Thank you for visiting our pages.
Feel free to add to this guestbook!

Posted by Shoeless on 09/26/01 23:09:48 EDT.
Answers. September 26th and now September 11th are days that leave us searching for answers. Maybe like the classic oldie, the answers are 'blowin' in the wind. The wind is always changing so we have to be sensitive to it's touch if we are to stay on the path that will one day lead us to the answers. We don't know when that day will come but the wind will lift us up and give us wings for our journey. Steve loved the Bette song "Wind beneath my wings" we all know having been touched by his generous soul he has proven to be a fair wind in our sometimes stormy lives--especially now.
Maybe those answers are carried by all who have gone too soon, and now after so many beautiful lives were so brutally and suddenly ended we need to be especially sensitive to the new voices in the wind, for it is those voices that will tell us the direction we must take.
I always enjoyed the song from Pocahontas--"Colors of the wind" The wind must right now be like a pallet overflowing with vibrant and beautiful colors. If we paint the world with all these beautiful colors we can move closer to the dream of Stephen and so many other beautiful lives. Thank you Steve, and I know you'll be one of the first to welcome some new shining lights and briliant colors to a beautiful place. We'll never forget any of you as long as the winds blow.
God bless us and help us to be sensitive.
We are thinking of you Theresa, Beth and Paul. God bless you.

Posted by Terry on 09/17/01 08:16:38 EDT.
Stephen, what would you be feeling and thinking about all that is going on in this World today? This is the Country that you loved so much and were so proud to be a part of. We need your prayers badly to help us all survive the terrible anger and fright we all feel. These events have brought back all of the tragic events of your loss also. I miss you so much and pray for you every day. The World will never be the same for anyone as it has never been the same for us without you.I know you are watching over all of us and will keep us safe.
Posted by Francie on 08/30/01 18:55:21 EDT.
Happy day after birthday, Stephen. You would have been pleased with the way I celebrated it. It was a day that only a kid like yourself could have enjoyed. All I can say is that I made it through the ups and downs of the rides at Six Flags, and I know I have you to thank for it. I am grateful, pal.
Posted by Shoeless on 08/29/01 00:49:01 EDT.
Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, Oh what a wonderful feeling Steve O'Grady's in our hearts to stay! Bon Anniversaire mon ami. You are forever loved and missed more every day.

Cudos to you Beth and Theresa on hard work well rewarded--what a terrific tribute to Stephen and to the scholarship award winners--that makes all the participants in the SMO golf tournament winners. Merci Buckets!
Posted by Bobby Picano on 08/28/01 21:04:14 EDT.
BETH LOOKS GREAT KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
I WILL BE THINKING OF YOU THIS MONTH
Posted by Beth on 08/22/01 12:33:48 EDT.
We are all set for volunteers, but thank you very much for offering to help out. We are grateful for the support our efforts have received to date and look forward to a great day of golf and the awarding the 2001 Stephen M. O'Grady Scholarships on Friday August 24. Thank you to all who will be joining us and everyone who has made donations and volunteered for this event.
Posted by Wants to Help on 08/21/01 12:08:48 EDT.
How does one volunteer to work at the tournament? Is there room for one more?
Posted by Brad Flannery on 08/15/01 14:46:37 EDT.
I never knew Steve but through my friend Mike Dellisola I have been able to donate a few things for the raffle table the last 2 years. After visiting the site, I now have a better understanding of what Steve and the golf tournament is all about. Best of luck in all your endeavors, and I wil always be here to help if I can.
Posted by Francie on 08/14/01 02:01:32 EDT.
Well it has been a long time since I have been able to enter a comment but since it is 1:25 A.M. AND I am not ready to sleep I thought it would be a good idea to catch up on...bills? reading?clean the "junk draw"? do some laundry? none of the above!!!!!I will get on the computer as it is the only time that it is free for my use! With two kids who live "online" I have not even been able to use the phone! Just want to congratulate you, Beth, on the terrific job that you have done in preparing for the Golf Tournament. Stephen would be so proud of what you and the committee have pulled together to provide scholarships to those choosing to continue their educations. Bless all of you ,good luck to the recipients and may the sun shine brightly all day on the 24th of August!!!!!!!
Posted by Don Zimmer on 08/09/01 00:08:14 EDT.
Tom, I know of no other way to reach you.
Thanks for the saying what many are not in a position to say.
You spoke eloquently, loudly and quite clearly today in your letter to the editor and the Willows site.
There are no easy answers to this difficult question of the new home of the B&GC.
Every opportunity must be explored and roadblocks don't help. I hope we find an answer soon.
Posted by Shoeless on 08/02/01 02:11:08 EDT.
Ahh! This is where I can let all the frustrations and the hectic, harried pace of everyday life justfall away. This is sacred territory. This is to web sites what Fenway Park is to ballparks. I have been away far too long, it's great to be back. Beth you are right on with everything you wrote about living for the moment. It costs far too many todays worrying about where our lives will take us tomorrow. Be the best person you can be everyday, and try to bring out the best in others throughout the day. The world can be very ugly and frightening, you can start making your world and that of those around you a beautiful place just reach out-- Diana Ross sung it so well--we can make this world a better place. Be a lover not a fighter, Steve would be changing the subject right about now. But Steve led by example not words, and what a glorious, shining example he was. One thought I do have on the future, I wish I could be in the upcoming golf tournament I,d show all the participants a thing or three about using all of the course so that you get the full effect--you know(said with a Clouseau accent). Have a great day all you hackers, and may it be a great day for the Stephen M. O'Grady scholarship foundation. One final hope is that Steve and Joe Jackson are tossing the ball around on their field of dreams and that they will send some good carma the Red Sox way. Abientot mes amis!
