...And the Green Globe Awards Go to...

Seventeen amazing individuals and organizations were nominated online by their neighbors for the First Annual Southie Green Globe Awards. After thoughtful deliberation, six nominees were selected by the Green Globe Awards Committee to be awarded with special thanks and recognized for their work towards a greener and healthier Southie.

Awards Ceremony and Celebration will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Distillery. Optional mixing and mingling from 6:00 - 7:00 and 8:00 - 9:00 pm. RSVP and details. All are welcome to attend!

And the awards go to...drum roll please!....

The Legacy Award goes to Mary Cooney and Lucky Devlin!

Louise Baxter, who nominated this dynamic duo says,

Mary and Lucky have been long-time Southie environmental activists, working prevent an asbestos plant from coming to Southie and other projects including an MBTA power plant, oil tanks, 1^st Street development and planning and more.

The Heart of Kindness Award goes to Mary Lou Rosher, South Boston Farmers Market and WIC!

Anna White nominated Mary Lou and describes her contribution:

As the central force behind the South Boston Farmer's Market, Mary Lou has made fresh fruits, veggies, bread, eggs and fish are available to the members of the South Boston Community for the majority of the year.  Mary Lou makes everyone feel welcome and wanted at the Market and she unites our community! 

The Newcomer Award goes to Jon Ramos, Southie Bikes!

Maureen Dahill nominated Jon with the following statement,

Jon Ramos is just such an impressive guy.  He is so passionate and dedicated to his mission of making Southie bike friendly.  As you know, life-long residents in South Boston tend to resist change and Jon's fight has been a battle.  But his dedication, I believe, will help him be victorious. 

The Seeds of Hope Award goes to South Boston Grows!

With the leadership of Phoebe Flemming, South Boston Grows has done an amazing thing; they have embedded resident-run community gardens in each of South Boston’s public housing developments. SBG was nominated by Louise Baxter, who says of the group, “They have been running community gardens introducing youth to gardening; getting community involved, contributing to food banks and more."

The Daring Dreamer Award goes to the South Boston Youth Ambassadors, Mayra Rodriguez-Howard, Linda Doran, and Sister Susan Morris.

This award selection was driven by the collective praise of nominations from Jake Bombard, Louise Baxter and Stefanie Valovic:

Their mentorship of so many young men and women channeled through service makes them a pillars of the community. Whether they are doing regular litter clean-ups along Broadway, or service trips to New Orleans, the Youth Ambassadors do a lot to improve the quality of the environment, and the quality of life for everyone.

The Connector Award goes to Donna Brown, SBNDC

Donna was nominated by Susan Labandibar, of Tech Networks of Boston who says,

Although she is characteristically low-key about it, Donna is passionate about making South Boston a greener and more environmentally friendly place to live.  As the Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, she has a budget of less than $1,000,000, most of which is focused on the SBNDC's primary mission of providing affordable housing. By partnering with other organizations, Donna has been able to employ young people to plant and maintain flowers, vegetables and trees in our neighborhood.  In one of many examples, SBNDC stepped in to save Southie Trees when Tech Networks of Boston eliminated funding for the program in order to start the Climate Action Liaison Coalition. 

Other nominated groups and individuals deserve thanks and recognition as well. They will be also be recognized at the September 26 ceremony:

Chris Anifantis

Adam Feinberg

Fred Gordon, The Distillery

Bill Gleason, West Broadway Neighborhood Association

Medicine Wheel Productions
Emily Reichert, Greentown Labs
Southie Trees