The Mission Hill Post 327 held their Golf fundraiser amid glorious weather at Norwood Country Club last month. Our Post Commander, Col. George Rollins gets an A+ for organizing the event. Thanks to the generous contributions from many including M.H. Post member Nancy Ross, “The Mission” owner, Harry Walsh, Brendan Behan proprietor Michel Soltani and the owner of Norwood Country Club, Robert Bennett. Displaying their golf skills was the winning team of Peter Scott, his wife, Dorothy Scott and their son, Steve Scott along with Bill Mullin and his wife, Virginia Mullin. Virginia brilliantly sank a 35 yard putt for an eagle to clinch the victory.
Other notable faces on the golf course included former Mission High great quarterback Dan Breen, former superb Killilea Club middle linebacker, Frank Pedersen, Davey Jelloe and Fran Toner. Fran won the raffle for the framed autographed photo of former Boston Bruins player, Ray Bourque.
Beloved World War 11 hero, Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse was also present and the golfers loved chatting with Woody.
There were several Mission Hill happenings in September starting with the 25th anniversary of Mission Hill Main Streets at the Tobin Community Center.
At this celebration I had a nice chat with amicable Kenzie Bok, who represents Mission Hill as a Boston City Councilor. I told Kenzie that I was glad she wasn’t involved in the embarrassing Council meeting that denigrated into shouting and allegations of racism. The meeting erupted amid a Boston Globe report of sexual assault allegations against Councilor Ricardo Arroyo when Arroyo was in high school. No charges were ever made against Arroyo but City Council President, Ed Flynn unjustly relieved Arroyo of his Committee Chair assignments.
Through the years there have been memorable spats in the City Council, but mostly on the humorous side. In the 1970’s Councilors Fred Langone and Albert “Dapper” O’Neil were angry at their colleagues for engaging in a “secret meeting” at the city owned Parkman House. Langone, who was the Council President, banged the gavel and shouted; “I want to know who was at the Parkman House”. Langone was so irate that he misspelled “who” when he said; “I want to know who was there, WOH, who”! Going back to 1967, Katherine “Kitty” Kraven threw an ashtray at fellow Councilor William Foley during a Council meeting. Kraven, the second woman ever to be elected to the Boston City Council, also called Foley, “A bald headed “b—–d” for his “insulting remarks.”
Overheard by a spectator at the Mission Hill Road Race; “Who is that attractive lady crossing the finish line ?” That was longtime Mission Hill resident, Carol, who completed her first M.H. Road Race.
Condolences to the family of Stevey Walsh who passed away last month. Stevey was a wonderful mild mannered guy and a great athlete. As a youngster in the early 60’s I fondly recall watching Stevey and his brother Bob Walsh at the Tobin Gym excell on the basketball court for Mission High. Stevey was among the best ever in the Mission Hill Softball League when he played for Travers Tavern (currently Wood Fried Love). More important than his athletic prowess, Stevey was an exceptional gentleman who seldom raised his voice.
A sellout crowd gathered at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Post for a night of fantastic music organized by event planners Randace Rauscher and Eric Knopp. Local talented singers Dan Russo, Brian McCaffrey and drummer Jaymz Purtle highlighted the evening which featured five bands.
If you see Freddie Adams around the neighborhood, wish him a happy 60th birthday (Oct. 10). Freddy is a great guy and a dedicated Boston Firefighter who works out of Firehouse 55 in West Roxbury.
A team of Mission Hill Little Leaguers played in the Mayors Cup last month at Parkway Field in West Roxbury. The team, coached by Dan Weldon and Brian Lynch played well but was defeated. 11 year old Trevor Lynch pitched three strong innings and 10 year old Owen Weldon made a few dazzling plays at shortstop.
Maurice can be reached [email protected]