Marine Corps Marathon Honors

Just received my award and this really nice letter via Fedex from MCM.
Worthy of a blog post as it keeps me motivated to run harder and faster. Loving my new Garmin and after yesterday's Turkey Trot, realizing anything is possible.... I am getting faster.
And in case you missed it earlier and it doesn't pop up below.... RESULTS from the MCM!

Troy Turkey Trot - 10K

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for
Troy Turkey Trot - 10K

Sixth woman - first in age (45-49) - Great race - more than 5500 people for the 2 races. Team iZoca showed up and run strong! Set my new PR for the 10K by .01 second! Unbelievable!

Results!
62 1/25 Nancy Cook 2418 45 F Belchertown MA 40:43 40:43 6:34

Texas Hill out & back - plus E Street hill

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for
Texas Hill out & back - plus E Street hill

Visiting Terry and family in Hinesburg --- I ran 10 miles on Sunday morning. This route is very hilly and now I have proof! Out and back down to town, back up the hill, then I took a wrong turn and went up this street that began with an E.... VERY hilly - reminded me of Stowe, Mt Washington and Pack! 10 miles total. Worth the separate post! Pink ran with me the whole way too! :) Hopefully she won't be stiff tomorrow. I missed my Oakley and will post a picture of Pink with this post for that memory of her being so great and following right behind me - even when other dogs were right across the street. Very well trained puppy - a gorgeous 5 yr old yellow lab. :)

So this is the beginning of sharing my workouts. I love my new Forerunner 405 and trying to figure out how to share with my friends that run too. It is amazing - the elevation and the splits showing on the post when you download. I just have to label it and call it good. Takes the work out of keeping a running journal. SO happy with it!

Tip of the day: Turn off the Virtual Running Parter, turn on the auto lap to one mile and lock the bezel so you don't make a mistake and hit it.

Photos: The Barbour Family --- I was so thankful to be able to take their Christmas card photo and got some really good ones of them on their property. They have an amazing view of Camels Hump in the background!

Corporate Impact Awards Recognize Companies' $1 Million-Plus Annual Gifts to American Cancer Society – Press Releases on CSRwire.com

Corporate Impact Awards Recognize Companies' $1 Million-Plus Annual Gifts to American Cancer Society – Press Releases on CSRwire.com
Of 16 companies recognized in 2009, the above companies are members of the Relay For Life National Team Program. I have been working on these account teams nurturing these relationships and am very proud of these companies and our partnership in the fight against cancer.

National Corporate Team Program Companies donating $1 million for the year 2008:

Walmart
Merrill Lynch
Walgreen Co.
AT&T
Curves
dressbarn inc
PartyLite Inc.
Best Buy

Celebrating every day... and this month, my 15th anniversary with the Society

Celebrating 15 years with the American Cancer Society!
Below is a timeline with short synopsis of my 15 years working with the Society.
IF have a memory please share in the comments section here on the blog! Cheers to the work you all have contributed in the fight against cancer!

1994 - Hired by Peg Camp (Current CEO of NEDIV) and worked as an area director for the NH Division covering 5 counties in Western MA - raising more than $300K. Managing cancer control, advocacy, board development and income through more than 20 events. Started with some incredible volunteer leadership, the first Making Strides in Peterborough, NH - attended the first Breast Cancer Survivor Retreat at the BU facility.
Colleagues: Louise Popp, Peg Camp, Jim David, Claire Fauth
Key volunteers: Bruce Parsons, Gail Anthony, Bob Malek, Steve Larmon, Judy Rocchio, Diana Love.

1996 - Hired to the Colorado Division by Stephanie Haberkorn as the Regional Relay For Life Specialist to grow Relay For Life in Northeast CO. Worked on the Boulder, Larimer and Weld County Relays. So exciting to now see the RFL in Greeley, CO as one of top events in the Northwest!
Colleagues: Susan Silodor, Nancy Clark, Ariella, Wendy Boden, Stephanie Haberkorn, Shelly, Laura Hilbert
Key volunteers: Russ from Boulder, Jim from Greeley and Dave from Fort Collins

1998 - Hired and moved back to the New England Division by Bronya Demerle as the New England Division Relay Trainer. I covered all of New England training staff and volunteers, and watched the number of Relay events more than double in my two years in that position.
Colleagues: Bronya Demerle, Holly Randall, Cathy Magliarditi, Jane Smith, Patty McKone
Key volunteers: Dave Norlach, Bob MacKay, Laura McCormick,

