The usual West Roxbury Business Professional Association (WRBPA) meeting runs as you would expect – professionally. But, as is tradition for the last five years, President Jim Hennigan offered a more relaxed vibe for the last meeting of the fiscal year by having it in the evening at The Corrib Pub, rather than the typical 8 a.m. meeting time.

On June 10, the cocktails flowed, and the plates filled up with fried goodness as people chatted about the World Cup and lighthearted personal matters. Members who normally sit facing a featured speaker instead faced each other and appeared to talk more openly.

Mary Mulvey Jacobson was the founder of the organization. Not only was she president of the WRBPA, she was chairperson of the board of the Parkway YMCA and Ethos, founder of the “Families in Need Program” (now named in her honor), as well as president of the Irish Social Club. She passed in 2017 and Hennigan, a good friend, took over.

Realtor Lois Baho, who also works as a tai chi instructor for Ethos, chatted about her cherished friend, Jacobson, with Jacobson’s sisters, Helen Mulvey Connors and Maggie Mulvey Kelly. All agreed that Mary was known for finding the best in others so much so that she was once involved in an altercation where she was held at gunpoint and she somehow convinced her attacker to let her go, according to the trio of friends.

“So many times I went to call her and…” Baho said, putting her hand to her forehead.

Hennigan also referenced Mary in his speech and said she was a wonderfully unique person in her ability to bridge people and find common ground.

Hennigan, who is usually all business, had the chance to discuss things more personal, like the passing of his beloved terrier. Along with him were his wife Jude and son James. His son James is the fourth in his family with that name and the only one to be called so. Jim, his father and grandfather are all Jim or Jimmy.

Daffney Guey, program coordinator for the West Roxbury German Centre, enjoyed herself at a booth with her partner and said she was grateful to network with fellow businesses people in the area and utilize each other during event times. In turn, she is always willing to lend a helping hand for anyone who asks. She said she particularly appreciates the connections to city officials when the German Centre does its annual veterans celebration during the holidays.

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Marilyn Cushing said she appreciates having the platform to discuss the abundance of parked cars on DeSoto Road and Ridgecrest Drive near Washington Street, which has been an ongoing issue. She said because the residents of Ridgecrest Village don’t want to pay for parking at the property they use the nearby streets making it impossible for others driving down those lanes to see traffic lights on Washington Street. She covered her face and said she “could go on and on.” Her friends supported her with comments of their own for the dangerous conditions in the area.

Hennigan gave his speech about an hour into the gathering and thanked all the members and reminded them this is their reward for attending all the early meetings. He also expressed appreciation for members’ participation in the Mary Mulvey Jacobson “Families in Need” program, where people volunteer to disperse groceries and turkey dinners for those with food insecurity. He said there is a misconception about West Roxbury and Roslindale being upscale communities.

“There are definitely people in our community who are in need.” Originally the program was “Families in Need,” but when Jacobson passed, Hennigan decided to add her name to the program and donations quadrupled.

Hennigan then presented the new police captain for E5, Nicole McMullin, who many referred to as a tiny woman with a big personality.

“I appreciate this opportunity to come here and to introduce myself to those I have not met yet and also to share with you some of the priorities I have as district captain. What I’m committed to here is to developing and reinforcing positive relationships between the department and the community in meetings like this where people either work or live here. You guys are the eyes and ears in the community. It’s your insights and your input which are invaluable to us to be able to provide that public safety. That relationship is something we are committed to keeping. It’s something we really value. It’s my goal to keep open communication between the department and the community to raise those concerns to proactively approach the issues that are happening in our community here. So I appreciate the opportunity to come here to be with you,” McMullin said.

The start of the next WRBPA cycle will be in September. For anyone who wants to join, reach out to Jim Hennigan through Hennigan Insurance https://gvimes.link/jimhenn