Craig Kiest, a landscape architect from Portland, OR, is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition team not just as a runner who didn't cross the finish line, but as a runner who qualified for the 2014 Boston Marathon while completing his trek of 50 marathons across the 50 states. He is looking forward to finishing what he started in 2013 and raising money and awareness for a great cause, despite the miles between home and a great Olmsted designed park.
Monday, December 30, 2013
A landscape architect running for Franklin Park...meet Craig!
Craig Kiest, a landscape architect from Portland, OR, is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition team not just as a runner who didn't cross the finish line, but as a runner who qualified for the 2014 Boston Marathon while completing his trek of 50 marathons across the 50 states. He is looking forward to finishing what he started in 2013 and raising money and awareness for a great cause, despite the miles between home and a great Olmsted designed park.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
FPC as open space advocate
You might think the first week of January is slow and easy with everyone recovering from holiday fatigue. But FPC is eager not to miss two great opportunities to advocate for our park - and all Boston greenspace - in the next 7 days.
First, on Monday, December 30th, the Boston Parks Commission will hold a hearing on the newly proposed ban on smoking in Boston parks at 1010 Mass Ave from 10am-Noon. While we enthusiastically support this symbolic public health and anti-litter measure, it's a complicated issue for FPC. The public is welcome to participate, let me know if you'd like to be there!
The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is located at one edge of the park. As the largest and one of the two remaining public health hospitals in the state, the Shattuck serves a high risk and needy population of patients with serious and chronic illness, addiction, and mental health diagnoses. Because smoking is not allowed on the Hospital grounds, patients come into the park to smoke. This places an unfair burden of cigarette smoke and litter on the park, yet we are sympathetic to the needs of patients and the challenge of quitting when so much else is going on in their lives. We hope to work with the head of the hospital to determine some place for patients to smoke that is not in the park and meets their regulations.
Second, the Walsh Transition Team on Environment, Energy & Open Space is holding a forum on Tuesday, January 7th from 7:00 - 9:30pm at English High School. I am officially on the committee, but am also expecting to submit ideas that fit into the Transition Team format of "Keep, Implement, Dream." Two big things for Franklin Park include upgrading paths for runners like you and funding through ParkARTS to sustain and expand the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park series that is so popular.
The Boston Park Advocates, of which FPC is a lead organizer, has created a great list for parks across the city. Check it out if you are interested.
Enjoy a run in the coming warm days, I'm on my way to the park for a WALK.
--Christine
First, on Monday, December 30th, the Boston Parks Commission will hold a hearing on the newly proposed ban on smoking in Boston parks at 1010 Mass Ave from 10am-Noon. While we enthusiastically support this symbolic public health and anti-litter measure, it's a complicated issue for FPC. The public is welcome to participate, let me know if you'd like to be there!
The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is located at one edge of the park. As the largest and one of the two remaining public health hospitals in the state, the Shattuck serves a high risk and needy population of patients with serious and chronic illness, addiction, and mental health diagnoses. Because smoking is not allowed on the Hospital grounds, patients come into the park to smoke. This places an unfair burden of cigarette smoke and litter on the park, yet we are sympathetic to the needs of patients and the challenge of quitting when so much else is going on in their lives. We hope to work with the head of the hospital to determine some place for patients to smoke that is not in the park and meets their regulations.
Second, the Walsh Transition Team on Environment, Energy & Open Space is holding a forum on Tuesday, January 7th from 7:00 - 9:30pm at English High School. I am officially on the committee, but am also expecting to submit ideas that fit into the Transition Team format of "Keep, Implement, Dream." Two big things for Franklin Park include upgrading paths for runners like you and funding through ParkARTS to sustain and expand the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park series that is so popular.
The Boston Park Advocates, of which FPC is a lead organizer, has created a great list for parks across the city. Check it out if you are interested.
Enjoy a run in the coming warm days, I'm on my way to the park for a WALK.
