February 2010 Archives
Friends of the Marlborough Seniors runs a Friendly Visitor Program. Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community who may be frail/isolated and who appreciate someone to chat, play games, or go for walks with. The Friends are currently looking for volunteers to meet with a man in his 90’s who enjoys playing cribbage and another gentleman, also in his 90’s, who is home-bound and would appreciate some company. If you are interested in becoming a Friendly Visitor or volunteering to help set up or clean up for Senior Center events, help with transportation to appointments or do grocery shopping for home-bound Marlborough residents – Call Susan Maki, Social Service Coordinator 508-485-6492.
My mother’s life was saved by a stubborn friend. As luck would have it, on Leap Day 2000 my mother had a lunch planned with a long-time friend, Marge. Mom left a meeting early that morning; she was having a crushing headache and just wanted to go home. She called Marge to tell her she had to cancel their lunch plans. Mom explained she had a terrible headache and she mentioned she was having trouble finding her words. Marge was immediately alarmed and wanted my mother to go to the hospital. My mother of course, insisted she did not need to go. Marge was no wilting lily, and advised my mother that she would drive her to the hospital or call an ambulance, but they were going to the hospital to get her checked out.
That week, my mother had two cerebral vascular events. Our lives were never the same, but we had more seven years with Mom. If my mother’s friend had not recognized the signs of a stroke and insisted she get to the hospital, we would have lost her that day.
Know the Signs
Because stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. To a bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware or confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What should a bystander do?
If you believe someone is having a stroke – if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side – call 911 immediately.
The Family Success Partnership presents "Recognizing Risk Behavior: Prevention, signs and resources for gang activity" on Thursday March 4th from 6-8 pm. Guests from the MA State police and Framingham police will give an informational presentation on who is most vulnerable to gang involvement, the signs to look for, and what to do if you suspect someone is becoming involved in a gang. The workshop will take place at the Assabet Valley Collaborative at 57 Orchard Street in Marlboro. The fee is $5, which includes dinner.
Please RSVP to Nicki Logan at nlogan@assabet.org or 508-481-3611.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that its National Resource Directory (NRD) Web site recently received a comprehensive system upgrade to provide users with easier access. This Web site compiles federal, state, local and non-profit resources for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, family members and caregivers in a single, searchable site.
The website has a wealth of information for national and local resources available - from emergency housing, to volunteering, to how to get help with legal matters, funding education, to obtaining a service animal, to locating service records. If you know someone who serves in military or cares for someone who has a history of military services, this website is a great resource! http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/
The Marlborough Community Preservation Act is having an informational presentation on Tues. Mar. 2 at the Marlborough Public Library at 7 pm (coffee and cookies start at 6:30 pm).
From their website:
The Marlborough Community Preservation Act Committee (MCPAC) is a group of residents who are concerned about conservation, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the city of Marlborough. Our goal is to provide the residents with information about the Community Preservation Act and how it can benefit our city. We are leading the effort to place the Community Preservation Act onto the November 2010 ballot which would, if approved, raise funds both locally and through a state matching program to be used exclusively to address these concerns. To date, 142 communities in Massachusetts have voted yes to CPA and have completed very successful projects. We invite you to learn more about CPA and what it can do for our city.
Learn more at www.marlboroughcpa.org
www.PleaseRobMe.com points out that people unwittingly let strangers know when they will be out of town.
Even more insidious is the use of social networking to lure the unsuspecting into downloading malware, potentially leading to criminals getting your bank login/password and so on. For a 90 sec video explanation: http://www.youtube.com/v/SGZp4FeeNSk&hl=en_US&fs=1&
According to Consumer Reports, seven online blunders to avoid:
Assuming your security software is protecting you
Accessing an account through an email link
Using a single password for all online accounts
Downloading free software
Clicking on a popup ad that says your PC is insecure
Shopping online the same way you do in stores
For some great information on a variety of computer safety topics, including the last cyber scams, protecting your laptop, erasing old computers, a cute video on phishing, ratings of computer security software and more, go to:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/resource-center/cyber-insecurity/cyber-insecurity-hub.htm
With love, Kerry, certified information pusher ; )
March 2nd is White Ribbon Day, a day when men join together to to make a public declaration of their commitment to hold each other accountable for the prevalence and pervasiveness of sexual assault and domestic violence. To learn more about White Ribbon Day: http://www.janedoe.org/whiteribbonday2010/about_us.html
Join Governor Deval Patrick, at the Massachusetts State House for a White Ribbon Day Proclamation Event, at 1:00 p.m. on March 2nd, in Gardner Auditorium followed by a reception in Nurses Hall.
Want to eat fresh, healthy food and support a local farmer? CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) are basically "subscription farms." Farmers sell "shares" to community members in exchange for a box of produce and perhaps some other farm products like flowers or eggs each week during the growing season. Typically, CSA farmers strive for an ecologically responsible system and many are certified as organic. Members of the CSA provide the farmer with capital needed at the start of the season and often also contribute a few hours of labor during the season.
