Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, February 21, 2020 Rev. Mimi Daniel honored at the State House O n February 11, Reverend Myreille “Mimi” Daniel of the North Shore Evangelical Missionary Church was honored at the Great Hall of Flags at the Statehouse in Boston by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) as part of its Second Annual Black Excellence on the Hill ceremony. The event was described as “a celebration of Black culture, excellence and achievement in the Commonwealth” and honored over 30 people from across the state. The crowd heard remarks from MBLLC members, Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. Each honoree – all nominated by legislators – was applauded individually with a special citation from MBLLC. “I’ve known Rev. Mimi for a long time, and she is one of the most giving and compassionate individuals I have ever met. Everything she does, she does Reverend Mimi Daniel is shown receiving her citation from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus with State Representative Joseph McGonagle, Caucus members, other honorees and legislators and families on the Grand Staircase at the State House. for the good of the community,” said State Representative Joseph McGonagle, who had nominated her. The event program highState Rep. Joe McGonagle is shown with Rev. Mimi Daniel and the recent presentation at the State House. lighted just some of the many achievements of the honorees and Rev. Daniel’s accomplishments, including founding Haitian Teens for a Positive Change, Operation Make a Difference, Haitian American Youth Congress, North Shore Rescue Mission and the Association of Women in Ministry. Additionally, her Women’s Ministry at the church is aimed at addressing issues such as anxiety, depression and aging through workshops, group prayers, meditations and counseling as well as day trips and home care. Her Youth Ministry specializes in providing leadership, support and community for children – guiding them towards healthy choices. “Rev. Mimi is a tremendous advocate for the underserved and underprivileged,” said McGonagle. “I am a better person and public servant thanks to her friendship and guidance.” EMASS Senior Softball League opens player registration for 2020 season E astern Massachusetts Senior Softball (EMASS) is launching its annual recruitment campaign for players age 50 and over. The 400-plus member league draws players from towns across Eastern Massachusetts with games played on fields in Framingham, Medfield, Ashland and Wayland. The season begins May 1 and runs until Labor Day, with playoffs completed in early October. EMASS members range in age from 50 to 90. The average age is 67 with 70 players in their fifties, 160 in their sixties, 140 in their seventies and 30 in their eighties. Members’ skill levels range from casual recreational players to those who play on nationally competitive tournament teams. Players of any skill level will find a spot with players of similar abilities in one or more of EMASS’s five divisions. Two divisions play doubleheaders on Saturday mornings and three divisions play doubleheaders on weekdays. The spirit of Senior Softball is evident in its post-game tradition of the opposing teams forming lines to congratulate each other with high fives and fist bumps. Competing in senior softball is a statement. Players thumb their nose at Father Time and they are deeply grateful to take the field and compete together as teammates or opponents. “The EMASS softball-loving community competes with sportsmanship and camaraderie,” said Walker Royce, Commissioner of EMASS. “Besides all the fun and banter of a team sport, we also provide each other with a healthy support network for getting through life’s senior challenges. That could be fighting through cancer, rehabilitating a knee replacement or just hitting over 500.” Players share joys of playing in EMASS EMASS players know how blessed they are to play. They are inspired by the elder players who can still perform well in their late seventies and eighties. They love seeing a teammate return from an injury or some life-threatening ailment. They enjoy that threehour escape to the fields where camaraderie, teamwork and competition block out life’s challenges and stresses. “EMASS is an oasis for me,” said David Ossam, a first year player EMASS | SEE PAGE 21
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