2000 - Hired by the National Home Office by Marty Coelho as the Web Content manager and worked with online Lotus database for resources, COE, and building out RFL on cancer.org. while writing the "Relay Tracking" -- worked with the corporations starting in 2000 and started the RFL National Corporate Team Program.
Colleagues: Judy Reichling, Denise Atwater, Olivia Gertz, Terri King, Reuel Johnson, Marty Coelho, Bobbie Johnson,
Key volunteers: Pat Flynn, Brian Marlow, Bob MacKay, Ilene Worthington, Sara Hayes, Chuck Santon, Steve Pressley, Jeff Ross, Roseanne Radke, Gina Myracle,

2005 - Moved from the Relay BU to the Employer Initiave to focus solely on the NCTP and working with the Corporate Sales staff to grow and build the program. Working with 25 companies and raising more than $8 million.
Colleagues: Shawn Coltharp, Linda Gzehoviak, Jane Calvert, Kevin Brunk, Kristie Robertson, "The Fab Five" and Angela Geiger

Continued growth and build up of the NCTP has been so exciting and enjoyable as our volunteers and staff relationship managers support Relay For Life through teams and contributions from their corporations. Here are some links to the pages that show the program in its light and highlight these great companies and their work!
Key volunteers:
Mary Beth Reddell, American Airlines
Anthony Hesseltine, Starbucks
Susan Walker, Booz Allen Hamilton
Kim Sevening, Alegent Health
J.A. Meza, KPMG
Kristie McBrayer, Nucor Steel
Karen Woldhal, Nucor Steel

Colleagues: Karen Becker, Kelli Barry, Jeff Montegut, Linda Burgett, Sarah Assalti, Michelle Pitt, Liz Shuler, Kathy Luette, Mary Kay Williams, Bobbie Johnson, Becky Lunders, Nathan McCusker, Susan Ward, Laurie Rappa,

There are many more volunteers and colleagues that have truly touched my life in this journey with the ACS.....

In memory of Diana Love (Claremont, NH) - may her leadership and "love" guide us to someday find a cure for this disease!

Thank you all for 15 great years!

AND if you haven't seen it yet -- link here for my "Employee Spotlight" interview!

And the comments below from my friends:
Jeanne Startzel: Congratulations on your career with ACS - 15 more years to go!
November 4 at 11:16am ·

Shawn Gilbert Coltharp Congratularions Nancy! What a great career! I will get to be with one of our great friends and reasons for doing what we do...MB...tomorrow in Dallas at AA! I know she holds a top spot in your heart (and in so many!) Again, congratulations and thank you for all you do!
November 4 at 11:28am ·

Joyce Zentara Holsten: Congrats! So great that you have a career that helps people and helps fight one of the scariest diseases of modern times.
I recently read a fascinating book about this mega huge study on cancer. It's called the China Study. Have you heard of it?
November 4 at 12:36pm ·

Terri didn't mention that you left home, packed up everything - including your dog - and drove across the country to take the job in Colorado, where you knew NO ONE. Impressive courage.
November 4 at 12:43pm ·

Pat Flynn: Nancy, thanks for being a great staff partner during our years together. Congrats on your 15 years with ACS...here's to 15 more. Miss seeing you!
November 4 at 1:38pm ·

Lesa Jennings Foster: I first met you at COH 2002 when you were the official photographer. My Skye and your Schuyler took a pic together, he was only a toddler in his stroller. Good times Congrats on 15 years!!!
November 4 at 2:04pm ·

Lesley Rawlings: Congrats Nancy! You are such an asset to the organization. Keep up the great work - miss you tons!
November 4 at 9:07pm ·

Jeff Ross: Nancy - Congrats & THANKS! You and ACS are match and it shows by your great level of SUCCESS! You have been a great staff partner and a great friend...TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
November 4 at 11:09pm ·

Judy Reichling: I remember meeting you for the first time in a MAXX training at NHO.. I remember riding around New England (lost), including my first time in Maine to rollout RETS with the offices... I remember drinking too much wine together (or just the right amount).. Karoake night at one of our Staff Meetings :-).. Celebration 1 and 2, running early in the ... Read More
November 5 at 4:35am ·

Jane Calvert: Good for you, Nancy, heres to making it to 30! (or at least 20 for the fab retirement package)
November 5 at 9:04am ·

