Kentucky Derby Day Event THIS Saturday

I wanted to let you all know that OYFP will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Day Event THIS Saturday at GLOBE. Not only is it completely fun to dress up and wear amazingly big hats, but you can win prizes as well. In typical OYFP fashion, ALL of your money will be benefiting Friday Night Supper Program. Who doesn't want to have fun and support and support Boston's homeless population as well.

Price of ticket includes:

• A Mint Julep drink
• Tea Sandwiches
• Chance to win several different prizes

We even have a photographer coming to take pictures of you and your Derby Day Flair! So come on out and support a good cause with OYFP!

25th AIDS Walk in Boston-June 6th, 2010

Now that the weather is getting warmer it's time to get out and stretch the legs. What better way then supporting the AIDS Walk Boston! Each year, AIDS Action Committee relies on hundreds of volunteers to help us serve the 15,000+ attendees that participate in the Walk and the Larry Kessler 5K Run.

They are once again looking for talented, dedicated and hard working individuals to fill the following volunteer positions:

• Pre-Event Office Support
• Course Marshals
• Crowd Control
• Finish Area Volunteers
• Registration Volunteers
• Run Volunteers
• Walk Check Point Volunteers
• Post Event Office Support
• Special Skill Areas: Truck/Van Drivers and Photographers

Register as a Volunteer for AIDS Walk Boston 2010 and learn more about each of the necessary AIDS Walk Boston volunteer positions.

For more information about volunteering at AIDS Walk Boston contact Sarah MacPherson at (617) 437-1573 or smacpherson@aac.org

How to Help out Haiti in Boston

The mainstream media no longer seems to be showcasing the devastation that is going on in Haiti, but that doesn't mean that the issue has been resolved. Actually far from it, and there are still ways you can help impact the lives of the Haitian Community right here in Boston.

From February 8th -21st several Boston area locations along with FUNTOSALUD International will be collecting donations to help Haiti rebuild. The locations are as follows:

• Super Stop & Shop, 779 MacGrath Highway, Somerville, MA
• Haitian Coalition of Somerville, 268C Rear Powder House Blvd, #17C
• Centro Latino, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150

Some of the items they are collecting include:

• First Aid Supplies
• NEW underwear
• Shoes (particularly for children)
• Baby supplies (bottles, diapers, etc)
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Tents
• New Bed Sheets
• New Towels
• School supplies (Notebooks, pencils, book-bags, etc.)
• Personal Hygiene items

Of course you can still make monetary donations or even volunteer directly for the 2010 Border Health/Mission DR/Haiti from April 17-30, 2010. For more information on how to directly volunteer, email volunteer@funtosaludintl.org.

Related Posts: Quilting for a Cause, Disasters, Crises, and Donating Blood, Earthquake in China

Photo Courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gVvarxGvZL23FdNSDY2WkYCNXYT5lrS7Cus1jnaXYko12_FAM0EkiSadahhFYrkDo8w1QPwPfvYWshWKxlDMJjPwUuYef9KJEm1vw8pNRI5zMyPguqzx5hTn138maxEzsUPZuwY_mFaG/s660/haiti+needs+our+help.jpg

You're Fired

I don't know about many of you but I am tired of hearing about the big banks in America, and the enormous payouts they give to some of their employees. If you were "top big to fail" then how come you needed a large sum for bailout money from the government a year ago?

You may not have heard of it yet but there is a

grassroots effort to Move your Money from the big banks to a smaller bank. The thought behind this movement is that smaller community banks did not and will not make the risky investments that brought us to the current financial crisis. As Arianna Huffington writes, "Consider it a withdrawl tax on the big banks for the negative service they provide by consistently ignoring the public interest."

I really like this idea, supporting small local banks. Sure I may have to walk a little farther to find an ATM who will not charge me a fee, but if that money isn't going to pay some enormous bonus/salary to an executive at a bank who doesn't care about the local community, then I am all for it!

