By Rick Winterson

     On Saturday, November 19, something over 300 people convened at the Convention Center. The occasion was the second annual Community Day. Unlike last year, when three inches of snow fell, it was a crystal clear fall day.

      The day began at 10 a.m. with a non-profit agency showcase and an art exhibit by the participants in the "Young at Arts" program. Dan McCole, Susan Rodgerson, Mayra Rodrigiez-Howard, and Bryan Van Dorpe extended the welcomes. Fr. Robert Kennedy of St. Monica's and the Rev. Burns Stanfield of Fourth Presbyterian gave the opening invocations. Fourteen South Boston agencies set up display tables along the window line on the second level of the Convention Center.

     Mayor Thomas Menino, state Rep. Brian Wallace, and Mt. Washington Vice President Jack Forbush presented awards to the winners of the Young at Arts "Calendar Contest" - 24 in number. The presentation was emceed by Krystyne Cheever and Moss Lynch.

     Three workshops followed the presentations: Hip Hop, facilitated by Delvyn Case; Youth Assets, facilitated by the ten Members of the South Boston youth Council; and Creative Writing/Poetry, facilitated by Sophia Snow, Pete Shungu, Barbara Anne Loftus, and Dave Connolly.

     At noontime, a group of young talents banded together to present a cabaret. This was directed by Krystyne Cheever, herself a cabaret performer, assisted by Rick Winterson. Sabina Lindsey opened by belting out a song, and then Angie Delaney and Megz Florentino performed their "Car Wash" dance. Gaby Rogers sang a sweet song. Tristin Mullen rapped a solo for the audience. The next act was a news improv by Moss Lynch and company - Cassie Moakley, Angie Delaney, and Megz Florentino. Professional dance duo Todor Stavrev and Gayane Ovanesyan completed the program. In an interesting bit of ad lib, their music wouldn't cue up, so they danced to the spontaneous hand-clapping of the crowd - it worked!

     The cabaret closed with a thanksgiving from members of Medicine Wheel, and lunch followed. It was quite a feast, prepared and served expertly by the staff of the Convention Center. The afternoon was spent in networking. Transportation to and from the Convention Center was donated by Old Town Trolley.