Support Jasmin's Final Fundraising Push!

Jasmin is running to support youth and athletic programming in Franklin Park and needs your support to get through the final fundraising push. Even a $10.00 donation to her fundraising page will bring her that much closer.

Jasmin is a first-time marathoner who has been pushing her physical and mental limits and excelling in this tough training season. She loves Franklin Park and the opportunities that abound for biking, running, recreation, and fun.

To support Jasmin's push before tomorrow's deadline, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamjasmin2014

The doctor is in! Meet Eddie!

Eddie Baker is a veterinarian and current resident of Jamaica Plain. He has just moved back after four years of living in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Eddie grew up in Jamaica Plain and some of his earliest memories are from playing in Franklin Park, whilst in pre-school.  Throughout his childhood he has continuously returned to the park.  When he was ten, he went to a day summer camp where I met Tiger Woods, who was playing in an amateur competition at the golf course.  Throughout high school he would go to White Stadium on Saturday mornings in the fall to watch the football team play. He is not only grateful to have a spot in the 2014 Boston Marathon but I am also really excited about the opportunity to run for such a great organization. To support Eddie’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Eddie-S-Got-The-Runs-For-Franklin-Park

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

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

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: http://www.razoo.com/story/Marc-Is-Raising-For-The-Franklin-Park-Coalition

September 9!

Save the Date!

Official applications for the 2014 Boston Marathon will be posted on September 9. If you'd like to learn a bit more about our application process, please visit our Team Application page.

At this point, we do have a special application for 2013 runners who did not cross the Boston Marathon finish line. and would like to be a part of a great team atmosphere while training for the 2014 Boston Marathon. 

Please contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, with any questions you might have.

We want you on our team!

The 2013 Boston Marathon was a life altering event for so many. In the days following the tragic events, many sought solace in the peace that is Franklin Park.

The post-marathon events are not the only time that Franklin Park provides peace, comfort, tranquility, and beauty in life. This fabulous urban greenspace does this daily for thousands of visitors.

5624 runners were unable to cross the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association has kindly offered them entry into the 2014 event. The Franklin Park Coalition also wants to extend an offer to be a part of a team atmosphere. For a $500.00 fundraising minimum, those runners who were unable to cross the finish line and who have secured entry via the special registration can apply to be a part of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon team.

The team offers supportive and customized marathon coaching, indoor track clinics, team gear, fundraising events, and more. For the past two years, it has been the support of the team that has provided an atmosphere of cheer, goodwill, and a "get-it-done" attitude for all things related to training.

For an application, please email Julie Arrison (julie@franklinparkcoalition.org).

The Summer Youth Conservation Crew

One of the biggest pieces of the pie of the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Team's fundraising goes to the Summer Youth Conservation Crew. The "crew" consists of 20-30 teens as well as supervisors who spend their learning about the environment and history of 527 acres of Franklin Park by caring for it each day. Besides working to preserve the park, these kids also get lessons in landscaping, gardening, landscape architecture, and managing a business as well as a chance to explore the White Mountains. For many, this is their first time exploring a wooded area, let along garnering an appreciation for it. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing stories from the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and their experiences in the park. Some are funny, some are touching, some show a passion for history and the environment, and some show an appreciation for earning real money. Some are a combination of all of these factors.

We invite you to continue to support the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and the good work of the Franklin Park Coalition. To learn more, visit www.franklinparkcoalition.org. 

Are you running in 2014?

The Franklin Park Coalition is currently accepting applications for runners who did not cross the finish line on Boylston Street on April 15, 2013. We are asking runners who would like to be part of a team atmosphere to consider running for the Franklin Park Coalition. We offer USATF certified coaching, great marathon team gear, supported training runs, a fun-filled team fundraiser kickoff party, and more!

To learn more, check out our application or contact Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Information for runners who have not secured entry through qualificiation or elsewhere will be available in late summer, 2013. 

2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner Application

Con-grad-ulations to Elizabeth Belcher

Congratulations to team member Elizabeth Belcher on her graduation last week! We're proud to have such a creative person and hard worker on our Franklin Park Coaltion Boston Marathon Team!

The 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team will have another chance to cross the finish in 2014!

Hours ago, team members from the Franklin Park Coalition who did not cross the finish line received an email stating that they will be welcomed back to run again in 2014. Needless to say, we, as an organization are thrilled for our runners who worked so hard fundraising and training. They will have the opportunities they truly deserve on April 21, 2014.

We extend out sincere gratitude to the Boston Athletic Association for making this possible--it is no easy feat. The logistics of a normal Boston Marathon are herculean and adding in close to 6000 additional runners could have only made it more challenging!

