South Boston Ambassador

by Rick Winterson

Right up front, meet Greg Lally. Greg is a born-and-raised South Bostonian, who is still a local resident living near G and Fifth Streets. He is 29, he works in South Boston, and he spends much of his spare time taking part in South Boston’s various activities.

The campaign for “Mayor of South Boston” is actually a way to raise funds for our annual St. Patrick’s /Evacuation Day Parade – please be aware that each year the Parade is privately funded – yes, we said privately funded! The Mayor’s race gets underway about seven weeks before March, the Parade month, begins. The candidates, who are all volunteers, organize their campaigns, collect donations, and arrange to have South Boston “times” that encourage people to contribute to the Parade. Many of these “times” are really enjoyable parties; Parade supporters willingly contribute to be part of what has become

By Ginger DeShaney

Marisa Carlini: Business Owner, Coach, Teacher, Volunteer

When you see Marisa Carlini in the neighborhood, she will likely have a smile on her face.

Whether in her shop (LUXE home interiors), coaching on the softball field or basketball court, or teaching at Miss Linda’s School of Dance, it’s important for Marisa to give back.

“I care about kids; I love teaching them,” she said. “You walk out happy.”

Marisa played basketball and softball and was a dancer herself. So it was natural for her to help out in the community. Her kids, Chloe, 12, and Sadie, 13, Continued on Page 3

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Greg Lally our South Boston “Season”.

In our interview with Greg prior to this article, he told us that he first wanted to become the Mayor of South Boston when he was in his pre-teens. “At that time, it was a cool thing, and I really liked the people in the Mayors’ races”, Greg said. But Greg’s schoolwork took priority – first at Gate of Heaven, then Memorial High, and on to Quincy College for an Associate degree and a BA degree in Business Management at Curry College. These days, Greg is busy professionally. He has served as the Athletic Director at the Tynan community Center for seven years, after four years in the PAL. He holds down a second evening job as well, with Local 11 of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). And he has coached Gatey CYO Basketball. Greg is very proud of the kids he once coached. He follows their progress closely whenever he can – for example, he goes to games played by Jake Harrison, who is a forward in Division 3 basketball at Western New England/Nichols College.

To understand why Greg did so well in his South Boston Mayoral campaign, consider his college education in Business Management. Right away, he set a goal for his campaign, and then planned for it in advance of starting the campaign. He organized his volunteers carefully; he worked hard himself – every night for seven weeks. And it worked – to the best of our knowledge, Greg Lally’s campaign raised much more than any past Mayor of South Boston ever has. The entire efforts of the four 2023 Mayoral candidates raised funds that added up to nearly six figures.

Greg’s volunteers included Linda Doherty (Greg’s cousin), Brendan Kelly, Jackie Higgins, Joey Sweeney, Brian Fitzgerald, Matt Beggan, Haley Dillon (a past Mayor), and Mikey Walsh. He was extremely grateful to his mother and father, Kathy and Kevin Lally, for their constant help during his campaign. He also thanked Hannah Arlauskas at Playground Yoga, Susan Woods at the L Street Tavern, and the Connollys, who hosted Greg’s 150-person campaign party for people of all ages at Seapoint on Saturday, January 21.

Congratulations, Greg.