Posted by Amy Grover on 07/20/01 22:34:35 EDT.
We look forward to the Little League Cookout in August. We know how much Steve enjoyed it as well. It's a chance to get together with all those who love Salem Baseball, and it's a time to relax at the end of the season. Hope to see you all there.
Posted by Mr. & Mrs Raymond Gallant on 07/14/01 17:19:44 EDT.
Stephen was a wonderful friend to Raymond and we miss miss them both dear-ly but their memories will always be at forest river park. God bless them both.
Posted by Beth on 07/06/01 22:06:51 EDT.
This week 2 years ago I went back to the doctor to have stitches removed from what I thought was a routine surgery. What I got instead was a not so routine closed door solumned face diagnosis of early breast cancer and the upcoming treatment which involved more surgery and radiation and/or chemotherapy. Though I heard the words, I was so shocked that I didn't respond emotionally until I got back into the car and I was alone. I broke down and immediately called my mother who told me to come right home. In the meantime, she called my Uncle Walter and Stephen and we had an emergency 'family meeting' about my diagnosis at Fantasy Island in Salem. As is true of most families, we had our ups and downs over the years. But on that day and the following few months I never felt closer to them. I wish that was the worst thing that had happened to us that year. As I think about it now, it is ironic that this brought our family closer together just a few months prior to Stephen's accident. Perhaps it is true that all things happen for a reason.

Posted by Terry on 7/01/01
Hi Everybody.....Just wanted to say Hello and wish you all a Happy Safe
4th of July. I hope you are all enjoying your summer. The E-Mails have been quiet lately. I'd love to hear how all of the different teams are doing at O'Grady Park. Winning or losing remember you are all out there playing for fun and sportsmanship.Make Stephen proud!! Let's hear it guys!!! (Coaches too).

Posted by Shoeless on 06/14/01 02:10:07 EDT.
I miss those chicken wings. My wife makes these delicious chicken wings which Stephen could not resist, and could not get enough of. She has not made them nearly as often since Steve was killed because it just brings too many painful memories. I think Steve would say...eat, drink, be merry and pass the chicken wings. Talk to Denise Steve, for the love of the wings--Thanks!
The little league season must be building towards the playoffs. How are the Reds doing? Todd--anyone, anyone...Bueler? I wish I was there to soak in the atmosphere at SMO field--How sweet it would be. I believe that's where the game is real, and part of us all--it's the place where I could fall in love with baseball all over again. I've grown so tired and disgusted with the big leagues. Little league is truly a breath of fresh air, and for me it's the best fountain of youth going. I know Steve's there cheering you all on (with particular bias towards one team of course), and if all seems lost he'll be there with his hand on your shoulder, and you'll be the best you can be.
I love the movie Hoosiers. One of my favorite locker room speeches is at the end of the movie when Hickory is playing for the Indiana State basketball championship. Gene Hackman, the coach, tells his team that if they play as a team, give everything they have, and believe in themselves, then he doesn't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in his book they're winners! Wow! Steve could have given that speech, he made you want to play your best all the time. So go out there and have fun you fortunate Salem little leaguers, you're allready winners.
Adios Amigos!
Posted by Beth on 06/05/01 07:45:57 EDT.
Hi Alex,
Let me see- watching a Red Sox vs. Yankees game at Yankee stadium and catching a Manny Ramirez hit- sounds like a Stephen dream come true, and what are the odds that ball would go right to you? Not only do I think Steve saw it, I think he may have had something to do with sending it to you. Now you have something special to save.
by Alex Grover on 06/03/01 12:44:21 EDT.
Hi everybody, I havn't signed the guest book in a long time. I just thought people might be interested if I told them I caught a foul ball at Yankees stadium when the Red Sox were playing there. Manny Ramirez hit it. I was so excited. I hope Steve was watching over me and saw that, because I think he would be proud of me.
Posted by Francie on 05/28/01 16:25:14 EDT.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Not the best weatherwise but a time to remember and honor those that have "moved on"... how can we forget! May they all rest in peace.
Posted by Shoeless on 05/28/01 01:55:49 EDT.
Whats this? Tom Stewart with an e mail, stop the presses and let me off. We've finally entered the 21st century. I can't believe I'm typing this on our own computer in the comfort of home. We hope the dance was a rousing success for the SMO scholarship fund. It sounds like the fund is doing just fine. What a difference you made in our lives Steve, and what a difference we are trying to make so that you can live on. One quick amusing anecdote, the Boston Marathon that wasn't! Steve and I walked in one of the first Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund walks. We raised money while trudging along the actual marathon course. Steve was resting at the 21 mile mark and I inspired him with some now forgotten profound words to press on with the utmost dispatch. Steve hobbled up and started walking determinedly with me. I was so impressed with his perseverance that I took a moment to collect my most awestruck thoughts and turned to Steve to say..."Steve, where---are you? I heard someone rapping on the window of the rescue bus and yelling out his words of encouragement as indeed he--Steve assured me he would meet me at the finish. And, meet me he did with feet soaking and lap piled with snacks from the complimentary food table. That is all--abientot!
