The Beantown Gazette

See The New Beantown This Friday At Noon

2010-12-14T17:58:00.003-05:00

www.beantownpals.com

Beantown is bigger and tastier, and this Friday at noon we will reveal the new look, the new music, and Bucky & Betty. This is a sneak peak at our upcoming animated show!

Produced and directed by Rick Siggelkow, the gentleman who brought Thomas the Tank Engine to America and made it the worldwide generational property it has become, the new Beantown will stun and amaze you!

Be one of the first to see what the next big animated hit is going to look like. See you in Beantown at high noon on Friday

Smilin' & Wavin'
Paul Elwell
Vice-President
All Mighty Productions / Beantown Pals

Gentlebeans, Start Your Spoons!

2010-10-04T08:47:00.004-04:00

12 year old Sean from Sayville, NY used his bean to make this amazing stop-action video!

Hitch Your Wagon To ...

2010-09-09T08:36:00.004-04:00

The Lil' Red Wagon Sale

Consignment & Craft Events for the Entire Family

Friday and Saturday September 10 & 11
Weymouth Elks

Travelin' Beans!

2010-08-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

We love to know where your Beans have been, send your pics to:

Travelin' Bean Pics

The Space Needle in Seattle

The Freemont Troll of Seattle

Baseball in Wichita, KS

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

Deception Pass, WA

Mount Rushmore

Little Big Horn

Mount Saint Helens

These Beans have go a lot of places, and they get there in style!

I wonder if this is faster than a spoon racer ...

Here Ye! Here Ye! Faneuil Hall Family Fun Day is July 31st!

2010-07-31T06:46:00.000-04:00

Come one, come all, to Historic Faneuil Hall! Saturday, July 31st from 11AM to 4PM is your chance to meet The Bean and The Team at our flagship store: Best of Boston / Boston 101.

More people come to this national treasure every year than go to Disneyworld, but only one Bean comes here.

Hope we see you there!

Cool Beans In Hot Springs!

2010-07-27T07:45:00.000-04:00

Andrew and Conner of Hot Springs, Arkansas hanging with their Beans!

Check it out, The Beantown Toys Sizzle Reel

2010-07-12T06:53:00.003-04:00

Kimball and The Kid!

2010-07-11T08:36:00.002-04:00

6 year old Jasper from Boston tries to beat the summertime heat with
his favorite Bean: Kimball.

Kimball is Beantown's ice cream Bean

Bucky Bean at The Balsams

2010-07-06T13:06:00.001-04:00

Bucky Bean and his team brought plenty of their own "fireworks" to The Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, NH during Independence Day Weekend!

Chaos reigned at the creation table!

The weekend was filled with happy faces and amazing creations!

Even Bucky needed a break!

And if you missed us, relax (like Bucky), and join us when we return to The Balsams Labor Day Weekend!

Get Ready, The Beantown Sizzle Reel is here!

2010-06-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Fans of Beantown,

Beantown Toys and The Beantown Gazette are excited to announce the release our Sizzle Reel! Now is your chance to see see what is in store for the the future of Beantown.

Just click on the link below ...
and GET READY!!

Beantown Toys • Sizzle Reel

Doctor's Orders!

2010-06-04T08:23:00.004-04:00

All Mighty Productions Inc. / aka Beantown Toys

Spoon Racers and Beanbots

Age Range
4 - 12

Price
2.99 to 7.99

Introduction
2007

Types
Active Toy
Construction Toy
Creative Product

Beantown Toys Company has created over 160 individual Bean characters that are fun collectibles. Expanding the line to create an open-ended, non-linear building system are the Spoon Racers and Beanbots. All components are interchangeable promoting unlimited creativity. This combination of interconnecting components with collectible individual characters is unique. The experience Beantown creates for children to stimulate creativity while emphasizing positive behavior and values through their stories, games and mobile apps will build trust with parents. Each components has undergone and passed all required CPSIA compliance testing . Prices range from $2.99 to $7.99.

All content from this post reprinted directly from DrToy.com

Come One, Come All, To The Solomon Pond Mall!

2010-05-29T06:53:00.000-04:00

Whiz By And See The Bean!

2010-05-22T06:43:00.000-04:00

The Bean Team will be at The Whiz Store in Westborough, MA this Saturday from 11:30 - 2.

Hope we see you there!

A Blast At The Darien Toy Box

2010-05-19T06:30:00.001-04:00

Thank you to the Darien Toy Box in CT for having the Bean Team come for a visit!

The Bean is Coming to Darien, CT

2010-05-14T12:59:00.000-04:00

Come one, come all to:

Saturday, May 15: 11:30 to 2

Darien Toy Box
1064 Boston Post Road
Darien, CT

Find our more by clicking on their logo above!

Cool Bean Annie!

2010-05-06T06:21:00.003-04:00

One of Beantown's biggest fans, Annie had a great time partying with The Bean at Showcase Live in Foxboro!

Beantastik work Annie!

Showing Off At Showcase Live!

2010-05-03T08:23:00.000-04:00

A great time was had by all at Showcase LIVE of Patriot Place!!

The Bean was even able to drum up support for his dance moves!

Join The Bean @ Showcase LIVE in Patriot Place May 1st!

2010-05-01T07:14:00.000-04:00

Enter to win VIP seating at the Playdate Live event on May 1
at Showcase Live!

Join us for a free fun-filled concert experience for the whole family featuring the Toe Jam Puppet Band on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Showcase Live in Foxborough. But, seating is limited so the first 75 to respond will receive a family-four-pack to the show.

Bring your toe taps and hand slaps as you sing along with Toe Jam's interactive songs and puppets. Ten (10) ticket holders will win VIP seating for their family near the stage. Also, a grand prize winner will receive the VIP seating, a prize packet full of goodies form the band and the family will join the band on stage for a special song!

But hurry, space is limited! Don't forget to reserve your spot enter today.

Meet The Bean in Brewster!

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join the Bean this Saturday from 11:30 to 2:00 at The Village Toy Store in Brewster, MA

Lemon Tree Village Shops
1069 Main Street
Route 3A

Classic Bean Give Away!

2010-04-26T09:21:00.004-04:00

Enter to win "Boss," a proud member of the Original First Series of Beans! Email your entry by clicking on Boss himself!

Winner will be announced on May 1st!

Sand Between Your Beans!

2010-04-26T07:19:00.002-04:00

Lauri brought her Bean to see the pyramids!

Things Were Hopping in Hopkinton!

2010-04-18T06:09:00.006-04:00

A good time was had by all at the Annual Hopkinton Drug "Runner's Festival."
Some of Beantown's biggest fans came out to kick-off the Boston Marathon weekend. Even though he won't be running the race, The Bean still had a legume up on the competition!

Get Your Beans at Best of Boston!

2010-04-16T06:26:00.002-04:00

Beantown Toys is excited to announce our new partnership with Best of Boston in world famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Open 7 days a week, Faneuil Hall gets more visitors in a year than even Disney World!

Best of Boston is the premier souvenir shop filled with everything you need to remember your trip to Beantown. Come by and see us, and don't forget to pick up a Bean!

Combine and Customize Your Beanbots and Spoon Racers!

2010-04-10T07:28:00.002-04:00

What is Beantown? short summary!

2010-04-01T11:07:00.001-04:00

Beantown Toys Corporate Video

2010-03-31T07:19:00.000-04:00

Awesome Alyssa!

2010-03-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

Bean Fan Alyssa sent us this amazing artwork!

Go to

http://www.beantowntoys.com

to download your own coloring page and send us your

Dream Bean.

