By Ellen Walker, Special to the Gazette
“A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” Wayne Gretzky, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach
“I love the four seasons” is a comment we hear often from New Englanders. In January, we had all four of them – snow, sunshine, rain and lots of it, storms and crisp weather. Indoor dining is at its best as we sit inside a restaurant, looking out to the streets with falling snow. That image is what most people see in the movies, but we can experience that firsthand in our neighborhood. What a delight!
Everyone’s favorite Post, the Mission Hill American Legion Post 327, continues to be a reliable pillar of the community. MHMS is proud to be joint organizers for celebration and ceremony at Hanlon Square in Brigham Circle on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with the Post. They create such a beautiful wreath-laying ceremony to honor all veterans as we never forget the service of our veterans. These men and women, who were raised in Mission Hill, never forgot where they came from. Their devotion and connection with the young at Mission Grammar touches all of us. Another kudo is due to this great group of veterans who, under the leadership of Colonel George Rollins, have generously supported the effort to bring basketball back to Mission Grammar. Mission Grammar was able to successfully relaunch both their boys’ and girls’ basketball teams this season thanks to their backing!
Last month, MHMS presented a Small Business Promotion campaign for local hair salons and barbershops. Carman’s Hair Salon at 2 Wait Street, one of Mission Hill’s Legacy Businesses, has been helping their customers look good since 1995. Several residents told me that they would stop by Carman’s shop to get a “zip or lift” right before going to a party or event and are amazed by the compliments received. Joselyn, owner of salon, likes to remind our readers that “the desire to look good and feel good, is not extravagant or excess but a refinement of living.” This sounds like sound advice we should all keep that in mind.
Exciting news and fun were happening over at the Massachusetts College of Art as they inaugurated their new president, Dr. Mary K. Grant, on January 20th. Immediately following the ceremony, a community celebration was held at MassArt Art Museum (MAAM). Originally known as the Normal School, it became a separate entity in 1872 and solely focused on the training of (female) teachers. Inauguration Day kicked off the launch of a year-long celebration recognizing MCAD’s 150th year in the community. I am delighted to notice there is an initiative to connect more with our community. A MHMS board member, who lives diagonally across from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MCAD), described his recent attendance of the exhibitions at the School as “invigorating.” However, most Mission Hill residents are probably not aware of the wonderful shows and other activities at MCAD. With Dr. Grant coming on Board and given her rich background and experience in working with communities, we look forward to supporting and connecting with MCAD in the near future. Welcome to Mission Hill Dr. Grant!
Looking to explore Mission Hill a little more this Winter? MHMS has reprinted the fabulous “Walk Historic Mission Hill” guide produced by the Friends of Historic Mission. With help from Ali Dutson at Mission Grammar and Mission Church, a “Walking Tour Mission Church” guide was also developed. You can pick up copies of the tour guides at the Parker Hill Library, the Tobin Community Center or Mission Hill Main Streets. These informative guides are good to keep all year round.
MHMS has updated our website – check it out at www.missionhillmainstreet.com and let us know what you think! We created a new look for our home page and added an explainer video, a new tab (MHMS Close Up) where you will find our latest updates and there is more to come!
Boston will host the annual National Main Streets Conference on March 27-29, 2023. The 20 main street districts here in the City of Boston are part of the organization and MHMS is super excited at this opportunity to promote Mission Hill from an arts and culinary delights perspective! We will be looking for volunteers to help with established tours and workshops for attendees here within the community. Drop me a line via Facebook or through my email: [email protected] to volunteer!
Until next month, be safe and stay well.