Posted by Megan on 05/24/01 18:02:48 EDT.
Just wanted to say we miss you Steve, but I know you are still hard at work, you have two people that meant a lot to me on both sides of you...Jason and Ben, who strangely enough, remind me of you in many ways! Take care of them, everyone enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, and Steve, please do something with Carl Everett's bat for me...he is killin me and Casey...Yanks sweep the series....Can only wait to hear Francie brag about this one!
Posted by Lucky to have known Steve on 05/14/01 16:27:31 EDT.
Steve could quite possibly be the reason why I have so much love for the youth and community of Salem. No matter how much time passes, his presence never fades. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed when I look at the kids and I can't even hold back the tears of happiness that I was priviledged enough to have been introduced to so many beautiful people because of him. Finally the sadness has transformed into a profound feeling of gratitude.xoxo
Posted by From Lucy to Ethel on 05/09/01 22:37:23 EDT.
Hey Ethel... just wonderin.... will we be singin.... "I could have danced all night!' next Sunday mornin?????Lucy!!!
Posted by Terry on 04/29/01 09:40:18 EDT.
Hi everybody!!! Today is opening day for Little League with the perfect weather Stephen wished for every year. Beth & I will be at the parade and O'Grady Field to wish you all a safe and fun summer and a lot of home runs (even if you're not on the Reds)Enjoy!!!
Posted by Francie on 04/29/01 09:00:03 EDT.
May the Salem Little League have a great Opening Day at O'Grady Field and may all of the players, managers, coaches, volunteers, fans , etc., work together to have a successful season!!!{The Beverly Connection!!}
Posted by Francie on 04/25/01 20:54:50 EDT.
Thanks, Steve, for sharing one of your many baseball stories that centered on the Salem ... Beverly rivalry between you and Stephen. You hit the nail on the head when you said that Ben Bradley was so friendly and polite! There is no doubt that Stephen has "drafted" him and the Bradley family should be comforted to know that Stephen will watch over Ben!
Posted by Steve on 04/22/01 20:16:01 EDT.
As another writer already stated, Steve has started building his latest team. This team may not win or lose games but they will be watching us and hopefully guiding us every day. First he got his coaching staff, Bruce and Bert. Now he has his first couple players, Adam Carey and Ben Bradley. I did not really know Adam, I just knew of him. I did know Ben a little better. Ben played on one of my many Beverly Little League all star teams. A strange coincidence is that the team Ben played on is the team that I managed the only time Steve and I ever faced each other in an official capacity as opposing managers. (We scrimmaged all the time) It was 1994 and I was the manager of Beverly East and Steve was the manager of Salem National. (This was also one of the 2 seasons that Steve and I both won our respective City Championships) Our teams both won our first game and that lined up the Beverly Salem matchup. The game was to be played on a Saturday afternoon in Danvers. The night before Steve made one of his rare appearances at Freddies in Beverly. We met and had something to eat and then Steve convinced me that we had to get in the Jeep and drive to the field we were going to play on at 11:00 pm and get prepared for the game. We drove over and parked the car and jumped the fence to get on the field. We went to homeplate and had some kind of foolish, childlike ceremony that he said proved Salem would win the game. (Still a favorite memory of mine)Anyway, the next day we played the game and my team jumped out to a quick lead. Ben Bradley played third base for me. Steve's team made a late inning come back and ended up beating us by a 4-2 score. Steve told the newspaper reporter that since Salem won he would allow me to keep my job as JV hoop coach at St. John's. I'm sure Steve and Ben have already discussed the game and are having some laughs together. I know that everytime we have a tragic loss everyone hears how good the person was. Ben really was a good person. He was failingly polite and friendly. He would still speak to myself and his other youth sport coaches in a very respectful way even after 5-6 years of not having played for us. I always felt that he was very sincere when he said hi or asked how things were going. He will be missed by alot of people but he will not be forgotten. Take care of him for us Steve.
Posted by ZAK Thompson on 04/21/01 21:24:15 EDT.
That Steve O'Grady was the best coach that will ever be in Salem Little League, and that there is not a single person that can make up for it.
Posted by Francie on 04/18/01 13:45:05 EDT.
Such a gloomy, stormy spring day and sad to say, another tragedy has hit the City of Beverly. You have another "player" for your "team in heaven ", Stephen, and I ask you to watch over him! I'm beginning to think that that is why you were taken from all of us...
Posted by Shana Thompson on 04/17/01 23:32:28 EDT.
Steve was a great man.
by Beth on 04/16/01 10:09:59 EDT.
If anyone wants to track Kennon's progress today, her marathon number is 14,001. Thank you to everyone who provided such generous support to this fundraising effort. We exceeded $5,000 in donations as of today!
Posted by A friend on 04/11/01 20:57:08 EDT.
Hippity Hoppity Happy Easter Day!!!! For our family the best Easter of all was in 1990 when we spent Easter in Disneyworld with Stephen, Tom Smith and the four of us. From the Touch of Class Limo service to Logan {We had to leave one suitcase at home cause they couldn't fit all of us in the limo plus our "stuff" } to the Hoop de doo Revue {where Stephen was in the show playing a scrub board!} to the tour of Epcot via the condensed O'Grady version! and the nights sitting in Peaches and Cream eating mile high sundaes while Smitty was over to checking things out at Pleasure Island! We have the pictures, the souvenirs, and the unforgettable memories to prove that ,without a doubt, it was the best ever!! Thank you, Stephen, for inviting yourself... how fortunate we were to have you along!!! You'll be missed Sunday night!!!
