Elvis Garcia Receives Hermana Clark Award

by Cathy Slade

As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I could feel a sense of gaiety and excitement in the air. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, the youth in the crowd, the genuine camaraderie and outgoing friendliness of the hosting organization, the alignment of the heavens, or the anticipation of honoring a man with a big heart and a youthful spirit.

The place was Robyn’s Pub and Restaurant in the heart of Roslindale Village. The date was October 18, a night the Red Sox were playing a championship game. The event was the Annual Meeting of the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center (“GRMDC”). The Man of the Hour was Youth Service Officer Elvis Garcia of Boston Police District 5.

The room was overflowing with people. Organizers planned for a smaller crowd, but earlier in the day, 24 additional people called to say they would like to attend. Who could say no to people who wanted to be there for a special man? So that set the tone of the event. A social gathering in a crowded space seems to add to the event, bringing people closer together in literal terms and producing a lot of conversation and social comfort.

To accommodate the overflow, tables were moved and chairs were brought in from Robyn’s helpful neighbor, the Knights of Columbus. Still, I noticed some organizers and another “honorable,” though not a man being honored that particular night, Mayor Thomas M. Menino standing as he ate. The place was figuratively bursting at the seams with admirers.

After a delicious buffet dinner, with plenty of food for everyone, Barbara Lottero, long-serving Executive Director of the GRMDC, began the night’s formal program. It certainly didn’t feel “formal” with all the interjected humor and cheerfulness that goes into the presentations every year.

Barbara moved her report right along because the first pitch of the Red Sox playoff game was scheduled for 8:21 p.m. She thanked the Board of Directors for being so dedicated to the core mission of the center and stated that the GRMDC was very successful this year, increasing patient visits by 23% while holding its own financially.

She did not deliver good news about the forecast for the 2008 year, predicting a loss of $82,000 due to the freeze on free-care reimbursement from the government. The center is short two primary care physicians, for which she put out a plea for referrals. Every health center and hospital in the area is looking for primary care physicians. Graduates are choosing specialization rather than primary care, causing a dire need throughout the state. Barbara praised and thanked her excellent staff for their dedication and extra work this summer due to a staff shortage which created a true crisis.

A treasurer’s report and the election of officers followed. There was also a call for more members, with three vacant seats for community representatives and one for a health provider.

Then the time came for the awarding of the 2007 Hermena Clark Award, named in honor of a cherished GRMDC Board member who was caregiver to over 60 foster children and who served the health needs of many in the center’s service area. Her memory is kept alive through this award which honors “service that made a difference in improving the ‘health’ of our community.”

A Health Center staffer who nominated Elvis for the award gave a sincere speech as to why he is a deserving recipient. She highlighted Elvis’s commitment to youth, saying he is not so much a police officer who happens to be a volunteer, but a volunteer who just happens to be a police officer. The perfect example of a coach, mentor and advisor, Elvis jokes around with the youth as if he is one of them, and yet, he also talks about important issues with them. Elvis encourages them to reach their potential in life and see a world beyond their immediate neighborhood. Tanya said that there is a shortage of male role models in the city and that Elvis’s attributes and actions exemplify the ideal in modeling for youth. She concluded by saying, “If there is anything Elvis is guilty of, it is working above and beyond the call of duty.”

Elvis strode to the microphone on a wave of enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation. A family man, he called his wife and children to stand with him as he expressed his thankfulness for the award. A humble man, he thanked God for blessing him with so many males in his life who helped build his character and desire to excel. His competitive drive and determination were fostered under the reverse psychology imparted by his Uncle Wilson. “He made sure I never felt sorry for myself and never made it easy for me, because life is not easy.”

Elvis then told a story that had a big impact on him and taught him a valuable life lesson. As a youth, he played basketball with his uncle, who always won; but he told Elvis that someday Elvis would beat him. So, that became a goal to which Elvis aspired. One summer, after a growth spurt of a few inches, he finally beat his uncle. He was surprised at Uncle Wilson’s response. “No one was happier than Uncle Wilson and that shocked me. He saw something in me that I didn’t see.”

Elvis talks to youth about their future and what they must do to become successful in all areas of their lives. He wants them to see the “big picture,” make plans, and work hard. He admonished youth that “it is not so much what you wear today, or who you are today. Tomorrow you could be a different person.”

He then thanked his family for helping him to serve the community and his captain and sergeant for trusting him and giving him the opportunity to work with young people.

After the formal conclusion of the meeting reached before the 8:21 p.m. deadline, I spoke to people about Elvis. Korey Franklin, a Boston Police cadet who played basketball and flag football in the leagues Elvis ran, said he came for the memories and credited Elvis with being a role model for him. Gene Austin who works with youth in Stony Brook Commons said, “He’s a great leader and friend - always a helping person with a big heart.”

The most precious comments of all came from his admiring family. I have never heard children speak so highly of their father. Sergio, Elvis Jr., Daniel, and Yamalia spoke effusively about their dad. They said that he deserves to be recognized and they felt proud and happy at seeing him receive the award. They shot off a flurry of adjectives describing him, “great, cool, fun, hard-working, smart, strict, and loveable.” Yamalia gave away his age and said he’s “handsome.” They ended by stating that he is important to them and “the best guy in the world.”

His wife Vivian expressed her gratitude that Elvis received the award because he deserves it, and she can attest to the many hours he puts in without expecting anything in return. She noted his humility, love and appreciation for his family evidenced again by his calling them up to share the honor with him. “I love him with all my heart. I will support him to the end. I pray that many kids will get to know him.”

Many times, Elvis ends his conversations with “Have a blessed day.” Well, his wish to others has come back to him tenfold, for he is “blessed” with an appreciative community and adoring family. What better tribute could a mentor, husband and father earn?