Saturday, August 17, 12-9 p.m. Enjoy a FREE summertime event at the Lawn on D with inflatables (adults only after 5), lawn games, entertainment, and food/drink for all ages! Family activities are scheduled throughout the afternoon, and live music is on tap in the evening. Limited free parking. Visit LawnonD.com for schedule and details.
Timothy “Doc” Cook was a man for others, saving countless lives as a Navy Corpsman in the Iraq war. The 13 exceptional students honored with scholarships this year in Tim’s memory are boys and girls for others as they work to bring awareness and help to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tim lost his battle with PTSD in March 2013 due to his combat experiences; he was 28 years old. Since then, his dad, Joseph Cook, family, friends, businesses, and neighbors have raised money in his memory for scholarships. “The Timothy (Doc) Cook Foundation will continue to have spirit, hope, and strength to make a difference for others,” Joseph said. “As always, we will remain being grateful one day at a time.” [...]
By Ginger DeShaney The Internet as we know it is broken, according to the book “Our Biggest Fight.” Renowned author, advocate, and Project Liberty founder Frank H. McCourt’s latest book delves into the alarming consequences of technology on today's youth, shedding light on its role in exacerbating mental health challenges, fostering a sense of isolation, and leading to teen suicide. As a longtime ally and former board president of the South Boston Neighborhood House (SBNH), McCourt visited South Boston to bring his message to the neighborhood, spark meaningful dialogue, and drive collective action. By hearing directly from parents and community members, he hopes to glean valuable perspectives that can inform effective strategies for addressing technology's adverse effects on youth mental health. SBNH Executive Director Kathy [...]
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 [...]
Regardless of gender, age, background or ethnicity, there seems to be a universal pleasure in talking about friendship. It makes sense given that research has shown again and again that having a friend improves mental and physical health. In a culture enamored with a focus on romantic love, friendship is less the focus but a special and steadfast kind of love. Reflecting a popular trend, florists and restaurants are pitching to a broader concept of people to honor as having special meaning in our lives. The history of Valentine’s Day is believed to echo back to about 500AD when it became part of the liturgical calendar for the Catholic religion commemorating martyred saints named Valentine. From that point, legends abound with the symbolism of fertility, [...]
City Councilor Flynn and South Boston En Accion Host Event City Councilor Ed Flynn and South Boston En Accion Executive Director Mercy Robinson celebrated Three Kings Day with a well-attended community supper Wednesday evening at the West Broadway Community Center. “I’m honored to partner with Mercy on this wonderful Three Kings event,” Councilor Flynn said, noting it’s an important day, especially in the Latinx community. “I just want to say thank you, Mercy, for the great work you do in the community.” Mercy was happy to see everyone come out for the event. “When we come together as a community, when we get to know each other as neighbors, we have love for one another. We really are changing the structure of the community.” At-large [...]
The South Boston Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Trust Fund awarded a record-breaking 16 $2,500 scholarships as well as the inaugural Ed Buccigross $5,000 Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Grant recently at the Curley Community Center. The Board applauds these youth for all that they do in their schools and in the community. Since its founding in 1995, the Fund has awarded scholarships to 249 deserving South Boston scholars for a grand total of $411,000. The Fund was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to provide scholarship grants to South Boston students who are academically excellent, have a reasonable family need, and demonstrate good citizenship and community involvement. Participation in athletics is not required in order to apply for the scholarship. The grant program is educational in nature [...]
Most of the preteens in the after-school program at the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club had never tried Japanese food … much less cooked it. But through a collaboration of Table for Two, SHOWA Boston Institute, and the Boys & Girls Club, the youngsters are getting a taste of international cuisine. Table for Two has been providing Japanese cooking classes for the Club’s preteens through its Wa-Shokuiku program, a unique food education program in which American students learn about Japanese food and culture through hands-on activities. The SHOWA students, who are full-time Japanese college students attending school in Boston to learn about American culture, volunteer at the Club and are helping with the cooking classes. “It’s fun,” the Club kids agreed. “It’s [...]
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 [...]
(A series of profiles of neighbors who have long lived or are recent to South Boston by alternating weeks) Jane Crump, born in Indiana and raised in Weymouth, moved for love to South Boston in 1979. It is here that she stayed, for a period of nearly ten years living on Thompson Island with her husband, artist Norman Crump and where their daughter, Amanda, grew up. But, in the beginning, South Boston was not where she imagined being. “I remember my mother telling me not to go certain places because there would be ‘Southie boys,’ and then I met Norman in church and that’s where he was from. I remember the day he walked in,” she said. Her early fear became a second love affair [...]