Posted by A friend on 04/10/01 23:15:35 EDT.
Hey Beth.... Sorry to hear that you were the target of his pitching practice! No one stood in the way of his love for baseball!!!!
Posted by Beth on 04/10/01 13:05:45 EDT.
Hey Todd, you are like the site historian with all the behind the scenes info. Thank you. For some reason this morning I was thinking about how Stephen gave me a shiner for my 16th birthday. There was some type of construction going on across the street from our house and there was a big pile of rocks. I'm not sure why, but he picked one up and threw it at me. It hit me right next to my eye which promptly swelled up like a goose egg. It scared the daylights out of him and he ran like the wind. It turned into a lovely shade of black and blue right in time for my sweet 16th birthday. Just a charming family story from the early years!



Posted by todd becker on 04/09/01 12:46:37 EDT.
Beth, the person with steve at the redsox game is Timmy "The Hammer" Franklin he was on the reds with me that year
Posted by Beth on 04/05/01 09:03:31 EDT.
You're not fooling me "Wild About the Cats" (aka Tom Stewart). Thank you for putting that so well. I almost let sadness get the best of me today with news of Red Sox no hitter and opening day at Fenway and all, but you turned me around. Better to be happy when we think of Steve's baseball obsession. And one word to the kids as the season comes to an open. You don't have to be the best player on the team, as long as you are playing the best you can. Stephen was not on the All Stars as a player, but look how many teams he led to that status later in his life as a coach. He loved the sport and never gave up. Baseball and Steve will always be synonymous.


by A Friend on 04/04/01 21:31:48 EDT.
Hey up there!!!! We turned Terry on to Keno and she won!!!!! Now maybe her luck will rub off on the Red Sox !!! Hope the good weather is here to stay!!! Enjoy!
Posted by Wild about the Cats on 04/04/01 17:36:54 EDT.
Hey all, first of all I want to say thanks to Steve and his Grandmother because I know they listened to my prayers and were pulling for the Arizona Wildcats--what a great season--way to sock it to em' wildcats!
I remember l986 watching the sixth game and when it was over at first feeling shame, but then Steve and I looked at each other and then at Donald and we realized what a wonderful season it was. If it weren't for that season we wouldn't have had the stupendous heroics of Dave Henderson or the hilarious and outrageous antics of Dennis 'Oilcan' Boyd. Now it's opening day 200l and anything is possible--Steve see what you can do about that curse---pllleeeeez! This is when Steve's light shined the brightest (not that it dimmed much). He was a kid on Christmas morning full of anticipation and exhiliration. It's hard not to think of Steve this time of year, but how can you think of Steve and baseball without smiling. Don't make it a sad thing- make it a gladious thing, a supercalafragilisticexpealidocious thing. Steve's having himself some time because this is his time. Play ball!!
By the way Hey to Todd, John, and all the old dolphins--keep up the good work.
Posted by Beth on 04/02/01 12:14:45 EDT.
Speaking of April Fool's Day brings to mind the story Peter Merry told about a good one Stephen pulled on him once. He called April Fools morning to say a huge donation had come in to the club from one of their target sponsors. Instead of calling Stephen first, Peter immediately called the sponsor to thank him for the generous check, only to find out it was an April Fools joke pulled by Steve.

Posted by A friend on 04/01/01 16:49:27 EDT.
Though April Showers may come your way....let's hope not!!! Happy April Fool's Day, Easter, Tax filing, and baseball season!
by Kyle Bartro on 03/23/01 11:09:20 EST.
Hope everything is great
Posted by Amy Grover on 03/21/01 21:14:14 EST.
With the spring approaching our thoughts turn to Little League Baseball and the wonderful memories of Stephen and the Reds. He will always be with us and remain in our hearts forever. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the FIELD and at the DANCE.
Posted by Annette Labrecque on 03/21/01 14:35:27 EST.
I just happened to stumble on this site via SalemGrads.com. Beth, congratulations on an outstanding job! I am certain that Stephen would be proud and honored! I was the director of the IC Youth Group when Stephen was President. I always believed he would be President of the U.S. Even as a teenager, he made such an impact on so many. Truly he was an amazing person and a gift to all whose lives he touched! I think of him often and know that he is up there watching over all of us. This website is most certainly a tribute to an individual who was loved by so many! Thanks.
Posted by Francie on 03/20/01 20:38:28 EST.
Hooray ! Spring is here! Just hope that it is here to stay! Don't forget to mark your calendar for May 12th! Dance plans are in the works and hope that you can make a point to drop in at the Boys and Girls Club that evening!! Til then, keep smiling!
by Terry on 03/17/01 08:14:32 EST.
Hi everybody... Happy St. Patricks Day .The sun is out, get out and enjoy the day!! Spring is on its way so soon we'll be able to shake our winter blues. Go Red Sox!!! Go Reds!!!! Go away snow!!!
Posted by Francie on 03/11/01 09:37:50 EST.
