First Impressions: Restaurants, Fish, and a Ship from Mexico

The first thing that hits you when you enter Fisherman’s Pier is the smell of salt-water, fresh fish, and diesel that is only found on a city waterfront.

My first impressions of Fisherman’s Pier, home to the offices of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, are ones of admiration and warm familiarity. Having grown up on waterfronts, both in New Haven, Connecticut and Portland, Maine, the smell and scenery are ones I enjoy. The admiration, however, comes from the impressive buildings along the wharf and modern landscaping on the close city blocks. It almost looks like a movie set; the sun shining off of the clean building windows as well-dressed businessmen and women go off to lunch at the contemporary restaurants and markets. A few tourists blend into the walks along the docks and admire the variety of ferries, sailboats, touring boats, the well-known Nantucket Lightship, and tall ships.

Impressive in itself, the bright white and green, varnished, three-masted Mexican naval ship Cuauhtemoc is docked at the World Trade Center Seaport, sitting under the many flags and flying a variety herself, adding to the secular feel the international seaport gives off. Sailors in uniform and crewmen bask in the Boston sun, listening to festive Mexican music playing loudly on the ship.

Moving down the pier, the industriousness of the place comes into full effect. Though the fisherman are long gone, having dropped their catches off early in the morning, workmen tend to boats docked on the pier cleaning and tossing pallets back and forth. Tourists take pictures in front of the famous No Name Seafood Restaurant, and MassPort policemen patrol. By the time you get to the end of pier, you’re tripping over tangled nets and buoys and have a full view across the harbor, full of recreational, industry, and tour boats. Planes from Logan Airport are loud and close by. Pick up trucks litter the back parking lot with various equipment tossed in the back. The environment leaves me with no doubt that this will be a fun and beautiful, as well as educational and interesting, place to work for the summer.

First Impressions

As I dragged my lazy feet through puddles of murky water this morning, all I could think was “Where is Northern Avenue?” I wandered around for about an hour, passing ocean front restaurants and the World Trade Center building decorated with flags from across the globe. I eventually did find Northern Avenue, but 212 – or any numbers in the two hundreds for that matter, was nowhere in sight. The salt water aroma was unmistakable as I walked past the Fish Pier and a sign that read “Fish Tenants only”; I assumed that no office buildings would be there. To my surprise, the very building I had been searching for all morning was right on the pier – about as close to Boston’s illustrious harbor as you can get.

My first assignment as a Communications Intern was to familiarize myself with the Save the Harbor website and what our mission is. I found this blog and read through some old postings to get an idea of what exactly I’ll be doing this summer. Pictures from past events especially caught my eye, particularly the “Cupid Splash” into the freezing February harbor, the bright smiles on children’s faces holding fish they caught, and the sandcastle contest on the beach. As an avid beach lover myself ( I’m Long Island born and raised) I felt like I had made the right choice in accepting the internship.

After playing around with the Save the Harbor Facebook page and publications, the other interns and I were called into the office to meet our bosses and have our first meeting. I was still a little unsure of what all of my responsibilities would be, but my boss Bruce explained it in simple way that seemed to answer it all: “Communications is everything.” And it really is – to keep up the success that Save the Harbor has had with cleaning Boston’s beaches we need to spread the word to as many people as possible.

When the meeting was over, two of the interns and I were told to explore the area to find pictures and other inspiration for the blog we’ll be writing all summer. We were allowed to take pictures of anything we wanted, and yet I found that almost all of mine were of the tall ships in town for the Expo. Although I’ve lived in Boston for the past two years, I never had the chance to spend a sunny day by the harbor, and I’ve never seen anything like the one particular white sailboat that became the star of my photo shoot.

Finally, we were told to start putting together our blog. Overall, my mind is filled with all of the possibilities this summer holds; experience and skills for resume building, meeting new people and making new friends, and hosting fun events on the beach. I can’t wait to see how all of our hard work will teach thousands of Bostonians why we must continue to keep our harbors clean and sparkling blue.

Wonderful Trip on Boston Harbor

I was so excited on April 30^th as I was going to assist a marine mammal trip with so many cute kids in Boston Harbor. It was a big free event held by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Actually I had never seen seals and porpoises on the sea but I did it this time. On that day, my professor—Bruce served as our tour guide on the boat, teaching us how to observe marine animals.