I was a member of a CSA in Lincoln two years ago. I received more organic produce each week than could be believed! (I was able to freeze veggies to enjoy during the winter months.) Unfortunately, it was a bad season for tomatoes, so I didn't receive many of them, but those are the risks you take by sharing in the ups and downs of local farming. But there were plenty of salad greens, beats, carrots, herbs, onions, potatoes, and unusual veggies I hadn't tried yet, not to mention the wealth of pick your own berries and wildflowers! I believe I had to contribute 4 hours of labor (planting the seedlings, weeding, harvesting, etc.) for the season. Receiving all that great produce was really good for my diet, and I would have spent much more if I'd purchased organic veggies from the supermarket. It was also fun to pick berries with other families and watch the kids try and chase the roosters or coax the rabbits out of their hutch.
This is the time to join a CSA and support a local farmer. CSA popularity has been growing and the available slots in this area fill up quickly during the spring months. To find a CSA, go to www.localharvest.org.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary 280 Eliot St Natick – programs for ages k-12 for more info: www.massaudubon.org/broadmoor or 508-655-2296
All-You-Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Supper at First Church of
2009 Tax Code Changes informational session at the Framingham Public Library Feb 16 at 7 pm.
Wed. Feb 17 – Hank Phillippi Ryan of WHDH-TV Channel 7 is the featured speaker at the Marlborough Public Library’s Author/Celebrity Series. Free Feb 17 at 6:30 pm.
Antiques Appraisal/Fundraiser at the
Animal Tracking for grades 2-5 at the New England Wild Flower Society/Garden in the Woods 180 Hemenway Road Framingham Feb 18th at 1:30-3:30 pm. The fee is $12-14 (refreshments included). To register: 508-877-7630 ext. 3303.
Feb 19th – World Champion Yo Yo show at the Westborough Public Library at 3 pm. Free! For a preview: www.yoyoshow.com For more info: 508-366-3050
Frederick Douglass, the father of the modern civil rights movement, was born in February 1818. Did you know that February was chosen to celebrate Black History Month in part because of his birthday?
Frederick Douglass started off life in Maryland and fled to Massachusetts. As you know, he was a prominent abolitionist, a passionate speaker and influential writer; Abe Lincoln conferred with him. For more on one of Massachusetts' finest: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1539.html
A few tidbits from the website:
There are a ton of family friendly outdoor activities planned during school vacation week in MA - family hikes, creature spotting, campfire games and stories, and so on. This is the link to the Dept of Conservation and Recreation's list (including several cool activities at Walden Pond): http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm
Saturday, February 13, 2010 – Merrimack River Eagle Festival in
The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and MassAudubon want you to come to
If you are looking for a one shot volunteer opportunity, here are a few with the Girl Scouts:
Get Outdoors for Summer Camp in April!
Brewster, Plymouth, Waltham, April 20-23
Girl Scouts (grades 1-6) will be able to attend day camp during April vacation week
and we need volunteers to make it happen! Each day will have themes and pre-planned
activities such as crafts, games, songs, outdoor activities, and much more! Volunteers
are needed to lead a pre-designed activity/workshop, chaperone a group of girls
as they travel to activities, or create and share your own special activity/workshop.
Bonus: Volunteers may bring their daughter to attend the camp at no cost on the
day(s) they volunteer. Come have fun volunteering with girls for one day or all
four! An orientation/meeting will be required before the program. Previous experience
working with girls, especially in a camp setting, desired. Volunteers are needed
at our camps in Waltham and Plymouth on April 20-23 and in Brewster on April 20
& 21, from 8:30-4:15p each day. For more information, contact Joanna Lenahan at
jlenahan@girlscoutseasternmass.org [mailto:jlenahan@girlscoutseasternmass.org]or
774-766-6920.
Guide Girls in Making Their Own Cosmetics
Waltham, March 17
Girl Scouts in grades 6-8 are going to learn about the chemistry and science of
making their own cosmetics! They will be making hand lotion, lip gloss, and shampoo
and need volunteers to help them do it. A female engineer will speak about careers
in science, someone from Girl Scouts will present on "Cosmetic Chemistry", and volunteers
will assist with running one of the cosmetic activity stations, as well as help
to set-up and break-down the event. The activity and materials will be provided
and the volunteers will help to guide the girls at the station. Each station will
have about 20 girls. No prior experience in science needed, but enthusiasm and excitement
to work with girls required! For more information, contact Amber Kleiman at akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org
[mailto:akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org] or 857-453-5346.
