Salem, like my teenage son has experienced a rapid growth spurt over the past few years. With the opening of new stores and restaurants, as well as an updated infrastructure. Salem now attracts not only more visitors, but also more people wanting to call Salem their home. Salem has transformed into the vibrant and exciting city that we enjoy today.

One thing that has not changed in Salem is its sense of community. That sense is what makes its residents stand out more than anything else. I have seen our community band together many times when one of its own is in need of help.

Last fall my friend Maureen Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sitting together one evening with a group of Maureen’s friends it was decided that although “We can’t do anything about Mo’s Cancer,” we could try to help her out financially. This would, at least ease some of the burden on her and her family allowing her to concentrate on getting better. This attitude of wanting to help did not surprise me, as it seems somewhat imbedded in all Salemites. Maureen like so many others in her situation not only has to cope with the medical side of their disease, but also with a heavy financial loss.

That evening it was decided that we would hold an Event. The event “Bra’vo for Maureen” is intended not only to help Mo out financially, but also, and maybe even more importantly, to show our love and support to Mo and her family. (Event page can be found on Facebook under friends of Maureen Clark.)

The good people of Salem and its surrounding communities are known not only for their generosity and empathy, but also for enjoying a good time. Mo’s event will not be a somber evening but rather an evening of celebration and fun. Music will be provided by “DJ. Joe D and the food has been generously donated by some of our favorite Salem restaurants.

The evening will also include raffle prizes and live auctions that include Two handmade quilts, membership to the Salem YMCA, cooking lessons and dinner for six provided by personnel chef Katia Marcelino (recent interviewee for the food network.), a $100 Gift certificate for the Boston Hair Salon in Marblehead provided by owner Lisa Buswell, a giant lobster from the Lobster Shanty and as the saying goes much, much more.

 Attendees are encouraged to wear “Show your support Bras” These are
flamboyantly decorated bras worn on the outside of clothing. Alternatively you
may choose to show your support by wearing a splash of the “colors of the
night” Orange and purple.

This event will be held Saturday November 17^th at the Moose lodge, 50 Grove street Salem.
Tickets can be purchased at the Lobster Shanty, Passage to India restaurant, BF
Goodstich and Pamplemousse. Tickets are $20. In advance or $25. on the door. We
hope you and your friends can attend our event for Maureen. Those unable to
attend may make a donation on the face book page.

Breast cancer has infiltrated many of our lives in one way or another. It is hard to find a person who does not know of someone, a mother, sister, wife, or friend that has not been touched. The statistics are staggering; about one in eight women in the US will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Thankfully death rates from breast
cancer have been decreasing since the 1990’s. The decrease in death rates is largely due to the advances in medical treatment and an increased awareness of the disease.

Stand against Breast cancer and stand up for my friend Mo by joining us at the “ Bra’Vo for Maureen”

 Support for this event given by the American Breast Cancer society.