You can scan and email your artwork to:

beantowneditor@comcast.net

or mail it to:

537 Gallivan Boulevard

Boston, MA 02124

Work of the Week - MONEY

2010-03-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

Great day and thanks again for checking in! Our word of the week is MONEY!!!! That’s right! It’s been said that money makes the world go ‘round. However, in keeping with our character-building messages at Beantown Toys, wouldn’t you agree as my friend Helen so aptly puts it…Not money or gifts or material things, But UNDERSTANDING and the JOY it brings can change this old world in wonderful ways and put goodness and mercy back in our days? Yes, it is important that we be good stewards and manage money wisely, for we must show that we can take of a little before we are given much! But let’s go on our way this week remembering that it’s our kindness and warmth, appreciation and LOVE that are truly PRICELESS! LOL, your friend, Magic!

Last week’s word: LOVE. LOVE is the GREATEST GIFT you can share! In fact, it is even written in the Ten Commandments that we LOVE one another….” Love creates that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. As a kitty, it makes me purr when I feel loved! And the best part is, giving LOVE is FREE! Plus, it’s good exercise for the heart and contains no calories. When we walk in LOVE with a HAPPY HEART, everything else will follow! Who will you show LOVE to this week? I hope everyone you meet! LOL (lots of love), your friend Magic!

Magic's MAGIC COOKIE BARS - Yummy, YUMMY!!!! and Word of the week - JOY

2010-02-13T11:41:00.001-05:00

Great MAGICAL day everyone! Hope you had a BEANTASTIK February school vacation! I did! My mom went to New York City for Toy Fair! She came back with lots of great news! The toys she liked the best were of course - the BEANTOWN buildable Spoon Racers, Beanbots and the purple "Magic" Header Card!!! Stay tuned, I’ll be able to share it with you little bit by bit!
Meanwhile, it’s a cold, windy, winter’s day…but puuuurfect for baking! Mom bought all the ingredients to make Magic Cookies – thus my nickname Magic Cookie Bean – so this morning we made them together! They are delish! First you get a 13x9-inch pan and pre-heat the oven to 350-degree. Then you take ½ cup melted butter and 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and mix them all up together in a big bowl. Spray the bottom of the pan with a cooking spray, then press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Next, sprinkle evenly over the crumb mixture 2 cups of chocolate chips and 2 cups of butterscotch or peanut butter chips. Then top both those layers with 2 cups of shredded coconut. Open one can of sweeten condensed milk and drizzle evenly over the entire mixture! Bake for approximately 30 minutes (or until lightly browned on top in a 350-degree oven. Yummy, yummy in my tummy! Boy these are good! They taste might fine washed down with a bowl of my specialty - Choco-Bean Hot Chocolate! Well, that’s it for now….guess I’d better go lick my paws and wash my face! Your friend, Magic!

WORD OF THE WEEK - JOY!!!!!!
Thank you for checking in with me at the Calico Corner! If you haven't read my story, I invite you to scroll down and learn how I came to be named Magic! You are an important viewer and your comments are always welcome! So far, we've looked at the meaning of the words APPRECIATION, BEANTASTIK, CREATIVITY, DEDICATION, EFFORT, FAMILY, GIFTS, HEART and INTEGRITY.  Our word of the week begins with the letter “J”! What better word to choose than JOY!!!! Boy oh boy, even the sound of JOY – J…O…Y make us feel lighter and brighter! What brings JOY to your day? How can you add JOY to somebody else’s day? Maybe it’s a hug from your Mom or YOU hugging your Mom? For me, I love it when my Mom pats me and lifts me up to give me a GREAT BIG HUG. I respond and give her lots of purrs and a nose rub right back.! Let’s be sure that this week we all make a special effort to jump, sing, work and play JOYFULLY and share that joy with someone else! Your JOYFUL friend, Magic!

Last week's word was INTEGRITY (In-te-grity)! – One of the most important character values in society today is being a person of INTEGRITY. What does integrity mean? Integrity is being a person of your word and when you say you’ll do something, you do it. When you make a statement it is true to the very best of your knowledge and people learn to trust you and your word. That character value is PRICELESS. An example would be if you receive too much change back from a cashier. What do you do? You don’t keep it and think its okay because he or she made the mistake. No, instead you give back the extra change because that is the RIGHT thing to do. Another good way to describe INTEGRITY is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. And we know that someone is always watching! Why, I think that’s called our conscience! Thank you in advance for showing INTEGRITY this week! Love and furry hugs, your pal, Magic!

Before that, HEART. We all have one! In fact, it’s the most important organ in our body. Why we couldn’t live without it! How do you use yours? Did you know your heart is really a muscle? And that there are two beats to the rhythm of a heart…BOOM-boom, BOOM-boom. They are called diastole and systole. Responsible for pumping blood INTO and OUT of your HEART to nourish and bring oxygen to all your other organs.   That’s the anatomical importance of the heart.   Now, let’s take a look at how our hearts affect the way we feel. When we have a HEART for something or someone, we CARE about it or them. We may even feel LOVE. We show appreciation and interest, right? Like me and my brother, Mr. Pumpkin. I know he has a BIG HEART because he’s always showing me and our Mommy and Daddy how much he cares and LOVES us by sharing BIG RUBS, HUGS and LOUD PURRS!

At BEANTOWN TOYS, our motto is “TRUST YOUR HEART” which means when you hear that inner voice telling you that something is right and in your heart you feel it is right too, then trust your heart and follow that path. With LOVE and appreciation from your friend, Magic.
PS: We are having coloring contest to see what a HEARTY Bean would look like! Go to our http://www.beantowntoys.com/ homepage, download a coloring page for a blank Bean, create your drawing and send it along to BeantownToys care of ruthann@beantowntoys.com Can't wait to see your artistic masterpiece!

Word of the week from December 26th...GIFT! Now you may be thinking it's because many of us just celebrated Christmas. Yet this word also means talents and strengths - these are referred to as "gifts". Every person has special talents unique to his or herself. That's the beauty of diversity and being human...or feline! We are each created to be talented in certain areas. One of my talents is my squeaky purr. My sister, Cassidy, has a more rythmic, melodious purr but I squeak!   Some of us have the GIFT of being artistic, some of us are more athletic, some of us are very good with math, some of us are better in science, some of us play musical instruments, and some of us can sing really well. We can always "puuurfect" our gifts by practicing and developing strength in these areas. What are your gifts? A fun way to find out what your gifts are is to think of what you like to do the best. That is called "playing to your strength".

Another meaning of the word GIFT is when you give something to someone else. One GIFT we all can GIVE is LOVE and friendship. I hope as you enjoy this last week of the year, you will think of the people you LOVE and show them the GIFT of friendship and caring. Your friend, Magic!

BUMPY the BLIND BEAN!!! - A short story teaching character building values of unconditional love and appreciating our differences. We hope you will enjoy!

