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Camp Harbor View Annual Report 2015

by Filed Under: client work

Portrait of a Summer Camp

From aerial shots to action shots: how the camp that Jack built came to be

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Boston Harbor Islands’ Long Island, 2007. Image courtesy of the City of Boston

Our latest client, Jack Connors Family Office, approached Three Bean Press to produce Camp Harbor View’s stunning 2016 Annual Report. Now, we knew of the legendary Boston ad exec Jack Connors and his fathoms-deep generosity, but we didn’t know about the crucial first steps of his ambitious philanthropic enterprise. Coincidentally, another client of ours, Bill Brett, was involved and filled us in on the initial details. Brett loves to tell a good story and we love to listen. And when the ending’s this good? We just have to share….

Roughly ten years ago, Jack Connors called up photographer Bill Brett on a Monday with an assignment. He wanted Brett to go up in a helicopter, fly over the Boston Harbor Islands and take aerial pictures of Boston’s Long Island, from end to end. Connors would need the images for his meeting with the mayor, Tom Menino, that Friday. Brett wasn’t told why, but he was told not to discuss the job.

It was a cold day in November, remembers Brett. Still, he flew over the harbor’s icy waters—helicopter door removed—and aimed his camera lens at the land below. He wanted to give Connors unobstructed shots.

There wasn’t much on the 225-acre island owned by the City of Boston, save for an array of rehabilitation and social service facilities. There was, however, opportunity. Brett and the pilot were curious as to the point of their mission, the pilot perhaps most of all.

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Camp Harbor View 2015

“What do you think they want to build there?” the pilot asked. Brett was careful not to respond. His best guess was that Connors was interested in building a casino, he reveals, his eyes bright at the idea.

Brett brought over 100 pictures of Long Island up to Jack Connors’ office by Thursday. Connors unveiled them one by one the next day during a car ride with Mayor Menino out to the harbor island. Connors didn’t typically sit in the back of the car, but he did that day. The mayor wasn’t told where they were headed. What was this? A hit?

It wasn’t a hit; it was a proposition. It was Jack Connors’ solution to the mayor’s earlier appeal, when Menino approached the former CEO of Hill Holliday to say that Boston needed to find an answer to teen violence, particularly during the summer months. Youths were either being kept indoors and shielded from the brutality of the streets or subjected to it. Menino didn’t like either option. Nor did Connors.

As they drove across a steel bridge to arrive at their destination, Connors pointed to Fort Strong, an ex-Army base that was now abandoned, on the tip of the island. He said to the mayor: “If you will lease this property to me for one dollar a year, I will raise 10 million dollars and build you a summer camp.”

CHV.AR2015The mayor agreed. Six months later, Camp Harbor View was born. Connors raised well over the $10 million and built a world-class facility that both delights and empowers 900 young adolescents from Boston’s at-risk neighborhoods.

Nine years since the camp’s founding, sadly, Mayor Tom Menino has passed, but his legacy hasn’t. There are new pictures to look at, this time by Boston photographer Michael Casey. Unlike Brett’s, they were taken in the warmth of the summer and depict smiling campers and the Camp’s leaders in training. The site is the same, but the two sets of images are worlds apart. There is, undoubtedly, one element they share: promise. Take a look….

 

 

Serenity Now!

by Filed Under: color inspiration

Serenity Now! Fanfare for Pantone’sScreen Shot 2016-01-08 at 2.02.06 PM Color of the Year: 2016

Pantone released its Color of the Year, and, when we saw it, we nodded an unspoken, yesss! For the first time since 2000, when the famed Color Institute launched the designation, a blend of two shades were named the Color (note: singular) of the Year—Rose Quartz (PANTONE 13-1520) and Serenity (PANTONE 15-3919).

Were the hue gurus embroiled in some sort of design deadlock? We knew better. After all, Pantone introduced the color matching system that standardized tones across different platforms and print jobs. They’re the gold standard of color selection in many industries (ours included), and have eliminated guesswork and design-jobs-gone-bad over final products that are amethyst when the client wanted aubergine. No, this was no impasse, rather a thoughtful mix of the hues they anticipated would resonate best in today’s market, where color has become an increasingly powerful means of expression, its very nature and our perception of it changing by the nanosecond in this digital age.

