Pam's Run: The place to be on October 18th

Our annual Pam's Run 5k/10k is October 18, just a month away! We need you to register today at www.pamsrun.com! Those registering by September 22nd will receive free t-shirts; the registration fee will increase after September 28th. Come to walk or run with us and join in the post-race party. Age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers. Post-race fun for the entire family with live music, kids' activities, raffles amd food trucks. A pre-race appearance by one of New England's favorite (retired) athletes—we will announce who soon! Money raised from Pam's Run will support Neighbor Brigade's programs and chapter resources. Thank you for all that you do in helping us provide free and immediate services to community residents in sudden need. Volunteers are still needed! Contact info@pamsrun.com if interested. Start/Finish: Claypit Hill School in Wayland Start Time: 10am Thank You To Our Sponsors! The Parente Family Extended Family of Wayland Joint Ventures Physical Therapy & Fitness Washek Electric Wayland Heating and Plumbing Courtney Lavigne Dentistry Spinning Lotus Studios – Yoga & Indoor Cycling Traditions of Wayland Middlesex Savings Bank Leerink Swann Regan Septic Pumping The Village Bank KGI Properties, LLC Judy Boyle & Mary Leach, RE/MAX Collins & Collins www.pamsrun.com | info@pamsrun.com

Please Support Neighbor Brigade!

Hello Friend, 

It's hard to believe October is just around the corner and Neighbor Brigade's annual Pam's Run 

On Oct 18, 2014 we honor Pam Washek's memory and the need to support the mission she ignited and that lives on. 

This is my 3rd year leading the Franklin chapter and I am honored to be helping our neighbors when an immediate short term crisis enters their lives.  The community of volunteers in Franklin has been a great comfort to families, knowing a neighbor is willing to lend a helping hand if family and friends are not enough or available.  

After a year of many of my close friends and family members challenged by the unexpected health and life challenges, I could not imagine anyone doing these real life days without help.  We continue to grow as a community of volunteers as well as our partnerships in the community.  

I am grateful to take part in a wonderful organization that is bringing needed love and attention to our neighborhoods.  Please support Neighbor Brigade in any way you can to help in enriching more and more communities to join and help their neighbors!  

I have a donation page open and ready: https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412 

Much love and thanks in advance, 

Linda

Neighbor Brigade - help is next door

The Organization:

Neighbor Brigade

Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers to help residents facing sudden crisis such as devastating illness, accident, or other tragic event. Our volunteers provide non-medical, non-monetary services and collaborate with the shared purpose of helping fellow residents. Neighbor Brigade provides temporary support to those affected while strengthening the fabric of a community.

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org
https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412

Pam's Run - 5K for Neighbor Brigade - Oct 16

Dear Friends, Our team is hard at work planning Neighbor Brigade's second annual Pam's Run, a road race and walk named to honor the legacy of our founder, Pam Washek. Please join us on Saturday, October 18, for the race and race day festivities, including live music, kids' activities and food trucks. Registration for the Run is open. Register today and consider forming a fundraising team—spirit-wear optional! All proceeds from the Run will support Neighbor Brigade's programs and expansion to meet the demand for our services. Please help us raise awareness for our organization and the event by passing along the information to your friends, colleagues, family and neighbors! Pam's Run WHEN: Saturday, October 18, at 10 am WHERE: The race will start and finish at the Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Street, Wayland, MA EVENT: The race will offer both a 5K Run/Walk and a 10K Run. It will also feature age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers. REGISTER: Register at www.pamsrun.com. Once you register, a personal fundraising page will be created for you automatically. You are encouraged to raise additional funds to help keep Pam's dream alive! There is no minimum fundraising commitment or team fee. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Joint Ventures Physical Therapy & Fitness Washek Electric KGI Properties, LLC Sponsorships are available. For more information contact: Joanna Manikas at info@pamsrun.com Stephanie Lawrence at stephanie@neighborbrigade.org www.pamsrun.com | info@pamsrun.com

Have you considered helping the Neighbor Brigade?

Hi Friends,

In an effort to keep people informed of Franklin Neighbor Brigade, we are reaching out in all ways we can to keep people informed.  Franklin became a chapter brigade a couple of years ago and we love the work we do in our community.  

Franklin's neighbor brigade

Our non-profit organization offers Free help to our Franklin neighbors experiencing sudden crises such as cancer treatment, illness, accident, or other tragedy.  Our volunteers provide critical support services such as home delivered meals, transportation to and from medical appointments, and home maintenance help. 

