Arlington Banner Project: Friends & Neighbors

I was first connected with Suzana – who would go on to create Butternut Bakehouse – through the Arlington school system as our children went to school together. I was then introduced to her marvelous neighborhood bakery as they were building out the space and looking for local artists to grace the walls.

Suzana began building Butternut from scratch in her home kitchen in the spring of 2016 by using limited tools, making her products in small batches and mostly working by hand. Her vision for Butternut Bakehouse is a place where you will find a feeling of love, comfort, and gratitude that will envelop you like a warm hug. The flaky pastries will be a bonus.

Butternut Bakehouse now serves as a gathering place for locals, offering a cozy atmosphere where people can come together to enjoy delicious rustic and honest ingredients, home-baked goods, coffee, and conversation. With this portrait, I pay tribute to the way that this tiny space and friendly staff foster a sense of community and connection among residents.

A warm inviting space – with walls adorned with photographs by one of the owners, frequently hosting meetings, readings by local authors and poets, and Moth-style storytelling events – Kickstand Cafe serves as a hub for creativity and connection. It offers a cozy, inspiring space for individuals to work, meet, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the local culture.

I first met co-owners Mark and Emily as a utility box artist, painting the metal box on Mass Avenue out in front of the cafe. They were both so supportive and kind, bringing out food and beverages and making conversations as if we had been friends forever.

Here is where Kickstand fosters a sense of belonging, supports the local economy, and acts as a catalyst for creativity and community engagement.

Magic Bites, known for its unique offering of Turkish and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is just down the street from my own Arlington home. This family-owned establishment has carved out a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, thanks to its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and, most importantly, delicious and authentic food.

I remember meeting Elif and Atilla when they first opened and how wonderfully kind and warm they were. And I can’t say it better than Atilla, “We are local. We care about what we sell. We don’t sell anything we don’t eat.” Although you won’t see it on the label, “Everything is made with love and magic.”
What makes Magic Bites stand out is its distinctive blend of delicious food, warm hospitality, and cultural richness. It represents the best of what small, local businesses offer to their communities: a place to enjoy great food, meet friends, and learn about the wonderful cuisine of the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Arlington, a visit to Magic Bites is sure to be a memorable part of your experience.

For over 40 years, Lola has been an integral part of the Arlington community, bringing with her the vibrant spirit of Ticapampa, Juarez, Peru. Her roots are deeply embedded in the rugged landscapes of her hometown, where her mother, Rosa, nurtured her on their family farm. Lola’s childhood was a tapestry of adventure and mischief, evidenced by the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she reminisces about stealing carrots and scaling trees in her youth.

Her proudest accomplishments center around her family: her son (and my husband) Stephen, a trailblazer as the first college graduate in their family, symbolized by the Harvard seal; her grandchildren, Rose and Omar. Rose is named in homage to Lola’s mother and represented by the delicate roses framing the portrait; Omar is playfully depicted as a cheeky llama. Lola’s journey in Arlington mirrors her tenacity and dedication, from her days in medical device assembly to her swift ascent into management roles, all to provide a better life for her loved ones. I consider myself lucky to be a part of that group as her daughter in-law.

When I think of Arlington, Lola’s resilience and determination embody the immigrant experience, a testament to those who tirelessly strive to create a brighter future for their families. Our initial connection transcended borders – her Peruvian heritage and my Pakistani roots revealed more similarities than differences. Witnessing Lola’s journey of building a thriving family here resonates deeply, reinforcing my sense of belonging in this community.

In selecting subjects for a series of portraits capturing the essence of Arlington, I sought individuals who embody the sense of belonging that defines this community—people whose experiences resonate with my own. Sarah emerged as a natural choice, not just because we share a Pakistani-American heritage but because of her unwavering moral compass and dedication to causes close to her heart.

Sarah’s story is one of resilience and strength, especially evident during the challenges of solo parenting amidst a pandemic. Her two children, already fluent in social justice at a level surpassing many adults, are a testament to her values and parenting. Coming from a lineage of creatives, Sarah shines in her own right. Her medium of artistry is the written word, showcased beautifully in her published book of personal essays reflecting on the nuances of raising a family in tumultuous times, entitled Apocalypse Babies.

Arlington is truly fortunate to have Sarah as part of its community. Her presence enriches our shared experiences and inspires us all to embrace our values with unwavering dedication.

I met Linda over a cup of coffee and through our conversation we discovered the similarities in our childhood experiences growing up in Asian-American households. As Linda spoke with humility and modesty about her journey stepping into leadership roles and organizing communities, it became clear that she embodied the essence of quiet leadership.

Despite considering herself a reluctant leader, Linda’s actions speak volumes.  Linda was an integral part of bringing a new annual tradition to Arlington, the festive Asian celebration of the Lunar New Year.  Another of her significant contributions to Arlington is her role in organizing a vibrant Facebook group for Asians in the area. Through this platform, she has nurtured connections, celebrated diversity, and fostered a sense of belonging for many.

While Linda herself may not view her efforts as noteworthy, it’s precisely her community-building initiatives that make Arlington feel like home. Her dedication to creating a close-knit community shines through, illuminating the richness of our diverse and thriving neighborhood.

Jing-Huey Wei was born and raised in Taichung, Taiwan but now considers Arlington her second home town. Ms. Wei began teaching in the Arlington Public Schools Private Lesson Program in 1999 and became the string program/orchestra director in 2004. Since then she has taught over 2,000 students in Arlington.

Lawrence Terry is both a musician and visual artist who was born in Georgia and grew up in Wisconsin. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 1991, Terry made Arlington home. His talents include composing, singing, drums, guitar, piano but most of all the saxophone. His visual art centers on bold abstract pastel imagery.

Todd Brunel is a critically acclaimed clarinetist and sax player and the former director of music at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, New Hampshire. He performs extensively as a classical and jazz musician, having worked with The Irish Tenors, folk icon Judy Collins, GBH Television, The Huntington Theater, The Greater Boston Stage Company, and The Wheelock Family Theater, to name a few. He currently lives in Arlington with his wife Miruna and two kids.