August 1997

We residents of this little city by the beach have a little bit of everything here. Our town is located just in the right spot. We're surrounded by the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean. Even when many of us do not live exactly on the beach, we are all close enough to get to it when we need it, for relaxation, for a walk......or, the satisfaction of knowing that is just there!

We're not Boston. Have never claimed to be. We're not as big, bold, or boastful- and never need to be. Then, why do we here in a city that has some of the most beautiful coastline in N.E. take such a bad rap, or made fun of? You have all heard it: land of high hair, a pizza shop on every corner, rotaries that go nowhere, and people who don't know how to drive on them! Warranted, perhaps, but have you ever noticed that the ones who say these things don't actually LIVE in Revere?

To them, I say, that's nice. Enjoy your trip out-of-town! We know what we have here!

A beach reborn. The first public beach. That is something to be proud of. And, contrary to popular belief, a so-called "city beach" with all the knocks of not being clean enough, in fact, can be saved, brought back and restored to its days of yore. It has happened in Revere! Because of the atmosphere there, I and many of us who have discovered it, know the pleasure of walking the length of the shore, either in the water, (I love that!), or up on the sidewalk, taking in the sites, and setting destinations that never seem to get old, like lunch at Kelly's! Walk up, get your favorite dish, go across the street and eat your lunch with that great view of the ocean, and then walk back. Revere has this simple pleasure. You can relive it anytime, even in the Winter! It has this varied, changing face that never grows old!

But, they say, what about the " element " that exists on the Boulevard? Element? This is not a chemistry lab! This is a quaint, seaside city with an attraction all its own! We accept the bards, ridicule and jokes, but we know the truth. These are all our people, from all walks of life, who have the unique ability to escape the city, but be close enough to get to it, get on the Harleys, wear their hair as long as they want, play their music, walk the beach, sit in the quiet of Point of Pines, and when you see these people on the street, regardless of your background, it is easy to say: hi, nice day...and get a smile and a nice conversation in return. These are friends who you have never met, or just met, or will meet again. It is easy to be accepted here! By the water.

But, what about those hairstyles, and that tough talk, and the clothes? How can you BREATHE in that! Well, the answer is: we have a sense of fashion here. We are not only interesting to talk to, but, is it a crime? We look good too! Not a bad combination! Easy on the eye and able to hold interesting conversation. Boston can learn a little bit from our big city feel but small town flavor.

I am rambling on, I know. But, in this day and age of intense cynicism, why shouldn't you be proud of where you are from? I have lived here for a short time. But, being a lifelong resident of the Bay State, I feel I have come full circle in Revere. I want people to know that when you leave your job at the end of the day, there is a place where you can go where the salt air can be felt among the skyscrapers. Your blood pressure will go down, and it is possible to live a life of simplicity and the sea, and still be near the hustle and bustle. That place is Revere. We might not be paradise, but at least we can feel at least a bond to whatever comes close to it.

What do you think of Revere NOW?!