By Ellen Walker
Special to the Gazette
Wednesday, July 13th was a fabulous night as MHMS organized a well attended event that celebrated our past three years of Community Award recipients. All of us enjoyed the outdoor patio at Tavern of Tales, 1478 Tremont Street, under the sunsetting skies and twinkling lights. Meeting old friends made the evening even more delightful as we all gathered to honor and recognize a stellar group of recipients who made significant contributions to the Mission Hill community.
This year’s recipient of the Kevin W. Fitzgerald Friend of Mission Hill Award went to Eric Alden, owner of Longwood Properties, and former resident who grew up here. In community meetings, he is known as the “voice of reason” and Eric works incessantly to remind people that there is a special balance in the intricate community of Mission Hill. Congratulations Eric!
Business of the Year recipient Solid Ground Café’s Lucia and Keith Patrick, along with daughter Millie, were recognized for their innovation, attentive service, products and delicious foods. Both are former students from the area and love Mission Hill so much they came back to start their business and raise their family. Lucia and Keith encompass the values of community spirit and are always generous and grateful to their clients.
Kindness, generosity and commitment to the community over the years while displaying compassion in their work as they help others describes the traits of the MHMS Volunteer of the Year. James Farrow is a name known by many in the community and he has been a long-time member of the Mission Hill Health Movements Board of Directors. Though he no longer lives in Mission Hill, Jim is frequently in the neighborhood!
Every year, MHMS is delighted to highlight a local business for being the cleanest and most welcoming in the neighborhood. This year’s recipient is Penguin Pizza in Brigham Circle. Pamela Carty is the creative genius behind the Penguin, and she is proud of her team – both in the back of the house and front of the house. Congratulations to everyone at The Penguin!
The evening was completed by presenting the 2022 Neighborhood Asset Awards for their generosity, dedication and passion to the community. Kudos to Mort Ahmadifar, Luisa Harris and Northeastern University Breakfast Club, represented by Corrine Condon, Emma Somers and Ciarin Kiley! Maria Weinograd of Mike’s Donuts, who is a mainstay in our neighborhood, was presented an award as a “truly” Exceptional Friend of Mission Hill. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.
In our ongoing series of highlighting some of Mission Hill’s commendable individuals and entrepreneurs, we continue this month with Vishal Amin, owner of the Subway Shop at 904 Huntington Avenue, on the corner of S. Huntington. Over the past ten years, he has gotten to know his community well. “It is hard work to build your own business and it takes a lot of commitment. Being respectful is only one aspect of developing your reputation and the ability to deal with change is crucial as the pandemic has proven to all of us.” Another change that Vishal dealt with this year is the establishment of a pilot program for people in recovery that early on challenged the community and impacted business in the area. It took some time, but Vishal through consistent, positive efforts, not only maintained his loyal customers but created a mutually respectful relationship with these new residents. In turn, they have reciprocated and become better neighbors and continue to improve their connection with local businesses. Next time you are in the area, do stop by and meet Vishal and his staff who are charming, friendly and exude hospitality. Enjoy a great sandwich while you are there!
Last month the BCYF Tobin Community Center hosted a Senior Celtics Day thanks to New England Baptist Hospital. It was held in the Ida B. Graves Yard behind the Tobin. Free tee shirts, loads of outdoor games, perfect weather and delicious barbecue by Tex’s BBQ of Dedham made the “perfect score” for all who attended!
Boston Police B2 and E13 Captains Cogavin and Hughes came together on S. Huntington Avenue at Dunkin’s to celebrate “Coffee with a Cop.” The turnout was great by both the local police and residents. The staff did a fabulous keeping up with the crowd! Watch for more of these fun meet and greet opportunities this Summer.
Remember to Save the Date – Saturday, September 10th as MHMS turns 25! See you at the Tobin, 1481 Tremont between 12:00 and 4:00pm!
“I would rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” —Simone Biles, American artistic gymnastic, winner of 7 gold medals