Marshfield Kids at Play

Ask, and You Shall Recieve

2009-11-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

In the world of fundraising, you never get what you want on the first call…or the first time you ask. At least that’s what I thought. Last week, an email came to us at MKAP from our GC, asking the group to source some loam at a very, very, very affordable price (free?). This kind of material sourcing has gone on daily since the ground-breaking a few weeks ago.

We made two calls for loam that day with no luck. The next day we developed a short list of three new suppliers, and I made the first call. The Green Connection Inc. in Scituate was first on my list. As the phone rang, I took a deep breath- I’m not the best at asking for free stuff.

Laura Nielsen, a Marshfield resident, answered the phone and asked how I was. Her voice put me at ease, so I came right out and said, “I’m a little tense because I am about to ask you for a lot of free loam.” We talked, I explained the project, and she asked me how much we would need? We estimated 100 yards of topsoil, but we could mix in a good amount of compost, so I went for 50 yards to start. She responded… “No problem Tony”. I called our GC back to confirm how much we would need, and he suggested 60 yards of loam. When I called Laura back, she responded again, “Sure, no problem, we can do the whole 60. When do you need it?”

Yesterday…less than a week later, we were ready for loam and there it was …being delivered on site, for free, with one phone call to the Green Connection. Now imagine this happening over and over again, behind the scenes, since this project began. Go to Library Plaza and look at all the work that has been achieved with little or no cost for labor, and most materials given at cost or donated. (Stay tuned to this blog for more of these stories.) During these economic times, its amazing to see how our community has come together to support a project for our kids.

Tony Pina, AIA

Patience, children

2009-10-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Progress is being made on our Phase I site work at Library Plaza. Be sure, if you get a chance to swing by and shout out a thanks to the folks you see working there. The contractors and subs are all donating their time and most of the materials. We are so lucky to live in a town where so many care. . .

That said, my young grow inpatient. I came downstairs bleary eyed Saturday morning to find them playing with their blocks. When asked what they were building, they told me "the new playground. It has eight tire swings and a climbing wall." The reality-not quite, but it will be pretty cool!!

The Update

2009-10-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

I know! Took me long enough!! We had a great groundbreaking. The weather held out, thank God, and the band, T-6 came through with twelve hours notice to them (no exageration). We had cake, balloons and tunes. As an added bonus, we sold FIFTY bricks that day!!! Almost doubling our previous total. Thanks to all that came out in support of the Project. It's so fun to see some action at the site.

So, thanks in particular to:
The Rock Stars that I call the Marshfield Kids at Play, Inc. board of directors.
The Playground Committee
Shaws for providing grub and beverages
Buy the case.net for providing bottled water
Family Crest Catering for donating a tent
T-6 for setting the day to music
Brait Bros for providing our fabulous hard hats and sparkling shovels
Nancy and Tricia for pitching in that day, not to mention Jamie's husband Wayne and my own husband for taking on cake cutting duties.
and to ANYONE else I may have forgotten ,thank you, and rest assured I will sit bolt upright in bed in the middle of the night one of the next few nights, cursing a blue streak because I forgot to mention you!
E

More on Groundbreaking~

2009-10-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

So, let's sum up.

THIS Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Rain or shine (LOTS of cake, cannot go to waste! We have a big tent).

Cake and juice, giant bags of balloons to be released by kids selected from the crowd.

AND it looks like we've lined up a GREAT band!! More on them to follow.

It'll be lots of fun

AND NOW FOR THE PERKS!

Groundbreaking Sale on Bricks --$75 for up to three words, that is 25% off the regular price and we are throwing in a free MKAP t-shirt to boot! We are going to be able to take credit cards through paypal (I'm told you don't need an account) and checks for this deal.

Groundbreaking Sale on Granite--$750 (also 25% off, limit 20 characters)

Get the Granite Challenge--Get us a granite sponsor get yourself TWO free 4x8 bricks!

Look forward to seeing you all there and listen for me on WATD on Friday at 9am for more info!

E

Ground Breaking!!

2009-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's here, it's finally here!!!

