Rewinding history from 80 years ago when patriotism permeated our great nation, the Mission Hill Post 327 held a post-World War II sports night celebration.
A crowd of more than 1,100 packed St. Alphonsus Hall to watch two three-round boxing matches and sports films, as well as to applaud the 1946 Mission High basketball team, who received their championship trophies.
The spectators were thrilled and rose to their feet when special guests Ted Williams and Johnny Pesky arrived at the hall, which was built in 1900. The stellar event was organized by John Galvin, who had recently been discharged from the military after serving in World War II.
—
After a winter respite, the Mission Hill Post 327 will hold a meeting Wednesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. at Venezia Restaurant in Dorchester.
Last week, on a Friday afternoon, our M.H. Post Commander Col. George Rollins and I visited Betty Veneto, proprietor of Ginger Betty’s in Quincy. To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Betty, a pastry chef extraordinaire, and her patrons celebrate the ‘Flavor of Freedom,’ and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every Friday at 2:50 p.m.
It was beautiful, a store full of people, ages from 3 to 80, holding miniature flags, with the aroma of cookies and brownies pervading her store.
—
Happy 58th birthday (March 3) to Eric Alden, president of Longwood Properties Inc. in Mission Hill.
Eric is also a Mission Hill historian who fills me in on interesting local events from yesteryear.
—
Andy Yosinoff is a Mission Hill Post member, and he is the legendary coach of the Emmanuel College women’s basketball team, which he has coached for 50 years.
I attended the team’s last regular season game, when Emmanuel overcame St. Joseph of Maine to remain undefeated.
Coach Yosinoff, who won the Red Auerbach Coach of the Year Award in 2012, leads his team next week in the NCAA Division 3 Tournament.
—
When you see Mimoza Sallari at Mike’s Donuts, wish this nice woman a happy birthday (March 21).
Mimoza and her sidekick, Ermira Kembora, serve me coffee and English muffins every day, always with a smile.
—
Condolences to the family of Jane Hall-Walsh, who passed away last month.
Jane was a beloved woman who grew up in Jamaica Plain and graduated from Mission High in 1972.
R.I.P., Jane, who leaves her husband, Ben Walsh, and sons, James and Robert
—
.I attended a terrific high school hoop game last week, watching Latin Academy defeat Charlestown, 71-66, in a City League playoff game at packed Madison Park High in Roxbury.
I enjoyed the relentless, fast-paced action and the tremendous athleticism displayed. My only quibble was the many three-point shot attempts, instead of more interior passing. Also the loud pregame and halftime music was not to my liking. Perhaps something like ‘Everyday People’ by Sly and the Family Stone, or something by the Temptations would have echoed through the gymnasium more enchantingly.
Then again, I’m a half century older than most of the spectators.
—
My friend, Tony ‘Amps’ Pitts, was one of the referees working the game, and Amps did a first-rate job with the whistle.
Amps is the grandfather of former NBA player Wayne Selden from Mission Hill.
Roscoe Baker, Albert Holland, and Albie Rue were sitting at half court, behind the scorer’s table at the game, and attentive spectators noticed these prodigious guests. These men were great local basketball players, but more importantly, they were esteemed educators and mentors to neighborhood youth.
The Albert Holland School of Technology in Dorchester is named after Mr. Holland, who served for 50 years in the Boston Public Schools.
—
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce Chisolm Casali last week.
I remember her as a wonderful joyful Mission Hill woman. Joyce, who worked as a customer sales rep for Boston Gas, will be dearly missed.
—
Frank Niland passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 90.
I remember Frank from when I was a kid in the Mission Hill project. He was a nice man. Frank coached in the Parkway Little League.in West Roxbury for many years, and he was honored when he’d meet former players who called him “Coach.’”
—
It’s a girl.
Congratulations to Connor and Caitlin Keehnie (Healey) upon the birth of their beautiful daughter, Leia Keehne, who entered the world on Feb. 20.
Grandparents Kent Harnois and Christine Healey Harnois from Sachem Street are thrilled. Christine is the daughter of the late beloved Ed ‘Pops’ Healey, a great Patriot from Mission Hill and a World War II veteran.
—
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn was rebuffed by his colleagues and Mayor Michelle Wu in his effort to release information regarding federal immigration detainer requests and disclose whether they included criminal charges.
I agree with Councilor Flynn, who told the Boston Herald, “In the interest of transparency and accountability, these documents should be provided to city officials and to the public.”
The council voted 9-4 to keep this information secret. Councilor John Fitzgerald agreed with Flynn and cast his vote for clarity. John, son of our beloved Kevin Fitzgerald from Mission Hill, is an astute statesman who represents District 3, including Dorchester.
Besides Councilors Flynn and Fitzgerald, the other dissenting councilors are Miniard Culpepper and Erin Murphy.
Maurice can be reached at [email protected].