It was great fun to travel with tens of funny and excited children. They kept talking about the sea and running everywhere to catch sea animals. They were curious about everything.They simply kept the boat active and interesting. I loved the big smile on their faces when they were discovering marine mammals unexpectedly. When I was taking pictures for the warm families, I felt how happy they were to enjoy such a happy trip with each other. It made me think of my families.
Thanks to the nice weather, everything looked perfect. I enjoyed the sea wind flowing through my hairs. I enjoyed the seals hopping in front of my eyes. I enjoyed the airplanes flying so low just like on the top of my head. I enjoyed watching the beautiful islands and scenery. I enjoyed myself and everything else during the trip! What’s more, I was so grateful for people who donated in my donation box.

Best,

Junyue Pang

Final Week :(

My name is Kristina Acevedo and I was an intern from Fenway High School. Part of my graduation requirement was to complete a six week internship. I struggled searching for an internship, but my teacher had told me Save the Harbor/Save the Bay were looking for one. I took the chance to meet with Michelle Palermino one day to get more insight on what kinds of task I would be doing. I remember seeing Michelle with a huge smile on her face when I walked into a room set up for my interview at school. Our conversation started off great. I felt comfortable speaking to Michelle and she showed so much excitement! She sounded so passionate when she spoke about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. I decided to take the internship. It sounded like fun, and especially hearing about the event they were hosting the Cupid Splash.

My first day there I met the staff. I remember meeting Caitlin first and how much she loves peanut butter! The vibe I got from the office was perfect. I knew I was going to have fun. I was going to be surrounded by a staff of passionate, humorous and dedicated people. I was kept busy throughout the six weeks, and was able to gain a wonderful workplace experience. My first week there, I had to develop and speak at the staff meeting. I felt involved with everything that was being done in the office.

I am greatful that the staff trusted in me when it came to projects. I was able to complete two collages for collaborative material, help organize an event and draft a welcome intern packet. When I compared my experience with my fellow classmates I noticed that I must have gave a great impression and showed dedication just like the staff because I was given the opportunity to help with important task. My classmates filed paperwork and organized papers at their internship; meanwhile, I was treated like staff and given assignments that would have been done by the staff.

Apart from working indoors for the six weeks, I was able to work outside at the Harbor with families from different areas of Boston for the Marine Mammal Safari. I was able to network with hundreds of people, and enjoy the search for Harbor Seals and porpoises with my family.
Overall I gained a lot of experience here at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, and if it was not for my spending my summer vacation in Puerto Rico I would have loved to work more with them.

Sadly this Friday is my last day at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. :( I just want to thank Michelle Palermino and Patty Foley for allowing me to intern here for the six weeks. If it was not for them accepting me into the office I would have not gained the same experience anywhere else. I am blessed to have met, worked, laughed and talked with such a passionate staff including the other interns. I would definitely recommend looking for an internship at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for the experience and skills that would be gained.

Now I maybe done with internship, but I will stay in contact with you all! :)

Fenway High School Intern
Kristina Acevedo

Marine Mammals in Boston Harbor!

This past Saturday, we at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay held our favorite Springtime tradition: the Marine Mammal Safari! Families from all over Massachusetts (and a few visitors from across the country and world!) joined us for one of three exciting boat trips in search of harbor seals and porpoises.

We packed the boats with families and community groups are we were off! Our Baywatcher Bruce Berman instructed everyone on how to keep their eyes peeled for signs of seals and porpoises in the water around us. Two hundred sets of eyes peered over the railings of the “Freedom” for signs of dark seal noses bobbing in the water or for the exciting sight of a porpoises’ back and fin breaking the surface. Everyone got so excited each time there was a sighting, rushing to the best part of the boat to view the seals. It was so fun to see the kids so involved in the search, calling out to everyone else when they thought they saw something! And even if we hadn’t seen any seals or porpoises, it was a gorgeous day on its own; and I know everyone docked with more knowledge about the Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands too!

I was thrilled to be a part of a free and fun event that could bring families together in the context of the magnificent resource that is our Harbor. My favorite part of my job is helping to connect new people to the Harbor and giving them an opportunity to share it with their families. And I love whenever I’m there to see it in action, and see the smiles on all the kid’s faces as they fall in love with being on the water.

I’ll see you around the Harbor this year! It’s our 25^th Anniversary, which means we have 25 years of hard work, passion, and success to celebrate, and, as a result, clean water to enjoy. I don’t think the events and the parties around the Harbor this year are going to disappoint, and I really hope to see you there!

