March 25, 2020
When strolling around town for some much-needed fresh air, you may have noticed beautifully painted rocks nestled around the bases of trees, tucked into bushes or scattered throughout a garden. These "Hingham Rocks" are being painted and spread by our local neighbors to encourage, inspire and connect us at a time when its so easy to feel disconnected from our neighbors.
Barbie Lynch, owner of Breakwater Blue, an eco-conscious lifestyle brand that sells recycled sailcloth products, recently started the facebook page @HinghamRocks as a place for us to share photos of rocks that are created or found locally.
When asked what inspired her to start Hingham Rocks, Barbie shared with the Anchor, "As a community, we are all in this together. Starting Hingham Rocks was a three-fold initiative for me. I wanted to build a sense of community in our town, to give families a fun activity to do together and support those families directly affected by this virus."
"I challenged friends and neighbors of Hingham to paint rocks and place them along Main Street during their walks and runs. We painted ours with words of encouragement as well as fun images to make people smile. The response to this activity has been bigger than I could have imagined and I am greatly appreciative, "says Lynch.
For Lynch, this initiative was more personal than just boosting community spirit. She told the Anchor, "I am very close with a family directly affected by this virus. Currently, they are home waiting for their loved one to heal and return home to them soon. I wanted to show them that our town is behind them, lifting their spirit. Also, to give them strength when they go out for their first family walk down Main Street together again."
To join in the fun, simply find and paint your own rocks and place them throughout town for others to discover and enjoy.
Lynch concluded, "seeing the response to this community outreach and support has been overwhelming. I can’t wait to see how colorful Main Street can become. I thank you for your support of this; it makes me proud to call Hingham my home."
If you would like to support Lynch's small business, Breakwater Blue, you can visit her website or follow Breakwater Blue on Instagram.
Thank you for supporting these efforts and also supporting my small business Breakwater Blue!!
This is such a wonderful effort. When I walk along Main Street and around the block to get some fresh air, these sweet little messages make me smile and feel hopeful. Thank you Barbie for initiating this and thank you to all the rock painters who are sending out good thoughts. I found two in front of our house and will leave them there for other walkers to enjoy.