#GivingTuesday for the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team

When you give to a member of the 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team on #givingtuesday, you'll be giving the gift of meaningful jobs, athletic opportunities, arts and culture, historic preservation, and overall support to Boston's largest greenspace. Here are a few of the projects that will be supported this season:

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.

Join us on Sunday for the second annual Cornhole for the Coalition!

Fall fun isn't over in Salem yet! Join the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team for an afternoon of cornhole, college football, wings, drinks, and fun! There will be prizes for the top cornhole teams.

Where: Murphy’s Restaurant and Bar, 300 Derby Street

When: Saturday, November 2; 4:00-party stops!

Cost: $25.00 includes entry into the cornhole tournament and admission to the event.

Other Details: There will be a cash bar and full menu available. This event is 21+.

Special team is forming for 2013 runners who did not cross the finish line on Boylston Street

The Franklin Park Coalition is accepting applications for runners who did not have an opportunity to cross the finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon. For those who are interested in running with a great team atmosphere and supportive fundraising staff, please consider filling out this special application.

Our fundraising minimum for this special category of runners is $500.00 and includes team gear, USATF certified coaching, supported group runs, and being a part of a fantastic team!

If you are a runner from the 2013 Boston Marathon who did not finish and have secured entry by deferment.: 
2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner

Please feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader with any questions at julie@franklinparkcoaition.org.

Want to be a part of greatness?

Apply to run with the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team today! Our selection process will begin soon, so there is still time to get your application in!

Click here to view our application: 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application.

CCC: Collier's Cornhole for the Coalition

We're taking this Sunday Funday up North with the mother of our unofficial team mascot/sock monkey, Franklin. We'd love to see some friendly faces join us in Manchester, NH at Social 24. Sunday specials include $14.99 super tubes and a $9.99 pitcher and basket of wings to top off the experience.

The event start at 12:30 and goes all afternoon for double elimanation fun. The cost is $20.00/player and there is a $100.00 cash prize for the top team. You can register in advance at www.razoo.com/story/fpcmarathoncharityteammichelle or email mcollier04@gmail.com for more details.

Michelle and her favorite cheerleaders.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name...and They're Always Glad You Came

If this doesn't entice you to get over to the original Cheers tonight and raise a Grape Crush in honor of team member Kevin Meehan's fundraising, then nothing will. Join him for a Thursday night happy hour, good time with appetizers, drink specials, raffles and more all for the good of the Franklin Park Coalition.

So, head on over to 84 Beacon Street anytime from 5:30-9:30 p.m. for trivia with Cliff, a beer with Norm, and a great time with Kevin.

Racing to the Finish! Come Celebrate with the Team!

Join us for an all-you-can-handle pizza party at Bella Luna Restaurant in Jamaica Plain on March 13 to celebrate the closing weeks of the Boston Marathon training season for our fabulous team!

All proceeds from the event will support the fundraising efforts of the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team. Your ticket includes a night of all-you-can-eat gourmet pizza, five raffle tickets for some great, local prizes, and a cash bar.

Tickets are $15.00 for individuals and $40.00 for families. Advance tickets must be purchased by March 12, 2013 at midnight. Day of tickets are $20.00 for individuals and $50.00 for families.

When you purchase your advance tickets, be sure to "dedicate" or "comment" on the runner that you are buying your ticket for! If you are just buying a general ticket to support the team, feel free to just wish the team luck!

This special event takes places at Bella Luna (http://www.milkywayjp.com/) restaurant, located at 284 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact Julie Arrison, Marathon Charity Team Leader at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

To purchase your tickets or to make a general donation to the team, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/2013teamkickoffparty

Welcome to the 2013 FPC Team, Yogi Dani!

 

Dani Bialas, a.k.a. Yogi Dani, grew up and raised her family in Melrose, Mass. After the birth of her second child she re-entered the fitness world as a trainer, eventually starting up the practice of yoga and opening her own studio—Yoga in Me—in Medford, Mass. Dani was a runner in college and through the 90’s ran 5K’s, 10K’s, the Army 10 Miler, the infamous Falmouth Road Race, and numerous half marathons. Most recently, Dani completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.—with an impending hurricane chasing her for 26.2 miles.

