tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67794074968818165352023-11-16T03:45:34.380-08:00Gathering Change, Inc.Neighbors Helping NeighborsGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-28735292901305705952011-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:002011-10-30T09:39:00.469-07:00The gift of kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSECWMZj8gSu293sK8AsfDSVLFdNlgZ2ABsx94vepXkrtqcN_1ax5YXwlcnuUWPjmCxUzZcH_TblASyqD_U5UNL4IRjSQQfch_YsgELBNuEsQxhu8VZgnvpVY4tqxWK2pL2qViqil2ST1b/s1600/4handsGC.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSECWMZj8gSu293sK8AsfDSVLFdNlgZ2ABsx94vepXkrtqcN_1ax5YXwlcnuUWPjmCxUzZcH_TblASyqD_U5UNL4IRjSQQfch_YsgELBNuEsQxhu8VZgnvpVY4tqxWK2pL2qViqil2ST1b/s800/4handsGC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669111427828051650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A55Wa3ibfkbPC5p8qKYF4KO69x_X9RDruhufyQKNqBMBrDtMGG3dGW8iGl-qhv7dBOkLTdbCqZYYZHa3UTqHLWFLBCxYimhdhvSkFtv5CHBAYGvTHHwa3eLLC5BHhYhGNSU39zXI3JDN/s1600/rosiemckenna-marytaggart-GC.jpg"><br /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" >“A single act of kindness throws out<br />roots in all directions, and the roots<br />spring up and make new trees.<br />The greatest work that kindness<br />does to others is that is makes them<br />kind themselves.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" >”</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" > - Amelia Earhart</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br />On November 9th we will be celebrating our generous and dedicated volunteers who have gathered change for neighbors in need, who have spread the word about Gathering Change, and have even danced for change (see video clip below).<br /><br />Please join us at <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/listings/old-meeting-house">The Lynnfield Meeting House</a> at 7pm for our annual meeting which will include a special guest speaker plus light refreshments.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/tmAKxk0Ygac"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnv6fh9viHgkAHyGgThkc6QyTSHAf9D3DaSoq1Fvpn7echlJAAsA1PyH3ZlTIlhHryAt63xS-a86uzC9F8Kk2uEG3S6y5MCS_VHGSRna3qhpBEdIQ9eVbH05qRFbvx5ZZ28gCYvU6f6xW/s800/Screen+shot+2011-10-29+at+11.19.26+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669118899537837474" border="0" /></a><a href="http://youtu.be/tmAKxk0Ygac"><span style="font-style: italic;">Click here to view.</span> </a></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />To RSVP, kindly call 781.334.6773 or email cindyzavala@comcast.net</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To receive a kindness is a great gift, but<br />to give a kindness</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> is an even greater one!</span></span>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-31726670929035606672011-03-22T07:19:00.000-07:002011-03-22T07:54:59.293-07:00Sharing our gratitude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFUzXVraalH41qViLa5TSPijc5yreEjCftL0YVV_PyTTqcXtlEEzWuxQsYGDFc1l5SyXn74DMp8wb2wMmUlWnCdfj7S8I1MUNzPq8W4-Pd-gVSPeo2rz8hyJSkkuBrZXKpoNbk7TqstO/s1600/girlsSm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFUzXVraalH41qViLa5TSPijc5yreEjCftL0YVV_PyTTqcXtlEEzWuxQsYGDFc1l5SyXn74DMp8wb2wMmUlWnCdfj7S8I1MUNzPq8W4-Pd-gVSPeo2rz8hyJSkkuBrZXKpoNbk7TqstO/s400/girlsSm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586917821706536002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXwg8M74B0mKjyh1RnWEFH-65bERDkOoF4Hw8wccuX4r0MLNMD2UaYhK0V2KQdiZoGHpmy-lPrmk2xxR7ivo2yC5ZTCX-nqL_NCcT_mN8m_vJdgRji4qwkfSJycVBOmvxZSH-ehoWHYvW/s1600/LoContes-Sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXwg8M74B0mKjyh1RnWEFH-65bERDkOoF4Hw8wccuX4r0MLNMD2UaYhK0V2KQdiZoGHpmy-lPrmk2xxR7ivo2yC5ZTCX-nqL_NCcT_mN8m_vJdgRji4qwkfSJycVBOmvxZSH-ehoWHYvW/s400/LoContes-Sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895058188684562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">THANK YOU</span><br /><br />to our volunteers (big and small!) who helped us<br />gather change and pass out raffle tickets at our<br />first Breakfast Fundraiser held this past Saturday<br />at the Thomson Club in North Reading.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExFwC_sxOpx3gxOEHsJp1ien3XzxoaJq0W-8yLLvm3a2g3itNTvtZUOKzAKGvFuA0FAP1nKJAKy8tivdTZTaehnGj2Dk62OKp3i1lv27ap77E0Kpy53atG5a5jwFQV30kQNutLMdyi5Pf/s1600/acabellagroup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExFwC_sxOpx3gxOEHsJp1ien3XzxoaJq0W-8yLLvm3a2g3itNTvtZUOKzAKGvFuA0FAP1nKJAKy8tivdTZTaehnGj2Dk62OKp3i1lv27ap77E0Kpy53atG5a5jwFQV30kQNutLMdyi5Pf/s400/acabellagroup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586909179162498162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />THANK YOU</span><br /><br />to the Lynnfield High School A Cabellas who<br />shared their musical gifts with our guests.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPjOjUS-aOXj3HtnGy4IVug28M8yLI9vTtjpQpkLP_a9IQq4ps9kG2E7NmAJfeSypDmDvl04KckC-NbIae2mD07XxGWyoyqjzwrj2cu8_c3hjUPbvSNIZzdPsbBPapb8ge0X0pmH2K58A/s1600/GCpostersSm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPjOjUS-aOXj3HtnGy4IVug28M8yLI9vTtjpQpkLP_a9IQq4ps9kG2E7NmAJfeSypDmDvl04KckC-NbIae2mD07XxGWyoyqjzwrj2cu8_c3hjUPbvSNIZzdPsbBPapb8ge0X0pmH2K58A/s400/GCpostersSm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895243613728146" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR_f3wZfllf-FJpmCCADhKpwrPyEoS9Bb4NRgaORYgmlarKgSxQX4-mqWdMNqSPf59uu-yoWrhMek7JcwHakSzorXYsLUuP7ccZ51LzjzE9T9j0NybMiJLMDpo4Jn404hikqlLLdjZ-7I/s1600/GCposters2-Sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR_f3wZfllf-FJpmCCADhKpwrPyEoS9Bb4NRgaORYgmlarKgSxQX4-mqWdMNqSPf59uu-yoWrhMek7JcwHakSzorXYsLUuP7ccZ51LzjzE9T9j0NybMiJLMDpo4Jn404hikqlLLdjZ-7I/s400/GCposters2-Sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895055255856994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">THANK YOU</span><br /><br />to the local students who collected coins<br />in their classrooms and helped to spread<br />the word about Gathering Change.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_bSDCt7GjxtKoyiTIt_cua85la6VGVaOrRzbvh68PiuwR2Nb4kCOQXjv8IYUX9S8bLL0ylBOJ3lMIxyzjAd_p1CP_RaFEwg4S7cpdMFFATdsmD_SXPQfCA6BKUOa0tkjTtva76OESnim/s1600/spinaleraffle-Sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_bSDCt7GjxtKoyiTIt_cua85la6VGVaOrRzbvh68PiuwR2Nb4kCOQXjv8IYUX9S8bLL0ylBOJ3lMIxyzjAd_p1CP_RaFEwg4S7cpdMFFATdsmD_SXPQfCA6BKUOa0tkjTtva76OESnim/s400/spinaleraffle-Sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895053944335714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLUKTsdVPiEboaHs2-L_5ZvhNxZ2xFNfUL0G3_uIBEurpDNDWvm3jKvwAQaNnMKoxy1woiiLYCD_UDBBCmofszQF4QLf7UQeGHQwr4iUaOD0RDCevKgQRYW9BkpNnkTr10z_YqAr_AOIv/s1600/coffeeraffle-Sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLUKTsdVPiEboaHs2-L_5ZvhNxZ2xFNfUL0G3_uIBEurpDNDWvm3jKvwAQaNnMKoxy1woiiLYCD_UDBBCmofszQF4QLf7UQeGHQwr4iUaOD0RDCevKgQRYW9BkpNnkTr10z_YqAr_AOIv/s400/coffeeraffle-Sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895050485608178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">THANK YOU</span><br /><br />to the local businesses who generously<br />donated wonderful items for our raffle and their<br />professional services for our <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.blogspot.com/2011/03/come-to-table.html">silent auction</a>.</span><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG5EXgeZ4BCyhUhb_WsvQzS_Eid1my3zPRgNfpw8VCln4xLjNspJbwsx_j0lPR5-6-xCqussxjFxeLy9f7T48wa9EkeMCa7tWAsrNTd5hzfMdDljjzHxicfeGeFwiVU_lTnl3hVgpxAJl/s1600/DorothyYvonneProgramSm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG5EXgeZ4BCyhUhb_WsvQzS_Eid1my3zPRgNfpw8VCln4xLjNspJbwsx_j0lPR5-6-xCqussxjFxeLy9f7T48wa9EkeMCa7tWAsrNTd5hzfMdDljjzHxicfeGeFwiVU_lTnl3hVgpxAJl/s400/DorothyYvonneProgramSm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895252263167570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />THANK YOU</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> to the many sponsors whose advertisements<br />in our program helped make this breakfast<br />fundraiser possible, and to our guests<br />who joined us at the table!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR_f3wZfllf-FJpmCCADhKpwrPyEoS9Bb4NRgaORYgmlarKgSxQX4-mqWdMNqSPf59uu-yoWrhMek7JcwHakSzorXYsLUuP7ccZ51LzjzE9T9j0NybMiJLMDpo4Jn404hikqlLLdjZ-7I/s1600/GCposters2-Sm.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp5imFvi943eBACO7j1fhoD5JWqCAKNkW-LRrsKmdZghV3CcJJad3Fugiu8poD7BHccgUPqt7a7BCX5hpyzMHPtruvxGQ382yJ01lPMVLfD_vAgzDL8MCYajWR0j3Tc6TIAO0dkAec1Ku/s1600/fishbowl-flowersGC-Sm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp5imFvi943eBACO7j1fhoD5JWqCAKNkW-LRrsKmdZghV3CcJJad3Fugiu8poD7BHccgUPqt7a7BCX5hpyzMHPtruvxGQ382yJ01lPMVLfD_vAgzDL8MCYajWR0j3Tc6TIAO0dkAec1Ku/s400/fishbowl-flowersGC-Sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895059940325714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">AND THANK YOU ...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> for continuing to gather your change!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeFWGa4wD6GOqCG1uzf8Cr-ydnEl8yY84_XoyhQQwqRJObvS1wRViHVDpX_IQVp85kY1ChxqEoGsdJdYqRdfFv7OzB9DZCM_Pm5_unkNimZ_veLwVO3qD91H6mnOke79rph94QN1S-0Um/s1600/RoyDorothyGoodwinSm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeFWGa4wD6GOqCG1uzf8Cr-ydnEl8yY84_XoyhQQwqRJObvS1wRViHVDpX_IQVp85kY1ChxqEoGsdJdYqRdfFv7OzB9DZCM_Pm5_unkNimZ_veLwVO3qD91H6mnOke79rph94QN1S-0Um/s400/RoyDorothyGoodwinSm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586895256388850514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/how_you_can_help.html">Click here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> to find out how easy it is to make</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />a difference in the lives of those in need. </span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/news_and_events.html">Click here</a> for links to our breakfast sponsors.