To find a list of the small community banks in your area go to moveyourmoney.info/

For now I will put my best Donald Trump impression on, and go to my bank and say "You're Fired". I am still debating if I should add the hand gesture with it. Thoughts?

Related Posts: I want to spend money, Turning your cause into a community

Picture courtesy of :http://www.medicalpracticetrends.com/tag/software/

Health Care- A Global Perspective

This topic we haven't discussed on this blog yet, partly because I feel it is so polarized in America. But I keep hearing stories from various news outlets regarding the 'state' of the US healthcare, so I felt it was time for me to do my own research and take a comparable look at other industrial nations to see if we even need health care reform.

Our Ranking:

In 2000 the World Health Organization ranked the world's health systems. It ranked France as

number 1. At that time the US ranked 37, behind Costa Rica, & Dominican Republic and ahead of Solvenia and Cuba.

Preventable or Amenable Mortality:

Researchers from London in 2008 studied the amenable mortality, or deaths that could have prevented with good health care. Of the 19 Industrial nations they researched, France came in first, the United States came in second.

Cost:

The Commonwealth Fund did a study in 2008 and tracked chronically ill patients from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. In this study, the US has the highest percentage (54%) of chronically ill patients who did not seek the recommended care because of the high costs of medical bills. The lowest percentage went to the Netherlands (7%).

USA Today even did an article showing how countries provide and pay for the cost of health care with in their country. Interesting to note in this article, France offers health care coverage to all of it's residents including their illegal residents.

I am a fan of science, and all the research that has been done on the US health care system seems to prove that the US lacks in the health care services it offers to its residents. I guess I am missing a concept here and why this is such a big argument in the US. Why do we not want to improve the health care systems we offer to our residents? Can someone explain to me why this isn't an important matter?

Related Posts: Stay Healthy for the Holidays

Picture Courtesy of: http://blog.damballa.com/

Got Game?

I loved playing sports growing up and my sport of choice was soccer. I loved the half-time oranges from the soccer-moms (it's true they do exist), the beating up of boys (I was on a co-ed league) and of course playing with my friends. Being apart of a soccer team was much more than simply learning how to kick a ball; you learn team work, good sportsmanship and valuable social skills that stay with you as you grow up.

If you grew up playing sports, think about all the

coaches, trainers, and specialized help you received to learn the sport of your choice. Isn't it time you returned the favor by becoming a coach as well?

One such opportunity would be the volunteer Coaching Positions for the East Boston Recreational Soccer League. Here you will serve as an assistant coach for this introductory youth soccer program and be able to help teach these kids all the special skills you have obtained from previous coaches.

It's not even a HUGE time commitment either. They practice two times a week from 6-7:30pm and games are Saturday morning from 10-noon. The season starts on September 22 and ends on October 31. The location for most of these practices and games is East Boston Memorial Park (close proximity to Airport T stop-Blue Line).

Please do contact Jennifer Molina at 617-568-4701 or molinaj@ebnhc.org for more details.

Related Posts: "Champions" of a cause, An Olympic Debate

Picture Courtesy of: http://www.illinois-valley-news.com/archive/2008/04/30/index.html

When Moving....

I've written about it before, but I have to say when people move, they tend to forget that it creates a lot of garbage. There are steps you can take to reduce your garbage such as going through your stuff and deciding what is donatable.

Where to donate the stuff?

• Boomerangs in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury. Benefits HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.
• Household Goods Recycling in Acton
• Goodwill stores various locations throughout Boston

Sometimes you just have to take the time to advertise what you have on Craigslist or freecylcle and someone will come and pick it up from your house!

Not that I mind all the free furniture I receive when I walk my dog, but please take the time to save the items that can be reused!

Related Posts: Moving? Consider donating some of your items, Composting in an Apartment,Talking Trash

Picture Courtesy of: http://stuytownluxliving.com/2009/07/ex-residents-to-stuy-town-mgmt-f-you.html

Walk Now for Autism-October 18th

Autism, do you know it affects nearly one in every 150 children in the United States? Therefore it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans may be affected with autism, can you believe that staggering number? Research has yet to provide a cure, but you can help the efforts to find a cure by volunteering to help out the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism.