Well I hope that everyone has had their fill of the snow {the shoveling, the aching backs, the missed school days,the craziness at the grocery stores etc.}. It was a pretty sight but there is also something pretty about the signs of spring!!! Only 9 more days and ,hopefully, it will here ! Otherwise, the fundraiser for the Stephen O'Grady Scholarship Dance set for May 12th at the Boys and Girls Club in Salem {featuring Roundabout} could be held on the Salem Common with sleigh rides,hot chocolate, bon fires etc.!!!!!Hope that you have marked the calendar for the dance as it will be a great time for a great cause! Let the meltdown begin and get ready for the"first pitch"of opening day!!!!!
Posted by Francie on 03/05/01 09:58:43 EST.
TO all of you who love the tune"Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!" hope you are happy!!!
Posted by Francie on 03/04/01 10:55:47 EST.
Well here we are watching for the first signs of spring.... a crocus? spring training? driving home from work in the daylight? Looks like things will be on hold with the predicted forecast for tonight through Tuesday {now Beth and Megan block your ears!}. Let's just wait and see cause we have no control over it anyway! Speaking of Karaoke, Beth ...Did you realize that Stephen was an occasional fan of the Karaoke circuit?? Just ask Steve Marsella or Ray Cruddas!! Well "just in case" the weathermen are right about the expected white stuff,I better get to the supermarket and stock up!! After all,spring isn"t due for a couple more weeks and the kids are looking for one more snow day...remember when you were a kid???? Keep smiling! P. S. to Steve Marsella...Didn't Smitty pick a great week to take a cruise?
Posted by Beth on 03/02/01 17:37:42 EST.
I've also got cabin fever. Is it time for Little League to start yet?! Stephen O'Grady Field could use some action!
Posted by Beth on 03/02/01 09:35:04 EST.
I haven't made an entry in a while because I figure you've had enough of me from my home page comments, but I just want to say that I really miss you, Stephen, and you are always in my thoughts no matter how busy I am (often with your stuff!). I was out the other night and the lounge had Kereoke. Someone sang "Me and Bobby McGee". There is a line that says "I'd trade all my tomorrow's for a single yesterday". What I wouldn't give to turn back the clock and see you again and hear your voice. Everything is going well in your name, and I want to thank everyone for keeping this going. Even if you don't write anything, I am thankful that you've kept him in your thoughts and hearts.
Posted by Shoeless and the bagel lovers on 03/01/01 18:54:31 EST.
Hey to all of you beautiful people in Massachusetts! My apologies if I got your name wrong--I think it's Francie from Beverly--pardon mois! Beth, Shoeless is from Shoeless Joe Jackson, born Joseph Jefferson Wofford Jackson in 1889 in Greenville, South Carolina. The greatest hitter to ever step to the plate in THE BIGS. Shoeless was done by evil, he was not an evil doer. Steve knew of my passion for Joe Jackson, and my belief that he should have been reinstated into Major League Baseball. Steve made a gift of the book "Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball" on his visit to Arizona in February of 1999. I will forever cherish the book, and it was a great read. It's spring training in Tucson with the Diamondbacks, White Sox, and Rockies. Steve and I visited all the spring training facilities and just had a great day soaking up the sights and sounds of baseball. What a grand game, and what a wonderful time with a beautiful friend. It could be a sad time of year, but with memories like these I am lifted up. Enjoy the season everyone because it's a beautiful thing!
Posted by Kim Peterson Kilcommons on 02/25/01 11:36:00 EST.
Beth, you did a wonderful job on this web site!! I guess I'm being reminiscent on this snowy Sunday morning while my kids are tearing the house apart. I remember Stephen so well as a little child in your yard and with that big teddy in the picture. It seems that he turned into a wonderful young man. What a tremendous loss to your family and the community.
Posted by Francie on 02/22/01 18:01:42 EST.
Just got in from Foxwoods and couldn't wait to share another Mr. O'Grady story. My first unexpected trip to Connecticut {Foxwoods Resort} was 7 years ago. The St. John's Boys basketball team made it to the state competition{I forget the details but Steve Marsella can fill anyone in if interested!!}{Or Tom Smith , the former head coach} Anyway, we are down in Conn. with kids, parents. fans .etc.and the time was @9:00 pm when all of a sudden Mr. O announces that a group will be leaving to go over to Foxwoods in one half hour!!! No one knew who ythe "group" was or who was in charge of the kids but because Mr. O found a parent willing to drive her extra big rented van { who could say no to him!!] and several parents offered to watch the kids, we were onour way to the casino! Now , mind you, Mr.O told the parent{Debbie Timson} that it was a 20 minute ride!!! Well two hours and 20 minutes later {after getting lost} we arrived! It was just @ midnight!We had one hour to win{or lose!!!} After everyone gathered in the lobby for departure one parent was missing. Several announcements later Paul Moreland found the parent who had struck it rich on a slot machine and could not leave !!! Tired and anxious to get on the road for the one hour and a half trip back Mr. O who was suppose to Co-pilot, fell asleep within minutes, and the rest of us talked Debbie all the way back!! Another brilliant "O'Grady event" that did create tons of laughs! I forget if we won or lost the game the next day but I do remember that we all lost at the Casino except for B.S.!!!!! Steve M. ,,,,did we win??????
Posted by Francie on 02/22/01 18:01:34 EST.