Dani gained a fondness for Franklin Park while her son ran high school cross country. She likens the start of a meet on the Playstead to a “Braveheart” style charge. After completing her own BAA Half Marathon with a finish in White Stadium, her love just continued to grow. For more info on Dani visit DaniRunsBoston2013.US. To support Dani’s fundraising efforts, please visit:

Spots Are Filling Quick!

If you're considering running the Boston Marathon and want to do it for a great cause with a great training program, please consider the Franklin Park Coalition! See our team application for all details or feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison with any questions at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

 

Fantastic Fundraising Events in Store!

 

Winter Fun Runs!

 

A dedicated coach...who really will do it all!

 

A huge network of support!

 

A plan to get you to the finish!

 

Indoor track.

 

Team Bonding at its best.

 

Crazy fast runners (as well as crazy average and slow runners!)

 

Atlantic Ocean Ice Baths.

 

Marathon Training Coping.

 

Supported Group Runs.

 

Supporting local music and culture.

 

Supporting youth and athletics in Franklin Park.

 

A race day experience like no other!

 

26.2 Miles of Amazing!

Group Runs: One of Many Perks of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team

One of the biggest perks and greatest parts about the 2012 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team was taking advantage of a group run schedule. Each week, members of the team were able to gather and build mileage together, while talking about the joys of fundraising and working for the good of the Coalition as well as learning about their fellow teammates. Our group runs took us along the sea through Salem and Beverly on the North Shore, on the track at Reggie Lewis, and through the streets of the Boston Marathon Course. We also raced together at the Great Stew Chase in Lynn and the Hyannis Half Marathon on Cape Cod. 

Through these runs, we were able to build lasting friendships and many have trained and raced together throughout the summer and fall months. Our coaching was provided by Mike Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and we were able to share the highs and lows of training for the world's greatest marathon with one of the area's greatest coaches.

If you're look for a charity to run and have fun with, we hope you'll check us out! 

Run the 2013 Boston Marathon® with Franklin Park Coalition Charity Team

The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to announce that it has been selected to be part of the official 2013 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity Program for a second year.  Applications are now available for interested runners at FranklinParkCoalition.org.

The 2012 Boston Marathon ® team raised over $60,000 that was used for a number of Franklin Park Coalition’s summer programs including equipment and salaries for the Youth Conservation Crew and athletic equipment and barbeque nights for the popular Youth Sports Drop-In Nights which served over 1500 kids this past summer. Money raised by the  fifteen selected charity runners of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team will be used for these programs, as well as continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis; refurbishment of ball fields; repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including resurfacing or new hoops and backboards; and for cultural and family programming provided by the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park Program.

The Franklin Park Coalition mission is simple: to restore and preserve Franklin Park, a 527 historic urban green space located in the geographic heart of Boston. Through advocacy and stewardship, Coalition staff, board members and volunteers work to improve park management, public transit options to the park, park entrances s, bicycle access, restoration of historic features, and more. Coalition events and programs, such as park walks, history tours, and nature programs to encourage city dwellers to discover the park's treasures; bringing back the “Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park” for free summer concerts to build community and celebrate local artists; hiring neighborhood youth for summer and school year jobs restoring the 220 acre woodlands and promoting the park; and working with community members and public safety agencies to help people feel safe in the park.

Running and Franklin Park have a long history together. According to Steve Vaitones, a member of the Coalition, the New England Collegiate Cross Country Championships have been held in the park since 1912. The current cross country course was designed and built 1989-1991 after the awarding of the cross country World Championships.  USA National Championships have been held in the park throughout the twentieth century as well. The park continues to be the home for the many local high school and college program practices and various local and state meets. Most recently, the B.A.A. Half Marathon has its start and finish in Franklin Park at the George White Stadium. This event will take place on October 7, 2012 and information is available at www.baa.org.

