Bike Not Bombs 2010 Bike-A-Thon!

A few months have passed since my hilarious bicycle accident in which I broke my collar bone.  Recovery has been slow, but I’m ready to jump back on the saddle.  By no measure would I suggest fragmenting any bones in my body would be of timely convenience, but with registration opening for Bike Not Bombs’ 2010 Bike-A-Thon, I have no complaints.

Those of us who know it, hold this JP nonprofit in high regard.  Bikes Not Bombs strives to promote peace, sustainability, and social justice through the recycling and reconditioning of used bicycles. BNB also trains and employs local teen youth within their workshops (under professional supervision) as a channel of personal/community enrichment.  The majority of donated bicycles are shipped abroad to business development initiatives and youth training programs throughout Central America and Africa.  This June 6th, BNB’s influence will be felt a bit more close to home.  The 2010 Bike-A-Thon will begin in front of the Stony Brook T stop in JP, and will be segmented into 15, 25, or 62 mile rides. Be sure to register for your spot to join hundreds of other cyclist for an awesome cause!

Caleb Hutchings

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Boston Scheduled to Build Skatepark

Judging by the abused granite monuments and decorative bolts barring many handrails’ evolution into grindrails, it is clear Boston is missing one thing: a skatepark.  On any given day you can find freestyle bikers jumping the grass in front of the Landmark Center or dodging tourists at Faneuil Hall to grind across the feet of Sam Adams.  Skateboarders can also be found displaced throughout the city battling unfriendly sidewalks filled with potholes or leaving paint on steps and benches.

Thanks to the generosity and collaboration of a few locals, the Charles River Skatepark will soon provide skaters shelter from over-ambitious security guards and disgruntled businesses.  The park will be located on the bank of the Charles River under the loops of the Zakim Bridge.  Grindline, a nationally renowned skatepark design/construction firm, has been signed to build the concrete playground.  The company has already built similar parks in over 30 states.   A final date for construction hasn’t been established as the park is still fundraising.  Donations for the project are welcome and needed.  Contribute to this new Boston asset here. 

 

– Caleb Hutchings

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Get In The Game

So you aren’t any Garnett or Pedroia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a court in Boston.  Thanks to Justin Obey, Boston World Partnerships Connector, there is a league where everyone is welcome.

Social Boston Sports is Boston’s premier sports organization for young professionals. Leagues include: Kickball, Softball, Flag-Football, Soccer, Cornhole , Volleyball , Bowling and Dodgeball.  And if that wasn’t enough, SBS also offers weekend adventures outside of the city and holiday celebrations.  Not to mention 80% of the pics on the website include a solo cup, for all of you who consider beruit to be a recreational sport.

– Caleb Hutchings

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Have Questions About Boston? Ask!

If you’re having trouble finding groups, scenes, activities or anything in Boston, LET US KNOW.  Post a comment on this entry and we’ll try to make an article about your topic!  Most of us are fairly familiar with the city, but if we can’t answer your question immediately we’ll do a little research.  If you are having trouble finding something it’s likely others are having the same issue.  So leave a comment, and help others while helping yourself.

– Caleb Hutchings

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Groupon: Opportunistic Savings

Groupon Boston is a new, and incredibly clever, promotional website which offers you daily discounts on local goods/services.   Savings are offered on everything from rock-climbing lessons to massages, and every day offers a new deal! A specified number of people have to agree to participate ( hence group on) in the promotion in order for the offer to come to fruition.  Most of the time that amount is reached, and you get away with a steal!

– Caleb Hutchings

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SITE LAUNCHES TODAY!

Saintly Advice is designed to help Emmanuel students interact with Boston and each other.  The site is an open forum in which any student can post an entry.  All the information needed to post can be found on the “How to Use This Site” page.  The mission is described on the About and Editor’s Letter pages.  Just log in and share.

– Caleb

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Having Trouble Finding a Job? Volunteer!

With unemployment rising, we are beginning to see a correlated increase in volunteers.  In these financially difficult times people are refering back to simple pleasures and are contributing their free time to benefit those less fortunate.  Yet, volunteering also tends to be very self-serving.  Employers value the experience, and having those positions on your resume can win you some opportunities in nonprofits and organizations like the Peace Corps and City Year.  So volunteer, cause kids and drugs and stuff…

The Improper Bostonian provides a list of local volunteering opportunities in the back of the publication.  I believe Stuff Magazine might as well.  Here are some examples:

Arts Therapy at Whittier Street Health Center:   Volunteers use the creative arts to promote learning and well-being among developmentally challenged children and families.

 Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay:   BMB seeks volunteers to provide friendship to boys in need.

 Big Sister Association:   Volunteers act as friends and mentors to young girls.

 Boston Adult Literacy Fund:   Volunteers help teach adults how to read.

 Boston Cares:   More than 100 opportunities to volunteer.

 Citizen Schools:   Share your interests with kids by teaching at a local middle school.

 Metro Boston Coaches Academy:   Improve youth sports by training coaches.

 United Planet:   Volunteers work abroad on humanitarian projects that foster cross-cultural understanding and address global challenges.

– Caleb Hutchings

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Boston Young Professionals Association

There are many associations within Boston which you should be looking into, but this is a more common one.  The Boston Young Professionals Association (YPA) can be found hosting events all over the city.  Most of you might be a bit young and over-budget to attend some of their events, but Seniors should be looking to get involved.  This offers an incredible networking opportunity for the younger demographic.

– Caleb Hutchings

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Shoestring Magazine

Shoestring Magazine is an interesting website focused on getting by on a tight budget.  It’s filled with advice on cost saving ideas for just about everything.  It was created by one of our connectors at Boston World Partnerships, and serves as a great local resource for everyone looking to save a buck.

The founder is also in the process of creating another website titled Bargainista, which is devoted to helping you live the “Good Life” for less.  She will be looking for design and photography interns soon, so send me a message if you think you might be interested.

– Caleb Hutchings

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Intro to Boston

New to Boston? Freshman? Maybe even lived here a year or two, but still don’t know what’s happening in the city? Don’t feel bad, my roommate hasn’t even been to the Northend in the four years we’ve been here!  But, it’s still a problem. No worries, Saintly Advice is here with a comprehensive manual of resources around the city.  Use them!

Boston.com:  Not only a valuable resource for news and hot nightlife venues, but it also provides an amazing list of events under the Things to Do tab.

The Weekly Dig:  IT’S FREE!  See those plastic boxes on every block corner? They do more then provide an adequate surface for graffiti.  This publication holds a lot of alternative news, and an overwhelming listing of events and venues. Comes out every Tuesday.

The Phoenix:  Another one of those Freebies!  Similar to the Dig, but don’t skip it!

Stuff Magazine:  Free again!  Magazine full of style, culture, food and events.

Boston Magazine:  Free within Greater Boston area. Covers a broad range of topics.  Culture, shopping, food, sports, etc.  Published every month.  Great place to intern I believe. 

Marksguide.com:  Extensive list of Professional Networking Events in Boston.  Key resource!

CityofBoston.gov:  An official wealth of information about the city including jobs, tourism, official initiatives around Boston, etc.

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