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object style="width: 420px; height: 325px;"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=110317144427-f8b2ac46a4f54724a2d9715d85355f68&docName=gci_breakfast_program&username=designvignettes&loadingInfoText=Gathering%20Change%20Breakfast%20Program&et=1300800471311&er=39"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="menu" value="false"><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" style="width: 420px; height: 325px;" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=110317144427-f8b2ac46a4f54724a2d9715d85355f68&docName=gci_breakfast_program&username=designvignettes&loadingInfoText=Gathering%20Change%20Breakfast%20Program&et=1300800471311&er=39"></embed></object></div><div style="width: 420px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/designvignettes/docs/gci_breakfast_program?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true" target="_blank">Open publication</a><br /><br /><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-71440565583314011692011-03-11T16:00:00.000-08:002011-03-11T16:08:47.676-08:00Come to the Table<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurWRVmIHEdgZKj7e2-RjNfyIu_tpd-FoRl4SblDFry-6HT7DTRMZgUHFFiDR_uY0igPqPUUu8DEDQDNGYqFalN-jfQqII8KAlADhykDJvvMX8imlOFjKVQfUcH9Lv1Mzgdm_XgtJEaeco/s1600/tablesettingRG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurWRVmIHEdgZKj7e2-RjNfyIu_tpd-FoRl4SblDFry-6HT7DTRMZgUHFFiDR_uY0igPqPUUu8DEDQDNGYqFalN-jfQqII8KAlADhykDJvvMX8imlOFjKVQfUcH9Lv1Mzgdm_XgtJEaeco/s400/tablesettingRG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582964210380436914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You are invited to “Come to the Table</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> for a<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Hunger Awareness Breakfast Fundraiser</span><br />hosted by Gathering Change, Inc. on<br />Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 9:30 am at the<br /><a href="http://www.thomsoncc.com/">Thomson Country Club</a>, North Reading, MA<br /><br />Join us as we increase hunger awareness and<br />share healthy eating alternatives.<br /><br />Speakers include Dorothy Goodwin, President of <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/index.html">Gathering Change, Inc.</a> and Sandy Carriker of the <a href="http://www.northreadingfoodpantry.org/">North Reading Food Pantry</a>.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Auction items include:</span><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.soderblomwellness.com/meet-julie.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPTcyc5Nr4Y72ilH7DVgXDHbt53__bmmDBRY0eCWn0IiHE6UJMYgYlk9tocJtzOLazfp0-4g1t5Unq5dIz8v2UqhkgurUSDBzipW9x31mQzI-DMAOGcIiufmOUUiItlXxiKShDi5HoFWF/s400/soderblom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582970396589342178" border="0" /></a>JULIE ADEY SODERBLOM<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Dinner for 6 to 12 people prepared by certified holistic health counselor Julie Adey Soderblom of <a href="http://www.soderblomwellness.com/index.html">Soderblom WELLNESS</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.thecreativefeast.com/the%20chef.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0QU1uvUIBsWKZy7OJQHXIYZX0uj1UsBi8R1pexRxM5vNkSxM_Cl4IxHqlXjWEjEMXYzaMDweMU1ovD742RSbuexIP9Ypi4OQqME1Y4G1MCVoiTKJ22Bldl0IgI769W3kYtAMqWmBrQC_/s400/Liz_Tasting_wine_society_ed_wozniak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582970524512384386" border="0" /></a>LIZ BARBOUR<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cooking demonstration<br />for 12 with chef Liz Barbour<br />of <a href="http://www.thecreativefeast.com/">The Creative Feast</a>.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Additional raffle items include Golf Clubs, Home Decor Items, Spa Packages, Art Instruction and more.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Tickets are $30 per person at the door or pay online in advance by <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/news_and_events.html">clicking here</a>. All donations will support local food pantries and a percentage will be matched by the <a href="http://www.feinsteinfoundation.org/">Feinstein Foundation</a> “One Million Dollar Hunger Challenge.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMNH1Fwy_R5apVHCNt3NlxoMXM_5ArOaufS1pb06qHYUBXcFgfcDnfHVLm1aDHA71tuKQ7dJc-KEXH9wqhN946d3JvP5OLODl-LuNb7UsGWWdaRaNTMbHiQOLCHfoqJrkw0-a2VW2W2Z5/s1600/GCI.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMNH1Fwy_R5apVHCNt3NlxoMXM_5ArOaufS1pb06qHYUBXcFgfcDnfHVLm1aDHA71tuKQ7dJc-KEXH9wqhN946d3JvP5OLODl-LuNb7UsGWWdaRaNTMbHiQOLCHfoqJrkw0-a2VW2W2Z5/s400/GCI.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582976365512486978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-14332551814042266042011-02-02T11:07:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:34:28.807-08:00An easy way to make a difference<a href="https://www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=41-2274376"><br /></a><a href="https://www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=41-2274376"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqELR6K60-jIZkoaFzyRc8SPnzE1cOFYdBiKsbzhBiQKgtEjf2GQrM_9DOQCwW0CLoLY5Y59Mxowe05WFsYNX_r1mplLIrgriIvI5koy05jan-S-f-mvzxOGQOroq5Nw29KOYH_TfOnHL/s400/Donate_button_210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569171786433356082" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gathering Change, Inc.</span> is proud to announce we now have a secure online payment option powered by <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.justgive.org/index.jsp">JustGive.org</a> “the destination for online charitable giving.”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <a href="https://www.justgive.org/basket?acton=donate&ein=41-2274376">Simply click here</a> and specify where you would like your donation to go (choose a town, a food pantry, etc.) and you, too, can help support neighbors in need with the click of a mouse!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Discover how donations – large and small – are making a big difference by visiting the following links:</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Lynnfield Patch.com ...<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/can-you-spare-some-change">Can you spare some change?</a><br /><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/lynnfield-woman-raises-1100-for-local-charity-at-birthday-party">Lynnfield woman raises $1,100 for local charity </a><br /><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/a-simple-idea-collect-your-change-help-your-community">Collect your change and help your community</a><br /><br />Westborough Patch.com ...<br /><a href="http://westborough.patch.com/articles/change-is-good-2">Change is good!</a><br /><br />Stoneham Patch.com ...<br /><a href="http://stoneham.patch.com/articles/a-penny-earned-collecting-spare-change-to-ensure-change-for-the-better">A penny earned: change for the better</a><br /><br /><br /></span></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-84230441401674969122010-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:002010-11-01T18:44:05.284-07:00Public Service Announcement<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://youtu.be/_uBAzLEakmY"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB42X5eliB1HStOpv1EOG4299fJfaBFrgbD6NI29_5CZ05yUUgDEM0o6fpLDHLq6QAXhzgm_pylJGrssXiiF7YRYzZC_JepvMw6OPnjXONmsNMBfW2v3F1tUSB5E2k-CkUWR07yaTAkxZR/s400/gciPSA.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534691922968920418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Please <a href="http://youtu.be/_uBAzLEakmY">click here</a> to view our first<br />Public Service Announcement<br />for Gathering Change, Inc.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks goes to Cheryl Webb Scott<br />and Stoneham Cable for their<br />generous help in producing this!<br /><br />By sharing this PSA with others,<br />you can spread the word about<br />helping neighbors in need.<br /><br />For more information about the mission<br />of Gathering Change, <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/about_us.html">click here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/testimonials.html">Click here</a> to read testimonials from<br />just some of the people who have made<br />a difference by gathering their change.<br /><br />To donate to Gathering Change,<br /><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/donate.html">please click here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">With sincere gratitude,</span><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The board members of</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Gathering Change, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-90825980337000345552010-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:002010-10-15T11:50:48.002-07:00Join us at our 2nd Annual Meeting on Nov. 1st<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv5kydRbd3YDM5Um7o72tA-mgUZ2FJYnRfJX8OxXPi4Je8l16OaawUQP9v8R9mgMhZYSMRN6AlsEOP_4hAZ3u2hc3_HGM-n3wfoeBAdY1UC1pIyiopbTsW6pMt4dM83k0XUHNNfnxizQ-/s1600/DorothyatNR.