Talk in Weston will focus on Mandela

By Cindy Cantrell

October 7, 2012

4 minutes to read

LESSONS IN DEMOCRACY: As a journalist and member of the underground resistance to apartheid in her native South Africa, Charlene Smith
witnessed violent conflicts too numerous to describe. In solidarity, she waited until her 30s to cast her first vote, refusing to do so until that right was extended to all South Africans in 1994.

As Americans prepare for the presidential election on Nov. 6, Smith said the discussion this week in Weston about her new book, “Mandela and America,’’ is especially timely. On Wednesday
at 7 p.m., she will share details of her enduring friendship with Nelson Mandela
at the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History at Regis College.

In 1991, Smith interviewed Mandela four times during his first week of freedom after 27 years in prison. She covered Mandela’s presidency in South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and he and his family attended the celebration of Smith’s authorized biography, “Mandela: In Celebration of a Great Life,’’ in 1999. The book was reissued this spring.

A resident of Cambridge since 2010, Smith said she wrote “Mandela and America’’ at the request of the human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Published last month, the book describes Mandela’s relationships with
Presidents Clinton
and George H.W. Bush, the ways in which US citizens contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the efforts to rebuild the country after its democratic elections in 1994.

Every time she speaks about Mandela, Smith said, she hopes audience members are inspired by his example and reminded how precious it is to live in a democratic society.

“The American dream isn’t just about a nice house, two-car garage, and white picket fence. It’s about real justice and opportunity for every person who lives here,’’ Smith said. “That’s what we learned in South Africa during the democratic struggle, to create a country that addresses the needs of its most humble. Democracy is fragile, and guarding and protecting it is not only the job of elected officials, but for every one of us.’’

Stamps honoring Mandela from several nations will be on display, and copies of Smith’s books will be available for purchase. A $3 donation is requested for admission, but the event is free for students and teachers.

For more information, call 781-768-8367 or visit spellman.org.

ROLLING HONOR: Wellesley resident Marcia Weaver was recently recognized by the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co.
for her work in creating its Gold Star Memorial train. The passenger coach is “wrapped’’ in red, white, and blue and adorned with more than 150 gold stars bearing the names of the Massachusetts servicemen and women who lost their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unveiled at South Station just prior to Memorial Day, the coach travels across the 670-mile commuter rail system, which extends to 80 cities and towns in Massachusetts and south to Providence. It has been requested to appear at special ceremonies by organizations including the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Massachusetts Iraq & Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial, and the Worcester chapter of Gold Star Mothers.

Weaver, who is communications manager for Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad, created the concept and wrap design.

“I’m very fortunate to have been able to use such a beautiful mobile canvas to honor our military,’’ she said. “I feel honored for the recognition, and share it with all of my co-workers who worked with such pride on the coach.’’

The company operates and maintains the commuter rail system, which is the fifth-largest network in the United States, under a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

BACK IN THE FOLD: The Rev. James LaMacchia
has been appointed as rector at the Episcopal Parish of the Messiah in Newton’s Auburndale section following an almost yearlong search.

A native of West Roxbury, LaMacchia earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received a master of arts in theological studies with special competence in biblical and historical studies from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1995.

Previous posts held by LaMacchia, who lives in Kingston, include associate chaplain and religious studies teacher at Saint Mark’s School in Southborough, and Anglican chaplain at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton. Author of “The Riches of the Word of God: Homilies of an American Priest,’’ he spoke at this year’s biennial International Conference on Holocaust Education in Jerusalem.

“I’m looking forward to ministry in Newton once again,’’ LaMacchia said. “It is a great privilege for me to join this loving community as a priest and pastor.’’

ON TARGET: For the second straight year, action-pistol shooter Jay Hirshberg
of Newton emerged as the Area 7 resident winner of the US Practical Shooting Association
championship, which took place last month at the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club. The event is the largest national-level handgun tournament in the Northeast.

Hirshberg competed against 200 shooters from across the country, coming in just behind members of the US national team. The event involved 10 stages of shooting fundamentals, including shooting while running and hitting partial and distant targets.

Hirshberg, who has been an action-pistol shooter since 2009, is a former software chief executive and media executive. To follow his results, visit www.jayhirshberg.com.