SECOND ANNUAL LITERARY EVENING

As a harbinger of Spring, GRHO sponsored a second literary evening featuring Dr. Thomas O'Connor of Boston College whose previous works have included " Boston Catholics, A History of the Church and Its People"; "The Boston Irish, A Political History"; and "Civil War Boston, Home Front and Battlefield". The price of admission entitled all attendees to the volume which Dr. O'Connor graciously autographed and personalized for all. The crowd was entertained by Dr. O'Connor's cogent commentary about Boston's history and the pertinent lessons for our future. Following his remarks, Dr. O'Connor answered the questions from the audience.

This second annual literary evening held at the West Roxbury Pub and Restaurant marked the final event coordinated by Paul McCaffrey, Jr. of West Roxbury. According to Mr. McCaffrey, "How do you link health care and literature? You hold the event in West Roxbury during the St. Patrick's Day week!" Following up on his successful event with last year's "Campaigning with James Michael Curley", Paul McCaffrey developed [in true Curely-esque fashion] the idea of donating autographed editions to the area libraries of St. Theresa's, Sacred Heart, Catholic Memorial, Roslindale Branch Public Library, West Roxbury Branch Public Library, and Hyde Park Branch Public Library - all libraries within the Health Center's service area. Each volume was embellished with a bookplate commemorating the event.

"Boston City Council President Michael Flaherty joins GRHO Board President Walter Michalik in presenting Dorothy Martin, head Librarian of the Roslindale Branch Library with a copy of 'The Hub: Boston Past and Present' autographed by the author, Thomas O'Connor. Councilor Flaherty has expressed a deep interest in the capital projects of both the Roslindale Branch Library as well as the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center. The book was donated in memory of James Becker, a friend of the health center movement in Massachusetts who died earlier this year."