Michelle Palermino

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Up for a Harbor Adventure?

This past Saturday, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosted the Marine Mammal Safari. It was the first event I attended after interning here for four weeks, and it was my second time out on a boat. It was great seeing all the energy families had early in the morning, and how families from communities all over Boston were up for an adventure to find Harbor Seals and porpoises. As the children waited patiently in line they guessed what a porpoise was and what it might look like. It was not until Bruce began to give us tips on how to spot them and Harbor Seals when the kids finally knew what a porpoise was. Bruce had given us a preview of what a porpoise sounds like and it went like this "...(SILENCE)..." Everyone laughed and smiled and it was so great to see that they were enjoying themselves.Everyone participated in the search for Harbor Seals and porpoises. Some used Binoculars while others were able to use their great eye sight. We were able to spot a few Harbor Seal on rocks, but the porpoises were shy. I found it amazing how Bruce would announce a Harbor Seal sighting on one side of the boat and everyone would run with smiles to take a look. When finally spotting it, faces would glow and eyes would shine. It was great to see all the joy it brought to people, and I was glad to experience this event with my family and to show them the passionate people I work with at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

- Kristina Acevedo :)

Marine Mammal Safari

This past Saturday, I, along with the rest of the Save the Harbor / Save the Bay staff, hosted the Marine Mammal Safari on the Boston Harbor on what seemed like a perfect sunny morning for a cruise around the Harbor. I found it to be a great experience. This was my first time that I really got a chance to enjoy the Harbor, even though I have been in Boston for almost four years. Also, learning about the animals that are living in the Harbor was great because I know that they now have a safer environment to live in than they did about 20 years ago. Lastly, the looks and reactions on the children's faces priceless!

I wish I was staying with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay longer to take part in another one of these amazing cruises! :)

Denise Wilson

Communication & Events Intern

Peace and Purity on the Harbor

Sherry Zhang joined Save the Harbor / Save the Bay this semester as an intern from the Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing, China. Below, you can read her beautiful reaction to her very first Marine Mammal Safari this past Saturday…

The second trip of Save the Harbor’s Annual Marine Mammal Safari started at 1:45p.m. in April 30^th. Everybody felt so excited while getting on the boat. Big smiles came up on everyone’s face.

In the beginning, layers and layers of clouds were pressing to the sky and made it look heavy. However, when the sun came out an hour later, everything became nice and calm.

I saw this man resting on the deck, reclined, lifted his head towards the sun without saying a word; this girl wearing a cute pink jacket stepped up on the chair and gazed at the spray from the stern. There was a couple holding each other, watching the light house on a small green island. Children were playing with each other with laughter rolling around. The sun was so bright, it lit up their face with a natural flush.

It was always a mystery of this original intimacy between human and the sea, like a basic instinct so deeply rooted inside our hearts. People can easily find the peace and purity of their soul near the water. It was a kind of connection, a call from the earth. Take a deep breath, you can smell it, the scent of home. Life was born in this blue. As long as we are living, we do everything to defend our home. 

Sherry Zhang

Marine Mammal Safari

April 30th was a great day for the Marine Mammal Safari boat trip hosted by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. As part of our free family events this spring and summer, over the course of the day we brought more than 600 people to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park to see the seals and porpoises that visit the Harbor and the Bay each spring. I assisted on all three boats for the whole day as part of my internship. I woke up quite early that day and went to the Rowes Wharf to meet our staff, ready to work to make sure that all our guests had a good time on our first great boat trip. The weather was kind of chilly and cloudy in the morning, which made us concerned that the weather may affect the trip. Fortunately, it turned out to be sunny right before our first departure, which was great!

Bruce was there narrating about all the Boston Harbor, the islands and marine mammals along the way Everybody on the boat enjoyed the trip so much; all the kids were especially so exited when they found harbor seals swimming around our boat. The porpoises were kind of shy that day and we didn’t find a lot of them. However, it didn’t affect the whole trip a lot and everyone had a good time on the boat trips including all of our staff! We took so many pictures of families from around Boston and even some from all around the world. In those pictures, the smiles and laughs really make us proud of what we are doing as a team at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

After the whole day’s work I felt a little bit tired, but I spent quite a wonderful day and had tons of fun there. It was such a great experience having interned at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, which is filled with a lot of fun events and passionate people in our team. Now we are getting ready to host more awesome events this summer as part of Save the Harbor's 25th Anniversary, and we hope more and more people and families can join us and enjoy our great harbor together!