The FPC will be welcoming back all 2013 runners who would like to be a part of the team. We are suggesting a modest fundraising amount to cover clothing, training, and administrative costs, but otherwise will offer full benefits to all of our 2013 runners. 

We will also be offering a similar opportunity to any 2013 runner who will have their number secured by the BAA. Perhaps you qualified or ran for a charity that does not have a program this year--either way, we'd be happy to take an application and consider you for our team.

In the month following the bombings, we hope that this great news cheers our runners, their friends and families, and brings resilience to all.

For more information, please check out the application: 2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner 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.

Three Numbers Still Available to Run the Boston Marathon with the Franklin Park Coalition

Are you still on the fence about running the 2013 Boston Marathon? Hop off and join our team for the last month of training and fundraising fun and earn your spot for 26.2 mile jaunt on April 15, 2013. The organization is willing to be flexible with fundraising deadlines and will help any runners come up with a plan to reach the $4000 minimum required by the Boston Athletic Association to secure an entry.

For the application and more information, please visit: http://www.fpcmarathoncharityteam.blogspot.com/p/team-application.html

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.

Another Round of Cornhole for the Coalition! Join Margaret on March 3!

FPC Boston Marathon team member Margaret Newell has been putting in hours of training to take down her opponents one-by-one. There has been blood. There has been sweat. There has been tears. If you want to see the fruits of her effort, Marathon Monday ain't got nothing on Cornhole Sunday.

If you haven't had the chance to come out and support the Franklin Park Coalition yet, this is a great opportunity. The Baseball Tavern will have spring training games playing, cold beer flowing, and fun for all ages. 

The FPC team is lucky to have Margaret aboard. She has run two Boston Marathons with the Wedieko Children's Services team and is a guidance counselor at Everett High School. She has seen first hand the impact of parks and open space for teens and is excited to support the FPC in helping teens gain meaningful summer work and health and fitness opportunities.

If you can't come to cornhole, be sure to check out Maragret's fundraising page to learn more: 
http://www.razoo.com/story/Margaret-Is-On-The-2013-Franklin-Park-Coalition-Marathon-Team

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

Explore Salem!

Special thanks to our North Shore partners in Salem, Mass. for donating to team member raffles and auctions. Our team leader, Julie Arrison, is the site manager for Historic New England's Phillips House Museum, located on historic Chestnut Street in Salem. She was able to reach out to colleagues who generously donated passes so that our runners could share a "Salem Exploration" package with their supporters, friends, and families!

If you've never been to Salem before, plan a trip this summer. There is a variety of information available through Destination Salem on transportation, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

One of the attractions that gladly donated was the Salem Trolley. A "hop-on, hop-off" trolley ticket will not only share the history and lore of this great North Shore community, but will also allow the prize winners to stop at the places they'd like to check out while in town.

Luckily, the winners will have two great places to do just that. The Salem Witch Museum  is a classic stop in Salem and will regale you with the story of the 1692 witchcraft trials. For a look at Salem's maritime history, the winners have received passes to visit the Phillips House Museum.

Dining for Dollars with Dani at the Dockside

Sometimes runners make great nutrition decisions when they train...other times "nacho" much...

Join team member Dani Blais for a night of Dining for Dollars at the Dockside in Malden. The generous restaurant owners will be donating 25% of the proceeds from all food and beverages to the Franklin Park Coalition. 

The menu has some great options. I'm thinking the steak tips look amazing myself. 

If you can't join Dani tonight, she has some other great events coming up. Be sure to visit her website to learn more or to donate.

So, get down to the Dockside tonight and join us for a great cause and a great meal!

Thanks to Zoo New England!

Big thanks to the Franklin Park Zoo for the very generous donation of zoo passes for the Franklin Park Coalition Team to use at upcoming events and raffles. The zoo staff is also kind enough to provide us with meeting space for our February 16 meeting and pizza lunch.

If you haven't been to the zoo in awhile, you need to check it out! The zoo is comprised of 72 acres of animal habitats, nestled in Franklin Park. The zoo opened in 1912 and has just finished a year-long centennial celebration. 

Visit the website or call 617-541-LION for hours and information. More importantly...get out there and explore! 

Carraro's Cornhole for the Coalition a Great Success!

If you didn't get a chance to enjoy Sunday Funday at Murphy's in Salem on Sunday then you missed out on a great fundraiser for the Franklin Park Coalition! Team member Jason Carraro put together a fun-filled day with a local pub and Boston Cornhole. There was camraderie as well as smack talk, but at the end of the day, all raised a glass to the success of the FPC...and other walked away with Celtics tickets and wine and steak baskets.

To join in the fun for other events, please check our team calendar often! We've got pub nights, pizza eating, more cornhole, comedy nights and more...all to make training and fundraising more fun for our team and to give our donors a little something back.