Roslindale Scavenger Hunt a real find

Originally published by Roslindale Transcript

Roslindale —Tony DeBenedictis, owner of Tony’s Market in Roslindale, seemed perplexed when Daniel Pray walked into the store asking what style of dance keeps him moving when he is not selling specialty Italian foods.

“Why (do) you want to ask about my dance?” said DeBenedictis. Perhaps he didn’t realize his store, located at 4253 Washington St., was one of the destinations on the first Roslindale Scavenger Hunt. The event, which began July 7, runs through July 16.

Daniel and Lynn Pray, of Roslindale, heard about the hunt through friend and event organizer Vernee Wilkinson. They decided to participate to learn more about Roslindale. “We wanted to learn some stuff (and) have fun,” said Daniel Pray.

“The Colgate Kings,” as the Pray couple calls themselves since they live on Colgate Street, arrived at the Colorwheel Collection, at 4266 Washington St., at 6 p.m. sharp, eager to start their quest. Daniel said he was excited to get to know more people while doing the hunt.

They were not the only ones signed up that evening. According to Wilkinson, Colorwheel Collection owner, a few teams registered online and others did so in person. The excitement seemed to be building up. “One group that came in … the kids had already figured out a strategy and (began to) answer questions,” said Wilkinson. “They already knew where (to go) and were already excited about it,” she said.

The Prays had previously devised a strategy. “(Daniel) thought we should do it as quick as we could, maybe run,” said Lynn. But after seeing the game card, they decided otherwise. “Say we do some tonight and leave some for later,” said Lynn and Daniel agreed.

Wilkinson said the hunt was designed to be done in more than one leg. “It gives people the flexibility to work with their schedules … they can take a photo after work or they can take a photo on the weekend … whatever works for them,” she said.

The hunt requires teams to take photographs with foods like cactus, tomatillo and queso fresco, all available at the Mexican market, El Chavo, at 4254 Washington St.
Daniel Fram, employee at The Thrift Shop of Boston at 17 Corinth St., joked around with the Prays after watching them take pictures of themselves on a brown suede chair wearing straw hats. “Do we charge some kind of rental fee for people using our stuff?” asked Fram.

Each photograph was worth two points. Another way to collect points was through the detailed questions targeted at revealing a quirky side of Roslindale’s history. The questions ask for specific products, dates, names and personal details of business owners. “I want to find out Tony’s favorite dance,” said Daniel while at the market. DeBenedictis told them he doesn’t have a favorite dance. “Wherever the music takes you,” said DeBenedictis. He splits his moves between the tango, cha-cha and rumba.

An hour-long stroll around Roslindale proved more than enough time to get the Colgate Kings through 3/4 of the hunt. Places left for them to visit included Peter’s Hill - an extra credit option that asks for a picture of the view from the top of the hill. “We like Peter’s Hill, so any excuse to go up there works,” said Lynn Pray.
The Colgate Kings, as well as any other teams that participated in the hunt, can expect a prize ceremony on Saturday, July 16 at the Roslindale Farmer’s Market held in Adams Park. Prizes have yet to be determined, but something involving the businesses on the game card can be expected, according to Wilkinson.

For more information about the Roslindale Scavenger Hunt and the rest of the Summer Stroll Series (running through mid-August) visit http://www.roslindale.net/summerstroll