This year it will be held on October 18th at Suffolk Downs Racetrack in East Boston. Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, handing out water, greeting participants, cheering the walkers, assisting with children's activities and more!

Details:

Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism
Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Suffolk Downs Race Track
East Boston, MA

Registration for volunteers: click here.

Registration: 9:00 am Walk Starts: 10:30 am

Join Autism Speaks as we tackle autism! Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism. Start a corporate, school or family team today! Walk Now for Autism offers everyone a fun-filled experience with entertainment, refreshments, an autism community resource fair, and much, much more.

Related Posts: world autism day: boston, Autism around the world,heart to heart

Tips to Travel Green

Whether it be a staycation or an actual trip it's hard to be Green while traveling. For example I was fortunate enough to visit the Carribean a few weeks ago which has spectacular views and scenery.

That being said, it was also difficult to find any recycling bins for the basics (bottled water, paper, cans, etc.) and when I did find recyle bins they were ONLY for cans. I even took all the paper home from our trip (maps, info guides, etc.) home with me in my luggage to recycle it all when I came back to Beantown.

My sister informs me that I no longer have to pack my recyclables, but I can also be green when I travel as well. Here are some helpful sites to help you plan your trip!

• Eco-Friendly Vacations for you and your family
• Green Hotels
• Cruises
• Ski-Resorts

You can keep your hobbies, such as traveling, and still maintain your sustainable life-style! Have you heard of any other Eco-Friendly Traveling tips?

Related Posts: "Staycation" in Boston, Recycling while Traveling, Springtime, Gasoline and a Solution

Picture of my trip to St. Thomas

Go Blue!

When I attend the OYFP Speaker Series event two days ago, I was really struck by a point made during the lecture. Boston spent 15 Billion on the Big Dig project, making sure people who drive have a better trip into the city, but does little if anything for those who rely on public transportation.

Just imagine, Boston, what kind of public transportation we could have currently if even half of that amount of money was used to create a better public transportation for the City of Boston. We would have new train cars that won't break down or become disabled and delay your trip home every day. When you are waiting for the bus you would actually know how much longer it will be until the next bus arrives because of the electronic sign above you. The Green line would go underground and you would no longer have to stop at every intersection because of street traffic and could actually get you to work on time.

Sigh, okay back to reality. Instead, those of us who rely on public transportation to get to and from work, or even navigate Boston are facing a possible 20% increase in prices to ride the T. If the city really is trying to be more green or more blue as John, our speaker, likes to say (the earth is 70% made of water), than shouldn't our government make public transportation a priority?

If public transportation was more reliable, and made Boston more accessible, than we could take more cars off the road and reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide we release into the atmosphere, thus less pollution for the ocean! Win-win!

Do you think the state should spend money upgrading its public transportation system?

Related Posts: The Canary Project, Rubber Duckies and Global Warming, I am the Walrus

Picture Courtesy of: http://herokids.wordpress.com/

Cocktails 101

Does this scene sound familiar with you?

You are heading out after work with a few friends to a new bar you haven't been to before. The waiter hands you a list of the drinks offered at this bar and you haven't heard of any of them previously. Your friends look at the menu and know exactly what they are going to get in seconds. You, on the other hand don't know what drink you prefer as you look through the short novel of all the drinks they can create for you. You don't want to be lame and ask the waiter/bartender what exactly is in each of the drinks, but you aren't sure which ones you will like. The waiter comes back and takes everyone's orders, and when it comes to you, you try the first one on the list. Several minutes pass, and the waiter comes back with all of your drinks. You take a sip of your drink, and you don't like it, you try your friends drink and love it. If only you knew what drinks were what.

If that scene sounds familiar have we got an event for you! Cocktails 101, where you can learn from the Boston Shaker how to make a Martinez, French 75 among others. Enjoy Cocktail Samples and amazing appetizers from Mantra while your at it!

