Happenings

Armed with colorful visions and boundless creativity, kids from the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club showcased their artistic talents last week at the Club's judged art show. “I like the fact that I can draw things I haven’t experienced yet,” said 8-year-old Sierra Lites. “And I can make my own styles. I can draw something I want to experience one day.” Danae Dahabreh, 8, likes art “because there’s not only one way to do it” and it makes her happy. Kay’ary King, 12, likes art because he’s good at it and loves that he can create without boundaries.  “The art gallery was inspired by some of our kids who submitted for the national arts competition,” said the Club’s Stephanie Greene. “Unfortunately, none [...]

By Ginger DeShaney When Victor Baldassari was told he was being considered for an ABCD Community Heroes Award for his work with Kickoff for Kids, he asked if it could be a group award. “There's a couple of us that make the magic happen down there,” Victor said. But ABCD doesn’t present group awards.  So he had to think about it. “It’s not just Victor Baldassari,” he said, crediting Kickoff for Kids founder Allison Baker and Al Mallon, as well as Jackie Beggan, Lily Joyce, Haley Dillon, Ashley Miller, Lisa Maki, and DCR’s Bobby Ferrara. But after some contemplation, and a push from his cohorts, he decided to accept the honor, which was handed out in November. “Victor is the heart and soul of Kickoff [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Campbell Marchant has been in South Boston since March 2022, but he’s already making an impact on the neighborhood.  After getting the lay of the land last November and not wanting to step on any toes, Campbell launched his first Southie Kids Food Drive 12 days before Thanksgiving, raising $7,000 for 700 meals for kids at the Condon, Tynan, Excel High School, and more.  This year, his goal is to raise $30,000 for 2,000 meals for Boston Public Schools students and others in need. He’s already at $10,000 and has a Southie Kids Food Drive fundraiser at Capo on Nov. 9 from 6-9 p.m. “I’d like everyone to be aware of the work we are doing. We’ve put long hours into this [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Coming from a military family, Kelly Conroy has always been passionate about taking care of soldiers. “Our troops don't get what they need and certainly not what they deserve,” said the lifelong South Bostonian. “I feel like it's something we can do just to lift them up. Some of them are just so young and they're so far away from home. “It's such a big sacrifice on everyone. I just figured, you know, if I can do a little something, why not?” Kelly isn’t doing a little something. She’s doing a BIG something. After years of sending care packages to a handful of soldiers, she has kicked it up several notches by becoming a local organizer for the AdoptaPlatoon organization. Her Adopt [...]