The Hockomock Area YMCA invites families in the community to participate in a Halloween costume swap Oct. 8 and a farm day at Wards Berry Farm Oct. 13.
Families are invited to bring their clean, gently-used costumes into any Member Service Desk at the following branches: Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., Foxborough; and North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood St., North Attleborough, no later than Oct. 7.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150928/NEWS/150926376/1994/NEWS
The Franklin Solar Challenge has reached another milestone, earning a solar array for a local nonprofit organization.
The challenge, which offers increasing tiers of savings for townspeople who agree to put solar systems on their properties, has been ongoing. It was originally set to end in September, but was extended to Oct. 15 to accommodate higher-than-expected interest.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150928/NEWS/150926180/1994/NEWS
The Franklin Town Council recently honored a local volunteer group for the work it does for area residents.
The council, at its meeting last week, read a proclamation in honor of and awarded a trophy to the local chapter of the Neighbor Brigade.
Council Chairman Robert Vallee read the proclamation to chapter leaders Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150928/NEWS/150926155/1994/NEWS
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| Franklin has its own Neighbor Brigade chapter |
State Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) or representatives from her staff will be available for district office hours in Franklin and Medway on Friday, Oct. 2. Constituents are invited to share their concerns, questions and policy priorities and hear updates on the latest news and events from the State House and in the district.
Medway's office hour will be held 12-1 p.m. at the Muffin House Café, 116 Main St., Medway.
Franklins office hour will be held 1:30-2:30 p.m. at The Cake Bar, 17 E Central St., Franklin.
Residents who are unable to attend or are interested in scheduling an appointment should contact Spilka’s office at 617-722-1640 at any time.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150929/NEWS/150926079/1994/NEWS
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. 
"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 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." 
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.
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. 