We utilize online management tools to alert our volunteer base of recipients’ needs and our volunteers sign up if and when they can help out.

We are looking to grow our database of Franklin resident volunteers during the summer in anticipation of a busy fall/winter season.  If you or anyone you know might be interested please check us out at http://www.neighborbrigade.org/  

Or, if you know of a recipient who might need our services please let us know.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri, Co- Leaders
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org
Like Us On Facebook!

Neighbor Brigade News

neighbor brigade Newsletter - June 2014 • Neighborhood News: Easton • Community Organizations Unite to Help a Family • Transportation a Top Concern for Cancer Patients • Recipe Box "Our patients receiving treatment sometimes struggle to find transportation to appointments, and some need assistance with meals and other every-day needs. When I tell them about Neighbor Brigade I see the relief in their eyes. We're grateful to this community-supported organization and the help that it provides to patients going through a difficult time." -- Rachelle Colson LaMaster, clinical oncology social worker at the Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital Neighborhood News: Easton Congratulations to Chapter Leaders Diane Tremblay and Nancy Andrie and the entire Easton chapter on receiving the humanitarian award presented by the Easton Lions Club during its annual recognition night. The ceremony, held on April 10, honored Easton residents whose community service has surpassed expectations. The humanitarian award specifically recognizes "a person or persons whose actions and deeds have fostered attitudes of good will and fairness to all people in the community." The Lions Club is an international organization with the mission of empowering volunteers to serve their communities. The Easton chapter of Neighbor Brigade is 234 members strong and has helped over 30 families since the chapter's inception in November 2010. Chapter Leader Nancy Andrie and volunteer Robin Lamar accepting the Humanitarian Award from Kevin McIntyre from the Easton Lions Club Community Organizations Unite to Help a Family The Lexington Chapter recently collaborated with another organization in that town to help a local family. The chapter was tasked with providing meal assistance to a Chinese family while the father received cancer treatment. He and his wife have a middle school aged son, so the wife/mother had a lot on her plate taking care of both her husband and her son. The family requested Chinese cuisine, and the father's cancer required a somewhat restricted diet. Kathy Pike, Lexington's chapter leader, reached out to the Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL) to make the organization aware of this family and its needs. Not only did CAAL provide assistance with the meals, but 10 members of the organization are now Neighbor Brigade volunteers! We're thrilled that Kathy's initiative helped us to best serve a family while also growing her chapter and recognition of Neighbor Brigade among a new demographic in her town. "I'm always amazed at the outpouring of appreciation for something as simple, but important, as providing meals," said Kathy. "This family deeply appreciated all of our help because it saved them time and allowed the dad to rest while everyone was fed well. After sharing the family's sentiments with our volunteers, I'm reminded that we all have an appreciation for the feeling of connection or a circle of caring that is not easily found in our busy lives." Transportation a Top Concern for Cancer Patients "No matter how great the advanced care of medicine has become, you're not going to get better if you can't make it to your appointments. This is easily the most satisfying and rewarding volunteer work I've ever done." -- Amanda Magill, an American Caner Society volunteer from North Carolina who frequently drives patients to their appointments Did you know that transportation to appointments is a top concern (second only to financial concerns) for cancer patients? Getting patients to their appointments is an integral part of treating cancer, but finding transportation can be challenging for some. Public transportation or a lift from family members or friends is not always available. Many cancer patients require regular appointments over a period of months and some forego treatment because they can't get where they need to go. Neighbor Brigade is seeking volunteers to help with this great need. If you want to be a volunteer driver for Neighbor Brigade please contact your local chapter leaders to let them know and our staff will assist you in processing the required CORI form. Recipe Box Do you want to bring a meal to someone in your community but you don't know what to make? Below is a tried and true (and easy) healthy summer soup recipe that originally appeared in in November 1997 issue of Cooking Light: Tortellini, White Bean and Spinach Soup Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups chopped onion ½ cup chopped red bell pepper 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups coarsely chopped spinach 2/3 cup water 1 (16-ounce) can navy beans, drained 2 cups fresh or canned vegetable broth 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt added whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained 1 (9-ounce) package uncooked fresh cheese tortellini 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese Directions: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, seasoning, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add spinach and next 5 ingredients (spinach through artichokes); bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes. Add tortellini; cook until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with cheese. Deliver the soup with a loaf of fresh bread (and maybe some seasonal fruit). Too hot for soup? Another easy idea for the summer is to marinate flank steak or chicken (or any meat), grill, place in tin foil and deliver warm! neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580 www.neighborbrigade.org | info@neighborbrigade.org

