Author: Mia

  • Cubiq: On-Demand Concierge Storage

    Cubiq: On-Demand Concierge Storage

    Cubiq Launches On-Demand Concierge Storage Service to Enable Bostonians to Make Room for Better Living

    Cubiq’s smartphone-enabled service digitally catalogues, secures and delivers personal belongings at your convenience

     
    Cubiq Launches On-Demand Concierge Storage Service

    Cubiq is launching its smartphone-enabled personal storage service to the Boston market. By giving consumers personal, on-demand access to their storage, Cubiq is helping to make room for better living. The private-equity backed company, founded by two seasoned Boston tech and marketing entrepreneurs, Michael Cappelletti and Scott Nelson, will offer its Uber-inspired storage concierge service to Boston and neighboring communities.

    Cubiq Launches On-Demand Concierge Storage Service

    Cubiq digitally catalogues clients’ belongings, then securely seals personal items and valuables in clean, RFID (radio frequency identification) tagged, secure storage cubes. When clients wish to retrieve their belongings, Cubiq provides an on-demand, mobile-optimized delivery service that returns cubes within 24-hours.

    The market for self-storage continues to grow as Americans are purchasing more goods and running out of space to personally store them at their apartments, homes and condos. According to the Self Storage Association, the U.S. self-storage market is a $24 billion industry with one in 10 American households renting a self-storage unit.

    “As more people flock to urban centers in living spaces with limited storage options, storage has emerged as one of the top concerns for Boston apartment and condo dwellers,” said Michael Cappelletti, CEO of Cubiq. “We are providing urban residents with the ability to easily and conveniently extend their closets, enabling them to live in their living spaces and free up valuable time.”

    Cubiq offers three initial packages starting at $29 a month for four cubes and one free return. Unlike other storage services, Cubiq does not charge for every incidental, providing return credits for each service package. As part of its launch, Cubiq is offering an additional month of service for customers that sign up before Sept. 15. To order cubes, sign up here and enter “launchBOS.”

    “I paid $60 a month for a storage place I never visited and never even knew what was in my unit, so I began to store my merchandise at home,” said Lucy Cobos, co-founder of Pee Happy, an animal welfare group that sells dog-related apparel and gives 100 percent of the proceeds to local animal shelters. “As our merchandise grew from hats to t-shirts, boxes began piling up in my bedroom and blocked our courtyard view. Cubiq gave me back my living space and view, and provided me with a smartphone inventory catalogue of my apparel.”

  • Superintendent Fleishman’s Commencement Speech Controversy

    Superintendent Fleishman’s Commencement Speech Controversy

    July 30, 2014

    Dear Families,

    By now, many of you have read or heard media reports regarding the controversy surrounding my graduation speeches this past spring.  The students, families, community and faculty deserved far better from me and it is hard to put into words my deep regret and sorrow over my actions.

    First, it was inexcusable that my graduation speech included several phrases and thoughts that were similar to the radio excerpts I heard from Governor Patrick’s speech.  It was essential that Governor Patrick be credited and cited for his words, and while it was not my intent to be so careless and intellectually dishonest, this was a very serious omission on my part.  I am terribly sorry for what I have done and for letting the community down.

    Second, I apologize for not putting greater thought and time into my speeches.  As one who typically devotes considerable energy to both my written pieces and speeches, I learned a tough lesson about doing things in a sloppy and hasty manner.

    Perhaps the most painful aspect of this episode is my failure to lead by example, something that I take very seriously.  I fully recognize that trust and confidence is an essential aspect of successful leadership and I am very sorry for what has been lost.  I am fully aware that it is up to me to restore such trust and confidence in the community and I will do everything possible to make that happen.

    In the field of education, we often talk about learning from failures.  I can assure you that I have learned from mine.  As I have said many times, I consider it a great privilege to lead such an excellent school system and look forward to continuing to address the important opportunities and challenges ahead.

    Best,

    David Fleishman

    Superintendent Fleishman’s Commencement Speech Controversy

    The speech discrepencies were first noted on Newton South High School’s student newspaper here. This was the second time a Massachusetts superintendent was caught plagiaring. The penalty for plagiaring in Newton is a week’s pay.

    I think Dr. Fleishman is doing a great job as superintendent and that this is a blip in an otherwise spotless record. He made a mistake, paid a price and it’s time to move on. What do you think? Agree, disagree or don’t really care? Please share!

