Lakes Region United Way
Lakes Region United Way

Bulletin boardCommunity Bulletin Board


To serve the Lakes Region of NH, Lakes Region United Way hosts this space for the listing of announcements relevent to human services topics in our community. Please email your Bulletin Board item to info@upstream.org.

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Free Income Tax Preparation
IRS Certified Volunteers provide free tax preparation for those earning under $58,000. Call a location near you for an appointment.

Conway: 466-5190
Laconia: 524-6864 ext 102
Moultonborough: 476-8895
North Conway: 356-3231
Ossipee: 539-6390
Plymouth: 536-1204
Sanbornville: 522-3097
Wolfeboro: 522-3097
Other Areas, click here.



"Food for Fines" extended indefinitely at Gilmanton Library
Due to the popularity of December's "Food for Fines" fine amnesty program, the Gilmanton Year Round Library is extending it indefinitely. From now on, patrons who incur overdue item fines may choose to make cash payments, or may have their fines forgiven by bringing in a non-perishable food or household item, to be donated to the G.C.C. Food Pantry. The program does not apply to fees for lost or damaged items. Library users are reminded that if they need extra time, most items can be renewed, in-person, or via e-mail at gyrla@metrocast.net, or telephone, 364-2400. The Library has six computers available for free public use, equipped with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office Professional, which includes Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint. In addition, free wi-fi is available throughout the building for individuals who would like to access the internet on their own laptop computers. Time permitting, library staff is available to answer questions and provide basic trouble-shooting and training in basic computer use. Black and white printing and copying services are available for a nominal fee.

Opechee Garden Club grant, scholarship applications available
Applications for the 2012 annual Opechee Garden Club EverGreen Awards are now available for interested applicants and not-for-profit organizations. This annual award has been established to promote educational and/or career building skills within the disciplines of conservation, environmental science, forestry, horticulture, landscape design, or any other area supported by the Opechee Garden Club with a focus on the environment. All area high school students or non-traditional students pursuing a course of study in the above are eligible to apply. Since 2009, the Opechee Garden Club has opened this award up to local not-for-profit organizations who wish to apply for an environmentally based project that will benefit the greater Laconia-Gilford community. Groups eligible for consideration will be non-profits or area organizations with an active Laconia/Gilford area involvement including those devoted to conservation, landscaping, restoration of historic gardens, in-school education in nature for both faculty and students, scouting projects and similar horticulturally directed adventures. Sample projects would include field work, research, or classroom work focusing on the conservation and preservation of the natural environment for future generations. The application deadline is April 15 for awards to be made in May. The Opechee Garden Club is established exclusively for charitable purposes and the primary purpose of the club is to stimulate interest in gardens, nature study, and conservation for the betterment of the community. To request an application write to: Opechee Garden Club, PO Box 5483, Laconia, NH 03247 or email OpecheeGardenClub@yahoo.com.

Summer Theatre Offers Fundraising opportunities
The Interlakes Summer Theatre is offering every charitable organization in the Lakes Region an opportunity to partner with the summer theatre in order to raise funds. This season the theatre is dedicating a block of tickets on every Saturday night to be used to help raise funds for charitable organizations The tickets, which are usually priced at $30 and $26, will be offered at a rate of $15 in order for organizations to re-sell at a higher price of their choosing. Tickets for the following Saturday dates/shows are available: June 30 Nunsensations! (The Nuns go to Las Vegas), July 7 & 14 All Shook Up! (A new musical features the music of Elvis Presley), July 21 & 28 Annie! (One of the world's favorite musicals), August 4 & 11 Singin' in the Rain (Stage version of the famous 1930's film), and August 18 A Chorus Line (Based on the experiences of Broadway dancers). Contact Nancy Barry at 1-888-245-6374 or interlakestheatre@gmail.com to help organize a fundraiser.

Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation Applications available
Joan Cormier, executive director of the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation announces that applications, along with the important instructions and applicant appraisal forms, are now available and may be downloaded from the foundation's website at: http:/www.lrscholarship.org under the For Applicant section. Applications have been mailed to last year's applicants and are also available through the guidance offices of Belmont, Gilford and Laconia high schools. The majority of LRSF scholarships are restricted by donors for graduates of Belmont, Gilford or Laconia High Schools – or – residents of Belmont, Gilford or Laconia. For a list of all scholarship funds and requirements, check the "For Donors" section of the website. A list of donor exceptions and requirements may be found in the For Applicant section. Only one application is necessary for all LRSF awards, with the exception of the John Mullen Essay Competition and the Annalee Thorndike Art Competition, which are described in the For Applicant section. Applications must be US postmarked April 16, to PO Box 7312, Gilford NH 03247-7312, or hand-delivered to the LRSF office at the DeCamp Center (upstairs), 14 Country Club Road, Gilford, during regular business hours on Monday, April 16. Call 527-3533 or email scholarship@metrocast.net for more information.

