By Ellen Walker
Special to the Gazette
Mission Hill celebrated another great month by finding ways to engage our community – businesses, institutions, and residents. For younger people, the annual Halloween on the Hill celebration took on a new format this year as families gathered at Sheehy Park and the “Haunted Yard” at Tobin Community Center. On Saturday, October 31st, John Jackson, and his team from BCYF (Boston Youth and Families) brought cheer and fun to all the kids and families that joined the limited, safe festivities this year. Many Mission Hill businesses on Tremont Street participated again this year, displaying pumpkins out in front letting the young people know there was candy inside!
With the help of 4th-6th grade students at Mission Grammar, Mission Hill Main Streets will be launching an anti-littering campaign in the Spring thanks to the support from these young, aspiring artists and this meaningful project. We thanked the students with pizzas from Penguin Pizza in Brigham Circle which was greatly enjoyed by all! MHMS thanks the American Legion Post 327 of Mission Hill for their support of the effort.
The end of October saw the first annual MH Restaurant and Community Appreciation Week. From October 20 through the 27th, many residents, visitors and students came out to participate and support our local, independent restaurants while enjoying the special deals that were offered. Almost 30 restaurants participated as we promoted the outdoor seating opportunities, takeout, delivery, and dine-in options the businesses offered. It was a busier week than usual and most importantly seeing folks having a good time is what it was all about! MHMS Board members and City Councilor Kenzie Bok were spotted at different restaurants throughout the week. I also learned that several high-rise buildings in our neighborhood reported a record high number of food deliveries for the week. Giving the enthusiastic support, MHMS plans to make this an annual event in our community!
As we were not able to gather this year in an annual celebration of the MHMS award recipients, we put a different spin on recognizing all the awardees. It started with asking everyone to take a fun photo of themselves with their “award poster” and send them to us. Next, we moved outdoors to be safe and scheduled photos with each of our recipients, sometimes a friend or co-worker along with members of MHMS Board of Directors. As a result, there was a stronger, more personal connection with each individual as they were presented with a framed poster. It was heartwarming to hear the passion and commitment each of these individuals have for their community. You can see pictures and their stories on Instagram (@missiohillmainstreets) and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MissionHillMainStreets/). The MH Restaurant and Community Appreciation Week began outside of The Mission Bar and finished outdoors at the Laughing Monk and Penguin Pizza. MHMS thanks to Harry, Dome and Pamela for their generosity in hosting our kick-off and closing!
Please join us on Thursday, November 11th in Brigham Circle as we recognize our veterans in a small, outdoor ceremony with the Mission Hill Post 327 at 10:30am. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
Mission Hill Main Streets’ logo reads: Eat. Play. Live. This is the best neighborhood to enjoy it all so eat locally, play in our parks, and live by “shopping small, shopping local!” Visit us on our webpage – www.missionhillmainstreet.com, “like” us on Facebook, follow us at @missionhillmainstreets and download our free mobile app at Distrx.com where you can find the latest on our Farmer’s Markets, restaurants, coffee shops and small businesses in the neighborhood!
As we move slowly into winter, remember –
“Don’t Count the Days, Make the Days Count.” Muhammad Ali