PLUS ALL PROCEEDS will go to the West End House which offers life-shaping opportunities to more than 1,000 youth representing 40 countries. Learning and doing something good for you community, all in one!

Details:

Where: Mantra, 52 Temple Street

When: June 18th, 6-9pm

Benefitting: West End House

Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Sponsors: Mantra, Boston Shaker, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Preiss Imports and Vin Divino,.

Related Posts: 80's Game Night, I love Pasta, Spirit of Service

How's the End of Your Sidewalk?

I am going to pull a Christina here and write about something I have noticed on my walk to work.  Recently the end ramps of sidewalks around Teele square in Somerville have been dug up and replaced with these tiles in the picture to the right.  I didn't know why the city would do this, so I asked around.   Is it to help pedestrians navigate the sidewalk when its icy out?  Give us traction when it rains?

It turns out that that this is a detectable warning tactile tile, which helps visually impaired people find the end of the street and wheelchair users have access to get on and off the sidewalk.   I am glad that City of Somerville is making efforts to make their sidewalks more friendly for the individuals that are differently abeled than myself.  Isn't it amazing how much you take for granted, such as crossing the street safely?  

A point to ponder is why haven't I noticed this tile elsewhere before?  Possibly I only noticed this NEW change to the neighborhood, mostly because it effected the path I take to work and there could be longstanding ones in the Boston area that I have never noticed.  It also makes me wonder what else I take for granted/ never noticed around my community?  

What positive changes have you noticed in your neighborhood lately?

Related Posts: Guide Horse?, Please shovel your sidewalks

Living Green Festival

Want to create a more sustainable lifestyle like the town of Vauban, Germany? Okay so maybe talking to your city officials and banning cars might be a bit extreme at this point, but there is always something that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. I keep hearing new ideas from other people and setting obtainable goals for myself, like reusable containers for my water instead of plastic bottles.

If you are unsure of what things you can do to create a more sustainable lifestyle then come on down to the Living Green Festival. There will be hands-on workshops, pictures with the Green Monster, A Green Vehicle Show and more! I also like that if you ride your bicycle there you will receive a free basic adjustment and tune up. Oh and if you bring a year of energy bills you can receive a free cost-saving breakdown and a chance to win an energy audit! Anyway you look at it there is something for everyone here.

Details:

Date: Saturday May 16th

Time: 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Location: Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave.

Cost: Free!

Click here for more information.

Related Posts: Global Warning Cafe, What is hindering your ability to be green?, Was it Green? EarthFest 2008

Picture Courtesy of: http://www.scityvt.co.uk/assets/cycle.jpg

Your Name on Toast

Yep not kidding.  You can have your name or web address written on toast for any amount of donation (min $100.00) to Oxfam-Ireland. If you click on any of the pieces of toast then it links you to the website of the doner.  

The next logical question is why?  Well the obvious answer to that is who doesn't love toast and who wouldn't want to see their name on toast?

The website claims it's a silly idea, but silly ideas get people talking and creates awareness of the cause you are trying to promote.  SO TRUE!  This is why I

 loved watching Chicago station Channel 9 news in the morning growing up because they would make people do silly things, like be a human bowling ball and they would give you a bit of air time to promote your cause.  If hurling myself down a bowling lane to knock down some pins helps end world poverty than I am in!

I would also like to point out that they have raised over $11,000.00 to help Oxfam-Ireland thus far!   Think of what a unique mother's day gift it could be to, her name on toast.  

Click here to buy your own toast.

Click here to see all the pieces of toast that have been written on.

Related Posts: Holiday Shopping & BYOBag , DWBDG: a case study

Picture Courtesy of: http://yournameontoast.com/

P.S. Thanks for the idea Casey

Voting Rights

It's not something we are exactly shy about at OYFP, we encourage everyone to go out and vote and be a part of the political system we have in the United States.  It is our right to have our opinions heard on any particular issue and the right to choose the candidate which we would like to represent us in our political offices.  It shows you care about the direction of the country and that you want to take an active part in the community around you.  