Gregg Walker: Happy Anniversary Nancy!
November 5 at 9:11am ·

Mary Kay Williams: Allright Nancy! Congratulations!!
November 6 at 7:25am · D

Debra Karch: In 2001 you reached out to me in the IL DIV to cover a story on a little girl named Beth-Age 4 (neuroblastoma)....Beth, along with her preschool team raised money for RFL...Beth's little team was pictured on a merry-go-round in RFL shirts and you published her story...Beth lived 9 mos....I will NEVER forget....You are an amazing woman and a model leader to all of us. God Bless You! DK
November 14 at 8:49am ·

Golden Graham Smores

A nice holiday treat - I remember first tasting these as part of a cookie swap with my family each year. We bake 5 dozen cookies to mix and swap at Christmas as a tradition each year. Great chance to bake some of my favorites and try and enjoy those of each of my siblings. :) Love my family!

3/4 c. light corn syrup
3 tbsp. butter
1 pkg. milk chocolate morsels
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (12 oz.) box Golden Graham cereal
3 c. miniature marshmallows
Grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Heat syrup, butter and morsels to boiling, remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in bowl; toss until coated. Fold in marshmallow, 1 cup at a time. Press in pan, will melt butter on back of spoon. Let stand 1 hour, cut into 2 inch squares. 24 squares.

ACS Relay Materials featuring MY photography!

As part of my giving back to the Society - - - I would like to share the latest Holiday card and Leadership Handbook in New England featuring my photos. The snowman was taken in Sunapee in 2005 and reminds me I need to get it together and do some updated winter stuff for future use!

The Leadership Handbook features that great photo from the 5 College Relay here in Amherst from 2008. I love the energy and smiles in these college guys! Very cool - so proud and glad they are able to use my photos. :) On my website I share that I donate the proceeds of the sales of my photos to the ACS for any ACS event photography. I also do this for the YMCA and will be featured in their upcoming brochure.

Grama Cook's Whoopie Pies (From Monique)

Whoppie Pies
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
5 tlbs cocoa
5 tlbs flour
1 cup milk
drop on ungreased cookie sheet, 375 degrees for 7 min.

Whoppie Pie Filling
3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup confection sugar
3/4 cup marshmellow
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/2 vanilla

Need to try these next!

Trail Running Safety

Trail Running Safety

Bev Cook's Molasses Sugar Cookies

Steve's favorite cookie as a child, below is THE recipe! :)
Cheers to my mom in law who I love so much. :)
The taste of molasses and ginger just melts in your mouth and makes the whole house smell like Christmas! :)
yummy! Trust me - this is one recipe you must try!


Molasses Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup crisco
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 tsp ginger
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt



Melt crisco in pan---cool a minute. Add molasses,egg and sugar---stir well.
sift dry ingredients together into same pan. Mix thoroughly -- put pan in refrigerator and chill thoroughly about 1 hour or more. When chilled roll into ball size walnuts--then roll balls into white sugar and place on cookie sheet.



bake in 375 oven for about 12 minutes

12 of 12 November

1. 8:45 AM - My daily view --- the computer, the phone, the files, the familiy photos, and this cute little dog from maurices (their cause marketing for ACS) "Paisley" - he is so cute! This is my environment at "work".



2. 12:30 PM - Stopped at Esscelon on my way home. A great little coffee shop in Hadley. They roast their own beans and this is where we get our fresh roasted beans ground daily in our kitchen! The "bean guy" however would not smile for my camera. :(


3. 12:35 PM - Showing the great feeling of the environment at "Esscelon" -- the Molasses Ginger Cookies are "to die for". :)



4. 1:00 PM - The "girls" down at the bottom of the driveway. We say "hi" every time we pass and have watched them grow up! Shadow (black) and LaKota (pinto) are just the most gorgeous horses and SO loved by us and their owners.... they are Geri and Brian's babies.... :)



5. 1:05 noon - I meant to take photos at the Tranquility Day Spa - my new favorite place and hair stylist "Maria". She made me more beautiful today - cutting off 6 inches of hair! I love my new look! :)


6. 2:00 PM - Oakley - sitting like a "good dog" - Today is cleaning day and I LOVE my clean house! :)


7. 3:30 PM - "Camels Hump" Chairs - Terry Barbour hand cut these chairs (4 total) for us as a wedding present. The "skyline" of Camels Hump is the design on the bottom slat - can you see it?



8. 3;35 PM - Oakley and his favorite "Kong" nubbie toy. He loves to play! Good to get outside with him for a while each day in the middle of the day too - stretches out his legs after our daily run!


