Hello everyone -

We realize that its been quite awhile since we've all met and talked about the
Charlestown
Cafe project, so here's the scoop...

First, the big picketing event is this Saturday from 11am to 2pm. It should be a
great
event! I just posted sample picketing signs in the Files section of the site, so
you should
be able to download them and print them if you'd like. The original size is
24in. x 36in.,
but you can use any size. Obviously, you can also make your own signs!

Also, we have a great neighbor of ours who is a PR professional and is
contacting all of the
media. We will have a "background" document available at the event to give some
background info about the project and to catch people up to speed. We're also
contacting
the media that we know of and will make sure the event is promoted well.

Concerning the "messaging" for the event: we'd really like to make this all
about the
community supporting the Charlestown Cafe and our great neighborhood, and not
about
Petco. If you feel very strongly about Petco, you are welcome to voice your
opinion, but
understand that, if Petco decides not to locate a store here, there will be
another retailer
to fight. We really need to get behind the Cafe and get the attention of the
property
owner.

About the property owner... a few of us, Larry Mellum and myself at least, have
attempted
to contact and have a discussion with the property owner and his representative.
We
haven't received any positive responses. Larry heard from the owner's rep that
the project
was moving forward, but we have seen no further evidence of this. We'll continue
to work
on that end of things as well.

Please pass this info on to your friends and neighbors!!! I will not be at the
event on
Saturday (vacation), but Kirsten Whittemore is coordinating the event, and she
will be
there. Here email address is kirstenwhittemore@... if you'd like to
contact her. I'm
sad that I'll miss it, but I'm
sure it will be a great day!

Thanks,

Mark Wainwright
mwainwright@...