The Craftsmanship of John Reilley

A Legacy in Keychains at Old North Church

In the heart of Boston's North End, where history breathes through every cobblestone, lies the Old North Church, a beacon of America's revolutionary past. But as you exit this historic landmark, you might stumble upon a modern-day treasure, not of gold or silver, but of craftsmanship and memory: keychains crafted by John Reilley, a master carpenter whose hands have told stories of wood, stone, and metal for decades.

John Reilley's keychains are more than mere trinkets; they are a testament to his life's work and his battle with dementia. Each piece is a fusion of nature and history, incorporating Berkshire stones, seashells from the Cape, and reclaimed wood and metals. These materials, each with its own story, come together under John's skilled hands, even as his memory fades, to create something uniquely Bostonian.

The Materials:

• Berkshire Stones: These stones, sourced from the Berkshire Mountains, carry with them the rugged beauty of Massachusetts. Each stone is a piece of the state's geological history, smoothed by time and nature.

• Seashells from the Cape: The Cape Cod seashells bring a touch of the ocean to the keychains. Each shell, once home to marine life, now serves as a reminder of the Atlantic's vastness and the Cape's serene beaches.

• Reclaimed Wood and Metals: John's use of reclaimed materials is not just about sustainability but also about giving new life to old stories. Wood from historic barns or metals from bygone eras find new purpose in his hands, embodying the spirit of Boston's resilience.

The Craft

John Reilley's approach to crafting these keychains is as much about the process as it is about the product. Despite his dementia, or perhaps because of it, there's an intuitive, almost instinctual quality to his work. Each keychain is a snapshot of a moment, a memory, or an emotion, captured in a form that can be held, touched, and cherished.

The Gift

These keychains are offered for free as you exit the Old North Church, not as a mere souvenir, but as a piece of living history. They're a bridge between Boston's past and present, crafted by hands that have known the city's heartbeat. This gesture is not just about giving away a token; it's about sharing a piece of John's soul, his connection to Boston, and his ongoing battle with dementia.

A Reflection on John Reilley

John's story is poignant. Here is a man whose life's work was defined by precision and skill, now facing a condition that erodes memory but not the essence of who he is. His keychains, therefore, are not just crafts; they're a legacy, a way for John to leave something tangible behind as his mind wanders through time.

Conclusion

As you walk away from the Old North Church, holding one of John Reilley's keychains, you're not just leaving with a souvenir. You're carrying a piece of Boston's history, a bit of its natural beauty, and a profound connection to a craftsman's journey through life and dementia. John's keychains are a reminder of the impermanence of memory but the enduring nature of craftsmanship and love for one's craft. They're free, but their value is immeasurable, much like the man who made them.

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Patriots Day Weekend

Monday is a Special Day in Boston!

Boston bursts with energy on Patriots' Day! Held annually on the third Monday of April, it's a day steeped in history and vibrant celebrations.

The holiday commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first skirmishes of the American Revolution. Reenactments bring the events to life, allowing visitors to step back in time and witness the colonists' courageous fight for independence.

But Patriots' Day is about more than just history. It's a day for festive traditions. The Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon, takes center stage. Thousands of runners tackle the challenging course, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds lining the streets.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Boston Red Sox host a unique morning baseball game, the only one of its kind in Major League Baseball. This allows fans to catch a game and then head straight to Kenmore Square to witness the triumphant arrival of the marathon finishers.

So, if you're in Boston on Patriots' Day, soak up the patriotic spirit, cheer on the marathoners, and savor the festive atmosphere ? it's a truly special day in the city!

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WeWork Boston Back Bay Office

Great Location to Grow Your Business

WeWork is a global coworking company that provides shared workspaces for individuals and businesses of all sizes. The WeWork at 200 Berkeley Street is located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, just steps from the Back Bay Commuter Rail and MBTA station. The building is a 20-story high rise with stunning views of the city skyline.

The view from the 24th floor of WeWork at 200 Berkeley Street.

Features

The WeWork at 200 Berkeley Street offers a variety of features that make it a great place to work, including:

Private offices: Private offices are available for rent in a variety of sizes, from small to large. Shared workspace: There is also a large shared workspace area with desks, tables, and chairs. Meeting rooms: There are several meeting rooms available for rent, both large and small. Breakout areas: There are several breakout areas where you can relax, collaborate, or take a break. Kitchen: There is a fully equipped kitchen with snacks, drinks, and coffee. Other amenities: Other amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a bike room.