Why I bring this up is that the Supreme Court is reviewing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which intended to protect minority voters  in States with a history of discrimination. This act was renewed again by Congress in 2006, and now several states which fall under this act 

( the majority are southern states) are claiming this isn't fair.   

One part of the act, Section Five, names seven specific states and other local goverments with historical practices of minority voter discrimination, to require them to, "seek federal permission before making changes in voting procedures" 

I do think some regulation is necessary to protect the rights of all voters, especially if the voter is unaware of the discriminations  or discriminatory practices they are receiving because of their ethnic race.   But is this historical data accurate, meaning during the recent vote of 2008, are there still many policies in place in these selected states and local goverments that are discriminatory towards minority voters? 

Or is this something that should be relooked at with new data, even if it the adminstrative costs of this measure would be quite huge,  and put new local goverments under the system to protect minority voters?

Either way you look at this voting is important.  Your vote matters to who becomes the elected President, who then can appoint a Supreme Court Justice when one retires, who are currently deciding voting procedures.  So in short, VOTE

Related Posts: Voting Orange, Casting About: Your MA Ballot , Handgun bands and dogs,

Picture Courtesy of: http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/Category/November-2008

While it's nice-try volunteering outside

Ah the weather I have been waiting for all week long is finally here.  Sun glorious sun, open-toed shoes, warm weather, ahhhhhh.   From what I here this weekend is going to be even warmer!  Nothing to do this weekend?  Sure you can just lay there and soak up the rays, but why not be active and help a great cause at the same time?  OYFP is teaming up with Boston Cares for their annual event Dash for a Differnence.  Think Amazing Race-volunteer style.   

Teams of two-five will participate in brief volunteer tasks at community agencies, with a healthy dose of fun and informative quests in between. All teams will be invited to celebrate the day’s successes with snacks and beer at their final stop – the Samuel Adams Celebration of Service in downtown Boston

You can still register your team too, http://www.firstgiving.com/dash2009  

If you still have Questions you can always contact Rachel Ratner, rratner@bostoncares.org or 617.422.0910 x203

The Details 

Date: Saturday, April 25th 

Time: 9 am - 2 pm 

Location: Various Boston Neighborhoods 

Partner: Boston Cares 

Related Posts: Too busy to volunteer? Happy Hour Benefit for Friday Night Supper, 

Picture of:   Dash for Difference logo

Unfair taxes?

First I would like to say that I am proud to live in a country where people can hold demonstrations or rallies to have their voices heard even if it is differing from my opinion.
Two days ago, tax day, there were rallies across the country for people who believe they are being unfairly taxed.  This is interesting considering our current tax systems have been been benefitting the rich, not the poor who need it most, but I digress.  

Now, I am certainly not rich, but I can sympathize with the notion of not wishing to have more money taken out of my paycheck or given to the goverment when I file my taxes.  That being said, if five more dollars a paycheck could save programs that help vulnerable children or get one more homeless person off the street then I am for it.  I think we all should do our part to help the community around us, hence why I am such an advocate for volunteering.  Sure, people could just donate money to important causes or volunteer to help these causes and we may not need higher tax rates, but most people generally do not volunteer or donate money to help out the local community.

I don't think of myself as a socialist, rather I want to help out those who are less fortunate than myself.  If the increase in taxes go to save a persons job, again why is this such a bad thing?  Those are my thoughts, but I always like to hear others.

Related Posts: Casting About: Your MA State Ballot,  Presidential Election, Registering to Vote, and the Questions, Handgun bans and Dogs

Picture Courtesy of:  http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/antitax_teaparties_rallies_hel.html

*This increase in taxes may not go to help these municipal services, but that is why I also think it is important to have your voices heard and talk to your local representatives about your opinions or attend rallies to peacefully demonstrat your views.  

Vegan Diets for your Pet?

I watched this story about feeding your cat or dog a vegan diet a couple of mornings ago. I am not quite sure what to think about it. Essentially you are turning a carnivorous animal into a herbivore.