Just got in from Foxwoods and couldn't wait to share another Mr. O'Grady story. My first unexpected trip to Connecticut {Foxwoods Resort} was 7 years ago. The St. John's Boys basketball team made it to the state competition{I forget the details but Steve Marsella can fill anyone in if interested!!}{Or Tom Smith , the former head coach} Anyway, we are down in Conn. with kids, parents. fans .etc.and the time was @9:00 pm when all of a sudden Mr. O announces that a group will be leaving to go over to Foxwoods in one half hour!!! No one knew who ythe "group" was or who was in charge of the kids but because Mr. O found a parent willing to drive her extra big rented van { who could say no to him!!] and several parents offered to watch the kids, we were onour way to the casino! Now , mind you, Mr.O told the parent{Debbie Timson} that it was a 20 minute ride!!! Well two hours and 20 min
Posted by Francie on 02/20/01 19:01:32 EST.
I knew you would get a laugh out of it Smitty!! Thanks for having a great sense of humor!! Well I just returned from the annual February trip to North Conway and ,needless to say, it was not like the old days but it was fun. I did manage to go over to The once named Sheraton and sat in the lobby. All of the former characters from that chapter in our lives seemed to appear!! In the names mentioned in the last few E-mails I actually found myself laughing as I sat there! Oh well time to move on and think spring! However, if anyone wants to share any O'Grady moment please do. I am sure that there must be some events that Stephen's Beverly fans were unaware of!!!!!!
Posted by Len on 02/20/01 18:22:46 EST.
Hello Stephen: I still think of the bathtub fiasco almost every day of my life by the way... Just wanted to say "happy spring" to you, & that Beth is taking good care of the yard!
Posted by SMITTY on 02/17/01 16:13:16 EST.

I must say that was a good one.
how about Barbara gooding in Steve
marsella room and dancing on his bed
when he was sleeping.
Or Barbara LEAVING a 12 year old kid
up the hill at Crammore in the dark.
Or Mr Jim D. Sleeping in the hall
way because he lost his key.
or Steve leaving Barbara in the shopping mall . For 3 hours while
Steve and I go have lunch.
smitty
Posted by Francie on 02/17/01 09:17:49 EST.
I love these challengers!!!! Now confession time!! One weekend kids were in the game room,parents were playing cards,others were socializing and listening to the band in the lounge{Smitty and Barbara to be exact} when Mr. O came along and told me he needed some help with a project. Innocently,I followed him thinking that we were going to put together a scavenger hunt for the 13 kids to play out! In the meantime Barry Shepperson,who had come down with a bug was the only one in his room trying to rest. Well Mr. O after losing in cards got bored. He went down to Smitty's room to see what he was up to and found the door unlocked but no Smitty! That is when he discovered that it was time for a weekend prank! "THings were getting boring" as he put it! What did he do?? Well lets put it this way ,,, Smitty came back to find his room redecorated!!!!! With sheets and pillows missing, wall hangings covered with towels,his cooler filled with his favorite brew removed from the room, shower curtain missing etc. {All non destructive acts!!!} we heard a very loud and clear #@%$^ %$#@!@ {the son of God} "Come and see what Barry Shepperson did to my room!"" I almost fell over trying not to laugh and asked "Why do you think it was Barry,Smitty?" He was the only one upstairs all night !!! I immediately went to find Mr. O in the pool area overseeing a swimming contest with all of our kids. When I told him about Smitty's discovery and who he was accusing it was words similiar to"Lighten up....don"t worry about it!" Well it was tough all weekend with Smitty ignoring Barry and Barry not realizing why!!! And to you,Smitty, many many times I wanted to confess that although I did not know what Stephen had up his sleeve I did watch from the doorway {He had me as the watchman and I refused to go in for fear of breaking and entering... but again Iwas with Mr. O and all he would have done was to produce a box of Winfreys Fudge and we would have gotten off the hook!!!!!!} If we could only return to those days, I know Smitty would not mind going without a cold brew or two!!!!!What a book we could have written!!!!!!
Posted by Steve on 02/16/01 19:15:53 EST.
I forgot one of the best incidents of all the trips. How could anyone forget Barbara Earps, or Penny Petut as her fans know her, skiing down Black Mountain at a break-neck pace and having absolutely no regard for anyone or anything in her path. She goes around a turn and just blatantly plows over a young sapling tree that chose to grow in her path. This is the stuff of legends.
Posted by Megan Sudak on 02/16/01 16:44:08 EST.
Ok- my turn now....
We took this first excursion of many during my 7th grade year. God, am I getting old!But how can we forget how loud Mr. O would scream at Mike Stellato to shut the window...cause as we learned, Mike needs to chill his pillow before he goes to bed!

I also want to thank all of you who came on these trips for all the memories we had. They are my favorite, and they will never be forgotten, just like Mr. O.
Posted by Francie on 02/16/01 16:41:31 EST.
Way to go Steve Marsella!!!!!!! Why didn't you tell the story of your long awaited fried egg! Or Mike Stellato"s valentine underwear? I forgot about the Donnelly Bob!!! And I should say thank you to you for making everyone get to bed early !@#%^ so they would be rested for the slopes!!!! How about the trips to Crackerjacks Baseball Card Shop! Stephen would not let us leave North Conway without letting our kids go on a shopping spree at this store!!! WEll Steve Marsella thanks for taking this challenge ....Now who is next????????By the way I am leaving for Conway on Sunday but I guarantee that I can never find a "gang" of such great people to duplicate what we all once shared! Thanks Mr.O for making those reservations!!!!!!
Posted by Steve on 02/16/01 10:08:31 EST.