2010-01-12T10:21:00.004-05:00

BUMPY, the Blind BEAN!
Imagine a world with no mirrors. How wonderful that could be! To know what others look like, a Bean would have to see!   This was the world in which Bumpy lived. A world with no mirrors yet rather where EYES reflect the heart and soul of a Bean!
Meet Bumpy! Bumpy had a BIG heart. He also was born with a BIG bump on his head! Do all Beans have bumps on their head? Maybe all Beans have bumps on their heads! Bumpy didn’t know, because Bumpy was born blind. And Bumpy couldn’t feel the bump, because Beans have no arms, silly!   When Bean was growing up his Mommy always told him how special he was and that she loved him very much.   Bumpy was kind and loved all people. He would listen very carefully to what people would say. He was very “insightful”!
So when Bumpy came home from school one day in tears, his mother asked him why he was so sad. Bumpy told his Mommy that there were Beans at school who made fun of him. They say there’s something wrong with me. They say I have a BIG bump on my head!!! His mother took Bean into her arms and hugged him. “Oh Bumpy,” she sighed, “You’re not weird, you’re gifted! It’s time for your nap. Let’s tuck you in. You’ll feel much better when you wake up rested!” As Bumpy fell asleep, a Bean Angel appears in his dream. “Spiss, spiss, Bumpy, it’s me, Bean Angel!” Oh Bean Angel, sighed Bumpy. I’m so glad you’re here!” The kids at school are bullying me.” They say I’m different. I like them and I want to be their friend, but it’s hard because I feel out of place. I’m confused. What’s wrong with me?” Oh Bumpy! Nothing’s wrong with you! In fact, you are special and gifted. You see when you were but a small sprout, you developed insight and patience and a kind heart. You are smart and you care about others. We live in a world with no mirrors, so we can’t see ourselves as others may see us. Yet YOU Bumpy, have developed the gift of “insight” even though you cannot see. That is a very special gift. You my dear Bumpy have the ability to make a difference in the lives of other Beans. You can show them that even though you may not see through your eyes, you can still see their soul. You know they are good beans at heart. Your kindness and understanding will teach others to follow your example. These are the qualities of character that ALL Bean-kind can appreciate.   “Bumpy, do you know what they are laughing at?”, inquired Bean Angel. "Yes, they say I have a bump on my head.” “Bumpy, you are so funny! We all have a bump on our head!!!!!” Bean Angel kissed Bumpy on the head and disappeared. A few moments later Bean awoke. His world looked much brighter now. There’s nothing like a little nap and a visit from Bean Angel to cheer a Bean up! The aroma of fresh baked cookies drew his attention and Bean ran to the kitchen to give his Mom a great BIG HUG!   She was glad to see Bumpy feeling much better about himself. "You see Bumpy, not everybody sees things the same way and they may even make fun of us, yet it really doesn't matter because Beans can be different and that's okay." © All Rights Reserved 2010 – Bean Angel, LLC

Magic's Calico Corner

2009-12-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

It's a puuurfectly BEANTASTIK day! My name is Magic and I'm a Bean! You can see me in our Series 4 line-up on http://www.beantowntoys.com.
I chose the color purple because I love purple! Purple is a happy color! Here's my story.....I’m a shelter kitty! My Mom always tells me how cute I am and asks me, “Magic, how did you get to be so cute?” With my squeaky little voice I simply reply, “I don’t know, I’m just me!”

Back in the beginning when I was but a little sprout, I was brought to an Animal Shelter because my owners learned they were allergic to me. That very afternoon, another couple came in just before my Mom and they said they wanted to adopt me, so my Mom ended up taking home a kitty named Mr. Pumpkin. As my Mom left, I do remember a comment that if it didn’t work out for that other couple, would they please call my Mom as she thought she could adopt me too.

Well, Pumpkin became a “psycho-man” and there was no peace in the house once he arrived! His siblings, Rudy and Cassidy were NOT very happy with their new “brother” and as much as my Mommy and Daddy loved Pumpkin, there were “issues”.

About a week later, I was brought back to the shelter. That couple argued all the time. They decided they couldn’t keep me. The kind ladies at the shelter called my Mom. Well, as I said, Pumpkin was creating issues with our siblings, so my Mom now wasn’t sure if adopting me was going to be the right thing to do. She had “doubt”. Fortunately, she prayed on it for a night and the next day, voila! She arrived at the shelter and brought me home. You see, there was no room for doubt in our home, just plenty of room for love and for me!

So, from the time I pranced in the door, Pumpkin and I became best of friends. Mommy and Daddy think I had some “magical power” over him. All I know is he has a BIG heart, a loud purr and I love him! Now, there was harmony in the house – hence my name – Magic!

You see God knew that he would need a loving home. Pumpkin really is a very affectionate kitty and he loves and loves and loves and sometimes it seems like he is in the way, yet he is only trying to share love and rubs. He has so much to give sometimes his cup is running over!

I hope and pray that people will continue to rescue little kitties like Pumpkin and me every day!

As a "Contributing writer", I'll be sharing a little story each week starting with the first letter in the alphabet!

"A" is for APPRECIATION! A-pre-she-A-tion!
Let's be sure to tell someone TODAY just how much we appreciate them! Surely there is someone who helped you recently....maybe your Mom, or your Dad, or your teacher, or your best friend!

I welcome your stories too! Take a peek at our collectible bean characters and write me a story about your favorite one(s)! http://www.beantowntoys.com

I'd love to hear from you! Have a "Magical" day!

PS: Here's a little story I wrote about APPRECIATION! It's called Gratitude.....hmmm...maybe I could change up the name to "CATitude"!!!!

"GRATITUDE" by Magic Cookie Bean
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank YOU!
Oh how I love to say THANK YOU!
Thank you for fresh water in my bowl.
Thank you for the bubbling brook to drink from!
Thank you for birds in the trees that sing to me!
Thank you for legs to rub,And chins to lick, And cheeks to kiss.
Thank you for cat naps, And people laps. Nana always said to remember our Please and THANK YOU’s! It’s called “grat-it-ude”…like “Cat-it-ude”
When we say “Thank you” the world is a nicer place!
There is always something to be thankful for. I know if you look, you will find it! Maybe it’s under the bed. Or in the shed. Or in your head! I know! Gratitude is an Attitude! Be a friend to someone and you will find it!
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! THANK YOU for being my friend!
Love, Magic Cookie Bean

Beantown School FUN-racer....fundraiser!

2009-11-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

A special note from Magic Bean....As temperatures fall and the snow flies...at least in the northern hemisphere, we think of furry friends who are less fortunate than those of us who were adopted from animal shelters. At the shelter, we find warmth, a bowl of fresh water and crunchy food to eat! People need shelter too!

My friends at Beantown Toys have given me permission to reach out and invite YOU to sponsor a fundraiser at your school or community organization. 50% of the proceeds from orders collected on paper and placed direct with Beantown Toys, or group online sales http://www.beantowntoys.com/ will be donated to your specified favorite charity or notforprofit organization. One by
one we can make a difference, yet think of what we could do if we all got together and joined hands....err...I mean paws! LOL, Magic!
For more information, please email ruthann@beantowntoys.com with tagline "Fundraiser".

Having a Ball!

2009-06-23T07:16:00.003-04:00

Beantown Toys fan Jillian, of St. Brendan's School in Dorchester, took the time to show us what she'd like a couple of our future Beans to look like!

Bean at St. Brendan's

2009-06-15T21:09:00.003-04:00

Field Day at St Brendan's in Dorchester fielded a special visitor: The Bean! With summer on horizon, the students spent one of their last school days playing games with friends, family and faculty.

Hugs and crowds were the order of the day!

And we have to hand it to Jillian, one of our biggest Beantown Fans!
Way to show your true colors!
w

Series 4 and More!!

2009-06-05T13:18:00.007-04:00

Rocky, Greenwing, Princess Patty, Sir Bean, Mac, Honey Bean, and Pixel are just a few of the newest members of Beantown. In all more than 20 never before seen Beans are available now! Individual Beans are $2.99, but for a limited time you mix and match any 3 for $7.99. There is no limit on the number of sets of 3 you can buy, so now is your chance to complete you set and save a few bucks!

We are also proud to announce the return of Beantown Collectable Key Chains. Your old favorites; Bean, Lucky, Pitch, Quacker, Blitz and Lobstah are back with a new friend: Kix! Soccer fans will really get a kick out him! Key Chains are $3.99 each, or you can buy 3 for $9.99!

A full supply of Series 1 Beanbots are available for only $7.99 each or 3 for $21.99. And Series 1 & 2 Spoon Racers are all $5.99 and 3 for $16.99.

Combine your Beanbots and Spoon Racers for limitless ways to Build Your Character! Just look at this creation by Beantown fans Becky and Bert!

Email photos of what you build to beantowneditor@comcast.net and we'll show to the world!

The Beanbots Have Landed!

2009-05-07T07:09:00.005-04:00

The newest members of Beantown have arrived!!!
Be the first to get yours today!