--Christine
Friday, December 27, 2013
Meet Shari: ostrich rider, ultra runner, three-peater with the FPC
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas from the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team. We are thankful for everyone's support over the past two years and look forward to another great season in 2014.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Meet Valerie: organizer, community gal, family woman, and park lover
Monday, December 16, 2013
Meet Jared: rock star, double marathon man, tech geek, park enthusiast
Jared Egan is a mobile software engineer, musician, wanna-be entrepreneur and of course a runner. By day, he works on iOS applications for PayPal in Downtown Boston and by night he plays guitar around the Boston area with his band, Sidewalk Driver. Jared lives in Jamaica Plain and has spent much time running around Franklin Park, the Arboretum, Forest Hills Cemetery, and up and down the Emerald Necklace. Running around outside is never a bad use of an hour or two. This will be his second Boston Marathon, and he is psyched that he'll once again have the best view of the biggest party in Boston. This time he plans to finish in the same socks he starts with. To support Jared’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjared2014
Wanna check out a little Sidewalk Driver in action? Go!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Jason Carraro can't get enough of the FPC...so much so he's going for three!
Jason Carraro lives and trains on the north shore, he has been running for over 3 years now, completing five marathons. This will be his third time as a member of the Franklin Park team, he is very happy to a part of the team again (as you can see from the pictures!) Jason is a father, who enjoys concerts, cooking, good beer, being outside, watching the Pats, sox, B’s, C’s and Manchester United. His favorite runner is Paula Radcliffe, who is a world record holder and has graced the cross country course at Franklin Park. To support Jason’s fundraising efforts, please visit:
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Meet Jasmin--commuting through running
Monday, December 9, 2013
Javier Burgos--first time marathoner taking on 26.2 miles for the FPC!
He has lived in Cambridge, MA for nine years, and was introduced to the sport of running by his younger sister. This is Javier's first marathon and he can't think of a better one to start with than the 2014 marathon, which will be so special to all Boston residents. During his spare time, he also enjoys baking, volunteering, playing sports, and salsa dancing. To support Javier’s efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjavier2014
Friday, December 6, 2013
Meet Elizabeth! FPC three-peater!
2014 has some special events in store for Elizabeth, including her third Boston Marathon and her marriage to her incredible partner, Rose. Elizabeth is training for her third Boston Marathon season with the Franklin Park Coalition to celebrate the strength of community and how Franklin Park provides people with essential qualities for joyful living, such as nature, fitness, connection, opportunity, empowerment, and compassion.
To support Elizabeth’s fundraising efforts, please visit:
Thursday, December 5, 2013
This week at FPC
It may be getting colder, but there's so much happening at FPC. First, the Turkey Trot! Wow, almost 500 runners. We thought 50 for a first-time run would be a good turnout. Except for one or two persnickety race people everyone had a ball. There were full body turkey costumes, "Team Joel" - a family of about 20 people running to honor a beloved cousin who died this year, all ages from 7 to 77, and the Richard family that was hurt so badly in the marathon bombing last year. It was a gorgeous sunny day! Kudos to your teammates: Debbie, Quang, Laura, Jeannette, and Jasmine. We have a new FPC tradition.
Second, the annual FPC holiday open house is tomorrow evening - Fri, Dec. 6th from 4:30-7pm. We'd love to have all of you local team members with us.
Third, just to tell you a little bit more about our work. Tonight I participated in a community meeting for the re-design of Seaver Street, a wide boulevard adjacent to the park in Grove Hall (on the Dorchester-Roxbury line). The "highway" like feel of Seaver Street means that crossing the road into the park is taking your life into your hands.
