By Ellen Walker, Special to the Gazette
Here we are in the midst of a lovely fall season – the temperatures have been mild, and the sun has been shining more days than not – so far!
Kudos to the runners and walkers who showed up for the annual Mission Hill Road Race and Walk on Saturday, September 28th. The race raises funds to support improvements in the park and what a perfect day it was for the event and the hundreds who participated. Lots of volunteers helping to make this event a success and the community spirit was great! This year, Mission Hill Main Streets was proud to be involved as one of the sponsors of the race and we had a hospitality table to promote our services. It was a pleasure to meet so many of you that day and we look forward to future events where we can do this again.
There were two holidays celebrated on Monday, October 14th – Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day. The Museum of Fine Arts offered free admission for the day and for all events in recognition of Indigenous People’s Day. The events included a blessing, music and dance. The music was provided by Jennifer Kreisberg (Tuscarora, North Carolina), who comes from four generations of Seven Singing Sisters through her maternal line. Dances were provided by two-time World Hoop Dance Champion Lisa Odjig telling the story of creation using music, dance, and multiple flexible hoops. Narrated by renowned musician and MC Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy).
Late October was quite busy for Mission Hill Main Streets with new businesses opening, help from Northeastern University student volunteers and Mission Hill residents cleaning the sidewalks in our neighborhood and a planned visit from Mayor Walsh.
Saturday, October 19th was a community volunteer day here in Mission Hill. We had over 15 student volunteers and several residents pitch in to help clean the district sidewalks. They were joined by Mission Hill Main Streets Board member Chorlette O’Neill of Circle Properties who took charge of leading this great team in helping to make Mission Hill shine a little bit more! Mission Hill Main Streets’ success is due to our dedicated board members who always step up when we need them. The efforts of everyone are appreciated by all of us who strive to create a cleaner more welcoming appearance throughout the Mission Hill neighborhood. Thank you to the Northeastern University volunteer students and to all the Mission Hill residents who helped us out on the 19th!!
We are all looking forward to Tuesday, October 29th, when Mayor Walsh will show his on-going support for the Mission Hill neighborhood with three events in one day! Mark the date on your calendar as we stop in at three separate events beginning at 12:30pm we will stop at 1437 Tremont Street, move to 1520 Tremont Street and wind down at 1514 Tremont Street – two ribbon-cuttings and the dedication of a bench to honor Richard Rouse. Hope to see you there!
In searching for a way to end Mission Hill Main Streets article this month that respects different perspectives, I came across the whatdoino-steve.blogspot and found this statement that I think works well: “I like the idea of a holiday in which we stop and give thanks for what we have. And as we notice what all we do have, we might also notice that others are doing without, and that we can share with them!” On that note, this is a time to be thankful for all life has to offer – Happy Thanksgiving from Mission Hill Main Streets.
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“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”
— Abraham Lincoln