The Boston 100

Wicked Good Bostonian #1

Former Patriot teammates Rob Gronkowski and Matt Light at The Light Foundation's annual fundraiser (Photo courtesy of Jeff Adams Photography)

Matt Light, former New England Patriot, 3X Super Bowl champ, entrepreneur and philanthropist – this Bostonian earned the title by protecting Tom Brady’s blind side for 11 seasons.

One thing you learned about Bostonians?

I’m from the Midwest, and we’re a friendly bunch, but Bostonians have a loyalty I didn’t expect.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Many “victims” of my pranks have returned the favor, so too many to list!

Coolest moment as a Patriots Player?

Winning my first Super Bowl was a moment I’ll never forget. Even though our team won a few more, that first ring will always be special.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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College

Tips for College Move-in Day

College move-in day is right around the corner - make sure you know all the rules before hoarding space on the street.

Sept. 1 is around the corner, and Bostonians know what that means … college move-in day. While we brace ourselves for traffic and trucks everywhere, here are tips for college-bound students:

Label your belongings as you pack. This way, you can organize your boxes in each room, and unpacking won’t be as daunting.
Reserve parking for your moving truck! Street occupancy permits are obtained at City Hall on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay up to date with BPD throughout the morning. Many streets are closed to alleviate Sept. 1 move-in-day traffic.

– Devin Thompson, The Boston 100

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School

Cool Back-to-School Supplies

New back-to-school supplies can make you stand out and have fun while learning!

Going back to school is exciting, no matter the age! Everyone tries to get cool, new supplies to stand out among their peers. Consider these options:

Brown bag: This insulated version of the classic, brown paper bag is funny and practical!
Test tube desk organizer: Great for college students, this organizer shows a love of science, while also being extremely useful.
Power backpacks: Our lives run on batteries, so why not have a backpack that can hold your supplies AND charge your devices?
Pencil case: Fun pencil cases are a great way for young students to show off their style!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Food

Summer at Sorelle

Sorelle customers are able to experience amazing Italian cuisine outside the city.

Sorelle opened its doors in Abington this past Spring and takes a modern, fresh twist on traditional Italian cuisine.

Chef Andrea Schnell changes her menu seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients in her dishes. During these last few weeks of summer, the menu features appetizers, including basil fried shrimp, Maine mussels and burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes, and entrees of citrus-marinated pork tenderloin, seared Faroe Island salmon, summer vegetable penne with roasted garlic butter and much more. There is also a bar, brick oven pizza and a gluten-free menu.

Sorelle will begin opening for lunch in early September.

– Amanda Santucci, The Boston 100

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Nonprofit

4th Annual Fundraiser for the Bill Belichick Foundation

Coach Belichick shows the crowd behind-the-scenes footage with Former Patriot Jerod Mayo and Radio Host Scott Zolak at last year's event.

The Hall of Fame Huddle is back! The fourth installment of the Bill Belichick Foundation’s highly anticipated event will be held Nov. 2 at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center.

This year’s special guests include Coach Bill Belichick, sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman and Super Bowl Champion Matt Light. For a limited time, $100 early bird special tickets are available.

The Hall of Fame Huddle provides its guests with never-before-seen footage, untold stories and the truth about highly publicized NFL lives. As Chris Berman would say, you’ll want to get your tickets before they’re back … back … back … gone!

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100

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Concerts

Can’t-Miss Fall Concerts in Boston!

Just because summer is over, don't let the fun stop - get to a concert for a great night out!

The “end-of-summer blues” are going to set in soon with Labor Day around the corner, but it doesn’t mean the party has to stop. From Lady Gaga to Sting, there are great concerts coming to Boston. Grab your friends, grab some tickets and keep the party going!

Sept. 1 and 2 – Lady Gaga at Fenway Park
Sept. 2 – Sting at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Sept. 22 and 23 – Ed Sheeran at TD Garden
Sept. 29 and 30 – Katy Perry at TD Garden
Oct. 7 and 8 – Bruno Mars at TD Garden
Oct. 29 – Gavin DeGraw at Wilbur Theatre

– Amy Peterson, The Boston 100

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Events

Clay Shooting, Food Trucks and Chefs … OH MY!

The Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-Out boasts lots of fun activities and one of the best fireworks shows around!

The 13th Annual Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-Out is a day-long clay shooting tournament with many other attractions, including fly fishing, archery, a celebrity shooting contest, a Capital Grille steak dinner and much more!

