BMS Outdoor Annual Meeting Connects Old and New Friends

This Season of Giving we are highlighting how Brighton Main Streets and local businesses have helped our neighbors reconnect over the past year. Please consider supporting BMS with a small dollar donation to help make more community connections like these.

Since the pandemic began, people have found new ways to stay connected, leveraging outdoor space as much as possible. As we emerged from lockdown this summer, Brighton Main Streets decided to host our 2021 Annual Meeting outdoors, in the parking lot of the Brighton Elk’s Lodge. It was heartwarming that so many friends and neighbors were able to gather safely together and reconnect in support of the community.

“Before the pandemic, I would see old colleagues and neighborhood friends as I rode the bus downtown. It made those morning commutes a little brighter. When the world went virtual, that regular human connection faded away,” said Brighton resident and new BMS Board member Jayda Leder-Luis. “The Main Streets Annual Meeting was the first time I had seen some of these folks in months! Plus, I introduced myself to a few familiar faces that I hadn’t actually met before, we had just seen each other in passing. It was great to catch up and bond over some great drinks and our shared love of Boston.”

Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen partnered with Brighton Main Streets to develop a signature craft beer for the event – and it was a hit! The Main Streets Lager continues to be popular with Brato customers, with a portion of proceeds going to support BMS. To date, sales of the Main Streets Lager have contributed $1,000 to support Brighton Main Streets events, programs, and businesses.

“Our vision for Brato, as a brewpub, has always been about quality beer, quality food and a quality setting to not only meet with friends/family, but also to get to know your neighbors. When we decided to open in Brighton, we knew we’d found a community to love and that would love us back,” said Alex Corona, Co-Founder/Brewer at Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen. “Brighton Main Streets was very supportive when we were navigating the road to opening Brato, so we are excited to be able to return the support, especially with proceeds from a product that our customers have really stood behind.”