Julie Arrison, a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Park Coalition and author of Images of America: Franklin Park will be returning as the Marathon Charity Team Coordinator. “I couldn’t be happier to lead a group of marathoners towards two major goals—completing the Boston Marathon and awareness building for an organization that serves Boston so well.” Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass., will be returning to coach the runners for the team. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a group of athletes as they strive to complete one of the most elite marathons in the world. It’s going to be a fun, challenging time.” The 2012 Boston Marathon ® was one of the hottest on record and the Franklin Park Coalition team had a 100% successful finish rate.

For more information about how you can get involved with Franklin Park Coalition and the 2012 Marathon Team, please contact Julie Arrison, Julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Benefits of being a part of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon ® Team:

·         Guaranteed race number for the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013

·         Work with a team of runners who are committed to the mission of the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the Marathon.

·         Receive a handbook with coaching support from Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and fundraising support from the Franklin Park Coalition. Online fundraising access will be provided.

·         Team training runs

·         Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team clothing including a hooded sweatshirt, long sleeve tech, and singlet for race day

·         A planned team kickoff fundraising party.

·         A race weekend pasta potluck.

·         Race day hotel “drop zone” near the finish so that you can freshen up to hit the town on Marathon Monday, post-race.

·         Frequent support from Franklin Park Coalition coaches and other team members on training and fundraising concerns at our Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team blog.

Responsibilities of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team include:

·         Raise a minimum of $4000 to support Franklin Park Coalition Services ($750 for those who have already secured their entry elsewhere)

·         Be physically able to complete the Marathon in under 6 hours

·         If you are local to Boston, attend Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team meetings between December 2012 and April 2013. 

·         $300 B.A.A. race entry fee that does not count towards your fundraising total.

Applications:

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team Application

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application for Runners who have Secured Entry Elsewhere

You Know You Want to be a Part of the 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team

Monday, September 10 is the big day! Applications open up for all of the official Boston Athletic Association charities along with regular registration for the 2013 2013 Boston Marathon. Applications will be available here and on the Franklin Park Coalition website. We encourage you to peruse the website and blog to learn more about the organization and our team. If there are any questions, be in touch with our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison.

Check out some pictures here from the 2012 Boston Marathon. It was a hot day, but the Franklin Park Coalition put on the perfect cheering section for the team.

We look forward to your inquiries and applications!  

What the 2012 Boston Marathon Team Provided

As we gear up to start accepting applications for the 2013 Franklin Park Coaltion Boston Marathon team, it's a great time to look back on the experiences that the 2012 Boston Marathon team was able to provide by raising money for the Summer Youth Conservation Crew. For many of the teens who participated, this wasn't just a "summer job," but a work experience that introduced the group to new friends, new challenges, and educational take-aways that will last a lifetime.

If you are considering running for the 2013 team, take a look at some of the statements (unedited!) from the Summer Youth Crew. We hope that you will realize that when you run with us, you are impacting the lives of a deserving group of teens as well as the beautification of Boston's largest urban greenspace.

Applications will be available here and on the website on Monday, September 10.

From Jamie: "Working with the Franklin Park Coalition was very helpful and productive. This job helped me learn about different types of plants and things about Franklin Park that I didn’t know about. I had fun working with my crew and getting projects done. Being noticed for what we did by the people in the community who use the park made this job worth working for."

From Jevon: "I have learned that I am a dedicated, hard worker. I work well with others and I put a lot of care into what I do. From the first day I started working at Franklin Park I have learned why it’s so important to the community. I’ve also learned a lot about its history, for example, the Overlook ruins have been there since 1885. The best thing about this job was learning how hard I can push myself and getting to meet new people."

From Tenia: "This summer was quite an interesting one. I got my first job at Franklin Park. I learned a lot about myself and the park . While I passed by this park almost every day before I had this job, my views of it were that it was disgusting and nasty. But now that I have worked in this park for six weeks, I know the park is not really like that. It is peaceful and nice with a lot of beautiful plants. This is something I learned about the park from my job experience."