Join us, Saturday, Oct 10th, 11:30 a.m. for the official groundbreaking ceremony (I call it a party, ceremony just seems stuffy) for the playground at Library Plaza. We're having cake and juice, unveiling the sign, and are trying to put together a balloon release and some tunes for the kiddos. This is a quicky one so we can all make it over to the Chamber of Commerce Octoberfest at the Fairgrounds. I just love fall.

OH, and by the WAY, introducing our Groundbreaking Sale!!! We are discounting our brick sales to $75 if you keep to three words up until October 12th. You can buy online www.marshfieldkidsatplay.com or print and mail the form OR at the groundbreaking itself OR at Octoberfest (we are nothing, if not accommodating). As I've mentioned 10 or 15,000 times, we are still about $40,000 short for this project to be completed so no time like the present to open those wallets!!

So, this will be a great family event, finally making this whole thing we've been talking about for so long REAL. Come out and join us. . .

E

Introducing the Get-the-Granite Challenge!

2009-09-29T05:44:00.001-07:00

Hi gang,

It is with great pleasure (and great optimism) that I introduce the Get-the-Granite Challenge. As you may or may not know, the walkway to the playground will be lined with sand colored granite that is available in three-foot pieces for sponsorship. A couple of enterprising folks (thank you Kerry W.) have secured sponsorship for the granite through their employers. However, other than those few, granite sales have been slow. Hence, the challenge. And here it is:

Secure a Granite sponsor (available for $1000, engraved up to 30 characters or so) and here are the perks:

(1) One granite sponsor, gets you two 4x8 bricks for FREE

(2) Two granite sponsors, gets you one 8x8 tile, located right at the entrance, for FREE

(3) Five granite sponsors, gets you your own piece of granite.

Perk to the employer, is that it is a tax write off as we are a tax exempt organization!!

I'm attaching a super pretty image that shows the granite and the bricks. It is a great selling piece. If you need color copies, let me know and I can get them to you, or email them electronically. So contact your boss, your spouse's boss, your brother or sister's boss, your law firm, your doctor's office, your dentist. . . you get the idea. Anyone you can think of. We need some heroes!!!

Thanks,

Loving Fall

2009-09-28T08:49:00.001-07:00

MKAP had a great time at Farm Day on Saturday, despite the massive, had to be seen, swarms of mosquitoes. We sold some bricks and some t-shirts and collected donations, making just over $600 for the project. . . Still a long road to go, but progress is progress.

If you missed us and are hoping for a chance to purchase bricks (and don't want to deal with the online order process) then be sure to come to Octoberfest at the Fairgrounds! We were there last year, and what a blast. The kids all had a great time, with a huge line of the little buggers waiting to ride a small train around the grounds.

So, be sure to join us and bring your checkbooks! We are struggling as to how to accept credit/debit card payments in person, so bear with us!

E

Stamp of Approval

2009-09-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Great news! The Playground Committee (which is not MKAP) presented its plans to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The detail that goes into these things is amazing. Brian Taylor of Stenbeck & Taylor and Bob Braitt of Braitt Brothers put in a ton of work getting these sheets together. Not to mention our own Tony Pina (marshfieldarchitect), who probably knows more about playground footings than anyone I know. (As most of you are scratching your head over what a playground footing is, that is probably not saying much).

And the good news is. . . APPROVAL!!! We have a 20 day appeal period and they we will commence Phase I, which is the preliminary site work (excavation, drainage, fencing, etc). Phase II which is equipment and surfacing installation will occur as soon as it is warm enough in the spring. Hooray for progress!!

E

The kid has the right idea. . .

2009-09-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Rebecca, Noah's mom, contacted me and told me that in a few weeks Noah will be turning seven years old. For his birthday party, Noah has asked that his guests not bring him gifts. That's right, a six year old is taking a pass on gifts. As the mother of two six-year-old boys, I'm stunned speechless (well almost, my husband will tell you that speechlessness is rarely my problem). Instead, Noah has decided to ask his guests to donate to the playground project. How selfless is that???

So, thank you Noah! Ask your guests to reference your name when they make their gift. And MKAP's gift to you is your very own brick on the walkway at the playground. Kids like you make me proud to be part of this project.

Elizabeth

And here it is!! (I think).

