Blog

Volunteer Opportunities with Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly

We have participated in several events to visit the elderly through Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and it has been a wonderful experience. The events are really well run and extremely organized. You just need to drive to Northeastern University to pick up food which takes about fifteen minutes. You then get an assignment of where to go. You can chose by geographic area. We went to the South End for Thanksgiving which is our old neighborhood. We delivered a St. Patrick’s gift to a nursing home in Newton and we went to West Roxbury another year for Thanksgiving.

The visits are short and last about an hour. My kids are typically very quiet but they notice things and listen to every word. Each visit has been very different. Our first visit was an elderly mother with her son (also quite elderly) who were infirm. Our second visit was with a gentleman with Alzheimer’s who told us stories of his kids. Our last visit in the South End was with a gentleman who was legally blind but really engaging who told us about his travels working as a carpenter all over the United States and also on the Big Dig.

My kids come away with a feeling of gratitude and knowing that there are others out there in the world who need their help; who are in worse shape than the people they typically encounter. And gratitude is the foundation for which happiness is laid.

Two hours of your time from door to door to teach gratitude … it’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Upcoming Driving Opportunities

2/15/14- Valentines Day Lunch

Lend a hand and make someone feel loved this coming Valentines Day! We are hosting our Valentines Day Lunch here at the Little Brothers house on Saturday, February the 15th, from 12pm-2pm.

Please RSVP by 2/10/14 if you are interested in driving for this event!

2/26/14- February Brunch Event

Hosted at the Little Brothers House, this event is from 10am-12pm

3/15/14- St. Patrick’s Day Party

Celebrate Boston’s favorite holiday with our wonderful elder friends! The party will be held at the Little Brothers house on March 15th, from 12pm-2pm

If you are available to drive for any of these events, please call 617-524-8882 or email us at volunteer.bos@littlebrothers.org

Make someone feel loved..

Also …

Valentines Day Home Visits

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and we need your help spreading the love to our Old Friends.

Each year we provide our Old Friends with loving visits from our volunteers. We send volunteers with flowers and goodie bags filled with many treats (including fresh fruit, chocolates, and baked goods!)

The home visitation opportunities span from Wednesday, February 12th to Saturday, February 15th. The Valentine’s goodie bags must be picked up at Little Brothers either during our standard business hours (9am-5pm) on Wed. the 12th through Friday the 14th, or between 10am-12pm on Saturday, the 15th. When you come to pick up your packages, you will receive visiting instructions and directions for each Old Friend you’re assigned. (When you RSVP, please let us know which dates and times you are available to do visits.)

We thank you in advance for making this another wonderful Valentine’s Day!

For more information on the event, call 617-524-8882.

February 7, 2014
Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

The Williams PTO Auction Is Officially Open!

So what are you waiting for?…Bid Now!

Place Your Bid.
Whether you’re looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life, you’re sure to find something in our auction. Every bid helps support our cause.

Tell Your Friends.
The success of this online auction depends on spreading the word to as many people as possible. We need your help. Please Refer a Friend and encourage them to participate so they don’t miss a single moment of the fun and excitement.

View All Auction Items

February 6, 2014
Frozen in Time by Mitch Zuckoff: Perfect Valentine’s Gift for Men

My dog loves Mitch Zuckoff’s puppy. We met both author and his dog at an off leash dog park a few months ago and he’s such a modest guy that it took me months to figure out that he’s a multiple New York Times best selling author.

Mitch Zuckoff’s dog is the lighter Golden Retriever.

When I bumped into him today, it was freezing so we got to talking about snow and being frozen which reminded me of his book Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II.

Don’t tell my husband, but I am getting a signed copy for him for Valentine’s Day. If you want one too for a gift (or for yourself!), Mitch just signed a small pile of them at New England Mobile Book Fair. If you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day but you are really organized, it would make a great Father’s Day gift as well!

If that doesn’t work for you, you can ask them to mail you a copy or find it on Amazon.

Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

Frozen in Time is a gripping true story of survival, bravery, and honor in the vast Arctic wilderness during World War II, from the author of New York Times bestseller Lost in Shangri-La.

On November 5, 1942, a US cargo plane slammed into the Greenland Ice Cap. Four days later, the B-17 assigned to the search-and-rescue mission became lost in a blinding storm and also crashed. Miraculously, all nine men on board survived, and the US military launched a daring rescue operation. But after picking up one man, the Grumman Duck amphibious plane flew into a severe storm and vanished.

Frozen in Time tells the story of these crashes and the fate of the survivors, bringing vividly to life their battle to endure 148 days of the brutal Arctic winter, until an expedition headed by famed Arctic explorer Bernt Balchen brought them to safety. Mitchell Zuckoff takes the reader deep into the most hostile environment on earth, through hurricane-force winds, vicious blizzards, and subzero temperatures.

Moving forward to today, he recounts the efforts of the Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. – led by indefatigable dreamer Lou Sapienza – who worked for years to solve the mystery of the Duck’s last flight and recover the remains of its crew.