How the 2012 FPC Boston Marathon Team Got Youth Moving

This blog article came out a bit earlier in the summer, but as of July 30, 2012, 1175 kids were "moving" in Franklin Park as part of the Youth Drop In Sports Night Programs. Equipment and barbecues featuring turkey burgers and dogs for the sports nights in 2012 were funded by the hard work of the 2012 FPC Boston Marathon Team--continuing to prove that $60,000+ in fundraising has wide reaching impact.

Look for adult and family programs in the park this fall to get people moving. Next summer, the Playhouse in the Park series will be one of the program beneficiaries of the 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team Fundraising. One of the goals of the family programs is to bring in performers to get the audience moving.

Please check out the blog for pictures and details: http://www.bostonbeyond.org/blog/boston-youth-are-moving-health .

2012 Boston Marathon Race Record Books Are In! 100% Official Completion for the FPC Team is Confirmed!

96.1% of runners who toed the line in Hopkinton on April, 16, 2012 were able to complete the Boston Marathon. The official results have just been published in the Race Record Book, which is mailed to each participant.

Though two of our runners took the optional deferment due to injuries, 100% of our team who toed the line in Hopkinton on April 16, 2012 were able to complete the Boston Marathon.

Training to run 26.2 miles takes an incredible amount of dedication and hard work. Though our team was blessed with some mild training weather, they also ran one of the hottest Boston Marathon's on record. The dedication and hard work that goes into each and every step of training was evident on that day and more evident with a 100% completion rate.

One of our team perks was the ability to work with Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass. Not only did Mike generously donate his time and knowledge to our team, it was this time and knowledge that made each of realize the importance of our hard work and dedication. Without Mike to guide us, perhaps that 100% rate would have been a bit lower.

One of our race day perks was the fantastic FPC set up just past the half marathon marker. Each teammate that needed a gel, a water bottle refill, a cold towel, a PB&J, or even a hug had all of their needs met by the committed staff and volunteer base of the Franklin Park Coalition. Again, without this, a 100% success rate would have been much harder to attain.

Congratulations to our entire 2012 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team. Thank you, officially, for being 100% amazing.

Applications for the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team will be Available in Late August

Applications for the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team will be available in late August. If there are any questions about the application process or the marathon team in the meantime, please be in contact with Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Community Running with Team Member Owen Kendall and the Forest Hills Runners

A few months ago, FPC Boston Marathon Team Member Owen Kendall was interviewed about his involvement with the Forest Hills Runners and the importance of community running groups.

The FPC is pleased that the Forest Hills Runners and Owen have been such great promoters of the park and its assests through sport.

To see the video, please check out the FHR website: http://foresthillsrunners.org/

Team Member Highlight: Kristen Day

Leading up to the Boston Marathon, we'll be spotlighting our team members as they train and raise money for the Franklin Park Coalition.

Kristen Day will be running her first road race on April 16. This is certainly no ordinary road race, as Kristen has chosen to run the Boston Marathon for the Franklin Park Coalition to make her debut. Kristen loves Franklin Park and has fond memories growing up there and hopes to pass along the same nostalgia to her three kids, Josie, Noah, and Violet. "The park has become a very special place for me. I remember it from when I was a small child visiting my grandparents that lived alongside the park. When they got just big enough, we started sledding behind the golf course clubhouse. The first day we did this, my daughter was 6 and my son was 4. We stayed at the hill for 4 ½ hours! The sun was setting and the moon was rising. It was so quiet and beautiful, it felt like the city was a million miles away. The park inspires children’s imagination and offers places for kids to run, climb, sled and pretend. And it does the same for adults."

Kristen lives in Jamaica Plain with her family. Besides enjoying running for the sheer sake of enjoying running, she is an active volunteer in the park and has also just established a Boy Scout Troop. She believes that if her kids are involved now, they'll also recognize the work that goes into preserving such an important place in Boston.
This weekend, Kristen and her husband will be sponsoring a Neighborhood Night at their home on 25 Cromwell Street. The night will feature light hors d'ouvers, cocktails, music by Ulysses, and short talk on the history of Franklin Park by author Julie Arrison. The suggested donation is $1.00/mile, or $26.00 to support not only Kristen's fundraising efforts, but the great work of the Franklin Park Coalition. You can RSVP to kdaymatt@aol.com.