Bean To The Fututre

2009-04-20T10:05:00.003-04:00

If six year old Adrian of Medfield was buying Wonka Bars, he'd have found a Golden Ticket! He is one of lucky few who has been able to add a Beanbot to his collection! A very limited number Beantown's newest family members were recently made available and Adrian was quick enough to scoop one up!

Keep an eye out for the full release of our Beanbots in the coming weeks!

ItzaBean at ItzaParty!

2009-01-24T05:55:00.001-05:00

Beantown's Biggest Bean Fan!

2009-01-18T08:20:00.008-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with a special young lady, Ellie from Dorchester, and her impressive collection of more than 100 Beans! The 12 year old Boston Latin student began building her Bean bonanza a little more than two years ago, and has inspired us at the Beantown Gazette and Beantown Toys ever since.

I first met Ellie in December 2007 when she came to our "Bean Counting" event at her local Members Plus Credit Union. She single-handedly made that fundraiser bigger than we ever expected. Our plan was to have people turn their coins in cash for holiday shopping, while a small percentage of all coins counted would go to a local charity. And everybody who participated would receive a gift from The Bean himself!

When Ellie came in with her bag of coins she did something no one expected, she donated all her money to the charity! A little more than $30! A truly selfless act!

Ellie and The Bean at the Members Plus Credit Union "Bean Counting" event

Ellie has not only been generous in donating her money, she has giving us many of her ideas for future Beans. Her latest creations are: Vic, Greiko, and my favorite, Mr Snicklefritz.

Vic & Greiko

Mr. Snickelfritz

Some of her other Beantastic designs have been: AmeriBean, the very clumsy Clyde, Laffs The Clown, Chop! The Black Belt Bean, and Super Bean's sidekick Buzz.

And we'll never forget her drawing of an epic battle between Shadow Shark and Shark Machine! She called it: Showdown!

Thank you for all for your generosity and hard work Ellie! You certainly know how to Trust Your Heart, Use Your Bean, and Build Your Character!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!

2009-01-16T16:42:00.009-05:00

The Boston Globe and Boston.com writer Johnny Diaz recently wrote a great article about Beantown Toys and Beantown CEO Tom Hayes, and we have it here in case you missed it! Thank you Mr. Diaz!

By Johnny Diaz
Globe Staff / January 15, 2009

Tom Hayes is in Beantown, one inhabited by baked bean characters who drive cars made out of spoons, live in homes called bean pots, and work in skyscrapers that have a certain legume shape.

This whimsical world of a two-legged bean in a baseball cap is the brainchild of Hayes, a former X-ray salesman and longtime stand-up comedian who dreamed of creating a Web comic strip based on funny exchanges with his wife, Inna Zhdanova. After considering various vegetables in the starring role, Hayes reached out to an animator who suggested using a baked bean as a character. Hayes says he invested $600,000 of his own magic beans to launch this alternative bean town, which has sprouted new characters and toys in the past year, with more to come.

"The whole idea is create a whole mythology, a bean town where beans live," says Hayes, who lives in South Boston. He's standing in the middle of bean central, better known as Beantown Toys on Newbury Street. The toy store features a wall of plush bean character collectibles such as Dunky, a pink bean that looks like it might work at a particular coffee and donut shop. There's Pitch, a bean that resembles a Red Sox baseball. And there's Statey, a bean state trooper.

As Hayes talks, a monitor plays a new animated trailer featuring the bean theme song: Use your bean, trust your heart, build your character in Beantown.

"We stumbled on a very charismatic figure, like Mickey Mouse or SpongeBob," says Hayes, who recently unveiled the bean animated trailer, which was produced by FableVision, a multimedia studio based in Boston. He's developing that trailer into an online animated series as part of the bean's evolution.

"It's not just about the toys but about the message, follow your path. We are trying to hit at certain truths and use them as role models for kids and their parents."

The bean's first incarnation began as a human-size character played by a local actor who wore a costume that looked like a Boston baked bean. He appeared at birthday parties, Boston Duck Tours, and events around the city such as First Night. In October 2006, Hayes opened Beantown Toys with a 4-foot plush smiling doll greeting tourists and passersby from the front window.

The bean has grown into an unofficial Boston mascot and its brand has expanded into key chains, mugs, T-shirts, and, of course, collectibles, which number about 180. The characters, by toy designer Matt Doughty, made their debut at the annual International Toy Fair in New York City and have appeared at the San Diego Comic Convention.

Hayes is about to introduce "bean bots" construction toys, and plans to publish books about being true to yourself.

On a recent Friday midday, several kids poured into the toy store and began giggling when they spotted all the bean characters.

"We can't figure it out," adds Hayes with a laugh. "Whether it's the shape or the image, people are so charged about it. There's this kinetic appeal that kids are fascinated with."

Beantown is Now A Two Blog Town!

2008-12-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

The Beantown Gazette is excited to welcome sister-blog The Beantown Beacon! Straight out of Beantown, the Beacon offers the latest scoops on what is going on inside Beantown now, and what to expect in the future!

Sparkle For The New Year!

2008-12-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

Limited Edition Sparkle is now available! This collectible Bean is coated in a super shiny reflective silver paint and features the words, "Happy New Year!" on the back. Priority Shipping is available at checkout. All orders will receive a special bonus!

100 Beans and Counting!

2008-12-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

Beantown Toys, formerly The Boston Baked Bean, invites you to celebrate our re-launch!

2008-11-24T17:10:00.000-05:00

by Rebecca Cornwell - BOSTON, MA – Boston's Back Bay has needed a toy store for quite some time, and now Beantown Toys is filling that void!

On Friday November 28th, Beantown Toys invites you to stop by the grand opening of its brand new store on Newbury Street – located in the center of the city's popular shopping and dining district. Nestled among the beautiful brownstones that line this classic Boston street is the BEAN's toyshop, where bay windows and a cozy fireplace make guests feel at home. Inside, the store's shelves are lined with an array of fun children's toys, including BEAN plushies, and small plastic Beans that sit and scoot inside Bean Spoons on wheels!

The public is warmly invited to attend the BEAN's Opening Party to meet the 6-foot, cuddly mascot, and check out his shop, which sits at 291 Newbury Street. The party will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Guests can enjoy refreshments, face painting, coloring contests, spoon races, storytelling and maybe even some live music. Just look for the balloons out front!

The BEAN is a budding new Boston mascot born from the rich, local history of The Boston Baked Bean. Now, as a life-size, walking, waving Baked Bean, he symbolizes all that Boston was, is and can be. The BEAN's mission is to inspire a spirit of unity, education, community, harmony and diversity. As the city's new goodwill ambassador, the BEAN seeks to share "Beantown Pride" with residents and visitors, while promoting local and national causes through charitable appearances. His playful can-do attitude inspires goodwill in children and adults alike!

---

For any of you our-of-town Bean Friends, please stay in touch with us through our website: www.beantowntoys.com. And let us know if there are any cool toy stores in your area that would serve as a good home for our beloved BEANS. :)

The Beantown Trailer is here!

2008-10-23T18:55:00.000-04:00

What A Collection!

2008-08-31T08:10:00.000-04:00

Eddie and Katie of Southborough, MA love showing off their huge battalions of Beans!

Cool Beans from Ean and Mari!

2008-08-31T07:59:00.000-04:00

Bean fans Ean and Mari from Lunenburg, MA took the time to send us their ideas for future Beans!

These are cool! Thanks kids!

Playing in Portland

2008-08-31T07:19:00.000-04:00

Mainiacs from all over Portland poured out to spend time with The Bean during his recent visit to their fine city!

Bean Ship 1

2008-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Bean fan Scotty T. from Medfield envisions the day Beans move from Spoon Racers into intergalactic Bean Ships. Who knows, he could have the design that someday takes flight!

Good Luck, and Bean Speed, Scotty!

Spoon Racers Series 2 Are Now Available!