Best,

Fred Zhao

And The Winners Are...

The Save the Harbor team is very pleased to announce the winners of BEST COSTUME in Revere, East Boston, South Boston, and Quincy last weekend, complete with pictures of their great outfits! Thanks so much to everyone who dressed up for helping to make our 1st Annual Cupid Splash so much fun, and such a success!

In Revere, our best dressed Cupids were Meghan Maguire and Emily Di Giulio! Meghan also raised the most money on Revere Beach, single-handedly collecting $1,250 to support Save the Harbor and our region's public beaches!

Samantha Jane took a completely different angle in Winthrop, dressing head to toe in animal print and sending out a message to Cupid!

In East Boston, Jamy Madeja abandoned the "original" Splash theme when it was postponed from February to April. Instead of going as a cupid for Valentine's day, she dressed up as an "April Fool," complete with a jester hat and shoes!
In South Boston, Mary Devlin took the cake as the most festive Cupid. Here she is on the right in her awesome red flapper dress. She only took her red high heels off to run into the the water-- now that's dedication!
Nancy Johnson came prepared to take the First Splash of Spring in Quincy in her cozy bathrobe and festive hat and footwear. Great job Nancy!

Aaaaaand in Lynn and Nahant, we're still looking for the names of our two festive cupids, pictured here in the center of Lynn and Nahant's group photo! Anyone out there who knows their names, please let us know so we can reward their awesome efforts!


Thank you to everyone who dressed up for bringing your bright colors, extra enthusiasm, and smiling faces to the beach last Saturday! We'll be in touch with you individually to get you your prizes! Thanks for everything, Cupids!

Wonderful Beach! Wonderful Cupid Splash!

Junyue “Fiona” Pang is an international student from Sichuan, China who is studying at Boston University this academic year. While Fiona recently began an internship at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay, the Cupid Splash was her first exposure to the work we do and the fun that we have doing it! Read on to find out more about her experience…

I was so excited on April 2nd. I couldn’t help getting up early that morning because the First Annual Cupid Splash was held on that day by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

I was in a hurry to go to Revere Beach with my friends because I heard that Bruce Berman, who has worked with Save the Harbor for 20 years but who is also my professor at Boston University, was going to jump into the water with more than a hundred other participants to raise funds for the organization and the beaches.

Thanks to the wonderful sunshine, I loved the big smile on everyone’s face on the beach. I felt that everybody was passionate and enthusiastic! There were adorable little children dressed up with big wings just like cupid, and many people wearing beautiful costumes. In particular, Ernie Garneau, who had a red face and a big red heart on his chest was really funny and outstanding!

Seeing so many people jumping into the cold sea on such a winter day was impressive and unforgettable. They were brave! Hundreds of people witnessed and enjoyed the big event on all the other beaches as well.

Promoting the ideas of protecting the beaches-- and raising funds for Save the Harbor and the beaches at the same time through this kind of activity-- was such a great win-win idea. I think it makes people realize the importance of beaches and the Harbor while having fun with them at the same time.

I’ve already been looking forward to the Cupid Splash for the next year and I’ll be a participant if I have the chance! What’s more, I would like to do even more now to protect the beautiful beaches with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

Junyue “Fiona” Pang
Intern
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

JetBlue Airways to Honor Educator at Fenway Park

I thought you all might like to see this.

Stay tuned. 

Bruce

April 7, 2011

For Immediate Release                          


Environmental Educator Bruce Berman of Boston University and Save the Harbor / Save the Bay was chosen "Most Valuable Teacher" by JetBlue Airways and will throw out the first pitch at game two of the Boston Red Sox / New York Yankees homestand in Fenway Park on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

Berman teaches an undergraduate course in marine science as well as American management, business communication, and Boston Harbor history and policy in the Department of Administrative Science at Boston University's Metropolitan College where he has introduced hundreds of students from around the world to Boston's extraordinary harbor.

Bruce is also the lead architect of Save the Harbor / Save the Bay's free youth environmental education programs that have connected 50,000 youth and teens to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands since 2002.

He and his wife Save the Harbor / Save the Bay's President Patricia Foley are avid Red Sox fans and live for most of the year on their boat "Verandah" at Constitution Marina on Boston Harbor.

