August 2021 - News & Updates

WRMS Welcomes Two New Board Members
Please join us in welcoming Lori Johnston and Danielle O'Brien as the newest appointed directors to WRMS's Board. 

Lori has lived in West Roxbury since 2014 and is a partner at Impact Capital Strategies, which operates an office in the West Roxbury Main Street district. Lori brings an extensive background in board development and fundraising from her previous board positions at organizations such as Latin American Youth Center and The Corps Network.

Danielle is the owner of Parkway Real Estate and a long-term resident of West Roxbury. In addition to her experience as a storefront business operator in the district, Danielle's expertise in real estate, development trends, and marketing will bring an immense benefit to growing WRMS's work in advancing the economic vibrancy of our Main Street district.

“Danielle and Lori have been strong advocates of WRMS and partners on past events,” said Jacob Robinson, Executive Director of WRMS. “I look forward to working with them in the years to come as WRMS continues to champion and support our efforts at building a thriving West Roxbury Main Street district.
A New Way to Shop and Support Local
Introducing B Local App. The City of Boston's new B Local app connects the city, local businesses, and residents and makes Boston stronger, more engaged, and helps our local economy recover. Get rewarded as you shop small! Download the App

Dozens of WR Businesses are already on the app, including Daniella's Skincare, Porter Cafe, Recreo Coffee, Sunray Cleaners, and The Centerpiece Flower Shop!
Save the Date for the first annual WESTIE FEST!
WRMS is planning the first annual Westie Fest, a block party to take place on Saturday, October 16th in the heart of the business district. We'll also be hosting a series of events in the weeks leading up to Westie Fest.

The mission of Westie Fest is to uplift the community through a celebration of community art, music, and culture.

Ways to get involved: Join the planning team, participate as a vendor (e.g. local businesses and community groups), host an activity or performance during Westie Fest, become an event sponsor, and attend Westie Fest!

Fill out our participation form if you're interested in learning morel
Call for WRMS Volunteers - Next Orientation August 19th at 6pm
Help us make the West Roxbury Main Street district an even better place to live, work, and do business.

Join us via Zoom on Thursday, August 19th at 6pm to learn about volunteer opportunities with WRMS.

WRMS Volunteer Committees:
  • Design Committee
  • Marketing and Culture Committee
  • Economic Vitality Committee (new)
  • "Streets" Team (help out with one-off WRMS volunteer projects like content development, event staffing, and cleanups)

Email [email protected] to receive orientation materials and RSVP for the event.
Small Business Spotlights
Recreo is hiring!
A New Business is Coming to West Roxbury
Recreo Coffee is hiring. Apply to join their amazing team today.


The newest business in the West Roxbury Main Street district is West Roxbury Spine and Sport, which wiill be opening this month at 1860 Centre Street. Owner, George Auode, grew up in Westwood MA, is a member of St. George Orthodox Church in West Roxbury, and comes with 4 years experience practicing as a family/sports chiropractor at Mass Sport & Spine of Westwood/Walpole. 

Learn more on their website and follow them on social media @wrspinesport.
Outdoor Dining Options in the District
Enjoy this beautiful summer weather by dining outdoors in West Roxbury. Pictured is the patio behind Porter Cafe, a hidden gem!

Check out our blog post the highlights additional outdoor seating options in the West Roxbury Main Street district.
Delini Gelato's Newest Flavor
Sweet and flavourful, Delini Gelato's new flavor Strawberry Shortcake with Mascarpone is now a reality! It's one that you would want to go back to over and over again.

With fresh local strawberries on hand (from Verill Farm, Concord MA) and their homemade cookies this gelato flavor is sure to make your summer a memorable (and delicious) one. Visit their website for an up-to-date menu on the latest offerings!
Temporary Outdoor seating and landscaping coming to Tim White Way
WRMS has received a new grant from the Boston Main Streets Foundation to pilot tactical improvements to Tim White Way as part of our larger transformation project. Keep an eye out later this month for new bistro tables and chairs, as well as new planters

Learn more about the Tim White Way project at wrms.org/tim-white-way.
Upcoming Events Around the Neighborhood
Aug 4 - Mayor Janey will be hosting a coffee hour this week on Wednesday, August 4th at Billings Field. There will be free iced coffee, donuts, and flowers provided by the Parks Department. Please feel free to share with your contacts. More information here10:30am.

Aug 5 - Mayor Kim Janey meet-and-greet at Perfect 10 Unisex Salon (1896 Centre St). Attendees are asked to please wear a face covering. RSVP here. 6pm.

Aug 10 - Boston Main Streets Mayoral Candidate Forum. On August 10th, the coalition of 20 independent nonprofits that make up Boston’s Main Streets districts will convene a Mayoral Candidate Forum to ask tough questions and hear how each candidate plans to support, sustain and advance healthy commercial districts throughout Boston’s neighborhoods via the Main Street’s program. Location: Blair Parking Lot, Palmer Street, Harrison Ave. (Rain Date: August 25th). 5-7pm.
DYK: West Roxbury History
This firehouse was opened on June 1, 1898 when Engine Company 30 moved in from a firehouse on Mt. Vernon Street near Centre Street, West Roxbury. On April 23, 1900 Combination Ladder Company 9 was organized at this firehouse. On April 21, 1905, Combination Ladder Company 9 was disbanded and Ladder Company 25 was organized in its place.

The firehouse is located at 1940 Centre Street, near Park Street, here in West Roxbury's Main Street district.

Engine 30 and Ladder 25 respond to incidents in the West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park sections of the city. #D10

Credit to @westroxbury_02132 on Instagram or digging up and posting these facts. Follow them for more unique photos and facts about the history of West Roxbury.
West Roxbury Main Streets | 1842 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 | wrms.org