At ceremonies held at the Norwood Cinema last Friday night, Mrs. Eva Michienzi of 12 Franklin Street Norwood, mother of 10 children, two of them Norwood policemen, was crowned “Mother of Year” as the winner of a contest sponsored by the Norwood Uptown Merchants’ Association.
Mrs. Michienzi polled over 10,000 votes to win the title out of a possible 15,000 voles cast in local stores during the contest.
First runner-up was Mrs. E. J. Begley, and the second runner-up was Mrs. Betty Lou Pace.
The “Mother Of The Year” contest attracted wide attention. Mrs. Michienzi as the winner will receive an all-expense trip for two to the Worlds Fair in New York. Mrs. Michienzi also was awarded many other prizes. First runner-up received a portable television set, and the second runner-up a portable stereo.
Mrs Michienzi is the widow of the late Frank Michienzi who passed away in 1959. Their 10 children are, Patrolmen Thomas and James Michienzi, Jennie and Joseph Michienzi who live at home with their mother, Mrs. Mary Carchedi, Mrs Francis Simoni, Frank Michienzi, Jr., and Mrs. Kathleen Bilott, all of Norwood, and Mrs. Eva Frietas of Dedham. Another child is deceased.
Mrs. Michienzi is working at the Rustcraft greeting card plant in Dedham to send her son Joseph through Northeastern University. She is also the proud grandmother of 17.
At the crowning ceremony, Mrs. Francis X. Bellotti, wife of the Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, was present to introduce the winners and present Mrs. Michienzi with a bouquet of roses. Placing the crown on the head of the winner was “Nate” Kravetz, president of the Norwood Uptown Merchants’ Association. The Town Manager welcomed the crowd and introduced Mrs. Bellotti, who qualifies as a “mother of the year” in her own right. She has eleven children and is expecting her twelfth.
(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)