By Ellen Walker
Special to the Gazette
Mission Hill Little League is a much beloved tradition here in the neighborhood. Many residents have been asking if the league will be able to play this year, so I went right to the source for answers. Dan Weldon, who was recognized as Mission Hill Main Streets 2020 Volunteer of the Year for his work with the league, said they are “definitely going to have little league this year though probably a smaller group than in the past. They have enough players and coaches to at least have tee ball and minors for the younger kids. Dan said they would be social distancing and wearing masks.” The season opened on May 1st so please show your support and turn-out at Killea Field, McLaughlin Playground at Parker Hill and Calumet Street!
Patriot’s Day was Monday, April 19th and again, unfortunately due to COVID, the live Patriot Day Re-Enactments were cancelled. I can’t wait until next year, when “Paul Revere” and his horse stop by Mission Church for a blessing by Father Tizio and photos with those of us lucky enough to be out there when he rides up! It was a day for celebration over at 100 Terrace Street for Boston Building Resource (BBR), a thirty-year young organization in our community and one of MHMS’s Legacy businesses. The Reuse Center began a week-long event with live music by the Mighty Silverbacks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. They are celebrating the completion and opening of the first Net Zero Carbon commercial building in Mission Hill. This is a big accomplishment for any organization. A quick note on the Re-Use Center — you might find exactly what you need including tools and equipment at a substandard price/10% of its original costs. Check them out! At the event, the Mighty Silverbacks band played a lot of oldies and got the crowd tapping their toes and clapping. An extremely well attended event with many community folks including several MHMS board members. It was a lot of fun! The BBR provided beautiful floral bouquets for any guest that wanted one along with light refreshments. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Rick Ames, architect and BBR Board Chair, praised the hard work by all the staff, their flexibility during this time that was coupled with COVID restrictions and the contractors who worked to ensure an on time opening for the Resource Center. Matthew St. Onge, Executive Director of BBR, acknowledged staff in the audience with special gifts – to much cheering and laughter – then went on to thank the many sponsors who helped them become the ground- breakers they are today. The final speaker and official “cutter of the ribbon” was Brooke Nash, Branch Chief, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Brooke talked about the many years of support from her both professionally and personally, as she watched the growth of this amazing organization and stated how important it was to her to be a part of this exciting day. I was especially impressed with the commitment and dedication of its board members and staff. The event was truly a showcase of community spirit at its best!
Last month I visited several restaurants and struck up conversations with the owners. We talked about some of their favorite menu items that I could share with the readers of Gazette. At Laughing Monk, Dome Nakapakorn was pointing out his new menu in the window and mentioned his Down to Earth rolls made with brown rice were a bit hit! Check out the Spicy Roll made with jalapeno, cucumber, sprout, shiso (Asian mint), spicy mayo, tomago (Japanese omelet) and ebi, or breaded and fried, choice of salmon, tuna, yellowtail or shrimp for only $7.25. The Red Curry is also delicious, and you can add tofu, chicken or veggies for under $13.00. Next time you are in Brigham Circle, try them yourself! If you are on Tremont Street, stop in to see Matt Postal at Lilly’s Gourmet pasta and try their Italian Rice Balls of the Day! I had rice, green peas and lamb in mine, and it was fabulous. Perfectly paired with the house salad topped with the house-made balsamic vinaigrette it makes a perfect meal for under $12.00.
On May 2nd several friends of Janice Dungee gathered to honor this wonderful friend they lost prior to COVID. Janice worked at Star Laundry for years and she is spoken of with great respect and caring by everyone she befriended over the years. In her memory, her friends dedicated a MHMS bench outside of the laundromat in her name. When Janice’s friends stop and sit on the bench they will be reminded of this kind and gentle soul that was in their life.
Until next month, please be safe, practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands.
“The true harbinger of Spring is not crocuses or swallows returning to Capistrano, but the sound of the bat on the ball.” Bill Veeck