2008-08-16T07:17:00.000-04:00

Rolling Out A Good Time For A Good Cause!

2008-08-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Bean was on hand for The 14th Annual Positive Spin for ALS! Riders of all ages joined in, some biking as many as 75 miles to support this great cause!

Let It Rip!

2008-05-31T07:58:00.001-04:00

Our good friends from the New England Riptide came by the Newbury Street store to help kick off their 2008 season.

Follow their season, and pick up their Custom Beans
"Ace" & "Swoopy,"
at
http://www.neriptide.com/

Cheers! (No really, it's Cheers!)

2008-05-28T07:37:00.000-04:00

The Bean was see hanging out at the Taste of Boston held at Cheers! As the personal guest of owner Tom Kershaw, Bean got VIP access to this event

It was a heaping helping of good food and good times for all. And thankfully no beans were harmed in the making of the menu!

When in Beantown, don't forget to visit our friends at:
Cheers!
84 Beacon Street
Boston, MA
02108
http://www.cheersboston.com/

Apples and The Bean!

2008-05-21T06:59:00.000-04:00

Bean Fans of Westford came out to see their favorite two-legged legume march in the annual Apple Blossom Parade.

Many thanks to the Toy Shop of Westford for in inviting Beantown Toys to be part of this great event. Be sure to visit them for all your toy — and Bean — needs!

Westford Valley Marketplace
160 Littleton Rd. Westford, MA 01886
(978) 692-0092
OPEN: Mon.Tues. Wed.- 9am-6pm,
Thurs. & Fri.- 9am-8pm
Sat.- 9am-6pm & Sun.- 12am-5pm
http://toyshopofwestford.com/

Having a Ball!

2008-05-06T08:07:00.000-04:00

by Lizzie Pangborn

On May 3rd, Bean walked in a parade of little league-ers through downtown Medfield to celebrate the new Curt Schilling Baseball and Shonda Schilling Softball Fields at Medfield High School. Several Red Sox players were there and event attendees got to have their photo taken with both World Series trophies and rings. Bean kept himself busy signing baseball hats & Bean checklists.

Spoon Racers Are Here!

2008-04-21T06:54:00.000-04:00

The wait is over, spoon racers have arrived in Beantown!

Race over to BeantownToys.com to begin your collection today!

5 Minute Beans

2008-04-08T06:29:00.001-04:00

The Beans have many jobs around Beantown, but no one has punctuated how useful they can be more than Miss White of the Douglas Intermediate Elementary School in Douglas, MA. She uses her Bean, and our Beans, to help teach the importance of proper punctuation.

"Can I tell you what great energy you have helped create in my classroom? I introduced my students to the beans this past Monday." Miss White said in a recent interview. "They have met a new Bean everyday. With each Bean they meet I connect the personality of the Bean to the use of a comma. They love it! I hope you like this tribute to your Beans."

Miss White designated a different Bean for seven of the different uses of the comma in sentence structure. Bean, Super Bean, Charlie, Big Dug, Jitters, Batty, and Bildy all have an important job. The job description for each Bean comes directly from Miss White's worksheet. The worksheets can be viewed and printed in full simply by clicking on them. They are also available in a seven page pdf file that you can request by sending me an email at: beantowneditor@comcast.net.

Bean's Job Description:
Bean, the basic comma, is used to separate three or more words, phrases or clauses in a series.

Super Bean's Job Description:
This additive is the extra ingredient that many sentences need. Re-explaining the subject requires the work of SUPER BEAN! This extra information is called appositive.

Charlie's Job Description:
This Bean brings action to your dinner. Working hard to get the job done, Charlie will always separate the participle phrase from the subject. The key to this Bean's success is remembering the a participle phrase at the beginning of the sentence must be followed by a comma.

Big Dug's Job Description:
This Bean presents your dinner with care and flare. Setting the scene with a prepositional phrase requires Big Dug to come around. This Bean must set apart two or more (or one long) prepositional phrases that begin a sentence.

Jitter's Job Description:
When the flow of a sentence is interrupted, Jitters can be seen surrounding the words. I think it may be the caffeine. At least we know why Miss White uses it.

Batty's Job Description:
This Bean has been so hard at work trying to un-confuse the world that he has no more sense in his Bean. To help readers across the world, Batty is used to prevent the misreading of a sentence.

Bildy's Job Description:
This Bean allows the world to be described in compound sentences. With a coordinating conjunction and Bildy, a sentence can go with the flow.

The Scoop on Our Latest Give Away!

2008-03-23T07:54:00.000-04:00

This week will be our first Spoon Racer Give Away!

This is Racer Bean, a Series 1 Spoon Racer. This week's give away will be a very rare Spoon Racer: King Beanwabe. The King was only available at the 2008 International Toy Fair, but we have a few tucked away at the Beantank. A lucky Bean Fan will win one next Sunday!
Click here to enter now!
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

Beans on Board!

2008-03-18T21:38:00.000-04:00

Buddies of Beantown, Emma and Will of Northville, MI really put their heads together when they decided to take their two favorite Beans with them on a Disney Cruise. Not since Bean came over on the Mayflower had he been on a ship at sea. And Pitch, a land lover, knew he'd have a ball on the big boat.

Emma says she almost never leaves home without her number one Bean. "I take Pitch everywhere, and since I knew how much fun I was going to have, I had to take him with me!"

Will, who always watches out for his little sister, says he wanted Bean to keep an eye on Pitch during the trip. "Beans always use the buddy-system when they go places, so I wanted to bring him. He would have been sad at home all week, and I know Bean wouldn't have gone away without me."

What a trip it was, just look at all the people and places they saw:

Cap'n Mickey was the first to greet them when they got on board.
Then it was off to the mandatory safety drill.
After the drill they all went straight to Mickey Pool.Eddie welcomed them to the Cove Cafe where they hung out with their cousins: The Coffee Beans.
Benita and Aggie made sure Mom and Dad were able enjoy some of their favorite grown-up beverages.
Everyone had a great view of the Dinsey Magic while being tendered to Grand Cayman.
While on Grand Cayman they had lunch at the Lone Star Bar and Grill.
Back on board, Sabina was ready with more refreshments.
How about this idea Disney: Shuffleboard: The Ride.
This is more like it, just relaxing on the deck.
Animator's Palate was everyone's favorite restaurant,
but Mom and Dad treated themselves to a fancy meal at Palo's.
Mexico was the next stop but they stayed on the Magic,
and Yelena helped them cool off from the heat.
There was no keeping them on the boat when they arrived at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.
Nothing like spending a day at the beach.
Back on board they even got to share some birthday cake with a fellow passenger.
One thing is for sure, these Beans were treated to the best vacation ever!
Thank you Emma and Will!

A Successful 2008 Toy Fair!

2008-03-09T11:27:00.000-04:00

The Beanteam descended on this year's Toy Fair with a full squadron of Spoon Racers, as well as prototypes for the upcoming line of Beanbots and mini-plushes!

Toy Designer Matt Doughty (left), Graphic Designer Marc Beaudette, and Director of Public Relations Lizzie Pangborn were on hand for the four day event. Along with Head of Sales, Megan Doughty, the team was barraged with orders and interest from around the world.

Since returning to the Beantank, Beans and Spoon Racers have been shipped from Allston to Arizona, Irseal to Thailand, and everywhere in between.

As you can tell from our main display the Beantown Toy line continues to grow by leaps and Beans!

These are just of few of the new and exciting things coming to Beantown this year! And we're not about to stop there either, so keep watching!

Send Us Your Bean Ideas!

2008-02-10T08:34:00.001-05:00

Hey Bean Fans, many of you have sent us ideas for new Beans and we love them!

Julie's "Shimmer" Bean put stars in our eyes! Click on it for a closer look.

Ellie, one of The Bean's biggest fans, sent ideas that left us all buzzing! Click on them for a closer look.

