MBCG Looking at ‘Proud Past, Bright Future’

When the Mother Brook Community Group (MBCG) started five years ago its goal was to promote a flourishing community in the Mother Brook section of town. Tomorrow, the group will look ahead to another year of strengthening networks when it hosts its annual meeting at the American Legion.

With eyes on the past and the future, tomorrow night’s meeting will look back at the influence that the mills in East Dedham played in the town’s economical development, while also looking at what role the neighborhood can play moving forward. This year’s theme is “Proud Past, Bright Future.”

Residents of E. Dedham and all other Mother Brook neighborhoods are invited to learn about how to get involved in improvements and other initiatives. Projects that MBCG are working include collaborating with the town on building a new Avery School, a new Condon playground and a recreational park at Mill Pond.

“We are making great progress,” said MBCG Chair Dan Hart in a statement, referring to the group’s work on the aforementioned projects. “But we’ve got a ways to go before we can claim success.”

Sen. Mike Rush and Rep. Paul McMurty, as well as Dedham selectmen and other town officials, will be on hand to interact with members of the general public who attend the meeting. Police Chief Michael D’Entremont will speak to public safety efforts in the Mother Brook area, Selectman Paul Reynolds will offer a presentation on the proposed new Mother Brook Arts and Community Center at the soon-to-be vacated Avery property, while MBCG board member Steve Davey will explain what the group is doing to stop a planned cell tower on Maverick St.

MBCG members stated that the feature presentation tomorrow will center around Norfolk County Commissioner Francis “Franny” O’Brien, a former E. Dedham resident who will regale the crowd with stories on life in E. Dedham Square prior to 1960s urban development.

Hart related that anyone who “lives, works or plays” in Mother Brook neighborhoods should attend and participate in the meeting.

“We (MBCG) are you, we’re your friends, neighbors and colleagues all working together for a common good,” he said. “In order for MBCG to be successful, it needs the entire community’s continued support.”

The meeting will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the at 155 Eastern Ave. The event is free.