MELROSE — The Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) invites you to join us on Sunday, June 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. on the lawn of the Beebe Estate, 235 West Foster St., Melrose to enjoy our newest event Summerfest! Admission is $10 adults; $5 kids 3+ and seniors 65+; kids under three are free. This fun-filled fundraising event will feature live music, face painting and lawn games for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will benefit MAAV’s school prevention programming and direct support services for survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence.
Founded in 1995, MAAV wanted a way to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with the entire Melrose community whose support and partnership has allowed MAAV to become part of the fabric of this community. Board of Directors President and 30th anniversary committee chair Jen Winslow summed up this sentiment “Summerfest will kick off our walk season this year, leading up to our milestone 30th Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence on October 5. Our hope for this event is to gather in celebration of 30 years of MAAV’s impact in our community. Summerfest will be a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to come together, honor all we’ve built together in the fight against domestic violence and enjoy a day of connection and fun as we continue celebrating this historic anniversary year.”
The live musical performances will begin at 1:30 p.m. with award-winning singer-songwriter Alastair Moock, a social justice and songwriting educator for all ages.
A Melrose resident, Moock’s music has been widely recognized for its joyful and poetic sound. Local band Beyond Boston will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. Beyond Boston members include MHS senior Oren Santillo along with June Crowley, Thomas Schuler and Brody Esterbrook.
Hannah’s Brewing Co will be onsite selling their beer and seltzers to those 21+ with ID and food choices from La Cabana Food Truck and Kona Ice will be available for purchase as well. Face-painting by Julie Mellon and lawn games for all ages will be ongoing throughout the afternoon along with the opportunity to gather resources and learn more about MAAV and our work in the community.
MAAV’s mission is to raise community awareness of domestic and teen dating violence and to promote programs that work to reduce violence and encourage healthy relationships. These programs include community activities, education and prevention in the schools and advocacy services for survivors and family members. For more information, visit maav.org or call 781-662-2010.