2009-09-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

I've attached the image of the playground, maybe a couple if I'm feeling confident!!! Tell us what you think!

Final design has been approved!!

2009-08-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more excited!!! You won't believe it!! Last night the Playground Committee met and voted to approve final design. As soon as I get it electronically, I will post it. It totally rocks, and no, I'm not biased, you will be blown away. So now, onto contract, site work and we are still on target for our fall build!!!!

Volunteers out there, we need you!! We need people to hand out brick fliers at grocery stores, and other venues. So shoot us an email marshfieldkidsatplay@gmail.com with any availability OR ideas you might have. Thanks

E

the minutes are ticking down

2009-08-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

to the end of the auction. Some great items still available at a steal!! And check back in the next few days, because if I can overcome my technological challenges, I'll be posting the actual playground design!!! How exciting is that?

www.marshfieldkidsatplay.com
scroll down and click auction. . .

E

Do I hear fifty, fifty, do I hear 75. . .

2009-08-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
We have some great items, and some still being added, being auctioned off through ebay to benefit, 100% the playground project. We are still working our cost-estimating but we are looking promising for our fall build, with still a bit of distance to go. SOooooooo,

www.marshfieldkidsatplay.com scroll down to the chalkboard and click auction. Thanks!!

E

NINE Vineyard Vines totes left

2009-08-14T10:31:00.001-07:00

Kids, we blew through about 160 of these bad boys! That's a total of more than $5,000 to go to the playground!! Beyond my wildest dreams, so thanks to all of you who purchased one!

And for those who despair of getting one, there are, at last check, NINE Custom, Limited Edition Marshfield Vineyard Vines totes available at Mary's Grace. She's just hawking them for us, doesn't take a cut, so buzz on in and pick one up before they are all gone!!

E

And backup has arrived!

2009-06-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks, I have sat through meetings about geotechnical concerns and test pits and borings (which are boring and test my patience, ha ha). No, actually not boring, but so far over my head that you could fly a commercial liner through it.

So, in comes Brait Brothers Construction, who GOD BLESS them are going to be general contractors for the project. Which means, among other important tasks, they are going to know what questions to ask, controls need to be in place, and subcontractors are needed for the project. I'm not going to tell you how many of those three things I actually know. . .

Best part. . . FREE. . . That's right. Another donor taking up the cause for no personal gain. I love this town.

Thanks Brait Brothers!

E

Next up. . .C2E of Boston

2009-06-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

C2E does cost estimating, which, from what I gather is estimate the cost of the various pieces of this project. We have "estimates" but these are the big boys, with real experience and real numbers. And what is the real number that such a valuable service is going to cost us?

Zero.

That's right, boys and girls. Pro Bono, Gratis, Nil. . .I think I've exhausted all the ways to say that. . .oh, goose egg!!

So thanks again to another business who in these hard economic times has agreed to give away their time!!

E

It's a brick. . .waalkk

2009-06-19T05:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, very weak take on a classic song, but I had to announce that MKAP is getting ever so higher tech (baby steps, people). You are now able to order your customized bricks which will be installed at the playground. Speaking from experience, the kids get a real kick out of being able to "find themselves" on the ground at the playground (now if only it was so easy to find ourselves). Better yet, you can pay using your paypal account.

Same goes for the Vineyard Vines bags which are in dwindling numbers (very dwindling and we aren't reordering, kids, so move it if you want one!!)

E

Taylor Made

2009-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Or Taylor-Planned anyway. Brian Taylor, owner of Stenbeck & Taylor here in Marshfield is donating all engineering, survey, site plan and cost estimating services for the playground project, previously estimated at around $17,000.

That's what our community is about. Brian's call caught me in a foul mood and turned my day around. Thanks, Brian.

(This is all about me, right? Just checking).

So the wheels of progress begin a-turnin'!!!

E

Regina the Queen

2009-05-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

Let me tell you about Regina.

She's turning five in a few weeks. Very exciting stuff! Remember the toys you loved when you were five, getting buried in strawberry shortcake dolls and atari games? Guess what Regina's party guests are bringing her?

Nothing.

