will feature performances centered around the themes of friendship, love and healthy relationships.
The Coffee House is being organized by several Melrose High School students who are members of MAAV’s Student Action Board, including Dan Freed, Anastasia Penta, Lizzie Schwarze and Dan Urchuk. It will feature performances by middle and high school students and faculty members, as well as local musicians and Melrose residents Bill McQuaid, Alastair Moock and Kris Rodolico. Performances will include songs, instrumental performances, and poetry.
“What I love most about the Coffee House is how students and adults come together and use their voices to promote healthy relationships. Every year, the room is filled with compassion, love and hope and I leave feeling very fortunate for our community and its incredible people,” says Alana Fahey, a senior at MHS and a member of MAAV’s Student Action Board.
The first Community Coffee House was held in 2014, and was the brainchild of Lilah Drafts-Johnson, then a senior at MHS. Drafts-Johnson will return to perform at this year’s event.
This year’s Coffee House will take place on Sunday, March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom, 21 East Foster Street in Melrose. All are welcome and admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Seating is limited and refreshments will be sold.
The event is being sponsored by the Safe Steps for Melrose project, a partnership between the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, Melrose Public Schools, Melrose Police Department and other community agencies. For more information, contact MAAV at (781) 662-2010.