This year, the theme is “Shoot-out with the CHEFS.” Chefs Tim Reading of Alta Strada, Evan Deluty of Stella and Anthony Caturano of Prezza will attend, along with food trucks like Baby’s Bonetown BBQ, Championship Melt and Sarcastic Sweets. Add appetizers from Arteflame, Lincoln and Chef Garrett Harker of Island Creek Oysters, and you’ll have one giant feast. Dinner and day passes are available.

– Amanda Santucci, The Boston 100

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Food

Meals Delivered to the Door

Food subscription services are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and cooking instructions.

Don’t love grocery shopping? No Problem! As an innovation hub, Boston is comfortable with many new and evolving ideas, including meal subscription services. Ingredients are delivered, so you can cook easy, healthy meals at home. Here are a few of the services in the Boston area:

Purple Carrot: provides delicious plant-based recipes that are power-packed and easy to make. Try the TB12 box for athletes and active individuals!
Just Add Cooking: uses only fresh, seasonal produce, meat free of antibiotics and hormones and sustainable seafood.
Soulfu3l: delivers meals that are always gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.

– Amy Peterson, The Boston 100

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Tips

Tips for Closing Your Summer Home

Properly closing up your summer home will ensure peace of mind during the harsh New England winter.

As beach days dwindle, summer homes are vacated. We’ve gathered tips from two Boston-based concierge professionals to ensure peace of mind during the offseason.

Kimberly Kosanovich, owner, Considerate Done Concierge

I’ve been a snowbird for 12 years, and I can’t stress how important it is to organize and track utilities, mail and subscriptions. Keeping track of all information and confirmations is crucial.

Christina Kotseas, founder, Kotseas Concierge

People often forget to have their gutters cleaned to avoid rain and ice blockage, which can cause serious damage! Also, hiring a professional to check on your property ensures proactive offseason maintenance.

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100

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television

Must See TV!

Jason Bateman and Laura Linney pose for the TV series "Ozark."

Binge worthy is an understatement when it comes to these great TV series:

Netflix’s “Ozark” – Starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Dad agrees to pack up his family to launder money for a Mexican cartel … this gem is an emotional roller coaster.
Netflix’s “House of Cards” – Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as his ambitious wife, Claire, bring Washington and the country to its knees. Just don’t get on their bad sides. Sound familiar?
USA’s “The Sinner” – Jessica Biel is outstanding in this dark drama about a young mother trying to understand the cause behind her violent tendencies.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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Crisis Communications

Are You Crisis Ready?

Always be prepared for a business crisis - they strike when you least expect it.

Is your team ready to respond to a crisis? The answer is NO if you answer “no” to more than three checklist items:

We have established a crisis team and formal notification plan to key audiences.
We have identified potential crisis situations and developed strategies for responding to each.
We have appropriate social media plans for crisis communications, as necessary.
At any hour, our crisis team knows how to contact each other.
Our organization has a formal communications policy to provide media with information.
Our spokesperson has received professional media training and is an integral part of our management team.

– Tara Frier, Crisis Interception

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Things to Do

Boston Day Trip Fun

There's plenty to do in Boston - go explore for the day!

Summer’s winding down, but Boston still has lots to offer for a day of fun!

For kids: At least a dozen museums, many with sizeable discounts. Try Somerville’s Legoland, Duck Tours or free outdoor movies.
For the outdoorsy type: Codzilla’s high-speed tour of Boston Harbor, whale-watching trips or any Beantown fishing charters.
For the history buff: Walk the Freedom Trail for a journey through time. Check out the USS Constitution Museum and Boston Tea Party Museum.
For the foodie: Pick from tons of sweet and savory food tours featuring pizza, chocolate and local fare.

Get out and enjoy!

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100

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Business

Why Flexible Workplaces Matter

Making your workplace flexible, like allowing remote work, can help attract and retain top talent.

Flexibility is key in great employees, but it’s important for employers to consider, too. By creating a flexible workplace, employers can boost morale and signal to employees that the company is invested in their well-being.

Some ways to create a flexible workplace:

– Allow remote work. Cutting commute time cuts stress. Stay connected to your team with digital tools like Slack and video chats.

– Let employees set their schedules. Personalizing schedules to match workflow is a small modification that has a major impact on productivity.

– Lead by example. Leaders who prioritize flexibility and wellness encourage their employees to follow suit.

– Scott Peeples, Peerfit

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Education

Sending Your Kid to College?

Plan a day of the week for a phone call or Skype session to check in with each other.

Start preparing early: Talk with your kids in high school about what they enjoy doing, what their strengths are, and what they may want to go to college for.

Transitioning to college can be stressful, but knowing what they want to do after graduation can ease some of that pressure.