So, the city has created a great street scape that narrows the traffic lanes (to slow cars down), put in better traffic and street lights, and add bike infrastructure. There have been several meetings and this last one was much the same. Big conflicts between the pro-bicycle folks and the anti-bicycle folks. Luckily the conflict is not divided by race or geography or even age. We were presented with a design that includes cycle-tracks, separate bike lanes that don't run the risk of car accidents, and traditional bike lanes that are next to traffic and increase the possibility of bicycles being "doored" or hit by a fast or crazy driver.
The meeting ended in an uproar, so we don't know what will happen. As the FPC representative I advocated for the safest design for pedestrians and bicyclists (and runners training for the marathon!) to get into and along the edge of the park.
Last, Derly and I met to come up with a template for a fund appeal letter. I handed off stationary, cards, envelopes, buttons and other things she may want to use in her solicitation. I'd love to do the same for any of you who would like help - just ask!
Enjoy the coming holidays and don't shop too much.
Christine
Second, the annual FPC holiday open house is tomorrow evening - Fri, Dec. 6th from 4:30-7pm. We'd love to have all of you local team members with us.
Third, just to tell you a little bit more about our work. Tonight I participated in a community meeting for the re-design of Seaver Street, a wide boulevard adjacent to the park in Grove Hall (on the Dorchester-Roxbury line). The "highway" like feel of Seaver Street means that crossing the road into the park is taking your life into your hands.
So, the city has created a great street scape that narrows the traffic lanes (to slow cars down), put in better traffic and street lights, and add bike infrastructure. There have been several meetings and this last one was much the same. Big conflicts between the pro-bicycle folks and the anti-bicycle folks. Luckily the conflict is not divided by race or geography or even age. We were presented with a design that includes cycle-tracks, separate bike lanes that don't run the risk of car accidents, and traditional bike lanes that are next to traffic and increase the possibility of bicycles being "doored" or hit by a fast or crazy driver.
The meeting ended in an uproar, so we don't know what will happen. As the FPC representative I advocated for the safest design for pedestrians and bicyclists (and runners training for the marathon!) to get into and along the edge of the park.
Last, Derly and I met to come up with a template for a fund appeal letter. I handed off stationary, cards, envelopes, buttons and other things she may want to use in her solicitation. I'd love to do the same for any of you who would like help - just ask!
Enjoy the coming holidays and don't shop too much.
Christine
From Boston Magazine: City Council Votes to Ban Smoking In All of Boston’s Public Parks The proposal was sponsored by the mayor himself.
by Steve Annear; reposted to this blog
The city is waiting on the signature of Mayor Tom Menino before officially banning people from smoking cigarettes and marijuana in all of Boston’s public parks.
During a hearing yesterday, the City Council voted in favor of the ban, which would force those who break the law to cough up $250 in fines every time they are caught lighting up where they are not supposed to. “The intent of the regulation is to protect Boston’s parks, and to ensure that Boston’s parks and recreational places are safe, clean, and healthy for all residents,” said Councilor Matt O’Malley, chairman of the Committee on Government Operations.
O’Malley put the legislation before the full council on Wednesday, following a public hearing a day prior, where he said no one spoke in opposition of the idea.
Once approved by Menino, and officials from the Parks Department, anyone caught smoking cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or “other lighted or vaporized substances,” in places operated and controlled by the city, would be subject to the hefty fines.
The ban—the brainchild of several city agencies, including the Public Health Commission and Parks Department—would update an existing law which keeps people from smoking at parks specifically for children, by inserting a subsection to cover all of the public areas overseen by the city. The law, once signed, will be enforced by park rangers and the Boston Police Department, according to O’Malley.
“This is something this body has talked about before,” O’Malley said. “This is something cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth have been doing. This is not a new thing…it’s a public health issue…this is the right thing to do.”
He said Boston will “again lead the way,” referencing Menino’s initiative to curb smoking in bars and restaurants during his time in office. The ban will extend to cemeteries, parks, golf courses, and other areas that are public space. “It doesn’t ban smoking outside, it’s just simply in parks,” O’Malley said.