  • Chinese Historical Society of New England Events

    Chinese Historical Society of New England Events

    SAVE THE DATE! – CHSNE Annual Meeting & Dinner
    Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 6:00 pm
    China Pearl, 9 Tyler Street, Boston
    Featuring
    Boston Dragon Boat Festival/Sojourner Award
    Celebrating 35 years of promoting and sharing a Chinese tradition on the Charles River, across New England and beyond.
    John Kuo Wei (Jack) Tchen/Guest Speaker
    Co-founder and senior historian at the Museum of Chinese in America. Founding director of Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program and Institute at NYU. Co-author/editor of Yellow Peril!: An Archive of Anti-Asian Fear (2014). 
    John Kuo Wei (Jack) Tchen
    Invitations will be mailed this week! Please contact the office if you do not receive yours – info@chsne.org(617)338-4339
     
    Seeking CHSNE Board of Directors
    Are you or do you know someone who would be interested in helping further the mission of CHSNE to document, promote and preserve the legacy of Chinese in the New England area? CHSNE is seeking nominations for the Board of Directors. The commitment is one board meeting a month and participation on a committee (website, archive/collections, development, walking tours, publications, educational resources).
    We appreciate your interest and nominations. We are especially seeking candidates with experience in accounting, publishing design (print or web), and development/fundraising. Please submit applications/nominations—statement of interest and resume—by August 25th toinfo@chsne.org
    Current board members include: Carmen Chan, Peter Kin Lap Chan, David Chang, Thomas Chin, Sherry Dong, Stephanie Fan, Heather Lee, Shauna Lo, Manyee Tang, Wing-Kai To, Allan Tow and Joseph Yeung.
     
    Chinese Laundries in Massachusetts Oral History Project
    The Institute for Asian American Studies (IAAS), in partnership with CHSNE has been interviewing Chinese Americans who owned, or whose parents owned, a laundry in Massachusetts. View the collection of interviews here.
    Share your story! – Chinese American: Inclusion/Exclusion
    The Chinese experience in America has too rarely been told as a story at the center of American history until now, with the New-York Historical Society’s landmark exhibition Chinese American: Exclusion/Inclusion, on view September 26, 2014 through April 19, 2015.  Share your story (for possible inclusion!) and view other’s posts here.
    AUGUST MOON FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS:
    Sunday, August 10: Boston Chinatown
    Sunday, August 17: Quincy Center
  • An Evening with ABC News Anchor Dan Harris & Joseph Goldstein

    An Evening with ABC News Anchor Dan Harris & Joseph Goldstein

    MEDITATION AND THE SKEPTIC: An Evening with ABC News Anchor Dan Harris & Joseph Goldstein

    Talk about mindfulness and meditation is everywhere.  But is mediation realistic for those of us with demanding jobs and ambitious goals? Can mediation really make you happier?

    10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing my Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works – A True Story

    Join Dan Harris, ABC News Anchor, Newton native, and author of New York Times bestseller 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing my Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works – A True Story, as he explores these questions and more with renowned meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein.

    There will be a book signing following the program. Monday, September 8, 7-9 pm at Newton South High School.

    Admission: $25; $30 at the door.

    Advanced registration is recommended as this event is expected to sell-out.  Register online at newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999 to register by phone.

    Presented by Newton Community Education, in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

  • Free Ice Cream from Good Humor Truck

    Free Ice Cream from Good Humor Truck

    On Monday August 11th, the Good Humor Truck will be helping Newton residents cool off with FREE ice cream!

    Free Ice Cream from Good Humor Truck

    The Good Humor Truck will be giving out free frozen treats from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Walgreens located at 1101 Beacon St on MONDAY, AUGUST 11th.

    Free Ice Cream from Good Humor Truck

    As you might know, baseball legend Pedro Martinez returned home to Boston as an honorary Good Humor Man to help kick off the brand’s Summer of Joy campaign earlier this summer.  Pedro helped with the unveiling of the Good Humor Joy Fleet, which consists of the Good Humor Truck, a lineup of custom Good Humor Joy Squad Cars, and The Good Humor Man.  The Joy Fleet has traveled the neighborhoods of Boston all summer long, bringing joy in the form of complimentary frozen treats.

    The Good Humor Joy Fleet will be out all summer through Labor Day; to keep track of its whereabouts, Bostonians can follow the brand on Facebook (facebook.com/goodhumor) and Twitter (@GoodHumor).