"Actually, it is quite and honor - and a big responsibility" said Berman, 55, who watches nearly every Red Sox game but acknowledges that he hasn't played much baseball since 1971. "I have much more experience casting for big striped bass on Boston Harbor than I do pitching at Fenway Park. But I have been practicing since I got the news last week, and promise to try to my best for my team."

"Maybe they will play "Love That Cleaner Water" quipped Berman who has been the spokesman for Save the Harbor / Save the Bay for 20 years.

For more information contact Matt Wolfe at 617-451-2860

Cupid's Visit to Revere Beach

I woke up early Saturday morning to find my father with red face paint on his face and a red heart on his chest. Yep, this is how I started the day off... only be followed by more craziness. Revere Beach hosted Save the Harbor / Save the Bay's first annual Cupid Splash on Saturday, April 2nd. The sun was shinning, the birds were out, the wind was blowing, and the water… was cold. Despite the temperature it did not stop the brave volunteers, who ran with open arms into the water. I have never seen so many people happy to run into freezing cold water! Despite my father’s attempts at black mailing me; I refused to go in. The event itself was wonderful even as a spectator; there was music, plenty of people-- many dressed in their best cupid themed attire-- hot clam chowder from Summer Shack, and Kelly’s Roast Beef. There was a even film crew from the local news channel and plenty of cameras going off.



The reason that this splash was so special was because it is the only splash that is for the beaches, the beach communities, and the environment. Everyone raised money to aid in keeping our local beaches clean and providing free events and activities-- and that was definitely the reason that everyone came out of the water with a big smile on their faces. I cannot wait for next year’s splash to see it get bigger and even crazier!

Ariel Garneau
Revere Beach Partnership
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Winthrop's First Splash of Spring

This past Saturday, April 2nd, I got to not only participate in but represent Save the Harbor/Save the Bay at our First Splash of Spring on Winthrop Beach! Winthrop Beach was one of eight beaches that partook in the simultaneous cold-water pledge and plunge, spanning from Nahant to Nantasket. Originally named the “Cupid Splash,” the First Splash of Spring turned out to be a huge success, raising over $21,000 for Save the Harbor / Save the Bay and our region's public beaches. Our communities exceeded our original goal of raising $15,000 by over $5,000!

Although Winthrop was considered one of the smaller Splashes, the shore was booming with spectators as me and ten other Splashers embraced the cool waters. Evidently the water wasn’t cold enough for some Splashers, as a few dare devils decided to trample into the ocean for a second splash! We all rejoined to collect Cupid Splash gift bags as well as enjoy some pizza that had been donated by Winthrop’s Parks and Recreation Department. Winthrop Beach Splashers managed to raise $1,215, a great triumph, if I do say so myself!

We all gathered at Kelley’s Square Pub after the beach to celebrate not catching hypothermia as well as the First Splash of Spring itself. Kelley’s staff and our friends at Harpoon Brewery did a wonderful job making sure that the over-21 crowd enjoyed their refreshing Harpoon beers and that the under-21 crowd felt welcome in the family-friendly establishment.

April 2^nd turned out to be a great day for not only Splashers on Winthrop Beach but on all the beaches! Not only was it a great and fun way to raise money for such a wonderful cause, but Jet Blue Airways tickets were provided for whoever raised the most money on each beach. Prizes also included a $1,000 grant from Save the Harbor’s Better Beaches Program to the beach that raised the most money and the beach that had the largest turn out.

As a communications intern here at Save the Harbor, it was a great opportunity to watch this event unfold so successfully!

Thanks to everyone who was a part of the great day!

Courtney Hickey

Communications and Event Planning Intern

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Splashing Our Way Into Spring

This April 2nd was a gorgeous day, not just because of the amazing weather-- with the lovely sunshine and the pure blue sky-- but it was also our First Splash of Spring at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Me and two other interns were assigned to help the Cupid Splash event at Revere Beach, which is the biggest fundraiser out of all the eight beaches that day.

There were so many people on the Revere Beach for the event including community members, reporters, Save the Harbor staff, and all our proud and brave splashers who made this extraordinary event possible. We set up our table and tent next to the beach and gathered all the splashers to take group pictures. Although the weather was great, it was still windy on the beach, which made running into the water with cupid costumes on still a little bit cold. However, all our brave splashers ran into the water, and the event was exciting! Free tasty hot clam chowder and hot chocolate were served to warm all the splashers up.