Dot Joyce, spokesperson from Menino’s office, said this has been in the works in some form since medical marijuana was legalized. “[The city] has been studying the issue since the marijuana law passed. It makes sense to protect and help all individuals using our public parks, and to be able to allow them to have the ability to breathe fresh air without concern for either marijuana smoke or cigarette smoke,” she said.
The proposal stems from an idea put out there by Councilor Bill Linehan last August, which would have held pot-smokers accountable for lighting up in parks like Boston Common by raising the cost of a citation to $200.
On Wednesday, Linehan commended the city council, and Menino’s administration, for improving his original proposal and moving forward with a new angle. “I’ll be supporting this,” he said.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
The doctor is in! Meet Eddie!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
What can the new mayor do for Boston's parks?
In late October, FPC's executive director told CommonWealth magazine what parks need in the future from Marty Walsh, mayor elect. The Franklin Park Coalition took an active role in supporting forums for the mayor and city council elections and helped to bring a lot of issues to light.
The Boston Park Advocates group is suggesting the following from the new mayor:
The Boston Park Advocates group is suggesting the following from the new mayor:
- create new parks, playgrounds, and community gardens in city owned spaces
- develop a 21st century webpage and apps for Boston's open space
- enliven city parks with vendors, programs, and community events
- find ways to creatively build funds for preservation and maintenance
To read the article and details, please view the article here: http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Voices/Mayor-Matters/002-Bostons-parks-need-to-play-catchup.aspx
To contact Christine to help, please email christine@franklinparkcoaltion.org.
#GivingTuesday for the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team
Continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis.
Salaries for the Summer Youth Conservation Crew.
Equipment replacement to be used by the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and for public park clean up events.
Purchase of athletic equipment to be used on Summer Youth Drop-In Sports Nights
Repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including replacing asphalt and filler, repainting lines, and installation of new hoops and backboards.
Support music and cultural programming through the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park series.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Meet Julie! Team leader, marathoner, fundraiser, and longtime FPC volunteer.
Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon team for her third attempt at a "good" Boston Marathon. She is a longtime volunteer with the FPC and will be managing the team again this year. She is looking forward to the challenge of a team of 20+ runners who are all working for the same cause--supporting the amazing work of the FPC. The 2014 Boston Marathon will be Julie's eighth marathon and though it's sure to be an emotional event, running for a great cause will get her through.
When not training or volunteering, Julie is a site manager with Historic New England and manages two historic house museums as well as volunteers her time on a number of boards.
To support Julie's fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjulie2014
Friday, November 29, 2013
Meet Lori! Swimmer, biker, runner...and doing it for youth athletic opportunities in Franklin Park
Lori Anderson was born and raised in NJ and has lived in Boston for the last two years. She experienced her first Marathon Monday watching on Boylston Street two years ago and decided then she was going to run the Boston marathon herself one day. She is very excited and honored to have the opportunity to run for Franklin Park Coalition this year. Lori is an assistant professor of economics at Framingham State University. She has completed and placed number of triathlons, half marathons, and one marathon. To support Lori’s fundraising efforts, please visit:http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamlori2014
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Meet Marc! JP local, run enthusiast, FHR guru, and FPC board member extraordinare!
Marc Almanzan (pictured in the middle of this great Forest Hills Runners gang!) is an avid runner who has found his home in Jamaica Plain, right next to Franklin Park. He believes that running and nature are two of the best things that we can experience for ourselves, especially amid the ultra-connected city lives we lead. He is certain that running leads to sanity, health, and self-improvement that can translate to all aspects of one's life. Marc believes that with nature, running becomes an even deeper adventure into the self and the world, as one can truly connect while being disconnected in the woods. He is thankful to live in a community such as Jamaica Plain that has such an abundance of green space, and he is grateful to the Franklin Park Coalition for their mission to keep the park healthy and utilized by everyone who wishes to enjoy it. To support Marc’s fundraising efforts, please visit:
Monday, November 25, 2013
Meet the 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team!