  • Free Shake Shack MeisterShack

    Free Shake Shack MeisterShack

    Shake Shack is feeling the love after being named the best “Nouveau Fast-Food Burger” in Boston magazine’s 2014 Readers’ Poll. As a way to say thank you to its Boston fans, the Shack is serving up its special edition MeisterShack on August 9th and 10th at the Chestnut Hill and Harvard Square locations (single: $5.00 / Double $6.50).

    To make things even juicier, the first 100 guests on 8/9 & 8/10 that order the MeisterShack will get it for FREE! Nothing says “thanks” to Boston fans like an award-winning burger on-the-house.

    Free Shake Shack MeisterShack

     photo credit Evan Sung 

    A 100% all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy ShackMeister Ale-marinated shallots and ShackSauce, the MeisterShack won the “Best Burger” category at the 2014 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and it will be competing for top honors once again at the 3rd Annual Battle of the Burger on August 13th.

  • Free Mom and Kid Activities in SPANISH

    Free Mom and Kid Activities in SPANISH

    Pine Village is a Spanish language immersion preschool with a focus on helping children develops  true passion for learning in a diverse environment. They are holding two free events for caretaker and child.
    What: Free Mom and Tot Time in Spanish
    WherePine Village Preschool Newton; 1326 Washington St., West Newton
    When: Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. 
    Description: Looking for something to do with your little one? Experience Circle time, enjoy some friendship fruit, and then play among our sensory and exploration tables. For more information, please contact Kelly Cisneros at pvpnewtonkelly@gmail.com or 617-599-4250.
    Free Events at Pine Village Preschool
     
    What: Pine Village Needham Lunchtime Open House

    Where: Pine Village Preschool Needham; 65 Fourth Avenue, Needham
    When: Thursday, August 21st at 11:30 a.m.
    Description: Come meet the teachers and see our Spanish Immersion preschool program (serving children 15 mos. – 5 years) in action! To RSVP, or for more information, contact Karen Quintana at pvpneedham@gmail.com or 781-771-9027.
  • 5 Gorgeous Shots of Massachusetts

    5 Gorgeous Shots of Massachusetts

    Movoto has a post on 27 of the most-loved Massachusetts photos that best capture our great state’s natural beauty.

    I choose 5 of my favorites:

    5. Interesting architecture!

    Boston architecture

    Source: Flickr user See-ming Lee

    4. Not your average subway terminal!

    Boston subway MBTA, Not your average subway terminal

    Source: Flickr user Tim Sackton

    3. Miles of shoreline!

    Massachusett's beaches and shoreline wetlands

    Source: Flickr user yannboix

    2. Enter to grow in wisdom!

    massachusetts-photos-5

    Source: Flickr user Tim Sackton

    1. Summer clam shacks and beach towns!

    Summer clam shacks and beach towns in Massachusetts

    Source: Flickr user yeowatzup

  • National Root Beer Float Day at Whole Foods

    National Root Beer Float Day at Whole Foods

    Whole Foods on Walnut and Beacon is celebrating National Root Beer Float Day tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6th with live music, and weather permitting, a 1955 Thunderbird! Plus, lots of root beer and ice cream!

    Please come by tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm.

     

    A man named Frank Wisner invented the first root beer float in August of 1893. His early version was also known as a “black cow.”

    One night, as Wisner, owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, was staring out the window and thinking about the line of soda waters that was producing for the citizens of Cripple Creek, he came upon an idea.  The full moon that night that was shining on the snow-capped Cow Mountain reminded him of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  He hurried back to his bar and added a scoop to the children’s favorite flavor of soda, Myers Avenue Red root beer, tried it, liked it and served it the very next day.  It was an immediate hit.

    Wisner named the new creation, “Black Cow Mountain” but the local children shortened the name to “Black Cow“. from National Day Calendar

    To make one of these delicious beverages, just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass of root beer. (Note: If you reverse the directions and add the root beer to the ice cream you’ll end up with a big mess!)

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  • The Capital Grille Gives $1000 to Boys and Girls Club

    The Capital Grille Gives $1000 to Boys and Girls Club

    The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill recently presented a $1,000 grant to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton. This donation will support the Boys & Girls Club’s mission of inspiring and enabling young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

     

    The Capital Grille Gives $1000 to Boys and Girls Club“As a company, we’re committed to deepening local connections in the communities where we live and work,” said Jeff Dixon, Managing Partner of The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill. “The Boys & Girls Club of Newton was hand-selected by our team, because we’re passionate about its mission. We’re proud to make a difference in our own backyard.”

    As part of the check donation, The Capital Grille also provided lunch at the club for 100 members and volunteers.