Metropolitan Beaches Commission Regional Meeting

In the summer and fall of 2013, the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, in partnership with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, held 10 public hearings at the Massachusetts State House and in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull.

Nearly 700 people participated in the hearings and hundreds more took part in an online survey. We invite you to take the survey - just click here.

 

Later this year the Commission will issue its final report, but before we do we want to circle back with you to make sure we got it right.

On Saturday, February 1, 2014 the Metropolitan Beaches Commission will hold a public meeting at the UMass Boston Campus Center from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

At that time we will share our preliminary findings and recommendations with all of you who share our hopes, dreams and concerns about the future of these beaches. 

We believe that our region’s public beaches are extraordinary assets with the power to strengthen waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities from Nahant to Nantasket. We hope you will join us on February 1st as we continue to look for ways to move these beaches from good towards great.

Please RSVP to info@savetheharbor.org

All the best,

Senator Tom McGee & Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein
Co-Chairs, Metropolitan Beaches Commission

From St. Louis to Boston Harbor

My name is Christian Herbosa. I am originally from St. Louis Missouri, but I moved up to Boston to attend Tufts University. At Tufts I earned an undergraduate degree in International Relations and in Economics. This academic year I have enrolled in several GIS related courses at the Harvard Extension School. This January I joined Save the Harbor / Save the Bay as the new Environmental Policy Intern.

I was drawn to STH/STB through my love of the ocean, and interest in environmental policy and advocacy. After moving to the East Coast I picked up the surfing and scuba diving. Through these recreational ocean activities, I really began to see what a great resource a nice beach with clean water can truly be.

That’s why I’m excited to work with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. So that I can help protect and share one of the country’s most valuable natural resources: the Boston Harbor. I recently attended the Metropolitan Beaches Commission public meeting, where I was able to witness first hand how the public involvement of the waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities can influence policy.

 

Speaking with beachfront community members at the MBC public meeting, I gained an understanding of how much the waterfront neighborhoods value the harbor beaches. I am proud to take part in Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's mission to restore and protect the Boston Harbor. I am especially excited take the plunge at Cupid Splash on March 29th at the BCYF Curley Community Center as part of a STH/STB youth programming fundraiser! You can register and donate for Cupid Splash here: http://www.cupidsplash.com/cupidsplash/register.asp

Share the Harbor with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

As you know, each year Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosts 4 signature events that raise awareness about our mission and also raise funds to support our work.

·      The Harpoon Helps Cupid Splash (March) is a cold-water plunge and pledge fundraiser on the beach in South Boston. It is sponsored by Harpoon and JetBlue Airways, and is entering its fourth year.  In 2013 more than 200 participants raised more than $30,000 from 200 participants and 500 donors to support our beaches small grants program.  

·      The Fan Pier Invitational Youth Fishing Tournament (July) gives 50 underserved youth and teens the chance to enjoy a day of fishing and fun on Boston Harbor on donated fishing boats with volunteer captains and crews.  It is sponsored by the Fallon Company and Circle Furniture, and generated about $5,000 in sponsorships in 2013.

·      The Swim and Paddle for Boston Harbor  (August) is a competitive, chip timed one mile open water swim and paddleboard competition. In 2013 we had 75 participants and raised more than $5,000 to support our youth and beach programs. 

·      The 4^th Annual Beach Bash and Splash (August) is our end of the season celebration of clean water for youth and teens from across the city at M Street beach in South Boston, which is now one of the cleanest urban beaches in America. In 2013 the event brought more than 788 young people to the beach for a fun filled day including an old fashioned cookout and a simultaneous splash into the clean waters of Boston Harbor, and generated more than $10,000 in sponsorships.

In 2013, these events generated dozens of articles in the regional press and the local community newspapers, and extensive television and radio coverage as well.

In 2014, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is looking to recruit a handful of new corporate partners for these great events. Sponsorships typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, and benefits include the opportunity to associate your company, product or brand with a popular environmental organization with more than 5,000 supporters. Benefits also include:

• Recognition and acknowledgement in our newsletter, blog and program materials
• Mentions in all press releases, media advisories and on social media sites
• Invitations to our beach programs kick off event, and the events that you sponsor
• Logo on program and event materials including signage, banners and web site
• The opportunity to present your product or brand at the event
• The opportunity to have your company logo appear in our event advertising, which will include full page ads in community newspapers

There are also a limited number of exclusive high visibility opportunities available – including naming rights and anchor sponsorships - as well as opportunities for employee engagement and participation which we would be delighted to discuss with you at your convenience.

If you would like to learn more about how your company can be a part of what is shaping up to be a tremendous season on Boston Harbor, please give me us call at 617-451-2860 or send us an email to info@savetheharbor.org.

Watch a short video about our 2013 events on Boston Harbor