Information on helping the Franklin Neighbor Brigade can be found here http://www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA

Save the Date - 2nd Annual Pam's Run on October 18, 2014

Pam's Run is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pam Manikas Washek, founder of Neighbor Brigade, and a tireless champion for families in crisis. Pam's Run will raise funds to keep her dream going and growing—so that no family needs to face crisis alone. Details 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run Cash Awards Kids' Activities Food, Music and Fun for All All proceeds go to Neighbor Brigade We are actively seeking sponsors, in-kind donors and volunteers for race day. Learn more at pamsrun.com. Register at pamsrun.com Please join us—October 18 www.pamsrun.com | info@pamsrun.com

Franklin has an active chapter in the Neighbor Brigade.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/neighbor-brigade-help-is-next-door.html

Neighbor Brigade News

Newsletter - February 2014

• We're Growing

• Neighborhood News: Franklin

• Neighbor Brigade Named a Charitable Partner

• How does Neighbor Brigade enhance your caring community?

• Stay Tuned

"The cultivation of love that is growing as we come alongside our neighbors with Neighbor Brigade has not only transformed me, but many of the volunteers who are recognizing the importance of looking beyond their own lives to help another."

Linda Gagnon, Franklin, MA Chapter Co-Leader

We're Growing

Neighbor Brigade is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Sheth as Director of Programs. In this newly established role, Claire is responsible for the operational success, quality control and evaluation of our chapter model and service delivery program, while providing training and ongoing support to the chapter leaders. Claire is taking a lead role in planning the growth and increasing visibility of Neighbor Brigade while working with chapter leaders to strengthen their roles in bringing services to those in need. Claire earned a master's degree in Nonprofit Management at the Milano School of Management at the New School for Research in New York City. While there she worked as a Program Manager for New York Cares -- the City's largest volunteer management organization.

Claire has since worked as a nonprofit management consultant with the Boston-based firm Technical Development Corporation where she provided strategic business planning and needs/organizational assessment assistance to New England-based nonprofits. She has also served as Deputy Director of Boston-based Generations Incorporated. While there she guided a strategic planning process that resulted in significant growth in the organization's quest to engage volunteers in the literacy needs of Boston Public School children. More recently, Claire has worked as an independent management consultant.

We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Claire's depth of experience and talent join us at this critical stage to help guide and support our continued growth. We couldn't be more excited to have her join our team.

Neighborhood News: Franklin

The call to action that arises when a community confronts sudden tragedy is very apparent and thriving in Franklin, Massachusetts. In January, Neighbor Brigade volunteers in Franklin received a request to help a family after a seven and eight-year old brother and sister died in an accident. Linda Gagnon, Franklin chapter co-leader, was immediately contacted after the tragedy by a mutual friend who requested that Neighbor Brigade operate as the coordinator of centralized services on behalf of the family. Linda and her co-leader, Cheryl Ferri, immediately mobilized to field and manage offers of services from grief counselors, the HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, and town businesses and residents looking to contribute and deliver food.

Often times, from the depth of tragedy something profound and amazing occurs within a community. This has indeed been the case in Franklin. Within the past month, Franklin chapter membership has doubled to nearly 200 volunteers and continues to rise. Linda said, "Since the tragedy, I totally see (our founder) Pam's vision at work. It is amazing to see the strength and compassion demonstrated by neighbors coming together as one. It is nothing short of incredible."

Neighbor Brigade Named a Charitable Partner

We are pleased to announce a new partnership between Neighbor Brigade and Canary, an innovative and user-friendly service that helps people buy and sell furniture and household items online locally. Canary takes care of photographing items and researching their value, writing and managing listings online, and finding credible buyers. The company, originally launched to serve Massachusetts' South Shore communities, has recently expanded into the MetroWest region.

Canary has a dual mission. The first is to help individuals, many of whom are downsizing and may have limited technology know-how, list and sell their unused household items. The second is to support local nonprofits by directing a portion of every sale to a selected group of community-based charitable organizations. "We have chosen Neighbor Brigade to be our newest designated charitable organization due to its vital and important role in providing direct-services to those in need in each of the communities it serves," said Mike Filbey, founder and CEO of Canary. "Neighbor Brigade's commitment to creating a network of volunteers to serve their own neighbors is strongly aligned with our mission to support the community that supports us."