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv5kydRbd3YDM5Um7o72tA-mgUZ2FJYnRfJX8OxXPi4Je8l16OaawUQP9v8R9mgMhZYSMRN6AlsEOP_4hAZ3u2hc3_HGM-n3wfoeBAdY1UC1pIyiopbTsW6pMt4dM83k0XUHNNfnxizQ-/s400/DorothyatNR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528323302099743538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Sandy Carriker of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19562&id=116698985014274#%21/photo.php?fbid=161031573914348&set=a.116703928347113.19562.116698985014274">North Reading Food Pantry</a> with<br />Dorothy Goodwin, president of Gathering Change</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The second <span style="font-weight: bold;">Annual Meeting</span> of Gathering Change, Inc. will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010<br />at 7:00 p.m. at the <a href="http://www.colonialmeetinghouses.com/mh_lynnfield.shtml"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Meeting House</span></a> in Lynnfield, MA. All are welcome to join us as we share the highlights of the past year, our vision for the future and enjoy a variety of refreshments. Our special guest speaker is Jane Good from the <a href="http://www.wifoodpantry.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wakefield</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.wifoodpantry.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Interfaith Food Pantry</span></a>.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud1-65wtvLEJ7eWioWX6ODseLHLqfxENC4zlIQu-O2YyPuXfdE3yg1Vyh6MkxfiARDT5t1LrLJ_wBDvYomH9_b0umUncN7PlZnwjFutJ_Jqrltu3V3FsHb6098yxSki3_GPfgW5lwXbOu/s1600/foodpantryNR.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud1-65wtvLEJ7eWioWX6ODseLHLqfxENC4zlIQu-O2YyPuXfdE3yg1Vyh6MkxfiARDT5t1LrLJ_wBDvYomH9_b0umUncN7PlZnwjFutJ_Jqrltu3V3FsHb6098yxSki3_GPfgW5lwXbOu/s400/foodpantryNR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528321443591690882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > E. Ethel Little School recently partnered with<br />Gathering Change, Inc. which resulted in a $1,000.00<br />donation to </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >the North Reading Food Pantry.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gathering Change, Inc.</span> collects spare change and then donates it to community and social programs in the town where the money was collected. GCI has offered many people in our local communities (children, adults, families, students and groups of all kinds) an opportunity to give in a way that is manageable financially and also makes<br />a difference in people’s lives.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAuwcSJenEKAFvzHnkDNJnEW2PyBAkqAcnRCUip4AhNpjXXFlO7yLWW8fNB-5m2qEAaSiNEM2nXDLBlbhtZniax2SQr3PvKS2QQktQrpPevZ6eNN2Cz_75zO-aB1ZkYp8EXAgnMrVWZB/s1600/breadNR.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAuwcSJenEKAFvzHnkDNJnEW2PyBAkqAcnRCUip4AhNpjXXFlO7yLWW8fNB-5m2qEAaSiNEM2nXDLBlbhtZniax2SQr3PvKS2QQktQrpPevZ6eNN2Cz_75zO-aB1ZkYp8EXAgnMrVWZB/s400/breadNR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528321436118846258" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kqF-9Xven9enzBxAeS2-_PRbTvutuILm2Wjm4JZ2IFWLCVYfmWZ3KIOw4RkJlVZw4TL5iPQcuSl-wU8gcTZTH7XTU1ztdchiTD4g8We6RHj_GSxQrYlmDSeAgToeSVZdaJMpkPQuJnIO/s1600/backpacksNR.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kqF-9Xven9enzBxAeS2-_PRbTvutuILm2Wjm4JZ2IFWLCVYfmWZ3KIOw4RkJlVZw4TL5iPQcuSl-wU8gcTZTH7XTU1ztdchiTD4g8We6RHj_GSxQrYlmDSeAgToeSVZdaJMpkPQuJnIO/s400/backpacksNR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528321432265621170" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrm4H4LrwIbSRC4K_tSYdLCnlgPicLLn5MXdSH_bSoc3R7FvdgL5SBE2skhyphenhyphen8HQRqjtpB5-YI8hOLRPXpzd_vBOGjfmC9F-RWUh5UPglqw3nkvbTgH_wFMj_HMVEax2yckucQMMuiJgDb/s1600/clothingNR.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrm4H4LrwIbSRC4K_tSYdLCnlgPicLLn5MXdSH_bSoc3R7FvdgL5SBE2skhyphenhyphen8HQRqjtpB5-YI8hOLRPXpzd_vBOGjfmC9F-RWUh5UPglqw3nkvbTgH_wFMj_HMVEax2yckucQMMuiJgDb/s400/clothingNR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528323819483063250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Some of the items being distributed at the<br />North Reading Food Pantry in September</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Because of the hard economic times in recent years, <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/who_we_serve.html">Gathering Change, Inc.</a> has funneled its donations to food pantries. As awareness of GCI and its mission has expanded, more and more individuals, businesses, faith communities and schools in an ever-increasing number of towns have been involved in fundraisers and food drives. Over 30 towns have benefited<br />from donations by their neighbors. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy72tnB7IY6x65DnYrMg0INMJXuztVpqZIRUJ8QLBcR-_bMmt6FD27cOfDBjZYLBJxn8G3jCZjaJb3An06gzJPV4LnCKeyckOXdG6DOrvq7G9lAKOxHr-bY6-tIPLIpInUe6KRe0G74XxA/s1600/meetinghouse.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy72tnB7IY6x65DnYrMg0INMJXuztVpqZIRUJ8QLBcR-_bMmt6FD27cOfDBjZYLBJxn8G3jCZjaJb3An06gzJPV4LnCKeyckOXdG6DOrvq7G9lAKOxHr-bY6-tIPLIpInUe6KRe0G74XxA/s400/meetinghouse.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528322321132426834" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Lynnfield Meeting House is on the Lynnfield Common which lies between Main and Summer Streets in Lynnfield (proper address is 617 Main Street). Parking is available in front of the<br />Library or in the Town Hall parking lot.<br /><br />For more information call 617-548-5357 or<br />email dgoodwin@gatheringchangeinc.org.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">To find out how you can help to fight</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">hunger in your community </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/how_you_can_help.html">click here</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-38944872356021890172010-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:002010-09-08T14:53:48.081-07:00When you see something, say something!There is a saying going around, “When you see something, say something”! In my case, I have to tell you what I see when I visit the food pantries. I see men, women and children. Yes, children. I see the well dressed and the not so well dressed, I see the clean and the unclean. I see what happens to a face when it is full of worry and pale from being hungry. I see that there is very little talking and no eye contact. I see what I have not known but what I cannot give up on. I see that in Massachusetts, in every city and town, there are those who are struggling. The majority of these individuals have lost their jobs, or are underemployed, have an illness, or their fixed incomes are not enough to keep up with basic needs. <br /> <br />Recently I was asked what I did. I think that meant what I did for work. So I answered “ I work at a non profit that I started with some friends two years ago.” The person responded with “I didn’t expect you to say that”. Then I went on to say what we do at Gathering Change, Inc., how many food pantries we have helped (36) and how our goal is to spread across Massachusetts. I told her we do this with an unpaid working board and over 100 volunteers. When she asked me how I got so many volunteers to help I said “I did not know.” I was caught off guard. The real answer should have been “Because we all know someone.” <br /> <br />This month I have the privilege of delivering $10,000 from spare change donations to the food pantries throughout Massachusetts. Some are in affluent towns, while others are in the inner city, but all are in need. If you would like to come along please let me know. I would love for you to see what I see so you can say to others what I am saying to you!<br /><br />Dorothy Goodwin, PresidentGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-54852800248566445502010-05-07T06:15:00.000-07:002010-05-07T07:25:05.251-07:00The Feinstein Foundation ChallangeI truly believe that hope is something that comes from changing what is to what is possible. When Gathering Change, Inc. first found out that the Feinstein Foundation would match a percentage of all food and funds collected during the months of March and April, we hoped it would help our Mission. After all, Alan Shawn Feinstein says: "The Feinstein Foundation Challenge is the most successful Hunger Fundraiser in America."<br /> <br />These past two months have not been without its share of muscle strains, long visits to the SaugusBank coin counter machine, which I want to name "Buddy" for being such a loyal and helpful friend, speaking engagements, submitting numerous publicity articles to local newspapers, sorting, loading, delivering food, writing thank you notes to all those that helped us with this Challenge, meetings, presentations and fundraisers, as well as another appearance on the Total Woman Cable Show. All this so that together we could make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. <br /><br />With your help, and you all know who you are, we are able to send funds and food, with more to follow, to Melrose, Reading, North Reading, Wakefield, Lynnfield, Peabody, Everett, Beverly and Stoneham Food Pantries. Our final tally for the Feinstein Foundation Challange is $13,660.89. <br /><br />Thank you from all of us at Gathering Change, Inc., for far exceeding our expectations and for making what we hoped was possible no longer a dream but a reality!