We'll be formally introducing you to our 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team over the next few weeks. The FPC is very excited for a locally focused team with a strong interest in the varied program areas that the fundraising will be covering. The team also includes a number of runners who were part of the 2013 Boston Marathon events--one who finished the race and others who have decided to take on the challenges and joy of running the Boston Marathon over the next few months.
Our team consists of ultramarathoners and first time marathoners. We have runners that have run around the country and the world. We have runners that have qualified for the Boston Marathon and have coached world-class athletes. Get to know the team here and visit back for personal updates.
We're looking forward to a season of creative and fun fundraisers to support the work of the FPC. Come out to Franklin Park on Thanksgiving morning and run the first annual Franklin Park Turkey Trot 5K. Join us on January 22 for our final team kickoff night at Bella Luna. We'll have all-you-can-eat gourmet pizzas and great local, raffle prizes to enjoy. Our north of Boston runners have their Third Annual Giggles Comedy Night on February 16 at Prince Pizzeria. Keep an eye on our calendar of events and join us to support the team.
You can also follow this blog for team news, run updates, and fundraising notes. We're thrilled to have such a talented team and look forward to keeping our supporters up-to-date.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Leaf Raking in Franklin Park Today
Great day in Franklin Park for annual fall leaf raking! About 50 volunteers all together, including Boston Latin students, Northeastern CEP leaders, Urban Improv, a few neighbors, and several families. All of the historic stairways have been raked clean of leaves so they won't become slippery. Here's the group at the old bear cages.
Afterwards a bunch of us went to the FPC office to help the Turkey Trot team stuff race bags and get organized for Thursday's race. Lots of runners, families, kids and walkers coming out to talk turkey, run turkey, and perhaps be a turkey?!
Are you joining us Thursday? Register here if you want in: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/FranklinParkTurkeyTrot5k
Thursday, November 21, 2013
One week to talk turkey at the Turkey Trot
First Annual Franklin Park Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013
Race starts at 9:00am
Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse
One Circuit Drive, Dorchester, MA 02121
Run or walk the beautiful paths of “jewel” of the Emerald Necklace to start your Thanksgiving Day! The scenic 3.1 mile route includes the most beautiful and historic views of Franklin Park. You can work off your Thanksgiving calories before you sit down at the table!
Great Prizes for fast finishes and costumes!
Sponsors
Thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting this community run. Franklin Park Turkey Trot is made possible through their generosity.
This event supports the Franklin Park Coalition’s amazing Youth Conservation Crew. This program provides summer jobs for 20 neighborhood teens and their young adult leaders. This inspiring crew has restored trails, restored woodlands, and also runs Thursday Sports Nights, providing fun and games for hundreds of local children.
Question? Contact: TurkeyTrot@franklinparkcoalition.org
or call: 617-442-4141
or call: 617-442-4141
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Two weeks to the First Annual Franklin Park Turkey Trot!
First Annual Franklin Park Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013
Race starts at 9:00am
Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse
One Circuit Drive, Dorchester, MA 02121
Run or walk the beautiful paths of “jewel” of the Emerald Necklace to start your Thanksgiving Day! The scenic 3.1 mile route includes the most beautiful and historic views of Franklin Park. You can work off your Thanksgiving calories before you sit down at the table!
Great Prizes for fast finishes and costumes!
Sponsors
Thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting this community run. Franklin Park Turkey Trot is made possible through their generosity.
This event supports the Franklin Park Coalition’s amazing Youth Conservation Crew. This program provides summer jobs for 20 neighborhood teens and their young adult leaders. This inspiring crew has restored trails, restored woodlands, and also runs Thursday Sports Nights, providing fun and games for hundreds of local children.
Question? Contact: TurkeyTrot@franklinparkcoalition.org
or call: 617-442-4141
or call: 617-442-4141
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