On April 5, 2016, Whittier Street Health Center held its 22^nd annual Roast.  Regina Pisa, Chairman Emeritus of Goodwin Proctor, LLP, was the subject of this year’s Roast.  Regina a local Somerville native was recognized for being roasted and as one of Somerville’s successful native daughters by The Somerville Journal, Wicked Local.

(See, http://somerville.wickedlocal.com/article/20160303/NEWS/160308501). As the first Managing Partner of an AmLaw 100 law firm in the United States Regina, was a pioneer, leader, innovator and change agent.  She used her position to better the lives of women at her firm, she expanded the firm from a regional to an international firm and she never forgot those less fortunate than her, donating her time and money to organizations like Whittier.

Jimmy Tingle hosted the event for the second year in a row along with NECN Emmy Award-winning primetime evening anchor, Latoyia Edwards.  Roasters Bob Mahoney (Belmont Savings Bank), Frank Doyle (Connell Limited Partnership), George Neble (Ernst & Young LLP) and Andrew Sukoff (Goodwin Procter LLP) were very entertaining and Regina was a very good sport willingly donning a tiara and laughing along with the guests.  With the support of our Roast Committee and our co-chairs Joseph Nolan or Eversource Energy and John Connors 111 of Boathouse Group, we raised over $600,000 at the roast exceeding all prior roasts in terms of amounts raised.

NCQA Accreditation

We are pleased that Whittier’s urgent care clinic is now an NCQA recognized patient-centered connected care™ site.  This is another way that Whittier has strived to provide the best patient care possible and has met a higher standard that supports clinical integration and communication.  This allows Whittier’s urgent care to connect with primary care as part of the medical home “neighborhood,” providing our patients with quality care.

Community Garden Expansion

Even though spring seems to be delayed, we have been working on plans to further position Whittier as a beacon of hope and a healing space. Our Community Garden will be expanded beginning in May, and this week, four large size cows will be installed in the garden.  Once installed, our young patients from the Decision Arts program will paint the cows using their creative skills and imagination.  I look forward to welcoming this public art to the Whittier community.

Why Public Art?

The impact of public art on a community is priceless. Public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions, and calm a hurried life. It enhances the quality of life by encouraging a heightened sense of place and by introducing people to works of art.

The Many Benefits of Public Art

Beyond its enriching personal benefits, public art is a true symbol of Whittier’s maturity. It should increase our community’s assets and express our community’s positive sense of identity and values. It will help our Community Garden thrive, enhance Tremont Street and the pedestrian sidewalk, and demonstrate unquestionable civic and community pride.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, June 7, 2016, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Ballroom B

Women for Whittier Summer Tea

Saturday, June 25, 2016, 10.30am to 1.30pm. Whittier Street Health Center 

Theme: Building Healthier Families One Man at a Time

16th annual Men’s Health Summit

Wednesday, December 7^th, 2016, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00p.m. Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Statler Room

Women for Whittier Holiday Tea

Thursday, April 6th, 2017: Fairmont Copley Hotel

2017 Roast Event

Thank you for continued support for Whittier Street Health Center’s mission. Please visit our website (www.wshc.org) and our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube pages for more information regarding our impact in the community and upcoming events.

Wishing you good health!