|
 |
 |
|
Community Bulletin Board
'Financial Fitness' seminars begin Sept. 14 Thinking about those vacation bills you need to pay off? Trying to get that credit card debt down? A new series of Financial Fitness Seminars sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank can help you make the most of your money this fall and for years to come! Offered in cooperation with Laconia Area Community Land Trust, the free seminars are designed to teach people how to better manage their finances and assist participants in reaching their financial goals, whether it's saving to buy a new home, planning for college or retirement, or reducing debt. Seminar topics include making a spending and savings plan, managing credit and debt, improving your credit rating, and investing for your future. The upcoming 5-week session runs on Tuesday evenings from Sept. 14 through Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Laconia. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to register for one of the sessions, call Gail Engle, home ownership director for the Laconia Area Community Land Trust, at 524-0747. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. Time to sign up for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is seeking girls between the ages of 5 — 17 who want to discover, connect, and take action. Offering more than 100 programs, the organization helps girls discover themselves and their values, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Not only do they have fun and make friends, members have new and exciting experiences in the preeminent leadership development program for girls in the U.S. Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves almost 17,000 girls in New Hampshire and Vermont thanks to 5,600 trained and dedicated volunteers. Adult volunteers are always needed and will receive training, learn marketable skills, and make a difference in girls' lives.
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month What's the most important school supply of all? A library card is your ticket to a wealth of resources and, best of all, it's absolutely free to all residents, teachers and students in Gilford. But, there's more good news! If you currently work in the town of Gilford, you, too, are eligible for a library card. That's right, with proof of employment, you can take advantage of one of the best resources in town — the library. With two-thirds of Americans holding a library card, you are encouraged to join the 180 million library-users across the country. In 2010, the emphasis is on making sure that school-age children have library cards. Do all the children in your family have a library card? If not, bring them to the library, where getting a library card is easy. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the application form and, with a parent's signature, you'll be on your way with the most important card in your wallet or backpack — the "smart card"! Everyone getting a new card in September is eligible to win one of two beautiful baskets filled with fun goodies. You already have a library card? Refer someone — if they use your name when they get their new card, you'll be entered to win a basket for your referral. The contest runs through Sept. 30, so stop by or bring a friend to the library. Support of Library Card Sign-up Month provided by the Friends of the Gilford Library.
Squam Lakes Science Center Fall Raffle Please support the Science Center by participating in our Fall Raffle. Take a chance to win one of these truly great prizes donated by our generous sponsors.
Safe boaters of NH new initiatives Safe Boaters of NH has announced several new developments designed to help make Granite State lakes and waterways the safest places to boat in the nation: a partnership with NH Big Lake Boating for on the water boat training; free and confidential vessel safety checks by Lakes Region Sail & Power Squadron; and the launch of a new online boating forum.
Plymouth Area Transit Feasibility Study Transport Central, together with the North Country Council, Lakes Region Planning Commission and Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, is holding public meetings to present the Plymouth Area Transit Feasibility Study.
The Franklin Parks & Recreation Department's Fall Brochure is now available at the Recreation Center or online at http://www.franklinnh.org/. Toddler, youth and adult programs are available in tumbling, soccer, field hockey, flag football, cheerleading, tennis, basketball and more. Contact Krystal Alpers for more information, 934-2118.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for To be presented at CONFR's Technology Conference October 22, 2010 at Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH The Award for Excellence in Development will be presented to a development professional who is committed to the values of philanthropy: trust, honesty, tolerance, altruism, and service. S/he possesses the skills and knowledge, as well as extraordinary creativity and energy, to enhance the financial sustainability of their organization, to develop meaningful relationships with donors, to serve as an example and mentor to those new to the profession, and to foster a culture of philanthropy in their organization and beyond. Nominees may be any paid staff member of a CONFR member organization who has shown excellence in raising money and for which such success can be documented. Staff members who will be considered for the award may include, but are not limited to, executive directors, development directors and managers, development coordinators and assistants, special events coordinators, annual fund managers, grant writers, etc. Nominations may be made by any staff member or board member of a CONFR member organization, and must be signed by the board chair. Nominations must be received in the CONFR office by 5:00pm on Friday, October 1st . A Nomination Form is attached or go to www.confr.org.