Location

The WeWork at 200 Berkeley Street is located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. This is a great location for businesses that want to be close to the city's financial district, cultural attractions, and transportation options.

The 200 Berkeley Street location is in the old John Hancock building.

Pricing

Pricing for private offices at WeWork at 200 Berkeley Street starts at $650 per month. Shared workspace is available for $350 per month.

Sample office space layout at WeWork

Five Things I Learned

This pertains to the 200 Berkeley Street location, not all locations have the same setup at that.

• The main entrance is on the 19th floor. You have to go there first to get a card. You have to show your Driver's License. (You also have to show the license when you enter the building.)
• The rooms are marked above the keypad on a small sticker. It's hard to find the particular room that you may be assigned to. (Might be useful if they have a map when you check in?)
• There is coffee and water in mugs and cups provided by WeWork. You can also bring your own lunch and put it in the refrigerator. Yes, they have microwaves and utensils.
• The views are great from the 24th floor! You can pretty much walk all around the building and see the city from different sides.
• To get up and down via the elevators you have to put in your location on the keypad and then go to the designated elevator. This makes your elevator journey to be non-stop. During my recent stay, I didn't have to wait long for the elevator even during busy lunch periods.
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Best Weekend in Boston

April is a Great Time to be in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is a city with a rich history and a passionate sports culture. This upcoming weekend, it's a perfect showcase of just how true that statement is. The convergence of several iconic events creates a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience a truly Bostonian weekend.

Patriots Day is a holiday unique to Massachusetts, commemorating the first battles of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. In modern times, it's marked by the running of the Boston Marathon, one of the world's most prestigious long-distance races. The Marathon attracts elite runners from around the globe, as well as tens of thousands of amateur runners who have trained for months to compete. The energy of the crowds lining the course is infectious, with people cheering on runners and ringing cowbells. The Marathon's finish line in Copley Square is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

While the Marathon is undoubtedly the main attraction of the day, it's not the only game in town. The Red Sox will be playing at home that day, and there's no better way to experience the true spirit of Fenway Park than by catching a game on Patriots Day. With a hot dog in one hand and a cold beer in the other, you can soak in the history and atmosphere of one of America's most beloved ballparks.

But that's not all. The Boston Bruins will be in the playoffs, with the potential for a home game that weekend. The Bruins are a perennial playoff contender, and the atmosphere at TD Garden during the playoffs is electric. And if basketball is more your speed, the Boston Celtics will also be in the playoffs, with the potential for a home game on Sunday. Bostonians are passionate about their sports, and the playoffs are a time when that passion is dialed up to 11.

Finally, this weekend also marks the 300th anniversary of the Old North Church. This historic church was the site of the famous "One if by land, two if by sea" signal that warned of the British invasion during the Revolutionary War. The church is open for tours, and visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.

All of these events are quintessentially Bostonian, and they combine to create a weekend unlike any other. From the athletic prowess on display at the Boston Marathon to the raucous cheers at Fenway Park and TD Garden, this weekend is a celebration of everything that makes Boston unique. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, you can't get more Boston than this.

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Top Boston Post of 2020

Some really good Boston Posts this past year

This year was a challenging year for the Boston Blog content. I haven't been to Boston much since early March. Most of the content was things that I had in the backlog to post someday.

I'll be discontinuing blogging about Boston places for a while. I hope that I can get some new content by the Summer of 2021.

Top 10 Blog Post

Samuel Adams Gravestone??- Interesting facts about Samuel Adams Gravestone at the Granary Burying Grounds.

Spanish/American War Cannons??- Located on the State House Lawn. This was a hard piece to put together since I haven't been able to get an up-close look at the cannons.

Paul Revere Statue??- Interesting Facts about Boston's Paul Revere Statue in the North End.

Emancipation Group??- Facts about the Boston Statue people suggest to take down. The statue was taken down on December 29, 2020.

Sacco and Vanzetti Plaster Sculptor Mold??- The Plaster Sculptor Mold at the Boston Public Library remembering the events around Sacco and Vanzetti trial and execution in Boston.

Queen Elizabeth II Plaque??- Queen Elizabeth II visited Boston in 1976. There is a plaque at the old North Church remembering her visit.