OK Francie, I accept the challenge! She is correct this is the anniversary of the true beginning of my friendship with Steve. I had started coaching at St. John's in the fall of 1988, Steve was the AD. In February of 1989 our JV team (5th and 6th grade) completed an 18-0 season. We had a party at The Donelly's house on a Friday night after the 18th win. the next morning we were to leave for North Conway on the first of many President's Day weekend ski trips. I don't remember alot of the specifics for that original trip but there are some that I could never forget. How about Steve yelling out the window of the hotel room at a couple onthe skating rink who had paused for a kiss in the moonlight, "Hey knock that @#&* off!", or Smitty hanging t-shirts over the picture on the wall because it was "watching him", Barbara Earps kicking my door in at 2:30 in the moring while I was trying to sleep, The "Donnelly Bobs", etc. These are all great memories, all of which Steve used to love to laugh about. I still break into laughter thinking about them, Fran, good subject!

On another subject, as a coach at St John's for 10 or 11 years I had the pleasure of being associated with alot of not only talented players but good kids as well. None of this would have been possible without the guidance and assistance of Steve and others at St John's such as Debbie Timson, Karen McCarthy and Fran Sudak. I very much enjoy seeing these kids these days and knowing that I helped create some good memories for them. i am especially proud of my league championship team of 1996-1997 the majority of whom are now seniors in high school. There are 3 kids from that team who are now high school captains, Marty Harrington at Beverly High, Hugh Galligan at Salem High, and Jonathan Duff at St John's Prep. Although I claim no responsibility for their talents as basketball players I do like to think that I helped them become the type of person that is named a captain by their peers. I bring this up because I want to thank Steve for making this possible by having me as a coach for him at St John's, something I never had the chance to tell him in person.
Posted by Francie on 02/16/01 08:50:54 EST.
Happy February Vacation to alland today marks the 12th anniversary of the establishment of the St. Johns Family Getaway Weekend that MR. O'Grady instituted. I know I speak for the ARnolds, Sheppersons, Erps', Audettes, Donnellys, Jewetts, Dellisolas, Steve Marsella, Mike Stellato, Tom Smith , The Sudaks, Amatuccis and others that happened to pop up and visit that those days with Mr. O cannot, willnot ever be repeated! From take off {Remember Steve's car window shattered by Mrs, Erps!!}to his day long stay in the Emergency Room with Mike Sudak after an injury after one run at Attitash, to leaving Jamie Arnold at the top of Cranmore while he went down for a quick bite to eat {Understand that Jamie never skiied before!} and it goes on and on and on!!! I guess the only thing I can say is that the staff of the Sheraton all were taken care of very well especially with the Winfreys Fudge that Steve would bribe them with! If he wasn't happy with his room , GInny the reservationist got a box of fudge , if he wanted Fred the bellman ASAP he got fudge and even if he wanted extra towels the chambermaid got fudge!! Thank God St. Johns was having the fundraiser at the time!!! I could go on but I will let some of the other participants in these memorable days gone by share a story or two.....come on Marsella, Mike D, Megan S. Smitty. Barbara.. I challenge you!!!!!!
Posted by Beth on 02/15/01 14:25:32 EST.
Tom,
There is one story untold and one question left unanswered...where on earth did you get the knickname 'shoeless'...?
Posted by Shoeless and family on 02/14/01 21:36:50 EST.
Hola! Que Tal? Que Hay de nuevo? A little southern Arizona flavor for all you gringos in the Bay State. And now for another amusing anecdote involving the webster himself, Steve. One fateful day during the O'Grady, McNamara, Ramstein visit to the old pueblo, Steve (O'Grady) and Cathy (McNamara) decided to frequent a local gambling establishment. I know for those of you who really knew Steve this must come as a complete shock, bare with me and hold onto your snow shovel. Steve and Cathy entered the Casino--there I said it--and proceded to peruse the money losing options available to them. Steve all the while is snaping photos with Cathy's camera, possibly to serve as proof of civilization in this primitive land. Steve is suddenly accosted by a horde of security personnel, undoubtedly fearful of the outside world obtaining knowledge of the existence of slot machines and their ability to help the user achieve total consciousness. Cathy wasted no time in distancing herself from the blasphemer O'Grady. Steve was forthwith escorted from the premises and told to relinquish the film in the camera, and asked to leave the camera in the car if he wished to reenter the promised land. Steve finally managed to find Cathy and thanked her profusely for standing by him in his hour of need. From this day forth Steve no longer inquired as togambling opportunities in the greator Tucson area.
Regarding the inquiry of Steve having helped paid for the towing of my Subaru---no he did not--however he did offer to accompany me to the tow yard in Roxbury which was a great comfort.
There's a place in the sun, where there's hope for everyone. That's what I'm looking forward to, the day everyone finds their place in the sun. Isn't it appropriate that a man (the greatest songwriter of all time!) named Stevie wrote the song "Place in the Sun" because Steve always gave us all our place in the sun just from having known him. He's shining down on us right now.
Posted by Terry on 02/14/01 12:39:31 EST.
Hi Everybody, Happy Valentines Day!!! Spring and baseball are just around the corner. Go Reds!!!!!!Congratulations to Bill Mignault who has become the new Executive Director of The Boys &
Girls Club. I wish him and all of his co-workers at the club my very best.
Posted by Francie on 02/06/01 12:05:31 EST.
