Neighbor Brigade: News flash from our neighborhood

Franklin has a chapter in the Neighbor Brigade

View this email in your browser. Newsletter  April 2015 Director's Letter As marathoners cross the finish line this Patriots' Day, I won't be able to help my thoughts from turning to the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombing two years ago ....  With the horror of the event, watching spectators, fellow runners and the Boston police rush in to help the injured was uplifting. As community members we all tune into the marathon each year to celebrate the tenacity of the runners as they embrace a 26-mile (often uphill) challenge. On that day, we also revered the strength and generosity of those who rushed in to help. I feel the same mixture of inspiration and pride as I see our Neighbor Brigade volunteers stepping in every day to help when local neighbors are experiencing a crisis. As hard as it may be to ask for help, in the face of crisis or tragedy we all need a helping hand. Out of tragedy comes help, and out of help comes hope. Rushing in to give help in times of crisis is what Neighbor Brigade is all about. In this newsletter you will learn just some of the reasons our recent recipients have asked for help.  We will also invite you to join us at a new run/walk event called Cause+Event Boston on May 17th where we will show our Neighbor Brigade pride. We hope you will sign up and help us spread the word about Neighbor Brigade at this event that is less fundraiser, more pep rally for area non-profits.  Come help the Neighbor Brigade team make a big impact. Thank you again for your continued support and efforts on behalf of our mission.  If you have any thoughts to share please contact me at stephanie@neighborbrigade.org. Stephanie Lawrence Executive Director SBANE Award Nomination Neighbor Brigade receives Innovation Award Nomination By SBANE  Neighbor Brigade was recently honored to be named a semi-finalist for the Small Business Association of New England's (SBANE's) New England Innovation Award, which "recognizes those companies [and organizations] that have transformed their innovative ideas into a product or service that delivers proven value to customers."   Neighbor Brigade was one of just 16 New England nonprofits selected as semi-finalists. Although we did not make it to the final round we are thrilled that Neighbor Brigade is being recognized as an "innovator" for our unique mission and valued services. Outreach Initiative Neighbor Brigade Launches Major Outreach Initiative Neighbor Brigade is launching a new visibility and outreach campaign this spring! Deb Osber, Neighbor Brigade's Community Partnership and Outreach Coordinator, is working together with our chapter leaders to invite providers and affinity organizations across Massachusetts to join us as referral partners.  We will mail out over 20,000 rack cards and flyers during this campaign.  We look forward to substantially growing our referral network as a result.  Thank you to our corporate and individual sponsors for the generous financial support that has made this campaign possible, and thank you to our chapter leaders and volunteers for your commitment to this project! Recipients Send Thanks Neighbor Brigade Recipients Send Thanks Neighbor Brigade's 29 chapters receive requests on a daily basis from individuals and families across Massachusetts who need a helping hand to get them through a difficult period.  We love when recipients send comments our way to thank the volunteers and explain why Neighbor Brigade made a difference: "Thank you all VERY much for your support during Jim's continued recovery.  During this difficult time, it was extremely helpful for me to spend time with Jim, at the hospital and the rehab facility, knowing the kids were having a good meal.  We are truly fortunate to be a member of such a supportive community!" - The Carmody Family, Northborough/Southborough Neighbor Brigade.  Jim Carmody sustained injuries in a work-related accident and our volunteers delivered meals to the Carmodys' house 4 days a week for 2 and 1/2 months. "The Ashland Neighbor Brigade is such a great resource for our community.  I contacted them prior to an upcoming surgery to find out what services they could provide and was pleasantly surprised to know how much they could offer.  I ended up utilizing the service for rides to and from work during the period when I couldn't drive -- it was a life-saver. All of the drivers were so kind and compassionate and it was great to know I had help when I needed it most.  Like most people I was reluctant to ask for help but I wouldn't hesitate to ask again and I am eager to be able to pay it forward."    - Tracey Lydon, Ashland, MA Neighbor Brigade.  Tracey recently joined the Ashland Neighbor Brigade as a member and is currently offering rides to a local neighbor in need. New Board Members Neighbor Brigade Welcomes David Brisson! David Brisson joins the board of Neighbor Brigade as a way to "pay it forward" following his family's own experience as both volunteer and recipient.  David's wife Jacquie was an original volunteer for the Wayland Neighbor Brigade before she became seriously ill, sadly passing in March, 2014.   Volunteers from the Wayland chapter prepared nearly 200 home-cooked meals for Jacqui, David and their three sons Derek, Jared, and Evan, offering the Brisson family a much needed life-line of support during this difficult loss.  As a board member, David hopes to leverage his marketing communications expertise to support the organization's fundraising and public awareness efforts.  David is an accomplished writer and author. As president of Brisson Group, Inc., David has provided corporate communications and marketing programs for more than 100 companies.   Neighbor Brigade Welcomes Jennifer Rosenberg! Jennifer Rosenberg first became involved with Neighbor Brigade when she joined the Lexington chapter as a volunteer in 2012, offering acts of kindness to local neighbors in need.  As a board member, Jennifer hopes to utilize her marketing experience to further the organization's mission.  Currently an independent marketing consultant, Jennifer has more than 20 years experience in the life sciences, healthcare and consumer products industries.  Most recently she was Director of Marketing for Insulet Corporation, a medical device company.  Prior to Insulet, Jennifer held senior marketing and brand management positions with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories and Lederle Laboratories. She received a BA from Brandeis University, an MPA from New York University, and an MBA from the Wharton School.  She has served on the Board of Directors of a number of non-profit organizations including Facing Cancer Together and Thrive Together. Upcoming Events Cause+Event Boston - May 17, 2015 Neighbor Brigade invites you to begin your spring training with us at this unique 5K Run/Walk that lets you pick your favorite charity.  If you are already part of our Pam's Run family you know the good work Neighbor Brigade does to help our neighbors in crisis here in Massachusetts - help us spread the word at Cause+Event on May 17th!   Cause+Event will be held at Arlington High School. Registration is $30 - with a minimum of $15 going to the non-profit of your choice!  No additional fundraising involved.  Upon registration pick "Join a Team" and select Neighbor Brigade as your team.  Wear your Pam's Run T-shirt or visit our booth at the event's Non-Profit Expo to receive a free 2014 Pam's Run shirt! Registration closes on May 13, 2015.   Pam's Run - October 18, 2015 Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, October 18, 2015 Wayland High School Neighbor Brigade's largest annual fundraiser!  Pam's Run will feature a 5k walk/run, a 10k run and other surprises.  There will also be fun for the entire family with live music, kids' activities, raffle prizes, food trucks, photo booth and age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers!   Stay tuned for registration information! If you are interested in a corporate sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Lawrence at stephanie@neighborbrigade.org. Contact Us: Neighbor Brigade P.O. Box 248 Lexington, MA 02420 781.325.8580 Stephanie Lawrence, Executive Director:  stephanie@neighborbrigade.org Claire Sheth, Director of Programs: claire@neighborbrigade.org Kristie Oberlies, Director of Operations: kristie@neighborbrigade.org Media Inquiries: press@neighborbrigade.org General Questions: info@neighborbrigade.org Neighbor Brigade  |  P.O. Box 248  |  Lexington, MA 02420  |  781.325.8580 www.neighborbrigade.org  |  info@neighborbrigade.org

