What’s Happening on Main Streets

By Ellen Walker

Special to the Gazette

It is that time of year when Mission Hill Main Streets looks back on what we have accomplished this year even as we look forward to the New Year and new op-portunities.  First and foremost, on behalf of the Board of Directors, thanks go out to readers, friends and neighbors in our vibrant community.

      Remarkable changes and advances have been made in 2019.  We have seen the space travel privatized, political change nationally and state-wide, as a younger generation steps forward, a healthy job market and stock market, to name just a few.   With all the great things that have been accomplished, there is still more work to do.  Mission Hill is an evolving neighborhood full of kindred spirit and vitality as it continues to morph and provide avenues from better-ment of our environment and new business opportunities.

      2019 was filled with celebration!   This past spring, many came by to congratu-late MHMS’ former executive director Richard Rouse on the great job he did for Mission Hill Main Streets.  During his tenure, Richard could be found serenading the seniors at Roxbury Tenants of Harvard on Thursday evenings, meeting local business owners as they built their businesses from the ground up and bringing smiles to residents with the many programs that he established to beautify our surroundings. 

      In June, Mission Grammar’s Road to College Gala showcased the talents of the children and the commitment that is so strong among staff, the school, former students and the community.  The following month, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church celebrated 150 years (when Ulysses Grant was President), in Mission Hill for the Redemptorists Fathers with a memorable Mass filled with guest speakers and completed with a reception and dinner in the beautifully decorated church hall.

      In 2019, Mission Hill’s annual programs and celebrations throughout the neigh-borhood included:  recognizing 66 years for the Mission Hill Little League, Vol-unteer Clean Up Days with Northeastern University students, MHMS Annual Awards to the Business of the Year and the Volunteer of the Year, the Fall Flashlight Walk with Boston Police Officers and community leaders, the Mission Hill Road Race at Fitzgerald Park, Back of the Hill Block Party, the Tobin’s Hal-loween on the Hill and Mayor Walsh visiting two new businesses and dedicating the Rouse Bench – all on Tremont Street.   There are so many fabulous events and happenings that happen throughout the neighborhood, we cannot list them all but know they contribute to the specialness of Mission Hill.

      The year was rounded out MHMS’ Small Business Promotion followed by the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brigham Circle.  I was told by City repre-sentatives that the event scored three “most” – most in number of partici-pants, most in time spent by the Mayor in a neighborhood, and most donuts and cookies consumed!  Hats off to our volunteers and Mike’s Donut for their contri-bution.

      As the new year approaches, so does opportunity.   A time to clean out the old habits and to make positive change in your life for yourself, your family and friends.  Mission Hill Main Streets will have a new look in our banners on the lampposts up and down Tremont Street and Huntington Avenue this Spring as we continue our work in to make our neighborhood more colorful and welcom-ing. 

      To all our neighbors a healthy, safe and happy new year wish from MHMS!  And to all the brave men and women who serve to make our country and our way of life safe, thank you.

      “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”

— Oprah Winfrey

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