Central NH VNA and Hospice offering six-week Bereavement Support Group
Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice will be offering a six-week Bereavement Support Group this January for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. The group will meet in the late afternoon in Laconia. John Walker, Bereavement Volunteer, and Ginny Caple, Hospice Bereavement Volunteer, will be the group facilitators. The purpose of the Support Group is to give participants the opportunity to learn about the grief process, discuss their own ways of coping, and to gain the support of others in safe and caring ways. Although grief is a unique experience through which each person finds his or her own way, there are common threads we all share when facing this experience. For more information and to register for the group, call Shirley Marcroft at 603-524-8444 x 390 or email: Smarcroft@centralvna.org.

Lakes Region Girls Softball Offering FREE Winter Clinics
Lakes Region Girls Softball will be hosting weekly winter clinics for girls ages 8 through 18 from Belmont, Laconia and Canterbury. Clinics are free of charge and will take place every Saturday at Laconia Middle School, from 4pm to 6pm. Participants do not need to be a registered LRGS player to participate. Players should bring sneakers, glove and water. Players can expect clinics to focus on hitting, throwing and fielding, as well as pitching and catching. For more information, please contact Candice Murray at lakesregiongirlssoftball@yahoo.com. You can also check out the LRGS website for more info: http://lrgs.baberuthonline.com/.

FHL Foundation Scholarship, apply by 2/14/12
The Faith, Hope and Love Foundation will be awarding their 5th Annual $1,000 College Scholarship to a deserving high school senior. Criteria includes High School Senior in the state of New Hampshire (New Hampshire citizen); Must not be involved in or accused of any illegal activity; Must have and show documentation of a specific need for funds (income, financial need); Must have 3 letters of reference (all sent with application); Must have a letter explaining how awarded funds will impact their life and how they are willing to give back to the community. If you feel you fit these criteria and want to apply, please do so no later than February 14, 2012. Mail your completed application and requested documentation to: The Faith Hope and Love Foundation, Attn: 2012 Scholarship Committee, PO BOX 64 Laconia, NH 03247.

Blue Loon Bus Route
The Blue Loon Bus routes go from West Ossipee to North Conway, Wolfeboro and Laconia. Information at 1-866-752-6890 Fares: $2 each way or unlimited super saver passes $5 daily, $20 weekly or $75 monthly

The Lakes Region National Federation of the Blind of NH
invites all persons interested in matters concerning blindness and low vision to our meetings. We normally meet at 10:30 AM on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Parade Road (Rt. 106), a little north of Elm St., Laconia. Our next meeting will be the third Saturday of January, the 21st. Do you know another blind or low vision person? Invite them to join us. We are the blind working to help the blind by sharing information, techniques, resources, and socialization. Help bring others to share with us. With their permission give us their regular or e-mail addresses so we can send announcements. We produce a newsletter in large print and by email. Please request your preferred format. edmeskys@roadrunner.com, 253-6207. If you need help with transportation to NFB meetings ONLY, please call Ed Meskys several days before the meeting and we will see what we can do to help.

Free Internet Classes at Sanbornton library
The first series of Computers 101 sessions at the Sanbornton Public Library are complete and "graduates" and new students are encouraged to sign up for the next class in the series. Computers 102 will cover basic internet, internet security, and beginning email. This class is for you if have basic typing and mouse skills and if you've ever wondered what this fuss about the online world was all about. Participants will learn how to: get online and visit different websites; understand basic terminology and functions of internet browser software; use search engines to find information; stay safe online, even when making online purchases; and, create and use a free email account. If interested, sign up at the library or contact the library at 286-8288 or SPL@metrocast.net, noting any preference for days and/ or time of day. Once there is a critical mass of participants -- usually capped at 5 or 6 per session -- firm dates and times will be scheduled for the sessions. All classes are free and last about an hour to an hour and a half. Note also that all classes run concurrently, so contact the library at any time to take Computers 101, which covers computer basics (overview of hardware, using a mouse, copying and pasting text, file management, etc.)

