MAHOBY Alumni (Success)
Special Olympics 2008
From August 8 to August 10, 2008, 30+ MAHOBY alumni spent their weekend donating time at the Special Olympics hosted at UMASS Amherst in western Massachusetts. Many of the alumni took advantage of the free housing offered by UMASS Amherst arriving early on Friday evening. After moving luggage and settling into the dorms, the alumni enjoyed a night in downtown Amherst. Afterwards, games were led by individual alumni into the wee hours of the night. The morning came fast and after a hearty breakfast the alumni made their way to Easthampton where they would assist with the athletes participating in softball and bocce. For softball, the alumni's job was to cheer for and encourage the athletes. They also assisted with the teams' coaches if necessary. At the bocce courts, alumni kept time, looked for fouls, and distributed the balls after each round. After a long day in the sun, the alumni trekked back to campus to take naps and showers. The alumni enjoyed another night in downtown Amherst many choosing to grab ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. After another fun-filled night, the alumni woke early once more to drive back to Easthampton to aid with the last day of competitions. The athletes, coaches, and Special Olympics advisors enjoyed MAHOBY's help and thanked them for another successful year.
Life is good 2008
With highs in Boston in the mid nineties the MAHOBY alumni braved the heat for the Life is Good festival on Boston Common on Saturday, July 19th, 2008. 30+ alumni attended, a great showing of support. The festival sponsored by Life is Good promoted and supported the organization, Project Joy. Project Joy works specifically with children who grow up in environments where there is not any opportunity for a childhood. The organization teaches children how to play and have fun again, to be nothing but a kid. The festival began around 10 AM lasting throughout the day until 6 PM. Live music, food, games and other activities entertained hundreds of children on Boston Common. MAHOBY was there to aid with the success of the festival. The alumni were split into two teams, the Green Team and the Balloon Team. The Green Team was responsible for ensuring that all bottles, glass, and cans were recycled and placed in the proper containers. They put in much effort as every time they emptied a bag of recyclable products, it seemed the bag would fill again in just a few minutes. The Balloon Team was constantly in working as every child loves a free balloon. The alumni on the Balloon Team devised methods of cutting string, filling and tying the balloons, and passing them out to the anxious children. Some of the alumni were recruited to distribute Life is Good surveys, bottles of water, and coupons for the Life is Good online store. Once the festival ended, those who could stay aided with the cleanup of the common. To celebrate a successful day, the remaining alumni enjoyed dinner in the city.
Alumni Reunion 2008
Despite overcast skies, the MAHOBY alumni enjoyed an outstanding day at Douglas State Park for their annual reunion on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Many of the 50+ alumni who attended the reunion were ambassadors from the latest seminar. Thus, many new faces led to many new friendships throughout the day. Co-Presidents of the alumni association, Derek Rogers and Molly Sullivan, began the day with a brief overview of what MAHOBY planned to accomplish in the upcoming year. They spoke of volunteer opportunities, fundraisers and social events for the alumni to enjoy and connect. Afterwards, Molly led a game of blob tag. Following blob tag, a few of the older alumni led a competitive game that involved partners racing to find each other and connecting particular body parts. Judging by the many laughs, it's clear the alumni enjoyed this activity. To cool down, Derek brought along a bucket of water balloons for a classic game of water balloon toss. Soon after, the grill was lit and the alumni enjoyed a great lunch under the shade. Stomachs filled, some of the alumni participated in a soccer game while others headed off into the nearby lake for swimming. Elijah Thomas, an alumni from 2008, showed his leadership skills and led a game of Shipwreck. After, the alumni participated in a rock-paper-scissors war. The reunion then ended with an abundance of picture taking and HOBY hugs. The alumni enjoyed themselves thoroughly, but were very sad to say goodbye to their old and new friends until the next MAHOBY event.
Ron Burton Training Village 2008
On May 3rd, 2008 MAHOBY alumni and staff met at the Ron Burton Training Village to volunteer and help the camp with summer preparations. This year, the volunteers helped clear a courtyard where one of the campers from the Ron Burton Training Village will be married. The land was raked, rosebushes were transplanted and grass was planted in the effort to clean and beautify the land. After many hours of hard work, the alumni and staff went on a tour of the camp grounds, made s'mores over a bon fire, learned of the legacy of Ron Burton and spent the rest of the night enjoying each others company.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY 2007
Last December MAHOBY alumni volunteered at the annual Christmas in the
City holiday party. The event gives families that live in homeless and
battered women's shelters an opportunity to celebrate the holidays that they
otherwise might be unable to enjoy. The party began with a dinner,
continued with an array of entertainment, and ended with a gift finale
for the children. The day was hectic due to the massive number of people,
but it was a fulfilling experience.
Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW)
On November 17th, MAHOBY alumni held a Community Leadership Workshop for 33 students representing 12 schools at the Microsoft Corporation facilities in Waltham. The enthusiastic staff of 17 joined the students in an action packed day filled with thought provoking exchanges with six guest speakers, group activities and meaningful discussions. Following the CLeW, the staff enjoyed dinner together and caught their breath. Then, the staff was joined by more alumni for a fun evening of talent sharing, team exercises and lots of delicious food! It was an OUTSTANDING day!
CYCLE FOR HAYLEE 2007
On October 6, 2007, 12 MAHOBY alumni volunteers attended the Cycle for Haylee in Holliston, MA. This event is an annual bike ride through towns in Massachusetts to raise money to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. The volunteers cheered on bikers; helped out with the set up of tables, drinks, food, and balloons; assisted with parking; cautioned bikers of dangerous parts of the race; and directed bikers to stay on the right route...and most importantly had a lot of fun! There were 247 riders who participated in the event...but one of the most inspiring moments for our volunteers came when 10 year old Haylee (who the event is named after) came riding by with a huge smile on her face despite being hot, tired, and out of breath. The 2007 event raised $72,000 for CF research, making it the most successful year to date.
JIMMY FUND WALK 2007
On Sunday, September 16th, MAHOBY volunteered at the Jimmy Fund Walk. We had over 26 alumni involved at two locations of the walk. At the Copley location we helped at the finish line by handing out medals and cheering on walkers. At the Boston College location Alumni helped pass out refreshments and assisted wherever help was needed. It was a beautiful and rewarding day in Boston for a great cause.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2007
On August 11th, 28 alumni assisted Special Olympics organizers at their August tournament. The alumni worked at venues cheering on the athletes, helping to keep scores and doing whatever else was asked of them. Many friends were and a good time was had by all!
MAHOBY Reunion 2007
On July 14th, 57 alumni met at Douglas State Park for our annual cookout and reunion. Everyone enjoyed games, ice breakers, water balloon toss and lots of laughs. A short business meeting was held to start the planning process for the 2008 Seminar. Many thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for arranging our use of this lovely state park.
RON BURTON TRAINING VILLAGE 2007
Twenty-five MAHOBY alumni met on April 28th at the Ron Burton Training Village to help the Burtons prepare for their summer camp program. This year we assisted with clean-up of the mutli-million dollar facility to house campers and staff. The Burtons worked with us and we made accomplished a great deal. We later spent the night playing games, talking, laughing, and eating!
HEIFER PROJECT 2007
On March 24, MAHOBY alumni attended the Heifer Project service day. They enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast provided by Heifer Project organizers, then assisted with a fundraiser by serving meals and cleaning up after patrons. MAHOBY alumni were also treated to a tour of the animal-friendly facilities It was a rewarding and fur-filled experience for all!