<br /><br /><br />Dorothy Goodwin, PresidentGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-18533290315886051382010-03-04T12:43:00.000-08:002010-03-04T12:53:53.768-08:00Choosing The Right PathNext week I have to speak to a group of Juniors and Seniors who are involved in a Community Service Class. A few different organizations will be making presentations and after that they will decide which charities to work with. I heard the class is mostly made up of young men, so I am trying to think of what to open with that will keep their attention and peek their interest. Perhaps they will be impressed with the fact that although we are a young charity we have been able to help 33 communities. They may like that funds raised in their town stay in their town, no salaries come from these collections and what we collect, either food or funds, will make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.<br /><br />It is at this same school over 36 years ago on their track that I watched a boy I liked throw shot put and discus at a meet. After the meet he and I spoke briefly. I had embarrassed him with my applause from the stands. It seems clapping is not proper etiquitte at such events. All these years later we are still together. Oh, yes, we are older, but I still look at him as my boyfriend, best friend, confidant, and the love of my life. I still see the smile that stole my heart and his sense of humor and intelligence along with our wanting the same things out of life. We both wanted to be parents, we both wanted to give back, we both wanted the other to be happy, we both supported the other when things got rough and we both will continue to be there for one another as we grow older. <br /> <br />So when I look out at the students I will be thinking of the years that have passed, the world that is open to each of them, the path I chose to take and the person I chose to take it with. Just as GCI began with a few friends who chose to walk this path we me, I hope they choose to join us! <br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-63082920539168556432010-03-04T12:06:00.000-08:002010-03-04T12:43:10.125-08:00Gathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-90795828241980200642010-01-21T12:07:00.000-08:002010-01-23T08:01:05.717-08:00Healing Necessities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvzonEx_x3S530OOdaDygCaL8-Rw88E6FRoqmvuyN3BvV0u7K63dMDST2XgZTCtHtb7XUzQCyeL1Dhyphenhyphen3z2919bO6fowknPfOiS1Wxh-sWLzLwDXNRPL-Ug-k_W4H-WmhFtcv5TRzg9qO/s1600-h/GCI+Toiletries+Blog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvzonEx_x3S530OOdaDygCaL8-Rw88E6FRoqmvuyN3BvV0u7K63dMDST2XgZTCtHtb7XUzQCyeL1Dhyphenhyphen3z2919bO6fowknPfOiS1Wxh-sWLzLwDXNRPL-Ug-k_W4H-WmhFtcv5TRzg9qO/s400/GCI+Toiletries+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429965054203494626" border="0" /></a><br />It has recently come to my attention that basic toiletries such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper are hard to come by at our food pantries. They are just not donated that often. And it’s also been brought to my attention that Food Stamps cannot be used to purchase these items.<br /><br />It made me realize that I take some of my basic necessities for granted, while others struggle to find a way to acquire them. I never have to think if there will be deodorant or shampoo never mind soap and toilet paper in my home. I just buy them and they are always there.<br /><br />What about someone who is struggling to pay for rent and heat. What do they do?<br /><br />What about the growing numbers of people frequenting the food pantries who find these items are not available. What do they do?<br /><br />What if someone has Food Stamps and needs shampoo to go on a job interview or simply to feel good about themselves. What do they do?<br /><br />If someone or some family can’t keep up with acquiring these items, What do they do? Do kids refuse to go to school, to Dads feel like they can’t go to work, do Moms feel ill equipped to leave the house and make outside contacts?<br /><br />The more I contemplated this issue, the more I saw the huge connection between our physical hygiene and our mental well-being and physical health.<br /><br />For many it’s heartbreaking to have to go to the food pantry and then to go there without being clean must feel even more demoralizing.<br /><br />Gathering Change, Inc. is currently writing for a grant to make these items more accessible to those clients that need help at the food pantries. We see a direct link with an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth and their ability to stay clean and cared for. We believe this is not just a necessity but a basic right for all. We feel compelled to help others reclaim their dignity, a dignity that was lost when one does not have the items needed for self care.<br /><br />Next time you make a donation to your local food pantry, consider giving these items. You won’t believe how how much they will be appreciated. To be able to care for ourselves and our families in this way, allows us to move forward in our lives and to take the next step to making changes that will help us. Let us not forget about these healing necessities.<br /><br />Marianne SnowGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-32683833442508073482010-01-07T10:11:00.000-08:002010-01-07T11:55:43.345-08:00I did not know....Today I was told about the newest challenge, which affects our children and our schools. The motels in our area (specifically chosen by the State for their location to major highways) are seeing an increase in families who have been displaced due to job losses and home foreclosures. "I did not know" that the food pantries in certain towns are serving more children and are able to keep up, but the schools are not. There are not enough funds to cover additional lunches. <br /><br />This is news that I could not keep to myself. I am sorry to say it is sad and worrisome, but it is real and happening in our own backyards. <br /><br />I did not know but now I do and so do you!<br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-72448470462516604312009-12-23T16:08:00.000-08:002009-12-23T16:12:42.141-08:00Ride AlongFor the last two weekends my wife Dorothy's non-profit organization <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/">Gathering Change Inc.</a>, has been wrapping holiday presents at the North Shore Mall in Peabody to raise money for local food pantries. Thanks to the kindness, dedication, and hard work of GCI's Board Members and volunteers as well as the outrageous generosity of holiday shoppers, the "Wrap for Food" weekends were a smashing success. Another critical part to the success of the weekends was the kind help and support GCI received from the North Shore Mall staff. The money raised at the event will be split up between food pantries in Beverly, Danvers, Salem, and Peabody.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209007927/" title="L-R: VeAnne Campbell - St Joseph's Food Pantry, Dorothy Goodwin, President - Gathering Change Inc." on="" flickr=""><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4209007927_a74901eeed_o.jpg" alt="L-R: VeAnne Campbell - St Joseph's Food Pantry, Dorothy Goodwin, President - Gathering Change Inc." height="486" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Today, Dorothy let me take a ride along with her as she delivered money to St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Salem and Beverly Bootstraps. When we got to our first stop, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.saintjosephsfoodpantry.com/index.html">St Joseph's Food Pantry</a>, we found it to be a hive of activity.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209770930/" title="St Joseph's Food Pantry - Staple storage"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4209770930_9e59324e9f_o.jpg" alt="St Joseph's Food Pantry - Staple storage" height="383" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Non-perishable food donations were being stored and stacked in milk crates. These items would later be used to build the sacks of food that waited patiently for folks to come in and take them home.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209008329/" title="St Joseph's Food Pantry - Sacks of food with raincoats"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4209008329_a3e9780c9f_o.jpg" alt="St Joseph's Food Pantry - Sacks of food with raincoats" height="502" width="400" /></a><br /><div align="left"><br />While Dorothy and VeAnne Campbell Pantry Director chatted about future opportunities to collaborate, I poked around, said "Hi" to folks that were working there and took some snaps. The energy, enthusiasm, and organized action of the place truly impressed me. I mentioned to Dorothy when we got back to the Accord that it looked like they weren't suffering as far as donations went. Dorothy quickly corrected me. She said that when the Pantry is open, the line for bags of food stretches around the corner. They serve around 2000 individuals a month. All the food sacks I had seen set up would be gone in very short order. The daily ongoing need for food is immense.<br /><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209771022/" title="Beverly Bootstraps - Front Door 350 by Roy Goodwin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4209771022_fa0fb1dcda_o.jpg" alt="Beverly Bootstraps - Front Door 350" height="527" width="350" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Our next stop was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.beverlybootstraps.org/">Beverly Bootstraps</a>. BB is a great organization. Not only do they run a food pantry, they also run a thrift store, provide housing assistance, as well as youth and adult education classes. When we went in the front door, we were greeted by Sue Gabriel, Executive Director. Sue took us on a tour of the pantry area and graciously stopped to pose for a picture with Dorothy.<br /><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209008271/" title="L-R: Sue Gabriel Executive Director - Beverly Bootstraps, Dorothy Goodwin President - Gathering Change Inc."