Finish line in sight!

It’s been a couple weeks since our last update but that doesn’t mean the team hasn’t been busy.  We briefed the class this afternoon on the status of our project for the last time and are awaiting our final grade and the results of class vote to determine which team will have lunch with the Dean of the Kennedy School.   This exercise, however, was never really about about a grade for our team.  This was about the residents of Youville and keeping a promise we made to them several months ago, which is why we are excited to report that are getting very close towards our end goal – a raised garden bed for the residents of Youville House!

We are hoping to install a new 4′ x 8′ x 24″ raised-bed (which would allow for handicap access), including irrigation, near the fence closet to the sidewalk on Cambridge Street, but we really need your support to make this happen.  As you might expect, these projects can be rather expensive when you start taking into consideration the costs of material and labor.   Fortunately, Green City Growers in Somerville has stepped up to the plate and graciously offered to cover the costs of the raised-bed and installation in exchange for two hours of consulting on fundraising provided we can offset some of associated material and labor costs.

So how can you help? Previously we entertained any and all trade offers, but as we near the finish line our needs are very specific.   First off, we need are in need of helping hands.  We have to remove and relocate an existing raised-bed to where the new garden is going.  Also, approximately half of the soil in the existing raised-bed will need to be replaced with quality organic soil.  We also need to acquire a chemical free stain for the garden box.  With this in mind, we are only looking trade for offers of manual labor, bags of top soil, or chemical free stain for the garden box.  If you’re not interested in making a trade and simply want to make a donation or help with the garden installation then just reach out and let us and we’ll be sure to notify you of when that’s happening.

Thanks again to the amazing staff at Green City Growers!

 

The trading team….

 

Twin Bed with Drawers

Six-month old twin bed with two drawers in great condition, barely used!

Owned by non-smoking/no-pet family(mattress not included)

 

    

Trading update!

Well, it’s been a slow couple of weeks with very few offers to speak of. Fortunately, Mali was able to trade a used vacuum cleaner for a relatively new twin bed with a member of the local Israeli support community, who have been incredibly helpful throughout this entire process.

           

Otherwise, it would seem the project is suffering from the same “spring fever” affecting so many of the students at this time of year, which is a shame given some of the high-end items currently available for trade. I’m guessing folks are spending less time on their computers, and more time outside enjoying the beautiful weather – not sure I can blame them! Hopefully, the pace will pick up  in the near future, especially as we approach our deadline in late April.

Over the coming  weeks, we will be packaging several  trade items together in attempt to identify and procure the services of a local landscaping company willing to help build a garden on the Youville premises in exchange for a single trade item, so please keep the offers coming in!

Thanks again for all the support thus far….

The trading team

Business Consulting

Dinah Olanoff, Youville House Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, is looking to trade three hours of professional business consulting. Dinah has over twenty years of experience working in marketing communications with human service and non-profit organizations.

Catered Dinner for six

Youville House has graciously offered the services of their expert chef to provide a catered dinner for six in the facility’s lovely garden atrium. Make them an offer!

Various other items

We have various other items available for trade as well, including a mink coat, a used vacuum cleaner, and the earrings pictured here.

Confidence Power Plus Treadmill

Confidence Power Plus Motorized Black Treadmill. It is ideal for people new to running and those looking to shed a few extra pounds, and with it’s folding design and wheels, it is easy to store and roll away. 600W power motor. Full product size: 49″ x 24″ x 11″. Weight of machine: 53 lbs Weight & Size of delivered package: 50.5″ x 25.5″ x 11.5″ 57 lbs. This treadmill retails for $199.

Lunch at Sandrine’s French Bistro

Deirdre Hehir, who works for Peace Of Mind Home Health Care, wants to offer a lunch at Sandrine’s located in Harvard Square. Sandrine’s offers contemporary and classic French cuisine — often with an accent on Alsace.

See their website for more information: http://www.sandrines.com/

Tandem Jump

For those adventurists out there, Brian Boyle, a skydiving instructor with Jumptown located in Orange, MA wants to trade a tandem jump with him in the Spring. This trade offer is valued at $200.

Feel free to visit Jumptown’s website: http://www.jumptown.com/

Wedding Services

A certified Justice of the Peace has offered to officiate a wedding in the greater Boston or Middlesex County area, but would be willing to travel to the Cape if required. This trade offer is valued at $125.