After the event we drove to 338 Grill pub for the warm-up party and enjoyed the free Harpoon beer provided by our sponsor, Harpoon Brewery. We celebrated the great success of our event and had lots of fun together.


Everybody enjoyed the day so much on the beach. As an intern at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, I'm so happy that our 1st Cupid Splash ended up with huge success and happiness. Thanks to all our participants, sponsors and donors, we have proudly raised more than $20,000 for our local pubic beaches and our communities. We will keep doing this and I believe it's going to be even more fun in the future with more new ideas and even more splashers!

Fred Zhao
Intern
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

"Out of Office" Work

As an intern with SHSB since January, I haven’t had a whole lot of out-of-the-office work given the winter we’ve had here in Boston. In fact, today was my first venture out of SHSB’s office, right into the chaotic throngs of children on February vacation in one of the most popular places for kids in the city – the Boston Children’s Museum. But first, we had to stop by the James Hook and Company’s building to borrow two lobsters, two clams, and an oyster for the day. Then it was off to the museum where for two hours we used the lobsters to entertain scores of eager and energetic kids. We also taught them about the basic anatomy and adaptations of the sea creatures.

While many of the young vacationers were eager to pick up and hold the animals and pose for photographs, there were quite a few who preferred to lightly touch a lobster’s tail or hold an oyster, while there were even still a few who were completely shocked by the sight of a real live lobster. The questions were plentiful: “Are they real?” “Will it hurt if I pick it up?” “Is it friendly?” “Where did it come from?” And the observations and comments were noteworthy too: “I’m holding a lobster! I’m holding a lobster!” “This lobster doesn’t scare me because he’s friendly!” “Dude! There’s no way I’m touching that thing!”

After a couple hours, when the crowds had dissipated, we packed up the lobsters, clams, and oyster, and said goodbye. While my time here as an intern will end before the summer education programs begin, I appreciated having the opportunity to see SHSB in action spreading knowledge and appreciation of sea creatures and helping kids receive the most out of their vacation from school

.

John Gioia

Policy Intern

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Diving Right In

What an exciting Thursday! I had a lot of new experiences today, first getting to experience a small aspect of SHSB’s many youth programs. Although the majority of the youth programs occur during the summer, today we got the chance to share two of our lobster friends with the Boston Children’s Museum. The museum was bustling with kids enjoying the exciting exhibits during their school vacation and our lobsters were no exception to their curiosity.

They all gathered around in awe of the sea creatures we had to share, asking a variety of questions like what they eat, if they bite, how to tell if it is a boy or a girl. All questions that I would soon learn the answers to, as this was also my first up close and personal experience with a lobster. Despite my inexperience with these creatures, I found myself jumping right in to the action answering questions and showing the children how to hold them. It was great to see the other side of SHSB, and I was so happy to see the enthusiasm that these children had for the ocean’s creatures that SHSB works so hard to protect.

Courtney Hickey

Communications and Events Intern

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Cupid Splash Postponed!

Hello everyone!

We've been having some crazy weather in Boston-- and over at Save the Harbor, this meant a big change for our Cupid Splash. With several feet of crusty snow and ice on all our region's public beaches, another round of snow on the way, surface water temperature of just 33 degrees, and a hard freeze forecast for later this week we have decided to POSTPONE the Cupid Splash and the Harpoon Warm-Up Parties until Saturday, April 2.

I know just how much you were all looking forward to donning your Cupid costumes, dashing across your beach, splashing into the icy Atlantic, enjoying some hot Summer Shack chowder and a refreshing Harpoon beer - all to help Save the Harbor / Save the Bay kick-off our 25th Anniversary.

However, with so much ice and snow still on the beach, we are concerned about the safety of the participants and spectators. Though we know you are a tough bunch, we are confident that the event will be just as much fun a little later in the year when the weather should be a bit warmer - though I hear the water's going to be just as cold!

Despite the postponement, the 1st Annual Cupid Splash has already been a terrific success so far. We have nearly 150 registered participants who have raised more than $13,000 to support Save the Harbor and free events and programs on our beaches during 2011. Thanks to all the participants for your enthusiasm, hard work, and support so far. And donors, don't think we're letting your swimmers off the hook!

We are going to keep registration website open and continue the contests for best Cupid costume, biggest fundraiser and best beach turnout until April 2. We hope you will continue to help us recruit more participants and raise additional funds to support this great cause.

All of us at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay are looking forward to seeing you at the rescheduled Cupid Splash on Saturday, April 2.