><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4209008271_9eda003289_o.jpg" alt="L-R: Sue Gabriel Executive Director - Beverly Bootstraps, Dorothy Goodwin President - Gathering Change Inc." height="564" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Sue told us that the need for food went up 35% in 2009. She pointed out to us that while it seemed like they had quite a bit of food on hand right now, that it would be almost gone by the end of January or mid-February.<br /><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209770466/" title="Beverly Bootstraps - This will all be gone by February 2010"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4209770466_db6f2cb459_o.jpg" alt="Beverly Bootstraps - This will all be gone by February 2010" height="379" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Sue said that in the dog days of summer, the pantry shelves would likely be bare. She also told us that she is constantly uplifted and grateful for the generosity of folks in Beverly.<br /><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/4209770496/" title="Beverly Bootstraps - Need is up 35 percent in 2009 "><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4209770496_425afd597d_o.jpg" alt="Beverly Bootstraps - Need is up 35 percent in 2009" height="428" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">A few things struck me as we drove home together. First, I am so proud of Dorothy and all the folks connected with Gathering Change Inc. I think it takes a great deal of bravery to start down this path in our current economic climate. Secondly, the people that are running the food pantries are doing amazing, healing work in this busted up country. Lastly - the need for assistance is mind-bendingly enormous. <b>Much more needs to be done</b>, not only in the way of donations, but employment and housing as well.<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-79495877772446114612009-12-17T12:40:00.001-08:002009-12-17T13:31:50.476-08:00One size fits all ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDv2ganyxW9biyuuXgJB4cwH3CxwYgx2Dj4H0ebQiDy22P5Fzzavn2prZhwDVxwXBgMmf0vJTU4zIWeM_KV1i_OzsXuT9BG96LORzJjvQ5S4RCSyxUW6N9BfOP_F3ZGlOubUXN6AELaWw/s1600-h/GCorigamicard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDv2ganyxW9biyuuXgJB4cwH3CxwYgx2Dj4H0ebQiDy22P5Fzzavn2prZhwDVxwXBgMmf0vJTU4zIWeM_KV1i_OzsXuT9BG96LORzJjvQ5S4RCSyxUW6N9BfOP_F3ZGlOubUXN6AELaWw/s400/GCorigamicard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416318689050056946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Looking for the perfect gift?</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">How about a donation to Gathering Change, Inc. <span style="font-weight: bold;">in honor of</span> a special teacher, coach or family member? We also have packages of small <span style="font-weight: bold;">greeting card</span>s that are perfect with holiday gifts, as a thank you note, or to send a word of encouragement to a friend in need. <span style="font-weight: bold;">In memory cards</span> are always available as well.<br /><br />E-mail <span style="font-weight: bold;">info@gatheringchangeinc.org</span> or visit our website at <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/gift_cards.html">www.gatheringchangeinc.org</a> to inquire about receiving the cards of your choice. All donations received will go toward assisting local food pantries.<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2SIv2-M3ukgvMb4zteygEltuhwAf89WXA3_9HAR6qzCF7ad42CgNh3EsGY0zrfKVkV717EGo_MXsUrrxUy0TKWDL4mgFTLJX3WATsfV6v5aFmcmU904b9RZGZOCFY-l54nPG3XjPNIgf/s1600-h/GC+in+honor+of1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2SIv2-M3ukgvMb4zteygEltuhwAf89WXA3_9HAR6qzCF7ad42CgNh3EsGY0zrfKVkV717EGo_MXsUrrxUy0TKWDL4mgFTLJX3WATsfV6v5aFmcmU904b9RZGZOCFY-l54nPG3XjPNIgf/s400/GC+in+honor+of1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416319942612221298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzCKhTtELAcwi9MMQPaC7fH6pcmbmQ0pV4NwqFxx5fmdzENCL0P3atQMugTsWAxINai-dn6ARAl7Oh_pOHlU3kbYJE-wJdmiooWROg0LQhBc-qURat6-fI9S9jopdnCWva_HPrwtkQREl/s1600-h/GC+in+honor+of_insidespread.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzCKhTtELAcwi9MMQPaC7fH6pcmbmQ0pV4NwqFxx5fmdzENCL0P3atQMugTsWAxINai-dn6ARAl7Oh_pOHlU3kbYJE-wJdmiooWROg0LQhBc-qURat6-fI9S9jopdnCWva_HPrwtkQREl/s400/GC+in+honor+of_insidespread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416319947282701842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFcE69hgGthsfivcbQCE6Q4fpn5boIXpdFpExOxtKXHys1rDFv0eCJzHEl2ZpQnOPTNDGqf5m12O94LXcemprnYxUgBiYmvPTR7ERuW_wCta_3-2khykyHIoIod13o5rFt4zEZLDlsei_/s1600-h/GCheartcard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFcE69hgGthsfivcbQCE6Q4fpn5boIXpdFpExOxtKXHys1rDFv0eCJzHEl2ZpQnOPTNDGqf5m12O94LXcemprnYxUgBiYmvPTR7ERuW_wCta_3-2khykyHIoIod13o5rFt4zEZLDlsei_/s400/GCheartcard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416315689516142194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then<br />feed just one.”</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">– Mother Teresa</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-87520478108228803142009-10-08T05:11:00.000-07:002009-10-08T06:02:53.487-07:00Donate your coins and make a difference!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br />2nd Annual Collection Drive</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;">October 17–25, 2009</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdMTn6CTASMAdiGjcWcaE82jA_vMAKj6aXgj-J6ZpX8wAcNwJPw2px-VxW-A5whY1pSdkgdzAcqyMTfR1Gdm6UvBq0aS-COyZ3vbCSxxVwAxg7FyJLXpaMiobQOgqiqNTboHWJPojqBXv/s1600-h/girlwithcoin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdMTn6CTASMAdiGjcWcaE82jA_vMAKj6aXgj-J6ZpX8wAcNwJPw2px-VxW-A5whY1pSdkgdzAcqyMTfR1Gdm6UvBq0aS-COyZ3vbCSxxVwAxg7FyJLXpaMiobQOgqiqNTboHWJPojqBXv/s400/girlwithcoin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390201342782571698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/host_a_party.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gather your friends and</span></a><a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/host_a_party.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> your spare change ...</span></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Last year our largest source of donations was received from <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/host_a_party.html">Gathering Change parties</a> hosted by people who wanted to make a difference in their communities. Thanks to the generosity of those who offered their time and their spare change, these donations have been used to assist over <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/who_we_serve.html">19 local food pantries</a> to provide for the increasing number of families and individuals that need help making ends meet. </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDe7yKfwa6jnSc5Vq2d_iz_Jdp78k_7xm-uXtRK2zNqN6g5IAIzOfpCJIZdmlyiO3ziH8Bfn-Yfyv_7QdyKlBmFmsiEcvDD-XD6xhU6DFvISS74Som9UEi9WPHWWhPKF0HYOL7eIc3ibl/s1600-h/GCcan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDe7yKfwa6jnSc5Vq2d_iz_Jdp78k_7xm-uXtRK2zNqN6g5IAIzOfpCJIZdmlyiO3ziH8Bfn-Yfyv_7QdyKlBmFmsiEcvDD-XD6xhU6DFvISS74Som9UEi9WPHWWhPKF0HYOL7eIc3ibl/s400/GCcan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390201022610865410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Every donation counts! </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you know ...</span><br />that one 16 oz. can filled with spare change<br />can add up to an average of $20.00? This could<br />put dinner on the table for a family in need.</span><br /><br />Call 617-548-5357 to arrange local pick up of<br />your gathered coins or <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/donate.html">donate by check</a> to:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Gathering Change, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />c/o Saugus Bank<br />Route 1 @ 412 Lynn Fells Parkway<br />Saugus, MA 01906</span><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-78694867631975012192009-09-09T04:01:00.000-07:002009-09-09T04:10:10.774-07:00Food Is Love<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" 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class="MsoNormal">My daughter has recently gone to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Copenhagen</st1:place></st1:city> for a semester abroad and it has been a very exciting experience for her.<span style=""> </span>We talk almost every day via Skype and I realized how much of our conversation revolves around food.<span style=""> </span>We touch base on classes, excursions, friends, rooming situation but we always go back to the food-what did you eat for supper, how was the café down the street, what’s Danish food like, do you like Danish food, did you go grocery shopping, what did you buy, what did it cost, what did you cook…I’m telling you the list could go on and on.<span style=""> </span>And it’s every, single time we speak.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here’s one of our Skype stories.<span style=""> </span>Recently she decided to buy kidney beans in a bag and try to cook those.<span style=""> </span>We told her to soak them overnight in water and then cook them for about an hour.<span style=""> </span>So instead, she soaked them for 2 nights and showed us what thy looked like afterwards.<span style=""> </span>They were the size of peanuts in there shell.<span style=""> </span>We encouraged her to wash them quickly, heat them over and see how they tasted.<span style=""> </span>They weren’t very good. They were still hard.