9. 3:40 PM - The splitting and stacking "scene" at our house! The beloved tractor moves it to the house, the splitter splits (with our hard work of course). And the stacking, well we are getting there --- almost done! 3 cords each winter! Keeps us warm!



10. 3:45 PM - Our beautiful home from the top of the Rock!


11. 3:47 PM - Oakley - he is just such a beautiful dog, I can't help but take his photo A LOT!



12. 4:45 PM - The end of the day --- I love this spot and the colors... no real sunset today, but you can see the beauty of the land at dusk.

What an amazing day to thank the Lord for all that we have and all that we are, for our health, our friends and our happiness.

That's my 12 of 12 for the month!

(New to 12 of 12 - Check out Chad's site for more information and share with me your 12 of 12 of you decide to get in on the action!)

My 15th ACS Anniversary - Notes from Colleagues

Comments and Notes from Colleagues, Volunteers & Friends:

Well, Happy Anniversary tomorrow, my friend! I just read your blog post and it sure brought back memories. You have done so much and gone so far (literally and figuratively) in these 15 years and I am soooo proud of having the good judgement to have hired you. Enjoy the ride, they always say, and it is great to see you are doing just that.
Peg Camp, Chief Operating Officer, American Cancer Society, New England Division
***********************
You should be very proud of your accomplishments and impact in the ACS .... I can still remember our first conversation in Denver many years ago .. you've come a long way !! Congratulations !!
Reuel E. Johnson - National Vice President, Relay For Life
***************************************************

Congratulations on this tremendous milestone! You have served the American Cancer Society well through your passion, enthusiasm, compassion and leadership over the years. Thank you for all of your great work!
Jim Hammelev, National Director, Workplace Mission Support Initiatives
***************************************************

Congratularions Nancy! What a great career! I will get to be with one of our great friends and reasons for doing what we do...MB...tomorrow in Dallas at AA! I know she holds a top spot in your heart (and in so many!) Again, congratulations and thank you for all you do!
Shawn Coltharp, Nationwide Director, Employer Initiatives
**************************************************

Congratulations on your career with ACS - 15 more years to go!
Jeanne Startzell, VP Corporate Relations, High Plains Division
**************************************************

Funny tomorrow is my 17th anniversary with ACS! Here's to us!!
Judy Reichling, National Data Director, RFL BU
**************************************************
Congratulations! It has been a true pleasure working with you the last five years. I look forward to working with you for many more years. You are a true inspiration, not only because of your athletic feats, but with all that you do for ACS, RFL and the NCTP.
Ruben Flores, JBS, National ACS NCTP Volunteer Leader
*****************************************
Hi Nancy,,,,I am in China....they have some internet issues....so I can only reply here.  Congratulations on your years with ACS!   Your involvement has enriched my life in the same way it has enriched yours!   Thanks for all you do!   Dr, BOB
Robert Brodell,MD - National ACS volunteer and Relay Hall of Fame Inductee
*****************************************

Congratulations Nancy on your anniversary!
Kristina McWilliams
National Director, RFL Special Programs
*****************************************
You Go Girl!! : ) Take care,
Liz Shuler
Administrative Specialist, RFL Business Unit
******************************************
Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in the Employee Spotlight! Your story is very inspiring!
Shannon Overton, Internal Communications Specialist, NHO

Employee Spotlight - ME!

Employee Spotlight Questionnaire:
The national home office of the American Cancer Society has an Employee Spotlight on our intranet and staff are nominated to be featured. I was asked in 2007, but it the interview never materialized. But this past week I was nominated again! Here is the interview to share with you all that I submitted. :)

Part I: Basic Information

NAME Nancy E. Cook

How long have you been working for the Society?
15 years ago I was hired by Peg Camp, the current COO of New England Division - I have worked for NH Division, CO Division, New England Division and now have been working for the National Home Office for the past 9 years.






What is your official title? What department do you work for?
National Director, Corporate Relations –I work for both Relay For Life and Employer Initiatives

Where were you born or where did you grow up?
Georgia, Vermont
I was born in NY but grew up in Vermont for 30 years but now am currently living in Belchertown, Massachusetts. I love New England and it will always be my home.


What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Running and Alpine skiing. PSIA Level 2 and Level 100 USSA Ski Coach – 20 plus years in the ski industry, skiing is definitely a true love of mine… but I recently completed my 20th marathon and have competed in 4 Ironmans and various other multisport events through the past 25 years. At the Marine Corps marathon on October 25, 2009 I placed first in my age group, 50th woman and 525 out of 22,000 runners!