AVP New Hampshire - Alternatives to Violence Project What is the AVP Program? It is a program in our state prisons and county jails which help inmates learn new skills and attitudes that lead to fulfilling and crime-free lives. The workshops are an intensive learning experience, offering two or three-day workshops on three levels:
Some spaces still available for Boys & Girls Club's school year In an effort to make afterschool programming affordable for all families, the Club has lowered its monthly rates. Fees for children in grades 1 — 5 are $70, grades 6 — 8 are $50, and grades 9 — 12 are free. The Club has also created three separate programs, divided by grade levels: the Kids Club is targeted to children in grades 1 — 5; the Midzone After School program is geared toward kids in grades 6 — 8; and the Teen Center will be open to youth in grades 9 — 12.Activities to be offered include arts and culture, social recreation, athletics, computers, educational activities, Power Hour (homework time), and Smart-Moves (character development). All programs are available to students attending Belmont, Gilford, and Laconia schools. The Club program hours are from 2 — 6:30 p.m. The high school program closes at 7:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on Fridays). Vacation Day and Snow Day programs will be offered throughout the school year. In order to attend any of these programs, a 2010 — 2011 membership is required: $30 for youth in grades 1 — 8, $10 for grades 9 — 12. Space is limited and filling up quickly, so parents are urged to register their children early. To register or for more information, contact Sara Nicolas at 528-0197 or snicolas@metrocast.net.
First Fruits Food Pantry open evening of third Wed. of the month The Second Baptist Church of Sanbornton would like to take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge all those who in any way contribute to our endeavor to serve God through the First Fruits Food Pantry. Through your generous donations of time, money and food you make it possible for us to continue to help those who are experiencing diffi cult times. We truly thank you.
Meredith Village Savings Bank Grants Available MVSB takes the value of stewardship very seriously. We aid the communities we serve in the forms of scholarship, sponsorship and grants. We encourage our employees to take active roles in the community – and we proudly support the more than 14,400 hours of community service offered by them in 2009. Nonprofits should be aware that they can apply for a grant from the Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund and/or request contributions and sponsorships at their local branch offices. The Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund makes grants every year to local community initiatives and non-profits that make a significant impact upon the lives of people in the communities we serve. These grants are in addition to the bank's regular contributions and the extraordinary volunteer efforts by our employees. Since its inception in 1997 under the leadership of John Starrett, then president and CEO of the Bank, 166 grants totaling more than $670,000 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational, and historic projects throughout the Lakes Region and Plymouth area. Note that applications are due annually on October 15 and can be found on our website at http://www.mvsb.com/about/community.php Cordially,
Community emergency response team class starts in September Registration is now open for the next community emergency response class to begin in September. Topics to be covered in the eight-week class will include disaster preparedness, fi re safety, disaster psychology, safety strategies involved in a terror attack, incident command systems, light search and rescue, and fi rst aid/CPR. All topics will be taught by local first responders and experts from the fi eld. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to apply for membership in the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team (LR-CERT) which serves nine local communities from Moultonborough to Alton. Those interested should call Kathleen Merriam at the Partnership for Public Health, 528-2145 x 1802, or e-mail to kmerriam@lrpph.org. Survey Responses Needed from Families with Young Children. Can you Help? We would like to hear from you! Concord Area Fibromyalgia Empowerment Group The "Concord Area Fibromyalgia Empowerment" Group (The Cafe) meets twice monthly. For more information, please contact Gary Cote at 455-9797 or visit www.cafegroupnh.com. Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness whose sufferers experience widespread pain, profound fatigue and other often disabling symptoms. Fibromyalgia affects at least 1 in 50 New Hampshire residents and its prevalence may be growing. The Freedom Food Pantry needs... The Freedom Food Pantry needs flour, sugar, cereal, condiments, hot cereal, pasta, soups and sauces as well as regular non-perishable items. Please help this local charitible effort by contributing any of the above or by making a financial contribution. Drop off items or money at Freedom Village Store between 10am and 2pm daily. This is a small thing each of us can do to make a big difference in someone's life! Leadership Lakes Region accepting applicants for fall class Leadership Lakes Region is now accepting applications for its next class which begins in October. Leadership Lakes Region, modeled after the Leadership NH Program, is designed to educate and inform area individuals about numerous issues at work in the Lakes Region and to foster a climate of greater volunteerism among its graduates. The program consists of seminar days covering the history/culture, health, social issues, politics, economic issues and educational opportunities in the Lakes Region and concludes with an informational day on Lake Winnipesaukee. Among its graduates in the last 12 years have been attorneys, bank presidents, municipal leaders, fire chiefs, healthcare professionals, college and secondary school teachers, realtors and small business owners. "Leadership Lakes is a perfect educational opportunity for young professionals new to the region seeking more information as well as for those who have been here awhile but would like to learn more, and interact more, with other professionals from diverse careers," said LLR board chair Don Morrissey. Anyone interested in applying or in learning more about the organization may contact Leadership Lakes Region at at 524-6791 or at www.leadershiplakesregion.org. Please plant a row in your garden for the Alton Food Pantry When planting you gardens this year, please try and plant a row for the Alton Food Pantry. Last summer our clients enjoyed a variety of fresh vegetables that were brought in from local gardens. NH preservation group seeks "7 to Save" properties The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is seeking nominations for its annual list of the state's most endangered historic properties.