Please share this news of Canary's expansion and partnership with Neighbor Brigade. To learn more and utilize this convenient service while designating Neighbor Brigade your charity of choice, visit gocanary.com.

How does Neighbor Brigade enhance your caring community?

Neighbor Brigade provides a blueprint for community residents to create and maintain volunteer networks to help their neighbors in crisis. Our proven chapter model is quickly and easily replicated. Neighbor Brigade provides our chapter leaders with established volunteer management systems, online tools, templates and training. We utilize an innovative volunteer management software platform and shoulder the costs related to ongoing support and maintenance. Our staff provides our chapter leaders with valuable training in volunteer management and software utilization, as well as ongoing support, outreach materials and technical resources that are critical to the strength and effectiveness of a chapter.

Neighbor Brigade establishes a safety net within a community, and our organization follows protocols and makes expenditures to ensure the security of our volunteers and service recipients. Our staff allocates time to process CORI checks on volunteers to best protect our recipients. Equally as important, we purchase and carry liability insurance coverage to safeguard our volunteers and recipients.

We are extremely grateful to our donors; it is due to your financial support that we can provide technical resources and assistance to communities.

Stay Tuned

Please follow us on social media; share ideas and experiences with other members of the Neighbor Brigade networks through Twitter and Facebook. We are more than an organization. We are a movement and our virtual Neighbor Brigade communities are a means by which we can share our stories and encourage participation by others who are waiting to follow our lead.

Do you have any feedback or suggestions for the new year? Please share your thoughts with us by sending an email to info@neighborbrigade.org or phoning us at 781.325.8580. We love to hear from our community members.

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neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | info@neighborbrigade.org

Important Information re: Vigil Friday

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From: "Neighbor Brigade" FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

To: FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 8:56:29 AM

Subject: Important Information re: Vigil Friday

Hello again, We received an email of concern about Friday nights vigil and a wake happening at the same time down the street from the common for a loss in the McGrath family.  Please be respectfully answering any concerns among your peers and remind others that the Vigil has evolved to bring strength and unity for this family and it is not being facilitated by the Neighbor Brigade.  Below is the note sent to the concerned friend of the McGrath's and she was very positive in this response, Thank you : Neighbor Brigade has passed on the info and is not the facilitator of this Vigil. We are a group of community volunteers that are supporting the Monroe's in its right time because of our Mission. I have received the info for the vigil from a friend of the family that we are connected with and she gave me permission and "encouraged me to spread the word". It is my understanding that 3 women (names are not necessary) have invited this to happen as a community and they are from the Davis Thayer school where the children belonged. I hope this helps and I also hope both families can be appropriately and respectfully able to mourn and be allowed opportunity to come together in unity to help these grieving families. Lastly, I have not received any info about a need to help the McGrath family and just want to let you know that we are sorry for their loss.  Neighbor Brigade is an available resource of volunteers who help families in day to day needs as they grieve and recover.  Please feel free to ask us anymore questions or let me know if there is anything else we can help you with, Sincerely, Franklin Neighbor Brigade Leaders -- Linda Gagnon FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org www.neighborbrigade.org Like us on Facebook!

neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | support@neighborbrigade.org
friend on Facebook

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This email and the information it contains is intended for Neighbor Brigade volunteers only. Please do not forward this email. If you would like to encourage a friend to join, please direct them to www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA. Thank you!

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Town Wide Vigil Friday - Jan 17 at 7:00 PM

Brigade FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

Subject: Town Wide Vigil Friday

Hello again, As some of you have asked and discussions have been had, there will be a town wide-community vigil on the Town Common at 7p.m. Friday the 17th. All are welcome to take part in supporting the Munroe Family. Thank you, Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferri and Karen Anderson, Chapter Leaders -- Linda Gagnon FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org www.neighborbrigade.org Like us on Facebook!

CLICK HERE TO LOGIN

neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | support@neighborbrigade.org
friend on Facebook

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This email and the information it contains is intended for Neighbor Brigade volunteers only. Please do not forward this email. If you would like to encourage a friend to join, please direct them to www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA. Thank you!

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Franklin Town Common (in snow)