by Dick Matulis

For the second consecutive year, the Board of Trade held its Christmas party at Cafe Apollonia. Prior to the dinner, then Captain Tim Murray, Boston Police Department Area "E" commander, and his capable team consisting of Sergeants Haggerty and Jameson, along with technical specialist Hogart, gave an excellent presentation on crimes or fortunately, the lack of crimes in the Roslindale area by category. We soon settled in on a sumptuous buffet featuring several Middle Eastern delicacies, as well as desserts.

Volunteers were then enlisted to staff the Salvation Army's holiday kettle at West Roxbury's Roche Brothers Market. We salute our volunteer bell-ringers, Terry Fitzgerald, Brendan Higgins, Matt Hogardt, Marlon Kadiv, Judie Leon, Lisa Modecker, Lou Murray, Jim Nichols, Bob Trethewey, and Bret Zaccardi. Over $800 was raised on a Saturday that produced two feet of snow!

The Christmas wrap and gifts for youngsters at ABCD Headstart was a grand success, thanks to Mrs. Santa (Judie Leon) and her cadre of helpers, including Awa Bolden, Lisa Modecker, Lou Murray, Bob Norberg, and Cathy Slade, with apologies to anyone whom we might have inadvertently omitted.

Thanks again to Blooms and Greens for their generosity and for donating to the Community Fund from their annual Christmas Tree Sale.

With that in mind, the New Year descended quickly with a January morning meeting starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Cafe Apollonia presided over by president, Lou Murray. It was sponsored by The Cooperative Bank and featured a most informative speaker, Michael Salmon, author of "Supernetworking! How to Reach the Right People, Build your Career Network and Land your Dream Job." The backdrop for the meeting was excellent, as was the food served Continental style. Two new members were welcomed, Kristen Clark of Willow Path Childcare and Paul Nelson of Marathon Moving.

Our February meeting followed the Ground Hog on February 3 at the Sons of Italy Hall. It was hosted by Andy Boschetto and catered by Steve O'Malley of MJ's Subs and Pizza. Without a formal speaker, this meeting gave the Board an opportunity to hear about special projects, as well as to update old and new business.

Two more new Board members were welcomed, Pet Cabaret on Washington Street near Trethewey Brothers and Milton Chiropractic. The members also approved a donation requested by Sacred Heart Color Guard.

Judie Leon announced that the Board would hold a February 21st fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus' Williams Hall. Called "Margaritaville," it featured a Caribbean theme, as opposed to last year's Country-Western party, also chaired by Judie.

Andy Boschetto and John LaRosa of the Rotary, along with Bob Norberg of Kiwanis, all made a pitch for the Trade Show scheduled for April 24 and 25 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Hall on the West Roxbury Parkway. Booths for vendors are available for $350.

At the meeting, it was revealed that the courts have overturned the recent purchase of the former MBTA power plant at the corner of Cummins Highway and Washington Street in Roslindale Village. The bidding process will be reopened under revised guidelines. The owners of Ashmont Discount plan to sell their Washington Street property, leaving it up to the new owners and the community to determine what will be housed there in the future.

An announcement was made regarding an upcoming planned joint meeting of the Roslindale Board of Trade with its West Roxbury counterpart at a neutral site, probably the Faulkner Hospital. Neil Hutchinson, our newest member, is scheduled as our April speaker. His talk entitled "Beating Stress" is very appropriate for income tax filing season.

Longtime Sacred Heart parishioner, Donna Grandy, wife of Tom Grandy, announced the sale of her Spring Street shop, Donna's Cakes. She has conducted business at that location for the past fourteen years. During the eleven previous years, she had operated her business in Roslindale. The original name will be retained.

Robert Street Garage has been given initial approval for construction of fourteen condos after its earlier ° plan was greatly modified. Several contingencies still remain, however. Linda Burnett, past president of the Board of Trade, now with Carol

White Realty, has thrown her bonnet into the ring by announcing her candidacy for "Mayor of Roslindale," an honorary distinction traditionally tied to the annual Roslindale Parade held in October. Donors to the Parade may specify what candidate merits their votes, the number of which is based on the amount donated.

The Board of Trade is planning a busy spring season. Stay tuned for further updates.

They should prove interesting.