Workshop on Facilitating for Public Engagement
New Hampshire Listens has a growing list of partners and projects and we are looking forward to our work with you in the new year. As a part of our efforts, we will continue to offer a workshop on Facilitating for Public Engagement. There are three opportunities for training over the next 6 months.
- Lebanon/West Lebanon, NH (location TBA) on Saturday, April 14, 9:00 – 3:30.
- Concord, NH (Two Delta Drive) on Saturday June 2, 9:00 – 3:30.
To register for the training, please contact Michele Holt-Shannon at NH.Listens@unh.edu. In addition, if you know already that you are interested in facilitating for local and statewide topics, consider registering on the NH Listens' Facilitator database. Registering here will place you on NH Listens' list for upcoming projects and connect you to your local Listens organization: http://survey.sr.unh.edu/register.shtml?event_id=2463

Free Snow Removal for Military Families
The NH Landscape Association has joined Project EverGreen's SnowCare for Troops program. SnowCare for Troops is a new, community-based program that provides free snow removal services for military families with a spouse or family member currently deployed. The New Hampshire Landscape Association will participate with snowplow and landscape professionals from across the country to donate their services and time. Military families must sign up in order for snow service providers to consider the request. Military families with a deployed Service Member sign up for free at http://projectevergreen.com/scft/ or by calling toll-free 877-758-4835.

Cookbook Fundraiser to aid Speare Hospital Scholarship fund
Just in time for gift giving season, Speare Memorial Hospital has released its 2011 Community Cookbook, "New Classics, Old Favorites", with recipes from medical staff, employees and volunteers at Speare. Cookbooks are $7 each and proceeds go the the SMH Scholarship Fund supporting students pursuing health careers, as well as enhancing patient services. Cookbooks can be purchased Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the front desk in the Hospital's main lobby. Volunteer Services will also accept phone orders using a valid credit card. To order by phone contact Jen Oldenburg directly at 238-6460. For other questions or inquiries email info@spearehospital.com

Free Legal Hotline
Lawline is a free legal hotline sponsored by the New Hampshire Bar Association that is held on the second Wednesday of each month. Volunteer New Hampshire attorneys will take calls from the public and answer brief legal questions from 6 to 8 p.m. Call 1-800-868-1212.

Preston Center accepting donations
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.

Cru-Con offers Cruises to United Way Donors
CruCon Cruise Outlet and Lakes Region United Way have teamed up to create what they think will be a very exciting way to increase giving in the Lakes Region. CruCon Cruise Outlet has donated five different cruises, to destinations worldwide, that donors to the Lakes Region United Way can become eligible to win depending on their giving level during the period Sept 1, 2011 until June 1, 2012. The destinations include Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and Australia. All cruises are for two, include Oceanside cabins and airfare is included on all except the Boston to Bermuda cruise. The cruises range from 7 to 14 nights. Full details and terms and conditions can be accessed on www.lruw.org/cruise or www.crucon.com. Donations may be made directly on www.lruw.org, via mail or through employers.

Bow Wow Fest Calendars Now on Sale, Raise WOW Trail Funds
Claire Hebert, community relations coordinator for Melcher & Prescott Insurance and the WOW Trail, in conjunction with Kelly Arborgast of Doggone-It-Training, has created a 2012 calendar of the first annual BOW-WOW Fest held last May on the WOW Trail. The calendars feature a collage of pictures taken during the event and local student artwork. Calendars are $12 each with check made out to: WOW Trail, a 501(c)3 organization, and are available for review and order at WOW Trail headquarters: Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, 383 South Main Street, Laconia. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For direct order, email: info@wowtrail.org. For additional information contact Claire Hebert at Melcher & Prescott Insurance, 524-4535.

New Support Group for Dads
Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm. This new group for fathers provides a comfortable, confidential way to share your cares and concerns while connecting with and learning from other dads. Grandfathers raising grandchildren are welcome too. Drop-ins welcome; however, if you plan to bring children please call Shannon to reserve a spot in childcare. Dinner served from 5:30-6:00 The Family Resource Center of Central NH, 635 Main St. Laconia, NH 03246 524-1741 FRC@LRCS.ORG

LRGHealthcare conducting Healthcare community needs assessment Survey
LRGHealthcare is conducting a community-wide healthcare needs assessment survey, and the information collected will help to prioritize the services and programs it offers. The survey is open to all residents of the Lakes Region and Three Rivers area and is available either online or through the mail. Look for the survey inserted in the fall edition of the LRGHealthcare Focus magazine, or complete online at www.lrgh.org. For more information contact the LRGHealthcare Office of Education at 527-2998.

Community Food Pantry & Thrift Shop hours
The Gilmanton Community Church Food Pantry, in the Iron Works, is open Mondays 9–1, Wednesdays 3-7pm, Saturdays 8-10 (pantry only), 10-2 Pantry & thrift shop. Call the Church office at 364-7891 or Jane Sisti at 364-7437 for more information.

Free Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing
Free Tax Help for Low-to-Moderate Income Taxpayers in the Laconia Area
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Maddy's Meds raised $4000 so far...
To help seniors afford medication
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Meadowbrook 50/50 Raffle nets over $100,000
United Way fundraising effort since 2003
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