According to the Pantone Color Institute, the Color of the Year is “a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.” It’s an emblem of the current landscape; culled from trends in fashion, travel destinations, art, film and technology. What’s particularly interesting about this year’s “snapshot” is its fluidity, the way it harmonizes two very different experiences. “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer, embracing rose tone and the cooler, tranquil blue,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. The effect is meant to reflect a “connection and wellness, as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

Screen Shot 2016-01-03 at 3.21.52 PMPeople have long responded to this duality of comfort and calm, warm and cool. Just look at the success of hot yoga or the way a gathered crowd on the beach is moved to clap after a fiery, magnificent sunset slips into an indigo sky. Yet somehow this color blend feels particularly apt this year. It’s an ocular oasis, a sort of visual antidote to today’s breakneck pace, stresses and societal turbulence. At least that’s Pantone’s bet, and you can be sure we’ll be scouring the new lines of top fashion designers and devouring interior design magazines to see if they’re right.

In the meantime, the color conscious everywhere—not just designers—have gained a font of inspiration. Inspiration that Three Bean Press art director Julie Kelly finds especially exciting, as the two colors blur lines and gender norms and create a dual launch pad from which to base a color palette. If there’s a greater chance your client will respond to your design? All the better.

Best and Brightest

by Filed Under: Charity

Best and Brightest

We had heard the stories. Mary Scannell of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester told us that “Don does everything big,” when we were researching Rodman’s Ride.

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Larry Green (left), Don Rodman and Bruce Rodman (right)

We knew that, during the course of a conversation between Don Rodman and Bob Scannell of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester back in 2003, Don’s idea to take a few children to a live theatrical performance quickly escalated to a complete four-wall rental of The Wang Theatre for a show of Beauty and the Beast. Before you could blink, 2,000 Boston children were in a parade of 50 school buses and ushered by police escort to plush seats in a grand theatre to see an even grander spectacle unfold onstage.

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We also knew that after Don Rodman had taken his grandkids to Disney, he wanted disadvantaged kids to experience it, too. Local children who might never go to Orlando, fly on an airplane, shake hands with Mickey or ride Space Mountain. We knew that the children selected to participate in Don’s Disney for Kids program soon grew from 50 to 150 annually and that, to date, more than 2,000 children have now felt the magic of the Magic Kingdom.

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So how was it that—still—we were amazed to be greeted by a line that filed well out of the Seaport World Trade Center this past Saturday for Rodman’s annual holiday party (dare we call it that?) Celebration for Kids? And surprised when a confetti snow shower marked our entry into the throng of merrymakers (2800+!) who were tucking into the delights of 50 something chefs (think dreamy mac and cheese bites with sirloin, blackened scallops with blood orange marmalade, heady Vermont Creamery cheeses …) or scanning the wares of a silent auction more than 500 gift baskets strong?
We now know Don and what he and his team are capable of, so we should have suspected that the voices of the Neighborhood Children’s Choir would greet us while waiting in cue or that a procession of affable, kilt-clad, spat-wearing pipers and drummers from the Boston Police Gaelic Column would signal that the live auction was about to begin. Among the items for bidding? A week’s stay for four at a villa in Tuscany; a NYC movie premiere, dinner for two and a Times Square stay; and, get this, Gronk’s Party Cruise Trip for Two with the tight-end and his band of brothers to a private Bahamian island. Don wouldn’t have it any other way.

IMG_5647[2]When it was all said and done, Celebration for Kids—with the help of its sponsors, including the J. Derenzo companies at the helm—raised over $1 million for local at-risk children. Don was beaming, yes, but not so much because he and his committee pulled off a fantastic, larger-than-life gala (though they did!). He was smiling more for the spectacle we wouldn’t see. Where a child in need receives a coat, a meal, music lesson or camp experience. That’s what’s truly dazzling.