Keep in contact, but let your child stand on their own. It’s important to make sure your college freshman feels supported, but this is an opportunity for them to find out who they are. If they start to struggle, help guide them to resources instead of fixing the problem yourself.

– Arielle Stratton, Author of Your College Survival Guide

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Wicked Good 100

The Benefits of Blinkist

Blinkist gives you a quick content synopsis of the latest bestselling books so you can absorb the content of more than 10 books in the time it takes to read just one!

One of my favorite pastimes is settling into a comfy chair with a good book. My job requires extensive reading and writing but despite the best intentions, I don’t always have enough time to indulge. Tired of my well-read peers spouting wisdom from top business books, I discovered Blinkist – an app that nails the key points of a book in just a few pages.

First choice? Dave Crenshaw’s The Myth of Multitasking. Multitasking doesn’t exist; it’s task switching and that makes us far less effective. Done! Can’t wait for the next opportunity to discuss my expansive summer reading list!

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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History

The Link Between Maine and Massachusetts

Maine and Massachusetts are forever linked by history, and my home state was a part of the Bay Colony until 1820. Here are some fun facts about the connection:

1. Maine and Massachusetts are just two of four states to celebrate Patriots’ Day.

2. The Portland Sea Dogs are the double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

3. Portland native Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride.”

4. The Maine Red Claws are the D-League representative of the Boston Celtics.

5. My childhood home in Portland was built in 1799 … 20 years before Maine became its own state.

– Dave Harding, Filmmaker, Dave Is Media

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Sports

The Super Bowl Champions Are Back!

Super Bowl LI ended in stunning fashion, but it all began here, at training camp.

Football is back in full swing! Training camp has been flooded with fans, anxious to see their defending Super Bowl Champions prepare for the first official snap at the September 7th season opener.

Big off-season acquisitions in wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore provide experienced threats on both sides of the ball. Then we look to a D-line who lost veteran Rob Ninkovich to retirement last week, but is reloaded with young talent in Kony Ealy and Derek Rivers, which should prove effective against projected threats like the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100

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Events

Seafood Excitement!

The lobster bake is a staple in New England - why not enjoy it with a few hundred new friends?

If you haven’t gotten your share of lobster, oysters and cod this summer, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of time to binge on ocean fare at the Boston Seafood Festival this Sunday. Held on the Boston Fish Pier from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., this event boasts a Harpoon Beer Garden, shucking contests, celebrity chef demos, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities and LOTS of seafood.

Hosted by The Boston Fisheries Foundation, this event was initially created to promote education surrounding fisheries while enjoying seafood with the people of Boston, and it’s grown into an annual festival for the city.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Fitness

CrossFit Games – Never Too Old

CrossFit requires hard work and dedication, but no one is too old to start.

I used to say, “I’m too old” for CrossFit, until my son lured me to a class a few years ago – I’ve been hooked ever since.

CrossFit continually challenges me, satisfying my tenacious nature and it’s been an amazing alternative to my long-distance running background. I work out every day at 4:20 a.m. before getting to my job as Managing Director of Recruiting at Heller Search, proving anyone can find the time to train.

With support from my personal trainer, nutritionist, physical therapist and swim coach, I’ve gone from “I’m too old” to “I’m a Games athlete!”

– Carol Lynn Thistle, Reebok CrossFit Medfield

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Food & Drink

‘Sparkling’ News From the Breakroom

Our office is always stocked with at least two cases of seltzer - especially in the summer!

Our office consumes an obsessive amount of sparkling water. When the office bubbler doesn’t cut it, we turn to an array of fruity-flavored sugar-free seltzers. With an in-house nutritionist pointing out the latest foods that are likely to cause a life-threatening illness, we know we’re safe when picking up a cold, 100% natural, calorie-free Polar Seltzer.

We’re sold on the creative names and flavors the Worcester-based beverage company has brought us – even the limited edition flavors – but we’re purists at heart and always stock these classics:

– Lemon
– Raspberry Rose
– Strawberry Sunrise
– Grapefruit
– Raspberry Lime

– JoJo Gutfarb, Goodwin Group PR

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Health

Health Tips for College Students

Staying healthy in college only takes a few small changes to make a big difference.

Keeping up with healthy routines can be challenging for college students when they get back to campus. With the excitement of seeing friends, going out, and balancing new schedules, health can be pushed aside. However, it’s easy to continue a healthy routine with a few small changes.

Replace the junk food in your room with healthy alternatives like granola or kale chips. Then, set aside 30-45 minutes a day to use the school gym – this will actually keep your energy level higher to study and be active. Finally, choose milk or water instead of soda at the dining hall.