Ellie also sent us her ideas for the Bean at Mardi Gras, and Bean jr! Click on them for a closer look.

Thanks for all your hard work Ellie!

If you have new Bean ideas email them to the Gazette: newbeanideas@beantowngazette.com
or mail them to us at:

New Bean Ideas
Beantown Toys
291 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115

And we'll scan them in for you!

They're Coming Spooner Than You Think ...

2008-02-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

Series 3 Complete!

2008-02-10T07:56:00.001-05:00

Zoom over to Beantown Toys and keep your Bean collection up to date with the latest Beans from series 3!

Growler, Cady, Gumba,

Major and Finn

Ask for them at your favorite Bean retailer, or have them shipped from Beantown right to your door at: www.beantowntoys.com

Very Nice in Venice!

2008-01-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

by Bean

It's not often I leave my beloved Beantown, but when I travel I do it First Class with first class friends. When Carl and Donna asked me to accompany them on their trip to Venice, Italy, I bounced at the chance.

I have to admit flying isn't as much fun as driving my spoon racer. But since they wouldn't let me fly the plane –and believe me I asked–all I could do was sit back and relax. I don't do that enough.

Venice is best know for the gondolas that grace the waterways.

Here I am making friends where ever I go. I would have waved but I was trying my best to be as inconspicuous as a Bean can be.

Ironically we had no trouble finding a restaurant that served my favorite food: Italian!

The only thing better than the food was the service! They were even nice enough to give me a tour of the kitchen. It was spotless, but the menu had way too many bean dishes. I know they say, "When in Rome do as the Romans," but when I'm in Venice I'll stick to the ziti.

All in all, it was a great trip! Traveling is something I need to do more of. Staying in one place for too long is truly for the birds!

Custom Beans

2008-01-20T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Bean Bakers at Beantown Toys can customize a Bean for your school, business, civic organization, special event, or whatever you can think up! Creating your one-of-a-kind Bean would be a unique opportunity to produce what will certainly become a rare and sought after collectable.

Showdown!

2008-01-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

That's the title of this fan art sent to the Gazette from 11 year-old Ellie of Dorchester, MA! We don't know who'd win, but Shadow Shark vs. Shark Machine would be an epic battle.

We'd love to see more of your fan art, as well as your ideas for future Beans. Download your own coloring pages at www.beantowntoys.com, you'll find them in the "PLAY" section. Color in your favorite Bean, or better yet, create your own one-of-a-kind Bean!

Plush And Pizza Helping People!

2008-01-02T19:58:00.000-05:00

by Lizzie Pangborn

The Franciscan Hospital for Children recently hosted the 2nd Annual "MIKE-FM Mascot Musical Chairs Pizza Party," and The Bean was front and center!

The Bean was ready to defend his title as Boston's Musical Chairs Champbean when things got a little rough.

Bean came in 2nd place in the first game of Musical Chairs, with Boomer the Cannon coming out on top. The 2nd game was an unfortunate loss for Bean. He came in last after Blades of the Boston Bruins, knocked him on his bean. While Bean is disappointed about losing his title as Musical Chairs Champbean, he heard a rumor that he will get to face off against Boomer & Blades in a game of Broomball sometime in January.

This event was held in anticipation of the "Mike FM Request for Help"
radiothon. The radiothon helped to raise money for the Franciscan Hospital for Children.

The Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston is the largest
pediatric rehabilitation facility in New England, providing the most
comprehensive continuum of services for children with special needs in
the nation. MIKE-FM & the participating mascots know that the
holidays can be tough and we want to turn that all around for many
deserving little faces at the hospital.

Here's the address in case Bean fans want to send in a donation...

Franciscan Hospital for Children
30 Warren St.
Boston, MA 02135

8 More for '08!

2008-01-02T19:34:00.001-05:00

The next wave of Series 3 is out and about Beantown right now! Get yours before they're history!

Super Bean DX, Statey, Big Dug DX

Vain, Lanche

Siber, Hermit & Midas

The Beans Have Been Counted!

2007-12-18T21:02:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Members Plus Credit Union joined the Bean in hosting a "Bean Counting" event at their Adams Village branch. People from near and far turned their loose change into extra spending money for the holidays, while a percentage was donated to the Cedar Grove Civic Association for their annual Children's Christmas Party! Everyone who came by received a stocking stuffer from Beantown Toys!

The first one through the doors was 11 year-old Ellie from Dorchester. One of the Bean's biggest fans, Ellie set the bar pretty high by not only giving the standard 8% of her counted coins to the cause, she gave it all! Just over $5. went from her pocket right to the party fund.

Merry Christmas to you Ellie, your generosity is one we all can learn from!

The morning was punctuated by people and pastry. Mark brought by his 2 year-old by, and treated himself to some of the delicious treats provided by Greenhill's Irish Bakery, also from right there in Adam's Village.

Branch Manager Bill Puddister, who was first to welcome the Bean Team to Members Plus, tallied up the day's take: $195.92!

It was a great time, but the giving doesn't end there. A different charity benefits from Members Plus' coin counter every month. So you can continue to help out good causes throughout the year.

For more information you can go to their website: http://www.memberspluscu.org

Cha-Ching! Hope we see you there again soon!

Get Your Beans Counted!

2007-12-02T10:43:00.001-05:00

Help a worthy cause while turning your coins into cash for the holidays. Bring your loose change to the Members Plus Credit Union Adams Village Branch on Saturday December 15th from 9AM -NOON and meet The Bean! Everyone who comes in will receive a Beantown Toys Stocking stuffer. A percentage of all coins counted will be donated to the Cedar Grove Civic Association Children's Christmas Party.

Learn More at
http://www.memberspluscu.org

Hope to see you there!

The Latest Beans Are In!

2007-12-02T09:59:00.001-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, the Series 3 Beans have arrived!
Beantown Toys is proud to introduce:
Mecha Peels, Gwyn, Oscar,

Double-O-Bean, Beck, Blitz,

Glowin, Explorer Patty, and Shadow Shark!

Place your orders early at:
www.BeantownToys.com

Bright Lights, Big City!

2007-12-02T09:45:00.001-05:00

The Bean was on hand this week for the City of Boston's Christmas Tree lighting!

Kendra's Birthday with The Bean!

2007-11-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Bean has had many birthdays of his own since coming over on The Mayflower, but what he really enjoys is the chance to celebrate the Birthday of one of his fans.

This week he joined Kendra and her friends at the New England Sports Academy. Festivities included the classic combination of cake and ice cream, topped with a Bean for all the boys and girls.

The Bean even got to conduct the singing of Happy Birthday!

After their meet and greet with The Bean, Kendra and the kids bounced their way to a good time!

The Bean even dove into the sponge pit!

When the fun was done, an exhausted Kendra and The Bean shared a big Beanhug!

Happy Birthday Mia!

2007-11-12T07:24:00.000-05:00

The Bean recently dropped in on his friend Mia's Birthday Party!

Like every great party, dancing was the order of the day...

...and what party doesn't end with a group hug!

Bada Bean!

2007-11-11T10:45:00.001-05:00

The Bean brought Beantown Toys CEO Tom Hayes along when he got to hang with Sopranos actor Frank Santorelli.

Frank played the Bing's often battered bartender 'Georgie' on the HBO Series.

Rock 'n Roll!

2007-11-11T10:36:00.001-05:00

Lead guitarist Slingblade, of the Beantown band Uncle Lefty, was recently spotted at a gig wearing one of our newest threads: The Coughin t-shirt.

A Chambean Size Give Away!

2007-11-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 4 year-old Katy from Raynham, MA! Our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

To Celebrate the Boston Red Sox winning The 2007 World Series, Katy will receive
The "Pitch" Package!

A 7" Plush Pitch
A Pitch Keychain,
A limited edition Pitch Trading Card!
and
A BONUS Bean!