Hey Beth... in response to your thoughts on what we have to look forward to and no one mentioning "WORK" I have to say that that is one thing that I do look forward to each day. I have a position that I love and there is never a morning that I truly dread getting out of bed and starting my work day! Take for instance this a.m. When I heard the NO SCHOOL announcements I was a little disappointed but then I realized how many children and educators are not as peculiar as myself and I was happy for them!!!!{ Especially my son who even had his college cancelling classes today} Don't get me wrong, I look forward to the weekends and the vacation weeks but I can not imagine dreading going to work everyday and I know many many people who do!!Oh well, now it is time to go clear off the car and enjoy my unexpected day off!! Til next time, enjoy 'ol man winter...the groundhog was right!!!!
Posted by Francie on 02/01/01 08:54:52 EST.
Welcome to February! Now will the groundhog see his shadow tomorrow ??If so don't put the shovels or skis away yet!! Six more weeks of winter or not, I hear that the plans for Stephen's dance are underway and the goal,of course, is to top last year's overwhelming response! For details check the website and mark your calender now. It will be great to see everyone get together for Stephen's cause! Keep warm!
Posted by Terry on 01/28/01 10:17:55 EST.
Hi Everybody, It's Super Bowl Sunday and I hope you are all betting on the right team. This was always a big day for Stephen as well. He really enjoyed it and all the pickings to go with it.I'm sure he'll be watching today with Bruce & Bert. I'm guessing he's betting on the Ravens. Enjoy !
Posted by Scott Wentzell on 01/26/01 18:42:09 EST.
Hey Everyone~
Are the days getting Longer? More sunlight? Warmer days? God I hope so! Everything is going great at The Wentzell house. Spring is comming and that means yet another season of Little League. I can't believe how time flies!! Of course the Anual Foundation dance is in the works, cant wait for that! The Boys and Girls Club gang is hard at work (as usual)and we will continue to do so no matter what changes come our way. Hope everyone is doing good. Keep posting! Take Care All....
Posted by John Carr on 01/23/01 23:17:06 EST.
I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL, JUST WANTED TO SAY HI!!!!! 'o)
Posted by Francie on 01/21/01 11:12:14 EST.
Dear Shoeless and the Allstars, just one question...... did Stephen pay for the towing charges???????? Great story and so typical Stephen!! Well the snow is flying and the predicted storm did arrive on the North Shore so its off to dig out!! Happy shovelling and happy trails to Uncle Walter for his birthday trip to Aruba this week!!!!
by Owen Grover on 01/18/01 21:10:14 EST.
I am looking forward for the new REDS season to start!!!!
Posted by Shoeless and the allstars on 01/18/01 18:59:39 EST.
Heidy, Heidy, Ho!
Welcome to the New Millenium! Now we can say it with conviction, and with hope for a brighter tomorrow filled with the promise of our most impossible dreams. Thanks for the quote of the millenium Beth, it's time to swing for the fences and that quote took it right out of the ballpark. And now for something completely irrelevant. Once upon a Steve we were returning to my car after a Red Sox game to a parking spot recommended by Mr. O'Grady. The car was not there. The car was towed to Roxbury. The ideal parking spot was actually the black hole in the tow zone.
We rode the subway home as it was too late to collect the auto. The same auto that had seen Steve through his drivers license test. The same auto that was loaded down with cases of M and M's for a youth group fundraiser. Poor Katie the Subaru would spend the night alone and cold in a Roxbury impound yard. Steve's big question was, "Is Denise picking us up at Wonderland, and will we have chicken wings ?" God bless you Steve, and remember there are no tow zones in Heaven. Let's all live in the world of our imaginations--super duper!

Posted by Francie on 01/15/01 18:15:23 EST.
Where, oh where, has January gone?? The tree just came down, boxes of decorations go from room to room, a birthday came and went, financial aid forms are on the desk, tax info arrives everyday and before long the cold days of winter will turn into the warm days of spring{hopefully}. Fundraisers on behalf of Stephen are in the works so check the website and keep a watch for the upcoming events. We would love to hear from anyone who has a "Stephen Story"! His family have been entertained by these tales and amazed to see and hear how many lives Stephen actually touched. Take a moment and share with us an "O'Grady Moment". {Steve Marsella, Tom Smith, Barbara Erps, etc. where are you????} Til later... stay well!!!
Posted by Alex Grover on 01/10/01 15:01:30 EST.
Josh, I couldn't agree with you more.
Posted by Josh Richard on 01/06/01 14:43:25 EST.
Steve, you're the greatest, and i just wanted to say, " Once a Red, Always a Red!" I thank you a lot for the early morning practices and picking me up for them on the way to Forest River, I love you and you'll stay in my heart forever.
Posted by Josh Richard on 01/06/01 14:37:15 EST.
I wish that I could talk to Steve sometimes, about what the plan is for next season's Reds, sometimes I even forget that he's gone. I always wish I could call his house to invite to the batting cage or to play catch, or go mini-golfing. He was and will always be my favorite person in the whole world, he'll also be my favorite coach and friend forever. Ever since he's been gone, I've wished that I could just give 'em one more big hug, or play on the Reds for one more game.
Posted by Sharon McGrath on 01/02/01 16:45:55 EST.
I just wanted Stephen's family to know I was thinking about them during the holidays. Hi Theresa, I'm glad I found the site. Love Sharon