Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team: The FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Kickoff Meeting

The local members of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team gathered in Franklin Park for the Kickoff Meeting on December 17, 2011. The meeting started with a walk in the Woodlands led by the FPC's Youth and Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Watts and three of his students. The group showed the team the important work they have accomplished the last few months in clearing the invasive plants from the Woodlands. The teens also talked about the importance of the Summer Drop-In Sports Nights.

After our walk, we had the chance to go to the Franklin Park Zoo ECO Center (www.zoonewengland.org) for a little "tour" (a.k.a. getting lost looking for the ECO Center) and a meeting. Christine Poff from the FPC shared information about the organization, Mike Toomey shared information about marathon training along with a roundtable discussion about training with some of our seasoned, veteran runners. Finally, Julie Arrison had a very quick talk about the fundraising and event planning guides that each runner received. The day ended for some of the team with a quick 5K around the park that included the Bear Dens, White Stadium, the Woodlands, and the Golf Course. It was a great kickoff and we think it's safe to say that we are all very excited to get rolling!

Introductions all around for the Boston Marathon Charity Team members and the Youth Conservation Crew. After this, Mike Watts led us into the Woodlands with the "Alphabet Game--Movie Edition" followed by "Two Truths and a Lie."

Mike Watts of the FPC is talking to the team about the work of the Youth Conservation Crew.

Andy from the Youth Conservation Crew is telling us just how much damage the Cat Brier can cause in the Woodlands--and to the poor Youth Conservation Crew members sporting shorts on a hot summer day!