Good For you Katy!!
_______________________________________

This week's Bean Give Away is:
Mainiac

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

Halloween with The Bean!

2007-11-03T10:52:00.000-04:00

The Bean was seen at the Castle Island Association's annual Haunted Halloween at Fort Independence in South Boston.

The Bean on NBeanC

2007-11-03T09:42:00.002-04:00

Today Show Weekend recently paid a visit the Bean's store on Newbury Street. Host Amy Robach was accompanied by ER actress, and Beantown native, Maura Tierney. They even had a little meet and greet with The Bean himself.

When you're in town, be sure to come by. The Bean will be outside waiting to see you, and anyone else as famous as him who happens to be in the neighborhood!

A Big Bean For A Big Win!

2007-10-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 71 year-old Leland from Norwalk, CT! Our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Now it's your chance to be next week's winner!

The Boston Red Sox are in The 2007 World Series!
In Celebration,
This Week's Bean is:

7" Plush Pitch

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

The Wakefield Walk to D'feet ALS

2007-10-14T16:16:00.000-04:00

The Bean was thrilled to be invited to The 2007 Wakefield Walk To D'feet ALS! Hundreds turned out to raise money and support this great cause.

Blue skies and bright sunshine greeted walkers as they gathered on the Wakefield Common. Representing all walks of life, many families covered three generations or more. The Bean may have had the biggest smile in the crowd, but he was met by more smiling faces then we could count.

Music filled the air and fun filled the common. The kids limbered up in the moon bounce, while the those who were kids at heart danced throughout the common. And everyone enjoyed the barbeque lunch

When the word was given, groups headed to their position for the start of the walk. The line stretched as far as the eye could see, led by who

else but The Bean himself. Met but hugs and high-fives, The Bean helped send the walkers on their way.

Walkers finished back where they started, and the day
wrapped up at sundown with a "Light Up The Lake" candlelight ceremony.

A good time was had by all!

ALS, more commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," affects 30,000 people right now. In America, fifteen people a day are diagnosed with ALS, and there is no currently known cure.

Thanks to the efforts of many good people sponsoring and participating in events like this nationwide, research is progressing at a rapid pace.

If you'd like to help, you can contact The ALS Association by clicking on their logo:

2007-10-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 4 year-old Kendra from Norwood, MA! Our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Now it's your chance to be next week's winner!

This Week's Bean:

Cosmos
Direct from another dimension, or maybe from the future, one thing is for certain, Cosmos possesses Bean abilities that are profound and amazing. It's rumored that he was sent by the mysterious Universal League to keep an eye on things in Beantown.

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

OK Oklahoma!

2007-10-01T18:38:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 10 year-old Beth from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Now it's your chance to be next week's winner!

This Week's Bean:

Lobstah
Down deep the Lobstahs want to see more of their world—but not at the bottom of the sea. Figuring out how to stay on land for as long as possible is their life's goal

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

Order up!

2007-10-01T18:16:00.001-04:00

The Gazette is happy to report Roche Brothers has recently placed a large order of Beans, and other Beantown Toys merchandise, just in time for Halloween and the upcoming holiday season! So keep your eyes peeled at the following 13 locations:

338 Washington Street, Westwood, MA
150 West Central Street, Natick, MA
6 Milliston Way, Millis, MA
Broad Street. Campus Plaza Rte. 18, Bridgewater, MA
175 Mansfield Ave., Norton, MA
387 Mass Ave., Acton, MA
101 Falls Blvd., Quincy MA
Crossroads Center, 34 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA
1800 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA
20 Roche Bros. Way, N. Easton, MA
11 Commercial Street, Mashpee, MA
605 Plain Street, Marshfield, MA
439 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA

A Big Bean size Thanks to all our Roche Brothers outlets and customers!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

2007-09-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

by Pitch

Being a famous Baseball Bean I get a lot of fan mail, and I like to accommodate as many fan requests as I can. I've been asked to autograph everything from Spoon Racers to Double Puff Baking Pans. I've even made surprise appearances at birthdays and beaniversaries, but none of them prepared me for this one.

The day after I sprained my legume trying to steal home against the Colorado Crockies, I was invited by Charles H. of Limerick, ME to join him and his grandchildren on their trip to Disney World.

Once spring training is over most Beantown baseball guys like me don't get to Florida unless we're playing the Tampa Bean Devil Rays or the Marlinbeans, but this summer was the exception. Knowing I'd be on the disabled list for several weeks I decided to tag along, and what a time I had!

We flew from Portland to Orlando, and even though I haven't flown coach since long before I had a coach, Charles and the kids made it fun. Andy, Dana and Sammi treated me like I was one of the family.

Andy's favorite ride is Space Mountain. If you haven't been on it, it's like riding a major league fastball in the dark. It may be three strikes and you're out when you're at the plate, but we took five swings at this ride!

Andy also introduced me to my new favorite treat: the corn dog. I've eaten hot dogs around the majors with a lot of different toppings , but this was by far the yummiest. Too many of those and I won't be able to keep my waistline inside the baseline.

Dana was a delight! She took me through Snow White's Scary Adventures. I don't remember the last time I was both frightened and excited, but this had to be the most frightening and exciting ever!

Although it was my first time, she is an old pro at this and kept me from being scared out of my stitches.

Little Sammi was an absolute sweetheart. I never would have found Pooh's Playful Spot, or Micky's Country House without her. We went to the places that a grown-up Bean would not see without such a talented tour guide.

Being blessed with the skills to play a game for a living, it was a privilege to take time away from my busy schedule to spend time with a few of the fans who cheer me on every time I take the field.

I have to admit it though, all that "rest and relaxation" has made me a complete basket case!

The Winning Ways Continue!

2007-09-24T08:54:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 11 year-old Bailey from Bellingham, Massachusetts, our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Now it's your chance to be next week's winner!

This Week's Bean:

Solar Tiger

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

The winner will be notified Sunday by email.

Bean On The Block!

2007-09-24T08:03:00.000-04:00

Mrytlebank Avenue in Dorchester was the scene of one of Beantown's oldest traditions:
The Block Party!
And The Bean was just as excited to see everyone, as they were to see him.

The street was filled with fun, food...

...and a fire truck!

Whether they were young, or young at heart, they all enjoyed meeting The Bean!

The Bean on Broadway!

2007-09-19T08:25:00.000-04:00

A little rain couldn't dampen the spirits of everyone who came out for the South Boston Street Festival.

Whether it was with fingers or toes, everyone had High-5's for The Bean.

Everyone knows The Bean has a strong heart,
but we didn't know how strong he really was!

BING!!!!

Kids of all ages were happy to see The Bean coming!

It may have been the end of his visit,
but The Bean always has time for one more hug!

It's a Zoo Out There!

2007-09-19T07:35:00.001-04:00

The Bean was honored to be invited to the Autism Awareness Day at the Franklin Park Zoo.

It was a great day for a great cause! To learn how you can do more, go to their web site: Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts

Beans Away!

2007-09-17T10:12:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 25 year-old Jason from Brookline, Massachusetts, our most recent winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Now it's your chance to be next weeks winner!

This Weeks Bean:

Caped Cran
Lesser known, but well respected, the Caped Cran maintains a healthy rivalry with Super Bean. These masked characters compete in everything—even who can change into their costume faster.

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

The winner will be notified Sunday by email.

Praise for Lord's!

2007-09-17T08:57:00.000-04:00

Bean collectors in the towns just southwest of Beantown have quickly made Lord's, located at 446 Main Street in Medfield, one of their favorite places to get the latest and newest beans.

Tom Hayes, Chief Executive Bean of Beantown Toys, recently paid a visit to Lord's, and owner Nancy Kelly-Lavin. Nancy and her brother Tom still run the store their father Raymond Lord opened in the summer of 1940. Having been a fixture in the center of town for more than 60 years, Lord's is filled with an eclectic mix of necessities and niceties. The most endearing feature however, is it's original 1940's lunch counter.