– Beth Koeller, Goodwin Group PR

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travel

Leaf Peeping Season Around the Corner

Go explore the amazing views New England has to offer in the fall - you won't be disappointed.

As summer winds down, anticipation for New England’s beautiful autumn foliage rises. Here are a few great places to explore to fulfill your leaf peeping desires this fall:

Manchester, Vermont: With a white steeple church, antique shops and country inns, Manchester is a picturesque New England town.

North Conway, New Hampshire: A great place to be active among the trees — hiking, biking and rock climbing are popular around the White Mountains.

Bar Harbor, Maine: What better way to see the changing of the seasons than at a national park? Acadia National Park will provide all the leaves you’re looking for.

– Beth Koeller, Goodwin Group PR

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Attractions

Wax Museum Comes to Boston

Amazing famous icons are brought to life at wax museums!

Have you ever wanted to meet a certain celebrity? Well now you can … sort of.

Boston is now host to Dreamland Wax Museum, which opened its doors in late July at City Hall Plaza. It boasts over 100 icons, including movie stars, athletes, presidents, historic figures, celebrities and more.

It’s one of a handful of wax museums in New England so residents and tourists of Boston don’t have to venture far to enjoy the unique experience. Wax museums are great for rainy days, first dates and family outings – but don’t ask for autographs. Although they look real, they’re wax, remember?

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Sports

5 Things You Might Not Know About the Boston Cannons

The Boston Cannons fit into Boston’s winning tradition as they’re a long-tenured powerhouse in the MLL. (Photo courtesy of The Boston Cannons)

Concluding their 17^th season, the Boston Cannons are a founding member of Major League Lacrosse and one of the most successful franchises. Here’s five things you might not know:

1. Success: 2011 MLL Champions, 11 playoff appearances, five League MVP’s.

2. Players: Most players don’t live in Boston, travelling for practice and games.

3. Passion: Average 7,500 fans per game.

4. History: Play at Harvard Stadium, the oldest stadium in the country.

5. Off-the-field: Players hold professional careers in various industries and graduated from top colleges including Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, Princeton, Georgetown and many more.

– Sara Berry, VP of Partnerships and Marketing, The Boston Cannons

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travel

Last-Minute Summer Getaways

Summer might be winding down, but there's still time to get out there and have a few more mini-vacations.

Don’t let the end of summer slip away! With Boston’s easy access to all the New England states in a matter of a couple hours, consider taking a road trip to these weekend destinations:

1. Cape Cod: Explore the Upper Cape or ride Falmouth’s awesome bike paths.

2. Maine: Relax at a bed and breakfast such as Brewster House.

3. Burlington, Vermont: Check out the lake views and visit plenty of farms.

4. Block Island: Explore the island and walk the Mohegan Bluffs stairs.

5. North Conway, NH: There’s plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities for the whole family.

– Amanda Santucci, The Boston 100

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Events

Planning That Big Event – Organization Is JOB #1

Staying organized is the key to successful events. When everything is working together, things run smoothly.

Each year, our team plans and executes the largest clay target shooting tournament in the country. It’s a TON of work, but the results are worth the effort.

1. Get Organized –Divide tasks into categories, noting accountability and deadlines. Use Google Docs or other group software to track progress.

2. Big to Little – Take care of the most important tasks first and work on less daunting items at the end of the day.

3. Run of Show – Once most details are in place, create a “Run of Show” that outlines what will take place when and all necessary contact information.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus play video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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Travel

Lifestyle

Events

Business

Wicked Good Bostonian #1

Tips for College Move-in Day

Cool Back-to-School Supplies

Summer at Sorelle

4th Annual Fundraiser for the Bill Belichick Foundation

Can’t-Miss Fall Concerts in Boston!

Clay Shooting, Food Trucks and Chefs … OH MY!

Meals Delivered to the Door

Tips for Closing Your Summer Home

Must See TV!

Are You Crisis Ready?

Boston Day Trip Fun

Why Flexible Workplaces Matter

Sending Your Kid to College?

The Benefits of Blinkist

The Link Between Maine and Massachusetts

The Super Bowl Champions Are Back!

Seafood Excitement!

CrossFit Games – Never Too Old

‘Sparkling’ News From the Breakroom

Health Tips for College Students

Leaf Peeping Season Around the Corner

Wax Museum Comes to Boston

5 Things You Might Not Know About the Boston Cannons

Last-Minute Summer Getaways

Planning That Big Event – Organization Is JOB #1

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

Accommodating New Mothers at Work