<span style=""> </span>And last time I talked to her she tried to eat them again but it wasn’t a pleasant experience.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another story revolves around the bagel she bought down the street and all the yummy things she had on it – pesto, butter, chicken, tomatoes – and how good the sandwich was.<span style=""> </span>Yes, this is our conversation.<span style=""> </span>We ooh and aah over all the food stories.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh and then there’s the Danish meal she received courtesy of her tour group while traveling through <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denmark</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the famous Danish open sandwich.<span style=""> </span>And the suppers she cooks with her friends.<span style=""> </span>And the grocery shopping where she’s not quite sure what some of the food is or where to find a piece of chicken.<span style=""> </span>And that fish. What IS it?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, you get the picture.<span style=""> </span>The conversation is usually how was class, what did you eat today, how are your new friends, did you enjoy dinner, what did you explore today, what does your kitchen look like.<span style=""> </span>I realized that every other comment was about food.<span style=""> </span>And this was how we were nurturing her from aboard – by asking her if she is physically nurturing herself.<span style=""> </span>Just by asking about her dinner I feel I am nurturing her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a board member of Gathering Change, it just made me realize how we equate food and eating with love and care.<span style=""> </span>So what does a mother do when there’s not enough food? How does she feel and how does she nurture?<span style=""> </span>The importance of supporting the food pantries who help these moms and families took on an even deeper meaning for me.<span style=""> </span>If a family can get a few bags of groceries then they feel cared for.<span style=""> </span>Children feel loved when they are feed well.<span style=""> </span>Individuals feel they are important and part of a community when that community provides for them in ways they are having trouble providing for themselves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I may be chuckling at the constant food banter I am having with my daughter but the importance of food is no laughing matter. I have realized how essential our food pantries are and how important our contributions to them can be.<span style=""> </span>It’s made me feel an ever stronger impetus to collect food and spare change so that every mom and dad, every family, every individual who comes looking for some food can be serviced in a caring and competent manner.<span style=""> </span>In all cultures food is love.<span style=""> </span>Let us continue to work towards providing that care for all.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Marianne Snow
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Gathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-91636335410548037262009-08-27T20:54:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:52:35.322-07:00Bon Appetit, part 2<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6-oWOcCb7I1gblvGCHfeWxHroMUVnxUrKG-w0yqtuCd_2Xz99lGZr6QYSDT7RQDJEGrzFNqmEppmq1Hi4bvUwF-iV_jbGR1mFujOThsL1FU5sX-VRGlbnHwDjODuMqq5Sfd0dLl-1AC9/s1600-h/firstplace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6-oWOcCb7I1gblvGCHfeWxHroMUVnxUrKG-w0yqtuCd_2Xz99lGZr6QYSDT7RQDJEGrzFNqmEppmq1Hi4bvUwF-iV_jbGR1mFujOThsL1FU5sX-VRGlbnHwDjODuMqq5Sfd0dLl-1AC9/s400/firstplace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374877735145103794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The dining room in my first apartment.<br />My favorite meal in my twenties:<br /><a href="http://elise.com/recipes/archives/007145chicken_piccata.php">Chicken Piccata</a> over wild rice<br />served with a side of cherry tomatoes in a<br />basil, olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette</span><br /></div></div><br /><br />We all know how hard it can be to feed a family in this down-economy. When a parent loses a job, has hours cut, or doesn't receive an expected bonus ... the financial impact can certainly change the way a family eats and shops.<br /><br />But what about young adults? The twenty-somethings who are heading off to college or are out there trying to make a living during a time when jobs can be scarce and the ones out there are extremely low-paying? Some post-graduates (or the many who are on a financial-sabbatical from college) may even have huge student loan debt plus rent to pay, while being financially responsible for the first time.<br /><br />I remember spending $20.00 a week on groceries back when I had my first job, my first apartment, and years worth of student loans ahead of me (hard to believe this is going back 20 years now). Back then, $20.00 actually bought a decent amount of food for one person (who ate like a bird anyway). Breakfast was a bagel. I didn't drink coffee. Lunch was yogurt or salad. Dinner was bread, cheese and fruit; a spinach, mushroom and feta cheese calzone; or a splurge would be chicken piccata (a rare meal that I made for friends). I didn't worry much about putting food on my table back then, but what if I were just starting out on my own in the challenging economy of 2009?<br /><br />Today, that same $20.00 might amount to a loaf of bread, a roast chicken, some apples, a box of cereal and perhaps a gallon of milk. As long as you like cereal (which is actually a good healthy choice provided it isn't covered with sugar) you could probably get by for a few days with this amount of food. But what if you had <span style="font-style: italic;">less</span> than $20.00 to spend after paying bills, rent, etc.? What if you didn't even have a job? Today there are no guarantees. There are people in every age group that are struggling with how to get by with tighter budgets.<br /><br />While blog-surfing (I started on <a href="http://rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com/">Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic</a> and then kept going ...) I caught a series of posts on how to survive during financially difficult times from the experienced point of view of the very chic <a href="http://amourarose.blogspot.com/search?q=">Amoura Rose</a> of Vancouver BC <span style="font-style: italic;">(her motto is "Live beautifully. Think elegantly")</span>. In one entry, she tells the story of how as a student she was living on a food budget of a mere $5 to $15 per week. Her post on ways to <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> save money on food is worth taking a look at ... it certainly isn't artful cooking, but it is food for thought. <span style="font-style: italic;">(be sure to read the posted comments for additional tips on eating healthy while saving money at the grocery store)</span>. A box of mac and cheese doesn't have to be the answer ...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://amourarose.blogspot.com/2009/03/part-2-penny-pinching-on-food.html">Frugal Food by Amoura Rose</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Something else I have been thinking about ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtj-hSh5bPvEtXYAS_uOdPGlcfAYpsS1jc2KheT2bv64Uh2iaYmrxJHgVynmYvKHerukTvIDoVwC6i4KS0bJ1dYtz5iOmuRHFVEMdvtM0PZ-ubrjDAm_oiQl4c_QP3u-TIr2tQgk47HRz/s1600-h/tacoBettyCrocker"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtj-hSh5bPvEtXYAS_uOdPGlcfAYpsS1jc2KheT2bv64Uh2iaYmrxJHgVynmYvKHerukTvIDoVwC6i4KS0bJ1dYtz5iOmuRHFVEMdvtM0PZ-ubrjDAm_oiQl4c_QP3u-TIr2tQgk47HRz/s400/tacoBettyCrocker" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374882038246759794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/entertaining/casual-parties/Global-Cuisine/Tuesday-Taco-Night.htm">Double-Layer Tacos from Betty Crocker.com</a><br /><br /></span></span></div><br />When trying to come up with inexpensive recipes, look to cuisines that are known to feed a lot for less. I just read a great book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Recipe-Happiness-Barbara-ONeal/dp/0553591681/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251434371&sr=8-1">The Lost Recipe for Happiness</a> by Barbara O'Neal. In it, the main character, a chef at an Aspen restaurant, whips up delicious menus based on her family roots in New Mexico, while discovering the essential ingredients to living a happy life. Favorite recipes linked to cherished memories are sprinkled throughout the novel. Sharing the <span style="font-style: italic;">experience</span> of food, like <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/entertaining/casual-parties/Global-Cuisine/Tuesday-Taco-Night.htm">creating tacos</a> with family or friends for example, can satisfy hunger while nourishing the soul. Buen apetito!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Posted by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></div>Yvonne Blackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11513727390357393110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-21220822992756278152009-08-13T04:31:00.000-07:002009-08-13T06:26:40.029-07:00What is time?With my mother coming to the end of her life here on earth, I am reminded how quickly life goes by and that it is made up of a series of moments. When my father was a soldier in World War II, he was stationed in the Pacific. Every time he wrote home he would end the letter with "What is time?" This is how a young boy of 17 dealt with being homesick. This saying is also etched on his gravestone that my mother will be sharing with him shortly.