Hill Happenings

George Brennan, who dedicated his life coaching and nurturing kids in the Mission Hill Little League for more than 50 years, passed away last month. 

I hadn’t seen George in a while, but when I visited him a few times at the German Center Nursing Home in West Roxbury, he loved reminiscing about the generations of Mission Hill kids he mentored. 

It was a fitting gesture at George’s funeral at Mission Church last week when Peter Krasinski, our talented organ player, played “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” At age 18 when George was living in the Mission Hill project in 1953, he was instrumental in organizing the newly formed Mission Hill Little League, then played at Smith Street Park. 

George, who worked as a maintenance man for the City of Boston, ended his Little League days in 2007 because of nerve damage in his legs. At that time, Joe Fitzgerald from the Boston Herald wrote a terrific column about George, aptly  headlined “Mission Hill Diamond was Jewel for Coach.” 

For years, along with coaching, he also umpired the Saturday morning little kids (minor league) games. Many Saturdays I would attend those fun games up the Hill and I can still hear George shouting, “Play ball.”

Twenty of the top Boston high school hoopsters will participate in the “Beantown Slam” May 29, 1 p.m. at the Quincy YMCA.

At halftime of the games, the players will participate in a slam dunk contest, and Maria Weinograd from our own Mike’s Donuts is the sponsor of that event. The judges of the slam dunk contest include Wayne Selden, a pro player from Mission Hill and Wayne’s grandfather, Tony “Amps” Pitts.

Mission Hill accorded outgoing M.H. Main Streets Director, Ellen Walker, a wonderful sendoff during a celebration at the Puddingstone Tavern last week. 

M.H.M.S. President Eric Alden heaped praise on Ellen for her terrific work in the neighborhood before introducing Ellen’s replacement, Courtney Wright, a talented and nice young lady.

Kenzie Bok attended and spoke eloquently about our neighborhood. Kenzie no longer represents Mission Hill in the Boston City Council, having taken a housing position in Mayor Wu’s Administration. 

Sharon Durkan also attended the event and Sharon, an astute personable young lady, is running for the vacated District 8 Mission Hill seat on the City Council. 

I had a great time at Ellen’s goodbye party, socializing with many. I especially enjoyed chatting with Chrissy Dwyer, who represents the New England Baptist Hospital as their public relations director and Laura Adams. 

Laura is the director of Roxbury Tenants of Harvard and Happy Birthday (May 12) to Laura. 

I enjoyed a nice lunch last week as a guest of Mr. John Todd and his son, Tommy Todd, at the Milkweed. 

It’s always special when I hang out with John, who is 92 and still sharp. I’ve known John for 60 years, and when I was a youngster in the Mission Hill project, John always kept a close eye on me like a second father.

Condolences to the family of John Sweeney, who passed away last month. 

I recall John always being a nice guy going back to the old days when he chummed around with my big brother, Dan Martin, in the Mission Hill project. 

John will be dearly missed by his lovely wife, Marylou Regan Sweeney and family.

The Mission Hill Post 327 held a meeting April 26 at Victory Point Restaurant in Quincy. 

We are rebuilding the Sons of American Legion Squadron and we welcomed new SAL members to the Squadron. They are James Killion, Peter Killion, Sean Mullin, Michael Mullin and Daniel Mullin. Anyone interested in joining the M.H. Post may contact our Commander, Col. George Rollins at 703 209 2124. 

Richie Curran has been a M.H. Post member for 50 years ,and Richie was acknowledged by Legion Post National Commander, Vincent Troiola for his longtime allegiance to the Mission Hill Post. 

Please join M.H. Post members May 29 at Brigham Circle for our Memorial Day ceremony.

Mission Grammar School – Road to College Gala will be held Thursday, May 25, at the Priest Garden at Mission Grammar School. 

For ticket information, visit www.missiongrammar.org/RoadtoCollege. 

God Bless the teachers and President, Aliece Dutson, who do a wonderful job at the 134-year-old Mission Grammar School.

Q: Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school ? 

A: Because she had such bright students. 

Maurice can be reached at [email protected],

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