A breathtaking blend of mystery and adventure Mitchell Zuckoff’s Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel and a tribute to the everyday heroism of the US Coast Guard.

p.s. If you want your Frozen in Time book personalized, leave a comment. If there are enough people, maybe we can ask Mitch to sign books for a half hour in Newton!

February 5, 2014
Newton Free Library Spring Fling Fundraiser

Love your library?

Join us for our annual Newton Free Library Spring Fling fundraising gala and auction to benefit the “jewel of the city”!

Spring Fling Gala

Saturday, March 29 ~ 6:30 pm

Become a sponsor and reserve your tickets today:

www.newtonfreelibrary.net

Those who commit to being event sponsors by this Friday January 31st will be listed by name on the Spring Fling print invitation.

~ Our Speakers ~

B.J. Novak

Author of One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories.
Mr. Novak is also actor, writer, director, and executive producer of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series The Office.

B.A. Shapiro

Author of The Art Forger and five suspense novels The Safe Room, Blind Spot, See No Evil, Blameless and Shattered Echoes, as well as the non-fiction book The Big Squeeze. Ms. Shapiro is also a teacher of creative writing at Northeastern University.

Tom Ashbrook ~ Honorary Chair William Novak ~ Host

For more information about the Spring Fling, or questions about tickets or sponsorship, please contact Ellen Eckenrode at (617) 796-1407 or development@newtonfreelibrary.net.

February 4, 2014
Meet Children’s Book Authors from Foundation for Children’s Books

What’s New in Children’s Books

Spring 2014

Announcing New Venue & Great Speakers

from The Foundation for Children’s Books

Saturday, April 12 @ 8:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.

We’re excited to introduce a new venue for our spring “What’s New in Children’s Books?” half-day event. Thanks to our partnership with the Lesley University MFA in Creative Writing Program, it will be held at University Hall at Lesley University, conveniently located next to the Porter Square T stop on the Red Line. Paid parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

1815 massachusetts avenue, cambridge ma

For this event we’ll be looking at “What’s New?” in Non-Fiction. Our spring program will feature the following talented speakers:

Steve Sheinkin, author

Jason Chin, author/illustrator

Kathryn Lasky, author

Michael Tougias, author

Melissa Stewart, author

More information here

Steve Sheinkin

Jason Chin

Kathryn Lasky

Michael Tougias

Melissa Stewart

Click on image to view book at Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

February 3, 2014
Staycation Idea: Bedtime Stories Pajama & Baseball Party
Bedtime Stories Pajama & Baseball Party

Hotel Commonwealth Hosts 5^th Annual Storytelling & Pajama Party Weekend

During February School Vacation with Appearance by Wally the Green Monster

WHAT: A homerun for February school vacation week, Hotel Commonwealth hosts the fifth annual Bedtime Stories storytelling and pajama party for families in Boston on February 21 and 22. This year’s theme, “Baseball at Bedtime,” celebrates America’s favorite pastime withan appearance by Wally the Green Monster, beloved mascot of the World Series 2013 Champion Boston Red Sox, who will pose for photos with kids. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas or baseball gear while listening to storytellers and performers from ReadBoston. Hotel Commonwealth will also debut its second children’s book featuring Terry the Bear. Afterwards, kids can enjoy a make-your-own hot chocolate bar with a variety of flavors and toppings.

Families can make a night of it by booking the ‘Hotel for Kids’ overnight package on either Friday, February 21, 2014 or Saturday, February 22, 2014 at a rate of $259*. This one-time-only rate includes a special Saturday or Sunday morning kids’ pancake-making class with Pastry Chef Lauren Kroesser of Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks.

The ‘Hotel for Kids’ package includes:
- Deluxe family accommodations (up to two adults and two children; additional children can be accommodated for $45/child) in a Commonwealth Suite (more than 500-square feet of space, including a separate area with pull-out sofa bed that can be closed off with drapes) or a Fenway Deluxe Room with views of Fenway Park
- Welcome backpack for kids stuffed with slippers from LL Bean, choice of two custom Hotel Commonwealth bedtime storybooks featuring Terry the Bear and a flashlight
- Board game and family-friendly DVD selection
- Homemade cookies and milk upon arrival
- Complimentary valet parking
- Access to the hotel’s Family Concierge to help with planning family-friendly activities around Boston
- Families can extend through the weekend at a special rate of $169/each additional night.
WHERE:  Hotel Commonwealth,  500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

WHEN:   Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, 2014

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

COST:       $259.00 for overnight package (Room rate is not inclusive of room tax and subject to availability.)

$20 suggested donation per family to ReadBoston. (The hotel will match each donation from the nigh.t)

RSVP:          To RSVP to the Bedtime Stories pajama party, call 617-532-5020 or email AllReservations@HotelCommonwealth.com
February 2, 2014
JCC Kid’s Choice February School Vacation Program

From sports and swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kid’s Choice February Vacation Program.