<br /><br />Last night, my husband and I, along with our children and their significant others, enjoyed a delicious meal at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Taranta</span>. This restaurant is in the North End on Hanover Street. The menu combines Southern Italian Cuisine with Peruvian Cuisine. All the windows were open and it was as if the energy coming into the restaurant from the street was shared with the patrons and vice-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">versa</span>. This is restaurant week, and they offered a fixed price menu with lots of choices. We all enjoyed what we had.<br /><br />There is nothing more intimate than sharing a meal with those we love. To listen, laugh, tell stories and be seen and heard by the person sitting across, diagonal or next to you at a table. For an hour and a half there is no place to go other than where you are. The urgency of the day and the worry of tomorrow is replaced with the present. Something that challenges most of us to be in. Our public display of affection on the street afterward, as we said our goodbye's to one another, replayed in my head during the night many times. Perhaps it is because my mother is in her final stage of her life that I am aware how precious and few these moments are.<br /><br />Until we meet again, what is time?<br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-40924081801801512242009-08-10T12:50:00.000-07:002009-08-12T05:12:50.915-07:00Bon AppetitI saw the Julie & Julia movie yesterday, which is based on Julia Child's early days in France. Julie is looking for meaning in her own life and decides to recreate every Julia Child recipe while sharing her experience on her blog. What takes Julie one year to complete took Julia 8 years to write. I love and respect food and I cook, but I don't love it. Julie & Julia were not put off by the shopping, the unusual ingredients, the hours of preparation, the cost or cleaning up afterward. They prepared the food with love and true artistry. I don't have the daily constitution to shop, chop, saute, steam, bake, broil and boil. I rush though the grocery store as if my carriage is on fire. I cannot stand loading and unloading the groceries. I have a small kitchen so there is not always enough room for everything, especially if I go to Costco and purchase food items that come in enormous sizes. Then there is the dealing with the refrigerator and where to put everything, especially in summer when condiments rule the shelves and little room is left for anything else. This got me thinking, which I do every now and then, what if I could help people create meals that were healthy, simple and inexpensive to prepare.<br /><br />I will post recipes and photos of food I make, once a week, using ingredients that won't break the bank. Other board members will submit their recipes as well. If you have one to share, by all means send it in so we can publish it on the blog. Eventually, depending on the number of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">recipes</span>, there may be a separate section on the blog.<br /><br />Julia Child I am not, but helping others eat healthy on less, I am all for that.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bon</span></span></span> Appetit!<br /><br />Dorothy Goodwin<br /></span>Gathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-3680909048708308542009-07-28T06:45:00.000-07:002009-07-29T04:38:36.468-07:00Another Man's TreasureWe are always surprised to see what treasures are among the spare change as it goes into the change machine. One of our most memorable collections of spare change came from an elderly man who had been a firefighter. After 50 years of saving his change, most of it pennies, his wife called and asked if we would come and pick it up. Not knowing what to expect or how much spare change we would find, MS and I brought along a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">suitcases.</span><br /><br />Upon arriving at his home very few words were exchanged. We were told ahead of time he was hard of hearing. When he opened the door to let us in he pointed to two tall black boots and another container full of change that was sitting on the floor. A sign that even though he no longer wore the boots he continued to find a purpose for them.<br /><br />What he did not realize was that mixed in with the change was baby teeth. Perhaps they were his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">children's</span></span> or his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">grandchildren</span>'s. Perhaps he was the tooth fairy on more than one occasion. Whatever the reason, he saved the teeth with the change. This was his treasure chest.<br /><br />After we emptied the change out of the boots and into the suitcases, we thanked him, shook hands and said goodbye. As we rolled our new collection out to the car we could not help but wonder how much money we had and additionally, how many people would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">be</span> helped by his generosity. With a grunt, we lifted the cases into the trunk, waved and said thank you again. He stood in the doorway watching us as we backed out of the driveway and began to make our way down the street. Perhaps he was saying goodbye to many years of memories.<br /><br />I don't know what made me think about this today. Maybe it is because I struggle with the asking. I have to remember that I am asking for those that cannot. I will never forget the look on his face, and the tug MS and I felt in our hearts, as we drove away with his treasure.<br /><br />And so it continues. I (we) will never stop asking! What's in your pocket? A loaf of bread? A gallon of milk?<br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-63497773318044860492009-07-27T09:59:00.000-07:002009-07-27T14:58:18.900-07:00Daily ReconcilliationsI heard the word reconcile used on the news and it made me think about all the things I am dealing with at this moment.<br /><br />When I heard that the economy was coming out of a recession followed by the fact the unemployment rate would probably climb to 10% over the coming year and a half...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that new home sales are up 11% which is wonderful news, but foreclosures are up as well and home sales fell to an 11 year low....How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that my mother is on her final journey here on earth but hospice cannot tell me if that means next week or tomorrow...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that there were 400 people in line at the food pantry in Lawrence this week, a 33% jump from last year...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that people think the need for emergency food is only great in the winter months and some food pantries may have to close their doors because their shelves are bare...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that my AC needed to be adjusted for $500 but now a week later it needs another adjustment for $400...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard that deflation is keeping businesses open but not profitable...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I leave the grocery store after shelling out $150 and realize I don't have anything to make a complete meal...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />When I heard the swine flu is expected to be on the increase in the fall and hopefully there will be a vaccine, but they are not sure if it will be enough...How do I reconcile that?<br /><br />Maybe you can tell by my tone that I have had a difficult week. I am holding onto information, some of which has a direct impact in my life, and some does not. A wise friend MS told me "YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN PATH." Greater words have never been spoken and I try to live by them daily. I (we) cannot control everything that happens in life or in the lives of those I (we) know and love. All any of us can do is support one another through the ups and downs with the gifts we have available to us, so that through our darkest moments when hope is disguised as fear, and joy is a distant memory, we are comforted in knowing that we are not alone. I can reconcile that!<br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-79189392085994509452009-07-10T05:26:00.000-07:002009-07-14T05:52:51.573-07:00Oh What A Night!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjvkXukScCOKltYxc3AKbCzfWArkgrgu-lwdExCIxtrGz1EGuBnOxvOog9_mlA7rtRmcun4-G65mvwI7jO1So0z5Ugj0BjmDuN8-FoLGdy4XibKR2R84NpetvCKMrRzAciSpZrzOO7nz8/s1600-h/IMG_0119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjvkXukScCOKltYxc3AKbCzfWArkgrgu-lwdExCIxtrGz1EGuBnOxvOog9_mlA7rtRmcun4-G65mvwI7jO1So0z5Ugj0BjmDuN8-FoLGdy4XibKR2R84NpetvCKMrRzAciSpZrzOO7nz8/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356899524285925298" border="0" /></a><br />Gathering Change, Inc., was asked to run the concession stand during last night's Concert on the Common sponsored by the Friends of the Lynnfield Library. The band Evolution was the attraction. They are a very talented homegrown group of musicians. Given the dreary wet summer we have had so far it seemed like everyone was happy to be outside. From our vantage point near the Lynnfield Meeting House, away from the band, we got to watch all the happenings. Children played a game of baseball across the common, some danced, while others played tag. A self-defense class did a demonstration to music during intermission and the winner of the Lynnfield Idol got to sing a solo. High School students volunteered to help the Friends of the Library and ironically we all wore yellow.