The Boston City Council has been discussing reparation payments by the city to Black Bostonians.
I contacted Mission Hill City Councilor, Kenzie Bok and stated that I’m against such payments. This is a divisive proposal. We are all aware of slavery’s horrible legacy, but today’s Bostonians are not complicit because a small percentage of their ancestors owned slaves more than a century and a half ago.
Meanwhile, Sonia Chang-Diaz, a candidate for Governor, who is our Mission Hill State Senator, is hoping to get two debates soon with her opponent, Attorney General Maura Healey.
At this writing, her request to Healey has fallen on deaf ears, and if Chang-Diaz doesn’t get 15 percent of the Delegate vote the weekend of June 3 in Worcester, she won’t be on the September ballot.
A misguided statement that AG Healey made following the riot in Boston in June 2020 will hinder her quest for Governor. What started as a protest of the George Floyd murder, turned into a riot with businesses and Boston Police cruisers torched. Nine Boston police officers were hospitalized, after which Healey, speaking to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, said; “Yes, America is burning but that’s how forests grow.’
Condolences to the family of Cheryl Morrison, who passed away April 10.
Cheryl lived for her family. She was a wonderful mother to her three children and she adored her four grandchildren.
Cheryl was a hard worker and she was always cheerful, whether she was up the park when her grandkids were small or saying hello at Mike’s Donuts after working the overnight shift at Children’s Hospital. Cheryl will be dearly missed.
Christian Soto-Olivaro, Jerome Hobson, and Sean Redden were initially charged with the first-degree murder of Andres Cruz, owner of AC Hardware in Mission Hill on July 17, 2017. In a plea deal that reduced the charge to manslaughter last month the trio were sentenced to 18-20 years in state prison.
Andres, who was a cheerful guy, is dearly missed by his customers and his loved ones.
A tip of the hat goes to 17-year-old Jordan Todd, a brilliant student at Ursuline Academy in Dedham.
Jordan, the proud daughter of Tommy Todd and pretty Lynn Todd, earned a four-year scholarship to Holy Cross College.
Jordan’s grandfather, the venerable John Todd, is a longtime Mission Hill man, and he is as proud as a peacock of his beloved Jordan.
It was an honor to accompany my best friend, Col. George Rollins, to West Point last weekend.
Col. Rollins and five of his Army football teammates from 50 years ago were honorary captains for the Army intramural spring football game at Michie Stadium. Being with Col. Rollins I enjoyed the VIP treatment, which included partaking in the pre-game meal with the Army players and later strolling to the locker room with these young patriotic athletes.
In the packed West Point Auditorium, which included the players and 40 hopeful West Point recruits, Army head coach Jeff Monken introduced the honorary captains, and he expounded on their military achievements along with a splash of their gridiron exploits.
Col. Rollins received a thunderous ovation, the loudest among the honorees.
The last Mission Hill Post meeting was held May 4 at at Bay Pointe Restaurant in Quincy. Any veteran seeking to join our Post may contact our Commander, Col. George Rollins, at 703 209-2124.
At the previous meeting, the Post authorized funds for the Mission Grammar School Annual Gala and a contribution to Mission Hill Main Streets, who will be assisting us for the Memorial Day ceremony, May 30.
Please join us at 10 a.m. at Brigham Circle for the formalities and light refreshments at 9:30 a.m.
Condolences to longtime Mission Hill resident, Mara St. Cyr, who passed away last month.
I often conversed with Mara at the Mission Hill Post back in the old days. Mara’s late husband was Al St. Cyr, a former M.H. Post Commander and a World War II veteran.
Mara was a terrific woman who loved The Hill and Mission Church, and she will be dearly missed.
Maurice is a life long resident on Mission Hill and a monthly contributor to the Mission Hill Gazette. He can be reached at [email protected]