That's right. Nothing. Because Regina is having a charity birthday party. Her guests are bringing donations to be given to the charity of Regina's choice.

Care to guess what that charity might be? That's right, Marshfield Kids at Play.

What an inspirational kid and an amazing family (Regina and her siblings have a charity birthday party every other year). Thanks, kiddo.

E

Bags to be had. . .

2009-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

At Mary's Grace in the center next to Star! Jessica, owner of MG, reached out to MKAP and offered to sell the Vineyard Vines "Marshfield" classic totes on our behalf out of her store. Check out our website for images. All proceeds going to MKAP and the playground. Out of the goodness of her heart! That's what this town is about people. So kids, go get those bags, we're running VERY low as this is a HOT item.

Got a high school grad you want to buy a gift for?
How about a teacher's gift?
Or treat yourself (I did).

Elizabeth

Thank you, Marshfield

2009-04-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, Marshfield came through for the little ones. Town meeting voted an overwhelming 275 to 142 to allocate $250,000 of Community Preservation Funds to use for the new playground. This quite literally is going to make the project happen. Thank you all of you who showed us such support, coming out to the meeting, holding and making signs, beeping your support on 139. It really meant a lot and gave us such a feeling of community spirit. So, stay tuned for future developments, plans will be posted soon, people!

Elizabeth

Bump on a blog log

2009-04-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone,

Still suffering from Family Fun Day hangover, so I apologize for my absence. Guys, we had a great turnout!!! And what's better, we made (drumroll, please) almost $8,000!!! In four hours!!! Does that rock or what?? It seemed like everyone had a great time, too, based on the children carried out on dads' shoulders, screaming and flailing. . .

So, time for my shout-outs, in no particular order, and too bad for you, the Academy has no music to cue to cut me short. . .

First, Joe at Famous Pizza, who had to get 2 additional orders delivered to the event, which he staffed himself and added an hour to the time he was there. . .Joe you and your pizza rocks!!!

Jim at Marshfield Auto Center, who not only donated his paid advertising spot on WATD so we could plug the event, he then donated and ran the hot dog stand!! And those dogs were goood, so if he ever needs an alternate career. . .

Au Bon Pain who donated pastries and cookies and didn't blink an eye when we told him we wanted enough for 400. . .

Veronica of Veronica's Sweetcakes who donated 10 dozen cupcakes which vanished so quickly there weren't even crumbs left behind. . .

Jack Griffin, of Buythecase.net, who donated 20 cases of bottled water, answering the question of why the Selectmen named him and his wife Citizens of the Year.

Taylor Lumber who donated the craft tables. . .

Dave the Train Guy. Did you guys see his train set?? He spent the whole day, plus 2 hours of set up letting our small heathens drive the thing. I wouldn't have let mine near it with a ten foot pole, so goes to show you he's generous minded. . .

Mike the Music Man who donated his time on a Saturday. No one rocks Laurie Berkener like Mike. And I love Laurie Berkener.

Suzanne McDonough and her fabulous Irish Stepdancers. Suzanne had her first baby one month before the event, but hey, she'll lead twenty odd dancers in front of a couple hundred folks. . .it's all good. . .I'll be signing up to enroll my daughter in 2011.

Jason Zimmer, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. I'll grant you he's my brother-in-law, but he did a great presentation on the animals and donated his Saturday to do it. Not like I threatened him or anything to get him to do it. . .

Our K-9 demonstration!!! Did you guys check that out? It was so cool. So many people raved about it on the way out! Thanks so much guys (officers) for doing it for us!

Lowe's for donating the seeds and soil for our flower pot decorating. . .

Tammy Kantarowski and her math class for designing and running the bean bag toss . . .

Dennis and the guys who cleaned the gym after we were done bombing, I mean using, it. . .there's a job I was glad to walk away from!!

To all the MKAP volunteers, Dan, Stacey, all the Sarahs, Debbie, the several Jens (four of them, I think!), the NRAS face paint artist who put us to shame, Erin, Tim, Annie, Tricia who worked cotton candy the whole day and is probably still trying to get it out of her hair, the list goes on. . .We quite literally could not have done it without you. Thank you so much for helping make that day the success it was.
I know I'm forgetting people, so I'll supplement, PROMISE!!!