<br /><br />As MQ pointed out it was like we really lived in a community and she was right. This is what everyone looks like when they come together to enjoy each others company on a beautiful summer evening. There was no stress on the parents faces because there was no place their children needed to be the next morning. School is out and a lot of families are on vacation. There were older folks there as well. When 8:00 came the band continued to play because everyone knew these moments were few and far between.<br /><br />As far as speaking to the audience to spread the word about our mission, I was given a few minutes before the start of the concert. I had put together what they call an elevator speech. This is basically a speech covering the top ten points you want the stranger in the elevator to know about your organization before the doors open to their floor, including an additional second or two to pull out a business card. I guess people listened because by the end of the evening we had a lot of money in our collection jar and most of it was green!<br /><br />Perhaps the best part for me was spending time with this remarkable group of women who have given so much of themselves to this charity. Thank you MS for coordinating this event, you did a fabulous job. Thank you to MQ, JS, SC, JB, as well as two very special friends who helped us out SB and MB. I also want to thank all those who baked for us. And thank you MS and SS for doing such a great job selling the ice cream and slush and to BQ for helping with the set-up. Thank you to all the children who helped and it was beautiful to see you all getting along. A few of our members could not be there but a big thank you goes to YB for our beautiful table display. MS and MT you were missed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHsgXVBu7VaIUa4fwX8qJfwC_-gfpE22UcL9iB2PptDqKQ9xMYUp8XyEQFnTWHx8UN7aHBrO1j-WNk5b90ahjW58pQ9F2X8-52UG_5lv9ZVfiLnTApMneX4-TtgMbqJ9NWZbWf5T-PTNe/s1600-h/IMG_0117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHsgXVBu7VaIUa4fwX8qJfwC_-gfpE22UcL9iB2PptDqKQ9xMYUp8XyEQFnTWHx8UN7aHBrO1j-WNk5b90ahjW58pQ9F2X8-52UG_5lv9ZVfiLnTApMneX4-TtgMbqJ9NWZbWf5T-PTNe/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358297711473545474" border="0" /></a><br />What I took away from last night is that Gathering Change Inc., is also a community of families whose values and priorities say volumes about what is important in our town and in our world.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Oh What A Night!</span><br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-51840569813587368602009-07-03T04:52:00.000-07:002009-07-03T07:32:24.102-07:00Somewhere Over The RainbowYesterday the news was very unsettling with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">announcement</span></span> that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unemployment</span></span> rate is up the 9.4%. The highest in over 25 years. I was just a kid then, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span></span> so I was 26 years old, to me that is a kid. Back then if you lost your job eventually you would find a new one and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">unemployment</span></span> benefits seemed to be enough. We did call it a recession, but for some reason it did not seem as bad as this one. There are more of us and less <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">opportunities</span></span> for employment. More jobs have been sent to other countries where labor is cheaper and the jobs that are available to us are few and far between. You didn't need to make a huge salary back then to support yourself or your family. Today the cost of living has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">morphed</span> into something that is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unsustainable</span></span> without a good paying job with benefits.<br /><br />Everyone is wondering what is going to happen. How much worse is it going to get? For those that are about to run out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">unemployment</span></span> benefits will they lose their homes, how will they eat, where will they go?<br /><br />Last night I watched the Wizard of Oz and I could not help but feel Dorothy's optimism for a better life when she sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This song was written in 1939. What she didn't know at the time was that her life was pretty good, except for Miss Gulch, of course! She had a home, food, family, friends and love. What else is there?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"<br />Music by Harold Arlen and Lyrics by E.Y. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Harburg</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dorothy<br />Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high.<br />There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby.<br />Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.<br />And the dreams that you dare to dream<br />Really do come true.<br />Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far Behind me.<br />Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops.<br />That's where you'll find me.<br />Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow,<br />Why then - oh, why can't I?<br />If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,<br />Why, oh, why can't I?<br /></div><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-80937288433768206722009-07-02T08:11:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:48:06.654-07:00What If?Recently my son A was married. The time between his birth and his marriage seem like a blink of an eye. My daughter K in now looking for an apartment to start her independent life. She has been living at home since graduating from college a year ago. From the moment they were born my husband and I have loved and nurtured them with the tool box we had available to us. They have grown into thriving, independent, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">compassionate</span></span></span>, loving, happy adults.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCoKvI9kNx3lA5d_f4EI2e1xEdOtnDL_b3FZdtjTFHSTiXnMW1mjAQInE-6sRCO7igcdlYiUO7ITzDWQybIv8mGBbPZR5xmErEODYGLXJR6U1HOcQxEgkT44mAWhDqBIfGgfCN2A64BHp/s1600-h/holding+hands.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCoKvI9kNx3lA5d_f4EI2e1xEdOtnDL_b3FZdtjTFHSTiXnMW1mjAQInE-6sRCO7igcdlYiUO7ITzDWQybIv8mGBbPZR5xmErEODYGLXJR6U1HOcQxEgkT44mAWhDqBIfGgfCN2A64BHp/s320/holding+hands.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353982466093891090" border="0" /></a><br />Another bedroom will soon be empty except for the few items left to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">identify</span></span> whose room it was. As A and K move on to the next chapter in their lives my husband and I must do the same. Although this is the natural progression of life, it has not been easy for us to let go. I can honestly say there is nothing, and I mean nothing, more important to us than our children. So when I hear that 1 in 10 children in our State are hungry the first thing that comes into my mind is <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">"What if they were mine?"</span></span><br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6779407496881816535.post-11022714867871028792009-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:002009-07-30T04:30:30.008-07:00I Believe!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDeV2w8yTFxAYJEenhyFLeb8DeQpMZqnKAl61rV2SQFPaP3qVjVvMlqoF6Qjczt1mfsDWlcwOPGjsp-WuS1MWiT_YGoUP1UP6ascz_jLo7LCMjEvhNkR45wkYQz4r94__Ltf_zj4tbd_Q/s1600-h/sun+400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDeV2w8yTFxAYJEenhyFLeb8DeQpMZqnKAl61rV2SQFPaP3qVjVvMlqoF6Qjczt1mfsDWlcwOPGjsp-WuS1MWiT_YGoUP1UP6ascz_jLo7LCMjEvhNkR45wkYQz4r94__Ltf_zj4tbd_Q/s320/sun+400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353504776181095362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">calendar</span> date is July 1, 2009, but it feels more like April. The endless days of sunless skies, foggy mornings, heavy showers, cool temperatures and water soaked flowers is a lesson in patience. My neighborhood in summer is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">usually</span> noisy with the sound of children playing outside...but not this summer. I saw an ice cream truck go by yesterday but there was no bell announcing itself. We all know that the sun is sitting up above the clouds and that gives me hope. I know in time it will show itself again. In New England we have a saying..."Wait five minutes and the weather will change."<br /><br />The biggest challenge we face at Gathering Change, Inc., is to change the minds of those who do not believe that the needs exist in our communities because they do not see it. "Out of sight out of mind." Emergency food needs are just as great in the summer as they are in the winter. The need for emergency food assistance is up over 30% from last year. (before that it was up 50%). Why is this not front page news? Just as this weather is relentless so is the need for food. How do <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WE</span> </span>at Gathering Change, Inc., convey that in a way that people understand? We believe that for every mind we change, we also change a life!<br /><br />Please feel free to leave a comment. We would love to hear from you!<br /><br />Dorothy GoodwinGathering Change Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02575828532163520363noreply@blogger.com0