I have a dog and I know if my dog had a choice between chicken or Broccoli I know she would choose chicken. I have tried to feed my dog more vegetables (lettuce, peas, spinach), but nope not happening. A point to consider dogs have evolved from wolfs, wolfs hunt meat. I have never heard of a wolf in the wild who doesn't eat meat.

Additionally, many of the ways we play with dogs nowadays mimic the dogs natural instinct to hunt. If I throw a squeaky toy the first thing my dog does when she grabs a hold of the squeaky toy is to shake it violently. This action of shaking the toy is exactly what dogs do when they get a hold of their prey. They shake their catch violently because this is how they know to kill their catch (by breaking their neck). The squeak of the toy also mimics a sound that dying vermin make. When dogs bring the ball back (or prey) they do so as an offer to their dominant master.

My point is that dogs, just like cats have a natural instinct to hunt other animals in order to hopefully eat them. Can a philosophical approach to life from a human perspective be then applied to an animal? Typically your pet has to eat whatever food you provide it, but is it ethical to deny a type of food because of your dietary beliefs?

What are your thoughts?

Related Posts: Don't Forget About Your Pet, Guide Horse? Not Wasting Food - Spaghetti Salad to the Rescue!

Picture Courtesy of: My dog, Chai.

Make Your Own Rain Barrel

My plus one and I really do try to be green, and one way we figured out to reduce the amount of water we consume is to create our own rain barrel. This rain barrel will allow us to collect all the rain water from one of our down spouts so we can water our indoor plants and my garden to be when it hasn't rained in awhile. So I thought would provide a how-to model (with Jamie's help) for those that are interested in having one.

Supplies Needed:

• Shower Drain
• Mesh Screen
• Large Barrel (Ours is 30 Gallon and was found on its way to the dumpster)
• 1-inch Threaded Hose Connector
• Half-Inch Vinyl Hose
• Brass Spigot
• Teflon Tape

All our supplies cost $35.00 at our local hardware store and of course our Barrel was free.

Assembly:

Top: Cut the Mesh Screen to fit the size of the drain. Hold it in place with the screws that hold the grate to the drain assembly. Cut a hole in the lid of a barrell to fit the diameter of the drain assembly. Attach the drain into the lid by tighting down the threaded collor of the drain assembly onto the lid. The rubber gasket should be positioned so that you have a water tight seal.

Overflow Tubing: Drill a one-inch hole into a side of the barrel towards the top. Thread the hose conector through the one-inch hole and attach overflow tubing to the hose connector.

Spigot: Drill a second one inch whole into the side of the barrel towards the bottom. Wrap the threading of the spigget with some teflon tape. Thread the spigot into the one-inch hole, turning until you have a tight fit.

Place the rain barrel under a down spout from your roof. The down spout can be cut to fit the barrel with a hack saw. Additionally we placed it on top of several cinder blocks so we could easily fit our watering can underneath the spigot.

Related Posts: What is hindering your ability to be Green, Get out of the House, Learn New Skills, Help Others and Your Resume Talking Trash

Picture Courtesy of: Jamie

SIS Marathon Social

April is when the infamous Boston marathon will be going down. Why not start cheering these champion runner's prior to the Boston marathon? Come on down and support Sport in Society's Marathon Team by coming to the Pour House for an evening of music, competitions, and fun.


There will be a raffle, with such awesome prizes as: Signed NE Revolution Jerseys, Personal Training Sessions at Train Boston, Personal Massage Gift Certificates, Signed Boston Bruins Items, Private parties at local bars...


Details:
March 31, 2009 from 6 pm – 9 pm
The Pour House
$20 Suggested Donation

*free giveaways and free food*


Sport in Society will utilize the power and appeal of sport to create a just world by eliminating discrimination, hate and violence, while creating lasting solutions, and promoting healthy development and social responsibility.


Related Posts: Spirit of Service is Hiding Something, Boston’s Run to Remember 2008, Team In Training: One Way to Make a Difference