Tufts Community Union (TCU) President Mitch Robinson grilling hotdogs and hamburgers. Dean of Student Affairs Bruce Reitman mingling with students and Somerville city aldermen. Students enjoying conversation with their off-campus neighbors.
This was the scene Friday afternoon on Fletcher Field, where the TCU Senate organized a softball game and barbeque with community neighbors, politicians and Tufts students. The softball, however, was cancelled due to inclement weather.
"I think it's a good idea for residents to meet each other face to face," Somerville resident Lori Baker said.
She and her husband Joe arrived at the barbeque at 6:15 pm to mingle with students.
The TCU Senate hosted the barbecue to promote better relations between students and their community neighbors. "The idea is to foster a relationship, start friendships and start a dialogue," Robinson said.
Somerville city Alderman Bob Trane worries that community relations have deteriorated. "Unfortunately it has gotten to the point that there is some animosity," Trane said. "We have to be good neighbors and we have to look out for each other and care for each other."
Some residents are bothered by the noise from parties of their student neighbors. As reported in the Daily on Sept. 5, Captain Paul Upton of the Somerville Police Department (SPD) said that "a flood of complaints comes into the [SPD] when students return to campus every fall."
The Bakers, however, usually don't mind the noise from parties, including one that took place Thursday night, "as long as there's no property destruction."
"It would be better if people picked up their trash." Lori Baker said. She often notices red plastic cups left on her lawn. "It's a lack of respect," she said, although she disagrees with the overarching stereotype of all students as disrespectful.
Friday's event featured cookies, hotdogs, cheese burgers and vegetarian options. "I think this is fun, but Tufts should keep doing more things to involve the surrounding community," junior Angi Kang said while she munched on a hot dog.
"It is great that the student body and the administration saw the need to have interaction with both cities," Medford City Councilor Bob Penta said.
Penta thinks both Medford and Somerville should view Tufts as a beneficial addition to their communities. "The number one issue is making the entire population understand that the university is a plus and shouldn't be frowned upon," Penta said. "Your wealth spills over the hill on both sides."
In terms of community relations, Penta thinks the barbeque was a success. "This is a great step forward," he said. "The best way to the heart is with food."
"It's great to have Tufts as part of our community," said Medford City Councilor and Tufts liaison to the City Council Paul Camuso. "This is a great place to live and study."
Dean of Student Affairs Bruce Reitman said there can never be too much communication between town and gown. "The more we can have dialogue the better off we all can be," he said.
"I'd much rather schmooze than serve as mediator between the students and the community," Reitman said.
"Hopefully this event is the start of something great," Trane said. "This is a small step forward."
According to Director of Community Relations Barbara Rubel, barbecues like the one on Friday could become more common. "We hope to have this event every year," she said.