April 19th FUNraiser - Mission: Bowling

Hi Steve,   Sydney Robinson's next big FUNraiser is being held at Ficco's Bowladrome this Sunday, April 19th and would love your assistance once again with sharing this information with Franklin Matters readers.  Sydney is a freshman at FHS and is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Franklin while also taking part in the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program run through the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. More information about YLA is available at www.diomassyouth.org/diocesanyouthprograms Thank you, Tina Robinson FUNraiser - Mission: Bowling If you're planning a staycation and/or happen to be looking for a fun way to kick off school vacation week, please join us at Sydney's next FUNraiser to help support her mission trip to El Salvador this Sunday, April  19 from 3:15 – 5:15 at Ficco's Bowladrome.  Ticket prices are $ 15 Adults and $ 10 Kids which include shoes, an hour of bowling and pizza. There will also be a raffle! Please RSVP to R.Family5@hotmail.com to let us know how many adults/kids would like to attend so we can plan food and number of lanes accordingly. Thank you!

Concord-Carlisle tops FHS girls lacrosse 13-10

From Hockomock Sports we find the result sof the girls lacrosse game. Franklin lost a close game to Concord-Carlisle

FHS Panthers

Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 10 @ Concord-Carlisle, 13 - Final 

- Senior Emily Jeffries scored six goals in the game, including her 100th career goal. Julianne Pisani added a pair of goals, one assist and two draw controls.