Thanks again,

Michelle

Hello all!

We’re very excited over at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay these days. We’re preparing for our First Annual “Cupid Splash” on February 12^th, 2011! Yes, we’re kicking off our 25^th Anniversary by splashing into Boston Harbor in the middle of the winter… and we’re inviting you to join us!

THE EVENT

The Cupid Splash is a traditional cold-weather plunge and pledge fundraiser - with a delicious twist. At noon on Saturday, February 12^th, we are holding NINE simultaneous splashes, eight of which will take place on our region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket. We are delighted to have recently added a ninth splash location in Provincetown, extending our efforts even beyond the Harbor!

Each Cupid will be collecting pledges to splash into the Harbor to support Save the Harbor / Save the Bay and free events and programs on our region's great public beaches. As of Thursday, January 20, our Cupids across the Harbor have raised more than $5,000 towards our goal of $25,000. That number is growing every day, but we still need your help!

Does this sound like an event you’d like to be a part of? To register, please visit the event website at www.cupidsplash.com. It’s free and simple to sign up, and in the end, you will have the unforgettable memory of jumping into the freezing cold water and doing your part for the future of Boston Harbor.

If you’re worried about the cold, you shouldn’t be! Each splash will be followed by “warm-up” activities that include hot Summer Shack chowder and a cool pint of Harpoon beer at a toasty local pub in each community. Please refer to www.cupidsplash.com for more information, including a full list of beaches, specific splash locations, and “warm up” party pubs. The water will be cold, but we’ll get you warm again in no time.

If you can’t join us on February 12^th, or don’t think you’ll be able to muster the courage to jump in the water, you can use the Cupid Spash website to make a donation to your favorite beach or to an individual Cupid in your community!

PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS

We have some great prizes and giveaways from our sponsors to reward our participants’ hard work. Thanks to the generosity of our great partners at JetBlue, each participant who raises $100 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a PAIR of round-trip JetBlue tickets.* And the top fundraiser on each beach will win round-trip JetBlue Airways tickets to any non-stop destination. What a great way to warm up after a cool plunge than to take a free trip to somewhere warm! Sign up to splash today!

The beach with the biggest turnout AND the beach that raises the most money will be big winners as well. Each will receive a $1,000 grant from Save the Harbor's "Better Beaches" small grants program to support free events and activities on their beach in 2011.

So please, sign up today to take the plunge, donate to support a loved one, or help us promote the event to your friends, family, and community. You can convince a friend to sign up with you, send an email to your address book, or post a link to www.cupidsplash.com on your facebook page or twitter! If you have any questions, or would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.

We can’t wait to see you in the water on February 12^th!

Best,

Michelle Palermino

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

617-451-2860 x1008

* A passenger using the Travel Certificate is solely responsible for any applicable fees taxes, surcharges, and/or service charges, including but not limited to Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $2.50 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment (a segment is a takeoff and landing) and, in the case of international travel, government fees and taxes of up to $127.60 each way.

Sea, Sand and Sky

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay (SH/SB) is a non-profit public-interest environmental advocacy organization whose mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and the marine environment for everyone to enjoy.

Each year we run two free summer youth programs that combine recreation and hands-on education to bring the Harbor alive for thousands of Boston area young people.
Our "Boston Harbor Explorers" program serves nearly three thousand young people on the docks (and in the boats!) of our city's youth sailing centers in Charlestown, East Boston, South Boston and Dorchester, at Constitution Beach in East Boston, at Wollaston Beach in Quincy,and at Camp Harbor View on Long Island.


Our "All Access Boston Harbor" program departs weekdays from the Bank of America Pavilion in South Boston, and brings 200 kids a day to George's or Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. This summer AABH will bring nearly 5,000 young people from 100 community groups to the islands, many for the very first time.

For more information on Save the Harbor/Save the Bay or any of our programs, please visit us at www.savetheharbor.org

If you would like to share the harbor with thousands of deserving kids this summer,
Click Here to Support our Summer Youth Programs!

Kids Festival at Wollaston Beach

On Saturday, October 23, some of the Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay staff and I went to the Wollaston Beach Kids Festival. We could have not asked for more beautiful weather! We were instantly greeted by friends of Wollaston beach staff and lots of excited children. We sat up our table and touch tank which held Lucy the Lobster. All of the kids and parents loved looking and learning about the lobster. Michelle and John showed me how to tell the difference between a male/female lobsters. I also learned that lobsters can grow back their limbs!

