Day 128: In2Books Registration to Mentor Elementary School Children

Hello, Bianca and Olivia here.

Today, we both registered to be online Pen Pals for a program called "In2Books." This online organization fosters a relationship between a student in grades 3-6 and the registered PenPal. As a Pen Pal, it is our responsibility to read 5 books along with the student throughout the academic year and discuss the books with the Pen Pal through online correspondence. In our e-letters, we will discuss the themes and topics of each book and encourage the student to not only answer our questions but also come up with discussion questions of their own. Similar to a book club, the conversations between the student and Pen Pal are designed to both enhance the understanding of the book as well as improve critical thinking skills. Pretty cool right?

Our first job is to write a "Getting To Know You Letter" to our Pen Pal, explaining a little bit about ourselves, sharing why we love to read, and some of our own personal experiences with reading. After the student writes back, we will start reading our first book together. Future blogs will incorporate our conversations with the students. We are so excited to help children around the United States discover a passion for reading. While it may be difficult to balance letter deadlines in college, we are sure it will be worth it when we see our students become passionate in the subject matter and become more experienced readers. More to follow!

http://in2books.epals.com/

Day 127: KidsKonnect.com

Paul here.  I was doing an early morning grocery run at Stop & Shop today and saw a dinosaur piggy bank collecting money for KidsKonnect.com.  This is a website dedicated to providing appropriate content for children.  It seems very wholesome and informative.  If you have a child looking for some information on almost any subject, KidsKonnect.com is a great source.  I'll be sure to tell Sophia so she can use it for some upcoming grade 6 projects.

Day 126: Two Cakes and Three Cheers for Al !

Today marks the 5th year anniversary of the loss of our dear friend and neighbor, Al Walsh.  We continue to think of him often and we continue to enjoy a wonderful relationship with his trophy bride Julie, who can ride a tractor with the best of them!
We wanted to mark this date with something special in honor of Al, so we decided to make two cakes--one which was given to Julie, and the other to the staff at the Riverbend Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Natick where Al spent his last days.  Julie spoke so highly of the care and comfort Al received at this home-like facility, so we thought it might be nice to surprise them with  a tasty treat that shared our appreciation for their kindess and support of Al during his illness.  When I delivered the cake, the staff was very touched and appreciative. I spoke with a gentleman by the name of Evan (not sure if he was a Nurse or Aid) but he remembered Al and said that there are still several care givers at the center who would also remember him as Al was such a "nice man".  Another employee said "It's so nice to be remembered for doing something right!" It always feels good to reach out to those who are dedicated to taking care of others....especially since we have a daughter studying to become a nurse!!!

Day 125: Bristol Lodge for July

(Picture of Soup Kitchen)

Taken during another groups bristal Lodge day

Nana and Buppa here. Today was St. Jude's Day to feed the homeless at Bristol Lodge. Boy, do the months go by quickly!! Some people were on vacation and 2 of those we pick up on the way to the church weren't home when we appeared. I had meat loaf myself and told this other girl I would do hers as she didn't get word to me til Sat. So , this A.M. I was literally up to my elbows in 6 pounds of hamburg, eggs , milk, bread crumbs, green pepper and onions--what a mess but, they were all ready for the afternoon trip to the oven. I had a doctor apppointment at 2:00, so left Buppa in charge to put them in the oven. Came home and he had everything all set. He must have thought he was head chef this month having to cook, deliver and then slice the meat at the place. We had enough food and think there must have been about 75 people there to enjoy it. Buppa and I have next month off as we will be on vacation with ALL of our wonderful family at the Cape.

Day 124: "Put Your Clothes To Work"

Patricia here. We read in the local newspaper that the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce is collecting business suits and other professional attire to be given to low-income families preparing for job interviews and unable to purchase a "professional outfit".  The clothing drive is appropriately named "Put Your Clothing To Work" and donations are brought to the Norwood Chamber of Commerce.  Paul and I seem to have a lot of old work-wardrobe items that I was able to sort through and donate.....a couple of nice blazers, a sports jacket, some slacks and especially ties....since we are now at the point of Paul needing only a few instead of forty (yes he actually had 40 ties hanging around!). By the time the "back of the closets" were completely hunted through....I found that we had two shopping bags of contributions, and Paul was able to drop them off near his office.  We hope that these items will inspire confidence, and ultimately bring jobs, to those who wear them next.

Day 123: Cross International Catholic Outreach

About 2 years ago, a priest from Cross International spoke to the congregation at Our Lady of the Mountains parish in North Conway, New Hampshire. We were part of that Congregation and were very impressed with the priest and his homily about the work they do. Instead of having the collection that day at Mass, they gave out fliers with information about their outreach and an envelope in which to send your donation. We did that and have helped out several times since as once you're" on the list" it is hard to get off! Unfortunately, at least once every 6 weeks or so, we receive another request and it seemed it was getting to be too often, so I ignored the last few. Well, about 10 days ago, I received a phone call from their offices telling me all about their problems in Haiti and all the thousands of people still sleeping in tents for over 18 months. I was moved as I have never slept in a tent for pleasure(?) never mind necessity. So, the promised envelope came and I am sending our donation today. Hope it will help in a small way to feed some of these hungry children and adults too.

Day 122: Sherborn Energy Committee

Thanks to the people on the Sherborn Energy Committee, Sherborn has been designated as a "Green Community".  Accordingly, we have been granted over $137,000 from the state to invest in energy saving programs.  One of the qualifications is a declaration we will save over 20% of the energy used in town buildings over the next 3 years.  Since lighting consumes a major percentage of the electicity used in public buildings, it is a primary target to review. The electric utility (NSTAR) has agreements with a select few contractors who survey buildings and come up with energy saving proposals which incorporates the rebates offered by the utility.  However, because there are very few "official" contractors allowed to do the work, there is little comptetion, and it is in their interest to keep their proposals vague and hard to understand.   That's where I come in.  Because I am relatively familiar with the products proposed within the survey, I am able to help navigate through and clarify what is actually being proposed.  I met with a committe member and toured the fire station with him and the Fire Chief.   The work proposed for the fire station would cost around $10,000, and according to the utlitity's designated contractor, it would take about 5 years before breaking even.  However, when recalculated with more realistic and factual information, the payback period is somewhere between 10-15 years.  The Energy Committe's task is to decide the best way to spend the awarded funds on energy saving efforts, and I am glad to be able to give them realistic information so they can make the best decisions for the town.