You know you need a town playground when. . .

2009-04-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

It's 7:30 am and your twin five-year olds have been roller skating laps around the house for 20 minutes, chasing their 18 month old sister who is removing an article of clothing with each lap. . .

Coming down to the wire on Family Day, and I have to tell you about Dave S. Dave is a great example of why Marshfield is a fantastic town. We call Dave, Train Guy. Dave has a HUGE model train that he is spending TWO hours setting up, so our little ones can take turns being the conductor for at Family Day. It is so cool (and is it okay that I want to drive the train?). Dave reached out to us and volunteered his whole day and willingly turned a no doubt prized and expensive possession over to the control of well, four year olds, all to further our cause.

Thanks, Dave! Can't wait to meet you Saturday!

Elizabeth

I'm a bag lady

2009-03-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Seriously, motherhood did this to me. I was never a bag type of girl (although Lord knows my sister has dozens). It started out simply enough. A black Kate Spade diaper bag. A coach clutch for those days sippy cups are optional. Then the Vera Bradley needed for playground outings. . .and then the purse purse, I needed for work, thank you Anna Street custom collection. . .

Don't worry, this is going somewhere. . .

Then, a bonus baby, and this time a girl!! Black diaper bag will not do! I must research and join a yahoo diaper bag group (no you didn't, oh yes I did!!!) to assist with research, resulting in a pink Fleurville Mothership. . .that I deemed to big and switched to a Fleurville sling tote (golden flower, it is gorgeous). . .but now, that is all behind me. Goodbye, Vera, Kate, Anna, there's a new bag in town and it is the . . .

get ready for it. . . .

it's coming, are you getting excited. . . .

the Vineyard Vines Marshfield tote, custom collection (For a pic, check out our website www.marshfieldkidsatplay.com, T, maybe you can help me with a pic). Which does not do this bag justice. People it is GORGEOUS. Plus, it's cheap (in a Martha's Vineyard holiday sort of way). VV classic totes go for a minimum of $95, not custom and we're selling it for the rock bottom price that VV will let us, $75!!! We clear almost half in profit all of which is going to the playground.

So, people, let's move!!! Mother's Day is coming!! School is ending, how about a class gift? How about just because you deserve one! The order form is on the website and available at various places around town, including the general store. We'll deliver the bags to you (under cover of darkness if necessary :) )

Elizabeth

I wish I was Famous . . .

2009-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

. . .because let me tell you people, Famous Pizza rocks!! You may have heard about our Family Day Event scheduled for April 4th, at the MHS Gym from 10-2 (I have hinted about that, haven't I?). We, as a group, have been wowed by the outpouring of support from area businesses and individuals. Leading the pack is Marshfield Famous Pizza. Famous (as us Townies call it) is coming to Family Day and serving pizza from 12-2, staffing the table, and providing drinks and chips!!! How generous is that, I ask you? All items will be for sale (very reasonably priced) and because of Famous' generosity, one hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of their tasty treats goes to the playground project!!

You go, Famous!

Elizabeth

One in a million (or almost)

2009-03-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we've done some preliminary research about playgrounds that are both sustainable (made of post-consumer plastic) and fully accessible and it seems that Marshfield could quite possibly be the first town in the state to embark on such a project and one of a handful in the United States. We rock, people!!

Elizabeth

The Playground's alive, with the sound of muusssiiic. . .

2009-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Or it could be. Check out these products! http://www.soundplay.com/drums.html. We are looking at animal drums, in particular. I'm looking into the other equipment but I want to make sure they are indestructible before we consider it further. The eastern box turtle drum has some, eh hem, relevance to our area. . .

Elizabeth

Let me know what you think!

Show me the money, we are now tax exempt!!!

2009-03-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

That's right people, your donation is now a tax write-off!!! Does that rock or what? Now make my completing that 29 page form (with the invaluable assistance of Adrienne V. and Lori G.) worthwhile!! Send some checks to P.O. Box 322, Marshfield, MA 02050. It was only hours of our lives spent completing the form, but, hey, no pressure. . .

:)

Elizabeth

Family Day is coming together!