If you can't attend, but wish to support Kristen's fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Kristen-Day-S-Boston-Marathon-Fund-Raising-For-The-Fpc 

Want to Get Away?

Want to get away? Here's a chance to win a getaway to historic Salem, MA or the fabulous Big Apple. Want to get away from home for a weekend or treat your guests to some great accommodations? We've got a Boston Staycation for that. Love some baseball and history? We've got a prize for that. Want to get pampered a little bit? We even have a prize for that!

For the month of March, the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity team will be selling online raffle tickets to benefit not only our team's fundraising goals, but also to benefit youth and athletic programming in Franklin Park.

Visit http://www.razoo.com/story/Boston-Marathon-Charity-Team-Raffle to enter the raffle. Tickets range from $25.00-$50.00. When you bid, choose your experience. If you are buying a raffle ticket to support a particular runners fundraising, be sure to include that information in a comment or email to julie@franklinparkcoalition.org so that we can properly credit our runners.

Our team thanks you for your support!

The details:

Experience #1: Discover Historic Salem:
Explore historic Salem, Mass. including a night at the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast, 2 passes to Historic New England’s Phillips House, 2 passes for the Salem Trolley, 2 passes for the Peabody Essex Museum($250.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.

Experience #2: Boston Staycation
Description: Explore Boston with a 2 night stay at the Bullfinch Hotel and 4 passes to Boston’s Upper Deck Trolley Tours. This also makes a great gift for out-of-town visitors ($550.00 value)
$50.00 raffle ticket; 15 tickets will be sold.

Experience #3: Big Apple Weekend
Description: A weekend stay in New York City at the trendy Gild Hall—A Thompson Hotel—voted one of the 100 best hotels in the world.
($1000.00 value)
$50.00 raffle ticket; 15 tickets will be sold.

Experience #4: In the City Pampering Package
Description: Signature Spa Treatment Package at the Langham Hotel and a Haircut with Adrianna Dent at the Viselli Santoro Salon on Newbury Street.
($200.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.

Experience #5: Vintage Baseball Season Ticket Family Pack
Description: Enjoy up to 10 vintage baseball games, craft brews from the
Ipswich Ale Brewery, and the vistas of Historic New England’s Spencer Pierce Little Farm in Newbury, MA for 4 people. This is a great package for families!
($200.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.


The fine print: Employees of the Franklin Park Coalition or FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Runners are not eligible to win these raffle prizes. The drawing for these prizes will be held on April 2. Winners will be notified by email or phone number provided so that the mailing address can be confirmed.

Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team Member Places at the Hyannis Half Marathon

Owen Kendall, one of the founders of the Forest Hills Runners of Jamaica Plain, and member of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team, took second overall at the Hyannis Half Marathon on Sunday, February 26.

The Hyannis Half Marathon is considered a great race to test race paces for the Boston Marathon and was part of the suggested training plan for the Franklin Park team. When asking for pace advice for the race Marathon Team Coach, Mike Toomey, told Owen, "Stay with the lead pack. Win." For Owen, it was a brutal 13.1 miles and the first 800 meters of the race went out below 5:00 miles.

The winner of the Hyannis Half Marathon was Kevin Jillson, a Cape Cod local, who, according to a Cape Cod Times articles, "comfortably" beat Owen by 20 seconds. I'm sure both athletes would agree there was nothing comfortable about the hard work that went into a truly competitive road race.

After the run, Owen enjoyed a Atlantic Ocean ice bath with team member Laura Derderian's husband to soothe his overworked legs. 

The FPC Boston Marathon team is very proud to have such a star athlete gracing us with his presence, good running advice, and great humor along the way. To show your congratulations to Owen, you can donate to his fundraising page: http://www.razoo.com/story/Owenfpc.

FPC Boston Marathon Team members strike a pose before heading out for 13.1 miles of "fun" on Cape Cod.

To see the results from the Hyannis Half Marathon, please visit: http://www.coolrunning.com/results/12/ma/Feb26_Hyanni_set7.shtml