Meredith Food Pantry needs Donations The pantry, which relies solely on donations of food and cash from individual donors, church congregations, civic groups and local businesses, recently spent $2,400 to stock its shelves. The pantry's food stock and cash balance have seldom if ever been lower. Donations of nonperishable items can be brought to the pantry at the offices of the Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program at 147 Main Street, Meredith on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Laconia Unitarian Universalist Society raffling quilt to raise funds for Haiti earthquake relief In response to the tragic human loss and devastation following the January earthquake in Haiti, friends and members of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia (UUSL) have crafted a very beautiful quilt to raise funds for Haitian earthquake relief. Over the course of the summer, the quilt will be raffled and the funds that are raised will be donated to Doctors Without Borders and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee for their humanitarian work in rebuilding Haiti. UUSL has already raised over $1,200 for this relief effort and hopes to provide another significant donation in the Fall from the proceeds of this raffle. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program This was our second season operating a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Laconia, under the direction of the Lakes Region Financial Stability Partnership, led by Lakes Region United Way. This season we doubled the number of people served and maintained our quality of service with a low rate of rejected returns (6%). Volunteers had to undergo extensive training to fully understand the many new tax credits and changes in existing tax issues. This season, we saw many taxpayers with unemployment compensation included in their income, as well as many folks who withdrew all or part of their retirement savings. Many taxpayers stated that their yearly income was severely reduced from previous years and we saw families qualify for more credits because of the reduced earnings; especially Earned Income Credit (EIC) for which 44% of our taxpayers were eligible. Download the full report here. NH Employment Security Return to Work Initiative What Is The Return To Work Initiative? What Is The Benefit to the Employer? What Is The Employer's Responsibility? Where Do I Find Potential Trainees? What Types of Experiences Can I Offer? How Do I Get Started? What about Workers Compensation? Are Claimants Guaranteed A Job At The End Of Training? How Much Do I Pay Claimants For Training? Why Should I Participate? Contact your local NHES office for more details. In Laconia, at 426 Union Ave., 03246-2894 Telephone: 524-3960 Fax: 524-3963 TDD ACCESS RELAY NH1-800-735-2964. www.nh.gov/nhes Caregiver Network announces raffle details The Caregiver Network is raffling three items again this year to help finance its caregiver related activities throughout the year, including a free annual dinner during National Caregiver Month in November for Caregiver Network members and their care-recipients at a local restaurant. The drawing will be on November 3, 2010.
New Funding Opportunity for Programs Serving Youth and Young Adults The Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration has released a solicitation for applications for competitive grants to help young adult offenders and high school dropouts in high-poverty, high-crime communities prepare for the workforce. All core elements of Transitional Jobs programs may be supported using these funds. Funded programs must contain all of the following elements: Neighbors who need a helping hand The Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry is always in need of contributions. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated. Send monetary donations to Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry, PO Box 184, Franklin, NH 03235. Or drop off any type of food donation to 237 Central Street, the old St. Jude's Church, in Downtown Franklin, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-11:30am or Wednesdays from 5-7pm. Call the food pantry at 934-2662 or Esther at 286-8110. Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry serves the towns of Franklin, Tilton, Northfield, Sanbornton, Hill, Andover, Salisbury and Danbury.
