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BOSTON

BOSTON, EVENTS

Five Reasons You Should Volunteer for the Boston Marathon Next Year

Every year the Boston Marathon rolls into town and takes over the city.  As thousands line up along the course to watch the runners make their way into Boston, it’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement of the race.  For the past three years, I’ve volunteered for the Boston Marathon and think it’s one of the better ways to enjoy the race.  Here are five reasons why you should consider volunteering for the Boston Marathon next year:

1. Some of the best moments are not reflected in the media coverage. Ask any Boston Marathon runner and they’ll tell you that some of the most powerful moments are the conversations and stories from the course.  Same goes for the volunteers behind the scenes.  Last year I volunteered in the family information stand at the finish line and was responsible for helping the runners find whatever they needed – family, food/drink, directions.  Among the highlights were an 80-something year old man dancing a jig after running 26 miles, turning silver blankets into trendy “apparel” for freezing runners and the tears/smiles/cheers as family and friends were united.

2. You’re surrounded by people that are incredibly excited about the race. Sure, it’s fun to sit at a bar on Boylston Street, but you wonder how much people actually pay attention to the race?  Volunteering unites running enthusiasts and proud Bostonians for a common cause.  Plus, you could even make new friends.  During my first year volunteering, I met someone who is still a very close friend today.  And yes, we’re still volunteering for the Boston Marathon together.

3. “Free” Marathon Schwag.  While the free adidas jacket shouldn’t be your number one reason for volunteering, it certainly doesn’t hurt!  I now own grey, neon yellow and lime green jackets that are great for running.  People can certainly see me coming!

4. You feel like a VIP. Wearing a volunteer jacket and official hang tag makes you feel special.  Strangers are more friendly than normal – I simply can’t believe how many people will strike up a conversation and share their stories from the day.  The jacket is also your ticket to moving around the crowded Back Bay as quickly as possible.

5. You’re a part of Boston History.  The volunteers are the backbone of the Boston Marathon.  No assignment is insignificant and seeing how grateful the runners are for your help is a wonderful feeling.  Quite simply, it’s amazing how much help is needed in one day.  Sure, it’s a long day, but it’s a rewarding one.

Signups for the Boston Marathon will start in early 2011.  Keep checking http://www.bostonmarathon.org/ for updates.

BOSTON, EVENTS

Saturday, April 10: Get Your Zen on at the Boldfacers Yoga Pop-Up Store

Weekends were made for breathing easy. Embrace your inner yogi this Saturday with Boldfacers as they bring together some of Boston’s best instructors for a day of bonding and stretching. From 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., try a yoga class, sample vegan eats and smoothies, then hit the pop-up store chock full of athletic apparel, candles, jewelry, mats and more.

Held at the Boldfacers studio in South Boston, yoga classes are $20 each or $40 unlimited for the day. In addition to yoga classes, shopping and food, guests can also try a Dosha reading or sway to the live bongo drum music.

The Boldfacers studio is located at 15 Channel Center Street in South Boston.  For more information about Saturday’s event, please click here.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: The Beehive

The Beehive by Amanda K. from Yelp

With its eye-catching entrance reminiscent of a vintage theatre, funky bohemian decor and live jazz, walking into The Beehive instantly transports you into an eclectically hip party. Located inside the historic Cyclorama on Tremont Street in the South End, this multilevel venue caters to the dinner, drinks and weekend brunch crowd.

Unless you have a dinner reservation, try to visit The Beehive before 10:00 p.m. on a weekend evening, or you may find yourself stuck in line outside. Once inside, there is a smaller upper level bar, but I recommend traveling downstairs, a vast former boiler room which has been transformed into a boho chic space.

Beehive Julep by sushiesque from Flickr

Once settled downstairs at the bar, be sure to grab a drink menu before ordering. In addition to its hip atmosphere, The Beehive boasts an innovative drink menu, from six different champagne cocktails, to my personal favorite – The Beehive Julep (all $10.50/ea).

The Beehive is easy to locate at 541 Tremont Street in the South End alongside the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA).  Open seven days per week from 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., check The Beehive’s website for special weekend brunch and afternoon hours by clicking here.

BOSTON, EVENTS, TRAVEL

Saturday, March 27: Boston Passport Office Open

Thanks to one of my favorite travel blogs, Gadling, I discovered that Bostonians can visit their local passport office this Saturday, March 27 without an appointment. Branded “Passport Day in the USA,” by the U.S. State Department, around 2,000 offices will also be open on March 27 throughout the country.

Passport USA by clappstar from Flickr

What does that mean for us fabulous Bostonians? Instead of scheduling an appointment at a regional U.S. passport agency, Bostonians looking for a first-time passport can queue up at the Boston Passport Agency in the O’Neill Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, Ste 247 (right by the TD BankNorth Garden) between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Be sure to do your homework before arriving, as you will need to fill out paperwork and bring two passport photos with you. I’ve listed tons of helpful links at the end of this entry.

If you’re looking to renew your passport, be sure to visit this website before waiting in line on Saturday. Most people don’t have to renew in person – only minors, those with a passport issued before the age of 16, those with a passport 15 (gasp!) years or older, or those who cannot document their name change. If your passport was lost, stolen or damaged, you must also renew in person.

Helpful Links:

For more information, please read Gadling’s article, “U.S. Passport offices open this Saturday,” by clicking here.

For more information on the Massachusetts locations open this weekend, please click here.

U.S. State Department – How to Apply for a Passport in Person, click here.

U.S. State Department – How to Apply for a Passport Renewal by Mail, click here.

U.S. State Department – General Information on “Passport Day in the USA”, click here.

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Boston Events During the Week of March 22

Red Wine Red Hearts by hlkljgk from Flickr

While it may be tempting to hibernate in your apartment in protest of the return to ‘normal’ March weather, there are a few fun events in Boston this week worth stepping out for. From sampling excellent cuisine, to wine tasting and a compelling workshop, these events are sure to perk up the work week.

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