A “breezer” is not from Waltham. And if you’re not actually from Waltham, you’ll never be from Waltham.
Breezers say “Northside” instead of “North Waltham.” They never went to the Wallex and they have no idea what a “hawker” is (don’t bother Googling it). Some breezers move to Waltham with high hopes, then breeze away before their kids hit the elementary schools.
The Moody Street 5K even has a “Best Breezer” award. It goes to the top non-native finisher.
Find out what's happening in Walthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A couple years ago, the award caused some chatter on race co-organizer Jim Walker’s blog
because the word perpetuates bias against non-native Walthamites. “I will never participate in or support this event as long as they insist on using ‘breezer’,” wrote one poster.
Find out what's happening in Walthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Breezers is derogatory,” another declared. “You may not be offended, but you should be. Listen to the way the natives use it.”
I laughed at this. I don’t believe that lifelong residents use the term with contempt. It’s just the word that earlier immigrants slap on the newer ones—a tendency as old as America itself.
And I embrace it. Why?
1. Because it’s funny and politically incorrect. If you’re into getting offended, move to Lexington or Newton.2. Because Waltham does have a lot of people breezing in and out. And the ones who have put down roots to become “lifelong residents” deserve respect. The Cincottas, the Joyces, the Noceras. And maybe one day, the Vidals!
3. Because I believe you can shed the label with hard work and integrity. Two of the most popular city councilors, Kathleen McMenimen and Diane Leblanc, are both breezers, but you’d never know it. I am a Peruvian who took the long path to U.S. citizenship. Maybe one day I will be like a lifelong resident even though I can’t ever actually be one.
4. Because breezers are getting stuff done and making this city look good.
Which brings me back to the Moody Street 5K. More than any other, this event encapsulates everything that makes me proud to live in Waltham—my Grover Cronin’s Easter parade.
Now in its third year, the race has grown every year. Roughly 1200 people, from Waltham and elsewhere, took part this May, up 25% from last year.Kids as young as 6 and seniors as old as 74, all raising money for Waltham schools. Families overcoming obstacles together—the hill at the start, the Boston bombings, the bum knee. Afterwards, they support local businesses by having a beer or a lunch on Moody Street.
Best of all, breezers organize a lot of it. Race director Collette Casey-Brenner is a breezer. Co-organizer Jim Walker, the photographer and blogger, is also a breezer.
They inspire me because they show that breezers can make a real difference in our city, working together with lifelong residents to make Waltham a better place. Any chance we could work for a similar goal on our city council?
Carlos Vidal
City Council Candidate