For all the results of Friday's actions
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-041715

Try a New Networking Format on April 22

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS   AT PATRIOT SUBARU WHEN: Wednesday, April 22  WHERE: Patriot Subaru in North Attleborough CHECK OUT: A New Networking Format & Cool Cars Patriot Subaru, 551 S. Washington St., North Attleborough, is hosting a Business After Hours on Wednesday, April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and we are unveiling a different type of networking at this event.   Please come with your best 60-second elevator pitch to give to the whole group. Instead of getting the customary 15 seconds you will get 1 full minute to talk about your business, your products, your role in the company, your value added proposition, or the Red Sox. For those 60 seconds, the floor is yours! Concerned it will be overwhelming and boring? Fear not! We will do 3 to 4 of them at a time followed by 3 to 4 minutes of networking. Everyone will get a chance to go and there will still be plenty of time to mix, mingle, and check out the cars. We want to give special thanks to Chamber Member Denise Noble for bringing this idea to us. Register here for this unique event. Remember that Business After Hours are free for ALL Chamber Members and any individuals that work for a Chamber member ($25 for non-members). If you don't want to come alone, bring friends to introduce them to the Chamber. See you on the 22nd!

Forward email . The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Voices Against Violence, the Marathon and YOU!

We are so excited for the 2015 Boston Marathon Team Framingham Participants who will be running to raise money for Voices Against Violence!  

Take a moment to click on the links below to see why supporting Voices is important to them, and then please consider making a donation today. 

And please - share this with your friends and family too – every dollar raised will go to support victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence in our community and every dollar counts!  

          Phil Mooney                Lauren O'Connell                        Eric Johnson

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/17/15 - THU 4/23/15

FRI 4/17   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 4/17   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 4/18   8-10am   FGSA Field Clean Up Day, volunteers to meet at Pisani Field at 8am
SAT 4/18   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library, music by Betty Kushner from 9-10am
SAT 4/18   12-8pm   Art Show - Franklin Art Association at The Black Box

SUN 4/19   9am-12pm  Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
SUN 4/19   12-3pm   Art Show - Franklin Art Association at The Black Box
SUN 4/19   6pm   Movie "The Miracle Worker" at the Franklin Historical Museum, free popcorn and water. Admission: one canned good.

TUE 4/21   10:30am   Family Storytime (all ages) at Franklin Public Library
TUE 4/21   2pm   Pumpernickel Puppets (ages 3 and up) at Franklin Public Library
TUE 4/21   6:30-8pm  Drawing Super Heroes, Manga and Other Heroes (grades 6-12) at Franklin Public Library

WED 4/22   10:30am   Wally the Green Monster (all ages) at Franklin Public Library. Don't forget your camera.
WED 4/22   12-2pm   Adult Painting at Franklin Art Center
WED 4/22   2pm   Smorgasbord of Crafts (all ages) at Franklin Public Library

THU 4/23   10:30am   Mike the Hatman (all ages) at Franklin Public Library
THU 4/23   2-4:30pm   Wii Gaming (grades 6-12) at Franklin Public Library
THU 4/23   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For April Break camps, events, activities click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Finding The Speed Of Light With Peeps (video)

I love the approach in this brief and insightful video. Who knew you could calculate the speed of light with some leftover peeps and your microwave?

If you didn't (like me), you can find out....




Found via NPR
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/13/399391214/kitchen-science-we-used-peeps-to-calculate-the-speed-of-light

BFCCPS: Spring High School Fair Open to the Public

High School Fair - May 21

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School will hold a Spring High School Fair on May 21st from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the school auditorium.

Attendees will meet with representatives and students from a variety of private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island. This year representatives and students from the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will be in attendance.

This free event is open to BFCCPS 7th graders as well as members of the  surrounding communities.  Please note that the student's parent or guardian must be in attendance in order to gain admission to the event.  

At this time, the following schools have confirmed their attendance for the event:

• Bishop Feehan High School
• Boston Trinity Academy
• BU Academy
• Catholic Memorial School
• Commonwealth School
• Dana Hall
• Marian High School
• Middlesex School
• Noble and Greenough
• Providence Country Day School
• Rivers
• St. Mark's School
• St. Sebastian
• Tabor Academy
• The Lincoln School
• The Wheeler School
• Tri-County
• Walnut Hill School
• Xaverian Brothers High School

If you have any questions please contact Julie McCoy at jmccoy@bfccps.org.