INTERRUPTIONS
By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.
June 21, 2008
I wish I had more to report this week.
Despite the fact that our Legislative hourglass runs out of sand on July 31, when, according to our rules, formal sessions must end, the Legislative leadership failed to schedule even one formal session this week.
The Speaker of the House and the Senate President were away on a junket to California. They joined Governor Deval Patrick and a host of other political leaders at a biotechnology conference.
As you may know, the “Big 3” have been trying to craft Massachusetts public policy and steer funding toward making the Bay State a leader in the biotech industry in America.
Their absence wasn’t the only thing slowing down the pace and interrupting action on Beacon Hill. Tuesday was the hack holiday known as Bunker Hill Day. It’s celebrated every year at taxpayers’ expense…in Suffolk County only. It’s a holiday given to state employees and those living in and around Boston. I hate to sound cynical, but most people can’t even tell you what Bunker Hill Day is supposed to commemorate.
For the record, Bunker Hill Day celebrates one of the first victories of the Revolutionary War of the Colonial Army against the British in a bloody battle fought on Breed’s Hill in Charlestown, just north of Boston. While both sides suffered serious injuries, it was the first time the rag shag American army inflicted such heavy casualties on the professional British troops. It made them sit up and take notice of us.
An important event in the history of the United States, I agree, but if it’s so important everybody should observe the day and have it off, not just Boston. I believe if you can’t tell me what the significance of the holiday is you shouldn’t get it off.
There was another interruption this week, but one that all New England sports fans can celebrate. The Boston Celtics won the Basketball championships over the LA Lakers at the Garden in Boston. First time since 1986. Number 17. And it was a great game.
The victory parade was scheduled for Thursday and ended up causing the cancellation of a number of events at the State House. I was planning on going to my Boston office on Thursday but decided against making the trip into the city. I heard traffic was gridlocked all over Boston.
I’d like to congratulate the Westfield High School Bombers baseball team. They lost to the Boston College Eagles last Saturday, but they played well all season and gave it their best shot. We’re proud of them.
Speaking of baseball, I recently finished taping the latest installment of my cable show for Channel 15, “From the State House to your House.” My guest this month is Dan “Gunner” Genovese, Captain of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Baseball team.
Dan and I talk about the rise of vintage baseball, the important part Westfield played in baseball, and the playoffs and World Series of vintage baseball in Westfield this summer.
I recently had the chance to umpire my first ever vintage baseball game between the Westfield Wheelmen and a Hartford team. It was fantastic.
Although there wasn’t much happening in Boston this week, there were lots of events around Westfield. The YMCA held its 120th annual meeting on Monday. I’d like to welcome Gregg Thompson (I hope I spelled it right) as the new director of the Y.
The Westfield Woman’s Club held their 11th annual Garden Tea Party at Amelia Park and Garden on Wednesday. I was invited to join Bob Kamm and Fran Liptak as celebrity hat judges for the lady’s hat contest. Tough job! Over 200 women of all ages enjoyed the tea party.
The Strawberry Festival has been sponsored by the Church of the Atonement for well over 100 years. It always draws a big crowd to Stanley Park for a delicious dinner and strawberry shortcake for dessert. This year was no exception.
It’s really great to see so many groups doing so well for so long in our city. The many events they host add to the quality of life we enjoy in Westfield.
Finally, on behalf of the Humason family I would like to thank all of you who called or sent cards concerning the recent passing of my grandmother Edna Humason. Grandma had been living with dementia for a long time. She will be missed but I know she’s in a better place now, reunited with my grandfather Ed Humason.
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Representative Don Humason and his legislative aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.
Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803.
Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us