 

Boston Book Festival 2015

by Filed Under: Books, Boston

The Boston Book Festival: Second Edition

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This past Saturday was a raw, gray day in Copley Square but that didn’t prevent families, bibliophiles, artists and assorted other literary types from turning out in droves to check out the Boston Book Festival’s decidedly cheery activities, events, lectures and concerts, tours and more. Three Bean Press was right in the thick of things, flanked by the browsers’ fave Brattle Street Book Shop and indie collaborative IPNE with its ever-changing table of authors and illustrators. 3BP’s own Ellen Gaffney, Keith Cohen and Roberta Paul were among those happily autographing their titles—specifically, Wings for a Flower, and Henry and Lola: A Puppy Love Story. We, too, enjoyed chitchatting with enthusiasts and showing off the new releases and Boston-proud books we’ve been so fortunate to produce. In case you missed us you can view a live stream about Three Bean Press and our books and services here:

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It’s our maiden voyage on Periscope (clearly!), but it’s almost like being there.

We Art Boston

by Filed Under: authors

We Art Boston

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I was recently invited to be a part of We Art Boston, a fundraiser and auction of art from children’s books to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital. I was honored to say the least. Imagine, my artwork (seen below…) on display alongside Mo Willems’ and Ian Falconer’s! What’s the downside? I mean, aside from the fact that my artwork will be alongside that of Mo Willems and Ian Falconer….

But all kidding and inferiority complex aside, as a Boston-based company, we were devastated by the events that took place in our city on April 15, 2013, when hundreds of innocent victims were senselessly attacked by two brothers determined to destroy our beloved event, The Boston Marathon, as well as our way of life.

Like many others, we felt helpless. And, as a one-time marathon runner, I, personally, felt incensed. But the aftermath of the horrid event showed our city’s resilience and heart. So when we were contacted to be a part of We Art Boston, it was a no-brainer. This was our opportunity to give back. And while Elephant and Piggie we ain’t, we’re pleased that we were able to donate illustrations from our Boston-based book Lily + the Imaginary Zoo—one that even alludes to the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Copley Square.

We hope that you will join us in raising funds for this cause by bidding on some of the beautiful illustrations that will be available for online bidding. The artwork will also be on display in various locations throughout the city before the final auction, scheduled for mid October. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

—Julie Decedue Kelly, Three Bean Press partner and illustrator

Lily + the Imaginary Zoo map

 

Savvy Book Selling

by Filed Under: Custom Publishing, Sales Leave a Comment

Savvy Book Selling

When custom or self-publishing a book, hands-down the single toughest challenge that authors face is marketing. The rub, of course, is that being successful at selling your book is crucial. While custom publishers (like, say, Three Bean Press) help in this effort, authors must be their title’s biggest advocate. Getting the word out about your book doesn’t come easily to everybody. That’s why we’ve asked photographer Bill Brett—whose book Boston, Inspirational Women had made back his full investment before it was even back from the printer—to share his strategies. Brett is a natural and has an approach to sales that gets real results. Most impressive still? His pitch is never arrogant, delivered always with business savvy and an easy smile.

Room to Grow

by Filed Under: Charity Leave a Comment

Room to Grow

Fresh & Honest

Recently we were given a real treat when we sat down at a breakfast event called “Celebrating Inspirational Women and Mothers” at the Four Seasons Boston. The gathering, which raised money for the charity Room to Grow, featured a panel of women from Bill Brett and Kerry Brett’s book Boston, Inspirational Women. As the publishers of this new release, we felt we knew these women well. After all, we spent months poring over their images and bios, fact checking on their websites, and eventually meeting many of them face to face at social gatherings to highlight the book. As the book’s descriptions tout, their philanthropic and business accomplishments are impressive; These women truly are inspiring.