Held at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton February 17-21 from 9am-4pm.

For boys and girls entering grades K-6 (and CITs in grades 7-9 at a reduced rate).

Special highlights include JCC Magic Ark performance of Josh Casey Comedy and Juggling Show, President’s Day activity, trip to see Hairspray at the Wheelock Family Theatre, Purim Carnival and Snowman Building. Special treat for Kid’s Choice participants — see the 2013 World Series Trophy at the JCC on February 20 from 10am-12pm!

Come for one day or as many as you would like.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

For more information, contact 617-558-6529 or schoolvacations@jccgb.org

February 1, 2014
Cook Restaurant New Tailgate Bar Bite Menu

Cook Newton Gears Up for Super Bowl Sunday with

New Tailgate-Inspired Bar Bite Menu

Dine In or Carry Out Chef Paul Turano’s Inventive Tailgate Style Creations

WHAT:             Cook, a new American bistro located in the heart of Newton, MA, is gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday with a selection of inventive tailgate-inspired bar bites. Also available for takeout, the game day menu makes for easy super bowl entertaining at home.

Diners and football spectators alike will enjoy dishes like Salt and Pepper Chicken wings ($9), Boar Chili “Nachos” with house ranch potato chips ($11), Pork Belly Tacos with house kim chi ($6 per taco), NFC Newton Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, a buttermilk biscuit, gravy and slaw ($17), and Pulled Pork Potato Skins with crispy onions and all the fix ins ($11).

Offering a wide selection of beers, wine, specialty cocktails and spirits along with three HD TVs, Cook Newton is a great destination for catching all the Super Bowl Sunday action.

For more information, visit www.cooknewton.com or call 617.964.2465.

WHEN:             February 2, 2014 – Super Bowl Sunday; 4:30 PM – Close.

WHERE:           Cook Newton | 825 Washington Street | Newton, MA |02467

About Cook:

“Cook” restaurant is an 80-seat New American bistro is located in the Greater-Boston area in Newton, Massachusetts. Cook presents a menu that crosses all cultural lines and spans from the simple to the complex. The perfect place to meet for lunch, brunch or dinner, or simply to stop in and enjoy items from their snack menu while sampling craft cocktails, or something from the extensive beer and wine list. Cook is a true neighborhood restaurant in every way.

Executive Chef/Owner Chef Paul Turano is dedicated to using only the freshest local ingredients. At Cook the food is dressed up, but you can dress down. Cook serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30AM- 3:30PM, Dinner: Sunday- Saturday from 4:30PM – close, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30AM -2:30PM. Cook is located at 825 Washington Street in Newton, MA. For more information please visit www.cooknewton.com.

January 31, 2014
Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Waban Library Center

1608 Beacon Street, Waban

Pete Seeger, the banjo-picking troubadour who sang for migrant workers, college students and star-struck presidents, and introducedgenerations of Americans to their folk music heritage, died this week at the age of 94.

Come celebrate his life through song at a community Sing-Along hosted by the Newton Family Singers on Saturday, February 1st, 3pm at the Waban Library Center.

We’ll sing together as a community, songs straight from Pete’s songlist – songs about freedom, equality, justice, peace, the world we love and the strength of community.

As Pete once said himself: “Participation – that’s what’s gonna save the human race.”

January 30, 2014
Birthday Wishes CakeWalk Fundrasier: Registration Open!

It’s already kick-off time for CakeWalk 2014 and registration is officially open!

Bright and early on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014, Birthday Wishes will celebrate its third annual CakeWalk at Millennium Park in West Roxbury, MA.

CakeWalk is our signature (and only) fundraising event, reflecting the grassroots nature of our organization and the importance of kids helping kids. CakeWalk truly reflects what makes Birthday Wishes so special – loyal supporters of all ages and from all walks of life – coming together to make sure that homeless children experience what many of us take for granted, a birthday celebration!

Participants can sign up to walk either our 5K or half-mile route, and participate as individuals or form a team with family or friends. CakeWalk celebrates corporate teams, sports teams, book clubs, scout troops, neighborhoods, school, church and civic groups. Everyone is welcome to enjoy our fun, noncompetitive walk and family festival of kite flying, face painting, entertainment, field games, free refreshments, family raffle, music and more.

Our event goal this year is $75,000. This funding is critical to carrying out our mission. In combination with the steady stream of birthday gifts and toys, goody bags, birthday cakes and juice boxes that are so generously donated throughout the year, a successful CakeWalk will help ensure that more than 23,000 homeless children will experience the joy of a birthday celebration in 2014 – an experience that lasts just a few short hours with the impact of a lifetime.

Please visit our registration page and sign up now! Although we expect about 500 walkers the morning of May 18, please ask for me at Millennium Park so I may personally acknowledge your participation and say thank you. I look forward to walking by your side.

January 29, 2014