For the Community Managers

Sometimes you win one.
This is why I help manage a community and love my job.
There are days Community Managers are consumed by complaints and negativity: times when you wonder if you are reaching people or if you can make a difference. This morning I was rewarded with an excellent read in my forum: it was a public follow up to a private conversation. I reached out to a member of my community to get a better understanding of a problem he was having; we exchanged information, had a real discussion, and did not tow the company line – I hung up the phone happy.
Back to the post.
The community member I spoke with posted a recap of our conversation. I was rewarded by knowing that I not only reached him, but his words are now positively impacting others in the community. This is the power we have as Community Managers – reach one and your message gets delivered to many.
Sometimes you win one.
Cheers,
Toby

Taxes are not the answer - let Capitalism work

In 1993, the state of Rhode Island repealed their tax on luxury yachts making it a haven for boat owners and an industry boomed. This is not a shot at the Massachusetts senior senator John Kerry, it is a wake up call to all Politicians and voters who believe taxes are a way out of financial trouble.
Forget the short term tax gain, think of the long term revenue generators: repair and boat maintenance, fuel, storage, equipment upgrades, food and beverage, jobs for the people work in the marinas and the boat staff themselves. Lastly, for those wealthy enough to have such crafts, the tax savings is put back into the economy in the form of small businesses (jobs again), entertainment, other large purchases (land, homes, cars, etc), and investment into the stock market.
Think about it...

Why do you do what you do?

Hockey season has come to a close in Natick. I help run our town’s Skills Development program and for those unfamiliar, Skills is a clinic that prepares children (and their parents) for hockey. Skating, passing, shooting, edgework, everything but theory.
As we untied our skates for the last time, many parents approached me to thank me and all seemed to ask the same question: "why, and how, do you devote so much time to hockey?" The story is simple and the same for all who asked.
I grew up in a small town in Central NY where hockey was the key to a social life for parents and children alike; certainly a way of life. I was coached by a slew of wonderful, caring, and passionate fathers from all walks of life who were all volunteers. Thanks to the dedication of these men, I was able to learn about, play, and develop my love for hockey. If it were not for them, I would not be here today shaking your hand.
This post is a dedication to all those men who tied their skates for children who wanted to play hockey.

40

My wife and I are both looking down the barrel of turning 40.
Great marriage, three wonderful children, living in a town and community we love - is there (should there be) something more? I do not believe I am even looking for that "something," but sense it.
Waiting for your suggestions...

It's Cold Out There - Chili Will Help

A little something to case the cold away

1 lb ground burger
2 or 3 Sausages
1.5 red onions (diced)
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2-3 hot peppers ( depending on type ) - or good hot sauce
2 Red or yellow bell peppers, cored and cut into quarters
3 whole carrots, peeled and cut into 1in lengths
I can red or black beans (Goya)
Beer
cumin, S&P

Strain beans well and hold

Heat oven to 450 - put a skillet or roasting pan in the oven to heat with some olive oil in it.
Once hot, add the bell peepers and carrots to roast (10 - 15min) a little char is good.
Remove, cool and dice.

In another pot, heat some oil and brown the burger & sausage, remove and set into a bowl.
In the same pot add the onions and cook in the rendered fat till tender

Add Beans and meat to the onions. Add the Crushed tomatoes and the browned bell peppers and carrots

Add the hot peppers (or sauce) and let it simmer together.

Enjoy

Around the Thanksgiving Table

As we sit together about to enjoy this wonderful meal, we remember.
We remember to enjoy the friends and family who have joined us, while remembering those who could not.
We remember all the things we have, not the things we want.
We remember how fortunate we are, and to care for those who have less.
We are thankful to sit at the table and enjoy this day together.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Toby

The very best gravy (and easy too)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving - a little twist on an old idea.


Roasting Pan
Chicken Stock
Favorite Beer (Harpoon Winter Warmer or Local Holiday Brew)
Sweet Sherry
1 large red onion (rough chopped)
2 carrots (rough chopped)
2 stalks of celery (rough chopped)
Lots of garlic (smashed)
Favorite sausage (sliced) – optional (I use 1 per adult)
Salt & Pepper
Food processor
Saucepan

• After you prep the veggies and the sausage, add them to the roasting pan.
• Cover the bottom of the roasting pan with chicken stock and 1 bottle/can of beer
• Cook your chicken or turkey as usual (make certain the pan does not go dry), you may baste the bird with the pan’s contents.
• Once done, and the bird is resting, the gravy creation begins.
• Remove the sausage pieces and set into a bowl for immediate joy.
• Scoop out all the veggies, set into your food processor and blend well
• Thin out the veggie puree with the liquid from the roasting pan.
• When the gravy reaches your chosen thickness, pour it into a saucepan, add a shot of Sherry and some salt and pepper.

Please leave your comments or tell me how it worked for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Toby