This August will mark the third year that Bela Csikesz is riding the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. The 192 mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown is truly a unique experience in the class of fundraising events - the scale, the organization, the camaraderie between riders, support volunteers and the thousands of local citizens who come out to support the ride is overwhelming! Last year over 4500 riders participated and the PMC raised $33 million for cancer research! But the statistic that I think is really amazing and unparalleled in fundraising is that last year marked the first time where 100% of the money raised went directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for cancer research! This is possible, of course, only because of the generosity of thousands of individuals and corporations that donate materials, services and time towards the smooth running of the PMC, in addition to those who support the riders.
If you can afford it, any amount you contribute would be deeply appreciated - Bela has personally committed to raise a minimum of $4000.
For the Pan-Mass Challenge for cancer, here's the link to Bela's egift page:
http://www.pmc.org/egifts/giftinfo.asp?EgiftID=BC0123 (or, by check, payable to PMC)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Support Bela's Ride for Cancer Research in the Pan Mass Challenge, Aug. 2-3
Peak's Island Excursion coming up Sat. Aug. 16!
Join us for a relaxing, beautiful day on Peak's Island, Saturday, August 16. Enjoy the 17 minute ferry ride from Portland, ME and arrive on this 2-mile-by-3-mile haven. It's a favorite summering spot for about 6000 people and a year-round residence for about 1500. Bill Dickinson (Cowell, Pioneer Class) is inviting us to his home on the Island, as he has done for the past 5 years. Come hang out with friends in the mid-to-late afternoon on Bill's veranda - we'll have a delicious picnic prepared. Then enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches or explore an old fort with World War II batteries. Check out Whaleback Rock - its crashing breakers and spraying mists have been the subject of many photographers and artists. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who grew up in Portland based his ballad, "The Wreck of the Hesperus" on the destruction of the Helen Eliza, which crashed off this island's shore in 1869. Or just walk around the island in less than an hour for a scenic jaunt. All friends and family welcome!
Click here for Ferry Schedule.
If you want to stay over on the Island that weekend, The 8th of Maine (built as a vacation retreat/reunion hall for the 8th of Maine regiment) is a cool place to stay. It's a wonderful old summer hotel on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Click here for more details. If anyone is inclined toward more luxurious accomodations there is The Inn on Peak's Island. And there is always the totally quirky Peaks Island House (although I recently heard that The Peaks Island House might already be booked up that weekend.)
RSVP and send your checks by Wed. Aug.13 because we need to know how much food we need to buy and who needs a ride. RSVP by email to me. Please indicate if you need a ride, or will be driving and have room for other riders.
Send your check $12 (adults) and $6 (children) made payable to Erika Tarlin, Treasurer, 7 Bradford Ave., Somerville 02145.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Paintings by Deborah Barlow
July 18-July 30, 2008
Lyman-Eyer Gallery
432 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657
508-487-3937
Artist Reception:
Friday, July 18, 7-9 pm
Check out Deborah's website by clicking here
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
"Welcome to New England" / Smith Society Fundraiser at Carter's June 28 a Huge Success
On Saturday, June 28, Carter Smith welcomed almost 40 BSLUGs to his beautiful new home. Just two years after his old Victorian burned to the ground, he has rebuilt a lovely big house in the same place. Decorated with woven rug versions of his Shibori dyed fabric, the spacious house provided us with the perfect venue to hold an early summer cookout. Carter offered us many salads, chips, burgers--both veggie and otherwise, hot dogs, drinks and cakes, cakes, cakes--what a feast! Alums of all ages came: graduates from the Pioneer classes and recent grads from 2002 and 2003. Among the guests were 6 kids, 3 dogs, and two friends from UCSC University Relations--Allison Garcia and Sandra Gresham.
After the barbeque, Carter led a tour through his home and studio. Carter gave us an autobiographical and philosophical talk about his life and art. As he explained the technique of sewing on the bias, using a powerful sewing machine, he created an elegant dress from one of his tie-dyed fabric samples in less than ten minutes. The demonstration captured the simplicity and genius of Carter's designs which you can check out by clicking here.
Next, Joseph Ayers, Professor of Biology at Northeastern University, led another tour to the Marine Science Center in Nahant, located in a World War II bunker only ten minutes from Carter's house. This is where Joe and his colleagues develop neurotechnology which could have many applications to improve our lives. His lobster robots could search for mines and other hazards in the ocean, collect marine science data and patrol for pollution. For more information about his important work, click here to check out his website. After a fascinating talk about his research and a tour of the marine laboratory, Joe showed us another bunker which looked like it dated from WWII, but was actually recently built for a movie set for the film Shutter Island, to be released next year.
A tired, but happy group walked back in the fog to Carter's to enjoy the cakes and coffee as a sweet end to this very full day. Even sweeter is knowing we raised about $1200 (including Bill Dickinson's matching funds) for the Smith Society!
Click here to view the photos Zoe Rath took at the party.