Strengthening Families and Communities, Preventing Abuse NH Children's Trust Fund has your free copies of Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide! Developed for service providers, the guide highlights strategies to strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect. It also includes tip sheets in both English and Spanish to share with parents. The Resource Guide is produced annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The 2010 guide was developed with input from numerous national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities. The guide can picked up at the NHCTF offices at 10 Ferry St Suite 315 in Concord, downloaded or ordered. Or contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1.800.394.3366 or info@childwelfare.gov Service providers can find additional materials in the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section of the Information Gateway website. This web section includes resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as information on evaluating and funding prevention programs, enhancing protective factors, and effective parenting. Appreciate the Democratic Process On Saturday, February 13, 37 members of the Lakes Region community came together to discuss the issue of "Expanded Legal Gambling in New Hampshire." Organizers from the Carsey Institute and Cooperative Extension Services of the University of New Hampshire were pleased to see over 200 participants join the eleven groups statewide for a day-long facilitated discussion of the pros and cons of expanding gambling. Locally, the Lakes Region United Way teamed up with the Belknap County Cooperative Extension to host and facilitate the session at Taylor Community. While it was not intended to change people's opinions on legalized gambling, the session was meant to bring together a diverse audience whose equally diverse views on the topic would be shared openly, honestly and with respect for how others feel about the issue. Evaluations on the day proved the event a success. Unlike local deliberative sessions during the town meeting season, this facilitated process allowed extended time for participants to explore the issues in greater detail, review data and policy associated with gaming issues, and dialogue with others of similar and opposing views in order to inform the Governor's Gaming Commission later this winter. By all counts, the sessions were civil, respectful and informative as each participant was invited to express her/his opinion on why they were for, against or undecided on the question of expanded legal gambling in New Hampshire. The Carsey Institute will now compile the notes from all eleven sites and submit a summary to the Governor's Commission sometime in late March. This summary will be made available to the press and the public when it is released. In the meanwhile, those who attended the forum and anyone else who wishes to engage in this dialogue between now and when the report is filed may log onto e-Democracy a non-profit organization based in Minnesota which hosts on-line citizen dialogue on community and public policy issues. The ongoing forum will take place on a secure website. Participant names and e-mail addresses will not be shared with anyone outside the forum. To be a part of this discussion, please log onto http://e-democracy.org. The Lakes Region United Way would like to thank our facilitators Sue Cagle, Becky Levesque and Andy Fast from the Belknap County Cooperative Extension for contributing their time and their leadership and organizational skills. We also, and especially, wish to thank Alicia Segalini, Kyle Smith and Nicole LePage of the Taylor Community for once again extending their beautiful facility and professional talents in making our event a success. Finally, thank you to our local residents who engaged in this deliberative process. We feel that this type of discourse is much needed in today's fast-pace, technological world and offers a face-to-face opportunity for neighbors to discuss matters of great importance to our community, state and nation. We hope to continue to bring these types of forums to our communities and engage more citizens, including our young people, in discussions of contemporary issues facing our society. The Lakes Region United Way strives to advance the common good by involving all members of the community in activities, events and initiatives that promote the social, cultural, educational, environmental and economic well-being of our region. For further information on how the United Way can assist you in contributing to healthy communities, contact Alan Robichaud at 524-6864, ext. 100. Preston Center is open first and third Wednesday every month The Preston Center, serving children in need in the Tilton, Northfield and Sanbornton areas, is open in the lower level of the Pines Community Center in Northfield. The center will be open the first and third Wednesday every month and accepts donations from 3-6pm. They're currently seeking new and gently used infant and children's clothes, toys, shoes, backpacks, diaper bags and blankets for children ages newborn through 12. Winter clothing, gloves, hats and mittens are especially needed at this time. All donations are tax deductible and stay local. 286-8653 for more information.
Head Start Resource Directory The Head Start 2009-2010 Resource Directory is available by clicking here. You have permission to use the guide in any way that is helpful to you. Because Head Start serves families PN to age 5, we include only those resources that match with the needs of our families. Please contact Linda at lclairmont@bmcap-lrfc.org if you find any errors or omissions.
Community Needs Assessment, 2009 The Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health and other health and human service groups in the Lakes Region have been working together for over one year to collect information about our community. This information is essential to organizations, community groups, municipalities and the general public to better understand the needs in our communities and to identify ways we can work together to meet some of these needs. The members of the Community Needs Assessment Group (listed below) will be presenting this report throughout our community. We hope to do this through community presentations, media, distribution of a community report card and distribution of this report to key stakeholder groups such as police, housing and government officials. We will continue to meet throughout the year to assess our communities' progress in meeting the identified needs. As citizens, all of us can participate in activities that benefit and strengthen our community. Agencies may use the information in this report to seek funds to meet a need and businesses may assist with fundraising and awareness. Community members may join with others to form committees to help others with significant needs, or as individuals we may choose to help neighbors by volunteering time and/or expertise to help meet a community need. Thank you to everyone who participated in this assessment as well as to those who will work toward its improvement. Belknap County Citizens Council on Children & Families Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. Community Health & Hospice, Inc. Genesis Behavioral Health Lakes Region Community Services LRGHealthcare Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health, Inc. Lakes Region United Way Taylor Community |
|
LRUW announces largest goal ever Volunteers prepare to Live United on Day of Caring 50/50 Raffle at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion   
 |
| Privacy Policy · Security Policy | |
| Copyright © 2007-2010, Lakes Region United Way · 95 Water Street, Laconia, NH 03246 · Phone: 603.524.6864 | |
| Web Development and Design by Fusework Studios. | |