2009-03-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

We MKAPers are getting VERY excited about April 4th!! Check out what we have lined up so far:

2 shows by Music Mike (or is it Mike the Music Man?)
2 wildlife programs by Mass Fisheries and Wildlife
K-9 police dog demonstration
fingerprinting by Marshfield police

Draw a playground
Vote on playground equipment
Decorate your own flower pots and eggs
face painting by a Hasbro artist

And dozens (literally) more. . .This is just a teaser. Interested yet????

Thanks to Famous Pizza for being our pizza sponsor, to Music Mike for donating his services for our cause, and to Fisheries and Wildlife for putting together a fun program (warning, snakes are involved. . .) Looking forward to seeing you all.

Elizabeth

We rocked the Wok

2009-03-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Good news! People were hungry and generous last Wednesday night. We raised just shy of $1000 to benefit the construction of the new playground! Plus, the China Wok crew were super kind about our, eh hem, obviously lack of skill in the service arena. (My apologies to the two Kates and two Mikes whose orders I switched). We had a blast meeting all of you supporters and hope we'll see you at Family Day on April 4th!!

Elizabeth

Local is Sustainable

2009-03-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

After months of consideration, Marshfield Kids at Play has finally selected its equipment manufacturer/vendor team. MKAP has decided to use Progressive Design Playgrounds, a play structures system sold by local commercial playground company Childscapes.

Progressive Design (www.pdplay.com) is an industry leader in post consumer, recycled plastic playground environments. This means they transform thousands and thousands of milk containers into high-density polyethylene lumber. This process not only keeps plastic out of landfills, but also provides a durable, maintenance-free product that has a 100 year warranty. Their commitment to environmentally friendly solutions earned them the Earth Award in 1997 and 2005. Though their products are innovative, they are also safe. Progressive Design is International Playground Equipment Manufacturer’s Association Certified (IPEMA). IPEMA (www.ipema.org) is a third-party, independent testing laboratory that validates product’s claims of conforming to applicable American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) standards.

Childscapes, a Marshfield company owned and operated by the Eckhardt Family, is Progressive Design’s vendor in the Northeast. Bill Eckhardt has over 22 years of experience in the commercial playground industry. He is certified by the National Playground Safety Institute, and is OSHA trained. Bill’s expertise and knowledge will be a valuable resource, both as an interface between MKAP and Progressive Design, but also in ensuring our community gets the most value for its play dollar. As a resident of Marshfield, Bill has demonstrated his commitment and generosity of spirit in numerous local projects.

Marshfield Kids at Play is excited about this collaboration, and looks forward to getting your (and your kids!) feedback and ideas at the upcoming Family Day on April 4th. Come Play. Laugh. Dream.

Growing our volunteer base from within. . .

2009-03-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

It is with great pleasure that MKAP announces the arrival of three new volunteers. In order of appearance:

Katharine Mary Cedrone, born February 3rd. Mom is MKAP Board member, Grant Coordinator and Correspondence Chair, Jen Cedrone.

Riley Elizabeth Ambrose, born February 26th. Mom is MKAP Board member, Staffing Coordinator Shauna Ambrose.

Cara Rose McDonough, born March 3rd. Dad is MKAP Board Member and Community Organization Coordinator Matt McDonough.

I believe that their spouses may have had something to do with it, too. Particularly Matt's.

Congrats to all!!

Don't just talk the talk, walk to the Wok

2009-03-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

I know! Bad pun! But I couldn't help it. Tomorrow night is our big China Wok fundraiser. I say big because the Wok is donating FIFTY PERCENT of its proceeds for the night to the playground cause! What a great excuse to eat out! As an added benefit, MKAP staffers will be working the phone and the register so we can field questions and just chat with you generally (between bites of lo mein. I love lo mein). Yours truly will be there from 5-6:30, and I'd love to meet you kids (and your kids). The event itself runs from 5-10, and no, you don't actually have to walk. You can drive. . .or get delivery. . .We're flexible.