What do you enjoy most about your job? (Please include a brief description of what you do.) My job has been directing the Relay For Life National Corporate Team Program and engaging nationwide companies to get involved in Relay For Life through teams, sponsorships, survivorship and volunteerism. I love the dedication of time, effort and resources of the volunteers and staff to the mission of fighting cancer. The positive environment and fun of Relay with the passion of the cancer survivors at the events is really something that has motivated me each day.


What was your first job?
I grew up on a farm on Lake Champlain in Vermont. It was my “job” to make dinner and clean house for the family every night when they milked the cows. If he were alive today, my dad would love to tell you stories of my cooking creations!

What was your childhood ambition or your secret ambition?
To be a Pro athlete… I dreamed of excelling in all sports.


What’s always in your fridge?
Strawberries and Cook’s Champagne 


What is your favorite movie, book, or song?
Paolo Nutini – “New Shoes”
I love my Itunes and enjoy putting together energetic playlists to listen when I run and ski.



What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
In my 40’s I have competed at the highest fitness level in my life with a 3:05 at the 2007 Boston marathon, I have been a nationally ranked triathlete, competed in the US Nationals twice and the Worlds 2 years ago for ½ ironman, and now am a nationally ranked master runner. I am competing in my fifth Boston marathon 2010 with my third ACS Determination campaign in one year. I am “walking the walk” so to speak and you can support my efforts by linking here 


What was your most embarrassing moment?
Getting lost, I am a bit directionally challenged – both embarrassing and frustrating… I got lost on the way to my interview for my first position with the American Cancer Society – and she still hired me, but SO embarrassing! I now have a Garmin (named Sara) that has made my life much easier and helps me get around my neighborhood and more! 


What book is on your night table?
The Training Room, Jon Gordon

What is your idea of a perfect day?
Waking up with my family surrounded by love and skiing fluffy soft snow in the bright blue sunshine!


If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for?
Tons of snow for ski season!



What’s your guilty pleasure?
Shopping – ski equipment & jackets! A girl cannot have too many jackets when you live in the Northeast!




We often ask those we serve to share stories about how their lives have been touched by cancer and how the Society has made a difference to them. Do you have a cancer-related experience that you'd like to share with others? Have you or has someone you know been helped by an American Cancer Society program?
One of my best friends, Susan, is a cancer survivor now living in Portland, OR. I met her through the society when she was on staff in Colorado. Her strength and continued dedication to the mission of fighting cancer is inspiring to me, as she suffer with this disease to keep that focus. Her work on the advocacy connection to fighting this disease is powerful and pushes me to continue communicating what we can do through our advocacy arm to really make a difference in fighting this disease and I encourage everyone staff and volunteers to sign up and take action through our Action Network – it is amazing what more work we can do with more people involved and passionate.

In my Charity Runner quest this past year I have been dedicating my efforts in honor of American Airlines national volunteer leader, Mary Beth Reddell,

Photos (top to bottom)
1. Me - posing for a recognition shot!
2. On the top of the car with my colleagues/friends Kris (director of Breast Cancer Initiatives) and Christine Labaree (Communications Director) when I was first hired in the NH Division. This pic was taken in Bar Harbor, ME.
3. Back in the early RFL BU days - Terri King, Marty Coelho,Olivia Gertz, Denise Atwater, Judy Reichling, me, and Reuel....
3. My Ruffle BU girlfriends / colleagues in Atlanta when the "Fight Back Bus" came to town!
4. RFL Business Unit team with CEO of Ohio, Pat Flynn, Reuel's wife, Susan Clemmons, Jonell & Mimi when we recognized Dr. Bob Brodell in the Relay For Life Hall of Fame at the Trumbull, OH Relay.
5. EI Girls - going out in Atlanta - Naomi, Shawn & Jane
6. In Los Angeles where we recognized the NCTP volunteers / companies at the Medal of Honor ceremony - Here I am with John Chee(PwC), Ruben Flores (JBS), his wife, Susan Walker (Booz Allen Hamilton) and JA Meza (KPMG)
7. Sue Ann & I - random conference pic.
8. Bob MacKay and I in Dallas - A National volunteer leader and emcee extraordinaire!
9. Judy - we make a great team - running and working!
10. Judy & I with Dr. Bob - celebrating his FAME!
11. Laurie Rappa & Jim Hammelev at the ACS Corporate Impact conference in Chicago this past June.
12. Me in Charity Runner attire for the Vermont City Marathon --- having "fun" running 26.2 miles!
13. NCTP group of staff & volunteers in Dallas 2007.