"Mary Anne's Luncheonette" is a great place to take time out of a busy day. They offer homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Early risers, and even those who sleep in, are always welcome for breakfast served from 6:00am to 2:00pm daily. And don't even think about giving up your stool without having an old fashioned Raspberry Lime Rickey or Root Beer Float!

On your way out, don't forget to pick up a bean! A smiling face like Cheryl's is sure to be there to help you choose.

Another Week, Another Winner!

2007-09-10T15:56:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 13 year-old Bella from Nampa, Idaho, last week's winner in The Beantown Gazette's Bean A Week Give Away!

Don't bang your bean against the wall if you didn't win, we'll have another winner next week, and it could be you. Remember, you only have to enter the Bean A Week Give Away once, and you'll be in the drawing every week.

This Weeks Bean:
Lily
Lily is an Amphibean that lives in and on the Molasses Sea.

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

The winner will be notified Sunday by email.

Gentlebeans, Start Your Engines!

2007-09-07T10:38:00.001-04:00

Pitch, Beantown's #1 baseball fan, stopped by to check out Roush/Fenway's #99 Red Sox/Lumber Liquidators race car.

Inside and out, everything looked good to Pitch!

Pitch and all the beans will be rooting for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Driver Carl Edwards when the series returns to New Hampshire International Speeday next weekend!

Getting the AARP Party Started!

2007-09-06T20:50:00.001-04:00

The Bean helped kick off the AARP Life@50+ Conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center by meeting and greeting the attendees this morning.

Warm weather and a warm welcome awaited those coming to register.

Amidst the hugs and high-fives, this reporter found himself being asked: "Is that Bean here to promote a high fiber diet?"

Maybe not directly, but if you Use Your Bean to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we'll be happy to think he helped.

Those working the conference were just as excited to meet The Bean!

But even after volunteering in the information booth, the only question The Bean was asked was: "Is Michael Douglas here yet?"

Although he was sorry he couldn't help her, The Bean told The Gazette he hopes he made everyone feel welcome, and that they have a great time in Beantown!

We Have A Winner! And You Could Be Next!

2007-09-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to 9 year old Kelsey of Ashburnham, MA! She is the winner of "Boss," last week's Bean Give Away!

Now is your chance to enter the "Bean A Week Give Away!"

This week's Bean: "Gamma"
Many legends swirl around the galactic bean known only as Gamma.
Some beans believe he is a rogue Universal League Agent who has returned from the edge of space on a special mission. One thing is for sure, nobody can catch up with him to get any answers.

Email you entries to:
gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

The winner will be notified Sunday by email.

Good luck, and remember, once you enter your name will be in all future "Bean A Week Give Aways!"

Always Bean There, Always Will Be!

2007-08-31T07:57:00.000-04:00

Since his arrival on The Mayflower, oh so long ago, The Bean never forgot his forebeaners. Those who sacrificed so he could come to the New World. One of his first acts was to establish The AARP: The American Association of Retired Phaseoluses. (Use Your BEAN! Click to look it up!) A wonderful social network for Senior Beans. Together they traveled the land supporting their favorite groups and charities.

It wasn't until The Bean's Great-Uncle, Beanjiman Franklin, electrified the membership by renaming it The American Association of Retired People, that it became what it's known as today. Because after all, Beans are people too!

Now the AARP is returning to Beantown this week, and The Bean will be there as well!

On Thursday morning, September 6, The Bean will meet and greet other AARP Members at the Boston Convention And Exhibition Center on the South Boston Waterfront, between 8:30 and 10:30. Hope to see you there!

___________________________________________

Hi Paul-

I just saw your recent (and quite funny) post on The Bean’s appearance at AARP’s Life@50+ event, but just wanted to bring one point to your attention.

AARP is no longer “the American Association of Retired Persons”. The AP Style Guide correctly has us listed as “AARP”. We changed our name in 1999 to just AARP since many of our members, while over 50, were still active in the workforce (44%). It is no longer an acronym and no periods are used between letters.

Also, while “seniors” do make up a part of AARP’s membership, Life@50+ is actually AARP’s premiere event for baby boomers. The Bean may be surprised to find people of all ages at Life@50+, not just “senior beans”.

Thanks, and we’ll all be looking forward to meeting The Bean in person on Thursday!

Ray De Lorenzi
AARP, Media Relations
601 E St, NW A9-475
Washington, DC 20049

___________________________________________

Duly noted Mr. De Lorenzo. The Bean looks forward to seeing you there as well!

Introducing The Beatown Gazette "Bean A Week Give Away"

2007-08-27T08:06:00.000-04:00

A different Bean will be awarded to one lucky winner each week There are no costs or obligations to enter, and we'll send the Bean anywhere in the world! The winner will be notified each Sunday by email.

This week's Bean:

"Boss"
Fearless and a bit stubborn, Boss patrols Beantown in his Spoon Cruiser.
Keeping an eye out for any sign of a potential problem, he usually ends up causing one.

Email your entry to:

gazettegiveaway@beantowngazette.com

GOOD LUCK!

Taking Up A Little More Space

2007-08-27T07:58:00.000-04:00

The Beantown Gazette now has a home on myspace!

www.myspace.com/beantowngazette

Sale-ing on The High Seas

2007-08-24T14:44:00.000-04:00

One of the Bean’s biggest fans took it upon herself to help spread the word on her family’s trip to Bermuda. Rose, a 12 year-old entrepreneur from Manchester NH, recently sold over 200 beans to fellow passengers and crew aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Rose approached Beantown Toys CEO Tom Hayes about an opportunity to prove her ability to sell beans while on vacation. Tom, impressed by the young lady’s interest, determination, and belief in the quality and appeal of the beans, agreed to give her a shot.

Tom told the Gazette it was the first time he had been approached like this, and he couldn’t resist her charm.

“Everything about her was beautiful. I was immediately taken in by her smile and enthusiasm. She told me how much she loved the beans and wanted the chance to sell them somewhere unique. So I thought, 'Why not!?' ”

“Mr. Hayes was very nice to me.,” declared Rose. “I mean, I’m just a kid, and he believed in me. He gave me a bunch of beans and said, ‘Go get ‘em!’ I can’t believe I sold them all!”

Rose says she intends on saving most of the money she made, but admits she will spend some on the latest beans. Even with her extensive collection, she still doesn’t have them all. Her favorite is the Maine-iac plush.

“I’m from New Hampshire, but Maine is a fun place to go, and blue is my favorite color.” said Rose.

Blue is a great color, but we at the Gazette are all green with envy!

Good job, Rose!

Birth of a Bean

2007-08-24T11:51:00.000-04:00

The Original Boston Baked Bean, “Babe,” is the product of the old adage: “Great minds think alike.” Those minds were Tom Hayes, Marc Beaudette and Matt Doughty.

Tom is our CEO, the Senior Bean if you will. You may have seen Tom in your favorite comedy club, or on his motivational speaking tours. His positive nature, love of fun, and knowledge of business has brought Beantown Toys to the forefront.

He tells the Gazette the last time he had anything negative in his life, he was working for Fuji Film!

Marc Beaudette found the idea for the Bean in his own bean a little over two years ago, and put the first images on paper shortly thereafter. Using his degree in graphic arts, Marc made the Bean come to life and he currently designs and runs the Bean's website, www.beantowntoys.com, and myspace, www.myspace.com/beantowntoys.

Matt Doughty brought years of toy creation, story and animation design and development to the project and hand sculpted the first official Beantown toy. Molds were cast in Ipswich, MA

Together Tom, Marc and Matt laid the foundation for what has become Boston’s newest icon. They continue to create new characters, stories, animation and toys at ‘The Bean Tank’ in Acton, MA.