Girl Scout Mall Madness
Marlborough, March 6 & 7
Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 are having a sleepover at the mall! The description of
the program can be found here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103019960210&s=76163&e=001Z1cbpuH1LfpLgcL2B0yh3Wd4xnsK_eVNnNuatXwm7bkaemT6jSQzcn4yjPbGK0iYLbuSHdbPUovPcX4-EXQefel75H1yQ76NthgWAoezWbHOfx-ZP_mE4S9dxXEKpjR30yPp2NazHPUEj6u72VewFJ_UJ9Wphp5KqF2LTX1k_UD_3urRrF2d9w==].
Volunteers are needed to run activities and/or create a workshop in the areas of:
self care, wellness, cooking demonstrations, sports clinics, manicures, hair dressing,
and/or other activities associated with going to the mall. We are looking for capable
people willing to teach girls empowering skills that help girls learn the importance
of taking care of themselves. Volunteers are also needed to help with logistics
and running games. GSEM will provide supplies needed and any other guidance necessary.
Volunteers should enjoy teaching and engaging with teen girls. The girls will sign
up for different workshops or activities in 30 minute increments. Volunteers (18+)
are needed on Saturday, March 6, from 4:30-10:30p and/or on Sunday, March 7, from
7-10a. For more information, please contact Kate Nicholson at knicholson@girlscoutseasternmass.org
[mailto:knicholson@girlscoutseasternmass.org] or 781-373-4244.
Understanding What Global Hunger Really Means
Concord, February 26
The Oxfam America Hunger Banquet is a workshop in which Girl Scouts in grades 6-12
will explore the issues of global hunger and poverty through role play. Girls will
be assigned a social class and then have a banquet - either feasting on food or
getting by on a small portion. A reflection and discussion will happen afterwards.
Volunteers are needed to assist in serving the food, facilitate discussion, and
set-up/break down. Materials and support with be provided, volunteers just need
to have interest in the subject, and experience with this age group would be helpful.
This opportunity will take place in Concord on February 26 from 4:15-7:30p. For
more information, contact Amber Kleiman at akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org [mailto:akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org]
or 857-453-5346.
Share Your Talents and Expertise in a FaBulous Way!
Eastern Massachusetts, Flexible
The FaB Factor is a program run by Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts in local
schools and community locations. The mission of the program is to build the courage,
confidence, and character of the girls and is based on four themes: financial literacy,
health and fitness, leadership, and math/science/technology. We are looking for
volunteers who enjoy working with girls and would like to share their expertise
by helping to plan or facilitate workshops on the following topics: Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math; Finance and Business; Fitness, Nutrition, Hygiene, Self-Esteem,
Self-Care; Leadership, team building, careers. The time commitment is flexible
- serve as a guest speaker at one program when you are available or travel to help
at several programs. Join our bank of volunteers we'll call on when these opportunities
arise. Locations are available throughout eastern Massachusetts, with a focus on
Boston, Brockton, Everett, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen,
and Revere. For more information, contact Melanie Wills-Tavares at mtavares@girlscoutseasternmass.org
[mailto:mtavares@girlscoutseasternmass.org] or 774-766-6914.
Silver Award Orientation Presenter
Eastern Massachusetts, Flexible
Want to help prepare girls in grades 6-8 to earn the Silver Award, the highest award
in Girl Scouting for girls that age? Adult volunteers are needed to help present
Girl Scout Silver Award Orientations for both girls and adults. Volunteers will
be trained and prepared with the information and supplies they need to run these
two hour sessions. The date/time/location will vary but the sessions will be scheduled
for times that the volunteer is available. Previous Girl Scout experience, preferably
with the Awards, is required. For more information, please view the position description
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103019960210&s=76163&e=001Z1cbpuH1Lfobgt9Venspp1gNBymVEnyzOsWaONnjHfrRitv3qhAdTwHbvHMwzbS6igUZDVTel1Wy8Nqe82DKF3BQjKhvmRIlxURbxA-gkYtEVdJUhfzxTs61BCbNVVpNpRhS3kqXdcbsZyxR0eE--hPsoHwyNa8L4XR26oQMDqBzq1_NSZJKoEc4D7tsjt7F0hvgK9IQ3O4=]
(PDF). For more information, please contact Amber Kleiman at akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org
[mailto:akleiman@girlscoutseasternmass.org] or 857-453-5346.
One in four women in the US dies of heart disease.
An astonishing 80 percent of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factor for heart disease. Having one or more risk factors dramatically increases a woman’s chance of developing heart disease because risk factors tend to worsen each other’s effects. In fact, according to research compiled by the NHLBI, having just one risk factor doubles your chance of developing heart disease.
Find out more about lowering your risk of developing heart disease at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/lower-risk/index.htm
And don't forget to wear red on Friday Feb 5th to show your support for Heart Disease Awareness.
Are you curious about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Are you thinking about try acupuncture or adding probiotics to your diet? Is someone in your family taking an herbal supplement, and you want to know more about its safety?
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the federal government's lead agency for scientific research on alternative medicine. Here, you can find information on safe and effective treatments, recalls, and more: http://nccam.nih.gov/
