Culinary Underground School for Home Cooks

In Southborough MA it is possible to learn the art and craft of home cooking in a fun and delicious environment. Chef Lori Leinbach and her team have built a school that welcomes students ages 8 to 80+ with a broad curriculum and flexible hours. Hands-on is the rule of thumb, and all classes end with a shared meal where the coursework gets sampled and savored. Launching the 6-year old school's new location on Route 9 was a multi month project this year, and the rewards were many. New media friends flocked to cover the story, and new students attended the three day Grand Opening Celebration in October. PR for the project covered all the bases, and continues with a weekly column and ongoing interest from print, radio, TV and community organizations. Culinary Underground School for Home Cooks has a very bright future, and I am extremely pleased and proud to be working with such talented and dedicated pros.

Chef Lori, Kitchen Assistant Fred, Chef Suzanne

New front door on Route 9 in Southborough

The Truckster

Mark Veau and Chef Lori

Hank Stolz and Chef Lori

Chef Suzanne, Kristen Doucette from Healthy Habits, and Chef Lori

Chef Lori and Kitchen Assistant Fred doing the prep.

Board of Directors for Worcester Animal Rescue League

This fall I was invited to join the Board of Directors of Worcester Animal Rescue League. I had been serving the organization as a volunteer since February 2010. Walking dogs and getting to know the staff were my first priorities. Taking photos, making short videos, and studying the web site's needs were activities I also gave time to. In the spring a Programs & Events Committee meeting was called, and I attended. Out of that came the creation of the Marketing Committee, and I agreed to chair it, of course. Becoming more integrated into the organization as a volunteer, I also learned of the challenges and opportunities that occur day in and day out at WARL. Over the summer the shelter became involved in an Anti Pit Bull Ordinance Campaign, which grew out of the City of Worcester's City Council threatening to pass such legislation that would be breed-prejudiced and in the view of the shelter, ineffective and problem-generating as opposed to problem solving. Working extensively with local media personalities, we were able to get WARL's position and story told, which in turn, generated new public interest in the shelter.

This has been a powerful and honorable journey, professionally and personally. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch a new organizational brochure written and designed pro bono, and a new web site to follow. It truly is a new day, new way for this nearly 100-year old nonprofit.

First post for LSPR

I have spent the last 11 months redefining my self, work, and life in general. When doors close, new ones open up for sure. Who would have thought that a year ago I would be in the frame of mind I find myself in today, with so much to show for and so much more clarity of vision and purpose, and bucket loads of gratitude.

Lori Schafer Public Relations was launched in 2010 to little fanfare, but nonetheless with the same passion and professionalism that I insist upon. Good for my clients and pet projects, and ultimately, for me as well as the sense of satisfaction I generate when a job is well done and successful is absolutely priceless.

So, I am looking forward to recapping the past year, measuring the achievements and the learning curves, and setting sights on a fresh new start for the next twelve months and well beyond.

Working with the fabulous folks at Rainbow Child Development Center.

Attending a client TV taping at Culinary Undeground School for Home Cooks.

Reaping the rewards of volunteering at Worcester Animal Rescue League.