It could be those five years I spent in Italy hanging out in the piazze (squares) seeing all the townspeople coming together for a coffee and conversation, that I support Dedham Square.
There is nothing better than going to the Square, running into friends and neighbors and feeling you are part of something bigger than yourself. My husband and I have always thought it was fun to walk into a shop and have the owner greet us by our first name. We call it the “Cheers effect.”
Dedham Square has undergone many changes in the last several years. Growing up in Westwood, my family would venture to Dedham Square to see a second-run movie at the Dedham Community Theatre, perhaps check out a new bike at Dedham Bike Shop or make an occasional trip to the Dedham Women’s Exchange.
Back then there wasn’t a Blue Bunny for our books and toys, Café Fresh Bagel for the perfect bagel and Ron’s Ice Cream for the richest ice cream. Maribu nor Heart of the Square were open for my mom to pick up something fun and sparkly. We couldn’t take amazing art and theater classes at Discover Music & Art or kid yoga classes at Yoga Energy.
My parents did not get their caffeine fix at any Mocha Java or Café Video nor go for fine dining at Isabella’s. They didn’t spend Friday night’s listening to live music at Deli After Dark or eating an authentic Greek meal at Kouzina’s. There was no shopping for gifts at Uniquely Global or Nest. And most certainly. Back then, there wasn’t a place around to find a great deal on designer jeans at Trendz Consignment, all kinds of hip, fun clothes at Cheeky Diva, or a Sheep Skate to buy yarn to knit our own sweaters.
Dedham Square was a destination for a specific thing, not a destination for any and all things.
Don’t be discouraged if after several visits to a shop, merchants aren’t calling you by your first name. These relationships take time, sometimes years to develop. Even with the merchants I “know,” our relationships continue to blossom. It also helps to initiate the conversation. Introduce yourself. Tell them you live in Dedham. Become a member of Dedham Square Circle and show your card. Then the relationship will develop faster.
Next time you’re in the Square, think of being in Dedham Square like being in an Italian piazza. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Italy, imagine the heart of the town - cobble stoned, tree lined streets, often with a fountain in the middle surrounded with lots of benches and tables to encourage conversation. Piazza is the place to support your local businessmen, do some people-watching and spend an afternoon. Our Square and the Italian piazza may not look the same, but what happens in them is universal.
This holiday season, I challenge every Dedhamite to shop the Square and support our piazza. I bet you can find something for everyone on your list. Make your list about what you can find in the Square. See how many shop owners you can meet. Embrace the feeling of community and feel lucky we live in such a great one. After family, there is nothing better.
Dedham resident Jennifer Barsamian’s blog Dedham Rocks can be found at www.dedhamrocks.blogspot.com.