What I loved most about the event was watching how much the children loved seeing and touching the lobster. Though some were scared at first they all were so excited to see a lobster so close! Having never really seen a lobster so close I was surprised at how big they are…especially their claws! At the festival there was, music, pumpkin painting, cooking decorating and of course pizza! All of us had so much fun and was happy that we had such beautiful weather.

Ariel

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay at the Boston Local Food Festival

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay tabled at the first-ever Boston Local Food Festival, presented by the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston.

The brisk but sunny autumn day gave families, tourists, students, and locals the perfect opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at the harbor. The Fort Point Channel was lined with white tents filled with representatives from various organizations who reached out to visitors with new information about sustainability and some even offered delicious, organic food. Save the Harbor had a special guest at its tent – a locally caught, pound-and-a-half lobster!

Save the Harbor went all out for the kids to have a fun, hands-on experience with a member of the Harbor’s marine life. Kids looked on with fascination as Michelle Palermino, Senior Marine Coordinator, picked the lobster up from its temporary home, a plastic tank filled with water, and stroked its tail. Some kids were scared of the crustacean, while others were eager to carry the lobster right from the get-go.

Save the Harbor also took advantage of its position along the channel and set up a fishing station right along the channel, directly across from its tent. At the fishing posts, interns from this past summer fished and crabbed with kids. It was a great day for crabbing. The kids caught three crabs in less than an hour!

All in all, it was a great day for people from all walks of life to get together to enjoy a beautiful day at the harbor! The Boston Local Food Festival was the perfect way to usher in the autumn season with a mix of education, food, and a lot of fun!

- Catalina Tresky

The Treasures of Spectacle Island

Starting off as a cloudy morning, Saturday turned into a beautiful day! On Saturday, 25^th 2010 me and other friends of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay went on an adventure to Spectacle Island. We started the day off gathering around the dock where Bruce Berman, one of the original founders of Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay gave an brief speech about the trip and soon after we were off!

With the help of AC cruise lines we reached our destination in no time and all the families were off exploring! I was surprised at how much there was to do at the Island. While I was on the beach I met one family who were keeping themselves entertained by burying each other! As I walked around I met another family, The Bee’s that were enjoying running around and playing ball. It was also a perfect day to fly kites which many families were doing. It was so nice to see families and especially the kids enjoy themselves and just having fun

This was my very first time at Spectacle Island and I fell in love with it! The island is so beautiful and well maintained. After taking time to grab a quick snack from the summer shack, me and some of the Save the Harbor crew went on a hike to the top of the island. No being an avid hiker, I was worried I would not make it to the top! To my surprise the hike was not difficult but very relaxing. On the way to the top, it was fascinating to learn about the history and facts about the island. The view of the city line from the top of the island was AMAZING! Can you believe that this island was once a trash dump?

Despite only being less then a 20 minute boat ride from BostonSpectacle Island is truly a hidden gem. For those who do not know any thing about Spectacle Island here is a brief history: It is believed that Native Americans used the island for fishing starting around 600 A.D. In the 1600s Europeans used the island as a source for firewood along with making it a smallpox quarantine. In 1857 a horse rendering plant was built which was followed by a city trash incinerator that was active till 1935. The island then became a trash dumb till the 1990s. It was when the infamous big dig started that things started to change for this smelly island. The dirt that was excavated from the dig was shipped off to Spectacle Island which was used to resurface the island. With thousands of trees planted and paths created the island opened up to the public in 2006. You can find all sorts of treasures on the two beaches located on the island left over from its days of being a trash dump. I found all this information on the island from the national park service's website so check it out!

Now that it is starting to get cold I am not sure I will get out toSpectacle Island until next spring but am so thankful I had the opportunity to explore the island on what can only be described as a perfect fall day. Spectacle Island was truly captivating and I cannot wait to get a chance to explore all the Boston Harbor Islands! To find out about other great events like this check out our Boston Harbor events and activities facebook page!

-Ariel

SUMMER ISN'T OVER AT NANTASKET BEACH

The Endless Summer Waterfront Festival Down in Hull we try our hardest to keep summer rolling along on Nantasket Beach until our big festival Saturday September 25th from noon-6pm. With help from SHSB we were able to produce our tv commercial with hopes that it will bring you all to Nantasket for a final summer party