THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 17
Life Is Good Kids Foundation Comes to South Boston
by Rick Winterson
An important issue has been simmering in South Boston for a long time. It was emphatically brought into the open earlier this year of 2017 at a meeting of the South Boston Association of Non-Profits (SBANP). The members of SBANP spoke loudly and clearly that “Trauma” – especially childhood trauma – should become an essential focus of the SBANP mission here in South Boston. You may well ask how much of an effect trauma has on South Boston’s young people. From a non-medical, lay person’s standpoint, an accurate, meaningful answer is “a lot!” Poverty, violence, lack of good parenting, and neighborhood bullying can all be traumatic to children. And no one in South Boston has to be told that we have substance abuse problems. Alcohol, hard drugs, marijuana, prescription medicines – all can create
Joe “Dodo” Nee’s Life Celebrated
trauma among the children who witness this abuse. And trauma doesn’t even have to be caused by something “wrong” – a serious auto accident, a natural disaster, or a major illness in a family can also cause traumatic effects among kids.But a first, smallbut-effective step has been taken: At 10 a.m. last Wednesday morning, May 31, something over a hundred people gathered at the South Boston Neighborhood House – the “Ollie” at 136 H Street. They came from all walks of local life – professionals, non-profit employees, concerned residents, parents, the media – to attend a presentation dealing with trauma among children. Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director of the Neighborhood House, introduced the meeting’s featured presentation. This presentation took the form of an hour-long talk, an informally presented “keynote” lecture with Continued on Page 5
Joseph Nee, nicknamed “Dodo”, spent his life in community service, as a firefighter, family man, and ardent supporter of countless good works in South Boston. He was one of those rare individuals who both lead and willingly serve. Last Tuesday, the Boston weather couldn’t stop hundreds from celebrating Dodo’s life at the Lawn on D. His son Brian’s eulogy at the end of the evening’s program was especially moving. Jon Cronin, who sponsored Dodo Nee’s memorial celebration, and Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, with Dodo’s son Brian Nee (center). Brian movingly eulogized his Dad during the celebration’s program.
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DATE: TIME: LOCATION:
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