But at the breakfast, we got to see the true essence of these women and learn about them on a more personal level, beyond their titles and achievements. Trish Karter, founder of Dancing Deer Baking Co., showed her quick wit and eloquence while remaining down to earth and humble. Mary L. Reed, who leads the Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative for Children, demonstrated her calm demeanor and talked about how she gathered her strength from her mother. Harriet Lewis, owner of Grand Circle Corporation, revealed her soft side, showing true tenderness when talking about her kids and her fears. Wendy Semonian Eppich, publisher of The Improper Bostonian, displayed her vulnerability and also her sense of humor. And Joanne Jaxtimer, of BNY Mellon/New England, gave credit where credit is due to her husband, but it was clear from listening to her what a strong mom and woman she is. Carol Beggy and Linda Holliday acted as co-chairs of the event, and Mary Richardson was the moderator moderator.

As busy women trying to juggle the challenges and blisses of running a business and managing homes, marriages and children, we appreciated the honesty and humility that these powerful women brought to the panel discussion. It was their openness and humor that made us want, more than ever, to aspire to be inspirational ourselves. We thank them for sharing their insights.

www.roomtogrow.org

The Gift

by Filed Under: Cradles to Crayons Leave a Comment

The Gift

Every year we try to align our company with a worthy cause. We’re a small business, so as much as we’d like to be able to give, give, give, that’s not always a reality for us. This year, we got smart and decided to match each book sale we made during the holidays with a book donation to a deserving charity. Enter Cradles to Crayons, an inspired organization that “connects communities of plenty with communities of need.” Launched in Boston, Cradles to Crayons supplies children ages 0 to 12 with the day-to-day essentials they need; the perfect pairing for Three Bean Press’s book drive. We were thrilled to have surpassed our 100-book goal, ultimately donating 126 brand new books to the organization, and we were truly touched when we dropped the books off, spoke with Founder Lynn Margherio and Marketing and Communications Coordinator Liz Farley, and were given the opportunity to see the company’s “Giving Factory” in action.

The Giving Factory is a massive warehouse chock full of gently worn shoes, clothing, blankets, books, car seats and other basic necessities that are essential for every child to feel “safe, warm, ready to learn and valued,” Cradles to Crayons’ mission. And while The Giving Factory seems to be brimming with items that, after going through a five-point check system, head to low-income or homeless children whose parents or social workers have expressed a need, Massachusetts citizens’ demand for these items is so great that The Giving Factory could use far more. This time of year, Liz and Lynn explain that winter boots, hats, mittens, gloves and coats are in high demand, and, sadly, many children require such clothes not only for outdoor use but for the indoors as well, given unheated housing conditions.

We were touched by the commitment, size and scope of The Giving Factory and Cradles to Crayons and its staff. The organization is coming up on its 10-year anniversary and a second branch has been launched in Philadelphia. In the Brighton warehouse, more than 24,000 volunteers come through the doors each year, and they’ve just gained three more in Three Bean Press—actually, five including a five- and eight-year old that will be tagging along, as volunteers can be as young as age five!

The idea for this organization was hatched by Lynn Margherio, when she was visiting relatives. She went to dress her niece and had to rifle through clothes that were too small and still bearing price tags, and she literally tripped over toys to get to the playroom to do a craft with her nephew. She knew that her family’s home was not unusual and was struck by how much excess some households have while others are barely getting by. Cradles to Crayons was born, at first launched out of a small corner of her office, and Lynn became what one board member dubbed a philanthropic “Robin Hood” by creating a resource that transferred surplus items to households just as deserving but bereft.

Last year, Cradles to Crayons helped more than 48,000 children in Massachusetts and has become recognized by social workers, teachers and families as an organization they can count on. It’s a win-win for everyone. More affluent families benefit from actively bettering the communities in which they live and learn, and feel good that the clothes and necessities they’ve purchased don’t go to waste, while the children and parents who receive these donations of clothes, shoes, books, safety items and school supplies have one less worry on their minds, their self-worth buoyed by such a simple act .

Three Bean Press hopes to help this worthy charity more in the future and is excited to be involved with Cradles to Crayons. We’re grateful to all those who bought books to support our book drive in December, and encourage everyone to give as they can. Call 617-779-4700 or visit www.cradlestocrayons.org to find out how you can contribute.