Neil had mentioned we head to the Crescent Cafe for the Obama Rally tonight. I said “yeah we should head over there.” When I was on my way home I drove by the cafe on the corner of Canterbury and Gardner Street here in Main South to see many people standing on corner with their Obama posters. People in our “hood” seem energized and we may see a lot of first time voters out there. So I went home, ate a bite and we headed over to the Crescent Cafe. Walked into a crowd of people very much wanting change.
The neighborhood organizer spoke and introduced Jim McGovern, who stood on a bar stool and stated ” George Bush is Horrible, he is the worst president that has ever been.” He spoke of just getting off the plane from Washington, how he was fighting for the people of Massachusetts and how he believes that Obama is the change we need. There was no hesitation in his words when he stated “January when Obama is president and the economic stimulus package is passed, the economy can repair itself for from the bottom up.” He stated that when he started running in the 90′s for congress that he had a far chance of winning, but a woman came to him and explained because of his grassroots action the woman was convinced. Because on a rainy day a woman came to this woman’s house and explained why she stood behind McGovern, and that was when her mind was changed.
After the speeches were complete, Neil “cornered” Jim and started talking about our adventure with the neighborhood and our building. He mentioned that he in fact voted YES on the bailout package, that something needed to be done.
We then grabbed a drink and some food from Venice at One Love, I had the plantains, rice and beans and cabbage. Sat at a table and then Jim McGovern sat down at the table next to us and started eating some fine Jamaican food, chatting with people of the city. Then Stacey Luster the owner of Crescent Cafe came by with some Samosas that came from an Indian couple that also sat with Jim. McGovern started speaking about the 90 something calls he received when the bill was to pass and then once the bill failed and the stock market dropped he received the same calls stating something had to happen. He talks about how people need to understand the reason for this bailout is not to help corporate America it is to save “credit” for the people. He went on about the economy needing credit, that even small business owners complete their payroll on credit. With the credit market on lock down, everyone is at risk. He voted yes on the bailout and will vote again. He was sent a message to return to Washington on Thursday and his reply was “Call me when you have the votes.”
I knew he was busy with so many people, but all I wanted was to interview him on the bailout bill, to really have input from an insider. Maybe next time I will do so, but I sat back and just relaxed and listened to what he had to say.
A woman had went to say goodbye to him and she mentioned her Coffee shop she was opening here in Worcester. I asked her where it was and she made her way over to Neil and I. Her name was Yolanda Zambrano the owner of Alpha Travel on Main Street. She seemed to be very much inspired by the Hanover Theatre and was naming the cafe “Theatre Cafe.” Neil and I mentioned that we are both volunteers at the theatre and she asked who she should contact to get tied in with the theatre, and I am sending her the info as soon as I am done here. Her cafe will be open around October 28th-29th, located at 539 Main Street downtown Worcester. I let her know I was more than happy to spread the word of her Colombian coffee, smoothie and pastry shop that will be opening.
I can say it was a very interesting night, Neil and I meet the owners of the Crescent Cafe which we look at when we drive by, a business owner that is spreading her wings and wanting so much more for this city of ours, and Jim McGovern who is about as homegrown and true that you could ask for.
One more reason to love our city of Worcester because when it comes down to it Neil and I choose to live here, we are not from here.
Events for your viewing:
The Worcester Obama Action Team invites all to:
community Day for Change!
@ the YMCA Park (behind the Central Community Branch on Main Street in Worcester.
Saturday October 4th from 2-5pm
- Listen to Music and have fun
- Register to vote
- Learn about Obama and Biden’s Positions
- Hear why your neighbors are voting for Obama
- Learn how you can volunteer
- Enter to win an Obama T-Shirt
More information or to volunteer:
Worcester Obama Action Team Headquarters
28 Mechanics St , Worcester Ma 01608
(508) 425-6811 or obamaactionteam@yahoo.com