Edward Cohen Plaque??- Special Plaque in the Statehouse that took nearly 100 years to be placed. Commemorates the work of a person that was killed at the State House because of mistaken identity.

Zakim Bridge??- A landmark bridge in Boston skyline located near the Boston Gardens

Ted William Red Chair??- Fun Facts about the most famous seat in Fenway Park.

Elephant Memorial at Fenway Park??- Largest Crowd at Fenway Park happened when people want to see the elephants that the children of Boston adopted.

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Boston Graphic Updates

Just a couple of small updates.

Happy Christmas Eve!

A couple of quick graphic updates from posts done in 2013:

Huntington Avenue Grounds - Fixed the header graphic to show the homeplace and the statue at the former Red Sox stadium - before Fenway Park.

Common Mistakes new Commuter Rail riders make everyday - just fixed the graphic for desktop and mobile users.

Enjoy the day with your family!

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Boston Blog Update

More Update to Classic Blog postings

Today I updated some classic Boston Blog postings. These two are located near where I worked at the Prudential Center in Boston.

Duck Pond on Botolph Street

Updated some content on the Duck Pond on Botolph Street post from 2015. I remember walking by this duck pond every day for about 3 years. It was fun seeing the changes the owner did for each season.

• Updated the graphic for desktop and mobile users
• Fixed Spelling

Mystery Rails on Ring Road

Updated some information on the Mystery Rails on Ring Road that I wrote back in 2013. This is one of my all time favorite blog titles.

• Updated the graphic for desktop and mobile users
• Fixed Spelling and formating

More updates coming next week, and then on the 31st, a look back at the best Boston Blog postings of 2020.

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Boston Blog Fixes

Continue fixing some old Boston Blog posts

Continuing the task of fixing some old blog posts....

Mass General Laws - Posted January 21, 2013

Made some minor changes to the Mass General Laws blog post

• Fixed the post styling
• Added a new graphic for desktop and mobile
• The law still applies today. You can be fined just for carrying a cigarette.

JP Morgan Corporate Challenge - April 5, 2013

This is a post that I made in 2013 after I signed up for my first 5k race for the 2013 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge.

Post Updated with:

• Better graphic for mobile and desktop. (Best header for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge!)
• Added a Teaser which shows up when the post is referenced on Facebook and Twitter.
• Link to the Running Category that I created from future 5k notes.

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Cleaning up Old Boston Posts

Taking some time to fix Old Boston Blog Posts

Since March 13th, I have only been to Boston once -> October 12. So it's been challenging to post content without actually visiting sites.

Usually when I post something, I try to visit the site and get some information about it.

Since I am working from home, I haven't been able to get any new pictures.

Updating Content

Throughout December I'll be updating many old Boston blog posts. Some of these were using old image formats and had some pretty bad spelling mistakes.

I am not sure what will happen in January. I may take a pause on the Boston post for a while, just until I can get more relevant content.

Until then every Thursday, I'll randomly pick a couple of Boston Blog posts that I think should be updated.

Bad Seats At Fenway

Section 5 in Fenway Park - I updated the main graphic so it loads for desktop and mobile. I also did some spelling/grammar check. I had a hard time trying to find the picture that I used for that post.

The picture was taken at a company outing.

Strange Trees Over Street

Harcourt Street - I fixed the image and the spelling/grammar. (using Grammarly)

The picture was really hard to find. This post was from 2013 and I take way more pictures now than I did in 2013. Luckily I was able to find it in Google Photos. I just searched for "St Botolph St 2013" and found it in a few minutes.

I think the picture helps describe what's unique about the location.

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Boston View from Duck Boats

Great views of Boston from the Duck Boats

One of the popular Boston tourist attraction is the Boston Duck Tours. You get in a bus line vehicle and get a tour of the city. Towards the end, the vehicle goes in the water for some spectacular views of Boston.

This is a great opportunity to get pictures of Boston.

It will be impossible to do group photos as the driver and guide ask people to stay seated when the vehicle is on the water.

The vehicle heads towards the Massachusetts Ave bridge and returns back towards the Museum of Science. You should have plenty of time to take pictures of the Boston skyline.

The Duck tours do sell out during the summer peak season. Reservations are highly recommended.

Where to get the Duck Boats

You can catch the Duck Boasts at the Prudential Mall. Tickets are available across from Barnes and Noble inside the mall.

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