Elizabeth

Getting on with it

2009-02-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
Today, I had a stark reminder of how urgently we need to be getting on with this project. I stooped over to kiss my son on the top of his head, and about three-quarters of the way into my stoop, I mashed my nose on the top of his head. These kids are growing on me! Time's a-wasting! So, to that end, MKAP is meeting tomorrow night to, hopefully, select the vendor for the playground equipment. (The timing of the meeting is only a coincidence, I did not call an emergency meeting because of said nose-mashing). Vendor meetings started last June and we are all neck-deep in material. It is a very exciting time, as this is our biggest hurdle to really getting this thing moving! Before they grow any taller!

Elizabeth

Bag Lady

2009-02-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am super excited to announce that MKAP is doing a fundraiser with Vineyard Vines!! Those who don't know them, can check out the website www.vineyardvines.com for the idea. We are doing the classic tote, but a customized Marshfield version. . . As soon as I have a prototype, I'll post a pic. Available soon at a location near you!! Perfect for Mother's Day and Class Gifts!!

In other news, we need some people really interested in working on our events. Small stuff like calling and pricing equipment to rent and bigger stuff like working the event itself. There is a job for everyone! So drop me a line marshfieldkidsatplay@gmail.com. Soon!!

Come Together Right Now (Really, I mean right NOW!)

2009-02-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Those who have signed up to volunteer over the past six months should be getting emails with committee assignments in the next few days. We're creating a google group for each of the eleven (count 'em) committees so please reply confirm to an email from google regarding that. A bunch of people signed up before the committees were even a glimmer in the eye, and you'll be getting emails and phone calls to figure out what works for your availability and interests. So check the inbox! As always, email at marshfieldkidsatplay@gmail.com if you want to volunteer, even an hour helps the cause! Also give a ring to 834-PLAY, I apologize in advance if one of my kids' answers, especially the one year old!

An update of sorts

2009-02-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

I'm so excited to be writing a blog! I feel so new millenium. Of course I had no idea how to set it up or how to post to it, but that's okay, right? I have good news, the playground project is really taking flight and I want to get everyone current on the nitty gritty before I get to my more fun chatty (but no less informative) posts.

We have a target build time of this fall, ideally late September/early October. The benefit of this is multiple: (1) longer time raise the necessary bucks; (2) greater donation of mature trees available in the fall; and (3) take advantage of greater population in the summer for fundraising events.

Speaking of fundraising events, our large and small committee coordinators are hard at work! We have a Wendy's fundraiser this Wednesday (2/18) from 5-8, and Papa Ginos on Thursday (2/19), so take the kids out for school vacation. Both places should be total madhouses! Those coming to Papa Ginos will need to bring the piece of paper identifying that the order is part of the fundraiser. We hope to leave them in the usual places (Town Hall, library, etc) but feel FREE to email me at marshfieldkidsatplay@gmail.com and I will shoot one right over to you for you to print off.

We will also be staffing China Wok on March 4th from 5-10 and they donate a chunk of their proceeds to us, so keep us busy!

Finally, and this is really exciting to me (evidencing a real need for me to get out more) we have a Family Day tentatively slated for Saturday April 4th at the high school gym. Guys, this is going to be a BLAST! We'll have lots of entertainment, games, prizes, we are working on animal exhibits, pie eating contests, plus and this is the real headline, Pick the Equipment! Your kids will get to vote on the components of the playground!! How fun is that? So, stay tuned, more details to follow!

I tend to get a bit long-winded, so I will take a break for now and fill you in on more nuts and bolts stuff in subsequent posts. Feel free to bookmark our blog and check back often! It does my ego good. :)

Elizabeth

A few words from our President

2009-02-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:

As you may know, the children of Marshfield have been without a community playground since the Mazes were torn down. Marshfield Kids at Play, Inc., is a non-profit corporation that has been formed by Marshfield parents and residents with the goal of re-building a community playground. Our mission is to build a playground that is accessible to those of all abilities, so that children with physical disabilities can fully engage in play with their peers. To our knowledge, no town in the South Shore offers such an opportunity to those with physical limitations.

Twenty years ago, the parents who built the Mazes received overwhelming support from the community and local businesses. We are ready to repeat history with the construction of a new community playground. We need your help and look forward to your support.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth M. Zimmer

President, Marshfield Kids at Play, Inc.