Mystic Learning Center picnic pulls community together

By Jack Nicas

On a beautiful summer day, The Mystic Learning Center held its 18th annual Mystic Avenue community picnic Wednesday, August 20. The picnic featured games, raffles, face painting, a DJ and a talent show, where youths from the community showcased their skills.

The Learning Center’s summer basketball league also officially wrapped up its season at the picnic. League Director Hugh Coleman announced league MVPs and handed out certificates and bags inscribed with players’ team names.

For the 18th consecutive year, many individuals and organizations from the community helped make the picnic happen. The Somerville Housing Authority, Century Bank and Middlesex Savings Bank contributed funds on top of individual donations from Learning Center Executive Director Florence “Fluffy” Bergmann, Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero, and housing authority members James McCallum and Paul Mackey.

Throughout the day, Mystic Avenue residents were heading to the DJ table to collect their raffle winnings, including passes to the New England Aquarium, a free night at La Quinta Inn and gift certificates to Marshalls, Brigham’s Ice Cream and Redbones.

Redbones also provided chicken and ribs, served on tables provided by the city. The housing authority set up the tables as the day started and broke them down as it ended.

However, residents said the highlight of the day was the community’s children and their many talents. Young members of the Books of Hope program performed readings, Learning Center kids showed off their dance routines, and a few brave individuals manned the mic to display their vocal gifts.

Linda Kelly, a staff member at the Mystic Learning Center, said no winner was chosen in the show; the purpose was “to just highlight all the talent” in the 455-unit housing complex.